< Previous20 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY * Soft Shield Fern (Polystichum setiferum) – With finely divided, evergreen fronds, this fern adds delicate texture and pairs beautifully with bolder foliage like hostas and hart’s tongue fern. Another resilient native, it copes well with occasional dry spells. * Copper Shield Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) – A showstopper with bright coppery-pink new fronds in spring and summer, adding an unexpected splash of colour to shady areas. Thrives in dry shade. * Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum) – An exquisite, delicate fern with silvery fronds that appear hand- painted, featuring a striking dark green- grey stripe down the centre. * Polypody (Polypodium vulgare) – This charming native fern, whose name means “many-footed,” happily creeps over stone walls and tree forks, making it ideal for filling nooks and crannies. Perfect for any gardens have areas that receive little sunlight, perhaps a shadowy corner beneath a tree or a narrow passageway leading from the back door. While these spaces may seem like problem areas, they can become thriving, green retreats. With the right plant choices and thoughtful design, even the dampest, gloomiest corner can be transformed into a verdant haven for both people and wildlife. If there’s one group of plants that truly thrives in the shade, it’s ferns. With hundreds of varieties, each boasting unique and striking foliage, gardeners have an abundance of choices. Here are five standout ferns to consider for your garden: * Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) – A hardy, evergreen native that tolerates dry soil. Its glossy, leathery fronds are a familiar sight on woodland walks. Shaking up shady spots shady spots Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping shares expert tips on making the most of those shady spots in your garden by creating a stunning fernery!* Watch out for last frosts and protect tender plants * Collect rainwater * Earth up potatoes, and plant any remaining * Plant out summer bedding at the end of the month (unless it is still cold) * Open greenhouse vents and doors on warm days * Feed pond fish regularly * Clip hedges but check for nesting birds first * Lift and divide overcrowded clumps of daffodils and other spring-flowering bulbs * Start planting vegetables for a harvest this year such as asparagus, rhubarb, carrots, cauliflowers, artichokes, brassicas and courgettes * Watch out for viburnum beetle and lily beetle grubs and use natural sprays to control them LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 21 FULLERS Call 01522 868717 or 07867 510544 landscapinglincolnshire@gmail.com www.landscapinglincolnshire.com GARDEN ADVICE Specialised Service in Garden Design and Landscaping Backed by a highly-skilled and experienced team, we’ve built our reputation on an ability to provide our clients with professional, tailored garden design and construction services. Around the garden adding instant character to a fernery or stumpery. Rather than simply planting a bed of ferns, why not take things to the next level by creating a stumpery? This is an especially great option if you’ve recently removed a tree or hedge and are left with unsightly stumps. Instead of seeing them as a problem, turn them into a striking garden feature. Their weathered, gnarled forms provide the perfect natural framework. Start with a variety of shade-loving plants such as ferns and foxgloves, choosing a mix of shapes and sizes will add depth and interest to your stumpery. You can also use mosses and lichens to accelerate the ageing process. Along with stumps you can also use driftwood or reclaimed wood for a more natural look. The key to achieving a natural look is to tuck plants into every nook and cranny. Do not be afraid to divide larger plants and place smaller sections into crevices, allowing them to spread and intertwine naturally over time. After planting, water everything thoroughly, then apply a mulch of bark chips or shredded woody garden waste. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health, while also adding a polished, natural finish to the space. In a short time you will have a green focal point added to your garden. © stock.adobe.com/mashiki © stock.adobe.com/JohnatAPW © stock.adobe.com/Nikongal/Wirestock22 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY GARDENS A midst the hustle and bustle of life, many are transforming their gardens to create areas for wellbeing; places where we can disconnect from stress and embrace the well-known mental health benefits of spending time in green spaces. Gardens can be designed to support wellbeing in many different ways. Here are a few options to consider. Focus on the senses The sensory experience of nature is connected to our mental health, with its sights, sounds and smells producing calming effects. Try to engage all the senses to provide an immersive experience. Consider planting aromatic herbs and fragrant flowers such as lavender, plants with varying textures, and those that move hypnotically with the breeze. For soothing sounds incorporate a water feature or wind chimes, rustling grasses, or a satisfyingly crunchy gravel path, as well as sound barriers such as through hedges to block external noise. Furthermore, for additional texture, look to contrast rough and smooth, hard and soft, with pebbles and barks for example, encouraging touch, interaction and offering a sense of grounding. Choosing the right colours The colours around your garden can also be selected to promote wellbeing, with certain shades associated with specific emotions, from calm to excitement. Soft blues, purples, pinks and green offer a soothing aura, while bright yellows and oranges can bring feelings of happiness. Ensure not to overwhelm with too many colours or sensory aspects in one place, however, and instead think about forming zones throughout the garden which use different colour schemes and features to conjure the mood you desire. All about the journey Through the different spaces in your garden, look to create a journey to establish a feeling that you are stepping away from Creating a garden for wellbeing Offering spots for reflection and relaxation, gardens supporting wellbeing are growing in popularity. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 23 GARDENS © stock.adobe.com/jd-photodesign the busy world around you. Consider winding paths, sunken levels, or providing division between areas to separate for example a patio for entertaining from a spot for meditation. This could be done with hedges, shrubs, and trellises. Having dedicated spaces for reflection is a welcome idea, as somewhere to relax amongst nature, whether it be a carefully formed Zen Garden or a simple nook with your favourite garden chair. Is it also useful to incorporate comfortable seating, to allow you to rest, and by placing this seating in front of shrubs and hedging one can establish a feeling of protection. Welcome wildlife Watching wildlife has been correlated with reduced stress and improved mood, thus many wellbeing gardens take steps to attract birds, bees, butterflies, and other creatures. This may involve planting nectar-rich flowers to feed pollinators or incorporating birdbaths and feeders, or shelters like butterfly houses. By creating a garden with its psychological impact in mind, one can establish a space of tranquillity that offers a retreat from the stresses of modern life and a place to connect with both yourself and nature. ABBEY TREE SERVICES Professional tree care n OUR SERVICES: n All aspects of tree care n Hedge cutting n Dangerous trees & call outs n Wood mulch/chip & Logs We cover Woodhall Spa, Coningsby, Horncastle & surrounding areas in Lincolnshire CALL FOR A FREE QUOTE 01526 352 573 n abbeytreeservices1@gmail.com abbeytreeservices-woodhallspa.co.uk 01526 352 573 / 07717195089 abbey_treeservices abbeyts24 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY CAISTOR C aistor is a great place for history buffs, shoppers, beer enthusiasts and more – and having so much to delight in such a small town might have one wondering how it can be true. Caistor has existed as a settlement since before even the Middle Ages. It was once a Roman camp and Caistor is peppered with blue plaques commemorating historical events and buildings. An ideal first stop to escape the cold and rain is the Caistor Arts and Heritage Centre, which has made its home inside a former Victorian Methodist chapel. The sense of peace nurtured by the building’s façade and trio Caistor Proud Caistor – and those who live there – are inordinately proud of their community and their home, and it shows in every little way. Photo courtesy of Mike Galligan of arch windows follows you inside, where a six-metre-long timeline retells the town’s history from 8,000 BC up to the present day, and exhibitions bring local artists centre stage. But Caistor isn’t just for the history buffs. When thinking about historic market towns, it’s all too easy to focus on the past - the people and events that have shaped what we see today. Caistor is a place on the front foot, using a rich and varied past to influence a bright, exciting future for anyone who lives, works, or visits this delightful town on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds. At the heart of the surge towards further enhancing its reputation as a jewel in Lincolnshire’s crown, is a combination of the energy brought by an ever-growing number of independent businesses and the renovation of