< Previous20 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY T his is the time of year when the garden really starts to grow and your hard work during the winter months has paid off! However, if you have not managed to pay any attention to your garden during the winter all is not lost. You can make a few minor changes to develop your garden’s potential. Sometimes all you need to do is a bit of a clean and tidy up of a garden and it that dictates the plants you have rather than just picking them out of a book. Some plants work well together and by planting in sections you can create separate elements to your garden which also complement each other. A good planting design can assist with this, and though it may take time and effort to research, in the long run it would be worth it. You also want to think about the garden all year round, so that you have interest during all seasons. To achieve this you could create a blooming calendar and visit garden centres at different times of the year to see the various plants which can give you inspiration. A common mistake is to overfill boarders. Plants will inevitably grow and as they become established merge together, so don’t worry if your initial planting looks sparse. If you are worried about the sparseness then you can use pots to add structure and immediate fullness to your garden. These can however be costly but are beneficial as they can be moved around your garden Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping shares some easy ways to transform your garden. Revamp your garden can be transformed. Gardening can be a procrastinator’s dream, as you can potter about but not really achieve anything, but there are some easy things you can do in a day that will spring new life into your garden such as scrub the patio area and add a few pots to brighten it up. Deadheading and removal of leaves can help to make a garden look more loved, along with edging your lawn and sweeping paths. Adding some new garden furniture can revamp a garden immediately. I would advise that you set a deadline and realistic targets, so set a day aside, plan it, and get stuck in! By adding some planting, you can rejuvenate a garden instantly, but you need to ensure you do this right. Most people have a theme to their garden, and you can choose plants that complement your theme, but you must make sure you pick the right plant for the environment that they are to be grown, for example shade loving plants out of the sun, moisture loving plants in wet areas, and wind tolerant plants in exposed areas. Sometimes it is the feel of the garden Revamp your garden * Keep watering your flowers, including the pots and hanging baskets * Cut the foliage of daffodils and tulips down to the ground * Spray roses to protect them from pests and disease * Hoe boarders to keep down weeds or treat with weedkiller * Apply a combined weed, feed and moss killer to your lawn if you think it needs it * Edge your lawn when you mow it * Lightly trim new growth on box hedges * Watch out for red lily beetle on tips and leaves of lilies * Plant out leeks and brassicas * Clean filters of pond pumps LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 21 FULLERS Call 01522 868717 or 07867 510544 landscapinglincolnshire@gmail.com www.landscapinglincolnshire.com GARDEN ADVICE at various times to create interest. One way to immediately add to a garden is to create a focal point. This needs to be something that directs the eye and remember with most focal points less is more. Water features are very good for this but these can take time to decide upon and create, and so if you want something quick and hassle free then consider a group of pots which vary in size and height and use plants with complementing colours. Alternatively a statue could be used. This can be a terracotta or stone one, but also have a look at wooden carved statues as these can be unique. A garden bench could be placed in an area where you may not want to always sit but will direct the eye to that area of the garden. Finally, lighting is a great way to emphasise an area and can also ensure your garden is usable long after the sun has gone down! You can use anything as a focal point but just remember that its size and scale need to complement the garden and add to the overall feel. Whether you are the type of person who wants a quick fix to make your garden more inviting or are one of life’s procrastinators who will forever be pottering, enjoying your outdoor space is the main thing. Here at Fullers we have the skills and knowledge to help you create your dream garden. We create planting plans, can provide you with a garden design that will maximize your budget and we can also build your garden. If you have a garden project that you would like us to help you with, then contact us to see how we can help you achieve your perfect outdoor space. 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 © stock.adobe.com/ moccabunny © stock.adobe.com/ Clickmanis22 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY T he Brownlow family, who had previously had a manor house - now vanished - at Little Humby to the southeast of Grantham, had held land at Belton from around the late C16th. But after acquiring wealth and a title as lawyers it was Sir John, the 3rd Baronet Brownlow, who in 1685 began building the mansion we see today close by the banks of the River Witham. An earlier manor house had been situated near the church. Building took four years and was completed in 1689 and Belton is regarded as perhaps the most perfect example of a late C17th English house. It is built in Ancaster stone, is of an “H” plan and in what is known as the Carolean style, after King Charles II, the rooftop balustrade and cupola being typical features. It is now Grade I listed. The architect responsible is uncertain. At one time it was thought to be Sir Christopher Wren but is more likely to have been a William Winde. The best craftsmen of the day were employed including a mason who had worked for Wren in London and a joiner from Chatsworth. Although the house is very symmetrical during the years after the civil war some degree of flamboyance was creeping back into architectural design and the arts generally. The Brownlow family have