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Time for the first in-person event of the year with the new workshop: "Networking done differently" Join us on Wednesday evening 5th of February between 17:30 and 19:30 in the center of Nyon. Living In Nyon has been hard at work behind the scenes with improvements and upgrades on many fronts! More about that very soon... One of the things we can already share with you is that there will be more opportunities to see each other in person this year. We kick off the events calendar with a workshop on networking. Having a strong network, and leveraging it are two different things entirely. It's just one of those topics... We know all the theory and the best practices yet its still uncomfortable. The goal is for us to be smart about, channel our energy into the things that DO work and make it feel more natural. What we will cover in this workshop: 👉 Alternatives to "classical" networking 👉 Hidden and effective ways to break the networking mould 👉 Bring your authenticity to the table and make yourself memorable 👉 Nurture and stay connected with your network to build stronger relations 👉 Role play learn from each other and have fun in a safe space. Come ready to play, meet some great people and test the boundaries of your communication skills. There is an in-person and online option depending on schedules and preferences: The details for the in person workshop: Date: 5th of February Time: 17:30 to 19:30 Location: The B-inspired Clubhouse - Rue Nicole 3, 1260 Nyon Free registration here The capacity is limited to 12 people so please be sure to book early!   The details for the online workshop: Date: 7th of February Time: 12:30 to 14:00 Free registration here The capacity is limited to 15 people. About Mandy Bronsil She took over the Living in Nyon website in 2020 from Catherine Nelson Pollard, and has actively been contributing ever since! As the founder of B-inspired Partners, Mandy is a dynamic force in fostering community and collaboration among local entrepreneurs and professionals. Her workshops and MasterMinds groups offer more than networking—they build lasting connections that fuel personal and professional growth. With a background in hospitality and extensive experience in recruitment and facilitation, Mandy brings her expertise to university classrooms, training future leaders in professional development, team collaboration, and career planning. Fluent in both French and English, Mandy empowers individuals and team, always with an eye on building strong, supportive communities. Join us on the 5th of February and meet our wonderful international community in person! For more English speaking and events hosted by B-inspired have a look at the full events calendar here or join the no-chat WhatsApp group to stay informed as they approach.

Prestige & Sensation are Redefining Hair & Beauty Excellence. Step into the Prestige & Sensation Salon, where artistry meets expertise in hair and beauty. With a reputation for precision, creativity, and personalised care, their team delivers exceptional styling, colour, and treatments tailored to you. Whether it’s a bold transformation or subtle refinement, Prestige & Sensation ensures every visit is an experience in luxury and confidence. Call: 022 361 12 16 Email: info@prestige-sensation.ch Address: Rue de rive 18, Nyon https://www.salon-prestige-sensation.ch

Imagine a bright, welcoming space filled with rows of beautifully organised books, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a trendy bookstore than a traditional secondhand shop. Now, step into La Bouquinerie , the fresh face of secondhand bookstores, located on the platform of Gland train station. Karine, one of the founders, shared how La Bouquinerie came into existence and their vision. This incredible transformation from the old CFF office into a literary haven was born out of a passion project by a dedicated committee of five driven individuals plus volunteers. They translated their vision into a reality within just three months, opening their doors to the public on September 6th 2023. A Haven for Book Lovers La Bouquinerie has a simple yet impactful mission: to provide a platform where readers and book enthusiasts can find quality literature at incredibly reasonable prices. The bookstore accepts book donations from the public, which are then carefully sorted to ensure high-quality offerings. Prices for the books start as low as CHF 1 and range up to CHF 6, making them very affordable. While the majority of books are in French, La Bouquinerie also dedicates shelves to titles in English, German, and Spanish and other languages. They have plans to expand their selection of foreign language books as well as having specific days dedicated to books in each language in the future. Non-fiction titles are also available, in limited quantities, covering various topics like travel, biographies, and health. More Than Just a Bookstore La Bouquinerie is more than just a bookstore; it's a community hub. The committee and growing team of volunteers are always eager to welcome visitors and make their experience memorable. The shop currently operates four days a week, with plans to expand based on volunteer availability. The goal is to always have two volunteers present during operating hours. Their commitment to sustainability is reflected in every aspect of the bookstore. From the secondhand bookshelves to the repurposed rug, they've crafted a space that's not only eco-friendly but has a modern and inviting atmosphere. Unlike traditional secondhand bookstores, its bright and contemporary look changes the stereotypical image of dusty, old bookshops. A Place for Creativity and Learning Looking ahead, La Bouquinerie aims to offer a space for creativity