two focal points: the Arts and Heritage Centre, which was the subject of the BBC’s Village SOS show in 2011, and, more recently, 2-4 Market Place, an ongoing project run by Caistor and District Community Trust to restore a complex set of five interlinked listed buildings in the centre of town. The Arts and Heritage Centre has been fueling connections between residents, cyclists, walkers and businesspeople for over 14 years, providing coffee by Stokes LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 25 CAISTOR of Lincoln, tasty treats from Caistor’s very own The Choowee Cookie Company and showcasing local heritage finds, stories and artistic talent. It’s proven to be a vital part of the link between the past, present, and future and between the local small business community, which provides a variety of experiences which you’ll struggle to find in similar small towns. Take a wander through Caistor today and you’ll find, among an enticing range of food and drink offerings, reupholstery specialists Harry & the Beagle, hand-crafted and sourced offerings at The Little Gift House, sustainably focused wedding dresses at Bridal Reloved and a generous supply of sweet treats at SweetieBelles; there’s even a well- supported Post Office - how’s that for variety? These enterprising businesses run late night shopping events, keep your eyes open for the next one, and in the meantime, head to South Street Park on the first Wednesday of the month for the delights of Caistor Street Food Market; South Street Park is also the location for the Caistor Beer Festival in early June, hosted by the Caistor and District Lions. This year alone, the Lions have made donations to five international charities, as well as to local schools, Town Hall Caistor, and to a local schoolgirl who asked for help with travel expenses for a Girl Guide trip to Iceland. Summer is an especially busy time for Caistor with the Beer Festival taking place on the 6th and 7th of June. In addition to the current selection of businesses, when 2-4 Market Place opens up in late 2025/early 2026, included will be a handful of commercial space opportunities, which are already receiving healthy interest from businesspeople wanting to make the most of Caistor’s forward momentum. It isn’t only the town centre where the action happens: a short walk away you’ll find Caistor Lakes, a well-established and rapidly-growing leisure park, the award- winning BFit Gym and even businesses in the creative sector, such as Knapton Wright, a people and planet-focused marketing agency, and its neighbour, Systematic, the print and design experts celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. There are plenty of other businesses in and around the town, of course, all taking advantage of the local and regional talent pool, but this isn’t a Photo courtesy of Destination Lincolnshire 26 Á The Caistor Lions host and support numerous events in Caistor, making sure the town has a sense of community – while also supporting numerous charities. Here are some of the events coming up that they’ve helped with. This Summer * 17 May – Club Charter Dinner – 45th Anniversary of the club * 13 May – Invite from Caistor Bowls Club to bowling evening * 6/7 June – Beer Festival * 13 June – Support for ‘Caistor Goes’ event and Caistor Running Club (the Sting) * 19 July – Providing catering for local Music Marathon event Later in the year * 8 November – Bonfire Night and Fireworks Display * 16 November – Victorian Market * December – Santa’s Sleigh Visits * December – Carol Concert Photo courtesy of Destination Lincolnshire26 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY CAISTOR directory. If you want to know more, you’ll have to come and see for yourself what Caistor has to offer, you won’t regret it. All of this is why Caistor is seen as one of the more desirable places to live in Lincolnshire, with property prices having skyrocketed in recent years. There are numerous restaurants and cafes, a lively pub scene and incredibly friendly locals. In the summer months, cyclists often come stop by Caistor during their trails, and it’s not uncommon to see them in Caistor’s restaurants and streets. Caistor is also surprisingly arty. The Arts and Heritage Centre is an obvious nod to that, but Caistor also has a bustling arts and crafts scene, and artistic flair was actually one of the ways the community kept spirits high during the lockdown so many years ago. That same artistry is commonly visible in floral displays arranged across Caistor. What quickly becomes obvious is that locals are proud of Caistor and want to keep being so, which shows in how free of litter the town is, and how much care and attention go into every little detail. In other locations, you often see flowerpots empty and bins broken or