< Previous20 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIREInterpreting the NATURAL WORLDJohn Lincoln is an artist based in the southof the county. His incredibly varied workfocuses on his surroundings in the fenlandin and around The Deepings. We catch upwith him as a new exhibition of his workopens in Skegness.Interpreting the NATURAL WORLD020-021:Layout 1 18/3/13 08:59 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY21ARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIREHaving been a civil servant for most ofhis life, John Lincoln has been involved inart for a long time but not in the wayyou might expect. Having worked withintechnical 3D graphics and coming upwith promotional and structural piecesfor exhibition stands for the RAF, John’spersonal work is starkly different.Although technical experience hasinformed his art, it is much more abstractand esoteric and has its roots in pastoralclimes. Living in Deeping St James, Johnis surrounded by the fenland which is sodistinctive in much of his work. However,a sense of experimentation is theoverriding factor you notice whenstepping into his home studio. Mixedmedia, drawings and canvases rich incolour sit alongside bleaker, starker effortsthat give a real sense of interpretation. John explains his influences, “I love thefens, I think they are fantastic, Baston Fenand Woodwalton Fen are great. There’san area of scientific interest at Baston Fenwhere the river has unique fish andinsects as well as being an area where acertain yellow Iris grows.“My work reflects the context of theplaces I paint or draw, it’s a version ofwhat I’ve experienced there. It’s almostlike saying ‘here’s what I saw, maybe youcould too if you went there’.“I’ve always experimented, not stickingto a technique or style. I look at a subjectand see how best it might be served. Alot of my work is one longexperimentation.”With regard to other artists, John stateshe tries not to ape others but respects allsorts of different artists, both living anddead, “I have a study full of art books,but it’s a falsehood to be too influenced, Ican appreciate finding out how artistsachieve what they do but I try andexplore what I’m interested in. Onepainter I am interested in is GrahamSutherland, his approach to trees andlandscapes as well as his work on WorldWar II are fantastic. I also appreciatepeople like Paul Clay, Morris Graves andMark Toby.”John’s work on trees and flowers isvastly varied, some are extreme close-upworks in abstract and bright colours,others use mixed media or techniques hehas picked up over the years. One isdecalcomania, whereby plastic film or foilis placed on a surface to be painted overor on, creating a unique and visually-arresting look. John will also use handfulsof twigs and debris from the woodlandfloor or even incorporate items intendedfor crafting in his paintings. As a result,some of his work has a rough, tactile lookand feel, truly getting back to nature, orleaps off the canvas in three dimensions.John’s latest exhibition is taking placeat the Embassy Theatre in Skegness,although he has exhibited all over thecountry. His collection interprets thebeauty and diversity of trees in particularand runs until March 23rd.For moreinformation on John orto see more of his work,log on towww.art-insight.co.uk020-021:Layout 1 18/3/13 08:59 Page 2to keep them at their best butwhatever you choose they provide acontinuously changing but everpresent background to the garden.The reason shrubs are so important for all year interest is thatthey have a variety of foliage, flowers, fruits and stems that canbe admired over a long season.There are many different sizes of shrubs that aren’t just grownfor their flowers: from low growing ground cover plants likecotoneaster; to plants that can be used for their winter stemcolours such as cornus (dogwood) and foliage shrubs like fatsiajaponica ‘spiders web’ with large glossy architectural leaves andstriking white variegation.Here are some suggestions for flowering shrubs in anygarden.CrataegusThe common Hawthorne Crataegus monogyna could just bethought of as a native countryside small tree or shrub but theyare spectacular at this time of year with profusions of white orsometimes pink flowers absolutely covering the plants and, asthey are normally used for hedges that are cut back to oftenflowering often doesn’t occur but when you see them stood ontheir own untouched they are a native beauty.As the common Hawthorne is very vigorous they may not besuitable for some gardens, there are different types to choose22 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYGARDENSThe soil is warming to a decent temperature and there’s plentyof moisture in the ground, making now a good time to put plantsin. The spring bulbs are fading and the herbaceous plants are stillgathering their strength ready for putting on a show, so there isroom for another type of plant to take centre stage at this time ofthe year - the flowering shrub!Once thought of as plants to be grouped together in a ‘shrubborder’ these can now be recognised for their impact as plants togive all year structure in a mixed border or as spectacularspecimen plant stood on their own.The flowering shrub can provide colour, structure, all yearinterest and can be very beneficial for insects and birds. Due tothe fantastic range we have to choose from there is one for everygarden aspect you can imagine. Some shrubs are the easiest plants to grow with all year interestand virtually no maintenance and some require a little more careSPRINGis truly here Our gardening expert Rob Parry is crossing hisfingers and hoping the sun starts really shiningsoon, but what needs to be done this month? Amelanchier lamarckii022-026:Layout 1 18/3/13 11:46 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY23pennellsonline.