Pro Landscaper January 2021

JANUARY 2O21

WINTER WONDERLAND GREAT DIXTER

LET’S HEAR IT FROM

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS

LANDSCAPE BAROMETER

HOW TO STAND OUT

Inspiring landscape consultant Kim Wilkie

Sue Biggs shares the RHS’ big plans for 2021

Your monthly insight into the UK industry

Business coach Alison Warner shares her top tips

Cover.indd 1

17/12/2020 16:10

#designthenation wapping quay, liverpool

This residential area in Liverpool required new seating to make the most of their stunning views, along with fully bespoke planters.

Our always popular Tooting Seats were the perfect solution, providing a reassuringly robust seat with classic stylings.

Our team then worked to produce a custom planter design that would make the most of the narrow footprint required, and tie in with the aesthetic of the Tooting Seats.

The result is as cost-effective as it is pleasing to the eye, and will be enjoyed by the residents of the area for years to come.

01254 685 185

woodscapegroup

sales@woodscape.co.uk

woodscapeltd

woodscape.co.uk

woodscape_street_furniture

Advert Template- PL.indd 1 ProLandscaper Jan 2021.indd 1

Hardwood Street Furniture

17/12/2020 12:46 12:40

WELCOME

W E LCO M E W

This issue also sees the launch of the annual Pro Landscaper Business Awards. We have all the categories finalised and judges confirmed; once again, the panel includes a mix of experienced operators within the landscape sector as well as individuals with a wealth of business experience across many sectors. So, if you believe your company and your team should be recognised for exceptional business performance, head over to www.prolandscaperbusinessawards.com for more information. Remember, these are the only industry awards that are focused on running a successful business, open to companies of all sizes and across all sectors.

We are very much looking forward to catching up with everyone in person throughout 2021 and, in the meantime, please enjoy your January issue of Pro Landscaper.

JIM & LISA

LET’S HOPE FOR A VERY POSITIVE, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS 2021

©Hortus Collective

elcome to the new year – let’s hope for a very positive, healthy and prosperous 2021, especially after what 2020 threw at us all.

I know from our own personal experience how tough and unpredictable it was to navigate a business through those turbulent times and, from what we have heard and seen, the UK landscaping sector has shone through.

At the FutureScape VIRTUAL exhibition – as well as a host of invaluable information and some great content (which in case you missed it and want to catch up can still be viewed via www.futurescapevirtual.com) – Lewis Normand floated the idea of horticulture needing its very own minister. Lewis has now taken this further and has launched a campaign and petition to try and get the wheels in motion. We at Pro Landscaper are 100% behind this and would like to ask you all as individuals and companies to sign the petition on change.org. (You can find more information on this petition in our News pages).

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Leader.indd 3

Pro Landscaper / January 2021

3

17/12/2020 11:16

CONTENTS

31

INSPIRE 47 50

INFORM 08 13 21 24 26 31 36 39 40 42

4

News Our monthly roundup of industry news UK Landscape Barometer The stats for October

Continuous Connections Tom Howard Garden Design & Landscaping Forging a New Path Cultura Landscape Architect’s Journal Influence Making a Mark Anji Connell Lighting Latest Products

67

Predictions for 2021 What do the experts think?

NURTURE

Future Projects Cherrywood Village Inside: Lush Landscapes How it’s evolved and growing Let’s Hear it From Kim Wilkie Onwards and Upwards Sue Biggs Much To Be Thankful For Andrew Wilson A New Year in Nature Katie Flaxman Landscape Architecture At the Fore Mike Wood

Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Contents-6.indd 4

54 58 60 63

Blended Boundaries Hortus Collective

50

67 71 72 73 76 77

Feature Garden Great Dixter Confronting the Past Noel Kingsbury Horticulture Happenings Lewis Normand Why Do Specimen Trees Fail?

Steve McCurdy Virtual Visitor Nick Coslett Location, Location, Location!

Stuart Ball, John Chambers Wildflower Seed

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 12:41

CONTENTS

J A N UA RY 2 0 2 1 E D U C AT E 81 82 83 84 85 86 87

How To Stand Out In A Wood Full Of Trees Alison Warner Dealing with Disputes Ilan Braha and Jason McKenzie of Oracle Solicitors

91

Benefit From Being Green Helen Taylor 5 Things You Should Know Before You Grow Nick Ruddle Planned Obsolescence Angus Lindsay

26

Battery-powered kit Latest in the market The Great Decking Debate A summary from FutureScape

92

PEOPLE

86

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Contents-6.indd 5

91 92 94 95 98

Out & About Christmas at Kew Life/Style Tim O’Hare 30 Under 30 Update Leon Chappell What’s Your Role?

Kate Cooney Little Interviews Questions with the individuals who make up our industry

To receive a copy of Pro Landscaper, please contact Joe Wilkinson.

Email joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com or call 01903 777570.

Pro Landscaper / January 2021

5

17/12/2020 12:41

FOR EVERY 323 COMPOSITE BOARDS WE MANUFACTURE...

...WE SAVE 1000 KG OF PLASTIC FROM OUR OCEANS & LANDFILL FOR MORE INFORMATION www.piranhadecking.co.uk | 0330 333 8030 | sales@talasey.co.uk

Advert Template PL.indd 2

17/12/2020 11:32

CONTRIBUTORS

CO N T R I B U TO R S Sue Biggs The RHS is putting 2020 behind it and looking ahead to a packed year for the organisation, with the opening of a fifth garden, the return of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show (with a few changes thanks to COVID), and the opening of a centre dedicated to horticultural science. Sue Biggs shares her excitement.

P36

W W W.RHS.ORG.UK

KATIE FLAXMAN P40

@THE_RHS

Mike Wood

NOEL KINGSBURY P71

The importance of green spaces has arguably never been more publicised, and the industry needs to take advantage of this to ensure greener cities, says Mike Woods. We need to ensure the landscape team is included in the project early for the scheme’s success, and to be engaging but also educating local communities.

P42

W W W.HASSELLSTUDIO.COM

@HASSELL_STUDIO

LEWIS NORMAND P72

Helen Taylor Sustainability isn’t just beneficial for the environment, it can also be good for business, says Helen Taylor of Hosta Consulting, a company which helps SMEs to develop their own sustainability strategies. And if there’s an industry which should be striving towards greener targets, it’s horticulture.

P83

W W W.HOSTACONSULTING.CO.UK

NICK COSLETT P76

@HOSTACONSULTING

Nick Ruddle

ALISON WARNER P81

Business coach Nick Ruddle says there are five things you need to bear in mind to build a successful business and to avoid the pitfalls, including the importance of establishing your vision and values, which can not only help to build a strategy towards success but can also help you to put the right team in place.

P84

W W W.NICKRUDDLE.COM

CONTACT

Eljays44 Ltd 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA Tel: 01903 777 570 EDITORIAL Editorial director – Lisa Wilkinson lisa.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 579 Head of content – Nina Mason nina.mason@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 959 393 Deputy head of content – Rachael Forsyth rachael.forsyth@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 578 Equipment editor – Rachel Gordon proarbeditor@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570 Subeditor – Katrina Roy katrina.roy@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 959 391 Subeditor – Sam Seaton sam.seaton@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 959 391

ORACLE SOLICITORS P82

@NICKRUDDLE

Design – Kara Thomas, Kirsty Turek ADVERTISING Business development manager – Jamie Wilkinson jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 585 Head of sales – Jessica McCabe jessica.mccabe@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 587 Horticulture Careers – Phil Every phil.every@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570 Managing director – Jim Wilkinson jim.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 589 MARKETING AND CIRCULATION Tel: 01903 777 570 Subscription enquiries – Laura Harris laura.harris@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 580

Printed by Pensord Press Ltd, Gwent, UK Published by ©Eljays44 Ltd – Connecting Horticulture. Pro Landscaper’s content is available for licensing overseas. Contact jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com Pro Landscaper is published 12 times per year

by Eljays44 Ltd. The 2020 subscription price is £95. Subscription records are maintained at Eljays44 Ltd, 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA, UK. Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Eljays44 Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, uncommissioned photographs or manuscripts.

Whilst every effort has been made to maintain the integrity of our advertisers, we accept no responsibility for any problem, complaints, or subsequent litigation arising from readers’ responses to advertisements in the magazine.

We also wish to emphasise that views expressed by editorial contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Reproduction of any part of this magazine is strictly forbidden.

Pro Landscaper is proud to be an affiliate member of BALI

The Association of

Professional Landscapers

Pro Landscaper is proud to be an associate member of the APL

MANAGEMENT Managing director Jim Wilkinson Director Lisa Wilkinson Business development manager Jamie Wilkinson

Cover image ©Great Dixter

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Contributors.indd 7

Pro Landscaper / January 2021

7

17/12/2020 12:53

INFORM

PWP LANDSCAPE DESIGN WINS GRAND AWARD FOR PRIVATE GARDEN IN YORKSHIRE

NEWS LI AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED IN VIRTUAL CEREMONY

O

T

©Berkeley Home

n 26 November 2020, people from around the world tuned in to the Landscape Institute’s first ever online annual awards ceremony. Presenter Julia Bradbury welcomed attendees, setting the scene for a unique virtual afternoon by discussing the delicate balance between people, place and nature and the crucial need to create habitats in which all flourish.

“As a nation, and globally too, we’ve realised the value of the outdoors,” said Julia.

“But there’s a lot of us out there for the planet to support – so we need to use space effectively and efficiently.”

The 21 winning projects and entries celebrated over the course of the afternoon

demonstrated the myriad ways in which landscape does just that.

“It’s been another record year for awards entries, all of such an exceptional standard – especially in our new categories,” said LI president Jane Findlay, broadcasting from the National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield. “In line with our climate and biodiversity declaration, we’ve aligned our judging criteria to include sustainability, and introduced more specific categories based around these topics.

“The pandemic has really highlighted the vital role that public space, greenery and nature play in our lives. The judges and I saw projects that retrofit our public green space, reimagine our public realm, transform our high streets, and make our cities more resilient to climate change with proper, in-practice sustainability – all such important tasks.” awards.landscapeinstitute.org

8

News.indd 8

Pro Landscaper / January 2021

he British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) has awarded its ultimate accolade to PWP Landscape Design for its BALI National Landscape Awards 2020 entry, a Private Residence in Yorkshire.

The formal garden won the Grand Award after being entered into the Domestic Garden Construction – Costs Between £100k-£250k category, sponsored by Van den Berk Nurseries.

Due to COVID-19 and it’s impact, 2020’s ceremony – supported by headline sponsor Green-tech – was held virtually, with hundreds tuning in to watch the stream as it aired on Friday 4 December.

In total, 124 entries were judged

by BALI adjudicators over the summer with 70 National Landscape Awards bestowed on 49 members in September; of these, 18 Principal and four Special Awards were announced during the virtual broadcast, including Specials for Best Design & Build for PWP Landscape Design, Best Newcomer to BALI for Smart Landscape Design, who also won a Principal for a Private Residence in Bristol, and Best First Time Entrant for Jilayne Rickards MBALI. Jilayne was also presented with Best Use of Recycled & Reclaimed Materials alongside Landscaping Solutions for their joint work on Principal Award winning scheme The Urban Retreat – London. www.baliawards.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 12:32

INFORM

COUNTRYWIDE GROUNDS MAINTENANCE APPOINTS NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR

C

ountrywide Grounds Maintenance has appointed Paul McKeown as its new managing director to provide strategic leadership and growth for the UK-wide business.

Responsible for managing the nationwide network of 46 regional offices covering the whole of England, Scotland and Wales, Paul will support the growth and expansion of the brand. As part of his remit, he aims to provide an enriched support service for the regional offices, enabling them to expand their business, whilst providing the best professional solution for their customers.

