Create a garden allotment this summer (it's easier than you think)

Allotments have become something of a must-have for many urban families.

Undeterred by the typical characteristics of city (or town) life, people are keen to become green-fingered with a new enthusiasm for 'gardening'. The aim is to achieve a degree of self-sufficiency, whilst having fun as a family.  

It's something we can do together. Get the kids involved. It's a great outdoor activity.    

All common assumptions from those even considering an allotment. But for those brave enough to turn it into a reality, what are the options?    

Official allotments are generally owned by local councils and tend to carry an extra-long waiting list for those looking to take a plot. And once people have marked their territory and got the bug for growing their own produce, the chances of one becoming available are few and far between.    

So perhaps the key is to look a little closer to home. The best advice for novice growers is to avoid being over-ambitious and taking on more than you can chew (excuse the pun).    

Look no further than your own back garden. And start with some simple prep work.    

1. Your plot    

Choose the best space for your allotment by considering which part of the garden gets the most sun. Veggies generally don't favour growing in the shade so choose somewhere with at least five hours of sunshine a day. Most of the plants you'll work with will need to grow rapidly in a short space of time and sunshine is a vital ingredient in this.    

Plants also need to be protected from the wind so try some fence panels, hurdles or even a permanent hedge along the windy, western side of your allotment. And if possible, position it away from other flower beds to help prevent the slugs straying over and nibbling through your vegetables.    

2. The preparation    

Start a compost heap now as allotments generate a lot of green waste that can easily be recycled into the soil. If there's room, add a small shed alongside the proposed plot too. This is not only great for storing your tools and equipment but allows you to install guttering and a butt to collect the rainwater too. A large cost saving when you consider how much watering you'll have to do every day.    

You'll need to mark out your beds and section with gravel or paving slabs to make them easy to walk around (and across). And then it gets really technical when you have to start working on your cropping plan. The secret is in sowing your seeds little and often. Do some research and work out what you need to plant when to keep your garden producing through the winter and into spring.    

3. Your produce    

You must remember that the purpose is not to grow every edible fruit and vegetable you can think of, but more to start small and expand as you learn. Mainstays such as potatoes, carrots and parsnips are great fun to dig for but need to be in the ground for a long time, potentially taking up valuable space.    

Go for a trusty lettuce if you're keen to see results. There's lots of different varieties for a good mixed salad and they'll keep growing as you're harvesting. Other leafy greens such as kale or spinach produce a healthy, tasty result too. And then there's the classic tomato plant and faithful cucumber which chosen well, can taste amazing and produce a great home crop.     

And the list doesn't end there. Once you've taken the plunge for a home allotment, you've committed to years of living like The Good Life. The annual excitement as your favourite crops come to fruition will be worth it's weight in gold, and planning your allotment to ring the changes will bring lots of fun too. There's no time like the present to get going, or at least start digging!

Keep your house cool, and your temperament cooler

There are many things that accompany the long summer days - extreme heat often being one of them. It doesn't often go down as one of the main highlights and, in typical British style, is more likely one of the things we grumble about.

We long for summers that actually fit the dictionary definition of "the warmest season of the year, in the northern hemisphere from June to August and in the southern hemisphere from December to February." But, when we're lucky enough to experience this - like recently - we find ourselves checking the weather forecast for any signs of a temperature drop or even a cool shower.

But let's be realistic, summer is meant to be sunny so we just need to deal with the heat. Keeping yourself cool is one thing and, in many ways, an easy thing. Wear lighter clothing, take a cool shower, enjoy the shade and keep topped up with ice cold drinks and refreshing snacks.

Keeping your house cool on the other hand, can be slightly harder.

Some houses are naturally more resistant to the heat and can regulate their own 'thermostats' more efficiently than others. This can be down to a number of factors including the orientation of the house, the style and positioning of the windows and the level of insulation that has been installed. Trees and shrubs that have been strategically placed in the garden could also provide some very welcome and natural shade for the house.

But there are still things that we can do ourselves to reduce the warm, clammy feeling of sitting indoors on a hot day.

