BALI Landscape News Spring 2019

THE THE OFFICIAL OFFICIAL JOURNAL JOURNAL OFOF THE THE BRITISH BRITISH ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION OFOF LANDSCAPE LANDSCAPE INDUSTRIES INDUSTRIES

bali.org.uk bali.org.uk£5.00 £5.00

SPRING

2019

Use this button throughout to visit advertiser websites IN TE R AC T I V E ISSUE

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BALI launches new website LATEST NEWS

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Time with Tivoli exclusive interview

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Matt Nichol MBALI’s tranquil paradise

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Green-tech reveal all PRODUCT & AFFILIATE NEWS

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An Environmental Initiative Rigby Taylor, in its 100th anniversary year, is heading a major initiative to assist in reversing the national decline in pollinating insects.

It’s called Project Pollin-8.

PROJECT

POLLIN-8

Project Pollin-8 is a range of 10 specially developed Euroflor flower seed mixtures which has been introduced to supply longer seasonal sources of nectar and pollen, whilst at the same time providing incredible flower displays.

In particular, a new mixture Euroflor Banquet contains the best species for pollinators, whilst delivering a high performance display.

Banquet is the result of information obtained from independent research data published by the Urban Pollinators Group* (UPG).

Sown from March through to June, flowers appear 50-55 days after seeding and will provide a riot of colour until the first frosts in late Autumn.

For a comprehensive Euroflor brochure ask your Rigby Taylor contact or Freefone 0800 424 919.

Also as part of this initiative, Rigby Taylor has launched a new website that details more about Project Pollin-8 and showcases all the Euroflor mixtures currently available.

www.euroflor.co.uk

Rigby Taylor Limited www.rigbytaylor.com e-mail: sales@rigbytaylor.com

‘*The Urban Pollinators Group (UPG) is a national research programme on urban pollinators run by Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, & Reading universities (2010-2013).

CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME Dear member Following on from the prestigious BALI National Landscape Awards in December, here at John O’Conner we’ve had a bright start to the year having the pleasure of attending both the Society of Garden Designer’s Awards and Pro Landscaper’s Business Awards. It’s encouraging to see everyone doing their bit to help raise industry standards across the board. It was also pleasing to see so many BALI Registered members triumph, taking away not only category wins but the top prizes too. Many congratulations to you all.

With this in mind, the date for the 43rd BALI National Landscape Awards have been confirmed as Friday 6th December. Maybe now is the time to start thinking about your awards entry. The BALI adjudicators have created categories that are suited to the whole of BALI’s membership and they welcome entries, both large and small, commercial or domestic.

As BALI’s National Chairman one of the things I like most about this time of year are the BALI Regional AGMs. To date I have attended both the North Thames and South Thames events and, at the time of writing, look forward to both East Anglia and Yorkshire & North East. The AGMs and regional meetings are always a great way to connect with members and they always seem to be a hot bed of ideas, industry news and an opportunity to hear member’s views directly from the horse’s mouth. If you haven’t attended your AGM or one of your local regional meetings in a while, I would highly recommend that you check the BALI website event listings and book yourself on to the next one.

Some of the recent events included a fascinating tour of Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, an exclusive talk by Dan Riddleston, Managing Director of Bowles & Wyer, who enthralled members with an informative and entertaining talk on how his company built a BALI Grand Award winning garden and Mark Gregory showed members how he took the Yorkshire Dales to Chelsea, picking up a Gold medal, Best Construction and The People’s Choice Award along the way.

A personal highlight for me and BALI’s Immediate Past Chairman, Paul Downer, was being able to present Greg Allen with a special recognition award in grateful

appreciation of his outstanding service as Chair of the Adjudication Panel for the BALI National Landscape Awards. Greg, who stepped down last year has had a long association with BALI. As a college lecturer he would bring students to regional meetings or host them at Writtle so students and BALI members could network together. He has been a vetting officer and for the last 10 years associated with the BALI National Landscape Awards. I have known Greg for well over 25 years and I can honestly say he has always helped to develop and promote professional excellence throughout the landscape industry. Congratulations on your award Greg, very well deserved.

Finally, I would like to personally welcome all the new BALI members listed on this page. Congratulations on passing BALI’s vetting process and I hope to see you at some of the forthcoming regional meetings. It’s now time for you to proudly display that hard-earned BALI Registered logo, so make sure it’s on your vehicles, website and all promotional materials.

Best wishes.

Matt O’Conner BALI National Chairman

New members as at 19/02/2019 Registered Contractor

Registered International

South West MTL Group

DDON Planning & Design Inc.

North Thames Eco Landscapes

Vestre

Associate Designer North Thames Clarissa Judd

Roots Garden Nursery

Registered Designer

South Thames Avenue Landscapes

South Thames Mandy Buckland

Nick Robins Rosebank Landscaping

Registered Affiliate

Midlands JHPS Gardens Limited

South Thames Resin Bonded

Newman Landscapes

North Thames Folia-Europe

Spring 2019

Associate Contractor Wales W.F.James & Son

BALI & ROLO Training Provider South Thames ABC Worksafe

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CONTENTS Visit website

Arches • Pergolas • Obelisks • Trellis Fruit Cages • Raised Beds & Planters Plant Supports • Fencing • Gates

Hello and welcome Something look a little different? Yes, you’ve got it, I am no Denise. No sooner had Denise left the editor’s chair I found myself taking up the mantle, albeit temporarily, until a suitable replacement can be found.

We are incredibly proud of our Landscape News publication such is the gravitas that it represents not only within the association but throughout the industry and I want to ensure that whoever sits in the editor chair has the knowledge and experience to lead us forward.

I must admit I have really enjoyed putting Landscape News together. Denise was the perfect mentor and her legacy lives on in these pages. We have a jam-packed, feature-rich edition for you this quarter. I’ve had the privilege of speaking exclusively to some of the UK’s finest landscaping professionals and we have lined up some detailed interviews which I hope you will find both incredibly interesting and empowering to read.

Whilst carrying out editing duties I have also been working with the BALI team at Landscape House to prepare for our new BALI website. I hope you like the new look and that it serves our members with the professionalism and quality you expect from your trade association.

Finally, I wanted to mention that BALI has commissioned a specialist branding agency to carry out a review on our brand and services and I wanted to extend a special thank you to those members that have so far contributed by way of telephone interviews. Without your honest feedback the review would be in danger of becoming hollow, fast, so we appreciate the time taken to share your thoughts.

Onwards and upwards!

Editor Darren Taylor BALI Landscape House Stoneleigh Park Warwickshire CV8 2LG T: 02476 690333 F: 02476 690077 Editorial and News releases darren.taylor@bali.org.uk Copy date for Summer 2019 edition Friday 3 May

Design by:

bdci.co.uk Print by:

blackmore.co.uk

Best wishes.

Darren Taylor Cover image:

Marian Boswall Reighton Wood, Photo Credit Jason Ingram

CONTENTS

• • • •

Site visits Bespoke structures Trade discount & pricing Professional CAD/ technical drawings

Trade brochure: 2018

0333 400 1777 Trade enquiries:

trade@harrod.uk.com

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Quarterly Update

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Latest News

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Contractor News

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Training & Technical

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Designer Focus

Events BALI Chalk Fund Product & Affiliate News

Visit website

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Boasting the widest range and the highest quality products available on the market, we are proud to provide FSC® certified and 100% British products. We’re passionate about providing quality products nationwide.

For more information chat to us on 01362 638441 or visit www.tmabark.co.uk

• Decorative Barks and Mulches • Playgrade Barks and Woodchips • Biomass Woodchips • Biofilter Material • PAS:100 Compost • Profesional Growing Media

QUARTERLY UPDATE

2019 is shaping

up to be a big year Whilst penning this edition’s quarterly update I am also slowly recovering from a complicated surgery. Thankfully all went well, and I am returning to duties and back at the helm for what promises to be an important year for BALI and its members. I would like to

thank my colleague and BALI’s National Chairman Matt O’Conner for standing in for me during the past few weeks, particularly around the BALI Regional AGMs where I normally pride myself on personally attending. I understand from Matt that they have, to date, all gone to plan and there are more still to come, with lots of positive feedback from members who attended. I hope to be able to attend the remaining events scheduled for late February and March. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Operations Manager Kirsty Wood for holding the fort in my absence and the team at Landscape House for delivering a continued service for members.

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New additions to Landscape House We are now a full team at BALI Landscape House with the latest hire, Roger Roberts, taking on the role of Sales Officer. Along with Leah Brookes who is now in charge of BALI’s National Landscape Awards in her role as Events Project Manager and Trushali Chudasama joining the team as Marketing and Communications Officer, BALI now offers members a complete support service including technical, sales and advertising, marketing and membership. I urge all members to use the services at your disposal by contacting any member of BALI’s team who will be more than happy to help.

BALI website and GoLandscape website As I return to work, I am also pleased to report that the new BALI website has now launched and can be viewed at the normal address bali.org.uk.

Spring 2019

After months of development, the website provides members with a modern and professional tool to promote their business, if applicable to their category of membership. Please take a look and let us know your first impressions. The new BALI website is also joined by the GoLandscape website which launched in the latter part of 2018. The GoLandscape website at golandscape.co.uk provides an educational, informative and inspirational online resource for all students, apprentices and career changers who are interested in a career within horticulture or landscaping – as well as teachers, parents or career advisors who may not have immediately suggested landscaping as a viable choice or route to employment.

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What else is new for 2019 Alongside the new website, BALI’s marketing team have also commissioned a specialist branding agency to review, refine and implement changes to the way BALI promotes itself, markets its members and operates within and outside the industry. This will ensure we remain the leading trade association for the UK’s landscape professionals. The work is scheduled to complete in late Spring.

I am happy to report that my work with the All-Party Parliamentary Gardening and Horticulture Group (APPGHG) continues at pace, as does my involvement on behalf of BALI for the Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group (OHRTG). The OHRTG have, following the successful publication of The Economic Impact of Ornamental Horticulture and Landscaping in the UK report in October 2018, also commissioned research specialists Pye Tait to conduct an Ornamental Horticulture Skills Survey which is scheduled to take place this Spring, with a report due out in late Summer 2019 and coordinated by the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

The study will help ascertain the skills needs of the ornamental horticulture and landscaping industry across the UK. A range of stakeholders are involved in commissioning this project to reflect the range of employers within the ornamental horticulture sector. The stakeholders hope that the in-depth information about the current state of labour in the sector produced from this survey will help enable the UK horticulture industry to recognise how progress can be made in this sector.

This will help in the achievement of the ornamental industry’s full labour potential and sustainability with a suitably skilled workforce, whilst enabling economic growth and raising of its profile as an attractive sector to work in. Results from this survey will help equip the OHRTG and wider ornamentals sector to support the case for lobbying government and requests for funding, help inform on migratory advisory committee consultations and inform the training sector of the demand for training products in the horticulture sector. We hope this project will help with the attainment of a sufficient and skilled labour force postBrexit, whilst providing a more defined career pathway into the industry.

Within the Land-based Industry Skills Scheme (LISS) and Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) (LISS/ CSCS) team there have been several developments including the production of a new LISS/CSCS information leaflet which is now readily available to download on the BALI website, plus, the introduction of two new Technical Awards that have been developed by Lantra in response to industry feedback, namely, the Environmental Maintenance Operative for the Blue Skilled Worker level card and Green Roof Installer for the Trainee Worker – Red card. Both are now readily available, and I urge any employers within the landscape industry that carry out any form of environmental management and maintenance, or, design and build green roofs, that they can send their employees on training courses that now have an appropriate card recognised by CSCS. So, I urge all members where this is applicable to use them or risk losing them.

43rd BALI National Landscape Awards 2019 Entries are now open for the 43rd BALI National Landscape Awards. Although we cover the story in more detail in this edition’s BALI news section, I wanted to personally thank our loyal sponsors who have already signed up for this year’s event, and, encourage all BALI Registered members to enter a scheme. For our smaller landscape contractors, garden designers and supplier companies it may seem daunting, but I welcome one and all to share your experiences, passion, determination and drive with fellow landscaping colleagues at the largest and most prestigious industry awards in Europe. You have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain. Visit baliawards.co.uk or contact Leah Brookes on 02475 185613 for more information.

Membership renewal It is once again that time of year when we ask our members to renew their annual membership. By the time this edition hits, the deadline will be looming; 31 March 2019. It has been a solid start for renewals and it’s great to see so many of you, once again, renewing early to secure your 2% discount. Thank you to those that have already renewed, I look forward to working with you again throughout 2019-20.

Kind regards, Wayne Grills Chief Executive

Spring 2019

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LATEST NEWS

ENTRIES NOW OPEN FOR THE 43RD BALI NATIONAL LANDSCAPE AWARDS Mark the date in your diary, Friday 6 December at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House for the 43rd BALI National Landscape Awards 2019.

With over 1,000 members, guests and VIPs in attendance at both the 2017 and 2018 events the chances are high that this year’s ceremony could break even more records.

The BALI National Landscape Awards is the industry’s flagship landscaping awards event and the largest of its kind in Europe.

The Awards represent the very highest of standards across the horticulture and landscape industry that celebrates the work of some of the world’s most influential, experienced and highly-skilled landscaping professionals.

BALI Registered members can now enter this year’s Awards by visiting the Awards website where all 2019 categories are listed.

BALI has also produced an Entry Guidelines publication which can be viewed online or downloaded from baliawards.co.uk. The Entry Guidelines provide members with a helpful resource tool that explains the BALI

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National Landscape Awards entry process for each category, what the expert adjudication panel are looking for and lists all early bird and final dates and fees..

The 2019 event also introduces a new category. International Award UK-Based is open to all BALI Registered members and is for a contract undertaken outside the UK by a BALI member who is registered within the UK. The International Award can be either a domestic, commercial or private contract, interior or exterior.