and learning. A smaller room within the store will soon host workshops, where adults and children can explore various art forms. These workshops will focus on paper-based crafts and recycling projects, showing that books don't have to be discarded once they've been read. Even books too old to sell can be transformed into beautiful objects. It's all about demonstrating the value of sustainability and durability. In addition to workshops, they are also open to hosting various events in the space. They hope to collaborate with the English-speaking community in particular, providing a venue for language exchanges and other gatherings. Ultimately, they aim to create a hub that contributes positively to the community. A place where people can gather, learn, and create. Get Involved La Bouquinerie welcomes book donations, emphasizing the importance of good quality books. Those that don't meet the selling criteria are either given away or repurposed. La Bouquinerie invites you to join them as they're actively seeking volunteers to support their operations and expand their opening hours. As an annual subscriber to the "Les Amis de la Bouquinerie" association, you'll contribute to the growth of this literary gem. Subscription rates are CHF 30 per year or CHF 50 per year per couple or family. Opening Hours Wednesday: 15:00 – 19:00 Thursday: 09:00 – 12:00 / 15:00 - 19:00 Friday: 15:00 – 19:00 Saturday: 09:00 – 12:00 La Bouquinerie is more than just a bookstore; it's a community-driven initiative with a passion for books and sustainability. Whether you're a book lover, an advocate for sustainability, or simply looking for a cozy spot to wait for your train - consider paying them a visit, donating your books, or becoming a member to support their mission.

Nyon's neighbouring village of Prangins houses a national treasure - the Château de Prangins. It is the largest 18th century castle open to the public in Switzerland and is filled with Swiss History up to the present day. A Swiss National Museum since 1998 and one of only three in Switzerland, as well as the National Museum Zurich and the Forum of Swiss History Schwyz. Dedicated to showing us the diversity of Swiss identity through its range of exhibitions, it tells us the story of life in Switzerland in the 18th and 19th centuries, addressing artistic, cultural and social issues. Not only does the Château de Prangins offer permanent and temporary exhibitions, they also offer a host of other services. Read on to find out more. Grounds The Château de Prangins has extensive grounds including a park, meadow orchard and the largest historical kitchen garden in Switzerland. The Kitchen Garden is a permanent open-air exhibition.  It was created in the 1700s to feed the workers who built the Château and is now devoted to preserving traditional regional plants and showcasing domestic biodiversity. Tours Many of us wanting to learn more about the history and culture of Switzerland can be put off from visiting the museum because of a possible language barrier. Perhaps preferring instead to just walk the beautifully kept grounds. It may surprise some to know that the Château de Prangins is committed to widening their reach to visitors to create an inclusive experience. How? Well, by offering their services in multiple languages with English being a focal one. The Château de Prangins offer seven guided tours for the following exhibitions listed below. They have 14 tour guides available who speak a multitude of languages including French, German, Italian and English. Not only are their guided tours in English, there are also workshops in English. These include Dyeing with wild flowers and The magic of blue with various indigo plants for adults and Let the journey begin! A Fun Exhibition for Families, a permanent exhibition specially designed for children. Click here for more information. What is Switzerland? (from18.06.2022) Accrochage - Impressions végétales Ovid in the Jura The Kitchen Garden  Chintz. How a Fabric Conquered the World Let the journey begin! A Fun Exhibition for Families Noblesse Oblige! Life at a Château in the 18th Century Discovering the Enlightenment There is also an event for Swiss National Day (1st August) and admission will be free! Rooms for hire The Château has three very different rooms that can be hired for a conference meeting or a cocktail reception. All three spaces for hire offer something unique, you can check them out here . You can also combine your meeting or event with a guided tour, a creative workshop and a meal or apéro at the Café du Château. Salle des belles pierres Salle du Potager Salle de la tour Birthdays Why not celebrate a birthday at the Château? They offer bespoke, specially designed activities including fairytales and animations for ages 4-16 years old. You can tailor pick the workshop best suited to your child's age group. For more detailed information co ntact the Château de Prangins team directly at info.prangins@museenational.ch . Café du château Located in the former servants' wing the restaurant offers a seasonal menu. The historic Kitchen Garden provides the restaurant with vegetables, aromatic herbs and fruits for their menu of the day and desserts. The best part of the Café is the panoramic terrace with a stunning unlimited view over the extensive estate and Lac Léman. Perfect for a sunset apéro or Sunday Brunch. The Café du Château is also available for private bookings and is able to host 60 people inside and 150 people on the terrace. It makes the perfect venue for a cocktail reception or special dinner party. This should give you plenty of reasons to head over to the Château du Prangins and check out their exhibitions and everything else they have to offer. Visit their website for more information.

