< Previous20 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYHOMESWithout a doubt, it’s best to bring inan architect if you’re going to considerlarger renovations to a property such asan extension. An architect can guide aperson through a whole range ofprocesses, from coming up with an initialdesign, to seeing the project throughplanning and construction. Beyond that,there is a requirement for registeredarchitects to be insured to a certain level,which can help protect from anyunexpected problems. In most caseshowever, they can also help point outand prevent problems that many DIYenthusiasts make.A good quality architect can also helpin the planning stages of anydevelopment, both by offering theircreativity and expertise – but also theirknowledge of how expensive or difficult aproject is. Many people fear their ownlack of creativity or imagination mightstymie their plans. After all, how many ofus truly know how to revamp a home tocoincide with new trends, or how muchsuch an undertaking might cost? Anarchitect can help in that regard,ensuring that a family doesn’t go overbudget and start something they mightnot be able to finish, or worse – finishsomething that they’re not happy with.Whatever route you decide to take,breathing new life into a house can be aninclusive event for the entire family. Tryincluding young children in the designprocess, particularly if their rooms are upfor consideration. While it might not bebest to give them carte blanche, lest theroom end up pink with unicorns on thewalls, letting them help will create asense of pride and achievement. It canalso teach them valuable lessons theymight use later in life, from the value ofmoney – to being proud of theirbelongings and homes. So this year, why not try somethingdifferent. Don’t move – improve.PHOTO: ID ARCHITECTURE16-21_Layout 1 25/01/2016 12:47 Page 5FREE PRIZE DRAW for Saga Readers!*AGRAND DESIGNThe Ultimate Garden FenceMaintenance free, guaranteed for 25 years, meet the fence system taking the UK by stormSPECIAL REPORT: Pete Starling celebrates hassle-free fencingCall now for your FREE home quoteOriginally devised in Australia, a country known for its extreme weather, Colourfence panels are guaranteed to last at least 25 years - without ever needing to pick up a brush again. Available in pre coated colours with or without a promise a lifetime of hassle-Finish CoatEpoxy PrimerConversion CoatingAZ150 Metallic CoatingZincalume® Steelcolourfence.co.ukinfo@colourfence.co.uk0800 6444113FREEPHONETELEPHONE01526 378424 Maintenance free, guaranteed for 25 years,meet the fence system taking the UK by stormIhave always been slightlyashamed of my fence.It’sbeen patched up, bashed upand in places was heldtogether mostly by thegreenery around it. So whenthe recent storms fi nally putan end to its misery and blewmost of it into my neighboursgarden, I decided it was timefor a change. Surely, theremust be a better way? Anend to painting, an end torotten posts - an end toconstant maintenance. What Ineeded was a fence thatgoes up, stays up (even inhigh winds) and is guaranteedto look good whatever theweather.A chance conversation ledme to discover that there wasindeed a system out therethat could only be describedas the Holy Grail for homeowners and gardeners up anddown the country.Colourfence gives you theopportunity to own the bestfence on your street.Originally devised in Australia,a country known for itsextreme weather, Colourfencepanels are guaranteed to lastat least 25 years - withoutever needing to pick up abrush again. Available in precoated colours with orwithout a choice of colouredtrellis finish the highly skilledinstallation team make shortwork of their dramatictransformations. The bestnews is that pricing is just asattractive. Starting costs arein line with comparabletraditional systems but offerthe ongoing peace of mindthat your investment willcontinue to save time andmoney year after year.For those of us who love ourgardens, Colourfencepromise a lifetime of hassle-free enjoyment. For moreinformation, simply call one oftheir helpful team. Fix yourfence once and for all - andthen forget it!16-21_Layout 1 25/01/2016 12:47 Page 6READERS’ GARDENSA TOWN GARDENWITH REAL FLAIRReaders’ gardens never cease to amaze and this month we look at what Leigh and DawnWilkinson have achieved in their town garden in North Lincolnshire – a space with year roundallure and cleverly designed for minimal maintenance22-25_Layout 