For more information on this year’s Awards visit baliawards.co.uk or contact Events Project Manager Leah Brookes leah.brookes@bali.org.uk

Have you renewed your membership?

We are committed to tackling the skills deficit GoLandscape, a careers by initiative developed by its BALI and supported in members, was launched March 2018 and continues industry to drive innovative developments to support the skills efforts of reducing of creation the From deficit. an employer-led Advanced Diploma in Landscape , Construction to recruiting g training and supportin UK. the ambassadors around

Developing a future pool of talent been careers initiative has BALI’s GoLandscape with industry partners working in collaboration College, RHS, Landscape such as Capel Manor and many more to Institute, YMCA Training of skilled talent. develop a future pool leavers choosing Whether they are school option, career changers landscaping as a career work experience or looking to new horizons, of the work it has is proud to apprentices, BALI and continues to deliver, already delivered, in landscaping who get more people interested GoLandscape is building have the right skills. hire employers ready to a network of industry

Credit: Student

• By returning your completed renewal form via post to BALI, Landscape House, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG • By returning your completed renewal form via email to emily.feeney@bali.org.uk • Call and complete your renewal over the phone with a member of the team by calling +44 (0)24 7669 0333

Training apprentice with YMCA

New BALI website*

Contact BALI or +44 (0)24 7669 0333 contact@bali.org.uk

HOW CAN THIS HOW CAN THIS

HELP ME?

are, then become skills shortage as we about reducing the with school pupils, If you are just as passionateAmbassador and help share our story add the UK. Looking to a voluntary GoLandscape career advisors and parents around teachers, career changers, workforce? apprentices to your to offer all BALI Horticulture Careers with Pro Landscaper’s GoLandscape is working apprentice vacancies. job postings for any members free online o.uk for more details.

Visit golandscape.c

If you have already submitted your renewal Toge we a ther form and/or membership fee, your renewal makinre a rea g differel is currently being processed.

Please note nce that continued membership of BALI is dependent upon members abiding to our Code of Conduct and Terms of Conditions of membership. We look forward to receiving your membership renewal by 31 March 2019. Both your renewal form and membership fee are required prior to the 31 March 2019 for your membership renewal to be completed.

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By the time you read this BALI members will only have a few weeks left to renew their BALI membership which is due by 31 March 2019. You should have received your renewal booklet in early January and the accompanying BALI Toolbox brochure which we hope you found useful. These documents contain all the information we feel is relevant to assist you with your renewal.

There are three ways in which you can renew:

Make the most of your

BOX BALI TOOL

3

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07/02/2019 11:26

LATEST NEWS

Are you receiving our marketing emails?

One of the biggest requests from BALI members this year is that many members still do not receive BALI’s marketing emails, or, one person in the organisation might but not everyone. BALI has now designed a brand-new member-only preference centre where every person employed by an active BALI member organisation can set their own individual mailing preferences, including the choice of receiving BALI’s weekly Landscape House updates, regional events or information on GoLandscape.

The full list of preferences includes; • BALI Newsletter/National Updates

BALI launches new membership website After months of development and several years’ worth of feedback analysed from annual BALI surveys, BALI’s Landscape House team have launched a new membership website which delivers the next chapter of the association’s five-year marketing strategy.

Built by data-driven website specialists NetXtra, bali.org.uk is now slicker, more contemporary and easier to navigate, with content now presented in a friendlier and more sophisticated manner as well as images that enhance and promote members’ projects in the best possible way.

Gone are the two homepages which catered for public and industry as these have now been replaced by one singular homepage that combines all content in one place for easy access. With a tighter navigation and a more intelligent search, as well as a mobile-friendly design, the new website continues the efforts that sees BALI promote and support members to potential or existing clients around the UK and overseas.

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Customers applying for a BALI administered LISS/CSCS Smartcard can now apply and pay online, whilst the membership enquiry and membership application process has been streamlined for efficiency. The widely-used membership directory is now easier to use and easier to manage for those BALI members who have an online profile.

To see all the changes for yourself, visit bali.org.uk. If you would like to share your feedback with BALI, or, if you are a BALI member who does have an online profile and would like some guidance as to how to access your new profile please contact Marketing and Communications Manager, Darren Taylor: darren.taylor@bali.org.uk.

Spring 2019

• BALI Regional Newsletter • East Anglia • Midlands • North Thames • North West • Scotland • South Thames • South West • Wales • Yorkshire North East • GoLandscape Newsletter • Forum Newsletter • Landscape News Digital • Landscape News Print • Who’s Who Landscape Directory Print • LISS/CSCS & ROLO To opt-in or opt-out of any or all of the above you can click on the preference link in the footer of the BALI Newsletter, which is distributed every Thursday, and make your selections, or, if you do not currently receive that, contact BALI Landscape House and a member of the team will be happy to help 024 7669 0333.

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LATEST NEWS

BALI JOINS FORCES WITH SPECIFI LANDSCAPE At the start of the year BALI signed up to become Programme Sponsor for the 2019 Specifi Landscape Roadshow Programme of events, in a move that sees the two organisations joining forces to provide a unique meet the buyer experience for landscape architects, contractors and garden designers throughout major cities in the UK. The first two events were held in February, in London and Edinburgh respectively, where BALI exhibited alongside BALI Registered Affiliate members including Easigrass, Mobilane, Marshalls and Aubrilam. The event provided BALI with an opportunity to meet industry professionals who operate outside of the usual event circuit who make purchasing decisions which enables them to deliver their landscape schemes. Upcoming events include Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds and Manchester.

Specifi, which is now in its 5th year of operation and has 3,000 specifier attendees nationwide has seen rapid growth since its inception and is strongly positioned within the industry events calendar. The unique offer of a free 3-in-1 event including speaker, networking and dinner, including a free bar, meant attendees were made to feel relaxed and welcome within a beautiful venue that is also an iconic city landmark.

Chief Executive of Specifi, Paul Brooke, said, “We’ve already made a great start with BALI in 2019. Our ongoing strategy to invest in industry partnerships and community growth are establishing better built environment events year on year.”

The full list of Specifi events can be found at bali.org.uk/events.

If you are a BALI member and would like to get involved in Specifi, alongside BALI, then please contact BALI’s Marketing and Communications Manager Darren Taylor on 024 7669 0333 or email darren.taylor@bali.org.uk

UK’s first Korean garden to open at the Eden Project in Cornwall The Eden Project has started to create the UK’s first Korean garden, themed around the unique plants of the Korean peninsula and the extraordinary reforesting of South Korea over the last 50 years.

The garden will feature the national flowers of both North and South Korea Magnolia sieboldii and Hibiscus syriacus respectively.

The new garden occupies a thousand square metre space on the top edge of the Eden outdoor gardens close to the Visitor Centre.

The garden carries important themes.

Firstly, the ability of nature to heal the wounds of war as demonstrated in the demilitarised zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea and secondly how government policy in South Korea has established forests over a nation stripped of forest by war.

Eden’s Outdoor Horticultural Lead Julie Kendall and Korea National Arboretum researcher HyeYoung Jin

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Eden’s Outdoor Horticultural Lead Julie Kendall is overseeing the development of the garden and recently returned from a trip to Korea, kindly funded by the Cornwall Garden Society and Royal Horticultural Society. Working with her is Korea National Arboretum researcher HyeYoung Jin, who accompanied Julie on her Korean trip and has just finished a sixmonth placement in Cornwall, funded by the South Korean government, to develop plans for the garden at Eden.

Landscaping work is underway and planting is due to begin in spring. The garden is due to be finished in 2020.

Spring 2019

API published ‘A Movement for Movement’ report

The new report, published by the Association of Play Industries (API) in February, has called for a two-hour screen time guideline to be introduced as results have shown that for the first time a strong link between recreational screen time and children’s inactivity.

Children are choosing to spend hours indoors and on screens instead of venturing outdoors, and this could be linked to child obesity and mental health issues. There appears to be a ‘rapid and dramatic’ change from outdoor to indoor time, with a 50% increase in children’s discretionary screen time (DST) in less than a decade. By the age of eight, the average child will have spent one full year sitting in front of a screen.

The report’s author, Dr Aric Sigman, a health education lecturer and leading expert on the effects of recreational screen time on children, says action is urgently required. “This report confirms what most parents already know, that discretionary screen time is their children’s main activity. Whether it’s watching TV, playing games on laptops and iPads or spending time on social media, recreational screen time is occupying hours of their day, and has replaced outdoor play. Parents are looking for support and guidance on how to go back-to-basics to limit discretionary screen time and get their children outdoors and playing again.

The introduction of a two-hour limit for daily recreational screen time will offer specific advice to parents and with the support of government, we can start to tackle the increasing screen time issue.”

The API Chair, Mark Hardy, says: “Unless the government takes steps to help parents reduce children’s discretionary screen time, current attempts to tackle childhood obesity and poor mental health are likely to fail. At the same time, we also need urgent investment in free-to-use outdoor play facilities, particularly in deprived areas where such facilities can have the greatest impact. Our recent Nowhere To Play report highlights the alarming decline in playgrounds in recent years.”

The API is now calling on government to issue an official recommendation of two hours discretionary screen time per day for children, and, to invest in outdoor play provision, especially in deprived areas, to reverse the decline in playgrounds.

This is seen as good news by BALI and its members, particularly those that deliver contracting projects for playscapes.

BALI will be sharing the ‘A Movement to Movement’ report on its own website at bali.org.uk.

CONTRACTOR NEWS

31 BALI NATIONAL LANDSCAPE AWARDS AND COUNTING FOR GROUND CONTROL BALI Registered Contractor Ground Control now holds 31 BALI National Landscape Awards for a range of landscaping and grounds maintenance projects. The latest wins, two Principal Awards received at the 2018 BALI National Landscape Awards last December, saw the UK’s leading landscaping and external maintenance provider scoop the top prize in both Regeneration Scheme Over £500k and Community and Schools Development categories.

Since then, BALI was able to take a closer look at the two schemes to really appreciate the difference it has made to the communities involved.

Elephant Park The project

Originally constructed in the mid 1970’s, with its famous ‘neo-brutalist’ aesthetics, the estate was a popular place to live, however, towards the end of its time became run down and experienced high rates of crime.

The flats were demolished in 2014 to mark the beginning of the £2.3billion regeneration of the Elephant and Castle area. Ground Control created a true oasis in the city with the introduction of a nature area, meeting spaces as well as play and event zones.

The outcome Elephant Park is now the first part of the largest new green space in Central London for 70 years, hugely supporting the sustainability goals of the wider regeneration project.

With wide pedestrian paths providing routes through the park into the nature area, meeting spaces, play and event zones, the north of the site are beds of grasses and native species, climbing plants and bug hotels installed into the hoarding.

This area of the park doubles up as a large rain garden.

To the east, there is a bespoke interactive water feature and natural play area, along with a stage and event section bringing life back into the area.

By introducing trees and shrubs into the park and around the entire site, the air quality will be improved, and nature enhanced through the installation of hibernacula, bug hotels, bat boxes, insect attracting shrubs and bird boxes.

With the new open area for residents,

the park will provide a green safe haven for the community to take a break from busy urban life.

Calverley Adventure Grounds The project

The site of Calverley Adventure Grounds was once a bowling green which was added as an extension to the Grounds in 1923 when it became a public park.

In the early 2000’s the green became disused and gradually became more dilapidated. The issue was addressed by the Friends of Calverley Grounds who carried out a public survey as how to reuse the land. Unanimously, it was felt that a children’s play area would be the best use for the land. £250,000 was raised by nine parents who frequently used the play area, exceeding all expectations. As well as arranging fundraising events, local businesses and trusts were also

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Spring 2019

engaged in the campaign to sponsor elements of the play area such as the community wall and play equipment.

The outcome The new play area was designed to reflect the historic surroundings.

Agricultural themes, and pockets of trees signify the rich farming culture of Kent and local orchards of fruit trees.

From inception to completion, this project was a community driven venture. Each stage of planning, design and fundraising has been carried out by members of the community and involved residents. This resulted in a truly unique project, delivered by the community for the community for years to come.

For more information about Ground Control, visit ground-control.co.uk

CONTRACTOR NEWS

Ed’s love of design and skills to build complex gardens shine through in his work. The image above is the first example BALI saw of his hard-landscaping skills and superb attention to detail.

Make no mistake, creating a path like this takes considerable skill – particularly during the heatwave of summer 2018!

BALI sits down with Escape Landscapes What is the most important professional skill? Technical ability, communication, commercial awareness? How about attention to detail? In the landscape profession, without attention to detail, the elements that make a design really special can be lost in a poor execution.

Without attention to detail in landscape construction, a great design can be let down by poor quality of build.

It was meticulous attention to detail that struck BALI when we met BALI Registered Contractor Escape Landscapes’ owner, Ed O’Brien, at the end of 2018.

We were immediately impressed by Ed’s approach on a hard-landscaping project he had recently completed at a domestic property. When the opportunity arose earlier this year to feature him in Landscape News, we jumped at the chance to learn more about Ed’s work philosophy and see examples of other work Escape Landscapes have completed since becoming BALI members in 2015.

BALI: How did you get into the landscape profession?

Ed: I started off with a part time job in a garden centre whilst studying at college.

Ed’s experience working for specialist contractors shows in his work. As you can see in the images above, Ed is skilled in all types of landscaping. And whilst there is no doubting Ed’s technical skill on any scheme, his attention to detail and skill with hard landscaping elements really shine on modern designs where clean lines and bold shapes dominate.

This prompted my interest in gardens and outdoor living. I later worked for a landscape construction company, where I developed the skills to build complex gardens for a variety of garden designers.

Landscaping ties together my interest in creative construction and my background in art/design.

