< Previous20 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY GARDENS guess you could count my husband, Trevor, who cuts the lawn from time to time, that loosely sums up the assistance I get.” “I did however call on Richard Chuck and Steve Penny’s years of experience for a few insightful ideas when I later decided to open it to the public at large and they came up with some really interesting ideas which I hadn’t thought of, and for which I’m grateful.” The garden itself isn’t huge at three quarters of an acre, but it does have an adjoining paddock, which Penny has turned into a wildflower haven. The garden now also sports a better variety of trees including large mature Blue Cedar, Copper Beech, several Jacquemontii Birch Trees and flowering Prunus Trees all of which add interest and seem to encourage more than their fair share of wildlife. As we wander the garden there’s such a great variety of plants it’s hard to know where to look. “Some of my favourites include the Hydrangea Annabelle, and Hyrdrangea Limelight,” explains Penny, “I just love their structure and those conical heads.” Penny also likes Geraniums and Osteospermums, which she propagates in her greenhouse, “I just love the variety of colours you get with them, and my hardy geraniums such as Johnsons Blue and Rozanne with their delicate leaves and blue and white flowers complement the beds so well and seem to really thrive in the soil here.” Elsewhere there are Heathers, Heuchera Chocolate Ruffles, Ceanothus, and countless grasses and Shrubs. “My biggest problem, currently, is finding places to fit any new plants, as whenever I visit a nursery or a garden centre I find something that catches my eye. Then I get home and ask myself - now where on earth is this going to go?” “I’m forever transplanting beds and borders too, as I like to change things around, in fact one of the plans I’m currently considering is creating a new bed, to give me a chance to add a few more plants.” As for her favourite place in the 18-21.qxp_Layout 1 14/10/2019 11:10 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 21 GARDENS garden: “It’s hard to pick one special place,” she says, “but I do enjoy the plants in the bog garden and the wild garden of course.” Asked how many hours the garden takes to keep on top she just smiles warmly and explains: “Who knows? I get so immersed in the garden, I don’t really know whether I’m out there working or enjoying the results of my efforts. “I can be strolling through the garden, enjoying a bit of sun then spot a weed or an ailing plant and think, better sort that now before it becomes a bigger problem, but the garden is a constant source of delight so I rarely check the time. Just seeing my plants makes me instantly happy.” Penny still manages the garden pretty much herself, aided by her husband with his trusty mower. But clearly, she wouldn’t have it any other way - as they often say, put a question to a committee and you rarely get a decision. With only herself to blame if things go wrong, Penny can decide what she wants, where she wants it and when. And, there’s much to be said for Penny’s approach, as this humble journalist who gets blamed for most things by his wife, when things go off course, can testify. 18-21.qxp_Layout 1 14/10/2019 11:10 Page 4W e expect our gardens to be colourful in the spring and summer and then as autumn and winter arrive the days seem duller. However, with some additional planting you could create colour in your garden to brighten up any day. Winter-flowering irises are one such flower that can provide striking purples in the winter. There are a few species with the ‘Mary Barnard’ providing a deep violet-blue colour, ‘Abington Purple’ has smaller flowers which are more navy than purple and the ‘Walter Butt’ has larger flowers which are silver- lavender. These plants love sun and a stony ground so position 22 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY © Shutterstock / Marek Walica them in a place that gets the best of the winter light. Camellia Sasanqua is an evergreen which blooms from autumn to spring. They have white, red or pink flowers which are rose like, and they also provide an amazing fragrance. Camellia’s thrive in part shady areas, and so they need to be positioned in a site sheltered from cold, dry winds and early morning sun as these can damage the buds and flowers. They may need protection from really freezing weather, however once the roots of a Camellia sasanqua have established these varieties will thrive in full sun. Another way to get fragrance into your garden as this time of © Shutterstock /Nick Pecker While it may seem the garden has started to