1 25/01/2016 12:38 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY23READERS’ GARDENSt can be difficult to decide how to tackle a town garden as space is oftenat a premium and high walls, or surrounding properties often limit theamount of sunlight entering the space. However the Wilkinsons weren’t about to let this get in their way when tacklingtheir garden, as they wanted it to be as welcome a retreat as their rather stylishinterior. As Leigh explains, “We wanted something we could enjoy without spendingall our time weeding and maintaining it. We also wanted to get away from theboring old grey concrete that so many town gardens come with and, as both of usare often out at work during the day, it had to work as well in the evenings as itwould in the day, so outdoor lighting would be a must and last but not least wewanted a feeling of space.”Work began by creating raised beds made from re-purposed timber and layingdecking which neatly conceals any harsh looking concrete areas. Within the piersfronting the raised beds, small spotlights were inserted at regular intervals producingaccent lighting at night and illuminating the central lawn, which always looksfantastically manicured as the couple created it from artificial grass! At the centre ofthis is Leigh’s home made water feature. Solar powered lights and lanterns add to the mood and to free up precious“We wanted something we couldenjoy without spending all ourtime weeding and maintaining it.”24 ÁI22-25_Layout 1 25/01/2016 12:38 Page 224 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYREADERS’ GARDENSfootage as do thewall mounted flowerpots - again madefrom repurposeditems - bringing morecolour to the garden.At the far end of theplot is a full lengthmirror specificallydesigned for outdooruse this is fastened tothe outbuilding andcreates an illusion of greater space, rather than the garden feeling like it comesto an abrupt halt. Surrounding this area with potted plants such as bamboosand grasses adds form and integrates the whole area into one. Leigh’s design set out to make an outdoor living space that would enablethem to enjoy their garden on an evening and at weekends. As Leigh stresses“Time’s often at a premium and I’m pleased to say that although we spendThis creative towngarden just goes toshow that limitedspace needn’t be acap to originality andcomfort22-25_Layout 1 25/01/2016 12:38 Page 3plenty of time enjoying the fruits of our labour, only avery small percentage of that is now spent onmaintenance. The decking has been painted in acovering that’s guaranteed to last six years and theamount of time we have to spend weeding or fussingover plants is minimal, so we can relax and enjoy it tothe full.”This creative town garden just goes to show thatlimited space needn’t be a cap to originality and comfort- using space intelligently is the key to making a smallarea work and this garden does just that, in bucketloads.Smart lighting solutions and quirky features add to theappeal and create a rather cosy enclave.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY2522-25_Layout 1 25/01/2016 12:38 Page 4BRINGINGIN THEGARDEN26 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYThere are plenty of jobs that can still bedone around the garden, and in a fewmonths you will be able to start enjoyingthe fruit of your labour. As it is still toocold to sit out and enjoy garden plants,you could always stay inside and enjoyinterior plants instead. Nature has been a part of interior spacesfor decades both in our homes andworkplaces, and the trends have changedover time. In the seventies window sillswere crowded with Lemon Balm, BusyLizzie and Tradescantia. Kitchens andbathrooms had macramé hanging basketswith large spider plants hanging out. Inoffices you were more likely to see singlespecies plants like Yucca and Kentia palm.This was the decade that interiorlandscaping began and so workplaceswere all starting to put plant pots withlarge foliage in all corners of offices. The eighties chic home had Aspidistras,Ferns, Peace Lillies and Mother in Law’sTongue. Due to the increased workinghours people were also opting for plantsthat were easy to look after such asRubber Plants. Office planting went overthe top with companies creating largescale schemes. This was also the decadewere Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) wasdefined, and so everyone was puttingplants on their desks to fend SBS off.The nineties saw