< Previous20 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIREEducated in London during the swingingsixties, Jennifer spent time studying atimpressive establishments, including theEaling School of Art and The Central Schoolof Art and Design. She has also received twobursaries from the Royal Society of Arts,going on to spend time as a staff designer,consultant and even a senior lecturer atGoldsmiths College, the Central School ofArt and Design and the Academic Managerat the Lincoln College of Art and Design. Since 1997 however, Jennifer has been afull time artist and designer and has seen ahead-spinning amount of accolades for herwork, including public and privateexhibitions including at the Usher Galleryin Lincoln as well as galleries and museumsin Kings Lynn, Peterborough, Nottinghamand the Mall Galleries in London. Jennifer’s work encompasses all kinds ofdisciplines, from deeply analytical sketchesElementalARTJennifer Cottis is an artist based in Donington, Lincolnshirewho takes inspiration from movement and space as well asbreath-taking landscapes. We visit her home studio to talkabout her work and the accoladesshe has achieved.and ink work on waves, to life drawing,landscapes and even pottery. Thelandscapes that line her small butimmaculate studio dominate, with coloursstanding out in views of the south ofFrance and quaint images of Whitby,uneven rooftops capturing the ramshacklecharm of the Yorkshire coastal town.One piece Jennifer is rightly proud of isher pencil sketch of drying fishing nets,observed during journeys through thenearby town of Boston.She says: “We used to stop at that bigroundabout in Boston and you’d see thesenets drying so I thought I’d go back andcapture them. I completed that with justone pencil. There’s a French artist calledSeurat who would complete entire piecesin a similar way.”A lot of Jennifer’s work concentrates onthe sea, with even her pottery taking onan oceanic feel.“They are almost extensions of thedrawings and paintings, like a three-dimensional painting,” says Jennifer, andyou can see what she means, with curvededges and a sand-like texture with differenthues on the exterior, they have that wave-like form and colour. Jennifer describes thebulk of her work as themed by the ‘visualinterpretation of movement’ and you cansee this absolutely, the life drawings seemto stir on the paper and the landscapeslook like living, breathing scenes. Herrecent prize in the People’s Choice Awardfor the Mckinnels Lincolnshire Communityand Life Exhibition for her sketch of theaforementioned fishing nets even showshints of movement.To seek out more of Jennifer’s work, logonto www.jacottis.com or emailartanddesign@jacottis.com020:Layout 1 15/2/13 10:54 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY21GARDENSSituated in the quaint and peacefulvillage, the countryside that surroundsthe Baileys’ home is wide open and free.Step into their garden, though, and youare whisked away to a sleek, moderngarden that serves as an antithesis to thegardens we normally visit. Instead ofwild patches of flowers or neatly-grownrows of vegetables or ferns, this gardenis an immaculate and minimalist haven.Minimalist does not have to mean bleakand featureless and the Baileys havedone their best to create a world of theirown behind their modern home. Previously grassed over and, in Lisa’swords “a bit boring” really, the couplecraved a garden for entertaining on longsummer evenings. Turning to AlanMurphy Landscapes, the couple had twolevels in mind to give the garden a moreinteresting view and feel. The results are quite phenomenal.Space forENTERTAININGAt Lincolnshire Today, we’re of the opinion that it’s not about the size of your garden, it’swhat you do with it that counts. We pay a visit to a small, but perfectly-formed garden inNormaby-By Spital near Lincoln to see what Lisa and Christopher Bailey have come up with.22 021-023:Layout 1 15/2/13 10:57 Page 122 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYGARDENSIndian sandstone used for the paving affords a clear, opulentfeel to the garden - connecting the initial sections of thegarden to the interior of the house as if it has opened up andspilled into the surrounding land. The paving is separated bysome incredible-looking recycled railway sleepers that are over25 years old. Stained black, they are eco-friendly and give thewhole outdoor space structure and form aswell as a modern,almost Oriental feel. The fencing that surrounds the manicured