Having worked in the grounds maintenance sector for more than four decades, Paul has held a number of high-profile positions. Before joining Countrywide, Paul held the role of managing director at phs Greenleaf, where he directed multiple operational processes of the group’s portfolio. Prior to this, Paul worked at Flora-Tec as UK operations director.

Speaking on his appointment, Paul said: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead a company with exceptional people who make a difference every day for our customers and the communities we serve. I look forward to continuing to grow our strong operational and financial performance, whilst creating an environment that keeps our customers, communities and employees safe.” www.countrywidegrounds.com

PETITION LAUNCHED FOR MINISTER OF HORTICULTURE IN WAKE OF BREXIT

A

petition has been launched calling for a Minister of Horticulture to be instated by the government.

Lewis Normand, garden designer and sales manager at Bernhard’s Nurseries, set up the petition on change.org and is now seeking the signatures of those both inside and outside of the industry who recognise the benefit of having a dedicated minister in

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

News.indd 9

parliament to UK horticulture. Lewis says: “This is something I have been thinking about for some time now. It came up a couple of times during FutureScape VIRTUAL discussion panels and I felt that the time was right, and I should try this to see how receptive people are to the idea.

“So far, it has been well received. We’ll see if it leads to anything or not, but I think it is worth doing, especially in light of how ill-prepared the government is proving to be to support horticulture through and post-Brexit. Recent talks have shown that they have done very little research to understand how much import and export horticulture undertakes annually across UK businesses. We need better representation in Parliament than we can possibly get being part of a Defra minister’s role.” www.change.org

NEWS IN BRIEF ARBOR FOREST PRODUCTS LAUNCHES NEW TREX BUSINESS DIVISION Arbor Forest Products has signalled its ambitions within the composite decking market with the creation of a dedicated Trex business unit, and the appointment of Jonathan Cooper as business manager for the division. Under Jonathan’s guidance, the company’s aim is for Trex to become the UK’s leading composite decking brand, mirroring its position in the US. www.arborforestproducts.co.uk

A SERIES OF SUSTAINABILITY TALKS IS LAUNCHING A series of talks aimed at the landscape industry will kick off in January next year, focusing on sustainable design solutions in response to the climate crisis. Garden designers Rachel Bailey and Becca Duncan have put together the talks, which will take place via Zoom, to explore how to create gardens with this in mind without compromising on quality and aesthetics. www.rachelbaileydesign.co.uk

BOURNE GROUP REVEALS NEW VENTURE The Bourne Group has announced the launch of its latest venture to accompany the other four companies in the group – The Dumpy Bag Company. This new company will be involved with the collection and recycling of waste materials, with waste streams from the landscaping, construction and DIY sectors, specialising in the waste coming back to site in its own bulk bags. www.johnbourne.com

Pro Landscaper / January 2021

9

17/12/2020 12:32

INFORM

THREE TIERS FOR AWARD-WINNING GARDEN Tasked with transforming a small overgrown garden, Green Acorn Landscape Design set about delivering an award-winning landscaping project that would satisfy the client’s requirements with a striking three-tier approach. www.prolandscapermagazine.com/ three-tiers-for-award-winning-garden/

RESTORATION OF UNIQUE ‘CAPABILITY’ BROWN GARDEN GIVEN LIFELINE

A

grant from the Government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage has thrown a lifeline to a project to restore the only surviving ‘Capability’ Brown curved walled garden, at the National Trust’s Berrington Hall in Herefordshire.

The project had been at risk of delay due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the conservation charity,

©National Trust/James Hargreaves

Online Exclusives

HOW WILL BREXIT IMPACT THE SUPPLY CHAIN? It’s one of the biggest questions the industry is asking as January looms.

Will there be less availability? Higher prices? We asked some of the leading suppliers importing from the continent what they’re expecting come 1 January. www.prolandscapermagazine.com/ how-will-brexit-impact-the-supply-chain

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT PRACTICE IN CHESTER EXPANDS

A 12 HOUSEPLANTS OF CHRISTMAS Decorate your home with festive houseplants that can be displayed in any room to bring seasonal visual joy throughout the winter season. Ian Drummond gives his expert advice on a selection of houseplants which are perfect for the festive period. www.prolandscapermagazine.com/ 12-houseplants-of-christmas

10

News.indd 10

Pro Landscaper / January 2021

landscape architecture firm with offices in Cheshire and North Wales is expanding.

Land Studio has moved into new offices in Soughton House, Nicholas Street Mews in Chester and has taken on two new staff. The firm’s other base is in Cilcain, Flintshire.

Landscape architect David Wilson, who has worked on a number of high-profile public realm schemes in the North West, Wales and London, has been recruited to the team. He is joined by architect and landscape architect Matthew Reece.

Land Studio founder and director Simon Richards, who is also a panellist and joint chair of the Design Commission for Wales, said: “I’m delighted to welcome David and Matthew to Land Studio. We are always looking for talented people to join the business to meet the demands of our clients. Our new office in Chester gives us the space we need for our growing team.”

Land Studio, which is approaching its fifth anniversary, is a specialist landscape

but a £269k grant from the Culture Recovery Fund has ensured work can continue to restore and conserve this rare survivor of Georgian garden design.

Berrington Hall, near Leominster, sits within the last garden and landscape to be designed by the renowned 18th century landscape architect, ‘Capability’ Brown. For over a century the unique Grade II listed curved walled garden, built in 1783, has been used to house livestock and is now in need of significant restoration to return it to its original glory.

The first stage of the project was to remove the agricultural buildings which were causing damage to the wall. Now specialist work to preserve the original 18th-century bricks and return the space to a garden will begin, with conservation work expected to be complete in March 2021. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/berrington-hall

architecture, design and master-planning practice. The company’s work ranges from major visitor destination projects to education facilities, residential and leisure development and distinctive garden projects.

Its cllients include the National Trust and Forestry England.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the team have been working with a number of schools and sixth form colleges across the region to help them to create safe, vibrant and immersive spaces outside. www.landstudio-uk.com

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 12:33

A canvas for natural bursts of colour, bringing a range of environmental & social benefits to the built environment.

Increases Biodiversity

Acoustic Cushioning

Improves Rainwater Management

Offers Pedestrian Protection

Reduces Pollution

Improves Mental Health

Promotes Social Distancing

Climate Cooling

bsfg.co.uk/inspira Inspira 225x300+5 1 Advert Advert Template PL.indd- jan.indd 3

10/12/2020 09:00:51 17/12/2020 11:09

Wild about landscapes John Chambers is a leading supplier of British native wildflower seed and bulbs, grass seed, wildflower matting, insect and wildlife habitats.

Native Wildflower Seed

The beauty of wildflowers: • Improves the landscape • Provides impact • Creates a versatile, low maintenance environment • Provides much needed ecological benefits • Adds biodiversity to your project

Our range includes: • Over 80 British native mixes Wildflower Matting

Wildflower Bulbs

• Mixes for specific soil conditions • Mixes for specific flowering periods • Mixes to attract specific wildlife or insects • Vibrant mixes to create beautiful features

A mix to suit any environment

Habitats

Grass Seed

Whether you are working to a specific colour scheme, location, or soil type; whatever your vision regarding the flowering period or project Free CPDs aspirations; we can devise a available – bespoke mix just for you. call or book online

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

Request or download our brochure today

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

Advert Template PL.indd 4

17/12/2020 11:11

INFORM

W

elcome to this month’s UK Landscape Barometer.

It’s only our third instalment of an ongoing look at how the market is performing comparatively, but we already have more than 50 companies that have agreed to participate and help to grow the barometer. We’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all those involved!

This is a long-term project that will continue to grow and develop as more companies become involved and we can gather data to review over the months and years ahead.

This month, we will be focusing on October 2020 compared to October 2019 on many of the same indicators as previously. These will include confidence, turnover, enquiries, quotes, projects, and full-time staff.

If you would like the full report or would like to contribute to the UK Landscape Barometer moving forward, please send an email to Joshua Chew on joshua.chew@eljays44.com or give him a call on 01903 777 570. We will be back again next month but, for now, let us review the results from October.

Please note that all statistics are based on those surveyed and compare October 2020 to October 2019 except confidence. Confidence is compared at the time of survey to the same time last year.

NATIONAL ENQUIRIES 9%

8%

100%

Lower 17%

Equal Higher No response

66%

PERCENTAGE OF RESPONDANTS MORE CONFIDENT COMPARED TO LAST MONTH 90% 80%

• The dip in confidence in November could be because a second lockdown was announced

70%

• The COVID-19 vaccine started rolling out in December,

60%

this could be a reason for rising confidence

50% 40% 30%

TURNOVER

20% 10%

5%

Lower 30%

5%

60%

0%

Oct20

Nov20

Dec20

Jan21

Feb21

Mar21

Apr21

May21

Jun21

Jul21

Aug21

Sep21

Equal PROJECTS

Higher

STAFF

17%

No response

19%

Lower Equal

54%

CONVERSION

29%

Higher

Lower Equal

50% 31%

Higher

18% 41%

Lower Equal

41%

Higher

The majority (66%) of those we spoke to received more enquiries this October, compared to the same month last year, and more than half (54%) said they worked on more projects. It’ll come as no surprise, then, that 60% reported a higher turnover, The conversation rate was evenly split, though, with 41% of respondents saying it had increased and the same percentage saying the opposite. Despite the impact of COVID-19, half of businesses said they had more staff on their books this October.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

UK Landscape Barometer-2.indd 13

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 13

17/12/2020 17:47

INFORM

SCOTLAND AND THE NORTH CONFIDENCE

THE MIDLANDS

TURNOVER

CONFIDENCE

10% 30%

Less 60%

10%

Lower 40%

Equal More

Higher No response

50%

30%

60%

10%

Equal

Less PROJECTS

More

STAFF

TURNOVER

11%

Lower

33%

33%

Equal Higher

20%

Less Equal

67%

56%

80%

Lower

Higher

PROJECTS

THE SOUTH CONFIDENCE

TURNOVER

29%

5% 40% 45%

Less

30%

Equal More

Lower Equal

55%

10%

15%

Higher

71%

Lower

No response

PROJECTS

Higher

STAFF

STAFF 34% 33%

12%

16%

Lower

Lower 58%

26%

23%

Equal Higher

65%

Equal Higher

33%

Lower

Equal

Higher

14

Pro Landscaper / January 2021

UK Landscape Barometer-2.indd 14

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 17:50

INFORM

NURSERIES Every nursery we spoke to reported a higher turnover, but only 17% said their number of quotes had gone up. One commented: “The increase in local authority sales is quite noticeable and much stronger quotes for UK-grown semi-mature trees. The prices of trees quoted from Europe are up by circa 25% YoY.”

CONFIDENCE

Despite an increase in turnover and quotes for some, 67% said they were less confident than this time last year. One nursery said: “In the short term (12 to 18 months) the industry looks in great health; however, 18 to 36 months, we are less confident.” Another commented: “Sales into the garden centre sector and landscapers dealing with smaller domestic

garden remain unseasonably brisk. Sales into the commercial landscape schemes took longer to get going but have now recovered well and are tracking 10% higher than the same period last year. This could be down to accelerated works ahead of the perceived impact of Brexit and we forecast that the first quarter/half of 2021 could be very uncertain.”

TURNOVER

QUOTES

17%

33%

33%

33%

67%

17%

100% Less

More

Higher

Lower

Equal

Higher

No response

SOIL Nurseries might have lost confidence, but every soil supplier we spoke to was more confident this month. Hardly surprising, since the majority (67%) reported higher volumes sold and more quotes. “There has been a steady growth in the amount of soil we are selling and the number of quotes we are putting out,” said one supplier.

