< Previous20 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY perimeter taking place first, affording much needed privacy for the garden as well as protection from the elements which extends the time the couple can enjoy the garden and, of course, much needed shelter for the plants that now feature within. Next came the hard landscaping, and a patio from which to enjoy the fruits of their labours and a spacious pond at the bottom of the garden, which, is now awash with bulrushes. Specimen trees such as Tulip trees and Copper Beech feature in the garden there’s also Alders and countless roses in the borders, around 30-40 different varieties in total. “We’re on light sandy soil here,” explains Helen, “but the subsoil is clay so trees and deep rooted plants have to be capable of flourishing in quite wet, heavy soil whereas the top soil being light and sandy means plants that prefer free draining soil, such as Lavenders, also grow well. “The soil, whilst easy to work with, does need its fair share of nutrients adding though, so plenty of compost and chicken pellets are added quite regularly.” This certainly seems to be doing the trick as the borders are a riot of 18-21.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2019 11:26 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 21 GARDENS millstonegardencentre.co.uk Cheapside, Waltham, Grimsby DN37 0HX Mon to Sat: 8:00 5:00pm. Sun: 10 4pm NORDMANN FIR CHRISTMAS TREES Beautiful scent. Dark green smooth needles. Great branch structure. NON-DROP Pot-grown IN STOCK NOW! CYCLAMEN Bright & multi-colourful winter-blooming HU GEGE SSELEL ECEC TITIONON HUGE SELECTION FIND US ON FACEBOOK EXCLUSIVE SAME DAY DELIVERY AT A TIME TO SUIT YOU! CC UU TT TT RR EE EE S FF RR OO MM 2 6 tt hh N O VV CUT TREES FROM 26th NOV colours at the time of our visit and there’s certainly no evidence of those overgrown nettles or goat pens! Clearly though the couple have been bitten by the bug when it comes to self-sufficiency as the garden also sports its own vegetable patch and fruit trees, but with so many vegetables and fruits these days being flown half way around the world before landing on our supermarket shelves, who can blame them? Suffice to say, the garden is as beautiful as it is useful which can be a difficult balance to strike. It really is a pleasure to visit reader’s gardens and see how a bare characterless plot can be transformed into something so spectacular. Asked if there was any grand design for the garden or outside assistance Helen laughs and replies, “Not at all, it just developed bit by bit as the years went on.” “To be honest it probably wouldn’t have taken us so long, if we’d only had the garden to work on but when you’re fitting in a busy lifestyle alongside, things have a habit of taking longer. We’ve enjoyed the journey though and now we’re looking forward to just keeping it looking its best.” 18-21.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2019 11:26 Page 4was to create a garden with multiple seating areas to provide a great entertaining space. They wanted us to provide privacy in a low maintenance garden, which had a contemporary style. With three seating areas this garden provides a variety of ways for it to be used, and to provide a garden that could be used all year round we designed it so that a heated gazebo would be one of the seating 22 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY Landscaping can be carried out all year round. The creation of hard landscaping, such as decking, paths, walls or paving, can be done at any time as Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping demonstrates. All year round areas. To ensure that the cedar shingles on the gazebo tied in with the garden we used porcelain paving with the birch effect in the second seating areas, and then to further complement the different seating areas barley porcelain with the birch planks for edging were used for the larger part. The use of porcelain ensures that the garden is low maintenance as they will last longer than a timber decked area, and they provide a contemporary look. Each of the three areas are brought together with a central lawn area with low maintenance and contemporary planting to finish the look. This garden 22-23.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2019 11:28 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 23 shows that with a good design you can have an outdoor space that can be used all year round while complementing your property. The New Year could be the impetus for you to create a new garden. You don’t have to make big changes but those you do make need to be well thought out and executed. You want to make sure your outdoor space compliments your house and provides you with the best use of your space. A professionally created design is not necessarily needed, as it will depend on the scale of the project. It may be more cost effective in the long run to have a plan drawn up but any reputable landscaper will be able to give you advice regarding this. I have a fabulous team that will work come rain or shine and they are highly skilled landscapers who can create anything from low maintenance gardens with artificial grass to romantic cottage gardens and state-of-the-art ultra-contemporary gardens. Over the last twenty years I have built up a family run business that prides itself on designing and creating gardens that suit each individual client’s budget, regardless of their garden’s size and shape. If you want to make some changes, no matter how big or small, I would advise you to consider doing them sooner rather than later so you have the perfect outdoor space for next summer. Maybe a new garden could be a Christmas present to yourself. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas day and everyone at Fullers would like to wish you a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year. 