flowers rather thanfoliage being favoured in both homes andoffices. Gardening programs also helpedwith the interest, increasing in interiorgardening and in work spaces the interestin architecture translating into plantingtook momentum. Structures being used asfocal points were the in-thing. The healthbenefits of plants in the workplace wasfurther researched with the present ofplants proving to reduce stress levels.Going into the new century, the buzzwas ‘bringing nature inside’ with bi-folding doors becoming popular so thatthe transition between home and gardenbecame seamless. Window sills in kitchensEd Fuller from FullersForestry and Landscapingshows you thathouseplants still needplenty of care ofattention. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/BIKERIDERLONDONBRINGINGIN THEGARDEN26-27_Layout 1 25/01/2016 12:36 Page 1were filled with herbs, peppers and chillies. For the rest ofthe house, the trend was floral and herbal scents. In the workplace the effects of SBS were now better known and understoodas were the benefits of plants to employees.The current indoor gardening is influenced by our more hecticlives. Plants provide us with reducing stress at home as well as atwork. We enjoy the seasonality of plants, and we are more design-led with carefully thought out plant containers to harmonise withour interior design schemes. Low maintenance is a must but witha high visual impact. We are beginning to revert back to theseventies plants as they are low maintenance; however they aregrouped and presented in a more sophisticated manner. The mostpopular indoor plants are Succulents, Dragon Tree, Orchids, AloeVera, Jade Plant, Flowering Cactus and African Violet. Indoor plants have proven to reduce stress, improve morale andcontribute to a happy, healthy environment, and therefore arenow regarding as so much more than decorative embellishments.FEBRUARY’SGARDEN DIARY1. Prepare vegetable beds and sow some vegetables undercover2. Prune winter-flowering shrubs that have finished flowering3. Divide bulbs such as snowdrops4. Prune hardy evergreen hedges and renovate overgrown deciduoushedges5. Use a pressure washer to clean paths, steps, paving and patios6. Plant colourful, evergreen Phormium ‘Cream Delight’ in a patio pot tobrighten winter displays7. Protect blossom on apricots, nectarines and peaches8. Prune Wisteria9. Take care not to walk over borders or on lawns where spring bulbs andflowers will be emerging10. Prune Conservatory climbersLINCOLNSHIRETODAY27Specialised Servicesin Garden DesignLandscaping andTree MaintenanceBacked by a highly-skilledand experienced team,we’ve built our reputationon an ability to provide our clients with professional, tailored gardening and forestry solutionsFREE NO OBLIGATIONQUOTATIONSFULLERSForestry & LandscapingCall 01522 868717 or 07867 510544info@fullersforestry.co.uklwww.fullersforestry.co.ukwww.landscapinglincolnshire.comPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/06PHOTOPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MJUDY DRIETZGARDEN ADVICE26-27_Layout 1 25/01/2016 12:36 Page 228 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYBetween Nettleton and Rothwell wefollow the Nev Cole Way. A passionatecampaigner for rambler’s rights Nev Colefounded the Grimsby WanderlustRambling Club in 1932 and after his deathin 1989 a 57-mile memorial path wasestablished from Burton-on-Stather alongthe Humber Bank and then inland to finishat Nettleton. We climb his memorial stileat Nettleton Grange. Our return toNettleton is on the Viking Way. And, byusing the county’s highest footpath, wealso pass within a few yards of the highestpoint in Lincolnshire (168 metres / 551feet at GR122965) above the head of theNettleton Valley. (NB. There’s no right ofway to the trig point!) The whole route isthrough magnificent Wolds scenery.Nettleton appeared in the DomesdayBook as “Netelone” but within a centuryhad evolved into “Netleton”; the“farmstead where nettles grow”. Most ofthe weathered tower of St John the Baptistis Saxon and built in rich, golden-coloured, local ironstone; the rest waslargely rebuilt in 1874 by “Fowler ofLouth” and paid for by Samuel Turner theTHE NETTLETONVALLEY VIA ROTHWELLThis month’s walk is a scenic routepartly using sections of two longdistance footpaths; the Nev Cole Wayand the Viking Way.EXPLORINGLincolnshireON FOOTNETTLETONEXPLORINGLincolnshireON FOOTrector here for 54 years. The church clockwas made in 1837 by James