“However, we are now sending our soils

CONFIDENCE

further afield across the whole of the UK, and that coupled with a COVID-19 uplift has seen strong growth in both our sales and prospect of sales moving into 2021.”

Another commented: “Soil sales have flatlined at around 80% of target for our business throughout COVID-19, so the decrease in sales is not a massive shock, However, the quote levels do tell a different

story. It will be interesting to do this exercise through to spring to see how manufactured soil sales perform through their natural peak season. We see potential for some large-scale work to drop in Q1 2021. It is clear to see from the debates at Futurescape VIRTUAL that quality, consistency of soils delivered, and bonafide testing certificates are key to ensuring landscape projects get the soil they deserved.”

VOLUME SOLD

QUOTES

33%

67%

33%

67%

100% Higher

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

UK Landscape Barometer-2.indd 15

Lower

Higher

Lower

Higher

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 15

17/12/2020 17:52

INFORM

Garden Design When it comes to confidence, garden designers and design and build companies differ; 56% of garden designers said they feel more confident, but nearly half (46%) of design and build companies said they had less confidence than this time last year.

One garden designer said: “Enquiries via general Google search is down, but recommendations are up. People are generally taking longer to make a decision, but the projects we have in the pipeline are carrying on as normal. We have had a good number of enquiries in for next year but at the moment they have not converted.” Another noted: “The flurry of enquiries has slowed down but there were more in October this year than last for us.”

Design and Build Whilst the majority of design and build companies report less confidence, most also report an increase in turnover, enquiries and projects. The lack of confidence appears to be partly down to Brexit. “There is a worrying period ahead with a ‘no deal’ Brexit looming. A no deal would be problematic as it would increase prices by about 20% from Europe – nobody wants to spend that much. There are freight wars at the moment costing £2.5k per shipping container from China going up to about £7k/£8k which means everyone is rushing to get in cheaper stock.”

Another observed: “Every year there is a drop in work leading up to Christmas which typically picks up in January, so this is not a major concern. It is not something we can be certain of, so we are still slightly wary; however, we do expect an uplift in January and already have work booked in. We are seeing repeat clients which is encouraging. Looking to next year, we expect that higher specification gardens will carry on as normal however smaller gardens (under £20k) might drop off.”

16

Pro Landscaper / January 2021

UK Landscape Barometer-2.indd 16

GARDEN DESIGN

DESIGN AND BUILD

CONFIDENCE

CONFIDENCE

22%

Less

36%

46%

Equal

56% 22%

Less Equal

More

More 18%

TURNOVER

TURNOVER 18%

33%

18%

Lower

Equal 18%

Higher 67%

46%

ENQUIRIES 11%

Lower

Higher No response

ENQUIRIES 9%

11%

Lower

18%

Higher No response

Lower Equal Higher

73%

78%

PROJECTS

PROJECTS

11%

Lower

36%

Equal

44% 45%

Higher

Lower Higher

64%

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 17:54

INFORM

DOMESTIC LANDSCAPERS

COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPERS

CONFIDENCE

CONFIDENCE

20%

Less 60%

20%

33%

Less

Equal 67%

More

TURNOVER

40%

More

TURNOVER

Lower

Lower

44%

56%

Higher

Higher

60%

ENQUIRIES

ENQUIRIES 11%

20%

Equal 60%

20%

22%

Lower

Higher

Higher

No response

No response 67%

PROJECTS 20%

PROJECTS

Lower

Lower

44%

45%

Equal 60%

20%

Higher

Higher 11%

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

UK Landscape Barometer-2.indd 17

Equal

Domestic Landscapers and Commercial Landscaper Whether working on domestic or commercial projects, the majority of landscapers said they were feeling more confident. This is despite more than half (56%) of commercial landscapers reporting a drop in turnover. It might be something to do with the number of enquiries, though; the majority (67%) said they’ve received more enquiries and 44% said they’d worked on more projects.

Domestic landscaping appears to be performing better for this month, though, with 60% reporting a higher turnover and more enquiries.

“I have heard through the grapevine that commercial landscaping is slowing down,” said one domestic landscaping company. “The designers we work with have shifted to focus solely on domestic projects. This may be an indication that the commercial market will struggle next year.”

Another said: “The industry still seems buoyant, but we have some concerns about the middle to longer term. One positive outcome to this industry from the pandemic is the potential to recruit and answer some of the staffing shortages with people from other industries.”

A commercial landscape commented: “Generally, the commercial market is incredibly busy. There are concerns on cost increases, procurement delays, and shortages post 31 December 2020. The housing market is buoyant and there is a rush to get landscaping done; this is being fuelled by the stamp duty holiday.”

One observed “delays are still evident on projects, with labour becoming more of an issue due to crews missing the summer holidays, taking longer periods of time off for annual leave.

COVID-19 track and trace are starting to create resource issues on a number of our sites for both clients and many trades.”

Pro Landscaper / January 2021

17

17/12/2020 17:55

INFORM

79%

The percentage of businesses in Scotland and the North that said they were less confident was

80% 3 MONTHS 47% 65% 60% 64% of those in the South had an

of those in the Midlands had an increase in turnover

increase in enquiries

The average lead time nationally is

Enquiries were up by

nationally

of businesses in the South had more full-time staff this October

of domestic landscaping companies worked on more projects

60%

even though 67% said they had more enquiries

On average, design and build companies worked on almost a third (30%) more projects

Turnover for nurseries was up by an average of

39%

56%

There was an equal number of commercial of commercial companies landscaping working companies saw on more projects to a decrease less projects in turnover

of design and build companies Half of companies in Scotland and the North had a higher worked on more turnover, though only Most businesses (71%) in the stated they projects Midlands worked on more projects

67%

of commercial landscaping companies saw an increase in enquiries

78%

55% 18

increased number

of enquiries with 50% having an equal conversion rate

of companies in the South had a higher turnover with

Pro Landscaper / January 2021

UK Landscape Barometer-2.indd 18

of garden designers had an

33%

worked on more projects

Most nurseries, domestic landscapers, and commercial landscapers were less confident with 67%, 60%, and 67% of businesses respectively responding this way

58%

stating they worked on more projects

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 18:00

save the date: Friday 23 April 2021 East Wintergarden Canary Wharf, London

Enter your company into the

pro landscaper business awards For more details contact Laura Harris: laura.harris@eljays44.com

headline sponsor :

PLBAAdvert.indd 1

SponsOred BY:

17/12/2020 12:04

FOLLOW US! DAILY UPDATES FROM THE LANDSCAPING INDUSTRY

@prolandscaper

Advert Template PL.indd 6

@prolandscaperuk

@prolandscapermagazine

17/12/2020 17:01

INFORM

THE YE AR AHE AD

FROM THE IMPACT OF BREXIT TO TALKS OF A VACCINE AND A ‘NEW NORMAL’, WE ASKED A RANGE OF INDUSTRY EXPERTS WHAT THEY THINK THE NEXT 12 MONTHS HAVE IN STORE FOR THE LANDSCAPING SECTOR

LU L L ULD BE A THERE CO HE BOOM AFTER T

SARAH EBERLE

SARAH EBERLE LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN DESIGN

The COVID-19 situation has made people far more aware of the importance of nature and the role it plays in maintaining mental wellbeing. With many people working from home there has been a ‘flood’ of work as people realise the potential of their gardens. I am currently ‘rushed off my feet’ and am getting not only new work as many people exit London and buy property in the countryside but also returning clients who wish to do more work to complete or extend previous design schemes. However, I remain nervous of the financial crisis we are entering and assume that at some point the breaks will go onto people’s spending, either by need or due diligence.

A CH E M B R A A N G E I N FA SHION CE NA T T H E E N U R E A N D P R TO O VIRON MENT TECT

LANDS FRONT CAPING WI LL BE LINE, O F T H E C I G H T I N G TO N T H E L I M AT E C R I S TA C K L E IS

HARRY HOLDING

H A R RY H O L D I N G G A R D E N D E S I G N

We all know the importance of landscapes and gardens in tackling our climate emergency, but it’s 2021 that I predict will be the year where government and the general public begin to realise this also. The pandemic has brought green spaces to the forefront of our collective consciousness and, as focus shifts away from the health crisis, I’m optimistic that human needs and the natural world can start to align. I hope that, when creating spaces, sustainability becomes the priority – with the backing of government and the support of clients, we can define what the next 100 years look like.

D B IL IT Y A N S U S T A IN A L B E C O M E M O R E TRY O G Y W IL T E C H N O L A D IN T H E IN D U S E R P S E ID W

TRACY FOSTER

KEN WHITE

T R ACY FO ST E R G A R D E N D E S I G N

F R O STS L A N D S C A P E S

After the year we have just had, it feels unwise to attempt to foresee anything; however, the optimist within me believes that the time is ripe for a radical change in garden fashion. Leading designers will channel public desire towards the creative reuse of materials, away from waste and towards affordable gardens that will slow flood water and support plants and animals.

Appreciation of nature has increased, as has the appetite to be more sensitive to the environment and, as the economic downturn kicks in, a less wasteful build could be used to help keep costs down. The overused formula of white rendered raised beds, plastic grass and a perfunctory scattering of box balls could finally be laid to rest.

The industry will push forward with the green agenda, and we will see more projects constructed using sustainable materials, such as bricks and other hard landscape materials made from recycled products. The use of low-emission equipment such as electric telehandlers will continue to gather pace. We will see an acceleration in digital construction management processes, 4D modelling, enhanced information sharing and collaboration. Historically, when skilled labour shortages have impacted various industries, we have learnt to automate – the construction industry will not be the acceptation to the rule.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Predictions for 2021.indd 21

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 21

17/12/2020 11:35

INFORM

5 T H INGS W HI C H HA P P E N E D IN 2 02 0 W HI C H N O - O N E WOU L D H AV E P R E D I CTE D

O L WA N T T O P L E W IL S M O R E P E R D E N D E S IG N E R GA WORK AS

As we have heard time and time again, 2020 was the year of ‘unprecedented’ events. What were the biggest unpredictable events which took place?

JULIET SARGE ANT JULIET SARGEANT GARDENS AND LANDSCAPES

National lockdown If somebody said at the end of 2019 that the whole country would be in lockdown, unable to leave their houses except for exercise once a day, we’d have laughed, right? Well, it happened (and still is, to a degree). Fortunately, the construction industry was deemed essential and was able to continue, but there was still a huge impact on business.

The number of people contacting me to chat through ‘a day in the life of a designer’ and join me for work experience has risen sharply. This is great news for the colleges, but I am not sure more garden designers is the most pressing need for our industry. The upsurge in interest during lockdown, in all things green and garden, has been really encouraging; however, it is more gardeners and landscapers that we really need.

AN IN CR EA SE IN EN QU IRI ES CO UL D CO NT IN UE

SE AN BUTLER CUBE 1994

At Cube 1994 Ltd, we have seen a 42% increase in landscaping and a 55% increase in design. Even this month of December – normally you would expect a downward curve in enquiries while everyone prepares for the festive celebrations, but this year we still receive daily enquiries. This is due to so many home workers realising the importance of their own outdoor environment and the benefits to one’s mental health. Many of our clients are reporting that their workforce is not returning back to work until very late into 2021. This fact alone means we are expecting the same if not slightly more enquiries next year.

N WHERE F O C U S O O R T IN G IL L B E A W PP U E S R , E M H T RO S COME F RS P R O D U C T L M A N U FA C T U R E LO CA

CATHERINE BARRATT FURNITUBES

Brexit and the prioritisation of our environment is already causing us to focus on where our products come from, what they are made from, how they are made and how they get to us. Cheap is not best; long-lasting quality that has been made locally is. I predict more support for providing the right products sourced correctly in landscaping construction and in the wider community supporting local manufacturers and businesses.