There are lots of activities in English held at the Chateau de Prangins this summer and there is the "GAMES" exposition that takes us on a video game time travel! Prangins was recently awarded the Wakker Prize . You can read the previous Living in Nyon article here . Here are some of the upcoming events in English planned: • Sunday, 6 June – Guided tour of Prangins as part of the Wakker Prize • Wednesday, 9 June - Guided tour of Prangins as part of the Wakker Prize • Thursday, 10 June – Guided tour of the new Exhibition Chintz. How a Fabric Conquered the World • Thursday, 24 June – Online guided tour of the new Exhibition Chintz. How a Fabric Conquered the World • Thursday, 8 July – Guided tour of the Historical Kitchen Garden on the theme of Digital Detox • Sunday, 1 August – A celebration of the Swiss National Day with various activities – Free admission • Thursday, 5 August – Guided tour of the Historical Kitchen Garden on the theme of Digital Detox Another activity well suited to families is the GAMES exhibition on the history of video games. It shows the development of the industry since 1970 and allows you to actually play the old games (Pong, Pac-Man, Space Invaders, etc.) as well as the new games (SIMs, Minecraft, etc.). Our children will enjoy seeing the games we used to play and are now referred to as old :-)! All of the temporary and permanent exhibitions have information and audio guides in English Happy visiting!

Introduction In the heart of Nyon lies the legendary music festival that has captivated generations for its 46 editions. We had the chance to sit down with one of Paléo Festival’s originators, an individual who wears many hats within our community. President of the Nyon Tennis Club, a dedicated (though now recently retired) Sports TV journalist for 35 years as well as football and tennis commentator. He also set his sights on becoming part of Nyon’s Municipality (executive body), running for a seat earlier in 2023 in the by-elections.  Despite not achieving that particular goal, his unwavering spirit and passion for fostering unity and joy through music as well as sport have been integral to his enduring success. Vice President from 1977 until 1982, one of the originals from Paléo who is still involved to this day, giving guided tours to newcomers and continuing its legacy. He talks about how he got involved in Paléo, his cherished moments from over the years, what he does now and his thoughts for its future. You were there from the early days of the Paléo Festival, how did you become involved? To be really honest, the first ever concert organised by Daniel Rossellat (President of Paléo Festival) was in ’73. I was a close friend to Daniel but I was playing soccer in Nyon so I was not involved. But at the age of 20, after they had organised the first one in the Salle Communal, I met Daniel who said, I think we have to go out into the open air - and so we went to Colovray down next to the swimming pool. He said I need people with a lot of energy, a solid committee – are you OK to be with me? Wow i thought, it’s a great idea – I’m ready to be your right arm because Jacques (Monnier) who makes the programme was in France. So, I was the Vice President. I got involved and put all my energy in this first open air festival. There were 5 of us and we expected 18 hundred people and we had nearly 18 thousand! Back then you had to organise it last minute, by the telephone boxes, asking if you have a car to rent me and so on - just incredible. We were very lucky, I think we were good but we also had three days of sunshine. If you had one day of rain people would just look at the weather and they would not come.  It’s not the case today. Today the tickets are sold out in 41 minutes! So just a huge success and we were very proud of that and we decided to keep going. After 5 years of being Vice President, I was in charge of the artists speaking English and Press Relations. A massive job but volunteering and I was still at university studying and playing football. It was great, it was a passion pushed by the energy and the friendship. It’s the 46 th edition this year. What keeps you coming back after all these years? Because it’s part of me. I have only missed two because of the Olympics.  