< Previous20 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYAs the most revealing space inthe home, the bathroom has towork overtime to impress, but afew simple additions can make aworld of difference. Think of the bathroom as the litmus testfor your household, and you’d never keepit cluttered again. The fact is, more oftenthan not, the bathroom does offer themost telling insight into any home. Thenautical theme might have once been thedefault decorative standard, but with alittle imagination, it can be the envy of allother homes. Long associated with relaxation, thebathroom offers an untapped ambience. Afew careful accessories, coupled with aclever use of colour and subtle functionality,can result in a luxuriant space for somepeaceful R&R that won’t be a burden ifyou’re in a hurry. The addition of simple ornamentation or aplant can add a sense of depth or nuance toyour bathroom and elevate it above andbeyond a simple WC and shower room. Freestanding baths may make bold statementsbut had their moment; it’s time to getexcited about the little things. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/PLUSONEBeautifyingthe bathroom 1) Slimline Round Fixed Head ShowerWith Cascade The minimalist shower from Just TapsPlus bypasses the need for pipes andplastic to be on show for a moresophisticated touch instead. 2) TrattoMHS Radiators’ vibrant and stylishdesign is angled away from the wall,utilising curves and optional LED sidestrips to create a warming halo effect. 3) LothertonWith its lavish barque design, TheChandelier & Mirror Company’sbevelled glass mirror will stand out inany bathroom. 20-21_Layout 1 12/10/2015 15:57 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY21HOMES12320-21_Layout 1 12/10/2015 15:58 Page 2GARDENSBREATHINGNEW LIFE INTOA GARDENOver the past decade or so Anne and Martyn Chilvers of Scartho in Grimsby haveworked wonders in bringing a previously neglected garden back to life.22-25_Layout 1 12/10/2015 16:07 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY23GARDENShen Anne and Martyn firstbought this property back in 1996,it hadn’t been lived in for a few years, sothe garden had become somewhat overgrownand vandals had, for some unknown reason,chosen to vandalise it – sadly this included aonce beautiful Edwardian greenhouse. As Martyn explains, “We loved the house andcould see the potential of the garden eventhough neither of us had done much gardeningin the past, other than mowing our lawn.” Hecontinues, “there was something about thestructure of the garden that made us think it’dbeen professionally designed way back, probablywhen the house was first built, or shortlyafterwards. It had become really badlyovergrown though and even though the grasswas up to our knees and weeds had really takenhold in the borders. It just seemed, if we couldget it back to something like, it could be a reallygreat place to relax. We’ve since discovered a well-known sayingthat gardeners use in relation to weeds; ‘Oneyear’s seeding gives seven years weeding’ so, asthey had at least two years without being tamed,the battle of man v weeds commenced. Anneand I seemed to spend every weekend trying todig them out, only to find they’d re-grow over24 ÁWW22-25_Layout 1 12/10/2015 16:07 Page 224 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYGARDENSand over until eventually they’d take the hint;but sprout somewhere else.”In between weeding and mowing, theremains of the once stately Edwardiangreenhouse, had to be removed piece bypiece and, as luck would have it, a workcolleague was looking to get rid of theirs so areplacement was found, and although thework of dismantling and re building it wasquite onerous, it’s paid dividends, apparently,as it’s allowed the couple to take cuttings andseeds from their plants and grow their ownstock to replant gaps in the borders. Anne recalls, “Once we’d cleared the lawnwe came across a pond that was bereft ofwater. It had so many plants growing in it wethought we’d restore it back to its formerglory. After clearing the bog plants from itwe could see large cracks in the concrete but,undeterred, Martyn repaired these and thepond was refilled. A day or so later, sadly, agood few inches of water had drained outand rather than risk putting fish in, weopted to drain it again and plant it up withIris’s. A shame but we thought well one daywe’ll revisit that idea, although we haven’thad the heart as it’s proven a haven forwildlife.” The couple still don’t consider themselvesgreen fingered although the gardensuggests otherwise. But, as Martyn explains“We’ve had to learn as we’ve gone alongreally, we occasionally introduce new plantsto the garden, and we take note of what soilthey like and what position etc. and try togive them that. We sometimes have ourfailures, like the agapanthus that Anne tooka fancy to – carefully planting it infavourable conditions it really seemed to likeit in year one but we haven’t seen it since.22-25_Layout 1 12/10/2015 16:07 Page 3and Anne have allowed to ‘naturalise’ fornow. Martyn laughs and says “For nowthough, it’s the ideal place for my compostheap and I get a heck of a workout as itneeds turning regularly to break it all down.”He continues, “I must be getting thegardening bug now too as I even lookforward to watching Monty on Gardener’sWorld every week!” Clearly Anne and Martyn have breathednew life into the garden and should bejustifiably proud of their achievement – theynow have a garden that is