< Previous30 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYYour garden is an outdoor space where you can relax,entertain your family and friends or play with thekids. However it is all too common for the garden tobe forgotten during the winter and then come the summer itis not prepared. No matter what the size of your plot or yourbudget, a garden can become an invaluable part of yourproperty and be a real investment. If you are looking to create the perfect outdoor space youneed to plan it, otherwise the end results could becompromised. I have been called out numerous times torescue a garden makeover where they have tried to designand build a garden in a single weekend. Every hour spentdesigning a garden will save days of back-breaking work. Alsoa well-designed garden should look like you have spent morethan you have.You could consider a variety of thing when planning yourgarden, such as:The younger members of the familyWhether it be a trampoline, goal post or swing ball theyneed space for their games and equipment. If possible have anarea which will be for them, and maybe put the trampoline inan area which doesn’t affect the lawn. You could also create avegetable patch. This doesn’t have to be that big, and couldeven be made up of pots. This could encourage them to beout in the garden all year round, and eat their vegetables.Feature Some gardens are designed around a central feature. Thiscould be something as simple as a bird bath, a pot with aIt’s a wonderfultime of year,with spring onits way andsummer justaround thecorner, and nowis the time thatpeople turn theirattention to their garden. Unsurewhere to start? Don’t worry, EdFuller from Fullers Forestry andLandscaping gives youeverything you need to know.Gardening infull spring30-31_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:45 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY31large plant or something unique. We created a feature from agabion cage filled with coloured glass which was an interestingfocal point by day and with a light shining from behind it cameinto its own at night. A feature can also be a decking area orpatio space. It is something that draws the eye, and it is a goodidea to try and position it so you can view it through a window. PrivacyAs you spend more time in the garden so will yourneighbours. At times we all want a bit of privacy but with themodern planning constraints and shortages of land, houses aremore often than not overlooked from multiple sides. There arethree types of screening, namely living, non-living and hybridscreening. Living screening usually consists of placing tall plantsin strategic places in your garden. Examples that spring to mind are bamboo – which if thecorrect clump forming varieties are selected should be easilymanaged. Other live options are trained trees, such as espalierfruit trees or pleached Hornbeam, and Willow. Non-livingscreens can be more of a feature within a garden and anopportunity to introduce different materials such as hardwood,brick, canvas or metal. You could also put various materials together to create astriking look, for example we created a boundary fence usingcedar wood and gabion pillars. A hybrid screen are those thathave plants growing over a structure to give rigidity and form.A trellis with an appropriate climber can be a very effective all.As with a net curtain, a garden screen doesn’t have to havecomplete cover for it to work. For example, three or fourstainless steel wires with a passion flower growing on them cancreate a really impressive backdrop. The last hybrid option is a‘fedge’, a cross between a fence and a hedge. Usually thisconsists of live willow pushed into the ground to build a fence,this can then be plaited to create a decorative structure.Whichever option you choose remember some of the tallerpermanent structures may require planning permission soplease check with your local authority first. Once you have planned your garden the fun is creating it,but remember Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will yourgarden. I find that most people underestimate the work that isneeded to create a garden and therefore you may want to seeit as a long term project. Otherwise you could call in theexperts who will be able to design and create your perfectgarden quicker. Fullers work with their clients to create thedesign, and strive to come up with innovative and inventivedesigns for every client. We want to create a ‘wow’ factor forevery job, regardless of its size. Specialised 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.comAround thegarden•Protect new spring shoot from slugs•Plant shallots, onion sets and early potatoes•Plant summer-flowering bulbs such as Allium, Frecsia, Begonia, Crocosmia and Bearded Iris•Cut back Cornus (dogwood) and Salix (willow) and buddleias•Start feeding fish and using the pond fountain and remove pond heaters•Open the greenhouse or conservatory doors and vents on warm days•Get rid of slimy patches on the patio but using a scrubbing broom and cleaning fluid or a pressure washer•Sow sweet peas•Trim winter-flowering heathers as the flowers disappear, to prevent the plants becoming leggy•Keep feeding the birdsGARDENS30-31_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:45 Page 2WOODHALLSPA@HUNTERS.COM / 01526 354 111 SALES / LETTINGS / MANAGEMENT / HUNTERS.COMAs seen on TV!