hibernate for the winter, you can still make it a place full of colour and fragrance, as Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping explains. Remember remember the garden in November Remember remember the garden in November 22-23.qxp_Layout 1 14/10/2019 11:11 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 23 year is Honeysuckle. They have a lovely sweet lemon scented flower, but you need to make sure you choose ‘sweetest honeysuckle’ (also known as Lonicera Fragrantissima) as this is the winter flowering one. Also a plant called Daphne Bholua ‘Gurkha’, will also provide a potent fragrance from its white flowers which bloom from pink buds. These will need a shelters spot which has plenty of sunlight. Heathers bloom all year round however in winter they can create a fabulous contrast with dark foliage to great effect. They need a place in your garden with good draining. Clay soil may not be suitable to you may want to use raised beds or pots. They need good space between each plant for airflow. Planted along with herbaceous shrubs with colourful bark they can help provide colour in an otherwise gloomy garden. To add yellow, red or orange to your garden Witch Hazel could be planted. They provide aromatic bunches of petals that flower from early to late winter. They need a spot that is not too shady and is not exposed to direct wind. Young plants will need some assistance to protect them from hard frosts but as they mature, they will produce frost resistance flowers. Winter is a time when most people expect their garden to look a bit dull, but that doesn’t have to be the case. If you add some colour to your garden then you can still enjoy your garden from the comfort of your warm home, and if you plant some tulip and daffodil bulbs now you can ensure the colour continues in the spring. Specialised Services in Garden Design Landscaping and Tree Maintenance Backed by a highly-skilled and experienced team, we’ve built our reputation on an ability to provide professional, tailored gardening and forestry FULLERS Landscaping Call 01522 868717 or 07867 510544 landscapinglincolnshire@gmail.com www.landscapinglincolnshire.com Around the garden •Clear up fallen leaves, especially from lawns, ponds and beds •Plant tulip bulbs for a spring display next year •Prune roses to prevent wind-rock •Plant out winter bedding •Cover brassicas with netting if pigeons are a problem •Stop winter moth damage to fruit trees by using grease bands around the trunks •Put out bird food to encourage winter birds into the garden •Remove pumps and lights from shallow ponds and keep tidying your pond. Especially after fallen leaves •Lift parsnips and store in boxes with sand, and harvest brussels sprouts •Dispose of excess debris unfit for compost by having a bonfire – but check for hedgehogs © Shutterstock / Tony Baggett 22-23.qxp_Layout 1 14/10/2019 11:11 Page 2Murmurations typically take place in the winter, when the UK’s 800,000 domestic pairs of starlings are joined by millions of migrants from the continent. Together they form massive flocks wheeling in the sky before they go to roost. The term is thought to have been coined in 1470 by English monk and poet John Lydgate because of the murmuring noise the birds make as they pass overhead. However they’re described, they’re a most impressive sight, regularly containing over 100,000 birds, though flocks of over a million have been recorded. How all those starlings stay coordinated has long fascinated scientists and bird fanciers alike. Some studies have found that this behaviour is primarily an anti-predator mechanism with the birds descending en-masse if a bird of prey is present – such as a peregrine falcon, one of its most formidable predators. But temperature is also thought to play some role, as you’re more likely to see a murmuration when its colder. On the other hand, bird watchers have long maintained that these massive flocks see starlings trading information about where best to go foraging the following day. Whatever the case, it’s truly a magnificent display, a sky dance that has long captivated onlookers and November is the perfect time of year to catch these murmurations yourself. The best time to try and see one is just before dusk. Even if you aren’t lucky enough to see a murmuration, the starling is a regular visitor to gardens across the country. They’re easy to spot thanks to their oily black features which sheen purple and green in the light. But the bird is bemoaned by gardeners and even by bird watchers because of its greedy nature. If you have feeders out, you’ll probably already know what we mean. But the poor bird can’t fight its own nature, having evolved to feed quickly in flocks rather than because they’re greedy. What you might not know about starlings, however, is that they’re rather adept singers, the male sings much of the year, pausing only a few weeks during the post breeding season moult. They’re also very good at mimicking other birds and even mechanical sounds. Despite the bird’s obvious abundance, the population has declined and now it’s red-listed as a bird of conservation concern in the UK. You can help by putting out feeders and keeping bird tables well stocked, but also by putting up a nest box. These can be brought but, if you’re so inclined, they’re easy enough to make with an online guide. 