Harrison thegrandson of the famous John Harrison ofBarton-on-Humber who invented severalhistoric “longitude” chronometers fromthe 1730’s onwards. The adjacent chapel isC18th.Having crossed the High Street, wereach Rothwell and find another ancientchurch, the Anglo-Saxon St MaryMagdalene described by the late RevHenry Thorold in his Lincolnshire churchesbook as “a very special church” in an“idyllic setting”. There is Norman workinside but particularly noteworthy is theweathered west door. The nave is C12thbut the chancel was restored in 1892.Rothwell is the Domesday Book’s“Rodowelle” – the “clearing with aspring”.Leaving Rothwell we return to highground and cross the High Street onceagain. This is one of Lincolnshire’s mostancient highways, believed to be Roman inorigin, as a link between their “Castra” atHorncastle and Caistor.As we approach the head of theNETTLETON VALLEY 28-29_Layout 1 25/01/2016 12:32 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE WALKSNettleton Valley (around GR121969)Lincolnshire’s highest point is only a fieldaway to our left! The predominant rockhere is of course chalk but a ten-foot thickstrata of ironstone underlies this –remember the rich colour of Nettletonchurch tower - dating from theCretaceous geological period some 135million years ago. This was first minedduring the 1880’s at nearby Claxby and isconsequently known as Claxby Ironstone.Mining began at Nettleton – for theScunthorpe steelworks - in 1929 andproduction reached a peak of 277,000tons in 1967 before ceasing altogethertwo years later under competition fromhigh-grade imported ores; Nettleton’s wasonly about 25%.Sadly this is the last in our sixteen-yearlong series of “Exploration” walks, so itseems fitting to bow out on a high noteby visiting the loftiest ground in thecounty. However next month we shallbegin a new series featuring variousaspects of Lincolnshire heritage.NOTE.Readers who will patronise theSalutation Inn are welcome to park thereby kind permission of the landlady.THE ROUTEFrom the inn turn left throughNettleton until you can bear left down thedrive of Nettleton Grange. OR…. from thewalkers carpark first walk downhill andturn right.Go through the farm, over the Nev Colestile and then follow an uphill track aheadto reach the High Street. Cross over andcontinue by a hedge to another road andcross that too. Then bear half right overrough ground, cutting the field corner(the path was well trodden on my visit) toa track and hedge. Continue ahead with ahedge on your right. In about half a mile apath coming up from Cabourne joins fromthe left. Turn right here and follow a trackand then a lane down to the road inRothwell. Go left into the village.To visit the church turn right up SchoolLane. In the churchyard, walk round thechurch and leave from the churchyard’sbottom corner; on rejoining the road goright. Otherwise simply go along Beckside(the Thoresway road) for 300 yards andtake the surfaced lane on the right. Ignorea signed path branching left and followtunnel in front of you; old mine workingsare now obvious too.) From a secondgate nearby climb steps and path by afence leading to a track through trees andat a junction turn left downhill to ahandgate on the right.Continue down the valley floor via aseries of boardwalks, handgates and afootbridge to eventually pass a lake andreach the track for Rothwell used earlier.Re-climb the memorial stile and passNettleton Grange again; at the road goleft for the carpark or right for the inn.by Hugh MarrowsOLD MINE WORKINGSNEAR NETTLETONGRANGEA FRIEND AT NETTLETON TOPthe farm road ahead for another half a mileto a junction; there go left before bearingright through Rothwell Top Farm to rejointhe High Street.Cross over, turn left and using the vergewalk 200 yards to a continuing footpath onthe right. After a mile this reaches adramatic viewpoint down Nettleton valleyon your right. Just before a gate turn rightdescending the valley for about 250 yards,then veer slightly right to a handgate in afence; from a second gate continue besidea fence until you reach a gate at somewoods. (The Viking Way once used theST MARY MAGDALENEROTHWELLFACTFILESTART: Salutation Inn, NettletonALTERNATIVE START: Walkers carpark, Normanby Road, Nettleton. (GR111990)MAPS: OS Landranger 113 (Grimsby) • Explorer 284DISTANCE: 9¾ miles • 15.5 kilometresREFRESHMENTS: Nettleton, Salutation Inn • Rothwell, Blacksmiths Arms28-29_Layout 1 25/01/2016 12:32 Page 2Next >