a delight to sit inand changes with the seasons to produceyear round interest. It bursts into life in springwith copious amounts of spring floweringbulbs, then as they die down herbaceousperennials burst into life, livening up thegarden with an array of colour and textureswhich can last right through to November. LINCOLNSHIRETODAY25GARDENSOur guess is the clay sub soil under the toplayer made its roots too soggy but we don’tlet such failures put us off trying.” He continues, “it’s just a game of trial anderror with us, we don’t have that much timeto spend gardening, with me spending longhours at work, so we avoid plants that needto be removed over winter etc and try tostay with plants that are a bit hardier – thetricky bit is finding a way to associate plantcolours and heights as you’d like them andgetting the flowering periods right, whilstsimultaneously giving them the conditionsthey prefer but, on the whole, we manageand it’s really relaxing to spend a few hoursin the garden together at the end of a busyday or at the weekend.” Plans for the future include extending thegarden into the woodland area that sits atthe bottom of the garden, which Martyn22-25_Layout 1 12/10/2015 16:08 Page 4Gardens are often functional,but they can offer so muchmore with a little bit of fore-thought. Ed Fuller from FullersForestry and Landscapingexplains how to turn yourgarden into a space foreveryone to enjoy. 26 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYNo matter what the size a garden canprovide an outdoor space foreveryone to enjoy. Whether it is forthe kids to discover bugs or climb trees, or asa space for you to entertain your friends andfeed them carbonised sausage from the BBQ. Although a garden is functional, when theyare altered slightly they can provide so muchmore. It is a bit like when you re-paint yourliving room, it is suddenly transformed.Sometimes all you need is to add one featureto give your garden that same feeling. Youcould add a water feature, decking area oreven some new planting. If you already have a seating area, youcould turn this into the feature, by giving it abit of a facelift. A paved seating area is thefunctional requirement of a garden and byadding something unique to it you can makeit into the wow feature. For example timber walls are stylish andcan create privacy along with protectionfrom the wind. We have created a few timberwalls, mainly from Oak which are unique toeach property, as they complement eachgarden and the curves of each seating area.They are also very good at creatingprivacy and screening for hot tub areas.The pictures show some recent timberwalls we have created.As it is a natural product oak comes in avariety of colours and this in itself canmade the wall more of a feature. If youdo use timber to create a feature,including decking, you mustbe mindful that it is a naturalsubstance and influenced byits surroundings and a pieceof wood will swell and shrinkaccording to seasonal changesand humidity. This is why it isalways best to have it createdby a professional as they willbuild it to allow for this. Another way to make aseating area into a feature isto add planting and/or awater feature. If you don’thave space to create a newflower bed then pots work justas well, and water featurescome in a variety of shapeA SPACE FOREVERYONEA SPACE FOREVERYONEPHOTO: AWPHOTOGRAPHIC26-27_Layout 1 12/10/2015 16:09 Page 1and sizes.Lighting is another way you can upgrade your seatingarea, and it enables you to use the area long after the sunhas gone down. If you are planning on installing a timberwall then adding lighting to it, such as small spot lights alongthe bottom, can make a big difference. It also helps to createa different feeling for an area at night. Furthermore in thedepths of winter you can light up the garden so it can still beenjoyed while you are cosy inside. Although if you want to useyour garden into autumn and at the beginning of spring a firepit can provide the heat needed to keep you out longer whilealso being a garden feature. NOVEMBER’SGARDEN DIARY1. Clear up fallen leaves, especially from lawns, ponds and beds2. Raise containers onto pot feet or bricks to prevent waterlogging3. Plant tulip bulbs for a spring display next year4. Prune roses to prevent wind-rock5. Plant out winter bedding6. Cover brassicas with netting if pigeons are a problem7. Insulate outdoor containers from frost (bubble wrap is good)8. Stop winter moth damage to fruit trees by using grease bandsaround the trunks9. Put out bird food to encourage winter birds into the garden10. Dispose of excess debris unfit for compost by having a bonfire –but check for hedgehogs.