24 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY Starlings are a fairly common sight in British gardens, but they’re also responsible for one of the most breath-taking displays in all of nature. Lincolnshire wildlife © Shutterstock/Garrett Gibson 24-25.qxp_Layout 1 14/10/2019 11:13 Page 1© Shutterstock/ EyeSeeMicrostock 24-25.qxp_Layout 1 14/10/2019 11:13 Page 226 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY BRIGG I n order to fully appreciate all that Brigg has to offer, it’s worth visiting on a Thursday or Saturday to see the markets. In so doing, you’ll be part of a tradition that dates back hundreds of years. History tells us that markets have taken place in and around the area since the 13th century after they were granted by the Royal Charter. The crowning glory of this outdoor experience is the town’s monthly farmer’s market, taking place on the fourth Saturday of the month. With the glut of farmer’s markets occurring across the county, it’s easy to become jaded in thinking they’re all much of a muchness. If you’ve visited one, you’ve visited them all, right? But in This charming market town This month we put the spotlight on Brigg, a market town that offers something for everyone. 26-29.qxp_Layout 1 14/10/2019 11:15 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 27 BRIGG Brigg, the farmer’s market is truly an experience, taking over the Market Place and extending down Wrawby Street. Here local producers, artisans and tradespeople gather to sell their assorted wares. With so much on offer – from arts and crafts and curios to local meat and produce – it’s easy to spend an entire morning just roaming from stall to stall. As we get closer to Christmas, it’s also the perfect place to pick up unique presents for friends and family. Adored as these markets are, there’s more to Brigg’s retail offering than stalls. The High Street and Market Place are a treasure trove of shops catering to everybody. For fashion, there’s an assortment of boutiques and outlets, while Jaylaurs Sewing Studio is perfect for those that like to make their own clothing and crafts. Crafters can also visit the Market Place to find Brigg Wool Shop. Be sure to venture down the side streets to find some of the town’s hidden treasures whether that’s a beauty solon tucked away beside the car park, a secluded little coffee shop, or a charming store. For bibliophiles, a must-visit shop is The Rabbit Hole, a family-run independent bookshop offering reads for everybody, not to mention a well-stocked selection of vinyl. They also run regular events, including regular reading sessions for little ones. It’s no surprise that they’ve cemented themselves as a much-loved part of the community over the last few years. If it’s your first time visiting Brigg, you’ll probably notice that the town manages to maintain a healthy variety of independent shops and sellers alongside big names such as B&M, Tesco, Boots and so on. This is all thanks to The Brigg Town Business Partnership which formed back in 2011 to support local traders. Some might say that means residents are spoilt for choice and maybe that’s true, but Brigg is a brilliant example of where big businesses, independent traders and artisan producers can all work side by side. But how exactly did Brigg come to be this very model of a modern market town? The key can be found in the town’s name, thought to derive from the Old Norse word ‘bryggia’ which, unsurprisingly, refers to ‘a bridge’ – likely the bridge constructed across the River Ancholme. The fact that the town’s name is inseparable from this river is telling, as the area on which modern Brigg sits has 29 Á 26-29.qxp_Layout 1 14/10/2019 11:15 Page 228 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY E:sales@eddisonscjm.com T:+44(0)1724 334 411 W:www.eddisonscjm.com Eddisons CJM, Dunlop Way, Scunthorpe, DN16 3RN BRIGG VALUATION CLINIC Experienced Auctioneers and Valuers dedicated to serving Local Community and Businesses. We