Windows and curtains

Resist the temptation to open all the windows. There's a heatwave going on outside, opening all the windows will not result in a cool breeze floating through. Instead, keep the windows closed and the curtains drawn - for the hottest part of the day at least - and then, when the temperature drops, get everything open again. And go for white curtains or blinds where possible, they'll help to reflect the daytime heat.

Lights and gadgets

All appliances generate their own heat. The very act of plugging them in generates heat. If you're not watching the TV or using your laptop, keep it switched off and unplugged. It's also a good idea to manage with natural lighting for as long as possible each day. As small as they may appear, lightbulbs can be toasty little things. As for the tumble dryer, pretend you don't have one and hang everything out to dry (it will save you a fortune as well as keep you cooler).

Cooking and dining

Warm sunny days are not the time for a cheeky roast dinner. Take the opportunity to cook outside on the barbecue as much as possible and go for the option of tasty salads rather than steamed veg. Eating al fresco is also a great idea; especially early evening when everything is cooler and calmer. Nothing creates as much heat as the buzz of a kitchen, so whilst avoiding the cooker, give the dishwasher a wide berth too; the steam alone is not conducive to a cooler house.

While you're avoiding the generation of extra heat within the home, or filling the place with unnecessary steam, there's still the chance you'll feel too hot. Fear not. A neat little trick is to place a bowl of icy cold water in front of a fan. Take your seat, turn the fan on, wait for the ice to evaporate and a blow a refreshingly cool breeze your way. There are no rules about how long you're allowed to sit there.

Keeping your house cool is a sure-fire way to keep the people in it cool and happy too. Let's face it,  on hot sunny days this is almost essential to surviving the summer! Give these handy little hints a try.

Make this weekend a walking one

Walking is just one of the many ways to spend some time in the great outdoors; especially if there are routes straight from your doorstep. What better past-time than ambling your local area, taking in the sights and stopping at quaint pubs along the way for a refreshing something.

Walking is instantly relaxing and can be enjoyed on your own, in the happiness of your own company, with a group of friends or a team of like-minded walkers. It's a great way to socialise and meet new people, not least because it gives you plenty to discuss; everything before your very eyes.

The chances are that you'll learn so much more about your local area - and the beauty of its paths, tracks and fields - in one walk than you will driving around it for years. It's also a hobby with some noticeable health benefits, including:

• Helping you to sleep better
• Improving your mood
• Boosting your vitamin D levels
• Keeping your heart healthy

More often than not you'll be able to find some good (and interesting) walks where you live without the need for too much effort. All you need is a good path and you're away. If you can throw in some countryside, woodland areas, streams - or even a beach - then you've got lots to go at. But at the very least, a path will more than suffice.

Take a look at Rutland for example. A beautifully flat county (the UK's smallest in fact) with so much personality to explore on foot; it's a ramblers dream. Packed full of delightful little villages, with country pubs in abundance, it's easy to make a day out of discovering this little gem. Even if you're a trusty Rutland resident, don't be surprised at how much it will still hold for you to learn and see. 

From the country to the coast, Somerset has to be a winner for its beaches. With some stunning yet traditional coastlines on offer, walking is a great way to make your way around this beautiful seaside destination. Take in the scenery of some breath-taking cliffs, coves and harbours with these 7 scenic coastal walks; a sure-fire way to enjoy a Sunday stroll whether you're a local rambler or visiting tourist.

All walking, however, does require some prep and pre-planning. Decent walking shoes are a must, as is some water and a little stash of snacks. Always have an idea of the route you're planning to follow, but feel free to veer off for points of interest and unexpected sights. And don't forget the suncream, sun hat and jungle formula (essential for exploring rivers and forests).  

For some great woodland walks near you, check out these suggestions from the Woodland Trust.

Up-size, down-size, same-size? The housing excitement of a retiree.

Planning for your retirement is always an exciting time (once you’ve accepted you’re actually at retiring age). There are so many things to think about and... well... plan.  