22 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Predictions for 2021.indd 22

Upsurge in gardeners Being stuck at home for months made the public eager to overhaul their house and garden. Page views of the RHS gardening advice web page soared and the landscaping industry – from what we’ve heard – has been inundated with enquiries, with full order books going into next year. Silver linings, and all that.

Virtual trade shows and awards Jaws dropped when RHS Chelsea was cancelled, but we had high hopes for the summer shows taking place. Well, those were cancelled too, as was every other event where large crowds would gather.

This did, however, lead to the rise of virtual events – including FutureScape – and our favourite app, Zoom.

Campaigning for diversity It’s a huge shame that it took the death of George Floyd to spark the global outrage at the lack of diversity and inclusivity across numerous industries, including horticulture. Individuals, companies and associations are now taking note, though, and we hope to see further progress in encouraging diversity next year.

Supply chain disruption…

That wasn’t caused by Brexit. It was a global pandemic instead which caused delays in imports this year and suppliers to temporarily close, having a knock-on effect on products reaching projects already on site. Don’t worry, though – supply chain disruption thanks to Brexit will be far more predictable for next year, deal or no deal.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 11:37

S I Z E MATTERS Colosso is a chic and larger than life porcelain flagstone.

Just one of 25 Vitripiazza ranges, Colosso offers 3 grand size formats including 3240 x 1620mm and 1200 x 1200mm, in a choice of 4 colours, which create stunning, show stopping paved areas.

Vitripiazza flagstones are a full bodied vitrified porcelain, meaning that the entirety of each flagstone is made from high quality porcelain, as opposed to cheaper vitrified ceramic tiles or alternatives that may just have a porcelain layer on the surface.

Also, all of the edges are rectified, as they are machine milled to produce crisp, smooth edges, for ease of installation and to enable very neat joints / lines to be achieved.

For more information or to make an enquiry:

0330 333 8030 | vitripiazza.co.uk | enquiries@vitripiazza.co.uk

Advert Template PL.indd 7 Talasey_Colosso_advert_AW.indd 1

17/12/2020 06/09/2019 11:33 09:20

INFORM

Cherrywood Village

Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, South Dublin, IRELAND GRANT ASSOCIATES IS HELPING TO CREATE THE MASTERPLAN FOR ONE OF THE MOST TALKED ABOUT DEVELOPMENTS IN IRELAND

CHERRYWOOD VILLAGE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE MULTIFUNCTIONAL, SENSORY-RICH OPEN SPACES THAT PROVIDE AMENITY FOR THE COMMUNITY, SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT AND BIODIVERSE WILDLIFE HABITATS

24 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Future Projects Cherrywood Village.indd 24

More recently, though, Grant Associates mammals and amphibians; and is turning its attention to a large, ditches, for increasing the number mixed-use development in Dún of pollinators and for Laoghaire–Rathdown, South Dublin water attenuation. Wildlife which is set to include 1,300 homes habitats will be enriched as well as three public parks and with woodland ground more than 50,000ft2 of retail and covers and seasonal bulbs. civic communities. Working with A spokesperson for Grant architecture and design practice Associates says that “the Fletcher Priest Architects, Grant planting of new native Associates is designing the hedgerows is part of the masterplan for Cherrywood Village, planning requirement to SQ.FT a new community by one of the connect up existing habitats OF largest developers in Ireland, throughout the new Quintain Ireland Ltd. residential developments.

Needless to say, with a company The design of the Greenways like Grant Associates involved, green is based on a ‘deconstructed COMMUNITIES and blue infrastructure are vital to hedgerow’ so as not to the scheme, with a number of create a barrier through “strategic Greenways” – walking, the development.” running and cycling routes – to Water run-off will be connect residents to existing parks, managed through a series of the village centre and Luas Tram rain gardens too. “The rain gardens stops. These Greenways will consist take run off from adjacent rooftops of hedgerows made up of a continuous and the surrounding hardscape and allow the tree canopy of birch and pine trees; native water to move slowly through the Greenway, understory shrubs including hazel, dogwood mitigating flood risk and infiltrating the ground. and elder; stone walls for small reptiles, They are planted with a species rich marginal mix that includes marsh marigold, iris and water mint. All plants have been chosen with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan in mind and to help filter pollutants, whilst root systems improve soil permeability and sustain diverse microbial populations.”

The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan was developed in response to one third of bee species in Ireland being threatened with extinction, with the aim of increasing the number of spaces created for pollinators.

When Grant Associates’ involvement in Cherrywood Village was announced, Peter Chmiel, director at Grant Associates, said: “With the climate and biodiversity emergency we are living in, Cherrywood Village is an opportunity to create multi-functional, sensory-rich open spaces that provide amenity

1,300 HOMES

3 PUBLIC

PARKS

50,000

RETAIL & CIVIC

TULLY PARK WILL BE

H

aving the name ‘Grant Associates’ on a project carries some weight.

The global firm is responsible for Gardens by the Bay, a spectacular 54ha scheme in Singapore which pulls in more than 12 million visitors each year (pre-COVID, of course). The 18 Supertrees, the most recognisable part of the project worldwide, are the product of impressive ingenuity, standing up to 50m tall, collecting rainwater and generating solar power.

22 ACRES

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 09:35

INFORM

P R OJ ECT D E TA I L S Landscape architect Grant Associates Architect Fletcher Priest Architects Developer Quintain Ireland Consultant team Urban Agency and O’Mahony Pike Architects

for the community, sustainable water management and biodiverse wildlife habitats.”

Three public parks are planned for the development, the flagship of which is Tully Park, the first half of which has already been completed. This 22-acre space will naturally be

ALL PLANTS HAVE BEEN CHOSEN WITH THE ALL-IRELAND POLLINATOR PLAN IN MIND AND TO HELP FILTER POLLUTANTS divided into four zones by Lehaunstown Lane and existing hedgerows and tree lines. The heritage zone will contain Tully Church and Graveyard, on which the park is centred, whilst the biodiversity zone will feature native wildflowers, shrubs and trees. A large play area will form part of the play zone, alongside

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Future Projects Cherrywood Village.indd 25

a skate park and an amphitheatre, whilst lawns, meadows and seated areas will be in the passive zone.

Ticknick Park will provide areas for field sports with four multi-use pitches, and paths and walking routes around the edge, as well as connecting paths to ‘The Dublin Mountain Way’ hiking routes. The third park, Beckett Park, will also feature a range of sports amenities from tennis courts to a sports pavilion with a green roof, alongside a boules court, outdoor gym and multi-use games area. The multi-use space will feature biodiverse landscaping too, and will be more enclosed than the other two parks.

Quintain Ireland Ltd has recently submitted planning applications for a first phase of housing and is hoping to start building these homes in the first half of next year. It’s the completion of the green spaces, though, which we eagerly await, of course, providing areas for those from the local schools, the residents, those working within the new retail and civic centre, and visitors to enjoy.

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 25

17/12/2020 09:37

INFORM

LUSH LANDSCAPES PRO LANDSCAPER CAUGHT UP WITH LUSH LANDSCAPES’ OWNER DEAN BAILEY, AND SOFT LANDSCAPE MANAGER AND DIRECTOR OF FLOURISH NURSERY, ALEX BAYMAN

D

ALEX BAYMAN & DEAN BAILEY

OUR PRIMARY AIM IS TO DO A GOOD QUALITY JOB FOR A SENSIBLE PRICE, WITH A REAL FOCUS ON THE DETAIL, AND THIS REALLY HELPS US GET SOME EXCELLENT RECOMMENDATIONS AND WIN REPEAT WORK 26 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Inside Lush Landscapes.indd 26

ean and Alex’s paths have crossed over the years, with both having relationships with the same property developers. Back then, Dean was managing the hard landscaping and Alex’s company had the soft landscaping contract. However, in 2019, Alex joined Lush Landscapes as landscape manager.

Lush has expanded over the years since it’s inception, and now has interests in Flourish Nursery Ltd and a turf and irrigation business (LDC Turf and Irrigation Ltd). It currently employs 25 people across all the sectors.

Lush initially started when, after a while of working for other landscaping businesses, Dean decided to go it alone in 2000. He bought a van and set up as a sole trader launching Lush Landscapes, initially concentrating on small domestic builds with a bit of maintenance.

Dean and his (now) wife produced a flyer, hand delivering to substantial properties, which generated work. Dean says: “We focused on working around the Wentworth, St George’s Hill, Esher and Cobham areas which are still pretty much where our work comes from today. We also quickly established ourselves with some property developers and the business went from strength to strength.

Our primary aim is to do a good quality job for a sensible price, with a real focus on the detail, and this really helps us get some excellent recommendations and win repeat work.”

Over the years, Lush has continued to evolve and now offers a full range of services, such as design and build where it is proud to be using all the latest technology, including 3D walk throughs, CGI, two-dimensional construction, and planting plans. “A typical size job for us is around £200k, but we have also worked on some £1m projects.

“We tend to have two to three projects on the go at any one time. As managers and directors, we pride ourselves on being close to the clients and we make sure that we respond quickly to any questions, although each project also has a site manager.

“We are in a competitive market and there are some high-quality landscape companies locally, so we consistently need to be on top of our game and make sure our service is second to none.”

Dean (director) and his wife Helen (office manager) own the business, and Alex Bayman is landscape manager. There is a project manager and then under him is a team of foremen and a mix of hard and soft landscapers depending on the project.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 09:23

INFORM

Lush also has two designers.

Lush’s main focus for the future is to build on its core business, focusing on high-end residential and commercial landscaping, and to develop the design and build part of the business further.

The outdoor living concept is really driving the current business, with the installation of outdoor kitchens, music, TV, entertainment spaces, outdoor rooms and furniture. The pair explain: “We see this as one of our specialities and we are at the forefront on installing ever-changing technology that is being incorporated into outside spaces.”

Dean, Alex and a third associate have embarked on a new venture and are directors of Flourish Nursery, a three-acre nursery based in Weybridge. The nursery was set up in early 2020 and has been refurbished and transformed throughout this year.

“We are a key stockist of Zelari plants from Italy and we also source from premium growers 1 Bespoke garden room in Guildford, Surrey 2 Millboard platforms linking split terrace areas 3 500m2 resin bound driveway with central water feature, planting, irrigation in Esher, Surrey 4 Large terrace in South Ascot – circle paved seating area with fire pit and Turkish paddle stone detail walling

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Inside Lush Landscapes.indd 27

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 27

17/12/2020 09:25

INFORM

THE IDEA IS FOR IT TO BE A WORKING NURSERY, HOLDING STOCK BUT ALSO HAVING DIFFERENT AREAS THAT WILL SHOWCASE THE TREES AND PLANTS IN A GARDEN ENVIRONMENT

28 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Inside Lush Landscapes.indd 28

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 09:28

INFORM

5 Specimen Taxus cone and pyramid entrance at Flourish Nursery, Surrey 6 Specimen Pinus Sylvestris ‘Nana Watereri’ Bonsai at Flourish Nursery 7 Flourish’s inspirational Stroll Garden 8 Large terrace for entertaining at Esher, Surrey, with planting, lighting, irrigation 9 CGI 3D garden design for high-end show garden experience at Lavershot Barns for 2021

in Holland, Belgium and the UK. Alex has over 15 years’ experience working with plant suppliers from Pistoia and will use his knowledge to develop and grow Flourish.

“The idea is for it to be a working nursery, holding stock but also having different areas that will showcase the trees and plants in a garden environment. The nursery will be purely trade and open to landscapers and garden designers by appointment only and, of course, it will also supply Lush but will remain a separate trading business.”

There are some exciting developments on the horizon; the nursery will continue to grow and provide plants to the landscaping sector.