I like meeting people and there are so many that I only meet once a year here! I am also of a certain help to the organisation. But to be honest, I don’t stay until 3 o clock in the morning, I choose my nights. We have a tradition on the last Sunday with Daniel, the old guard. We make a fondue at 3am and then after the fondue its 4:30 in the morning ,the sun is rising and you look at the grounds – it’s incredible. You don’t have the feeling that 3 hours ago there was a festival. It’s clean - they have already started the breakdown. I’m sure there are many but what has been one of your highlights? (Long pause) I have a story that I like to tell. In ‘78 we had the group Clannad coming from Ireland. At this time I was in charge of welcoming artists from England and Ireland. I had to go and welcome them and the singer was called Moya Brennan. She was one of the best harpists in the United Kingdom. I went to the airport she was there with a big harp and I was in my father’s car. Of course the harp couldn’t get in the car and so she was desperate. Stay here, I told her, we are going to try to find something. I will bring your musicians to Nyon and come back with a new vehicle and we will make it! After that, I went to their soundcheck and because I was giving her more attention, she said oh he’s nice and we had a love affair! I spent the whole summer touring England at her concerts. It was a big moment and her voice, the way she played the harp, it’s incredible. So this is one of those special memories. Why do you think different generations of people can enjoy Paléo together, safely and freely? Unusual for a music festival. It’s a miracle. At the beginning, the audience was made by teenagers and older people. My father was against Paléo, all the politics guys in Nyon were against Paléo and it was a hard fight to be accepted as well. Accepted as a music festival. It had the bad image, young people with long hair, smoking, hippy. But then things changed…. Ahhh Paléo is fantastic! It brings a lot of animation to Nyon, it’s good for the economy of the area and then people started to go to Paléo in Colovray and they were amazed by the atmosphere. It was peaceful, it was nice, safe and then people were having babies and they came with their babies on their shoulders. We created the nursery, my kids went and then wanted to come back year after year. The story is that now our kids are over 30, they have kids and come with them. You know the 3rd generation. People of my age are just 5 percent of the crowd. But the average age is 30 and 50 percent of the crowd is less than 40 years old. What was kind of genius of Daniel Rossellat was he said we have to involve Nyon – the community, the clubs, the volunteers. We gave the clubs (handball, ski, tennis...) beverage stands, so they came with their volunteers and they get money back for their clubs. And this was very good, what they make depends on what they sell. They get at least 10, 15k and it’s important for them. During the covid years it was definitely a lack in their revenue. From 17,500 festival goers to 250,000 this year! Where do you see Paléo in ten years time? I don’t want to say it will stay like it is but it also cannot increase. You don’t have the area, the acres. The danger is, you have so many music festivals now, it’s a question of the music industry. Will Paléo be able to have good artists on the main stage? It's so expensive now. If you don’t give, let’s say 1 million to a big star they will just go to the next festival and I think you need to have good artists. The ambiance, the spirit, this area and everything is great but people look to see who is coming. So I don’t see any change for the next 5 years but if it’s like football, you need the big important people, the Messis and Mbappes. The big artists. Will Paléo be able to pay as much as the others? At a certain period of time we had artists who wanted to play at Paléo – but now it doesn’t matter as much to them because they will play at the next festival instead. And now you do guided tours. It’s a service for the sponsors because they like to have our guests come backstage where the public cannot go, with explanations, stories and figures. But we still can’t go on stage and take selfies with the big stars! More snippets from our conversation. I am a fan of Manchester United. Locally... when I was a kid I was a fan of FC Lausanne-Sport but then I grew up and was a big fan of FC Servette but in my job of commentator, I couldn’t be bias. I like international football and the Women’s World Cup, which has just begun.  I still have an eye on this and tennis of course. I lived through Roger Federer's career – I gave his first interview when he was 16 and I commented in major tournaments . But now I am retired, he is retired and a new life begins for me. To conclude Thank you to Pierre-Alain Dupuis who leaves us with a deeper appreciation for Paléo's rich history and its enduring spirit. Read our article about the appeal of Paléo Festival across the generations and our review of this year’s festival.

