< Previous20 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY At this time of year garden maintenance is probably low down on the priority list, but there are still things that can be done. One job, that feels like a thankless task, is collecting all the leaves that fall and cause problems. They are hazardous when slippery and block drains and gutters. Rather than just build up pile after pile you can use your leaves to help your garden. If you set your lawnmower on its highest cutting height and mow over the leaves without the back bag attached, they will be shredded into small pieces. The shredded leaves will then break down into the lawn and help the soil to retain moisture and remain healthy throughout the winter. You can also use some of the shredded leaves to create leaf mulch, by placing them around your plants and flower beds. This leaf mulch will act as insulation for plants, however you need to avoid the stem to ensure that you do not cause the plant to rot. Leaves can also be used to make compost, which you can then use on your plants and flower beds in the spring. You just need to make sure they are not too wet when you put them in your compost bin. Finally, you can use the leaves, along with sticks, twigs, and stems, to create winter shelters for insects and animals. This is a good activity to do with the kids, along with collecting holly with berries for making wreaths and Christmas decorations, and will get them outside over the festive period. While you are collecting the leaves you need to take care when walking on wet soil. If you stand on wet soil, it can cause compaction, and this may reduce water and air flow which can suffocate your plant’s roots. One way to avoid Leveraging leaves Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping delves into December gardening tasks, and the usefulness of those pesky leaves. © Shutterstock /Elena Elisseeva 20-21.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2021 07:59 Page 1If want to do some garden maintenance jobs this month, then you can be doing these: * 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 keep collecting 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, wisteria. * Spread fresh gravel or grit around alpine plants. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 21 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 our clients with professional, tailored gardening and forestry solutions FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTATIONS FULLERS Landscaping Call 01522 868717 or 07867 510544 landscapinglincolnshire@gmail.com www.landscapinglincolnshire.com Around the garden GARDEN ADVICE this is to use boards, as they will distribute your weight evenly, and reduce the amount of pressure. You may also want to avoid walking on your lawn on frosty mornings as it can damage the grass and lead to brown marks being left. If you have any changes that you would like to make in your garden, then now is the time that you should be contacting your local landscaper. They will be starting to get booked up into spring and so if you would like your garden ready for next summer, now is the time to start the ball rolling. Maybe a new garden could be a Christmas present to yourself! Everyone at Fullers would like to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. © Shutterstock /Konstantin Zibert © Shutterstock /Prostock-studio 20-21.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2021 07:59 Page 222 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY LINCOLN © stock.adobe.com/ Piranhi 22-25.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2021 08:04 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 23 LINCOLN While Lincoln is a stunning location, no matter the time of year, there is something truly special about the city during the festive period. The hustle and bustle of the traditional Christmas market is of course a standout feature, drawing 250,000 visitors from all over to peruse more than 150 stalls and enjoy entertainment in a Medieval square and its surrounding area between a towering Norman castle and Gothic cathedral: the perfect storybook backdrop. Once just a market of 11 stalls, when it began in 1982, the event continues to expand, now covering most of the cultural quarter with handmade jewellery, candles, wooden toys, hand painted glass, ceramics, photographs, locally created art, and fresh produce from the local area. This year’s market is to take place from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 December and a dedicated weekend timetable for longer trains and extra seats has even been arranged, showcasing the event’s popularity. There is much more Christmas cheer in addition to the market however, as well as a vast number of sites to see and activities to experience in the city, making it the ideal December getaway. As you take in twinkling lights, get lost in history, culture, food, and shopping. Travel through time and follow a plethora of trails along cobbled streets to discover a long heritage dating as far 24 Á A city full of spirit Christmas Lincoln is a must-visit location at Christmas - from its famous festive market to its period architecture, fruitful food choices, and abundant entertainment, the city has an ambience that can’t be matched. 22-25.