* The commission fee will become due on exchange of unconditional contracts for the sale of the property. Other charges may apply. If you are under contract with another agent you may still be liable also to pay their fee.Call now to book in a free, no obligation, and rental value of your property. We’re running a valuations month in Woodhall Spa and surrounding areas. Thursday 1st March - Saturday 31st March 2018Pay us on results, no sale, no fee!*How much has your property increasedin price?turner evans stevensHERE TO GET you THERENational recognition, local expertise,covering all ofLincolnshire.32-37_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:47 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY33WOODHALL SPAGeographically, Woodhall Spa is wellplaced within easy reach of Horncastle,Lincoln and Boston. Despite thatproximity, the village continues to enjoyits independence and although it boastsmany more modern amenities than itused to, it never once feels as though itsidentity has been compromised. Though some historic villages haveplenty of sights to see, they can often belacking when it comes to anything otherthan history. Woodhall Spa, however, hasan impressive array of events andattractions that keep locals entertained allyear round and ensure the village’s coffersare always well stocked.One of the village’s premier attractionsis Kinema in the Woods. Theestablishment has a rich history whichdates back to the late 19th century whenit used to be a sports and entertainmentpavilion. It was originally situated on thegrounds of The Victoria Hotel, where itoverlooked a quaint panorama of tenniscourts, croquet lawns and gardens. Buttragedy struck when the hotel burneddown on Easter Sunday back in 1920thereby severing the relationship betweenthe two establishments. Two years later, the hotel ruins werepurchased in a deal that included thesports pavilion. It was officiallytransformed into a cinema that year andopened its doors for the very first time onSeptember 11 1922. An interesting bit oflocal trivia is that The Lion Eaterswassupposed to be the first film aired there,but because of its failure to arrive, aWhen in Woodhall Spa Situated on the southernedge on Lincolnshire’sverdant Wolds, WoodhallSpa is often held up as oneof the county’s mostpicturesque and invitingvillages. It even fendedthousands off to beshortlisted in Channel 4’sVillage of the Year. Despitebeing robbed of first place,it does show the continuedcultural important andongoing appeal this villagehas over locals and visitorsalike. © www.woodhallspa.co.uk© Kinema in the Woods34 Á32-37_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:47 Page 234 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWOODHALL SPACharlie Chaplin film was show instead. Nodoubt that factoid will come in handydown the local boozer. Kinema in the Woods remains a family-run business to this day, where it showsall manner of movies from the very latestblockbusters, to more art house fare and,let’s not forget, classic films. This is agreat way to catch a film on the silverscreen that you may have missed (or havebeen too young to see) the first timearound. If classic films continue to pull inthe punters, than they’ve got nothing onKinema’s annual outdoor screenings.Taking place in the summer, thesedelightful experiences offer groups offriends and families the opportunity tosprawl out on a blanket with a picnic andenjoy an outdoor screening comerain or shine. But you have to bequick as tickets are snapped up innext to no time. Although holiday and activityparks are a dime a dozen inLincolnshire, there’s somethingspecial about Jubilee Park. We putit to anyone to attend and not enjoythemselves. It’s practically impossible withsuch a vast amount of activities on offer,including a putting green, a croquetlawn, a games hut, a luxurious outdoorpool and, of course, a caravan park. Thelatter opens again in March, ready for theEaster period. It’s little wonder that thepark has long been a favourite for familiesduring half terms, and it’s a great way toget kids out of the house and active.Given the park was fully-refurbished lastyear, you can rest assured that it’s betterthan ever. There are a slew of highlights inWoodhall Spa’s cultural calendar that area continual delight for locals but also pullin people near and far. Taking place onSunday 20 May, Woodhall Spa CountryShow is an event that is eagerly awaitedeach year. The show is run by a team ofdedicated volunteers whose tireless effortsensure that each and every instalment is ariveting success. All proceeds raised bythe show are fed back into the localcommunity in order to help support otherorganisations. It’s reassuring knowing thatthis kind of community spirit still existstoday and that people still take pride inand respect their home towns andvillages. This year the committee behind theWoodhall Spa Show are launching abursary scheme to help people agedbetween 16 and 28 who require financialassistance to carry our projects or researchin the realm of rural crafts, culture,heritage or agriculture which hasan education benefit. The village’s other mostanticipated annual event is, ofcourse, the 1940s Weekend which© Jubilee Park37 Á32-37_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:47 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY35Charles H Hill Ltd. Moor Lane, Horsington,Woodhall Spa, LN10 5HH.Tel: 01526 388281www.charleshhill.co.ukSituated by the first fairway of the Bracken course at theNational Golf Centre, Woodhall Spa – home of the EnglishGolf Union, The Dower House Hotel is an elegant andintimate country house hotel, full of character and charm!