Lush is becoming more of a management and project development business, using specialist contractors where needed and making sure the whole outdoor living project comes together.

Lush is to develop an ‘experience centre’ at Lavershot Barns Garden Centre, positioned perfectly just off of the A30, where it can showcase the quality of work, the use of different materials, the plants (from Flourish)

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Inside Lush Landscapes.indd 29

and the technology that is now available for outdoor living. The area will also include a design centre. “Our clients will be able to visit us and see how their garden could physically look.

WE ARE CONFIDENT AND EXCITED THAT THIS WILL BE A BIG STEP FORWARD AND WILL HELP DEVELOP OUR BUSINESS FURTHER We can bring the outdoor living space to life, with lots of the technology products available to touch and feel, working outdoor kitchens, and all the plants will be supplied by Flourish.

“We will have an area to build the experience centre, including a full design studio. The gardens will be built by Lush and each section

will showcase our design and build capabilities, the products – paving, plants, lighting, etc – and this will also allow the customer to see it all working in situ. The plan is also for the garden centre, us, and local businesses to use the space for high-end events, where we can wine and dine clients in a lovely open social space.

“We are confident and excited that this will be a big step forward and will help develop our business further. The whole area, gardens and relocation of our head office needs to be ready

by March 2021, which is tight but achievable.”

C O N TA C T Lush Landscapes, Snows Ride Farm, Snows Ride, Windlesham, Surrey, GU20 6LA Tel 01276 474 884 Email info@lushlandscapes.co.uk

www.lushlandscapes.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 29

17/12/2020 09:28

WE MEAN BUSINESS A loyalty scheme that grows your business The TrexPROŽ contractor loyalty scheme offers business-building rewards and benefits, from driving your company’s exposure, pushing sales leads, providing marketing support, through to labour cover warranty.

FIND OUT MORE 01469 535 415 trex@arborforestproducts.co.uk www.arbordeck.co.uk/trexpro

by

Advert Template PL.indd 8

17/12/2020 11:12

INFORM

Let ’s Hear it From

KIM WILKIE KIM WILKIE TALKS TO US ABOUT HOW HIS WORKS SEEKS TO FIND HARMONY BETWEEN PEOPLE AND NATURE FOREVER AND EXPLAINS WHY THE SOLUTION IS SOIL

I

t’s a question which keeps rearing its persistent head: how can people co-exist with the natural world? We have, undisputedly, done untold damage to our plant. For some we’re past the point of no return. For Kim Wilkie: “the moment we think it’s too late to make a change, we’ve condemned ourselves to death. It’s never worth thinking along those lines.”

It’s in the above question where Kim’s interest lies. His work focuses on how land and people can survive together in perpetuity and balance.

Though he holds an abundance of knowledge and passion for landscape architecture, like so many others, Kim didn’t discover it even existed until he was 21. But when he did, it was like he had struck gold: “It’s the most fantastic well-kept secret. It’s the best career out there, quite frankly.”

Looking back, it’s not surprising Kim felt this way. Growing up in Malaysia, then Iraq and finally England, Kim explored three starkly different environments, cultures and climates. But all three saw him connect with nature and animals. Though his first degree was in history, he later went on to become an environmental correspondent in the Middle East – here, he unearthed landscape architecture for the first time. Once Kim knew it was a career option, he headed to University of California, Berkeley to become a landscape architect and environmental planner.

THE MOMENT WE THINK IT’S TOO LATE TO MAKE A CHANGE, WE’VE CONDEMNED OURSELVES TO DEATH Kim set up his practice in 1989 and after 25 years decided to take a break to write and teach, closing the practice and moving to his farm. “When I geared up again, I realised that the scale of projects that interested me was enormous. It was a question of either creating a much bigger firm or focusing on the strategic and conceptual side, working with a whole series of different practices, architects and engineers.” So that’s what he did.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

LHIF Kim Wilkie.indd 31

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 31

17/12/2020 09:11

INFORM

Today, Kim works as a strategic and conceptual landscape consultant. His work has taken him around the globe – from the United States to Oman and the very edge of the Arctic Circle to our back garden, the British Isles.

Wherever he goes though, he is always led by the land – an approach and the snappy title of his book.

In his book Led by the Land, Kim compares his understanding of landscape architecture to a character from Douglas Adam’s novel Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Slartibartfast, who was responsible for designing the small planets. “It touches on everything,” Kim writes in the book, “from farming, forestry and mining to how we plan our streets and cemeteries. Deep down it depends on collaboration – and some negotiation – with the natural and cultural forces that shape the environment.”

COUNTER-INTUITIVELY, DECENTLY GRAZED PASTURE CAN SEQUESTER CARBON INTO THE GROUND THREE TIMES FASTER THAN TREES For him, the word industry is obstructive.

“It feels quite 19th century,” he explains. “The associations are with mechanisation and with commercial success, and I think one of the problems with land, is that if you think purely in terms of mechanisation commercial success, you’re likely to run into trouble.”

It’s hard for Kim to choose a favourite project, but it’s not hard to see why. From his work on the Thames Landscape Strategy which aims to: “conserve, promote and enhance for the future, one of the world’s great river landscapes between Weybridge, Hampton and Kew”, to Oman, where he designed a new city, there’s plenty to pick from.

The Thames Landscape Strategy saw Kim offer a variety of his services. At one of London’s

32 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

LHIF Kim Wilkie.indd 32

finest open spaces Richmond Green, Kim gave advice on its design and management.

At Old Deer Park, Kim developed a masterplan for the Grade 1 landscape which has links to Kew Gardens, Syon Park and Richmond. Here, he reintegrated the parkland with informal recreation, sport and nature conservation. Elsewhere, Kim gave advice on the historic lime avenues near Ham House.

At Ham Lands Floodscape he developed a new management plan for Ham Lands to reverse its decline and consider it as grazed flood meadows – as it had been historically. Stretching from Richmond Hill to Radnor Gardens, the Pastoral Arcadia project looked to combine both the lively urban waterfronts and grazed wet meadows in order to welcome not just wildlife but also people.

All in all, Kim’s work on the Thames Landscape Strategy has spanned nearly 30 years to date.

Situated in open desert, water was key to the Oman project.

Designed for 280,000 people, the new city was to be fully sustainable.

Centred around a large ravine, Kim’s design, working with the architects Allies and Morrison and engineers Arup, saw the city’s buildings atop the ridges, while the sides are used for vegetable gardens and citrus groves. This doubles up as a sustainable and cheaper solution to recycling grey water. Instead of pumping the grey water to remove

IT’S ACTUALLY ABOUT BIOLOGY; REALISING THAT SOIL IS ALIVE. GETTING THAT BIOLOGY TO THRIVE IS THE KEY TO SOILS, INSECTS, WILDLIFE BUT ALSO THIS KEY TO THE MICROBIAL HEALTH OF FOOD AND HUMAN BEINGS nitrates and phosphates, gravity allows it to trickle down through the terraces of vegetables and citrus trees, feeding the plants on the way and by the time it reaches the bottom, it’s completely clean. Here, Kim was truly led by the land: “this was the definition of understanding the place and traditions and working with the whole team. The city now has this beautiful natural wild park at the bottom full of desert vegetation, with very productive slopes and buildings high enough that they can catch the breeze.”

In Oman, Kim was able to design a city which would be sustainable forever.

But when it comes to climate change, for Kim, it’s all about soil.

“A healthy soil sequesters carbon faster than anything else,” explains Kim, “Counter-intuitively, decently grazed pasture can sequester carbon into the ground three times faster than trees. It’s fascinating to look at how the world’s climate changed between ice ages. It appears that what provoked the ice ages were explosions of herbivores – bison and musk ox –grazing the grass

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 09:11

INFORM

down, which took the carbon out of the atmosphere at an extraordinary rate.”

This knowledge led Kim to regenerative farming, both at government policy level and with farmers themselves. He is currently working on the Goodwood masterplan – the largest organic farm in southern England which is leading the way on how to farm sustainably.

But this work takes him all over the world, with a large focus of it on the East coast of America.

With his own farm at home to practise on, Kim’s work encourages farmers to step away from chemicals as a base for fertility, encouraging instead to cultivate the land less, integrating it with grazing animals and crop rotation in combination with trees and wood pasture. Fundamentally, it calls for people to look at agriculture through the eyes of biology, not chemistry.

“Science has changed over the last decade or two with the understanding that soil is not about chemistry – which has been its basis for the last 70 years or so. It’s actually about biology; realising that soil is alive. Getting that

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

LHIF Kim Wilkie.indd 33

biology to thrive is the key to soils, insects, wildlife but also this key to the microbial health of food and human beings. And, more wonderfully and surprising, it’s also the key to climate change.”

IT’S ABOUT THE MOST EXCITING TIME SINCE POSSIBLY THE EARLY 18TH CENTURY FOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AND HOW HUMAN BEINGS LIVE ON THE LAND Kim is optimistic about the future of regenerative farming, especially in light of the changes to farming subsides. When the UK leaves the EU, it will cut its ties with Europe’s farm subsidy policies. Previously, farmers got

taxpayers’ money based on the amount of land they farmed. In the new system – named Environmental Land Management – farmers will get paid if they farm for soil health, prevent flooding, plant woods and help wildlife.

With these changes in farming subsides, the enormous pressure for housing in Britain, and the effects of COVID-19 on people’s appreciation of their immediate local environment, Kim believes there is a huge opportunity to reassess how we live on the land. “It’s about the most exciting time since possibly the early 18th century for landscape architecture and how human beings live on the land.”

With that said, Kim believes it’s time for landscape architects to expand their horizon by focusing on the whole of the British landscape and not just urban projects. When looking at the land mass of the UK, around 70% is farmland

1 The Thames landscape was set out around a series of pivotal viewing points 2 The Thames Landscape Strategy 100 year plan 3 Proposal for Madinat al Irfan in Oman

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 33

17/12/2020 09:12

INFORM

and another 10% is woodland – it’s perhaps easy to see why then, Kim feels this is where landscape architecture’s concentration should be. In addition to this, instead of seeing cities in isolation, the key to success for Kim is to see it all as one cohesive whole.

As for the Government’s ten-point plan, which promises to spark a Green Industrial Revolution, Kim is unsure. “To protect nature by planting 30,000ha of trees every year is a bit lame. What sort of trees and where is the crucial

WE DON’T NEED SNAPPY SOUNDBITES TO RESCUE THE ENVIRONMENT, WE NEED PROPERLY THOUGHT-OUT AND BALANCED PLANS

issue. Much more damage than good, for example, could be done by covering heathland, peat bogs and chalk downland with conifers.

We don’t need snappy soundbites to rescue the environment, we need properly thought-out and balanced plans that start with the microbial health of the soil.” He prefers instead the essence of DEFRA’s initiative – farming is changing.

Though he believes the sea is the thing that makes all the difference when it comes to climate change, Kim argues the element we have the most active management and can make the most difference is undoubtedly land – and that’s where his future will continue to reside. “If we were to very seriously to look at the way the world is farmed and take grassland seriously again, I think we could affect a change much faster than people dare to hope.”

4 The idyllic Brighton Downs landscape 5 Restored wood pasture at Heveningham Hall, Suffolk

C O N TA C T Franklin Farm, Bishop’s Waltham, Hampshire, SO32 1FX Tel 01489 891 691 Email kim@kimwilkie.com

www.kimwilkie.com

34 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

LHIF Kim Wilkie.indd 34

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 09:13

Legacy Edging has the right connections...

Pre-formed internal and external right angled sections

Choice of heights and thickness available to suit every application

Flexible for gentle curved features

Solid steel locating and locking pins Securely fixed below surface

Strong and durable ground fittings

...for precise and easy installation.