overturned as apathy sets in, but that’s not the case in Caistor. Local businesses work with people to keep a picturesque environment, and those same local businesses support the local schools and parks, providing safe and fun places for children to play and learn. If you visit later in the year, the walking tours led by kind volunteers at the Caistor Heritage Trust are an excellent way to get familiar with the local history. Running every Sunday Skin Couture 13a Market Place, Caistor, LN7 6TW Telephone: 01472 852063 Social media: @skincouturebeautycaistor We are boutique beauty salon on a mission to make you look & feel fabulous. Our menu is designed to offer treatments to meet your every need from the daily essentials to advanced results. Our speciality is providing high quality results driven treatment at affordable prices while maintaining a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. We want our clients to love visiting Skin Couture! Knapton Wright A town on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds and a creative marketing agency working with brands that put people and the planet first: a match made in heaven. Whether you are aspiring to be better and do better, are already stuck into your sustainability journey but could be better at shouting about it, or perhaps you need expert input on what step to take next, the team at Knapton Wright can support you with all of it. From brand design and development to websites, a key tool for business success, and the story connecting you with your customers, we enjoy the challenge of a growing scale-up as much as bringing a refreshing angle to an established brand. All the while, you’ll find us providing opportunities to aspiring and established creative people who love to bring a marketing mindset to work every day. Find out more at knaptonwright.co.uk/LincsToday. from May to September, with extra Wednesday walks in July and August, they introduce you to just a few of Caistor’s fifty- six listed buildings, amongst them the Grammar School, as well as the Old Session’s House, nineteenth century Fire Station and Home Guard HQ. You can also be led down Lucy’s Lane to see the Roman Wall and learn the hidden secrets of the Tower of Caistor. If you’re up for exploring more after that, or would rather go at your own pace, the self-guided Caistor Walkabout leads you into the heart of this town’s dedicated Conservation Area, where you can find many grade two listed buildings at any time of year. History buffs, nature lovers, craftspeople and hobbyists alike will find something to enjoy in Caistor. Beyond the cultural delights of the Heritage Centre and historical sights, arts and crafts suppliers, antique sellers, fashion boutiques and even a dedicated model railway shop are there for your admiration and inspiration. Some of these even inhabit Caistor’s listed buildings, like the Bricktree Gallery in The Loft on Bob’s Lane. However you’d like to unwind or set out on an adventure, be sure to come down to Caistor, especially if you’re yet to enjoy your first visit. Photo courtesy of Destination LincolnshireBrigg Road, Grasby, Barnetby DN38 6AQ The Cross Keys Inn offers hearty home cooked meals, made using high quality, local produce and a fantastic selection of quality drinks with amazing views of the Lincolnshire countryside. Deals of the week Monday 2x Pie and Mash £24 Tuesday Any Burger and Drink £15 Wednesday Fish & Chips £12.50 Thursday Curry of the Day £13 01652 811331 Scan me to view our menu & website Harry and the Beagle is a cherished family-run business nestled in the picturesque town of Caistor, within the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds. With deep roots in the community, we pride ourselves on offering bespoke reupholstery services and a curated selection of home decor items. Breathtaking reupholstery for the home, designed by you. Hand crafted by us. 13 Market Place, Caistor LN7 6TW. T: 07845 417221 E: info@harryandthebeagle.co.uk W: harryandthebeagle.co.uk Reimagine | Redesign Reupholster 0ŨNųŸJIſEUŦGVƇũSƎ SHRSOHŦGƈSOŦųILUVW /ųXVŶOS\Ƃ SEE MORE Centurion Way, Caistor T M£2.95 MA fashion Fresh Hlth bibusiness Family What’so d fitness H WWWLINCWWW.LINC OLNSHIRETOOLNSHIRETO ODAYNETODAYNET Lincolnshire Today’s gift subscription for only £27.55 with free delivery Call 01472 310301 or visit www.lincolnshiretoday.net/341 1st 3 £1 Looking for a great gift idea?28 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FASHION Look magnificent this May As the sunny season nears, a wealth of new fashion is ready to be adorned.LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 29 FASHION Fat Face With an embroidered waistcoat, Fat Face instantly elevates a floral dress, showing how the addition of just one item can transform a look. Next >