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 moreCrataegusJobs to do this monthSow grass seed for repairing and creating lawnsGet early germinating weeds under control Sow hardy annuals and herb seeds outdoorsKeep an eye out for aphid outbreaks on young shootsPlant summer flowering bulbs and tubers such ascannas, dahlias and lillies in borders and containers.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/EVA GRUENDEMANNfrom. A good variety for the garden is Crataegus lavigata ‘Paulsscarlet’ which has a more upright habit withtoothed,glossy,dark green leaves and a profusion of double redflowers in late spring and early summer.Amelanchier lamarckii This is another beautiful spring flowering deciduousspreading shrub. Young leaves unfold bronze as abundantsprays of star shaped white flowers open from mid to latespring. The foliage matures to dark green, then turning brilliantred and orange in autumn. A truly spectacular must have allyear interest shrub.022-026:Layout 1 18/3/13 11:46 Page 224 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYGARDENSPolemonium ‘Northern Lights’A clump forming plant with fern like foliage and large icymid-blue highly scented flowers repeating May to August.Height and spread 40cm. This is a sterile form of Jacobsladder so doesn’t seed its self round the garden.Brunnera ‘Mr morse’A fantastic foliage plant with silver leaves and green veins,although the foliage is the star all year this variety has largewhite flowers in spring. Height and spread 40cm.Helenium ‘Sahins early flowerer’Striking burnt orange flowers are born on tall stems fromearly June to October; this is the earliest of all varieties andseems to flower all season. Height 1m spread 60cm.Crocosmia ‘Okavango’Dense heads of large rounded peach flowers emergingfrom a dense clump of luscious green spear shaped leaves.Height 75cm.Ten ofthe best!Our gardening expert Rob Parry give us someearly advice on what perennials might look greatin your garden this summer!26 Polemonium ‘Northern Lights’Brunnera ‘Mr morse’Helenium ‘Sahins early flowerer’Crocosmia ‘Okavango’022-026:Layout 1 18/3/13 11:46 Page 3www.peacock.co.ukBRIGGBridge Street01652600200LOUTHGrimsby Road 01507353500CORRINGHAMHigh St 01427838696CHAINSAWS, STRIMMERS, HEDGE TRIMMERS, LEAF BLOWERS, TOOLS etcQUALITY GARDEN MACHINERYfor serious Gardeners!1st 3issues only£1Looking for a great gift idea?Lincolnshire Today’s gift subscription for only £27.55 with free deliveryCall 01472 310301 or visit www.lincolnshiretoday.net/341Everything you need for your Garden!Massive Range of New Stock Arrived for Easter!Rattan Furniture lCast Aluminium Furniture l Oak Furniture Windows and Conservatories l Landscaping l Patios/Drives Artificial Grass lSkip HireSandtoft Auction- Retro & Vintage- Home & Garden- Buy and Sell!- House clearances wanted!Check website for dates of auctions...sandtoftauction.co.ukDoncaster Landscape & Garden CentreSandtoft Road Belton DN9 1PN (Next to Sandtoft Airfield) Tel: 01427 872300 www.doncastergardencentre.co.ukQualityproductsat greatprices!Great range of Rattan and Oak FurnitureScunthorpe Lawnmowers LTD 187 Cottage Beck Rd DN16 1TRTel: 01724 866581 www.scunthorpelawnmowers.co.uk022-026:Layout 1 18/3/13 11:46 Page 426 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYGARDENSCirsium Rivulare ‘Atropurpureum’Brilliantly bright, very compact purple thistle like flowers are held onslender stems above a rosette of foliage over a very long season - Mayto June and August to December. Height 1m.Helianthus ‘Lemon Queen’A tall perennial with dark green foliage and light yellow flowersfrom summer to autumn, with pale yellow florets and a dark yellowcentre. Height 2mtrs spread 1m.Monarda ‘Jacob Cline’This impessive perennial produces Brilliant scarlet flowers on tallstrong mildew resistant plants, reaching 1-1.5m.Echinops ‘Taplow Blue’This is a robust upright perennial with rounded steel -blue flowerheads that provides structure and colour to the garden. Height 1mspread 0.5m.Salvia Nemorosa ‘caradonna’ photo: Thomas H. KentWhat a Salvia ! Violet blue flower spikes from June to Octoberprovide a long season of interest for colour, bees and butterflies.Height 60cm.Echinacea ‘Tikki Torch’A deep orange form of coneflower with deeperorange middles on branched stems really heatsup the garden border in summer. Height 65cm.Cirsium Rivulare ‘Atropurpureum’Helianthus ‘Lemon Queen’Monarda ‘Jacob Cline’Echinops ‘Taplow Blue’Salvia Nemorosa ‘caradonna’ PHOTO: THOMAS H. KENTEchinacea ‘Tikki Torch’022-026:Layout 1 18/3/13 11:46 Page 5ExploringLINCOLNSHIRETODAY27STAMFORDPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/DAVID PETER ROBINSONStamford has long been recognised asone of the most beautiful and