Retirement today is very different to retirement of yesteryear. It no longer assumes a nursing home, walking frame and cabbage soup. Rather it is more about making the most of the years ahead; working part-time, holidays abroad, staycations, meeting friends, new dates… all with a good G&T in-hand.  

In the background, creating an excitement of its own, is the all-important decision about where and how to live.  

The obvious choice for so many couples and individuals is to move house and down-size. The golden years are upon you and the idea of freeing up some cash and cutting back on your expenses is an appealing one - not to mention that a smaller home is inevitably more manageable.

Cue a retirement village.  

It's not everyone’s cup of tea, but certainly worth a thought if any of the above fits your retirement criteria.  

If you really embrace it as a lifestyle choice, your village can become more than just a place to live. It’s a vibrant community of like-minded people who enjoy the same values from retirement-busy lifestyles.  

These are the exact principles we’ve used when developing, The Croft. Set in the beautiful and vibrant village of Baston, South Lincolnshire, it’s our first development designed exclusively for the over-55s. And, with the first-phase complete and fully-sold, we are officially opening phase two with great delight on Friday 10 August 2018.  

Consisting of mainly of one, two and three-bedroom bungalows, the architecture is such that it represents the heritage and tradition of more classically designed homes. Each property is located around attractive walkways and gardens to create a pleasant and welcoming community environment.  

Even better, all the homes have been designed with minimal ongoing maintenance in mind. Homeowners can benefit from the independence and security of property ownership without the day-to-day worries of property upkeep.  

The Croft's new show home will be open to the public from 2:30pm on Friday 10 August. We would love to see you there. Pop by and talk to us in more detail about how this retirement living may be for you. It's a lifestyle choice.

Weekends are made for the sunshine!

There’s nothing more appealing than planning a fun, action-packed (or lazy and relaxing) weekend in the sunshine. Two whole days each week to get out and enjoy the British sunshine whilst exploring where you live. This year, we have had the added benefit of the sun.  

With our obsession with the weather, it is standard to trawl all the weather forecasts until you find one that promises the weather you’re looking for. Once you've found the date, get an idea of the type of thing you’d like to do. Research local options and investigate further afield too. Then gather a group of friends and make a whole day (or weekend) of it.  

For a sunny day, all-action often springs to mind and something like cycling is perfect for a range of ages and abilities; even better if you can find somewhere to hire the bikes and make it a truly hassle free activity. If you plan the timings well, you can set off early, miss the midday sunshine and get back in time for a delicious picnic lunch under a shaded tree.  

Close to Rutland Water is a local gem for this type of weekend entertainment. It is just on the outskirts of Oakham, close to our new Farriers Reach development, and is a beautiful setting with more outdoor paths than you need, lots of cafés for refreshments, great picnic areas and, best of all, it's absolutely free. They even have a bike hire centre where you can get kitted up with everything you need for a day on the saddle.  

For something slightly more relaxing, there’s always the option to check out memberships like the National Trust. There's an initial investment, but it means you have lots of different places to go to, each offering their own definition of fun.

Close to our Collingham site, there is the amazing Belton House which is a wonderful day out for any family. There’s a huge outdoor play area, lots of grounds to explore, masses of space to picnic and a café for the ice-cold refreshments (complete with indoor play area).  

If it’s local culture you’re looking for, then try investigating stately homes or places of historical interest. Somerset is home to The Bishop's Palace which is steeped in local history and full of things to do and explore. From the palace and gardens to pond-dipping and giant garden games, you’ll be spoilt for choice – whilst learning lots at the same time.

But sometimes all this is too much and it’s simply a long lunch, watching the world go by, that ticks the box for a sunny weekend. If this is the case, then exploring local options is always a winner. Research the area well and find somewhere with locally-sourced food. Knowing it originated on your door step instantly makes it taste better; especially if you’re by the seaside. Eating outside is a must when it’s warm of course!  

The beauty of summer weekend activities like these is that they are as good for people on holiday as they are for those living in the area. You can visit them as a one-off or you can return time and time again if it becomes a firm favourite. Either way, try as many different things as you can and be sure to tell people about the best finds - you can’t beat a recommendation for a good day out.