offer FREE auction valuation advice and can enter your goods into one of our many auction sales. Come & see us every Thursday 9am - 12 noon @ The Angel Suite, Market Place, Brigg, DN20 8LD 15 Bigby Street, Brigg, North Lincs DN20 8EJ Tel: 01652 650 520 Comforts Avenue, Scunthorpe, North Lincs DN15 6PN Tel: 01724 280 082 J. Naylor Funeral Directors Independent Funeral Directors www.jnaylor-funerals.co.uk We have experienced staff to personally help you with your individual needs. Planning for the future? We can help you arrange a funeral now or help if you are planning for the future. Member of National Association of Funeral Directors 6 Bridge Street, Brigg DN20 8LN Tel: 01652 650688 Takeaway Service 01652 654762 www.chinaroyal.co.uk The intimate, warm surroundings of the China Royal are ideal for the most romantic dinner or the largest banquet. Serving the best in Chinese cuisine, it has five star scores on the doors, and is open throughout all Bank Holidays. Deliciously Deliciously Lincolnshire Gold Awarded for outstanding quality and service by award WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET The China Royal Chinese Restaurant OPEN OVER CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PEACOCK & BINNINGTON PREMIER AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY DEALERS FOR LINCOLNSHIRE & YORKSHIRE WWW.PEACOCK.CO.UK BRIGG - CORRINGHAM - HALSHAM - LOUTH - SELBY FOR THAT OLD FASHIONED PERSONAL SERVICE 10% OFF VOUCHER* *OFFER TO BE USED ONLY ONCE PER CUSTOMER SUBJECT TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS Come visit our showroom at Princes Street, Brigg, DN20 8HG Email: briggbeds@hotmail.co.uk www.briggbeds.co.uk TEL: (01652) 651 828 • Clothing Alterations & Repairs • Fitting Room & Express Service • Fabrics, Haberdashery, Patterns • Crafts Fabrics & Fat Quarters • Soft Furnishing Service Monthly programme of workshops in Patchwork, Embroidery, Felting, Free Machine Embroidery, Overlocking, Crochet & Sewing Tel: 01652 650047 Email: info@jaylaurs.co.uk 54 Wrawby Street, Brigg DN20 8JE 35 years in business 26-29.qxp_Layout 1 14/10/2019 11:15 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 29 BRIGG been used as a crossing point for thousands of years. A jetty or causeway was erected on the riverside during the late Bronze Age and though its exact purpose remains unknown, it does suggest the significance of the site. Later, during the Anglo-Saxon era, the area become known as ‘Glanford’ before it was founded as a new town at the crossing place on the Ancholme and dubbed ‘Glanford Brigg’ around 1182- 83, and then the prefix was dropped altogether. The rest, as they say, was history and to learn more about this history, head down to the Brigg Heritage Centre on the first floor of The Angel Complex, a former Georgian coach inn. The Heritage Centre leads visitors down through ages, telling the story of the town from its Iron Age roots right through Roman and mediaeval ages and into more modern periods. There’s plenty of pottery, coins, buttons and weaponry to delight history buffs, but, undoubtedly, the pièce de résistance is ‘The Brigg Raft’. This sewn plank boat dates back to the Bronze Age and is one of only two such finds on display in the country. It was originally excavated back in 1974 where it was preserved and stored in London, before being returned to Brigg where it has been on display to the public since 2013. There’s no admission fee for The Heritage Centre, but donations would be greatly appreciated. The river remains important to the town to this day, with a marina stocked with boats and the Ancholme Rowing Club. The club can trace its roots back to 1868 and can still be found going up and down the river. The Glanford Boat Club is a more recent organisation, having formed in 1934, and boasts over one- hundred members. But if boating isn’t your thing, Brigg is also known for its football team. Thanks to their black and white striped home kit, they’ve become known as the Zebras. Dating back to 1863, the team are allegedly the oldest association football club in Lincolnshire, as well as being among the oldest surviving clubs in the world. Brigg has so much more to offer than you could ever possibly hope to fit in a single visit, more even than this single feature could contain. Suffice it to say that no visit to this charming market town would be wasted with its historical sights, open space, rich retail experience, bustling markets, sports offering, arts and culture, and, of course, its pubs of which there are plenty to pick from. After all, taking in all those sights and sounds is thirsty work. 26-29.qxp_Layout 1 14/10/2019 11:15 Page 4Next >