< Previous20 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIREThecountyon canvasWith its elegantbackdrops andcoastlines,Lincolnshire is aconstant inspirationfor its vibrant artisticcommunity. Thismonth we catch upwith Carl Paul whosecurrent works capturethe county in all itsbeautyConsensus among artists usually finds that thecreatively inclined were inspired and interested fromchildhood. Such is the case with Grimsby-born artistCarl Paul. Nurturing his early love of art, Carlattended Grimsby College of Art in 1979 to 1981,setting his natural skills in motion. Steeped in theinfluence of his teachers, Carl learnt never to stick toone subject or style and this advice has kept in ingood stead since. The portfolio of paintings he’scurrently undertaking for the Little Red Gallery isevocative of this liberating way of approaching art. Painting iconic scenes across our county means he’staking in the landscape, the coast and thearchitecture, all of which behaves as differently in lifeas it does on canvas or paper. Carl has set his sightson Lincoln, capturing its most iconic and emblematicscenes, from the craggy walls of the castle and thegothic spires of the cathedral, to the cobbled streetsand walkways. To capture the city in all its varyingshades, Carl has explored colour and composition. Hispreferred medium is acrylic paints, particularly howfreeing and flexible they can be. It can behave likewatercolours or oils, and can be used for a delicate or20-21_Layout 1 24/02/2016 14:05 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY21ARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIRETHE LITTLE REDGALLERYLove art? Then we’d love to meet you, please call in for a cup of tea and a chat.The Little Red Gallery are feeling ‘Love’ with a fantastic range of pieces… Perfect gift ideas.8 Bailgate Lincoln LN1 3AE01522 589134art@thelittleredgallery.co.ukwww.thelittleredgallery.co.ukbold effect, which allows Carl to experiment andshake-up his own style decades into his career. Inspiration comes in many guises and the beauty ofliving in Lincolnshire means an artist is steeped in arich cultural history and some of the most starlinglandscape the UK has to offer. To take in the scenery,Carl is often found walking in and around the countyand its coastline with wife Sylvia and two children,Daniel and Lauren. Armed with his camera, Carlcaptures the setting, snapping ideas for futurepaintings. Carl’s work is connected to a great tradition,boasting audacious impressionist strokes, whichcaptures the romanticism of his subjects. Although hisfavourite artists are the impressionists, he also admireslate-Victorian artist like John Atkinson Grimshaw, aswell as the Pre-Raphaelites such as John Riskin. Like the best artists, Carl wears his influences and inspirations onhis sleeve and yet creates something distinctly his own. His paintingspractically leap off the canvas, bright with colour and full of feeling.Each painting is a love letter to Lincolnshire, captured as if in a half-finished thought or hazy memory and preserved perfectly in time. To see more of Carl’s work or to get in touch, visitwww.carlpaulfinearts.co.uk20-21_Layout 1 24/02/2016 14:05 Page 2An authentic railway experiencehas been created.Almost all gardeners strive for yearround interest in their garden – someachieve that goal others find that duringthe winter months that’s a rather hardact to pull off. Of course, not everyonewants to spend time in their gardenweeding, pruning and dead headingplants. Here’s one such garden with avery different twist.22 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYGARDENSIdeas of connecting the railwayto the patio have been mutedA gardenwith atwistA love of trains made this garden anunusual design challenge22-23_Layout 1 24/02/2016 14:34 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY23t’s every train spotter’s fantasy - a fully functionalminiature railway running through their gardenand for avid model railway enthusiast GrahamPearson, this dream has become a reality.Graham and wife Clare moved into their home twoyears ago. The previous owners had done very little with thegenerous garden other than install a fairly standard patio.The rest of the space had been left unattended andresembled a grass field, littered with numerous dock leaves.An unexpected bonus from work provided the availablebudget for the Pearson’s to embark upon transforming theiruninspiring garden, but Graham’s long standing love affairwith model railways made this a design challenge with adifference. In addition to creating somewhere inviting to sit and relax,with a design requiring minimal maintenance to uphold itsstylish good looks, Graham wanted to incorporate a fullyworking G scale railway in the confines of his back garden. Far from being devoid of planting, the garden doesincorporate fragrant as well as colourful planting and aleylandii hedge provides shelter from the elements. There’salso the inclusion of a water feature and a safe playing zonefor their grand children.Although the expanse of space provided scope forplanning a railway,offering opportunities toproduce an authenticexperience with