Ed cites communication with designers, colleagues and clients as a key skill required by landscape professionals and, as you may imagine as a hard-landscaping fan, cites the weather as the biggest headache when it comes to onsite challenges!

BALI: What single piece of advice would you share with other members of the industry who are looking to set up their own business?

Ed: Get as much experience as you can working with different specialist contractors to hone your skills and broaden your knowledge in all aspects of landscaping. Take on any opportunity that’s presented to you outside of your comfort zone and don’t be afraid to ask questions and attend courses to continually evolve your knowledge.

Ed offers design, construction and maintenance services to domestic and commercial clients throughout London, Surrey and Berkshire.

BALI: What does BALI membership mean to you as a landscape professional?

For more information on Escape Landscapes visit escapelandscapesltd.com or contact Ed O’Brien edward@escapelandscapesltd.com

Ed: It is the most widely known industry accreditation of quality workmanship and professional business practices, which helps to support our outstanding reputation.

Spring 2019

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CONTRACTOR NEWS

Time with Tivoli BALI Registered Contractor Tivoli, who acquired ISS Landscaping in 2018, is the UK’s leading independent grounds maintenance service provider. With more than 30 years of experience serving both the public and private sectors, Tivoli is a multi-award-winning specialist, self-delivering reliable high-quality services including grounds maintenance, landscape construction, tree surgery, winter maintenance and interior plants and floristry.

BALI’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Darren Taylor, sat down with Tivoli’s Marketing Manager Sarah Lee to talk success, achievements, apprentices and Brexit!

independent grounds maintenance providers with a turnover of £55 million.

Where did the inspiration for the Tivoli brand originate?

The move by ISS UK to divest ISS Landscaping in order to better focus on its core activities, has been a hugely beneficial move for Tivoli. We had built up a strong base as part of the ISS family and from there we are growing Tivoli into a specialist and independent grounds maintenance market leader. Tivoli is owned by private individuals as part of the Sullivan Street Partners portfolio of companies.

Layton Tamberlin, Director, Sullivan Street stated: “We have been highly attracted to the grounds maintenance market for some time and the business developed within ISS provides a fantastic base from which to grow.”

The word Tivoli originates from the name of a picturesque Italian town used as a summer resort by the ancient Romans. The Villa D’Este, a 16th century villa in Tivoli famous for its terraced hillside Italian Renaissance Garden, further inspired the Jardin de Tivoli in Paris which itself went on to inspire Tivoli Gardens in Denmark. So, the name has a strong link with gardens and parks.

The Tivoli branding is a representation of our commitment to effective delivery and sustainable best practice: the bee - a symbol of productivity and sustainability, within a flower – representing harmony and the environment. The message is positive yet simple, and focuses on the importance of preserving and looking after the environment.

How big is Tivoli in scale to the UK landscape services industry?

With over three decades of experience serving both the public and private sectors, Tivoli is one of the UK’s leading

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What were the primary reasons for acquiring ISS Facility Services Landscaping?

With Tivoli trading for over 30 years, what does success look like to you?

Underpinned by its values of innovation, passion and accountability, Tivoli’s purpose is to deliver beautifully managed spaces, improve the environment, and manage all forms of growth on behalf of its clients.

Tivoli’s evolution will be supported by its regional teams of 1,500 staff, all of whom share its passion to improve the appeal of public and private spaces for

Spring 2019

the local communities in which it works.

Over the last 9 months we have been working hard to transform the business and ensure that we make positive changes to our employees’ working environments. We have issued new, high-quality workwear to provide extra comfort to their working days and are implementing a new Operating System which will remove the paperwork element of their roles, improve employee efficiency, and allow us to provide our clients with real-time data and reports.

Rick Francis, Chairman, Tivoli said “We want Tivoli to be the company of choice for both our customers and our employees. Enabling our staff to be ‘the best they can be’ ensures productive and effective delivery and sustainable growth.”

Does Tivoli provide any additional services outside of grounds maintenance?

As well as providing grounds maintenance to its public sector, defence and corporate clients across the UK, Tivoli also self-deliver additional complementary services: Landscape Construction - Our team of all-seasons landscapers work on projects of all budgets. Our portfolio includes projects for royal estates, schools, universities, business parks and prominent tourist attractions.

Arboriculture – Tivoli offer a full range of tree care services to both public and private sector organisations, as well as to the domestic market throughout the UK. We are proud to have achieved full accreditation as an Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor. This accreditation means that Tivoli has

undergone a rigorous examination of everything from quality of work to office procedures, health and safety to continual professional development, ensuring that any work we carry out will be professional and to the highest standards.

Winter Maintenance – We provide gritting and snow clearance services to our clients on a national basis.

We understand the challenges that a severe winter can create, and our winter maintenance service ensures our clients’ premises remain open, operational, safe and compliant. Tivoli holds the Met Office Gold Level Quality Mark for winter gritting.

Interior Plants & Floristry – Our award-winning Interiors department are committed to creating inspirational interiors to help environments flourish.

We can design, install and maintain interior landscapes, as well as provide a first-class ‘Christmas’ service installing festive displays for our clients across the UK. Would Tivoli ever consider working with private subcontractors offering landscape services to win new work?

Although Tivoli self-deliver the vast majority of services we provide to our clients, we do work with private subcontractors for different specialist aspects, and this will continue to be part of our strategy going forward.

We are committed to environmental sustainability, and therefore will always evaluate the benefits of using private subcontractors in new and existing contracts.

What is Tivoli’s biggest achievement to-date?

We are particularly proud of our partnership working with the Ministry of Defence. Tivoli is responsible for delivering an integrated grounds maintenance service to almost the entirety of the MOD estates - the largest grounds maintenance, street cleansing and voids contract in the UK. Tivoli has a well-spread client portfolio split

between its defence contracts, public sector, social housing, utilities, NHS, education and private blue-chip clients, many with full national requirements.

Does Tivoli recruit apprentices? If yes, what’s the company’s current view on the industry’s future skill base?

Tivoli is committed to a comprehensive nationwide apprentice program in multiple disciplines, both for operational and office-based roles. Our industry, like many others, is facing a “lost generation” of skilled apprentice-trained people. This has manifested itself in a generation gap within the required skill base in our sector, leading to the need for significant investment in training and development across all age ranges, with particular focus on apprentice-based programs for young new entrants into the world of work, alongside retraining of adult workers through apprenticebased initiatives.

How is Tivoli preparing for a likely ‘no-deal’ Brexit scenario? Are you worried about the effects of leaving he European Union?

At present, Tivoli has not made and do not intend to make any fundamental changes to strategy or infrastructure as a direct result of the Brexit vote.

We are confident that we will not face major supply chain issues which might impact the ability to continue to deliver contracted goods, supplies and services to clients without disruption or interruption post 29 March 2019 after the UK’s withdrawal.

Tivoli maintains significant stock levels within the UK, and as a Tier 1 supplier can negotiate and maintain priority for materials. Furthermore, we have existing supply chains with suppliers based in the UK for all resources, equipment and materials, that possess high stock levels within their warehouses. Tivoli is not reliant on workforce from the EU, and as such will not be affected by the wider labour market pressures arising from Brexit. To-date, Tivoli has not identified and does not expect to identify any

BALI MEMBERS TAKE TOP PRIZES AT LATEST PRO LANDSCAPER AWARDS Multiple BALI Registered members triumphed in their respective categories at the Pro Landscaper Business Awards, with big wins recorded in the Ground Maintenance Company, Garden Design Practice, Commercial Landscape Company and Apprenticeship Scheme to name just a few.

Members receiving top awards included Elmtree Garden Contractors, Skidmores of Hertford, Ground Control, Cube 1994, Bowles & Wyer, Urban Landscape Design, Tim O’Hare Associates, Makita UK, The CGM Group (East Anglia), Mitie Landscapes and Green-tech.

The Pro Landscaper Business Awards highlight those who make

outstanding contributions to the landscape industry and help bring people together. Supported by industry magazines Pro Landscaper and FutureArch, the event brings businesses together from across all sectors of the industry and aims to recognise and reward companies that consistently perform well and strive to raise the standard of UK landscaping.

specific risks to the delivery of our projects that may arise as a result of a ‘No Deal Brexit’, rather, as a UK-owned and based company, we anticipate the withdrawal to increase our competitive advantage.

For Tivoli, what is the most important aspect of being a BALI Registered member?

We truly believe that shared values are the core foundation for any membership or partnership. Like Tivoli, BALI is committed to maintaining and improving the landscape sector, and it sets very high standards for its members. We are proud to be part of that community and look forward to working closely with the association throughout 2019 and beyond.

With over 15 categories, the second Pro Landscaper Business Awards has grown to also include categories for garden design, grounds maintenance and arboriculture.

BALI would like to congratulate all of its members who participated and won an award.

Spring 2019

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From left to right Paul Lynch Managing Director Elmtree Garden Contractors and Ed Carter of ICL Group

BALI Landscape News

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CONTRACTOR NEWS

Top of the tree for Elmtree MD Paul Lynch

BALI Registered Contractors Elmtree Garden Contractors scooped the top prize at this year’s Pro Landscaper Business Awards which were held at the magnificent East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf, London.

The top accolade, the Supreme Winner, was bestowed upon Managing Director Paul Lynch after securing a win in their category Landscape Company between £2m – £10m after fending off stiff competition. The sponsor was BALI Registered Affiliate member CED Stone Group.

Commenting to BALI on his award win, Paul said “We were absolutely delighted to win not only our award category but also the Supreme Award.

Elmtree has trebled in size over the last six years and now have over 50 staff, as well as expanding the range of work we do. For example, we are currently constructing a raised timber walkway at The Wild Place in Bristol which is worth nearly £600,000.

A hard landscaping project by Elmtree Garden Contractors

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“This growth has been challenging (to keep the same values and team spirit with a larger workforce) but very rewarding. We are extremely fortunate to have such a passionate and loyal team who all share our

Spring 2019

family values and take such a pride in what they do. We are also lucky to be able to utilise our success by helping the local community. For our team to be independently recognised is very humbling and something we will never forget.”

The panel of experts who adjudicated the scheme said “This is an equal opportunities employer that are dedicated to continuous improvement of skills. Significant CSR activity at a range of levels.

A shining example of a company that recognises that business isn’t just about profit. Elmtree Garden Contractors are passionate about the landscaping and horticulture sector and are making a continued impact on the industry. Very impressive customer testimonials in a tough commercial sector.”

For more information on Elmtree Garden Contractors visit their website elmtreegarden.co.uk

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OUT AND ABOUT

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WINNER TAKES ALL AT WIMBLEDON

OUT ABOUT WITH BALI

Headline Sponsor of the BALI National Landscape Awards Greentech hosted their third annual VIP tour of Wimbledon on 14 February and invited BALI’s Chief Executive Wayne Grills and Events Project Manager Leah Brookes to join the 2018 winning BALI members on the day.

SAiGE Longlife Decking

The event was supported by BALI Registered Affiliate member and BALI National Award sponsor ICL Group who supply the fertiliser that keeps the premium turf at Wimbledon looking its best.

BALI Registered Affiliate member SAiGE Longlife Decking, based near to Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, have been supplying composite products into the UK and Irish markets for the past 8 years and are proud of their reputation for providing a quality range of products at affordable prices whilst maintaining excellent customer service standards.

BALI’s Marketing and Communications Officer, Trushali Chudasama, who joined the BALI Landscape House team last October, was invited by Director Harriet Keohane and Sales Executive Emma Cox to SAiGE’s first ever installer day in mid-January, to meet some of the installers and distributors.

The event was a resounding success with over 100 guests in attendance from right across the UK, including Ireland. Alongside presentations from SAiGE partners and employees, including Commercial Sales Manager Chris King, who detailed the unique nature of SAiGE’s Contemporary and Rustic Decking ranges, as well as their highest rated anti-slip Grooved Finish boards, the event also allowed the installers to get hands-on with the latest products. This included a demonstration of a sturdy aluminium subframe and pedestal system that

Hosted by Neil Stubley, Wimbledon’s Head of Courts and Horticulture and Head Gardener Martyn Falconer, guests included BALI Registered Frosts Landscape Construction, Gavin Jones, Ground Control, Buckland Landscapes, John O’Conner (Grounds Maintenance), Land Design Partnership, The Landscaping Consultants, Total Protection (Landscaping) and Leicestershire Garden Design, were all treated to a behind-the-scenes tour, presentation and five-star lunch.

offered a total wood free solution, and, SAiGE’s brand new Composite Fence, including balustrades and gates.

Following the main presentation, Chris took time out to meet with Trushali to further detail SAiGE’s unique market position, centring on the core belief that the company offer the best value for money and quality ratio. All materials are made from 95% recycled materials, is easy to install and requires minimal maintenance. Its anti-slip and antifungal properties have a very low water absorption rate of only 0.8% and come with a full 10-year warranty and an expected lifespan of over 20 years.

For any additional information or free samples please get in touch with a member of the SAiGE Team on 01789 721 576 or email info@saigedecking.com. More information is available on our website compositedecking.co.uk

One of the many highlights of the day included a sneak peek at an enormous living wall that will sit either side of the main screen of Court One, viewable from Henman Hill. There is an offsite sample wall that has been in test phase for almost one year, ensuring when the wall is installed with its 14,500 plants everything thrives ready for the Championship. The wall has been supplied by BALI Registered Affiliate Biotecture who has been contracted

by Wimbledon for the test phase, Providers of high quality and aftercare. installation composite decking and fencing products

If you are a BALI Registered member, entries for the 2019 BALI National Landscape Awards are now open.

Further details on how to submit your scheme(s) can be found at baliawards.co.uk.