•Ideal wedding venue •Sunday lunches •Afternoon teas• Golfing packages • Corporate hire • Function hireThe Dower House Hotel offers a delightful choice of setting for your wedding, and isa unique venue to hold an event, or celebrate that special occasion. Whether businessor leisure, the attentive service you will receive is second to none.Manor Estate, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire LN10 6PY.Tel: (01526) 352588 Email: info@the-dowerhousehotel.co.ukWeb: www.dowerhousehotel.co.ukLarge two bedroom flatto rent in the centre of Woodhall Spa with agarage. Telephone 07515 390828For RentLarge two bedroom flatto rent in the centre of Woodhall Spa with agarage. Telephone 07515 390828For Rent32-37_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:48 Page 432-37_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:48 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRETODAY37WOODHALL SPAWoodhall Spa Country Show wasfounded by a group of livestock andvintage enthusiasts, the hub of the showstill revolves around the cattle, sheep,poultry and vintage sections, keeping theshow in touch with its roots. Every year an agricultural theme is followedthroughout the Show. The theme for 2018 on20th May will be ‘Breeds of Sheep’.Web: www.woodhallspashow.co.ukTel: 07519 319 910Email: info@woodhallspashow.co.ukCountry Showgoes down a storm each and every year. As the titlemight suggest, the event is a celebration of the forties– its fashions, music and that quintessentially Britishcan-do attitude. This year’s instalment is taking placeon the 7 & 8 July 2018 which, as eagle-eyed readersmay notice, is a week earlier than normal. This issimply because it needed to be organised aroundseveral other events taking place in the village in July.Needless to say, it’s got a lot on its plate this year. As with the Country Show, the 1940s Weekend isrun by a team of volunteers whose hard work anddedication year in year out needs commending.Although the festival finances itself, there are certainexpenditures such as medical cover, hall rental andequipment hire, that require fundraising. This isachieved through a combination of charging forparking, donations from the 200 Club as well asdonations and sponsorship from local businesses.Without this ‘we’re all in together’ attitude, there’s noway Woodhall Spa would continue to put on some ofLincolnshire’s very best events each year. Despite its events and attractions, we’ve still notsaid a thing about the village’s plethora of hotels andrestaurants. Many of our favourite establishments areto be found in Woodhall Spa, with local produce inabundance and an attention to elegance. While thevillage is upmarket, it never feels elitist and the localsare only ever welcoming. There’s a great many reasons more why WoodhallSpa is a crown in the county’s jewel, but you’ll justhave to go and see for yourself. Trust us, you won’tregret it. © www.woodhallspa.co.uk© www.woodhallspa.co.uk32-37_Layout 1 22/02/2018 08:30 Page 638 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYIt’s long been believed that the brown hare (otherwiseknown as the European hare) displays peculiar behaviourthroughout its breeding season, earning its reputation asthe mad march hare. Indeed, the old English idiom “madas a March hare” simply means to display odd behaviouror act in a way that goes against good sense. It’s aphrase perfectly suited to describe many inparliament. Although Lewis Carroll didn’t cointhe term, he certaintypopularised it, and with somany adaptations of Alice inWonderland, it remainsfirmly fixed in the publicconsciousness. Its originsdate back severalhundred years beforeAlice took her tumble intoCarol’s surrealdreamscape. The earliestmention of a mad marchhare dates back to 1500 withthe poem ‘Blowbol’s Test’.References were rife throughout the16th century, but it was Carroll’s tea partyin 1865 that forever fixed the reputation. Hares themselves are rightfully labelled as madthroughout spring, displaying as they do a slew ofstrange behaviours. These include boxing with otherhares, jumping up and down for no good reason andemploying a general air of abnormality. The March Hare is one of the more memorable characters in LewisCarroll’s surreal menagerie, although its association with this monthstretches much further back. LincolnshirewildlifeElsewhere in myth and culture, hares represent fertilityas they enjoy carnal delights as much as rabbits. Thiswould perhaps part explain why they act so strangelywhen it comes to breeding season. But hares are also preyto the hungry jaws of hunting dogs and the shotguns ofpoachers. Though hare coursing has been banned inLincolnshire, there are those that still illegallypartake. Fortunately Operation Galileo ishaving some promising results indealing with coursers andputting an end to the bloodsport. Brown hares were once acommon feature of theEnglish lowland landscapebut since the sixties theirpopulation is believed tohave fallen by someseventy-five per cent. Herein Lincolnshire, there areplenty of open arable fields,meaning brown hares are stillas common in our country. That’sprobably why we have such aproblem with coursers. You’ll know March has arrived by the strangebehaviour exhibited outside your window. But it’s not allquizzical antics and strange goings-on, with hares upagainst adversity. So spare a thought for the humblehare when you’re tucking into your chocolate eggs thisEaster. © Shutterstock / Tone Trebar 38-39_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:49 Page 1© Shutterstock / nomad-photo.eu 38-39_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:49 Page 2Next >