trackszigzagging and climbingup and down slopes, aone in three gradientposed an immediateproblem since a gardenrailway can only climb agradient of about three in100.In addition to thissetback, the plan neededto provide space for a workshop and secure storage for trainsand equipment, as well as somewhere to house traditionalgarden furniture. Inspired by a picture of the Glenfinnan railway in Scotland,the solution was to introduce two decks - one to be used as apleasant shaded seating area and the other as a “controlroom” which doubled as a storage area - the steep slopeproblem was overcome as the train was able to leave thecontrol centre over a bridge and then start its journey fromthe top, as opposed to the bottom, of the garden. Themoorland theme was continued with the creation of a naturalwater feature and rockery. Since he had taken early retirement, Graham decided hewould build a significant proportion of the garden, calling inspecialist help where necessary. His labour of love started backin July 2004 and he worked religiously on the punishingproject crafting all the walling, tracks and ponds single-handedly. Steps were constructed while a rubber chipping,rather than the traditional gravel, to provide the essential‘child-proofing’.When Clare was unexpectedly taken ill, the project wasbrought forward to create a welcoming homecoming surprisefollowing her discharge from hospital. Consequentlytraditional flowers replaced the original rockery concept andthis proved the perfecttonic to aid Clare’sconvalescence. Such washer delight she burst intotears at the sight of thebeautifully transformedlandscape.As for Graham, he’sthrilled to have finally gothis garden on track and theconstant smile on people’sfaces when they first seteyes on the garden make itall worthwhile. Neighbours have requested a gateso they too can enjoy thisgardening masterpiece.This painstaking project began inthe summer of 2004Rubber chippings have beenemployed for child safety.I22-23_Layout 1 24/02/2016 14:34 Page 224 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFor many, the first sign of spring is thebeautiful blossom on fruit trees or maybethe delicate white flower of thesnowdrops. This year spring sprung earlywith tree blossom and snowdropsappearing in some places as early asJanuary. And as spring is clearly off to anearly start, you don’t want to leave it toolate to get out there, otherwise it could allstart to get ahead of you.THE MAIN AREAS OFMAINTENANCE YOU NEED TOBE DOING ARE:LawnsFeeding your lawn will increase itsvitality and help prevent weeds and mossfrom establishing. Apply fertilisers whenthe soil is moist, or when rain is expected. Mowing your lawn is one of theobvious maintenance tasks and doing thisregularly will keep your lawn in goodhealth. It is recommended to only mowonce a week at this time of year andincrease to twice a week in the summer,unless there is a prolonged period ofdrought. For the first mow set the cuttingheight of your mower to the highestsetting, and then gradually reduce theheight until the desired height is reached.The general guideline is never removemore than one-third of the leaf shoot inany one mow. Moss can be a problem in damp, poorlydrained lawns, and now is the right timeto resolve this problem. A non-chemicalway is scarification, which you can doyourself by vigorous raking but you canhire mechanical scarifiers. You can also usechemicals which may blacken the mosswithin 2 to 3 weeks and you then need torake it out and remove it.Ed Fuller from FullersForestry andLandscaping showsyou how to get the bestout of the early Spring. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/KAY ROXBYForward thinkingForward thinking24-25_Layout 1 24/02/2016 14:25 Page 1WeedingAs the garden springs into life, the dreaded weeding begins.If you start now and then carry on doing this little and often,you will have a better chance of keeping on top of this. Oneway to keep the weeds down is to apply mulch with compostor manure once you have tidied up the borders.SnowdropsYou may find that these need to be lifted and divided. Youdo this when the foliage turns yellow and you split the clumpsinto smaller pieces trying not to disturb them too much. Youcan then plant them singly at the same depth.New plantingNow is the time to plant new trees, roses, shrubs andperennials. You need to make sure that you feed them, anddon’t forget your existing trees, roses and shrubs. Make surethat you pick the right location for the new plants and if youneed any advice then your local nursery/garden centre will beable to help.At this time of year I get dozens of calls wanting a designand garden built by the end of the month. The thing toremember whenever you are thinking about the garden is toplan a minimum 3 months in advance otherwise you will endup a slave to your garden instead of enjoying what should bea relaxing entertaining space. LINCOLNSHIRETODAY25Specialised 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.comGARDEN ADVICEAround thegardenlProtect new spring shoot from slugslPlant shallots, onion sets and early potatoeslPlant summer-flowering bulbs such as