and brightluscious grass provides privacy and screening and thecurvaceous borders give the garden a larger feel. A traditionalshed, also stained black, is discreetly placed behind thescreening, meaning the imposing wooden structure does notdistract from the elegant and neat look. The foliage in thisgarden is minimal, with entertainment rather than hard workbeing the focus. Lavender and various grasses sit within thegarden, and clematis grows under the wonderful gazeboThe foliage in this garden is minimal, with entertainment rather than hard work being the focus.pennellsonline.co.ukLINCOLNNewark Road South HykehamLN6 9NTT: 01522 880033CLEETHORPESHumberston RoadN E LincsDN36 4RWT: 01472 313600Making your ideas grow!For all your gardening needs...Plant & Garden AccessoriesLarge Gift rangeArts & CraftsGreeting CardsSpacious parkingRestaurant & much more021-023:Layout 1 15/2/13 10:57 Page 2structure which dominates the entrance to the garden. A waterfeature also gurgles away, sending water cascading oversmooth pebbles and adding to the sensory delight. A custom-made wrought-iron gate sits happily at theentrance, featuring an ear of corn, a mouse and abutterfly. Constructed by local traditional blacksmith JohnWalton, it reflects the fact that the garden sitssurrounded by open countryside, reflecting a sense ofplace before entering the altogether contemporarygarden.We are certainly taken with the idea of a low-maintenance garden, and for those consideringa garden of this style, and looking for low-maintenance plants, succulents are fantasticto grow. Why not look into this family ofplants - their thick, water-retainingleaves look fantastic and oftenrequire little watering. Deeplyornamental, they evenflower in the summer,giving gardens anunusual andsometimes exoticlook.021-023:Layout 1 15/2/13 10:57 Page 324 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYGARDENSWhile most perennial plants areappreciated for their main showing offlowers and form at the peak of theseason, the value of their emergingshoots this month is seldom appreciated.Now is the time you are reminded ofthe plants you so much enjoyed lastseason that have been forgotten duringtheir winter dormancy. The luscious newgrowth breaks through the soil with evenmore vigour than the last yearand takes on new shapes andcolours as it rises upwardstowards its final position in thegarden border. Some early shoots of perennialsto enjoy are Acanthus mollis withits crumpled foliage unfurling into its architectural beauty, Rheumpalmatum cultivars with theirspikes of red spearing upwardsand the unfurling croziers of fernshave an intriguing magical look.Although the perennials providethe beauty of new foliage, allgardeners are really lifted by thefirst sight of flowers arriving afterthe flush of bulbs. There is nothing morebeautiful than a magnolia in full blossomthis early in the year. One of my favouritesis Magnolia stellata with its profusion ofbrilliant white flowers and compact habit,it is happy in moist but not waterloggedground in full sun or partial shade, takesvirtually no maintenance and gives aspectacular show early every year.We are really busy at the nursery,potting on plants ready for thecoming season and raising ourherb seedlings that weregerminated in late January.This year we have introducedmany new and interestingperennial, ornamental grass andherb varieties to our stock list.The nursery opens for oursecond year on Good Friday10am to 4pm for the wholeEaster weekend and is then openThursday to Sunday 10am to4pm.Hope to see you there! Rob runs Mill Farm Nursery onOld Gallamore Lane in MiddleRasen.Now we’reIN BUSINESS!This is the month that things really get going in the garden and the onlyway is up from here on in, says our expert, Rob Parry.Acanthusmollis, with itsarchitecturalbeauty.