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TRAINING & TECHNICAL

Stephen Ensell Education Officer

Trailblazer Apprenticeship group

BALI’s Education Officer Stephen Ensell was invited to join the Arboriculture, Forestry, Horticulture and Landscape Trailblazer Apprenticeship group who have met twice in the last quarter. The latest meeting included the following actions; a fresh appeal for donations to help fund the Trailblazer group into the next year and a review on the uptake of the Level 2 Operative Standard.

Many of the first horticulture and landscape operatives that are being put through the standard are approaching their end point assessment, for which the materials are still being reviewed.

The first successful apprentices will be celebrated and along with this, a survey is being put together to gain

feedback from apprentices, employers and providers on what works in the new standards and what needs improvement. The change from the frameworks to the new standards has been slow, with many providers waiting until they have to change, but with a deadline of March 2020 as a cut of for

the old frameworks, the standards will be the only option after this date.

The big success story is the Level 3 Supervisor Standards which have been approved by the Institute of Apprenticeships and are available for delivery. T-Level consultations are well underway, with many of the panel being contacted to fill in a questionnaire regarding the horticulture and landscape qualifications.

GoLandscape tackles careers advice head-on BALI’s Stephen Ensell provides an update on developments surrounding GoLandscape with an exciting year planned as BALI prepares to champion landscaping with careers advisors up and down the UK with its latest campaign.

Stephen says; “With the development of a new career advice pack, developed

by BALI, the aim of the campaign is to promote landscaping directly with those influencers who are educating school and college leavers to ensure horticulture and landscaping is firmly on their radar. We hope that by working closely with the the CDI – the Careers Development Institute, that the message will get through, and most importantly, stick.

Elsewhere, the driving force and success of the initiative continues to come from the dedication and commitment of our GoLandscape Ambassadors who attend schools, colleges and careers events throughout the country. We are steadily gaining improved access to schools and their pupils, which affords us the opportunity to present a true insight into what the landscape industry is really like and the opportunities it presents.

Practical hard landscaping days were held at Brinsbury College and Brooksby Melton College. Brinsbury College was supported by a presentation and supply

of materials by BALI Registered Affiliate CED Stone Group and practical support from BALI Registered Contractor The Landscaping Consultants. 22 students had the opportunity to practice laying paving and walling to industry standards and the day closed with a presentation about BALI. Brooksby Melton College followed a similar format with the support from BALI Registered Contractor Leicestershire Garden Design and the BALI Registered Affiliate Talasey Group, along with the loan of materials for the day. Approximately 20 full time students and apprentices were in attendance, giving them the opportunity to try their hand at laying paving and block paving to industry standards. Feedback from the students and the colleges was positive and it was agreed that the provision of further days would be explored.

The enrichment programs are well under way again at BALI Training Provider members Capel Manor College and Bridgwater and Taunton College.

Both colleges and their students have been visited to launch this year’s program and encourage the students and staff. The program gives students an opportunity to gain industry tickets for qualifications like abrasive wheel and PA1 and PA6. We are thankful to the BALI Chalk Fund for their continued support, especially with this campaign.

GoLandscape is also tracking well online, with a boost in both website visitors at golandscape.co.uk and social media.

Working alongside BALI’s Marketing and Communications Officer Trushali Chudasama, our latest campaign which highlights 10 reasons you should consider a career in landscaping is reaching a wide audience including career companies, career advisers and health and wellbeing advocates.

Finally, I am delighted to say that our first GoLandscape e-newsletter, titled GO, has now been sent out. Featuring advice for career changers, tips on CV writing and an interview with Managing Director of BALI Registered Contractor The Landscaping Consultants, Jacob Catling, telling us why he loves his job.”

Spring 2019

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TRAINING & TECHNICAL

Garden Irrigation – It’s what the plants want!

BALI Registered Affiliate member Landscapeplus is a leading trade supplier of professional garden lighting, irrigation, pond and associated structural wiring products in the UK. Supplying to landscape contractors, electrical contractors, specialist irrigation and lighting contractors, garden designers and other landscape professionals throughout the UK, they deliver the best professional products at the best trade prices, direct to the trade.

• Which plants need permanent irrigation?

Here, Landscapeplus Sales Manager Sam Cox tells BALI why irrigation in gardens shouldn’t be a chief concern and that it’s all simply down to the needs and requirements of the plants used in the scheme.

By understanding the requirements of the plants, the constraints of the budget and the wishes of the client, you can specify/install a system that covers the varying needs of the plants without wasting water or money.

Sam says; “What are we talking about when we want to conserve water in a garden and by doing so what do we hope to achieve? Firstly, water is a renewable resource, but we have a responsibility to use it wisely.

But here are a couple of water facts that might surprise you: • Only 3% of the UK’s total “water footprint” is used domestically, with agriculture and manufacturing gulping down the remaining 97% (*WWF) • Of that 3%, only 1% (*Energy Saving Trust) is used in gardens. So, of the total water footprint across the UK, only 0.03% is used to irrigate gardens!

Those figures are probably much less than you’d imagine and certainly less than the water companies would have you believe when they impose a hosepipe ban which, as you can see, is a notional gesture rather than an effective water saving strategy.

So why do we need irrigation?

• Because customers want ‘bang for their buck’ and don’t want to wait years for small plants to establish and develop.

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• Because suppliers of large trees will only insure new trees if you follow their guidelines in applying the right amount of water.

• Because soft landscaping is a very expensive element within a garden and it’s essential that it not only survives but thrives.

• Because garden designers and contractors naturally want the gardens they build to be an instant success and to provide lots of testimonials and referral work.

Professional horticulture is, largely speaking, a service industry and the gardens we build today are, for the most part, an installation, the assembly of a finished product, and to achieve that gardens need to be watered. So, it’s worth recognising that using irrigation isn’t unreasonable or immoral, it’s just one of the many elements of a successful garden.

That said, irrigation has come a long way; back in the day, you’d see big pop-up sprinklers (like the ones you see on golf courses) being used to provide blanket coverage of whole gardens, including lawns, borders and beds. By contrast, modern irrigation systems are highly efficient and effective at delivering just the right amount of water when needed.

However, the main way to conserve water in a garden is to understand the needs of the plants:

Spring 2019

• Which plants need irrigation for the first couple of seasons?

• Which plants need water for the first few months?

• Which plants don’t need irrigation at all?

So, it should never be a case of “do you want irrigation, yes or no?” It should always be “let’s look at the needs of the plants and install the right type of irrigation for those areas” because the key to a successful garden never changes; it is still a mixture of good horticulture and common sense: • Choose the right plants for the situation • Select healthy plant specimens • Plant them into well prepared, healthy soil • Provide just the right amount of water, where and when it is required In conclusion, don’t be afraid to irrigate your gardens, after all, everyone involved wants the garden to look good, not just on day one, but in the years to come and don’t be confused with what sort of irrigation you should use, just think about the plants and then pick up the phone to Landscapeplus and let us help you select the right option for the garden that you’re working on. landscapeplus.com 01666 577577

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TRAINING & TECHNICAL

BALI-NCF H&S division logs 12,000 accident or near-miss reports Risk. What does it mean mean to you? There is an element of danger in every activity, but we often forget about the hazards associated with those we perform on a daily basis. Our choice of transport for the commute, work activities and exercise habits all represent a risk to our safety, but we generally accept these without a second thought.

Many of us greet a plane flight with apprehension because we are aware of the many hazards associated with aviation, but will happily travel by bus, car or train to the airport without a second thought. Whilst the hazards (the thing that can cause harm) associated with flying will always remain, the risk (the likelihood that a hazard will cause harm) associated with flying is exceptionally low; significantly lower than the chances of injuring oneself whilst in a car, bus, train or on a bicycle.

It’s no surprise the aviation industry has a far better accident rate than the commercial landscape industry, but have you ever stopped to consider exactly what aviation owes its excellent safety record to? “Aha”, you’re probably thinking, “…but pilots are highly trained professionals and the equipment they use is meticulously checked…”.

You are forgiven for not seeing the similarity between aviation and the landscape industry, but what about the macho world of the oil and gas industry? This industry also has an exceptional level of safety that now rivals the aviation industry. How can this be?

• Both industries must make a profit to survive • Both industries operate under considerable commercial pressure

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• Both industries are staffed by professionals of all levels There are clearly different reasons for a good health and safety record. Whereas aviation has always had a positive attitude to safety due to the hazards associated with flight, the oil and gas industry owe their performance to a rigorous safety management system developed over several years.

Where does this leave the landscape industry? As we have learnt, there is no reason why any industry cannot improve its health and safety record with correct systems, regardless of the hazards associated with the work.

As a trade association with over 900 members, comprising organisations who offer all types of landscape service, BALI is able to draw on a huge range of experience. That is, experience of accidents as well as health and safety management!

In 2018 BALI added a Health and Safety division to its National Contractors Forum. Members of the health and safety division have now submitted over 12,000 accident and near-miss reports for incidents arising from every type of landscape-related activity.

BALI has collected detailed information not only on the type of landscape activities most likely to result in an accident, but also the circumstances

Spring 2019

which led to these. We now know what types of equipment are most hazardous, but also the types of accident they are most likely to cause, how they cause this and even when this is likely to happen – right down to the month and time of day.

Of course, none of this information is helpful if we do not share it with the wider industry – which is precisely what BALI intends to do. This year, BALI will distribute health and safety information to the wider industry in formats including equipment-specific tutorials, online presentations and downloadable task-specific fact sheets, all made available on BALI’s new website at bali.org.uk. The intention is to empower the landscape industry with information that will enable it to reduce the number of accidents.

Whilst change to high-level statistics requires considerable input from all levels of an organisation, BALI hope that by releasing this information, the industry will become better informed, with managers and operatives who are more aware of the risks.

TRAINING & TECHNICAL

Owen Baker, Technical Officer (Policy & Research)

Not so much a turf war as an opportunity for collaboration BALI was recently contacted by members concerning turf availability and received reports of suppliers struggling to provide enough product for the needs of the industry. Research conducted by BALI has revealed that turf shortage is a widespread issue and has resulted in restricted supplies to several contractors.

Thanks to BALI’s diverse membership, the association is able to liaise with members who both supply and use turf, learn from their experience and share information which provides a balanced summary of the situation.

Predictably, there isn’t a simple solution, and the issue appears to have arisen as a consequence of several factors which may continue for some time.

The UK’s climate is changing. Within the cycles of seasonal weather, we are increasingly seeing extremes of heat, cold, rain and sun throughout the year. Whereas these extremes have previously led to minor disruptions which could be absorbed by either suppliers or contractors, the frequency of these episodes is increasingly affecting a greater proportion of the industry. It is testament to the flexibility, professionalism and ingenuity of the industry that some of the issues have taken so long to surface and cause an issue.

Like all living products, turf is grown on a cycle of production. The length of this varies between suppliers from less than 12 months to 2 years depending on composition of species, substrate and weather. The prevailing weather throughout the UK for large parts of the past 2 years (i.e. the most recent growing cycle) has, at some point, been drier than usual, hotter than usual, colder than usual or wetter than usual –

• It has presented growers with significant challenges to ensure turf is growing adequately despite the extremes of weather.

weeks. As many will be aware, the south of the UK relies on groundwater for the majority of its water storage.

Growers use this groundwater during periods of lower rainfall, together with surface water reserves on site.

Both resources rely on periods of sustained rainfall to recharge and, so far this winter, this has not happened.

Consequently, in the event of another spring or summer of low rainfall, opportunities to provide additional irrigation may be severely limited.

• The conditions throughout 2018 up to the present day have presented landscape contractors with favourable conditions for laying turf and consequently a sustained demand.

BALI is also aware of concerns regarding the cost of turf, which have arisen around the same time as this shortage.

A separate working group will be established to investigate this.

Whilst periods of warmer, wetter, drier or sunnier weather is not unusual, the cumulative effects of several extreme weather events over an entire growing season has started to affect output of turf. Due to the weather, root establishment has been poorer, which means the rolls of turf cannot be lifted as easily or quickly by machinery. When root establishment is poor - as has been the case recently - the soil falls from the roots of turf lifted, meaning the useable amount of turf is significantly lower than normal. Some growers have reported losing 1 roll of turf for every 5 lifted - far higher than would be expected normally.

By publishing this statement BALI hopes to raise awareness of the issues surrounding turf supply. There can be no blame associated with this issue, but the industry – both suppliers and users – must ensure lines of communication are open and dialogue established to enable measures which allow the expectations of clients to be managed.

Availability of water resources and climate change are issues likely to affect many other areas of the industry in the long term, and these are challenges we must face together.

depending on the geographic location of the grower.

The effect of the weather on stocks of turf has been twofold:

The turf growing industry is now heavily reliant on a period of warm, wet weather during spring to recharge stocks. Whether this occurs depends on the weather over the next few

If you are a BALI member and would like to be involved in any future discussions regarding this topic then contact BALI’s Technical Officer (Policy & Research) Owen Baker on 024 7669 0333 or owen.baker@bali.org.uk

Spring 2019

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TRAINING & TECHNICAL

Before

Green planet

After

In it for the long game Andrew Johnstone, CEO of BALI Registered Contractor Johnstone Landscapes discusses the growing uptake of green infrastructure projects both in commercial and domestic environments.

I am increasingly aware of a positive shift in approach amongst a growing number of landscape contractors and landscape architect practices. Those that see the bigger picture in terms of green infrastructure. It is encouraging to find that more forward-thinking organisations are increasingly considering using the nature-based solutions afforded by green infrastructure.

Green infrastructure is an increasingly important means for tackling waterrelated challenges of drought and flooding in the urban and rural landscape, together with protecting precious water resources and water quality in surface and groundwater.

We are also (thankfully) being asked to plant more and more trees. It can feel overwhelming to think about such disparate weather conditions in a global way but if we all start to deal with it locally, we will be making the right steps.