Step into the world of Oak Hill, where students facing reading, writing, and math challenges discover a unique path to success. Join us in exploring the Oak Hill experience, a journey that unlocks each student's potential and nurtures both academic and personal growth. Oak Hill's specialised support in fulfilling educational needs Oak Hill serves a critical need in the educational landscape by providing specialised support for students facing challenges in reading, writing, and maths. Their research-based programme is tailored to address the needs of students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD/ADD, offering a unique approach to learning that goes beyond traditional classroom settings.jj Students attend either  a morning or afternoon session and for the remainder of the day, they are at their 'home' school. Oak Hill collaborates closely with many bilingual and international schools in the area. The school's vision and mission reflect a commitment to advocating for and supporting students in the English-speaking international community. Who thrives at Oak Hill? Profiling the ideal student The Oak Hill program is tailored for students, typically between 7 and 13 years of age, who may be struggling with literacy and numeracy skills. A typical Oak Hill student thrives in a supportive 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio, where individual attention and tailored learning plans contribute to their academic and personal growth. While many students are bilingual or trilingual, fluency in English is essential for effective participation in the fast-paced, multi-sensory lessons. Oak Hill is also committed to helping students overcome social challenges; fostering an understanding of differences and boosting communication skills are key priorities. It's not just about academics; it's about preparing students for life's social challenges. Significant strides for families and the time frame for success Families can expect tangible and rapid improvements in their child's academic and social skills during their time at Oak Hill. The half-day program allows for intensive support, enabling students to bridge gaps in their learning within a relatively short period. The daily routine, structured lessons, and individualised, short homework assignments develop skills like self-discipline, organisation, and independence, preparing students for upper primary and secondary education. The Oak Hill journey (typically around two years) focuses on helping students reach their full academic potential and grow in self-confidence so that they can become independent learners. The programme also aims to instill resilience and perseverance. Seamless Transitions Formative and standardised assessments are conducted throughout the year at Oak Hill to closely monitor each student's progress. Parents receive comprehensive school reports and learning objectives twice a year, offering valuable insights into their child's academic journey. Oak Hill regularly communicate with both parents and the home school, ensuring a seamless transition between educational settings. Flexibility is key at Oak Hill—students can join at any time during the school year, subject to available space and the fees are pro-rated based on the starting date. A Typical Day at Oak Hill A typical morning or afternoon at Oak Hill involves a balance of hard work, regular breaks and enjoyment. The morning and afternoon sessions provide a structured environment where students engage in three 50-minute lessons covering reading, writing, and math. Short daily homework assignments further enhance the skills necessary for success in and out of the classroom. The half-day format is strategic, allowing students to receive intensive support while still participating in other subjects at their home school. This approach ensures that students can apply the skills they develop at Oak Hill in other settings, creating a holistic educational experience. Daily attendance is recommended. The daily repetition of tasks strengthens neural connections in the brain, eliminating learning gaps, and building learner confidence. A Call to Exploration Oak Hill stands as a beacon of support for students facing academic challenges, providing a transformative educational experience that empowers them to reach their full potential. If this resonates with you and sounds like something you'd like to explore for your child, don't hesitate to get in touch with Oak Hill to attend one of their Open Days. See firsthand the enriching environment on offer and learn more about how Oak Hill could be the perfect fit for your child's educational journey. Read more on Oak Hill in our previous articles

Get ready to spruce up your winter garden routine this Sunday at the Château de Prangins, as the  garden curator Stéphane Repas Mendes, dishes out invaluable gardening advice in two engaging guided tours. From soil cover to stubborn weed remedies, the tours are filled with practical insights and expert guidance. In the Vegetable Garden: Winter Practices Offering tips and the steps for preparing your vegetable garden before the winter break. Topics covered: Gardening Soil cover Composting Protection Pruning Sunday 12th November 2023 11:00 - 12:00 Ticket Price is 10CHF or is included in the Entry Price Good Advice from the Vegetable Gardener Answering questions like: How deep should you sow your beet seeds? How to get rid of a stubborn weed? And giving you practical advice related to the season. Sunday 12th November 2023 12:15 - 12:45 Ticket Price is 10CHF or is included in the Entry Price Coming Next Week Swiss Press Photo 23 Step into the captivating world of the Swiss Press Photo 23 at Château de Prangins, showcasing where the lens captured the essence of the year 2022. This compelling exhibition features 130 poignant images, spotlighting the most significant moments captured by both international and national press photographers including the war on Ukraine, Climate Change and societal subjects such as undeclared agricultural workers. Running from 17th November 2023 until 25th February 2024 Read more about the Swiss National Museum, Château de Prangins and all they have to offer in our previous article .