lived there ever since the house was completed but the male line died out in the C18th and the heiress married into the Cust family. However, the Brownlow title of the baronetcy (as an earldom) was maintained and so survives until today. The interior however, entered via the Marble Hall, is extremely grand with its Great Staircase, Chinese room and Queens room along with a reception Saloon and the Hondecoeter room, so named after three huge bird paintings by Melchior d’Hondecoeter. There are several outbuildings and the stables now form part of the café. Prince Charles (now King Charles) stayed at Belton whilst training at nearby RAF Cranwell. In 1690 Sir John was allowed to enclose 1,000 acres of the park and keep deer within it. He planted over 31,000 trees and had a large lake created to the northeast of the house, which now has a boathouse. To the rear of the house, covering the area where the previous manor was sited, there are now some formal Italian gardens and fountain that date from the early C19th. Overlooking these is a magnificent Orangery built in 1820. Belton and its gardens also provided the inspiration for the famous children’s book “Moondial” by Helen Cresswell. Beyond the gardens, but still overlooking them, stands the ancient church St Peter This month we explore the house and grounds of Belton House. Lincolnshire explored THE WEST COURTYARD THE CHURCHLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 23 and St Paul. It was built as much as a PR exercise for the Brownlow’s as for God – as acknowledged by one of the family - and contains many generations of family monuments from C17th until today by leading sculptors of the times. Parts of the church nave are nevertheless of Norman date and there is a fine Jacobean pulpit. Seen in the distance across the park to the east is the Bellmount tower. It is technically an arch, was built in1749 and once had two side extensions. It became affectionately known as “Lord Brownlow’s trousers”. Inner stairs lead to upper rooms. A country lane runs below it and there is a small carpark. A rewarding view makes the climb worthwhile. The village of Belton was also a Brownlow creation and mostly dates from the first half of the C19th. It all looks very picturesque being built of local stone and is clearly an estate village although several architects were involved. There are pretty cottages, a school, some almshouses and a former inn. There is some more modern history too. During WWI Adelbert, the 3rd Earl Brownlow, who had previously been Under- Secretary for War, patriotically offered use of Belton for the war effort. The park to the south of the house became a training ground for the 11th Machine Gun Corps with accommodation (initially in tents). The site was ideal for use as firing ranges and had good communications using the Great North Road and the east coast main line railway. A small town for thousands of men soon followed with a church, military hospital and cinema. It also had its own (but little-known) Belton Park railway - now gone without trace. This comprised a single line branch, four and a half miles long, built in 1916 leaving the Great Northern main line north of Grantham; it had sidings and a small engine shed. All was removed by 1924 and the land returned to Lord Brownlow. Belton also played a part in WWII when Nissen huts housed the Royal Air Force Regiment at a site named RAF Belton Park. The sixth Baron Brownlow, Peregrine Cust, was much involved in the great national controversy of the 1930’s abdication crisis. He was equerry to Edward Prince of Wales, who visited Belton several times, and continued in his service when he became King Edward VIII. When in 1936 he decided to marry Wallis Simpson, Peregrine became involved in attempts to dissuade her from the idea (unsuccessfully of course!). He refused to attend Edwards marriage and was regarded subsequently as disloyal by the couple. After the wars new taxes and staffing difficulties marked hard times for country houseowners and Lord Brownlow (the 7th Baron) tried to turn Belton into a tourist attraction by opening the house to the public and building the extensive adventure playground on the far side of the river. But he finally admitted defeat and in 1984 gave the house to the National Trust who also bought the parkland. As a National Trust property there is an admission charge for non-members. by Hugh Marrows THE BOATHOUSE THE ORANGERY BELLMOUNT TOWER BELTON HOUSE24 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY LINCOLN Discovering Lincoln: a journey through time LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 25 LINCOLN © stock.adobe.com/Electric Egg Ltd. From its origins in 300 BC to its bustling high street today, Lincoln is a city steeped in history. Explore its rich past, from Roman forts to Viking trading, Norman conquests to industrial revolutions, and find hidden treasures in its magnificent landmarks, grand halls, and independent boutiques. I f you’re a newcomer to Lincoln looking for a bit of background before you venture out to this city with its history on its sleeve, let us fill you in. Romans were the first to make Lincoln a major settlement, building a wooden fortress at the top of its hill in around 50 AD. A road that ran through Lincoln, known as Ermine Street today, became one of the most important in Britain at that time. It was built with the purpose of connecting London to York, providing a direct route for communications between the military outposts of Lincoln and York. Soon after, the Romans built a forum and public baths. Newport Arch, which was part of the Lindum Colonia settlement’s North Wall, still stands as a monument to the city’s Roman history, though not in its original material. There was a Norman reconstruction of a stone wall to replace the original 27 ÁTHE IBCC ACKNOWLEDGES THE EFFORTS, SACRIFICES AND COMMITMENT OF THE MEN AND WOMEN, FROM 62 DIFFERENT NATIONS, WHO SERVED BOMBER COMMAND. >Free Guided tours >9 acres of landscaped Peace Gardens >3 immersive and interactive Exhibition Galleries >The Spire Memorial with spectacular views of the city >The Walls of Names honouring 57,861 WWII losses > The Hub Café offering tempting locally sourced treats For Exhibition admission charges and events