Renowned for its ease of installation, Legacy Edging is made from solid steel to provide strong, durable and subtle edging. Creating clean edges between driveways and lawns, beds and pathways. Legacy Edging is available in galvanised, corten and mild steel.

Available nationwide on a supply only basis or as supply and install.

SWEEPING DRIVEWAYS

COMPLEX GARDENS

PRECISION AVENUES

For further guidance, advice and information visit our website or call us:

legacyedging.co.uk Advert Template PL.indd 9

01664 431759 17/12/2020 16:18

INFORM

S U E B I G GS ONWARDS AND UPWARDS

2020 HAS BEEN A DIFFICULT YEAR FOR MANY, INCLUDING THE RHS; BUT SUE BIGGS REVEALS WHY 2021 IS GOING TO BE ONE OF ITS MOST EXCITING YEARS YET

36 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

VFTT Sue Biggs-2.indd 36

THE PARADISE GARDEN AT RHS GARDEN BRIDGEWATER, SEPTEMBER 2020

I want to thank everyone reading this that we work with at our RHS shows – from landscapers to designers, growers and tradestand holders, media and photographers – for your patience this year, as I know how terribly tough it has been. You are all so special and a key part of the RHS family, and I know that between us all we will put on unforgettable shows in 2021. I cannot wait to walk through the Great Pavilion at RHS Chelsea and smell those glorious scents once again, or meander down Main Avenue as dawn breaks over the beautiful gardens waiting there.

We are also looking forward to our shows at Malvern, Hampton Court Palace and Tatton Park and hope to see many of you there.

And last but most definitely not least, less than a month later, we will be opening RHS Hilltop, The Home of Gardening Science on 17 June. Our director of science, professor Alistair Griffiths, and Dr Tim Upson, our director of

horticulture, and their teams as well as our architects, designers, estate teams, landscapers and curatorial staff have worked so hard to deliver the most beautiful building, the most important scientific gardening research centre and the most beautiful gardens. RHS Hilltop will showcase the endlessly fascinating world of plant science to millions of visitors and school children.

There will be an exhibition space in the soaring cathedral like atrium, which will be bringing to life how and why plants are important in the face of climate change, as well as three new gardens: The Wildlife Garden, The World Food Garden and The Wellbeing Garden, surrounding RHS Hilltop.

There will be many challenges next year, not least COVID-19 (but at least the vaccine has arrived in the UK) and Brexit. The implications, and hopefully opportunities, for our industry are huge and through Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group we have continued to exert pressure on Defra to maximise positive outcomes for our industry. In 2021, the RHS will also continue to work with others to grow diversity in horticulture and at the RHS, which has sadly been too lacking, but must now change, so watch this space.

Have a very merry Christmas and here’s to not only a better year, but a wonderfully happy and successful one too.

ABOUT SUE BIGGS Sue Biggs joined the RHS as director general in 2010 with 30 years’ experience in the leisure industry. She has led changes to make the RHS more inclusive and forward-thinking, including a £160m investment programme. Sue was made a CBE in 2017 for services to the environment and horticulture.

www.rhs.org.uk

Sue Biggs portrait ©RHS/Anna McCarthy

and what a show it’s going to be to welcome you back! To ensure people’s safety, the show will be six days long. Many gardens that should have featured in this year’s cancelled show will now get their chance to shine and there will be eight new show gardens. The big themes this year include health and wellbeing, combatting the climate crisis and celebrating landscapes from around the UK and the rest of the world.

©RHS/Neil Hepworth

W

hat a year it’s been for all of us in the industry, and personally I am glad it’s nearly over. One silver lining is that so many new people from many diverse backgrounds have joined the ranks of gardeners over the course of this dreadful pandemic. And as I mentioned last time, at the RHS we’ll be doing all we can to help them continue their love affair with horticulture, which is so important for the nation’s health, the environment and of course our wonderful, vital industry.

Looking to 2021, the RHS will be welcoming in one of the most exciting years ever in our history, I dare say. British horticulture and gardening will be celebrated over a wonderful six-week period, which is something I’m sure we all desperately need, and I hope this publicity and boost will be felt across our whole sector and inspire our country’s 27 million gardeners.

First of all, our fifth garden RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford will finally be opening on 11 May, after nearly a year-long delay due to COVID-19. RHS Garden Bridgewater will bring world class horticulture to within an hour’s drive of around eight million people. Being a stone’s throw from a densely populated urban environment, it will be unique, unlike any other RHS garden and, we hope, a very special green addition to the area. Having first set foot on this overgrown space in 2015, I am so excited to be seeing the project come to fruition, and to see the beautiful garden open next spring to our members, visitors and wonderful neighbours in Worsley, Salford and Greater Manchester.

A week later comes the return of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021 (18-23 May), that we all missed so much this year; it’s the most significant event in the horticultural calendar,

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 08:58

STONE

STEEL

COMPOSITES STONE STEEL

COMPOSITES

Illuminated planters in Old Quebec St, London

THE PLANTER SPECIALIST THE PLANTER SPECIALIST THE PLANTER SPECIALIST

IOTAWe offers bespoke manufacturing service in all sheet offeraatrusted wide range of stocked designs, a trusted bespoke We offer a wide range of plus stocked designs, plus ametals trusted bespoke THE PLANTER SPECIALIST THE PLANTER SPECIALIST

service for projects large and small. team • Highly skilled metalworkmanufacturing aided by the latest technology • Experienced project Full service manufacturing service for projects large• and small. provision We offer a wide range of stocked a We offer a widedesigns, range ofplus stocked designs, plus a trusted bespoke manufacturing service for projectsservice for projects trusted bespoke manufacturing T. 01934 522617 largeW. andIOTAGARDEN.COM small. large and small.

T. 01934 522617 W. WWW.IOTAGARDEN.COM

T. 01934 522617 W. WWW.IOTAGARDEN.COM T. 01934 522617 W. WWW.IOTAGARDEN.COM

Strulch was developed at Leeds University by Dr Geoff Whiteley. It is made from wheat straw, is an earthy brown colour has a neutral pH and lasts on the surface for up to two years.

Strulch stops weeds germinating by blocking light, retains moisture in the soil and the added minerals and texture deters slugs and snails.

150 litre bags of Strulch are available on pallets of 12, 25 or 48 bags.

Delivered within 4 working days.

Trade discounts available

www.strulch.co.uk

Advert Template PL.indd 10

01943 863610

info@strulch.co.uk

17/12/2020 13:46

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

D EC EM BE

R 2O 20

FUTURE PR

OJ E C T S

THE URBANJECT NATURE PRO

LA ND SC

ET ER AP E BA RO M

ly in sig ht Yo ur m on th st ry du in to th e in

£100 d 3

Cover.ind

per yea r

W IN NE RS AN

NO UN CE D

ec t sm al l proj Awards BI G IM PACT

IT FR OM LE T’ S H EA R aw, M ar tin Sh Sh aw Wal m sley

RE TH IN KI NG

RE CR UI TM EN

T

l on how Le e Be st al an ge d ch hi rin g ha s

0 12:49

20/11/202

12 issues Additional supplements Weekly newsletter

For more information www.prolandscapermagazine.com t 01903 777570 e sales@eljays44.com PL_Subs_FP.indd 1

17/12/2020 12:23

INFORM

ANDREW WILSON MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR

IN A REFLECTIVE MOOD, ANDREW WILSON CONSIDERS ONE OF THE POSITIVES FROM 2020 AND THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME

I

’m sure there are many who are more than happy to bid farewell to 2020 and the pandemic it brought to the world. At LCGD we hopped onto Zoom as lockdown loomed, partly as we could see no other way of getting our students through the course.

Initially, it seemed that it might be a short-lived relationship but as the year unfolded it became obvious that Zoom was an essential tool.

As our autumn term approached, and after much grafting on a COVID-19 Policy and Risk Assessment, we started socially distanced teaching at Kew using the Nash Conservatory.

It is a stunning building but the first day of term revealed an incredible echo which prevented any of us hearing each other.

We circumnavigated the issue by using Zoom to deliver lectures to students who were logged in at the Nash but listening on headphones.

The students could ask questions to the tutors through Zoom. This also allowed any students who were unwell or had been asked to selfisolate to tune in from home. As sessions were recorded, they could do this at their own convenience or return to the session again.

We realised that our teaching was gradually evolving as the Garden Design and Construction Design courses started to unfold. Our tutorial teaching has changed to suit Zoom, producing more shared sessions which the students like.

By way of a trial, we offered the Construction Design programme as 60% online with virtually all lectures delivered via Zoom. 25% of the students on this programme remained permanently on Zoom throughout the course allowing two students who were shielding to study with us in real time. The reduction in venue use allowed us to offer the course at a reduced rate and the response so far from staff

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Andrew Wilson-2.indd 39

and students has been incredibly positive. This flexibility of teaching allowed the garden design students to deal successfully with the second lockdown; teaching continued but we delivered several lecture days online to reduce travel which was also an added benefit.

WE EVENTUALLY ENTERED THE CURRENT ACADEMIC YEAR WITH A FULL CONTINGENT AND WE WERE FULL FOR THE 2021 ACADEMIC YEAR BY LAST OCTOBER – ANOTHER RECORD

current course which was fully enrolled back in February would be in jeopardy. In fact, we experienced the opposite scenario.

Since May last year we have experienced new records in course downloads, expressions of interest and interviews, the latter all conducted via Zoom. We eventually entered the current academic year with a full contingent and we were full for the 2021 academic year by last October – another record.

As a result of our experiences, especially with the construction programme, we are now offering an extended intake in which a proportion of students will be studying completely online using video conferencing.

This approach gives those students the flexibility to study from home, but in real time allowing students who are within nearby time zones to study without the need to travel.

This bypasses the current visa system w hich only allows our students to visit the UK on a six-month tourist visa, which is three months too short. It finally resolves an issue which has been a bugbear since we founded the college without linking into the bureaucracy of a university. This article is not an advert for Zoom but it is a thank you not just from me, but from our students.

Pictured: The Nash Conservatory at Kew, LCGD’s current home during COVID-19 restrictions

2020 produced a roller coaster ride for students enrolled for the current academic year.

Some had to opt out as their circumstances had changed due to the pandemic. Others chose to skip to 2021 as they were unsure about studying online. Initially, we were concerned that the

ABOUT ANDREW WILSON Andrew Wilson is a landscape and garden design consultant, director of the London College of Garden Design, and an author, writer and lecturer.

www.lcgd.org.uk

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 39

17/12/2020 08:50

INFORM

K AT I E F L A X M A N A NEW YEAR IN NATURE

KATIE FLAXMAN REFLECTS ON THE YEAR THAT HAS BEEN, AND HOPES THAT 2021 IS FULL OF EVEN MORE CONNECTIONS WITH NATURE

T

he year 2020 was, for many, a truly tumultuous year full of uncertainty, isolation and never before navigated challenges. There is, therefore, necessity to take a breath, acknowledge the turning of a page and what it took for many of us to get here.

2021 is, as yet, unwritten and it is my wish that, at least that in some small way, it will be a quieter story and a gentler one. Perhaps that was the purpose of 2020; to draw us back to ourselves, remind us of the simplicity of our basic needs and the needs of the world around us. The necessity for connection, warmth, empathy, gentleness and perhaps most pertinent of all, to remind us of the inextricable value of our health.

PERHAPS THAT WAS THE PURPOSE OF 2020; TO DRAW US BACK TO OURSELVES, REMIND US OF THE SIMPLICITY OF OUR BASIC NEEDS AND THE NEEDS OF THE WORLD AROUND US The media attention focused on a deficit of toilet roll but in reality, 2020 saw a huge shift in people’s appreciation for the outdoors and the mental and physical relief nature brought during an extraordinarily difficult time.