The National Planning Policy which will be published in July this year asks planners and developers to “take a proactive approach to mitigating and adapting to climate change, taking in to account the long-term implications for flood risk, coastal change, water supply, biodiversity and landscapes”. Food for thought and something I am seeing come through plans we are asked to tender for. This is surely a good thing.

Green roofs, sustainable urban drainage, strategic planting - they can all play a valuable role to tackle the increasing frequency of weatherrelated challenges – drought, floods, conserving water resources and urban heat island effect.

When creating beautiful spaces and environments for clients, we increasingly have to build in longterm solutions to tackle the growing impacts of climate change – either by mitigation or adaptation.

Higher temperatures cause the atmosphere to not only retain more water but also to let more rain fall – often resulting in wet areas becoming more saturated and the already dry areas becoming even more parched.

This is not a new phenomenon, but it is one that I am inclined to consider more when I am asked to design or build a garden or reconfigure parkland.

A recently completed project with Wessex Water was to adapt 2,500 sqm of a concreted padded roof above an enclosed reservoir in the heritage City of Bath, turning it into a green lung for students at one of the City’s schools.

A necessary part of the project was the drainage layer in the form of a dispersing sponge underneath the planting layer. We have to think a lot harder in order to ensure water has somewhere to go. Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) have for a while been one of our key solutions – they can prevent water pollution and flooding in urban areas and also create green spaces and habitat for wildlife in towns and cities.

I’d also like to see larger corporate bodies with multi-site locations; Tesco,

This article was written in collaboration with waterbriefing.org

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Spring 2019

Sainsbury’s and Boots, together with the ever-increasing site acquisitions

by Lidl and Aldi, as well as our own NHS and MoD, explicitly factor in the use of green infrastructure in their sustainability and other annual reports.

We need to bring green infrastructure into mainstream thinking on how we plan and manage our rural and urban environments.

The RHS is doing a lot of work in this area – its new report published last year Gardening in a Changing Climate(1) highlighted the importance of gardens in terms of their interaction and ability to assist with the natural environment, including outlining ways in which gardeners can manage their garden to enhance flood alleviation. A lot of people are starting to do their bit.

It is our challenge as professionals in this sector to ensure we offer our clients the practical means to achieve this – and to provide them with the equally important inspiration to embrace green infrastructure.

Johnstone Landscapes is a specialist Wiltshire-headquartered landscape consultancy with a specific focus on delivering green infrastructure projects both in a commercial and domestic environment.

1. https://www.rhs.org.uk/science/pdf/ RHS-Gardening-in-a-ChangingClimate-Report.pdf For more information contact Tessa Johnstone: tessa@johnstonelandscapes.co.uk

TRAINING & TECHNICAL

To Train or not to Train?

Can you afford not to offer training for your company and its employees? BALI’s Education Officer Stephen Ensell offers some advice for BALI members who may see training and upskilling employees as an additional expense, or a lower priority compared to the day job of being onsite.

Can you ignore the value of staff training?

Perhaps we need to change the way we look at upskilling employees and revisit the potential benefits that can be gained with the right planning.

The process must start with an analysis of the business, what it’s lacking as well as the potential gaps in the employee’s knowledge and skillset. This means the right training is selected and offered to the appropriate employee. Have you got a skills review in place for each of your employees (and yourself) that you regularly review with them?

Making the employee part of the process means they will have more of a vested interest in the training, will contribute to their progression in the company and help them feel valued.

Barry Randall from BALI Registered Contractor and BALI Award winning Leicestershire Garden Design Company outlines the importance of training within his company.

“From day one in business I put the emphasis on training and upskilling my team members. In the beginning, because it was a benefit to the business from a profitability perspective, but as the company developed, I realised the benefit it was having on their lives - to be given the opportunities. You’ll be amazed at what happens when you see something in someone before they can see it in themselves. The loyalty and gratitude are far greater than the profits.”

Once the gaps in knowledge and skills has been identified, you can then start

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Spring 2019

to investigate what training solutions are available. With so many options available, such as college courses, on-the-job learning, mentoring schemes, in-house training, online courses and individual study, be sure to check that the training is appropriate and covers the things you need. There is nothing worse than going through a training session where the material is irrelevant, too simple to your business or employee.

Believe it or not things do move on, even in the world of landscaping! Make sure you are up to date on the company’s skillset and this will give you the edge over competitors, boost staff confidence and improve profit margins.

Don’t just look at upskilling in core landscaping skills, think about the skills that can be honed across the entire business. This could be in customer service, social media, IT and marketing, all of which can have a positive impact on the business, and this means you can offer training to all the staff in your company, not just those in the ‘field’.

The result of any appropriate training should see an improved employee performance as well as a happier employee, which in turn reduces staff turnover. It also makes you more attractive to potential employees if they see you have a robust and successful training strategy in place for each of your employees. Also shout about it, make a fuss of the employees who have successfully passed their latest training, let them know you appreciate the effort they have put into passing the training.

DESIGNER FOCUS LCGD launches new construction design programme

the Planting Design Diploma this new course will be the first intensive construction design course of its kind in the UK for garden and landscape professionals.

BALI Registered Training Provider The London College of Garden Design (LCGD) has developed a new Construction Design Certificate programme that will launch this Autumn 2019. The course reflects the growing need for continuing professional development training and a demand from designers and landscapers to enhance their knowledge of design and construction.

Information on LCGD’s diploma and short course programme can be found on the lcgd.org.uk website.

Speaking about the new course Andrew Wilson, Director of Garden Design Studies said, “We have received a growing number of requests over the past few years from professional designers and landscapers for a course like this and our new programme will offer the great content delivered by

the leading specialists that LCGD has become known for.”

The Construction Design Certificate is a new study programme with a focus on the design, construction and the materiality of gardens and landscapes.

The 12-week course is aimed at garden and landscape designers who would like to improve their knowledge and design capability and for landscapers who would like to understand more about the design of the constructed elements they build.

The College already offers an intensive Planting Design Diploma for professionals building upon existing skills that designers and horticulturists may already have and it also offers a wide range of short courses. Like

GREENFINGERS AIMS FOR ‘GOULD’ STANDARD FOR RHS CHELSEA SHOW GARDEN The Greenfingers Charity Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019 will be designed by award-winning BALI Registered Designer Kate Gould MBALI. Five-time Gold medal winner Kate, who will be celebrating her 10th Chelsea show garden this year will be designing and building Greenfingers’ first ever show garden which sees the charity also celebrate its 20th anniversary.

The garden is designed to be a calming, interactive and uplifting space where life-limited children with complex needs, their families, friends and carers can come together for play, relaxation or peaceful reflection.

The lush green garden which will feature over 2,000 plants will be set over two levels, with a lift and sloped walkways offering an accessible space for people of all ages and abilities. Greenfingers will be showcasing their very own new plant; ‘Choisya Greenfingers’, with sales helping to generate royalties for the charity.

Spring 2019

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DESIGNER FOCUS

Creating an award-winning tranquil paradise

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Spring 2019

BALI’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Darren Taylor, caught up with BALI Registered Designer Matt Nichol MBALI of Matt Nichol Garden Design to see how winning a 2018 BALI National Landscape Award has boosted studio confidence.

Tell us a little about Matt Nichol Garden Design; your company ethos and how many employees help you design and create beautiful landscapes?

We are a small practice based in Aldington, Cheshire. I set up Matt Nichol Garden Design in 2011 after relocating to Cheshire from the Midlands. Having worked in garden design and build for the previous nine years, I wanted to focus purely on garden design for private clients. Sarah Heyes joined me on the design team in 2013 and we took on Helen Ash last year to look after the marketing and office admin. We are a very family focused business, as the three of us all have fairly young children, so there is a lot of flexibility around school and holidays. We are all very like-minded and I’d like to think our concerns for the environment and natural world are translated into our gardens.

What specialisms do you offer that set you apart from other studios?

As a design practice we are quite traditional in our approach to designing our client’s gardens, i.e. we design each and every space ourselves. We design from a very practical point of view and create gardens that we hope will still look great in years to come. We do not outsource any of our work to agencies, as we feel that this loses the integrity of what we are trying to achieve for our

clients. This approach allows us to keep control of each project from start to finish, which is vital for a positive end result. It also means that the gardens we produce have an intrinsic feel about them that is unique to how we design.

Although much of our work is produced in CAD for accuracy and speed of alteration (we use Vectorworks), we still have a drawing board in the office and use a lot of pencil sketching during the initial stages of a project to explore ideas quickly. We love time at the drawing board, especially hand rendering visuals and plans with the Copic markers!

What were your main considerations for joining BALI as a Registered Designer member?

Being part of a trade organisation is important for us on many levels.

Initially, joining BALI was a logical marketing choice for us as it allowed us to make immediate connections with landscapers and suppliers within a new region. We were involved in networking and CPD events and regional meetings.

The credibility that being part of a trade body gives to us is also important.

It provides our clients immediate confidence that we are serious about our business. Having the opportunity to enter and subsequently win an award for a garden has boosted our profile even more.

One of your projects, the Tranquil Cheshire Garden, was designed to provide a low maintenance and contemporary garden. What elements did the scheme have to include to ensure it met the client’s brief?

The Tranquil Cheshire Garden was designed for a retired couple in Wilmslow to complement the modern interior and exterior finish of their property. The clients wanted to create a tranquil haven for themselves, family and friends.

Relaxing and entertaining in the garden were the main focus of the brief. We facilitated this through the use of different types of seating for different activities and a simple layout giving them strong clean lines. They didn’t want a ‘fussy’ garden so we emphasised the clean lines of the hard landscaping with a palette of planting which was bold and interesting, yet simple to maintain. The evergreen hedging structure, shrubs and use of contrasting foliage all create an interesting but calming space.

In addition to the modern furniture (which the clients already had) we helped them to choose a suitable sculpture as a point of interest and a fire table to extend the use of the garden well into the late evenings. The final element was of course the lighting which brings the garden to life in the evenings all through the year.

What were the biggest challenges you faced when creating the Tranquil Cheshire Garden?

Like most designers, the biggest challenge we faced with this garden was striking a balance between the ‘wish list’ of the client and the inevitable budget constraints that existed. Often, we have to get well immersed in the design process before we can truly understand the likely costs of a project, but we always try to work options into a design, so people have choices.

Has winning the Principal Design Excellence Award – Overall Scheme Between £50k - £125k at the BALI National Landscape Awards 2018 produced any new levels of interest in your company and its associated design services?

Whilst the direct level of enquiries we have received does not appear to be any higher than comparable figures from last year, there is a definite increase in our confidence as a business. This is being reflected in; the increased levels of marketing we are now doing on social media, a higher conversion rate from enquiry to contracted design work and a general feeling of confidence in our work that is giving us a slight edge against our direct competition when presenting and pitching for business.

Having the winner’s badges on the e-mail signatures and website can only be a good thing!

For more information about Matt Nichol Garden Design, or to see more recently completed projects visit mngardendesign.co.uk

Spring 2019

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DESIGNER FOCUS

Photo credit: Jason Ingram

BALI REGISTERED DESIGNER SCOOPS GRAND AWARD AT SGD AWARDS 2019

BALI Registered Designer Marian Boswall MBALI MSGD of Marian Boswall Landscape Architects was crowned with the prestigious Grand Award at the 7th annual Society of Garden Designers’ Awards 2019 which also saw tremendous wins for fellow BALI Registered Designer members in their respective categories.

Marian, whose Large Residential Garden, Reighton Wood, wowed judges with its exquisite planting with ‘texture, atmosphere and a great synergy of materials’, went on to win the coveted Grand Award at the annual SGD Awards in front of over 400 guests at The Landmark Hotel in London.

The garden was built by BALI Registered Contractor Donovan Landscapes with materials supplied by BALI Registered Affiliates Palmstead Nurseries, How Green Nursery, CED Stone Group and Johnsons Wellfield Quarries.

Commenting on her win, Marian Boswall MBALI said ‘It’s a huge honour to win the Grand Award amongst so many talented designers. The project was great team work from start to finish, with wonderful clients who understood my vision, and fantastic contractors BALI Registered Donovan Landscapes.’

Other notable wins for BALI Registered Designers included Tony Woods MBALI MSGD of BALI Registered Contractor Garden Club London, who took top prize for his design of Merchant Square

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Floating Pocket Park in the Public or Commercial Outdoor Space category.

The scheme, which also won a BALI National Landscape Principal Award in 2017, impressed judges who stated it ‘satisfied the brief on every level and was beautifully executed.’

Celebrations continued when Woods was also awarded the top prize for his Jam Factory podium garden design in the Roof Garden category, also a BALI National Landscape Award 2018 winning scheme, making it two out of two.

BALI Registered Designer James Scott MBALI MSGD of The Garden Company, who designed the stunning Laurel Cottage for a Small Residential Garden also took the highest accolade in this fiercely contested category.

BALI Registered Designer John Wyer MBALI FSGD of BALI Registered Contractor Bowles & Wyer won the Healing or Learning Garden category, taking the trophy for his design of the Addenbrookes Outpatients garden which was also built by Bowles & Wyer who won a BALI National Landscape Award in 2018 for the same project.

Spring 2019

BALI Registered Designer Gavin McWilliam MBALI MSGD, working alongside Andrew Wilson FSGD, won their category, Hardscape, for the BALI National Landscape Award 2018 Grand Award-winning Hertfordshire Garden, built by Bowles & Wyer.

BALI’s Chief Executive, Wayne Grills, commented; ‘My sincerest congratulations to all of our BALI Registered Designer members who received an award at the SGD Awards on Friday. With so many members receiving top honours, it is encouraging to see that their hard work, commitment, knowledge, skill and quality craftmanship has once again raised the standards of landscaping in the UK.’ BALI Registered Affiliate members were also out in force, sponsoring this year’s award categories, including Harrod UK, CED Stone Group, British Sugar TOPSOIL, EuroPlants UK, Stonemarket, Green-tech, Marshalls, Gabriel Ash, Country Supplies, Barcham Trees, Easigrass and Deepdale Trees as well as BALI Registered Contractor Landform Consultants.