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 •Keep checking that your greenhouse heaters are working and your winter protection structures are still securely in place. You can place cloches over tender plants to give them extra protection from frost • Make sure your pond does not freeze • Prune apple and pear trees • Your leeks, parsnips, winter cabbages and sprouts should be ready for harvesting. However, make sure they are stored away from mice • You can work off Christmas excesses by digging over bare areas of ground • You may need to do one last collection of autumn leaves • Keep your paths clean and remove moss and lichen • Treat timber sheds and fences with preservatives • Wrap insulation around garden taps • Prune tall bush roses, ornamental vines, deciduous hedges, trees and shrubs 22-23.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2019 11:29 Page 224 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY The robin is an undeniable symbol of Christmas, but where exactly did this connection begin? Lincolnshire Today finds out. Lincolnshire wildlife © Shutterstock/Neil Burton 24-25.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2019 11:30 Page 1I t’s difficult to conceive of a Christmas that doesn’t in some way feature a robin, whether that’s a tree decoration, adorning a greetings card, or gobbling up the birdseed in the back garden. Yet how exactly did this elegant little songbird become synonymous with the festive season? It’s a truth generally acknowledged that, in Victorian times, postmen were known as robins thanks to their red tunics. Because the posties delivered greetings cards, their namesakes became a seasonal staple on cards and stamps and have remained so since the mid-19th century. Now they’re more commonly found on greetings cards than the nativity scene. Yet there is a religious significance that readers might be unaware of. It’s believed that during the crucifixion, a dun- coloured robin flew down to Christ’s side and sang in his ear to help sooth his pain. The blood from his wounds stained the bird’s breast red and so now all robins bear the mark of his holy blood. Whatever their connection, and regardless of Christmas, this charming little bird has won the hearts and minds of Brits thanks to its lovely little song and iconic flame-coloured throat. There’s just no mistaking the robin when it perches on a fence top or helps itself to a feeder or table. Unsurprisingly, the robin frequently comes out on top in polls of the UK’s best loved birds, but while we’re fond of a red breast here in Blighty, they aren’t so well liked across the Channel, where they’re often shot for food or sport. This hardy little bird hangs around all through the long dark winter months when food is scarce and conditions are fraught. They might be picky eaters any other time of the year, but from November through to spring, they’ll eat whatever they can get their beaks on. Fortunately, readers can help keep robins well fed with the typical fatballs and seeds, but almost any kitchen scraps will do the trick – and there’ll be plenty of those this time of year. So when you’re tucking in your delicious Christmas dinner, why not spare a thought the red-breast. © Shutterstock/Christopher CP2C LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 25 24-25.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2019 11:30 Page 226 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FASHION Masai An elegant ode to zebra print with that special something that only Masai can bring. Add a touch of jungle glamour to winter parties this season. 26-35.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2019 11:33 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 27 FASHION bell ball The It’s the height of the party season, so it’s time to put your best frock on, fix your face, and strut your stuff. of the The of the 26-35.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2019 12:48 Page 228 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FASHION 1) Girls on Film Wearing this satin frill maxi wrap dress will leave no doubt that you’re the best dressed at the party. Girls on Film have got you covered. 2) Little Mistress With its lacy overlay and the detailing on the arms, shoulders and chest, this midi shirt dress from Little Mistress is more than just a party frock. 3) Bianca Elgar The ava tunic dress from Bianca Elgar is simple and sophisticated, perfect for classy soirees this Christmas. 4) LauRie Contrary to what you might have heard, black is the new black and it never goes out of style. To really make this sexy LauRie number sing, try pairing with a red scarf or shoes. 5) Ichi You can’t get more festive than red, but this Ichi number would be quite the head turner on whatever occasion you wore it – from Christmas eve gatherings right through to New Year celebrations. Photo courtesy of DK Company - Ichi 6) Numph You don’t need much else with this Numph dress with its vivacious pattern, dark colour and stunning fit. You’ll be the bell of the ball for sure. 123 26-35.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2019 11:34 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 29 For all of your favourite brands in one location, explore Hills Department Store. We have been Spalding's favourite department store for 60 years, thanks to the products we provide you and our famously friendly service. Discover our beauty department, have brunch in our restaurant, or let us help you transform your home. Here at Hills Department Store, you'll find great value and an enjoyable shopping experience. So come and see why Hills Department Store never goes out of style. 18-19 Broad Street, Spalding, PE11 1TB www.hillsdepartmentstore.co.uk contact@hillsdepartmentstore.co.uk 01775767155 4 5 6 Celebrating our 60th Anniversary 26-35.qxp_Layout 1 13/11/2019 11:34 Page 4Next >