Allium, Frecsia, Begonia, Crocosmia and Bearded IrislCut back Cornus (dogwood) and Salix (willow) and buddleiaslStart feeding fish and using the pond fountain and remove pond heaterslOpen the greenhouse or conservatory doors and vents on warm dayslGet rid of slimy patches on the patio by using a scrubbing broom and cleaning fluid or a pressure washerlSow sweet peaslTrim winter-flowering heathers as the flowers disappear, to prevent the plants becoming leggylKeep feeding the birdsPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/RUTH BLACK24-25_Layout 1 24/02/2016 14:25 Page 2Bringingtheindoors out As an early spring brings the garden out inbloom and quietly ushers in the summer, it’stime to take advantage of that mostunderused part of the home. The beginning of spring is perfect for redecorating anddeveloping outdoor spaces into an area every bit as26 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYGARDENSPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/IRIANA SHIYAN28 ÁEnjoy cosy evenings withfamily and friends with thispatio heater from The Orchard– perfect for extending partiesinto the night. 26-29_Layout 1 25/02/2016 09:51 Page 1Imagine a deck that won’tfade, stain, rot or split...Trex®is one of the most durable composite deckingproducts on the market, and is guaranteed for 25 yearsresidentially and 10 years commercially.now available fromHowarth Timber & Building Supplies. Eastgate, Grimsby DN32 9BATel. 0330 119 2559 Email. sales.grimsby@howarth-timber.co.ukwww.howarth-timber.co.ukLINCOLNSHIRETODAY27Scunthorpe Lawnmowers LtdWe have the tools to tackle SpringAgents for: Honda, Stihl, Mountfield, Atco, Bosch,Stiga, Hayter, Countax, Lawnflite & many moreTel: 01724 866581 - email: wayne@scunthorpelawnmowers.co.uk187 Cottage Beck Rd, Scunthorpe DN16 1TRwww.scunthorpelawnmowers.co.ukLooking for agreat gift idea?Lincolnshire Today’s gift subscription foronly £27.55 with free deliveryCall 01472 310301or visit www.lincolnshiretoday.net/3411st 3issues only£1tropical - marine - coldwater - pondVictorAquaticsPond section now openQuality locally sourced marginal plants and lillys and still low prices185 Victor Street, Grimsby DN32 7QBT: 01472 358698www.victoraquatics.co.ukBring this advert for10% off Open 7 days a week26-29_Layout 1 25/02/2016 09:51 Page 228 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYGARDENSfulfilling and cordial as its indoor counterparts. Indeed, afine-tuned garden is equal parts dining room, lounge andkitchen. With a patio heater, even chillier evenings can bespent revelling out under the stars. Composite decking comes in a variety of shades andlacquers and works with any garden space, adjusting toodd angles or creating a tiered effect. For gardeningenthusiasts, flower beds can even be incorporated into thedecking for something truly stunning. Keeping a pond never falls out of favour, but adding awater feature can add that extra dimension. A few carefullyplaced lights can dance off the water, adding aromanticism that might encourage the whole familyoutside. Approaching the garden with the same mentalityas, say, the bedroom opens up new avenues fordesign and development. Adorning the patio withsculpture or ornaments adds a finishing touch andmoves away from the hoary old gnome. Originating in Italy, this bustdepicts a Bacchante, areveller in the court ofBacchus, god of wine –featuring vine-entwined hairand a loosely draped robe. Chocolaty brown in colour,Madoera is a more traditionalrange from Four SeasonsOutdoor finished in a beautifuldark rod weave completedwith London Taupe cushions. 26-29_Layout 1 25/02/2016 09:51 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY29GARDENSMakingyourideas growPennells is one of the oldestindependent garden companies in thecountry and is in its 236th year oftrading.Pennells Garden Centre was founded by a Richard Pennell in1780. Today the company is run by the seventh and eighthgenerations Richard Pennell and his son William Pennell.The company’s earliest record of its catalogues is from the1840’s. It shows that the nursery was by then growing a widerange of plants, particularly fruit trees and rose trees.Interestingly, a rose bush cost the same as a fruit tree – 2s 6p.In recent years the garden centre at Lincoln has seen twolarge extensions offering a wide range of concessions as well asincreasing the size of the plant area whilst making it fullycovered so you can enjoy our quality plants (many grown onour own nursery) come rain or shine. The 420 seat restaurant has evolved from a 100 seat café butcontinues to offer the high quality homemade food our evergrowing customer base enjoys on a daily basis Alongside the fully covered plant area and larger restaurantLincoln has also introduced a food hall which looks to supportslocal suppliers and includes butcher of the year SimpsonsButchers.And to enjoy all of the above there are 350 free of charge carparking spaces to use when visiting the centre.To read more information about Pennellsplease visit www.pennells.co.uk/about, or youcan visit them at either of their garden centres inLincoln or Cleethorpes. 26-29_Layout 1 25/02/2016 09:51 Page 4Next >