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY27GARDEN ADVICESpecialised 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 OBLIGATION QUOTATIONSCall 01522 868717 or 07867 510544info@fullersforestry.co.uklwww.fullersforestry.co.ukwww.landscapinglincolnshire.comFULLERSForestry & LandscapingPHOTO: AWPHOTOGRAPHIC26-27_Layout 1 12/10/2015 16:10 Page 228 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFirst of all, an unusual request! Bring apen, especially if you have children withyou; you’ll see why when we reachHaugham! The walk begins along quietcountry lanes, an advantage at this time ofyear when fields can be muddy! The returnhowever crosses remote and elevatedcountryside without a building in sight formuch of the way, so fine, clear weather isbest for its full appreciation. Note too thatthe route crosses Greenwich Meridiantwice at GR332822 and GR332807.Tathwell lies in a secluded lake-filledhollow in the Wolds about three milessouthwest of Louth. That the area hasbeen settled for millennia is visiblydemonstrated by the Bully Hills tumulidramatically silhouetted against theeastern skyline as we head for Haugham.These seven prehistoric burial barrowsdate from the Bronze Age, that is from2,200 to 1,500 years BC, and their heightsvary up to ten feet and diameters betweenfifty and eighty feet.Haugham – pronounced “Haff-um” – islocated high on the open, exposed Woldswith All Saints church appearing suddenly,TATHWELL ANDHAUGHAMThis short but relatively undemandingwalk contrasts quiet lanes with somerather remote countryside andunexpected views over beautiful Woldscountryside.EXPLORINGLincolnshireON FOOTALL SAINTSHAUGHAMEXPLORINGLincolnshireON FOOTand dramatically, across the fields thoughsurrounded by trees. If its outline seemsvaguely familiar this is no accident for itwas intentionally designed as a miniatureversion of Louth’s St James’s. Approacheddown a short, grassy lane it occupies thesite of an earlier church. Built in 1840 andpaid for by the vicar the Rev GeorgeChaplin, whose family’s 25,000-acre estateincluded all of Haugham parish. It hasbeen maintained by the RedundantChurches Fund since 1981. Inside, in a rucksack hanging on one ofthe pews, is something that I have notencountered before, a children’s activitypack (though adults might learn from ittoo!) encouraging youngsters toinvestigate the churchyard’s flora andfauna, gravestones and crosses etc. There’san information board too whilst outside achurchyard seat offers fine views and restfor weary parents!Over the final hill as we head backtowards Tathwell the path crosses OrgarthHill, reputedly the site of a Danishencampment though visible evidence hasnow been ploughed away. Local legendTHE VIEW FROM ORGARTH HILL28-29_Layout 1 12/10/2015 15:45 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE WALKShowever also says, a battle was foughthere.Once in Tathwell we arrive at St Vedast’schurch, built in 1778, principally ofmellowed Georgian brick although thetower base is Norman masonry and oflocal Spilsby “green” sandstone. A quaintsouth porch (1889), designed by localarchitect James Fowler of Louth, isstylistically perhaps more reminiscent ofthe Sussex downs and was denounced bythe architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsneras having “no place in Lincolnshire”! The dedication to St Vedast is unusualhowever as only one other church in thecountry (in London) is named after him.Here at Tathwell the dedication is knownto have been in existence by 1182AD. StVedast was a monk from northern Francewho was born about 450AD and becameBishop of Arras around 499AD. In thechurchyard is an ostentatious marble pillarmonument to Lord William Bentinck, sonof the Duke of Portland, who once ownedTathwell lodge. If the church is open lookinside for the remarkable 17th century 4-tier alabaster monument to WilliamHamby and his family. Tathwell has awelcoming seat too!The narrow lanes in Tathwell makeparking difficult and our walk begins fromthe village millennium stone at thecrossroads just to the north of the villagewhere grassy areas provide limited spaces.Alternatively park along the Raithby road(leading from the crossroads; atapproximately GR319837) or in New Lane(the approach from Cadwell; atapproximately GR316828) Both locationshave wide verges.THE ROUTEFrom the crossroads follow the lanetowards Haugham. A gentle climb soonprovides good views, behind you as wellas ahead, so do look back occasionally!After about half a mile we pass the BullyHills tumuli to our left. Continue uphillinto Haugham itself where, at a left-handbend, a grassy footpath leads off right forthe church.Return to the road and bear rightthrough the hamlet to reach a “T”junction and turn right again. In the valleycross the Skirbeck bridge and in a fewyards join the undulating bridlewayanother field towards the farm below.Keep left past the farmyard and walkdown the lane. Once in Tathwell turn leftat the first junction (by the “Old PostOffice”) but in only for a few yards go rightalong a grass path leading into thechurchyard. Keep left of the church towerand go down some steps to a lane. Crossinto the drive opposite then immediatelytake the path on the right above the lake.On reaching a road turn right and walkthrough the village back to the start. (If youhave parked in New Lane turn left instead.)by Hugh MarrowsTATHWELL LAKETHE LANE TOHAUGHAMAPPROACHING TATHWELLsigned on your right. Follow this for a mileuntil it meets a stony track at a bridlewaysign and turn right again – on grass - uphillto a waymark where a track joins from theright. Keep ahead to the next trackjunction then bear slightly right over anarable field towards a skyline hedge gapand then on to a group of trees seen onthe horizon. On reaching these walk totheir right - now on grass again. You arenow crossing Orgarth Hill with its extensiveviews over Tathwell, the Wolds and themarsh; Louth church is prominent ahead.Where the trees end head straight downTATHWELL MILLENNIUM STONEFACTFILESTART: Tathwell; the crossroads at GR322834MAPS: OS Landranger (122 (Skegness) • Explorer 282DISTANCE: 5½ miles • 9 kilometres.REFRESHMENTS: None on route – but plenty of choice in nearby LouthPICNICS: Haugham or Tathwell churchyards28-29_Layout 1 12/10/2015 15:45 Page 2Next >