This shift to connecting with nature echoes our studio ethos and the responsibility design has to meet the health and environmental needs of the end user.

40 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Katie Flaxman.indd 40

From a healthcare perspective, more and more services are beginning to recognise the intrinsic link between mental and physical health and design consideration of mental health factors into physical health care facilities is beginning to occur.

FAIRHAVEN’S HOSPICE ©LSI ARCHITECTS

One such facility is New Fairhaven’s Hospice. Completed in spring 2020, it provides palliative care services to patients across south Essex. Studio 31 was privileged to design the landscape and was part of an extraordinary project team who understood the impact of landscape on health and the value of nature as part of the therapeutic and support services the hospice could offer.

Early collaboration led to truly landscape focused solutions, such as access to semiprivate outdoor space designed into each of the 16 inpatient rooms. This allows patients to literally spend their days outside if they choose to without the need to travel through communal spaces. It also creates an important indooroutdoor connection which is rarely found in inpatient settings. Research led us to design a variety of outdoor spaces which met the host of health needs of the users; supporting emotional wellbeing of staff and families as well as

patients. These included spaces of refuge for quiet contemplation and social spaces for support and connection. There was heavy focus on behavioural design elements which are often one of the main barriers to connection with nature and are frequently missed in relation to health design.

‘Health design’ is more than just designing a healthy landscape. It is designing buildings, transitional spaces and landscapes themselves in such a way as people use them often, without effort and for the purpose they are intended.

The connections between indoor and outdoor that the hospice promotes were designed to encourage engagement with the landscape, not just occasionally, but regularly in the day to day lives of the patients, families and staff.

This regular connection with nature is something we have seen growing throughout the wider population in the past 12 months. It is my hope that this has enabled people to begin to understand the positive impacts of nature on their health and begin to find ways to bring nature into their daily routine.

Hopefully, this year, nature will continue to be part of the next chapter for many.

A B O U T K AT I E F L A X M A N Katie Flaxman is cofounder and director of Studio 31 Landscape Architects. Studio 31 is an award-winning, adventurous and environmentally conscious landscape architecture practice working across the residential, public realm and health sectors. They use research-led design principles to explore the link between nature and health with the aim to create landscapes which are both better for people and better for the planet.

www.designstudio31.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 13:00

Advert Template PL.indd 15

17/12/2020 11:16

INFORM

M I K E WO O D

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AT THE FORE MIKE WOOD TALKS ABOUT THE TRUE VALUE OF A GREENER CITY AND HOW LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE IS KEY TO DEVELOPING ONE

A

s the world continues to grapple with the wide-reaching impact of COVID-19 on people’s lifestyles and daily norms, there has also been a clear growth of importance placed on ‘greenery’ as a marker of health in our built environment.

The conversation about how we will use our buildings and public spaces in the wake of the pandemic has rapidly progressed and has raised questions around the role that verdant landscapes and places of retreat will play in the future design of cities. This is yet to be fully tested but is likely to, and absolutely should become an intrinsic part of the design process for any public space.

Of course, the integration of landscape, greenery, and natural systems into our urban and built environments was happening before COVID-19 struck. However, the demand on our public spaces, particularly in urban centres, has increased notably during recent months and has led to landscape design being placed firmly at the heart of future developments.

A wide variety of certifications now exist to measure just how well buildings – and other developments – fair in terms of advancing health and wellbeing to improve the human experience. No longer considered a ‘nice to do’, these various accreditations – including WELL, LEED and BREAM – have helped to ensure the expectations for greener developments are now more of a minimum standard.

This has been further reinforced through an increase in strict stipulations for the quantum of ‘greenery’ that is to be incorporated within new developments. For example, the Landscape Replacement Area is applied to all new developments in Singapore and stipulates not

42 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Mike Wood.indd 42

just exactly how much greenery is required to obtain development approval but defines how publicly accessible it must be.

This shift has elevated the role of the landscape architect in the procurement and design process. Development and design consultants are now looking to landscape architects for more strategic advice that will influence broader project outcomes and

BY BRINGING THE CONVERSATION ABOUT LANDSCAPE AND PUBLIC SPACE INTO THE PROCESS EARLIER, WE ENSURE THE FUNDAMENTAL AND TRUE VALUE OF GREENERY success. By bringing the conversation about landscape and public space into the process earlier, we ensure the fundamental and true value of greenery and the power of a range of integrated systems remains a key factor in the design outcome.

On a wider scale, now is the time for a ‘whole of system reset’ where we turn the traditional procurement models on their head and change the way we search, engage and commission – not just landscape architects, but the entire design collective to ensure we are bringing the right expertise into projects at the right time.

It is now widely recognised that landscape architects are here to craft entire spatial

experiences and places rather than simply make it pretty in the end. This in turn not only defines the right creative direction for any given project but also ensures the collective vision of the challenge is realised to its full potential. One significant ‘must do’ in our understanding of the need to produce much more resilient environments is that we must be open to engaging landscape architects and horticulturists in leading roles where landscape is a defining part of the project.

There are many existing examples of city defining projects – both locally and internationally – that owe part of their success to bringing the landscape team into the discussion at the earliest inception of a project. The design of the public realm for the last piece of Barangaroo South in Sydney, Australia, for example is an exemplar for how a well-considered and composed sequence of public spaces – each with their own specific identity and atmosphere – can draw together a varied mix of architectural responses into a holistic place.

The complete redefinition of Barangaroo’s former industrial waterfront into an integrated sequence of waterfront promenades, secluded parks and completely reintroduced headland reserves are not just part of the character of the development but are significant attractors for residents, workers and international tourists alike. Of course, this is just one example, but it reflects a more open and accepting acknowledgement of the importance of landscape and green space planning in buildings, cities and public spaces.

There is an ongoing need for us to naturally evolve the understanding of the particular

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 12:26

INFORM

nuances of place and identity to ensure that the overarching challenge of defining more enjoyable, safe, green, resilient and sustainable spaces does not dilute the individual identities of our cities.

Each response must still be unique and as embedded in the same processes that includes rigorous consideration of the identity and culture of the place. Which, to truly succeed, requires genuine engagement with local people and communities.

Developers and designers have been engaging with communities throughout the design process for some time, but this ‘new wave’ of appreciation of the benefits of greenery in our daily lives seems to have developed greater emphasis not just on integrated engagement and consultation strategies, but also on a significant new education layer. Developing community knowledge of environmental issues and the possibilities of planting and biodiversity on their doorstep also leads to greater sense of contribution to completed design ideas, and ultimately of community ownership.

There is an exciting future for landscape architecture as a profession. Along with the

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Mike Wood.indd 43

growing appreciation of integrated greenery and the emergence of new procurement strategies, decision makers are also much more receptive to new ideas. And, with that, are now

SOMETIMES IT’S THE SIMPLEST OF INTERVENTIONS THAT HAS THE BIGGEST IMPACT ready to engage in design discussions with landscape architects much earlier in the process. Moreover, this is developing into discussions with landscape architects that actively seek the right creative direction, initial approaches and advice.

The truly successful – and reasonably recent – international projects, including the redevelopment of Kings Cross in London or Park Royal on Pickering in Singapore, are all proof that we can really celebrate landscape within all parts of our environment. But not everything needs to be on a grand scale. It is the unique spirit, story or feeling that makes a place itself, sometimes requiring a small move here or

there to deliver enormous benefit. Sometimes it’s the simplest of interventions that has the biggest impact.

We need to foster this momentum to ensure the design process continues to engender passionate landscape architects, collaborators, clients and communities to strive for the very best design solutions. This will not only deliver healthy, green places that give communities a genuine sense of contribution and ownership, it will also make our cities far greener.

ABOUT MIKE WOOD Mike is principal and a landscape architect at Hassell, which based in London, but has worked on a diverse range of public, mixed use and private projects in the UK, Australia, Singapore and South East Asia. Mike believes that innovation for today’s public spaces must be driven by concepts of robustness, flexibility and sustainability such that they can meet all of their aspirations and the needs of the community.

Mike is particularly interested in the creative and collaborative design process and enjoys the technical challenges presented at detail design.

www.hassellstudio.com

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 43

17/12/2020 12:26

PC_A4_TradeBrochure.qxp_Layout PC_A4_TradeBrochure.qxp_Layout 1 13/02/2020 13:32 Page 1

1

13/02/2020 PC_A 13

New Monthly Newsletter Stay updated with all the latest developments at The Pot Company with our new monthly newsletter featuring product releases and stock updates, emailed directly to you.

Corten Steel & Aluminium We now offer a better selection of Corten Steel and Aluminium features including planters, burners and water tables at our renowned high quality and lower cost.

Better Stock Holdings We are phasing out several of our less popular ranges in order to hold higher stocks of Terracini, Polystone, Clayfibre, Ironstone and Glazed planters.

We are also introducing a new Fibreglass range in the coming months.

More Designer Deals!

are happening The Pot Compa

Corten

To subscribe to future editions of our trade brochure, please email: sales@thepotco.com

Exciting Exciting things th are are happening happen at The The Pot Company!

Pot Co

With the consolidation of our ranges comes the requirement to clear old stock. As such, we T subscribe to future editions To subscribe too our monthly newsletter, are offering a number of clearance deals, with brochure, please email: sales@t please email: sales@thepotco.com discounts of up to 25%.

Examp

Terracin

Pot Company.indd 1 Untitled-1 1

Corten

eel

Example Core Ranges:

Corten Terracini Polystone

E

Clayfibre

www.thepotco.com www.thepotco. sales@thepotco.com 01892 890 353 17/12/2020 14/02/2020 12:17 09:18

INSPIRE

PORTFOLIO 3 CULTURA

P54

I N S I D E I N S P I R E T H I S M O N T H PA G E 4 7 P O R T F O L I O 1 : H O R T U S C O L L E C T I V E , PA G E 5 0 P O R T F O L I O 2 : T O M H O WA R D G A R D E N D E S I G N & L A N D S C A P I N G , PA G E 5 4 P O R T F O L I O 3 : C U LT U R A , PA G E 5 8 L A N D S C A P E A R C H I T E C T ’ S J O U R N A L , PA G E 6 0 A N J I C O N N E L L , PA G E 6 3 L AT E S T P R O D U C T S : L I G H T I N G

Inspire Cover-2.indd 45

17/12/2020 12:55

ON Arches • Pergolas • Obelisks • Fruit Cages • Raised Beds Bespoke Planters • Fencing • Garden Furniture

Acid Etch Traditional Steel Furniture

Roman Steel Pergola

• Wide range of standard sizes • Bespoke sizes also available • Professional CAD/ technical drawings • Trade Discount Available

Trade brochure:

0333 400 1777 Trade enquiries:

trade@harrod.uk.com harrodhorticultural.com

Advert Template PL.indd 13

• FutureScape Virtual seminars • Magazine highlights • And much more 17/12/2020 16:31

INSPIRE

PROJECT D E TA I L S Project value £50k Build time 3 months Size of project 500m2

BLENDED

BOUNDARIES B E RW I C K , E AST SUS S E X HORTUS COLLECTIVE WITH UNINTERRUPTED VIEWS STRETCHING OVER THE SOUTH DOWNS, THIS GARDEN NOW RESPONDS TO ITS S E T T I N G T H R O U G H I T S M AT E R I A L S , D E TA I L A N D P L A N T I N G

W

ork began in the summer of 2017, to transform this uninteresting garden into an entertaining space fit for the outstanding views of the South Downs. Hortus Collective’s clients had recently moved to a new property, but the lawned garden lacked interest and didn’t match the quality of the place. They wanted an immersive planted garden in which they could entertain friends and family and enjoy unrestricted views out over the South Downs. They wanted a warm welcome and attractive setting for the house which included a planted frontage and feature pots. The designer and client shared the vision to work sensitivity with the existing mature willow, retain open views and respond to the surrounding landscape character through materiality, detail and planting.