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2021 08:04 Page 224 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY back as 300 BC, seeing Lincoln become home to the Romans, Vikings, Saxons, Normans, and other civilisations. Lincoln Castle is a key historic spot, built by William the Conqueror in 1068, and the host to an original 1215 copy of the Magna Carta (one of only four surviving), the 1217 Charter of the Forest, as well as Victorian and Georgian prisons, an archaeology exhibition, and Medieval Wall Walk with beautiful views over the city. It also holds a variety of events through the year, such as Lincoln Castle Illuminated in December, which will see the castle lit up with sparkling Christmas lights while you warm up with mulled wine or hot chocolate. The cathedral, filled with intricate detail, is also a must see, and, full of Christmas spirit, will be hosting classic carol services during December. The Gothic building was once the world’s tallest and has lived through rebuilds following fires and earthquakes. Tucked away above the cloisters are the Medieval and Wren Libraries with a 15th Century collection of books, including an exceptional treasure with Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. Furthermore in the shadow of Lincoln Cathedral is Medieval Bishops’ Palace - the ruins of the Medieval home to the Bishop of Lincoln, dating to the 12th century, which is currently undergoing significant conservation work. If wanting to continue your journey through Lincoln’s historic buildings, a short walk away one will find Jew’s House, one of the oldest domestic dwellings in England, and Jew’s Court. Jew’s House, now a fine-dining restaurant and a beauty salon, dates back to the 12th century with the elaborate doorway and windows remaining. The neighbouring Jew’s Court meanwhile is built on what is thought to be a Jewish synagogue. Other fun and inspiring stops include Leigh-Pemberton House, a half- © stock.adobe.com/ chrisdorney 22-25.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2021 08:04 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 25 LINCOLN timbered, 16th century, former Tudor merchant’s house (now a visitor information centre), Pottergate Arch, the remains of the south-east gateway of the Medieval wall that surrounded the community of Lincoln Cathedral in the 13th century, Newport Arch, a survivor from Roman Britain and the oldest arch in the UK still actively used by traffic, and High Bridge, the oldest bridge in the UK (dating back to 1160 AD) which still has buildings on it. Not only a hotspot for heritage sites, Lincoln is great for pre- and post-Christmas shopping. Though the city provides all your favourite brands in its centre on the High Street, Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter, and at Waterside Shopping Centre and St Marks Shopping Centre, it also boasts a more eclectic shopping experience with the wealth of independent shops and boutiques available in the Cathedral Quarter, on Bailgate, along the famous Steep Hill and the Strait. Lincoln allows you to pick up something unique, that is sure to be remembered. Once exhausted from all the retail therapy, indulge and continue supporting local businesses at one of Lincoln’s many restaurants, cafes, tea rooms, pubs, or bars, then liven up your evening with stand up, drama, dance, music, Christmas pantos and more. Visit New Theatre Royal, Lincoln Drill Hall, The Engine Shed, Lincoln Performing Arts Centre amongst other venues for thrilling entertainment. For those looking to enjoy the arts further, Lincoln hosts many galleries, such as The Little Red Gallery, Harding House Gallery, Sam Scorer Gallery, and the Usher Gallery, the last of which connects to The Collection, an award- winning museum prime for archaeology buffs, which will bring you face to face with the county’s earliest inhabitants and a diverse range of objects. One might also want to visit the Museum of Lincolnshire Life for a deep dive into Lincolnshire’s rich history, which is home to the authentic World War One tank named ‘Daphne’. With shops, theatre, museums, heritage sites, galleries, music, and cuisine galore, there is lots to experience in Lincoln and plenty of places to stay, making it the perfect destination for a quick Christmas getaway. © stock.adobe.com/ chrisdorney 22-25.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2021 08:04 Page 426 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FASHION Warm up your wardrobe Now we’re in winter, and with Christmas season in full swing, there’s never been a better time to treat yourself to some new, warmer looks. Warm up your wardrobe 26-35.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2021 08:11 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 27 FASHION Barbour Barbour offers a soft, cosy, and smart look with its tartan camel Glendevon Knit. 26-35.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2021 08:11 Page 228 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FASHION Left: Ichi With a simple, free, and floaty silhouette, Ichi ensures you will still shine bright with this lapis blue dress. Middle: Masai Here Masai presents a chic, graceful, and eye-catching look that remains powerful for those ready to show who’s boss. Right: Aspiga This Nancy Puff Sleeve Shirred Midi Dress from Aspiga offers a simple yet effective combination in its navy and red colour featuring a cute giraffe print, and has sleeves and a square neck that are sure to make you stand out. Opposite: Samoon Bringing a more alternative vibe, this ensemble from Samoon exemplifies the classy rock chick. © DK Company – ICHI 26-35.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2021 08:11 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 11 FASHION 26-35.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2021 08:11 Page 4Next >