INFORM
How do you think we can encourage young people to take up a career in the landscape industry? Incorporating horticulture back into the main school curriculum, as a subject on a par with others, would encourage a natural progression to tertiary studies in garden design for those interested at a young age. Gaining professional recognition such as chartership would also put garden design on the career map for parents, schools and colleges – dispelling the myth that you can’t make any money in it, or that the skills required are dumbed down from equivalent professions. Do you find industry events such as FutureScape helpful for networking and building your knowledge of products and systems? Any event that brings suppliers, products and trade professionals together under one roof is a good thing. New initiatives and technical information are easier to research, and face-to-face business is invaluable. What do you think will be the major challenges for the industry moving forward, and how can we tackle them? So much of our industry changes only if it is forced to. Our need for intelligent design, adaptation and flexibility in working practices could never be more pertinent, both for the landscape industry and for the earth as a
1 ‘Mizmaze’ planting at Mount Ephraim Gardens ©Sarah Morgan 2 Sarah at home in her garden ©Leigh Clapp 3 Roof garden ©Sarah Morgan 4 Entrance to Courtyard, Pech-Luna, France ©Sarah Morgan 5 Sarah and grandaughter Grace 6 Sarah searching for alpines in the Pyrenees
BUILDING ON THE HARD WORK OF PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEMBERS, I HOPE TO KEEP THE MOMENTUM DRIVING FORWARD whole, with the environmental and housing crisis we are facing. More centralised investment into research and training for innovative solutions is necessary so that we are proactive with products, good design and legislation. Respecting and understanding the soil, atmosphere and natural resources we work with is a crucial role that we all play in the industry. On a different level, computerwww.prolandscapermagazine.com
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based knowledge and lack of practical experience among our school leavers and graduates results in an industry short of the practical aptitude skills. When you’re not working, what do you like to do to relax? I love dancing and sport, but since a run-in with a black run and some slushy snow this year I have made myself content with walking mountains, searching for seeds to experiment with. I grow all of my fruit and veg and enjoy preparing and sharing it. Best of all is seeing the world through the eyes of a child again and having fun with the grandchildren.
CONTACT Sarah Morgan Gardens, 4 Staple Street, Hernhill, Faversham, Kent ME13 9UD Tel: 01227 750694 info@sarahmorgangardens.co.uk www.sarahmorgangardens.co.uk
CONTACT The Society of Garden Designers 44-46 Wollaton Road Beeston, Nottingham NG9 2NR Tel: 01159 683 188 info@sgd.org.uk www.sgd.org.uk
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