historiclocations in Lincolnshire. In fact, it wasthe first place in England and Wales to bedeclared an area of outstandingarchitectural or historic importance. Thiseffectively makes the area a conservationtown, meaning that all of its stonebuildings and 17th century heritage isprotected against any and alldevelopment. Stamford has more thanhalf of the total listed buildings inLincolnshire, with over six hundred stonebuildings. In more recent years, thetown has had its share of fame featuringin the period TV drama Middlemarch,and even on the big screen in the 2005adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. For the visitor, one of the mostnoticeable aspects of Stamford is theabundance of its stone buildings. Notonly the older residences, but also themain High Street buildings and evenmany of the shops and restaurants retaintheir original antique charm. For thehistory buff, Stamford offers plenty ofinterest. The history of the town goesback over a thousand years, when it was28 ExploringSTAMFORDWe visit one of the oldest towns in Lincolnshire, which has more than its fair share ofincredible history. 027-029:Layout 1 18/3/13 09:45 Page 128 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYSTAMFORDone of the most powerful boroughs inthe country. Since then, the Danes,Romans and even medieval society hastreated Stamford as an area of incredibleimportance. More than one bloody battlehas been fought around Stamford.The Stamford Museum showcasesmuch of this history, with many exhibitsof some of the earliest forms ofarchitecture used in the region. What’smore, tourists should make a point tovisit the five different medieval parishchurches in the area.While down in Stamford, we took thetime to visit the Corn Exchange, abuilding shrouded in history since it wasoriginally opened in 1859. The Exchangehas served in a wide variety of roles fromits original use to a venue for soirees andsociety functions that even served thePrince of Wales in 1863. Nowadays it’srun entirely by volunteers who havetransformed the old building into a busytheatre. With seating for almost fourhundred guests, and the ability to hostbusiness conferences and other events,it’s great to see such an old building stillbeing put into use.There’s more to Stamford however,than the distant past. Despite the core of17th and 18th century stone buildings,the town has really come to life as ashopping destination. The high streetitself is almost reminiscent of Paris instyle, and the range of stores availableleaves visitors spoiled for choice. For alocale with a rather modest 18,000residents, the town boasts elevenchurches, twenty restaurants and overthirty pubs! What’s more, each Fridayand Saturday sees the town transformedby the bustling market that takes overthe cobbled streets, drawing visitors andresidents from across the world. It’s not hard to find things to do inStamford. The people are incrediblyfriendly and rightly proud of the townthey live in. While taking the time toenjoy a cup of tea at Stuart PorterAntiques, an antique’s store which boastsa tea room filled with curios, all of whichare still for sale, we were told of the scaryghost walks that take place at nightacross Stamford. It’s perhaps notsurprising that such an old town shouldhave its share of spirits, but the dimly litcobbled streets certainly add an air of027-029:Layout 1 18/3/13 09:45 Page 2LINCOLNSHIRETODAY29STAMFORDVictorian mystery to the experience! There’s plenty for the family toget up to in and aroundStamford too. Burghley Houseoffers the “Garden ofSurprises” – a period gardenwhich offers delights from acomplicated mirror maze,swivelling busts of Caesarall the way to jets of waterto spray the kids. Thoughit is a little further out thereis also Tallington Lakes tofinish a family day out. Witha wide range of sportingactivities and events for theentire family, it’s a great way toround off a weekend visit toStamford. Above: Enjoying a relaxing cup of tea at StuartPorter AntiquesLeft: Even during the rain, the streets of Stamfordare bustlingFor the visitor one of the mostnoticeable aspects of Stamfordis the abundance of its stonebuildings We were told of the scaryghost walks thattake place at nightacross Stamford. It’sperhaps not surprising thatsuch an old town shouldhave its share ofpoltergeists, but the dimlylit cobbled streetscertainly add an airof Victorianmystery to theexperience!Stamford Barber ShopThe original Men’s Barber Shop & Male Groomerswith treatments including Traditional Cut-throatShave & specialist Luxury Hot Towel Shaves, facials,eyebrow grooming & wedding packagesMonday – Closed, Tuesday – 8am - 4.30pm, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday – 8am - 5.30pm, Evenings & Saturday’s by appointmentTelephone: 01780 754440 Email: barber@stamfordbarbershop.co.ukOnline booking available at: www.stamfordbarbershop.co.uk1st 3issues only£1Looking for a great gift idea?Lincolnshire Today’s gift subscription for only £27.55 with free deliveryCall 01472 310301 or visit www.lincolnshiretoday.net/341Contemporary Ladieswear collections43 St. Pauls StreetStamfordLincs 01780 766675The ButtermarketNewarkNotts 01636 705084InWear Second Female Sud Express Lucy Choi ShoesHudson Jeans Orelia Jewellery 027-029:Layout 1 18/3/13 09:45 Page 3Next >