A Fresh Look. A Smoother Experience. Still Your Go-To for Nyon. If you've been following Living in Nyon, you know we’re all about sharing what matters most in this stunning region of Switzerland, from community news and cultural highlights to local events and need-to-know insights. A reliable resource for the English-speaking community that shares stories, tips and information to help expats, newcomers, and residents feel at home in Nyon. At its heart, LIN exists to celebrate the town’s mix of local charm and international energy. Why the Change? With over a thousand articles published since LIN was founded in 2009, we wanted to update the website so that it is easier to navigate, more engaging, and better suited for locals, newcomers, and visitors alike. Now you will be able to look for recommendations, business spotlights, or upcoming events, faster and more intuitively. AND we couldn't pass up the opportunity to add as much beautiful imagery as we could to showcase this town - perfectly positioned between the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) and the stunning Jura mountains.  What You’ll Find on Living In Nyon Everyday Life in Nyon – From settling into Swiss life and understanding local customs to discovering the best cafés, hiking spots, and cultural events. Community Events – From the legendary Paléo Music Festival to the internationally acclaimed Visions du Réel, along with the Nyon lakeside flea market, wine festivals, music events, and seasonal festivities... you get the idea! There’s never a dull moment, and we’re here to keep you updated on all that’s happening. People & Stories – Interviews with inspiring community members, business owners, and creatives who make Nyon such a dynamic place. Business & Community Connections – We love working with local entrepreneurs, organisations, and community initiatives to bring valuable insights and opportunities to our readers. A Platform Built for the Community Our goal is simple.  We wish to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels at home. We envision a community where everyone who visits our site feels valued, and engaged with information that is accessible to all. We’re continuously working to bring you relevant and engaging content that reflects life in and around Nyon. Living In Nyon is about YOU—our readers, contributors, and community members. Take a look around, explore the new features and let us know what you think!   Get Involved! If you have an event to promote , would like to become a member of the LIN Association , or have an experience to share - we’d love to hear from you!

January can feel like the longest month of the year—grey skies, chilly weather, and the festive sparkle now a distant memory. But it’s also the perfect time to prioritize you . Shake off the winter blues and step into the warmth of Prestige & Sensation , Nyon’s premier beauty salon, where relaxation and rejuvenation await. Here are some blissful ways to refresh your body and mind this winter: The Detoxifying Glow Treatment (DXGlow) Say goodbye to dull, dry winter skin with this deeply hydrating facial. Powered by boletus extract, organic rowan berry peptides, and hyaluronic acid, this treatment leaves your skin soft, radiant, and luminous after just one session. Special Offer : 530 CHF for three sessions (normally 570 CHF). Book your DXGlow session here Laminat Hair Ritual: Shine All Winter Long Revitalize your hair with the “lamina” ritual, a luxurious treatment enriched with argan, sesame, and almond oils. This nourishing ritual repairs and hydrates winter-damaged hair, leaving it strong, silky, and beautifully shiny. Perfect for : Keeping your locks looking fresh even in the coldest months. Book your Lamina Ritual here Hands & Feet: Winter-Ready Pampering Cold weather can be tough on your hands and feet. Treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure that doesn’t just beautify but deeply nourishes. Whether you prefer gel, semi-permanent, or classic varnish, you’ll leave with nails that are perfectly polished and a sense of total relaxation.🛋 Pro Tip : Book a nail appointment alongside your hair service for the ultimate day of pampering! Book your manicure or pedicure here Relaxing Massage: Your Winter Escape Ease the heaviness of winter with a soothing massage that targets water retention, tired legs, and sluggish circulation. Featuring menthol and caffeine, this draining treatment will leave you feeling refreshed and energized.60 minutes of pure relaxation. Book your massage here At Prestige & Sensation , every visit is a chance to pause, recharge, and rediscover your glow—even on the darkest winter days. From innovative treatments like the Calligraphy Cut® to bespoke facials and premium nail care, their expert team is here to make sure you feel radiant all year round. Don’t let the winter blues linger—treat yourself to a well-deserved escape. Contact them at 022 361 12 16 or info@prestige-sensation.ch for bookings or more information. And follow them on Facebook and Instagram to stay inspired! Discover more in our previous article, including their signature Calligraphy Cut®!