In total 19 winners were announced during the evening’s ceremony out of 38 projects that were assessed by the SGD Judges. The SGD’s Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon master plantsman Piet Oudolf.

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DESIGNER FOCUS

Building gardens at RHS Chelsea Dan Riddleston, Managing Director of BALI Registered Contractor Bowles & Wyer, shares his experience with BALI on designing and building a show garden for one of the world’s most famous flower shows.

How many gardens have you built at Chelsea? What were the first gardens you were involved with and do you have a favourite?

I’ve been involved with about 15 Chelsea show gardens and several Main Avenue trade stands. I started out in the early 1990s building gardens for The Sunday Times and Terence Conran. As such, I don’t really have a favourite garden. What I remember most are the details from the gardens, such as intricate water features in Tom Hoblyn’s gardens for Homebase and Arthritis Research UK, the sheer exuberance of Rosie Hardy’s garden for Brewin Dolphin and the emotions evoked on Darren Hawkes’ garden for Linklaters and Maggie’s. They all have special memories.

How many different plots have you worked on at Chelsea? Have any been more challenging than others?

Do you have a favourite plot?

I have only worked on three different plots. I have built two gardens on Chelsea’s famous ‘Rock Bank’ and really enjoyed it. Deliveries to that part of the showground take a little longer

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to arrive but you are away from the frenetic pace of Main Avenue and it is actually a very calm, peaceful place to be. It is becoming a popular choice for designers who can see the benefits that the plot’s natural contours have to offer. I suspect the designer’s favourite plot is half way down main avenue.

It’s one of my favourites too. Generous access and a double track between two gardens guarantee that your deliveries will not be held up and the space allows for plentiful storage which is essential for protecting equipment and materials...and for sheltering from the odd downpour! This year I’ll be taking on a new challenge working for the first time at the end of Main Avenue by the M&G pavilion.

How has the environment changed at Chelsea over the last 25 years?

The standard of construction and the levels of professionalism have increased hugely over the years, which is great for our industry. Everybody knows that the quality of build is paramount at Chelsea and all the contractors are trying to demonstrate the skills they

Spring 2019

possess. In the last 10 years, the RHS has made life a lot easier for contractors on site. They are more proactive about engaging with contractors and keen to have early discussions about issues that might affect the build, such as local roadworks. They also actively encourage best practice for example appropriate tree handling and recycling. It’s a very positive step forward. Naturally there is more paperwork to manage these days as health & safety has become more important and plant diseases have become more prevalent. What hasn’t changed over the last 25 years is the friendly, convivial atmosphere at Chelsea.

There is a real sense of camaraderie.

Are there many new landscape companies working at Chelsea today?

It’s great to see new contractors coming through, particularly as some of the large companies are no longer building at Chelsea. The application process is very thorough. The RHS need contractors to demonstrate that they have the experience to deliver a professional garden and the ability to plan work schedules, handle logistics and manage the site safely. They don’t want anyone to fail. You will find the Show Manager monitoring the build process and the progress being made on each garden.

There are harsh words for those that look as if they won’t deliver on time.

How many different designers have you worked with at Chelsea?

I have worked with a number of different designers including Tom Hoblyn, Darren Hawkes, Matthew Childs, Rosie Hardy and this year Helen Elks-Smith. Their gardens have all been very different, but in every case, it is the relationship with the designer that is important. Building a Chelsea show garden is very similar to working on commercial projects with a high-end domestic slant. The schedules are tight, you are down to the wire and good relationships in this environment are vital.

How have the garden design styles changed over the years?

I think garden designers are becoming more ambitious with their Chelsea gardens. The layouts are changing and I’ve noticed a greater emphasis on planting in their designs with nature, sustainability, community and environmental responsibility all increasing in importance. Landscape materials go in-and-out of fashion.

Penny-coloured bronze and copper seem to be prevalent currently and there is a move towards softer, warmercoloured materials. There are definitely more artisan skills evident in the gardens too.

Have you changed your way of working over the years? What are the biggest challenges facing landscapers at Chelsea today?

What have you learnt as a contractor over the years?

The task of building a garden from scratch, on site, in just 20 days is very challenging. Like most Chelsea contractors, we build a lot of the more complex elements off-site where we can build and test them accurately with specialists to ensure the best quality of build. Our ambition is always to shorten the time we spend on the hard landscape elements on site, so that the planting can be completed ahead of time and can have a chance to settle and establish before the garden is judged.

I have learnt a huge amount from working at Chelsea and I am still learning. There are new plants and materials to discover, new techniques to master and new equipment to uncover. We used a spider crane for the first time at Chelsea. It saved a huge amount of time and hassle and I have since had some key staff trained to use it. I have also met a lot of new people through Chelsea and learnt a lot about human nature and relationships. All in all, Chelsea is a fantastic experience and one that keeps bringing me back year after year.

What advice would you give to first-time landscape contractors at Chelsea?

Start small but aim high. Start with a Fresh or Artisan garden to give yourself a chance to understand the unique environment of Chelsea before you progress to a show garden. I would also recommend that you arrange accommodation for your team well in advance. The working day is long – normally 7am-7pm – so it is essential to have it sorted ahead of time.

Spring 2019

Dan Riddleston

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EVENTS

Events Calendar 2019 28 March 9 April 11 April

2 July

Pro Landscaper Live Bristol prolandscapermagazine.com Specifi Landscape Bristol specifi.co.uk

2-7 July

Pro Landscaper Live Northampton prolandscapermagazine.com

12-14 April

RHS Cardiff Flower Show, Bute Park, Cardiff rhs.org.uk/shows-events

25-28 April

Harrogate Spring Flower Show, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate flowershow.org.uk/spring-show-2019

9-12 May 21-25 May 30 May 31 May2 June

RHS Malvern Spring Festival, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire rhs.org.uk/shows-events/ RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London rhs.org.uk/shows-events/ Pro Landscaper Live Chester prolandscapermagazine.com Gardening Scotland 2019, Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh gardeningscotland.com

5-9 June

RHS Chatsworth Flower Show, Chatsworth, Derbyshire rhs.org.uk/shows-events/

11 June

Specifi Landscape Leeds, Hilton Leeds City, Neville Street, Leeds specifi.co.uk

13 June

Pro Landscaper Live Kent prolandscapermagazine.com

13-16 June 27 June

BBC Gardeners’ World Live, NEC, Birmingham bbcgardenersworldlive.com

Specifi Landscape Manchester, Renaissance Manchester City Centre Hotel, Blackfriars Street, Manchester specifi.co.uk RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show rhs.org.uk/shows-events/

17-21 July

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire rhs.org.uk/shows-events/

30 August

BALI South Thames Charity Summer Ball 2019, The Brighton Hilton Metropole bali.org.uk/events

4 September

Specifi Landscape Glasgow, The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow specifi.co.uk

11-13 September

Landscape Show 2019, Battersea Park Innovation Centre, Battersea Park, London landscapeshow.co.uk

24 September

Specifi Landscape London, Crypt on the Green, Clerkenwell Close, London specifi.co.uk

26 September

SoilsCon 2019, Phyllis Court, Henley on Thames bali.org.uk/events

22 October

Specifi Landscape Birmingham, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Broad Street, Birmingham specifi.co.uk

30-31 October

SALTEX, NEC, Birmingham iogsaltex.com

19 November

FutureScape 2019, Sandown Park Racecourse, Surrey futurescapeevent.com

6 December

BALI National Landscape Awards 2019, JW Marriott, Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London baliawards.co.uk

FutureScape Scotland LIVE Plus prolandscapermagazine.com

FUEL POVERTY HITS HOME FOR PEOPLE IN HORTICULTURE Having to make the choice between whether to heat your home or go without other necessities such as food is a decision that people should not have to face, but it is the stark reality for many. Perennial’s services team regularly speak to people in the horticulture and landscaping industries that are facing fuel poverty and is working to raise awareness of the issue.

The number of people seeking support at times of crisis is continuing to increase, with many unable to pay for everyday items such as food, clothing and heating. The number of households already in debt to their energy supplier before winter began has grown by more than 300,000 in the past year.

Julia Hayne, Director of Services at Perennial, says: “Poverty touches every aspect of a person’s life, including their physical and mental health. We are visiting and taking calls from more people than ever desperate to gain the specialist support they need to break the cycle of poverty. We are also

seeing the growing impact of poverty on the children of people working in horticulture.”

Living in a cold home causes physical health issues predominantly cardiovascular and respiratory, as well as lowering resistance to infection. This can be a real issue for people working in horticulture who rely on good physical health to remain in work. Cold indoor conditions have also been linked to poor mental health and reduced educational attainment.

For help contact Perennial on 0800 093 8510 or email services@perennial.org.uk. For information visit: perennial.org.uk/help

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EVENTS

Gardening Scotland

Friday 31 May to Sunday 2 June Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh

IT’S PARTY TIME IN SCOTLAND! BALI Associate Designer Lynn Hill of Lynn Hill Garden Design, alongside BALI Registered Affiliate member CED Stone Group and Registered Contractors Ashlea, Endrick Landscapes and Water Gems (Alba), are preparing to delight crowds at this year’s Gardening Scotland event with an Italian-inspired show garden featuring Italian glass, golden quartzite and corten steel.

Taking the opportunity to learn more about the garden and what it will include, BALI’s Marketing and Communications Manager Darren sat down with Lynn who shared an insight into what visitors can expect on the weekend of 31 May – 2 June 2019.

This time to create the most unique of worktops for the bar. We have CED’s Nero Santiago porcelain paving, a very modern product which sits so elegant and sumptuous underfoot. At the gardens’ entrance we will a vortex in slate by the remarkable James Parker.

“Taking centre stage on the garden sits a beautiful glass cocktail bar from the wonderful Rosso Dotto. This modern twist contrasts happily against the rustic of the stone and the corten steel screens. These screens are new to the CED catalogue and look so decorative with their floral cut outs.

We wanted to design with outdoor living at its core. This is now my third show garden for Gardening Scotland and each one has been a celebration of the garden as an extension of the home.

This year, within my new role on the Gardening Scotland Board, things will be just for the fun of it. And the tempo has been set, this time we raise it to party level. After all it is a significant anniversary for Gardening Scotland.

There is a real feeling of old meets new. Our old favourite Caithness stone makes an appearance again this year.

But where would any garden be without those unsung heroes, the ones who make our dreams become reality, who undertake all the hard graft, pouring sweat, blood and tears into its construction. We are so lucky to have such a great team behind us. BALI and its members CED Stone Group, Water Gems (Alba), Endrick Landscapes and Ashlea, as well as Root One East and GM Land Solutions, offer a true Scottish tour-de-force. They are the ones who make the magic happen, who bring the garden to life. Without them our gardens would be little more than a bunch of lovely products and some great ideas. Whatever our vision as designers, our contractors should be celebrated. After all it is their skill that brings our vision to life’”.

E: lynn@lynnhillgardendesign.co.uk T: 07796 508907 W: lynnhillgardendesign.co.uk

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Guidare

The showstopping 1200mm x 1200mm flagstone

Athos

Cronus

Ravana

Romano

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Thea

Como

Garda

Monza

The romantic cobbles available in 2 sizes

Orta

Calcare

Ferro

For samples, brochures, local stockists and further information simply call or email us:

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BALI CHALK FUND

Chalking up results in the name of charity From the earliest days following BALI’s founding in 1971, there has been an obvious need for the landscape industry to support trainees to become professional landscapers. With this in mind, BALI’s founding Chairman, Jeffrey Bernhard OBE, went about setting up a relevant charity in 1981. This was named after another of BALI’s founders, Geoffrey Chalk, who was an ardent supporter of education and training within the industry, as well as being Managing Director of then BALI Registered member Gavin Jones. Although officially titled the “Geoffrey Chalk Memorial Award Fund”, it has subsequently become commonly known as the “BALI Chalk Fund” – a registered Charitable Trust chaired by Peter Jennins OBE (BALI National Chairman in 1978/79).

A variety of awards have been made over the years, including travelling scholarships to undertake research abroad, the provision of prizes for the national WorldSkills UK final, as well as other student awards and the partial funding of apprenticeships. The Fund was relatively quiet in its activities for some years, but in more recent times, with the introduction of further trustees, it has become more focused and active.

Over the last few years more effective contact with the BALI board has been established. BALI’s Chief Executive Wayne Grills attends the Trust’s meetings to ensure that the Trustees are updated on BALI’s activities in relation to training and education, enabling the trustees to make informed and collaborative decisions.

GoLandscape is the perfect beneficiary for the BALI Chalk Fund. Some funding has also gone towards the cost of BALI establishing a fulltime post of Education Officer, namely Stephen Ensell, who also attends trustee meetings to update the trustees on GoLandscape.

The BALI Chalk Fund continues to grant-aid awards annually to the top landscape student at a number of the UK’s land-based colleges. In addition, a further prestigious award is made to the national student of the year. This is presented annually at the BALI National Landscape Awards ceremony in London each December.

Arguably the most exciting of the Fund’s projects to date is working in partnership with GoLandscape to establish a student enrichment programme at UK land-based colleges in order that students not only have the basic qualifications needed, but also attain relevant skills. Certification is so critical in today’s workplace. Skills such as machinery operation and use of abrasive wheels enable trainees to gain employment more easily.