visit: INTERNATIONALBCC.CO.UK 01522 514755 info@internationalbcc.co.uk International Bomber Command Centre, Canwick Avenue, Lincoln, LN4 2HQ Open 6 days a week - 9.30am to 5pm (4pm winter) Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays | Last exhibition entry 4pm (3pm winter) ACCESS TO THE PEACE GARDENS AND MEMORIAL IS FREE OF CHARGE SCAN TO DISCOVER MORELINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 27 LINCOLN wood, and it’s stood ever since as the oldest archway in the UK still used by traffic. Prosperity continued into the 18th century during the period of the industrial revolution. During this period Lincoln began to excel in producing agricultural machinery such as ploughs, reapers and threshers, as well as in engineering tools, especially for steam engines and boilers. The city’s location on the River Witham and the Fossdyke Canal provided easy access to transport and raw materials, which helped to fuel its growth as an industrial hub. All of this progress led to the first ever tanks being designed and built in Lincoln in 1916, tying into its importance as a centre for the aviation industry, producing one in every 14 aircraft deployed in World War I. The city continues to enjoy its renown for industry in the present day, having one of the country’s fastest growing universities with its own dedicated School of Engineering. But you don’t need to be of a scholarly persuasion to enjoy Lincoln and its links to ancient life, progress and natural beauty. The city is well known for its stunning cathedral and castle, but there is far more to see than just these unmissable landmarks. If you remember what we said about history hidden in plain sight on the high street, the truth of that claim can be found in the Guildhall and Stonebow. Built in the 16th century, the Stonebow forms an archway over its contrasting modern retail destinations, the Guildhall itself to be found on its second floor. The building has been used for important and official meetings since its construction in 1520, and is still host to Council events today. The interior of the Guildhall is even more magnificent than even its impressive exterior could prepare you for. The venue houses many lavish items of interest in the lustre of its grand halls and chambers, including the sword of Richard II, and the mayor’s chains of office and posy ring. If you carry on under the Stonebow arch and up the high street, you’ll soon discover Lincoln’s other famed shopping district. Steep Hill may be the challenging climb its name suggests, but if you’re up to the challenge the cobblestones offer, it’s well worth it for the bounty of independent boutiques, restaurants and cafés to stop and rest at along the way. This is the place to visit if you’re out to treat yourself, whether that’s to a new © stock.adobe.com/Lucian Milasan 28 Á28 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY LINCOLN statement piece for the wardrobe, a generous slice of cake or a taste of old memories at a traditional sweet shop. All of these and more are covered, along with unique gifts for the pickiest loved one on any celebration day. When you think you’ve seen all there is to see of this uphill trip, carry on along The Strait for a magnificent sight. Your efforts will be rewarded with surprise views of the castle walls, and the full scale of the cathedral that often teases you from a distance on country drives across Lincolnshire. Built in 1072 with a rich history that only grows more fascinating with age, look to the cathedral roof and tower tours to find all its hidden treasures and secrets, including the view from the top of the blanket of countryside with its ribbon of roads you travelled to get here. There are adventures for everyone, so be sure to bring along the little ones on a hunt for the Lincoln imp, that cheeky fellow an angel turned to stone for his mischief. The castle always has a wealth of summer events for the fun to follow you from one masterpiece of historical architecture to the other. This year there’s the Enchanted Castle tour to explore the castle grounds and find its mythical creatures, along with sessions for Magical Crafts. Having found the legendary creatures in question late in June, you might want © stock.adobe.com/ANDREW NORRISLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 29 LINCOLN A S LOCAL AS IT GETS! At £950 Price includes VAT and removal of the old door PREMIUM GARAGE DOORS, BASED IN LINCOLN AT PROGLIDE LINCOLN WE OFFER ADVICE, INSTALLATIONS AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN. WE ENSURE AN EFFICIENT, PROFESSIONAL GARAGE DOOR INSTALLATION SERVICE, THAT'S WHY WE OFFER A FREE 5 YEAR WARRANTY. ALWAYS DEALING WITH YOU DIRECTLY, GIVE US A CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE, NO-OBLIGATION QUOTE AS WELL AS FURTHER DETAILS ON OUR COMPETITIVE PRICES. Call Lisa, Angela or Helen in the office on 01522 581244 or 01522 790014 mark@proglidelincoln.co.uk • www.proglidelincoln.co.uk One touch remote Zero maintenance - no oiling, greasing, wire placing etc Buster’s Seal of Approval to come back for Dragon Warrior Training on 19th August. The Medieval Joust, which has become a popular annual staple, lets everyone meet friendly characters from this beloved era in history, watch the best jousters in the country in action, and perhaps come away with a memento of the day. And of course, there’s always the Medieval Wall Walk, ever in demand and worth booking in advance for the regal feel of looking out over the city from this grand vantage point. After a busy morning and perhaps a break for lunch on Steep Hill, you may find yourself wanting to take it down a notch for the rest of the afternoon. Just a short drive from the bustle of the high street will bring you out to the lakes, fountains and gorgeously designed Grade II gardens of Lincoln Arboretum. © stock.adobe.com/chrisdorney These peaceful patches of green were planned and laid out between 1870 and 1872 by celebrated Victorian gardener Edward Milner, which goes to show that you don’t have to do more than stop for a picnic to access Lincoln’s past. Once the kids are busy in the play area and all other plans put aside, all that’s left is to relax into this tapestry of a modern city with a living history.Next >