Special thanks to Hester from the Swiss Gardening School for sharing these wonderful tips on balcony gardening! With 60% of the population in Switzerland living in rented apartments, (the highest percentage in Europe) many people don’t have access to a garden or even a large outdoor area. For those who can’t plant directly in the ground, don’t worry! Here are some fantastic plant suggestions that are perfect for small balconies or terraces. Screening Options for Balconies If your balcony needs privacy from neighbors, the street, or an unpleasant view, plants can be a practical and beautiful solution. Hedge in a Pot Consider creating a “hedge in a pot” by selecting smaller versions of hedging plants. One excellent choice is Viburnum tinus “Gwenllian” , a hardy evergreen shrub that: Blooms in winter Reaches up to 1.5 meters in height and width over time Thrives in large containers for many years Tactical Screening with Japanese Maples Alternatively, you can use striking plants like dwarf Japanese maples to create a visual focal point while screening your space. A great option for a shady balcony is Acer palmatum “Kagiri-Nishiki” , which features: Stunning variegated leaves Fiery red and orange foliage in autumn A compact size, maturing to just 1 meter tall Pair these plants with an elegant pot to enjoy year-round beauty and functionality. Climbers for Balconies If your balcony lacks space for larger plants, climbers on trellises can provide vertical interest and privacy. Roses for Balconies For rose lovers, the Meilland rose “David Hockney” is a perfect balcony plant. This delightful rose features: Cream and pink flowers Repeat blooms from spring to frost A light fragrance and disease resistance A manageable height of up to 1.5 meters This rose pairs beautifully with early-flowering alpine clematis for an extended bloom period. Fragrant Climbers If you prefer fragrant plants, the false jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is an excellent choice for containers. Key features include: Manageable growth in pots (up to 1.5 meters) Varieties like the classic white, Trachelospermum asiaticum “Pink Showers” , or the creamy yellow “Chilli and Vanilla” Tolerance for cold temperatures down to -10°C Minimal support needs, as it winds naturally around trellises Discover Gardening Workshops with the Swiss Gardening School Looking to level up your balcony gardening skills? Visit Hester’s website, Swiss Gardening School , for a range of upcoming workshops! Including: Plant Workshops on Pots, Potpourris, and Soaps – February 4th 2025 Valentine’s Bouquets – February 13th 2025 And much more! Book your spot online via the website. With these tips and inspiration, even the smallest balcony can become a lush, green oasis. Happy gardening! If you’re passionate about plants or simply enjoy the magic of transforming spaces with greenery, Hester Macdonald is a name to know. As a garden designer, writer, journalist, and founder of the Swiss Gardening School, Hester has dedicated her career to inspiring gardeners of all levels. Based in Nyon, her school offers short, hands-on courses perfect for amateurs eager to dig in. Discover more about her work at  hmgardendesign.com  and  swissgardeningschool.ch . Hester Macdonald

Are you interested in playing netball?  A group of keen players is looking to set up a netball team in Nyon as part of the Swiss Netball association. There are teams currently across Switzerland, including in Aubonne and Geneva, but they would like to get a team of 14 girls/ladies together to play locally on a weekly basis (this could be junior and senior). Their idea would be to start in late August (confinement rules-allowing) as the school term starts again. All ages and skills-level, amateurs, experts and newbies welcome. They are keen for everyone to learn! The aim is to make it a bilingual session (fr/eng) to get everybody on board. Register your interest with   nyonnetball@gmail.com  and they will get back to you as soon as possible. More InfoFor newbies: Netball is a ball sport played by two teams of seven players. Netball is most popular in many Commonwealth nations , specifically in schools, and is predominantly played by women. Games are played on a rectangular court with raised goal rings at each end. Each team attempts to score goals by passing a ball down the court and shooting it through its goal ring. Players are assigned specific positions, which define their roles within the team and restrict their movement to certain areas of the court. During general play, a player with the ball can hold on to it for only three seconds before shooting for a goal or passing to another player. The winning team is the one that scores the most goals. Netball games are 60 minutes long.