The BALI Chalk Fund Trustees

The recent increased activity obviously costs money and the Fund has always been very grateful for monies received through collections made at the BALI National Landscape Awards. Increased focus and drive in the past year has stimulated a private donation of some £25,000, as well as benefitting from being BALI South Thames Region’s nominated charity of the year providing a further £8,000. A sponsored cycle challenge is proposed for this coming autumn with a substantial sum being targeted. In other news, BALI Registered Affiliate member HL Services has also now recognised the BALI Chalk Fund as their chosen charity, and, we are also a registered charity with Amazon Smile and Just Giving. Perhaps you might consider how you can help the Fund to help your industry.

For more information visit balichalkfund.org.uk

Over the past two years the Fund has assisted in the promotion of GoLandscape Ambassadors, of which there are now in excess of 60 throughout the country. The Ambassadors promote the landscape industry as a valid career choice in schools, colleges and at careers fairs, including British Armed Forces Resettlement Association events.

With this in mind, the BALI Chalk Fund is now actively engaged in supporting BALI’s GoLandscape initiative, with a mission of ‘Supporting trainees to become professional landscapers’.

Left: Immediate Past Chairman Paul Downer with winning students at Writtle College Top: Paul Cowell presenting Top Student award

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Spring 2019

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PRODUCT & AFFILIATE NEWS Green-tech talks about their anniversary, success and… alpacas!

As Headline Sponsor of the BALI National Landscape Awards 2019, Events Project Manager Leah Brookes grabbed a coffee with owners Richard and Rachel Kay to talk anniversary, success and… alpacas!

How did the idea of starting Greentech as a landscape supply company come about? And how was the name thought up?

Rachel: Richard was a Sales Manager for the amenity division of a company called Joseph Bentley’s of Hull. It went into receivership which is what prompted us to start working together.

I was a qualified accountant.

Richard: We both had a strong background in agricultural and a passion for landscaping. We went to the SALTEX exhibition and saw many of Bentley’s customers. We offered them goods on account and an assurance that they would get the product one way or another. We took enough orders to get started. On the way back from the show we visited Peter Bottam, the owner of Headland Amenity who suggested we name the company Green-tech so we could access his product Greentec. So, with just a little van and only £200 in our account, a friend of ours designed the logo on the kitchen table and Greentech was founded.

What would you say are five secrets of Green-tech’s success in the UK landscaping industry?

Rachel: Innovation. Resilience.

Reliability. Integrity. Determination How are Green-tech celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year?

Richard: How aren’t we! We don’t need an excuse to party! We have a calendar of events planned throughout the year to celebrate this significant

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milestone. These range from sales promotions where customers will enjoy a different offer on the 25th of every month; through to a celebratory open day at our head office in October and an invitation-only party after the BALI National Landscape Awards in December. We are working on a 25-year anniversary supplement which will take readers inside the company to meet the driving force behind the success, get to know the team who keep the well-oiled machine turning and give an insight into the Green-tech operation, brands and products.

Looking back over the past three years, Green-tech have won several BALI National Landscape Awards in the categories Employer Excellence and Affiliate Exceptional Service - what do you think contributed to you winning these prestigious BALI Awards?

Rachel: Our solid principles and unwavering aspiration to provide exceptional service to customers; to keep our staff fully engaged and continually develop them. We are a family business through and through and staff and customers all feel part of our success.

Green-tech are in their second year as Headline Sponsor for the celebrated BALI National Landscape Awards, why did you decide to sign up for a second (and third!) year, especially after already headlining for three years?

The opportunity arose and we took it.

We could not find a more appropriate sponsorship opportunity and our

Spring 2019

The Green-tech team of 2019

staff, customers and suppliers all look forward to spending time together celebrating the industry triumphs. The industry has been good to us and it’s our way of giving a little something back. It’s the highlight of the landscape calendar, celebrating the great things to come out of our industry and we are just proud to be part of it. Frankly, we should have done this years ago.

Recently, the BALI Awards team visited your head office and met some of your more unusual onsite pets, can you tell our readers about your alpacas and why you have them on site?

Richard: Ha-ha, we own three alpacas; Bob, Garry and Lawrence…and why not! They are great and bring a smile to everyone’s face. It’s great to look out of the window and see them strutting their stuff. They are so nosey and always come to the fence to greet our visitors.

We also have office pups Kevin and Doris dotting about and getting under our feet. They bring a great feel to the office and are just part of the Greentech family.

For more information on Green-tech visit green-tech.co.uk

Visit website

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PRODUCT & AFFILIATE NEWS

Johnsons Wellfield Quarries of Myers Group celebrates 90 years in business When Hervey Myers started his housebuilding business in 1929, he had no idea that 90 years later it would be reporting a turnover of £50m and would employ more than 350 people from across the region.

Soil and landscape consultancy and BALI Registered Affiliate member Tim O’Hare Associates (TOHA) based in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, is celebrating winning the Soft Landscape Supplier category at the Pro Landscaper Business Awards, held on Friday, 8th February at the East Wintergarden in Canary Wharf, London. This is the first time a ‘service’ rather than ‘product’ supplier has won this award, reflecting the tremendous contribution to the landscape industry that Principal Consultant Tim O’Hare and his colleagues have made.

Fast-forward 90 years and Myers Group, which incorporates several subsidiaries including BALI Registered Affiliate Johnsons Wellfield Quarries, has become a recognisable name within the building and construction sector.

As a full-service supplier of quality products to housebuilders and renovators, Myers Group offers everything from skip hire to Readymix concrete and quality aggregate.

Myers Group, whose headquarters are in Huddersfield, has 14 builders merchant branches and four Readymix concrete sites across Yorkshire, as well as Johnsons Wellfield Quarries which manufactures high-quality Yorkstone local to the area.

Responsible for some of the most iconic constructions in the country including Emley Mast, sections of the M62 motorway and the National Maritime Museum, the organisation has secured its position as a leading provider within the construction market, and

now, is making a name for itself within landscaping by supplying premium quality hard landscaping materials.

Growing up with the company, James and Katie Berry learnt all they could about the business and were very aware of the challenges that they would need to embrace if they were to become the fourth generation to take the business forward.

For further details about the Myers Group and Johnsons Wellfield Quarries visit myersgroup.co.uk and johnsons-wellfield.co.uk

HORTICRUITMENT UK LTD MARKS ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR In 1989 BALI Registered Affiliate Horticruitment UK was born and was the first agency to provide a specialist recruitment service for the horticultural industry.

Originally set up to serve the garden centre and nursery sectors the business quickly established itself as one of the leading recruiters within the industry. They have since successfully developed their service to include all aspects of the landscaping sector.

Today, Horticruitment UK is led

by Ruth Bolam, Commercial and Operations Director. Ruth says; “Horticruitment UK celebrates its 30th birthday this year which

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SOIL SCIENTISTS TIM O’HARE ASSOCIATES WIN SOFT LANDSCAPE SUPPLIER CATEGORY AT PRO LANDSCAPER AWARDS

we are extremely proud of and are working hard to ensure the business does not simply exist but thrives in the years to come!”

Quality not quantity continues to be the primary focus, to have quality positions with quality candidates to match. To achieve this goal, the company has been investing in quality support staff including marketing, finance and administration, together with experienced consultants who have first-hand experience working in the horticultural industry. Throughout 2019 Horticruitment UK will continue to invest in technology to assist in improving the aids of communication and to attract and find top-quality candidates for their clients.

Over the past 20-plus years, Tim has personally raised the profile of soil science within the landscape industry, demonstrating in project after project why soils are the absolute foundation of every successful landscape scheme.

His company has been delivering soils science expertise across the industry since 2006 and worked with a host of industry professionals on many prestige projects. TOHA’s reputation has driven the company’s success to date.

Commenting on the Pro Landscaper award, Tim said: “I am delighted that the importance of soil science in landscaping projects has been highlighted by this award and that both the professionalism and expertise of the TOHA Team has been recognised by the industry in this way. TOHA is fortunate to work with amazing clients on public realm, commercial and private schemes and I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank them for the trust they place in us to help them deliver their visions.”

SoilsCon 2019, the fourth soils conference to be organised by TOHA, takes place this coming October in Henley. The brainchild of Tim O’Hare the conference was recognised by the Pro Landscaper Awards judging panel as an important professional development opportunity for industry professionals.

For more information on SoilsCon visit bali.org.uk/events

Tim O’Hare and team at the Pro Landscaper Business Awards 2018

Spring 2019

PRODUCT & AFFILIATE NEWS

INSTARMAC’S ULTRASCAPE INTRODUCES ECO-BED – A NEW ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY BEDDING MORTAR UltraScape, part of the awardwinning BALI Registered Affiliate Instarmac, are delighted to announce the launch of their new environmentally friendly bedding mortar - eco-bed.

UltraScape, part of the award-winning BALI Registered Affiliate Instarmac, are delighted to announce the launch of their new environmentally friendly bedding mortar – eco-bed.

Part of UltraScape’s world renowned Mortar Paving System, eco-bed is a fine bedding mortar manufactured to meet and exceed the strict requirements of British Standard 7533. UltraScape eco-bed offers all the benefits you would expect from a BS 7533 compliant bedding mortar, including an impressive compressive strength of 45N/mm², but contains 20% recycled material.

The addition of recycled material means that for every 1,000m² of paving bedded with eco-bed and jointed using flowpoint eco, an environmentally friendly rapid set flowable grout, 12 tonnes of recycled material will be used (based on 30mm bed depth, 10mm joint width and a stone size of 600 x 400 x 50mm). This significantly reduces the use of virgin aggregates, helping lessen the pressure on the country’s plummeting natural resources and also helps towards achieving an Excellent CEEQUAL Award or Outstanding BREEAM certification.

Pre-blended for ease of use, ecobed can be laid from 10-100mm, is shrinkage compensated and can be opened to foot traffic in 12 hours, allowing contractors to move on to the next part of their project quickly.

UltraScape supplied eco-bed on Friars Walk development

UltraScape are committed to reducing their environmental impact and so, from January 2019, eco-bed fine bedding mortar will replace UltraScape Pro-Bed HS and Pro-Bed HS ECO in 25kg bags. Pro-Bed HS will still be available to purchase in 1 tonne bags and 28 tonne silos.

For further information on eco-bed and the other materials in UltraScape’s BS 7533 Mortar Paving System please visit ultrascape.co.uk or contact their experienced sales team by emailing ultrascape@instarmac.co.uk or calling 01827 254402.

KUBOTA’S L2602 REDUCES FUEL CONSUMPTION ALONGSIDE KUBOTA CARE EXTENDED WARRANTY BALI Registered Affiliate member Kubota are well known for their range of groundcare machinery, particularly for their tractors which are built for premium efficiency, comfort and versatility. The L2602, a new model from the Kubota L2 Series, has all the latest features for easier operation and greater productivity, aligning with Kubota’s aim to provide tractors which are both reliable and hardworking in all conditions.

Some of its key features include: Advanced technology for efficient operation, Kubota’s HST Plus provides optimal control and easy operation of both the hydraulic pump and the drive motor. Kubota’s HST Plus includes a lever to shift between high and low speeds in each range, with six speeds in total. There is also the option to set up automatic Hi/Lo shifting between the high and low speeds whilst on the move.

The new Auto Throttle Advance feature links the HST pedal and the engine throttle, synchronising tractor speed and engine revolution. This not only makes the tractor easier to operate but also to navigate and help reduce fuel consumption.

The L2 Series also boasts a revolutionary Load Sensing feature. If it detects a drop in engine RPM, it will automatically regulate HST pump and motor activity.

With three modes to choose from, transmission operation can be adjusted to accommodate immediate needs.

Kubota Care – an extended warranty Available with the L2602 is the new Kubota Care extended warranty with which customers have the option to safeguard their tractors against unforeseen expensive repair costs for up to five years. A transferable service (dependent on a full dealer service history), the extended warrantee enables Kubota tractors to be maintained to the highest standards with genuine parts, serviced

by Kubota-trained service engineers and maintaining the value of the machine.

More information on Kubota’s L series of compact tractors can be found at kuk.kubota-eu.com/ groundcare/series/l

Spring 2019

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PRODUCT & AFFILIATE NEWS

Aggregate Industries’ Charcon supplies permeable White Hart Lane paving Charcon, the commercial hard landscaping division of BALI Registered Affiliate member Aggregate Industries, has developed and supplied a bespoke permeable flag paver for phase one of Haringey Council’s White Hart Lane public realm improvement project. Phase one was completed in September 2018 and complements a separate £800 million-pound project which will see the Tottenham Hotspur Football stadium and surrounding residential areas completely transformed.

Through a long-established relationship with muf architecture/art, Charcon was approached to design and supply a high quality concrete permeable flag paver with aesthetic appeal. Works entailed the widening and reconstruction of various footways, but predominately

the repaving of the busy thoroughfare between Creighton Road and High Road, the main route between the station and the stadium on match day.

The Charcon team recommended Andover Washed Infilta flag paving due to its tough and hard-wearing characteristics, alongside its ability to allow water to permeate through the joints and into the sub base, thereby creating a sustainable drainage system.

This element became a key priority in order to avoid local flooding in the area. Available in eight shades, muf architecture/art who designed the scheme in partnership with Civic Engineers and Robert Bray Associates, opted for Silver Grey, creating a visually appealing and contemporary backdrop.

In total, 2,288m2 of Andover Washed Infilta in Silver Grey was supplied in

White Hart Lane public realm project

the footways, along with 2,061m2 of matching Andover Washed 100mm x 200mm Silver Grey block paving in the carriageway.

The final phase of the project is underway, with expected completion in early 2019 and Charcon will be supplying further hard landscaping products for the public realm improvements.

For further information: charcon.com For technical support, please call 01335 372 222 or email landscaping@aggregate.com

New high-performance topsoil from MCM (SE) plus new e-brochure BALI Registered Affiliate member MCM (SE) Limited have been supplying British Standard topsoil, aggregates, sands and construction materials to the landscape and civils industry for over 20 years. With quarry depots across the UK and a fleet of haulage vehicles and options to manage deliveries and waste removal from site, the company has developed in recent years with the introduction of its highly successful bagging service.