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/LIANEM024-025:Layout 1 15/2/13 10:58 Page 1Jobs todo thismonthLast chance to cut backornamental grasses, but becareful of new emergingshoots.Lift and split clumps ofperennials and grasses topropagate new plants andinvigorate the parent plant.Sow seed in prepared beds.Cut back shrubs grown forwinter stems – Cornus(dogwood) Salix (willow)Finish preparing beds fornew planting schemes (lessweeds now, less work later).PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MARKMIRRORMagnolia stellate, or Star Magnolia is anearly joy in the garden, happy in wet, but notwaterlogged ground.024-025:Layout 1 15/2/13 10:58 Page 226 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYNEWARKn May, more than 50,000 people from across the country arelikely to descend on the Newark and NottinghamshireShowground for the annual agricultural show.But as they do, few will spare a thought for the legend that, inyears gone by at such a gathering, might have wandered unseenamongst them.This is the edge of Robin Hood country, home of the mythicalMarketcultureNewark is a town well worth a visit for those interested inboth retail therapy and a sense of heritage.I026-029:Layout 1 15/2/13 11:42 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY27NEWARKarcher and all round ‘good guy’ who is as rich a part of Englishlegend as King Arthur.Stories of his exploits are as popular now as ever they were.More recently they feature Russell Crowe and Kevin Costner; backin the days of black and white it was Errol Flynn and RichardGreene. The fiction of Robin Hood mixes with the fact of historyjust as the present of Newark mixes with its past, creating anenchanting mixture things to do and see.It was here, in Newark Castle, that King John – the wickedPrince John of the popular outlaw legend – died in October 1216,and one legend has it that Robin’s merry men may have hadsomething to do with it.That sense of history can be felt in Newark Castle, especially atKing John’s Tower, where he reputedly died, so on a cloudy andovercast day it might not be just the weather that causes a shiverdown the spine.It’s easy to turn away from the spectres of the past and dip intotoday’s Newark, a thriving town with more than enough toattract the casual visitor.The market culture is strong in the town, with brightly-coveredstalls to be found in the Market Place every day of the weekexcept Tuesday and Sunday. Depending on the day of the weekthe stalls are as likely to contain collectables or cabbages, such isthe variety on offer.But although its markets are at the heart of Newark, the retailoffering isn’t all about those stalls - a host of quirky andindependent retailers jostle for position on its streets, and evenmore are to be found inside the Buttermarket, a sympathetically-converted old building, invitingly built from warm-colouredbrickwork.28 Antiques are a large part of what’s on sale inNewark; there are lots of shops selling items frombygone days, and it’s possible to have a pleasantday looking at those alone.026-029:Layout 1 15/2/13 11:43 Page 228 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYNEWARKInside is the old police lock up – look carefully throughthe windows at Solitaire, and behind the racks of thingsfor sale you’ll see the roof of the prisoners’ exercise yard.Antiques are a large part of what’s on sale in Newark;there are lots of shops selling items from bygone days,and it’s possible to have a pleasant day looking at thosealone.That said, no visitor to Newark will be able to spend thewhole day there without need of refreshment, and therereally are a great many options to tempt your palette.From the quaint Old Bakery Tearoom to some fine pubs,there’s sure to be something that appeals.And what town can offer not one, but two 15th centuryinns? A stone’s throw form each other are The White Hartand the Prince Rupert, the latter once known as theWoolpack.www.cooksandcompany.co.uk01636 593910Brunel Drive, Newark, NG24 2FBThinking of purchasing Sub-Zero, Wolf,Gaggenau, Miele or Fisher & Paykel? Don’t buy without checking your quote with us to see how much you could save!NEW SHOWROOM OPENING SOONSee us at the026-029:Layout 1 15/2/13 11:43 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY29These fine old buildings are a metaphor for the whole ofNewark. They might be 15th century outside, but on theinside offers a modern feel and a welcoming atmosphere.By day, they’re a haven for shoppers using the bustlingtown centre; by night they’re transformed into venuesthat invite you to stay a little longer in Newark, a realjewel in the region.What town can offer not one, but two15th century inns? A stone’s throw formeach other are The White Hart and thePrince Rupert, the latter once known asthe Woolpack.For Quality & Style since 1990Ask one of our fully trained members of staff about claimingback the VAT on your Lift & Tilt Recliner.RSICH FURNISHINGUPHOLSTERY CABINET CARPETS BEDROOM DININGfacebook.com/richfurnishingstwitter.com/richfurnishings12-14 Balderton Gate, Newarkwww.richfurnishings.co.ukTEL: 01636 700141026-029:Layout 1 15/2/13 11:43 Page 4Next >