Is there a summer buying season?

It's safe to say that deciding to buy or sell a house is backed by one of two mindsets; an impulsive desire to change your life or a well-thought through strategic next step.

There's nothing to say which approach is the right one, or indeed the most lucrative, but each do require some sort of plan beyond the initial big decision.

So, if moving house has come from a moment of spontaneity, rational thinking will need to kick in at some point to make sure you are getting the best deal. Key considerations should include mortgage interest rates, the type of house you're looking for, where you'd like to live and how the housing market is currently stacking up for buyers.

The ultimate question is: 'Is now really a good time to move?'

With summer (more than one consecutive day of sunshine) in full swing, we should also consider moving house in the context of the seasons. And although this comes with much debate, there is a lot to be said for buying in the summer.

Everything looks better in the summer. The days are longer, the evenings are brighter, the gardens are greener and houses generally look happier (although there is something appealing about the coziness of a log fire in the winter). Summer brings with it a sense of get up and go. People are inspired and enthusiastic - give them a project and it is generally achieved.

After the mayhem of the spring house buying season, and before the autumn flurry, summer tends to be a little quieter. Lots of people favour holidays over houses meaning your choice of properties could be limited. The good news is that new developments don't tend to be affected by the holiday season either and you could find the perfect plot to put your own mark on and make your home.

It's can also a good season to bag yourself a property that's perhaps been on the market for a while. Sellers that haven't sold in the spring may not want to hold out until the autumn, and therefore a strong offer (that may not be the highest) could seal the deal. Play into the hands of the seller and present your benefits. Offer them a cash deal if it's an option. Equally as appealing is a quick turnaround as a result of a short chain. People have put their house on the market to sell, and there's nothing more disheartening than it just sitting there.

Summer may be the season that you just make the decision to buy a new house. If this is the case you have the time to put the wheels in motion before the October rush hits. Make the most of the good weather to explore the areas you'd like to live, and get a feel for the type of houses that are available; they'll almost certainly be looking their best right now. And, if you're able to move quickly, there's the incentive to be in and settled for Christmas (without sounding too cliché).

Check out our locations, developments and homes to see if there's one for you.

Baston in the Blitz. It’s the real deal.

This hugely popular event is returning for another year to the beautiful and vibrant village of Baston.  

Held over the weekend of the 4th and 5th August, Baston in the Blitz is a 2-day WW2 and military extravaganza and this year’s event is set to be the biggest and best yet.  

Steeped in history and with an atmosphere to match, it’s the perfect trip out for individuals and families alike. The line-up includes thrilling battle re-enactments, firepower demonstrations, The Blitz Dancers and a Punch & Judy show, not to mention a wide variety of delicious food, drink and refreshments.  

And with over 60 trade stalls, 70 display groups and more than 500 WW2 re-enactors, it’s a weekend not to be missed. Be transported back to the 1940s and celebrate the music, style and spirit of Britain’s finest hour. We are!  

With Baston being home to our over-55s development, The Croft, we’re fully embracing true community spirit with a stall at this huge event. It’s a great opportunity to be a part of something special locally, perfectly showcasing the essence of life in Baston; a friendly and tranquil village with a very welcoming feel.  

Why not pop along and see us, we’d love to tell you more about these exclusive communities we’re creating. The Croft developments are based on independent living combined with the health and social benefits of being part of a wider community.    

So, while you’re enjoying the life and times of the 1940s, take a quick trip over to our stall or take a visit to The Croft at Baston where our teams will be delighted to meet you. We’ve got lots of goodies to give away and a prize draw (complete with a Pimm’s Hamper star prize) for you to take part in.  

Until 18 August, you can also receive free flooring on any plot purchase at The Croft. It’s more than just a place to live, it’s a lifestyle choice too.  

Call our sales office today on 07917 761020 or visit The Croft at Baston for more information.  

In the meantime, enjoy the Blitz!