Today’s rigours on construction, development and landscaping often command a superior topsoil. Whether for everyday general groundwork or for high impact sport pitch construction, contractors expect topsoil to deliver top class results – every time.

get consistently good topsoil when and where you need it, regardless of site constraints, access or limitations.

Tested and certified, clients need only specify and select the exact blend for their project, request the certification and place their orders.

GREEN-TECH CELEBRATES ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY

MCM (SE) launch new e-brochure The new e-brochure from MCM (SE) (available at mcm-se.com/about-us/) provides a snapshot of the range of British Standard topsoils, aggregates, waste management and site services from the Surrey-based leading landscape and construction material supplier.

Green-tech was founded in North Yorkshire in 1994 by Richard and Rachel Kay with a second-hand van, £200 and an office in their house.

Today it boasts a £14 million plus turnover and operates out of a purpose-built business park, employs in excess of 80 staff and sells over 13,000 products.

Tailoring its range still further to accommodate greater demands on the provision of quality topsoil specifically blended for purpose, site conditions and client budget, MCM have introduced their highperformance soils range.

Green-tech is widely recognised for its commitment to the industry. Each year they support a vast number of events and exhibitions; generally, in excess of 50. They are the Headline Sponsor of the glittering BALI National Landscape Awards for a fourth consecutive year.

They are also headline sponsor of the Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: the next generation initiative and a sponsor of the Pro Landscaper Business Awards, the APL and the SGD awards.

Richard Kay; “Our next milestone is to reach a turnover of £20 million.

We’ll continue to invest in our people, new technology, new product development, our facilities and infrastructure to help us achieve this.

So, look out for Green-tech during 2019 and expect to see big things!”

MCM have been working extensively with their leading soil scientist to select and refine these premium topsoil blends.

Bagged or loose, this means you

For more information: green-tech.co.uk

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Spring 2019

Visit website

High quality wildflower seed, prepared by hand and supplied to specification John Chambers is a leading supplier of British native wildflower seeds, mixes and bulbs for every project and budget • Heritage Range: British native mixes developed and planted over the last 30 years. Renowned for quality and cleanliness of the seed.

• Professional Range: Seed for the professional installer. Includes mixes of more commonly found species to suit a wide variety of growing conditions.

• Impact Range: Vibrant and colourful wildflower seed mixes to create a feature of any landscaping project.

• Conservation Range: Carefully selected, balanced wildflower mixes that provide colour and food to attract desired wildlife, including bats, Request our 2019 bumblebees and wild birds. catalogue today Wildlife and Insect Habitats Create biodiversity on your projects with our range of wildlife and insect habitats.

John Chambers is part of the Green-tech Ltd. family

T: 01423 332 115 E: info@johnchamberswildflowers.co.uk www.johnchamberswildflowers.co.uk @jcwildflowers

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facebook.com/johnchamberswildflowerseed

@john_chambers_wildseed

PRODUCT & AFFILIATE NEWS

KEEPING JAPANESE KNOTWEED AT BAY Hy-Tex UK Ltd proudly supplied Jons Civil Engineering last year with their marketing leading membrane, Root Barrier C3 – this was successfully installed alongside the Naas Bypass, Country Kildare in Ireland to control a Japanese Knotweed infestation.

SAVE 20% ON THE POT COMPANY’S CHINESE WATER JARS BALI Registered Affiliate member The Pot Company is now selling a unique range of Chinese water jars with a special 20% price drop.

The project – which is a stone’s throw away from critically acclaimed ‘The Ball at Naas’ perpetual motion monument – used 3,700m² of Root Barrier C3, in conjunction with 60 reels of Hy-Tex Root Barrier C3 Lapping Tape to seal joints and laps.

The site urgently required the Root Barrier C3 to avoid delaying the project, and thanks to Hy-Tex’s large storage facilities - located in Ashford, Kent – and reliable carriers, they were able to supply the goods direct to site within 4 working days.

Root Barrier C3 Geotextile fabric is highly regarded in the industry, due to its quality and performance.

The material boasts a strong puncture resistance whilst remaining extremely flexible.

For more information on Hy-Tex Root Barrier C3, and their broad range of Landscaping Fabrics, Building Materials and Urban Greening Solutions, then visit hy-tex.co.uk

The Pot Company is offering its customers a range of striking Chinese vases for those seeking an entirely oneoff feature for an outdoor space. The unique Yakuta Water Jars are crafted in China and finished with a handpainted glaze, meaning each and every pot sold to clients is different in both colour and texture. Available in a range of sizes from small pots to huge urns in greens, yellows, blues and browns, the vases are quickly becoming popular with garden designers.

The leading supplier of pots and planters can now offer the collection with an exclusive 20% price drop.

Katie Weller of The Pot Company: “For those wanting something completely unique for their outdoor space, these stunning water jars are made and hand glazed in a remote area of central China so customers can be certain no two are exactly the same. Some of the jars stand at 160cm tall, making them impressive as well was unique! We are now able to offer the collection at a reduced price after negotiating with our suppliers which we are pleased to be able to pass onto our customers.”

CED Stone Group offer a 5% discount scheme to BALI members As one of the UK’s leading suppliers of natural stone, BALI Registered Affiliate member CED Stone Group understand how hard the market has been recently for contractors, designers and clients alike and how constant increases in day to day costs are affecting everyone’s ability to make a profit. They would like to offer something back.

In conjunction with BALI, CED Stone Group are proud to offer a 5% discount scheme to members on any of their stock items, from any of their depots. This is not a one-off gimmick, but a long-term agreement with BALI that CED Stone Group hope will run for years to come.

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CED Stone Group has over 40 years’ experience in the stone and landscaping industry, friendly and knowledgeable staff and a vast range of natural stone products held in stock throughout their six depots. They hope that with this scheme they can help the whole industry a little more.

As always, CED Stone Group are happy to forward samples on request FOC* and advise on technical and design issues when required. *Strictly limited per person and based on supply levels.

Spring 2019

There is no minimum order on this range with RRPs starting at £175.20.

The Pot Company has over 30 years’ experience in supplying garden industry professionals and stocks 30 ranges and 150,000 pots at their warehouse in Lamberhurst, Kent.

If you require further information on the Yakuta Water Jar range, please contact the team at the Pot Company on 01892 890 353 or sales@thepotco.com

Visit website

• Simple and quick to install • Low maintenance • Contributes to a healthier environment • A natural alternative to timber or brick • Graffiti deterrent

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Visit www.makitauk.com to see our full range of garden products and check out the Dealer Locator to find a stockist near you.

BALI.indd 1

06/11/2018 12:05

PRODUCT & AFFILIATE NEWS

‘RESIN BOUND – THE DRIVEWAY SURFACE EVERYONE IS ASKING FOR’ BY DERBYSHIRE SPECIALIST AGGREGATES

Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates

Resin Bound is the fastest growing surfacing application of the last five years. It is being embraced by landscapers, developers and surfacing contractors nationwide and is gaining in popularity as a driveway solution.

Resin Bound is a stunning alternative to block paving, macadam concrete or loose gravel and, thanks to its hardwearing and natural finish, it ticks many of the boxes that customers want regarding appearance, longevity and low maintenance.

Permeability is also a major plus point. Fully SUDS compliant (a water management system introduced by the Environment Agency to help manage flood risk), resin bound meets planning requirements - which makes it ideal for new builds as well as renovations and it can be used for patios and paths as well as driveways.

BALI Registered Affiliate member Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates (DSA) is the manufacturer of DALTEX dried aggregates, the UK’s leading brand for resin bound systems.

DALTEX dried aggregates are meticulously dried and screened to produce a high-quality product which combined with DALTEX UVR stable resin helps deliver a beautifully consistent resin bound finish.

Delivering nationwide, DSA sources materials from all over the UK and worldwide and offers an unrivalled choice of colours, sizes and shapes of aggregate to suit all projects including the NEW DALTEX Bespoke range.

DALTEX has now achieved BBA Accreditation– the highest industry standard available DALTEX UVR’s resin bound system has been awarded certification by the British Board of Agrément). Products that receive Agrément Certificates are recognised by building control, government departments, architects, specifiers and industry insurers.

Interested in Resin Bound Training?

There is so much to consider when applying a resin bound system. It is important to understand how the resin works and reacts under different circumstances, the limitations of the weather and the site conditions needed to produce the best results.

One FREE place is available per contractor/company on a specially developed Resin Bound training course (run from a purpose-built training facility in Derbyshire).

Want to know more?

Whether you’re interested in attending a resin bound training day, want more information about the DALTEX range or would like to visit us, please get in touch.

W: resinbondedaggregates.com T: 01629 636500 E: leanne@derbyaggs.com

Online ordering is available – orders can be placed from anywhere, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Of course, there’s always a friendly voice at the end of the phone if you need advice.

This year, major new investment in state-of-the-art driers and new dust extraction capability has been introduced alongside improved quality control processes – all of which are designed to ensure DALTEX continues to lead the market as the cleanest dried aggregate available.

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Spring 2019

DALTEX dried aggregate range

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RESIN BOUND THE DRIVEWAY SURFACE

EVERYONE

IS ASKING FOR! n Permeable paving system. SUDS compliant n Perfect for driveways, patios and paths n The largest range of colours available

n Come direct to the manufacturer of DALTEX dried aggregates n BBA accredited DALTEX dried aggregates and UVR resin - the highest standard available

Introducing...

Bespoke

Stunning new 40 resin bound blends Colours customers are bound to love!

The No.1 Choice for All Resin Bound Installations 01629 636500 resinbondedaggregates.com 18/5583

Arbor Low Works, Youlgrave, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1JS

PRODUCT & AFFILIATE NEWS

Johnsons freshens up the grounds of 320,000 sq. ft warehouse One of the UK’s leading commercial nurseries and BALI Registered Affiliate Johnsons of Whixley has supplied plants for a major commercial site in Doncaster.

The nursery, based in North Yorkshire, supplied plants to Omega plc’s site at Capitol Park, a 320,000 sq. ft warehouse that produces high quality fitted kitchens and furniture.

JUST WHO ARE VESTRE AND WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE NOTICE… The team at BALI Registered Affiliate member Vestre, who joined BALI in January 2019, are passionate about the community in which they live and work. Their primary motivation is to make the world a better place and they believe that, while no-one can do everything, everyone can do something. So, they’re doing what they can.

The team at BALI Registered Affiliate member Vestre, who joined BALI in January 2019, are passionate about the community in which they live and work.

Their primary motivation is to make the world a better place and they believe that, while no-one can do everything, everyone can do something. So, they’re doing what they can.

For example, Vestre work closely with their customers to create communal areas that promote everyday democracy—spaces where people of all ages can come together across social, cultural and economic divides.

Sustainable, green, and inclusive places that facilitate conversation and activity.

Inspired by Nordic nature, Vestre has been making quality outdoor furniture for generations. So, they never take shortcuts or compromise when it comes to material quality, lifespan and the environment. In partnership with their Scandinavian suppliers Vestre build products that last, utilising renewable energy and locally sourced, environmentallyfriendly materials. As a team they

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are looking to the future by building a green industry and implementing ethical and sustainable business operations through strict governance.

Their goal is to make Vestre the world’s most sustainable urban outdoor furniture manufacturer. The company has started by integrating 9 of the 17 United Nations’ sustainable development goals into their furniture production. This is why Vestre donates at least 10% of its annual profits to sustainable projects worldwide. They are the first company to manufacture climate-neutral outdoor furniture.

The wild climate of Scandinavia has inspired the team to develop products that require minimal maintenance and will withstand even the toughest environments, and lengthy warranties are evidence of their commitment to designing for life. All steel elements are warranted for life against corrosion; adhesion of the powder coating to the underlying steel is warranted for 15 years in normal use; their PEFC Nordic pine is warranted for 15 years against rot.

Yet none of this comes at the expense of stunning design. Vestre’s international team collaborate with leading Nordic designers and several ranges are awardwinning. Contemporary, colourful, and inclusive products that appeal across many sectors and their extensive range is sufficiently diverse to offer choices for every project. vestre.co.uk

Spring 2019

Johnsons supplied more than 6,000 shrubs which included over 600 Photinia ‘Red Robin’ 2L, 450 Euonymus ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ 2L and 200 Viburnum ‘Eve Price’ 2L. The supply also included 16 trees over 16-18 girth size, such as Betula pendula, Pyrus chanticleer, Liquidamber styraciflua and 10 MST Amelanchier lamarckii 125-150 size.

Johnsons worked on the project with BALI Registered Contractor Ashlea Ltd, the UK’s largest privately-owned landscape contractor, which completed the ground works and on-site planting.

Ellie Richardson, marketing co-ordinator for Johnsons of Whixley, said: “It’s always great to see large quantities of our shrubs going out of the door. It’s also lovely to see photos of the completed project too. As always Ashlea Ltd has done a great job.”

Ashlea Ltd’s Yorkshire contracts manager, Rob Brooks, added: “Ashlea was awarded the soft landscaping package by Tolent Construction for works to be carried out once Omega plc had moved into the new premises.

“This required us to complete a large amount of work in a short space of time with restricted access. Once again, Johnsons were able to deliver on time, meet the specification and site requirements as well as maintaining a high standard of products.” nurserymen.co.uk

Johnsons supplied Capitol Park, Doncaster

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Code Bloc Stripes Bloc

vestre.co.uk

Folk

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■ B1 series (12-24HP): Small but powerful, the B1 series are highly manoeuvrable and efficient. Featuring simple manual transmission selectable 4WD plus mid PTO (B1181 only) and rear PTO options are easy to operate offering excellent value for money.

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T: 01844 873190

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13/02/2019 16:15