Design and build Responding to the clients’ wish to embrace the backdrop of the South Downs, Hortus Collective has creatively designed an elliptical lawned garden immersed with naturalistic perennial meadow banks that echoes the landscape beyond.

Reflecting the ellipse, a curved brick path leads you around the lawn and branches off leading to garden destinations. The first destination is a brick oval space for family dinning accessed via a curved brick and creasing tile step

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Portfolio 1 Hortus Collective.indd 47

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 47

17/12/2020 11:00

INSPIRE

detail. The second destination is a swing with a view, hung from the mature willow and with creasing tile inlay details in the paving below.

A reflective Corten steel water bowl has been placed thoughtfully below the willow on the central axis of the lawn to act as the focal point of the garden and provide a play of light on the canopy above.

The site’s open and exposed nature required a thoughtful selection of locally inspired plants including specimen hawthorns, which will be shaped by the wind over time, and ornamental grasses which dance through the planting and provide prolonged seasonal interest and structure.

The design process took two months and The Garden Landscapers tendered and started work late 2017. Inclement weather delayed work until late February 2018, where drainage,

groundworks and hard landscaping could then resume. This was completed in April, with a focused window following for planting.

“We took great care to ensure the process of constructing the garden aligned with the values of Hortus Collective as a design studio,” explains The Garden Landscapers. “The trust that resulted from building a close relationship with our clients made it easier to raise variations in response to the space, meaning we could capture details that enhance their relationship with it.”

Materials Material selection and the design of surface details reflected the locality of the site to provide a design rooted in place. Hortus Collective intentionally sourced materials from the surrounding region’s local reclamation

yards for materials with pre-existing charm and character, whilst using low impact metal edging which held the paving in place without the need for concrete.

Challenges The site is exposed to the prevailing winds and, therefore, the planting design and selection has been considered to ensure it is appropriate for these challenging conditions.

The adjoining pasture field sloped toward the site, so a new drainage strategy was developed to prevent the future water logging of the garden.

The winter of 2017/2018 was particularly wet, so management of the build was important to ensure that groundworks were undertaken during dry periods.

1 2 3 4 5

A swing with a view The focal Salix fragilis ‘Crack Willow’ Creasing tile triangle set within the planting Perennials and ornamental grasses Creasing tile steps to terrace with specimen multistem Crataegus coccinea ‘Scarlet Hawthorn’ 6 Elliptical lawn garden

A B O U T H O RT US CO L L ECT I V E Hortus Collective is an emerging landscape design practice whose work delivers landscapes with a strong sense of place and ecological conviction through a natural and crafted aesthetic. Working across a range of scales from concept to completion, its work is underpinned by a marriage of creative exploration, practical understanding and attention to detail.

www.hortuscollective.co.uk

48 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Portfolio 1 Hortus Collective.indd 48

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 11:00

INSPIRE

REFERENCES Designer Hortus Collective www.hortuscollective.co.uk Contractor The Garden Landscapers www.thegardenlandscapers.com BEFORE

INSTALLING EDGING

Edging Kinley Systems www.kinley.co.uk Water bowl Adezz www.adezz.com/en Engraved swing seat Traditional Wooden Gifts

PLANTING

Pots The Red Mud Hut www.theredmudhut.co.uk Trees from New Wood Trees www.newwoodtrees.co.uk Planting Palmstead Nursery www.palmstead.co.uk

BRICKWORK

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Portfolio 1 Hortus Collective.indd 49

Creasing tiles Authentic Reclamation www.authentic-reclamation.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 49

17/12/2020 11:01

INSPIRE PROJECT D E TA I L S Project value £56k Build time Six weeks Size of project 180m2

50 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Portfolio 2 Tom Howard Garden Design.indd 50

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 13:40

INSPIRE

CONTINUOUS C O N N EC T I O N S SOUTHFIELDS GARDEN TOM HOWARD GARDEN DESIGN & LANDSCAPING W H AT W A S O N C E A M E S S Y S PA C E H A S B E E N T R A N S F O R M E D I N T O A S PA C E F O R B O T H T R A N Q U I L R E F L E C T I O N A N D E N T E R TA I N I N G

T

he messy plot of this Edwardian property needed to be transformed into a tranquil space allowing the owner to entertain and relax.

Other than retaining the mature pear and magnolia trees, the client was very open to ideas and gave Tom Howard free reign to come up with proposals.

Design and build The garden was designed with the emphasis on having a large patio area to be used for entertaining but to not steal too much planting and lawn area. The two spaces are divided by a narrow pool running the width of the garden but connected by means of a stepping stone and then a plank path all using the same Jura Grey Limestone as the patio.

The client is a keen cook and so an outdoor kitchen was designed to include a big green egg and also a gas BBQ. This was built bespoke on site using a mixture of rendered concrete,

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Portfolio 2 Tom Howard Garden Design.indd 51

Meranti batons and a matt grey granite work surface.

The relaxed seating area was deliberately placed next to the water feature to fully appreciate the sound of the falling water. The seat, upper pool and raised bed behind all run on the same level, connecting them but also introducing some interest with height and helping to create a hidden seating area amongst the planting halfway down the garden. The hidden deck nestles amongst the planting and is a semi-shaded area to lay back on a beanbag.

The existing Magnolia works very well on the right in the larger ground level bed and helps to lose the screened shed at the back of the garden. The pear tree needed a bit of thought as to how to make it work with the rest of the garden. A Meranti bench was built around it with fern underplanting to create another spot to sit and look at the garden from another aspect.

The Limestone plank path leads you down the garden to the shed at the back, but you can

stop off at the hidden deck where the planks cut into the deep ground level beds, which is both aesthetically pleasing and practical, as they can be accessed easily for pruning or weeding.

Planting The palette for the planting is calming, with the emphasis on purples, blues, white and pinks from plants such as Gaura lindheimeri, agapanthus, geranium, Verbena bonariensis, hydrangea, salvia, Perovskia ‘Blue Spire’ and Astrantia. Plenty of texture is provided from grasses like Pennisetum, Calamagrostis, Sesleria and Molinia, and evergreens like buxus, taxus, Euphorbia, Heuchera and ferns.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Warm, white uplights on tree stems and path View to house with secluded deck area Water feature & Jura Grey Limestone stepping stone Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ Bespoke Meranti bench, water feature & planting Living wall – mixed ferns, heuchera and carex Bench around existing pear, with ferns

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 51

17/12/2020 13:41

INSPIRE

New trees were introduced for the raised beds including Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ and Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ (multi stem).

These are under planted with Hakonechloa macra, a lovely Japanese grass that waves softly in a breeze and helps to soften the edges of the hard landscaping.

Living wall A living wall was designed and built as a focal point from the feature side window of the kitchen. The living wall panels are recessed in a concrete block wall clad with black slate which is also used for the water feature. A mixture of ferns, grasses and Heuchera were used for the planting to keep it looking good year-round.

52 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Portfolio 2 Tom Howard Garden Design.indd 52

Challenges Tom Howard Garden Design & Landscaping wanted to hide an unsightly pump, so created a recess under the top pool. This had to be done using concrete lintels so as to support the blocks above. A spiral hose for the water then had to feed through the roof of the recess and around to the back of the water blade. The pump sits snuggly in the recess and nicely out of sight. An existing pear tree needed to be retained, so Tom Howard Garden Design & Landscaping had to anchor it to the design. This was achieved by creating a seat around the tree with planting beneath, helping it not look like it was plonked in the middle of the lawn.

8 9 10 11 12

Dining and kitchen area at night View from kitchen through crittall doors Plants working harmoniously with water Dining furniture from Barbed In the shade of the Magnolia

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 13:42

INSPIRE

ABOUT TO M HOWARD GARDEN DESIGN & LANDSCAPING Tom Howard Garden Design & Landscaping is a leading garden design company designing and building gardens predominately in London but on occasion further afield. Specialising in contemporary designs with strong architectural lines, plentiful planting and elegant bespoke features.

http://tomhowardgardens.co.uk

REFERENCES Paving and cladding London Stone www.londonstone.co.uk Trellis and decking Elmwood Fencing www.elmwoodfencing.co.uk Living wall Tree Box www.treebox.co.uk Planting North Hill Nursery www.northhillnurseries.co.uk

BEFORE

Evergreen Exterior Services www.evergreenext.co.uk Big Green Egg biggreenegg.co.uk

DURING WORKS

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Portfolio 2 Tom Howard Garden Design.indd 53

AFTER

BBQ Napoleon The BBQ Shop thebbqshop.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 53

17/12/2020 13:42

INSPIRE

PROJECT D E TA I L S Project value £800k (exc. VAT) Build time 12 months plus 3 years maintenance Size of project 1.5 km, consisting of three parks Client Brighton & Hove City Council

54 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Portfolio 3 Cultura.indd 54

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 10:00

INSPIRE

L

ocated in central Brighton, Valley Gardens is 1.5km public open space that runs from St. Peter’s Church to Brighton Pier. In total, 8,800 square metres of new green space was added to the existing three parks.

The vision of the scheme was to enhance and improve the area’s public spaces and create a vibrant urban linked park system at the heart of the city. This included, improving road safety, air quality and flood risk management, and providing safer walking and cycling links. This was be achieved by redistributing traffic, whilst releasing more effective public realm.

Design and build The transformation saw the Cultura Group stripping out the original green spaces over the three existing parks, the re-landscaping of these and the landscaping of the additional newly created green spaces. This was quite a feat, due to the immense scale of the project and the implementation of a completely new landscaping design concept set over a pre-existing park.

Following expert advice from Cultura, the heavy waterlogged soil was deep ripped, rather than verti-drained, allowing better plant development and entry of moisture and nutrients.

New levels were then created, contouring the ground to meet the levels of the new paths and those of the existing statues and monuments.

The newly formed green space, which had previously been roadways, was additionally built up to the correct levels.

Soil utilised had been specifically formulated to allow the planting scheme to thrive and to withstand the heavy footfall associated with these areas of the project. To achieve the exact blend required Cultura collaborated with soil scientists Tim O’Hare Associates and soil suppliers Bourne Amenity.

Paul Hartley, senior contracts manager at Dyer & Butler said: “Cultura worked collaboratively with us, the landscape architects and the client and we, as a team, successfully delivered the client’s vision on this demanding scheme.”

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Portfolio 3 Cultura.indd 55

FORGING A N E W P AT H

VA L L E Y G A R D E N S P R O J E C T S (PHASES 1 AND 2) C U LT U R A G R O U P 1.5KM OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACE IS TRANSFORMED INTO A VIBRANT URBAN LINKED PARK SYSTEM IN THE CENTRE OF BRIGHTON

Soft landscaping A soft landscaping scheme, expertly designed by Nigel Dunnett and Untitled Practice, to improve biodiversity and air quality and reduce pollution, was installed.

Included in this naturalistic scheme were 150 new trees – cherries, elms and maples diversified the range of existing tree species to develop the sense of parkland – 313,000 bulbs including snow drops, English bluebells, crocus and wild daffodils, and 30,000 perennials. This provides a major new planting feature called the ‘River of Flowers’ to give a long season, high level of interest and

enhance the potential for wildlife, particularly pollinators. The River of Flowers runs for 650m along the entire eastern length of Valley Gardens.

The intricacies of the planting combinations were fully realised by Cultura’s highly expert horticulture team who interpreted the vision of the specialist planting lead without a planting plan for guidance.

12,000 square metres of high-performance lawns were laid using RTF (Rye Tall Fescue) turf, chosen for its hardwearing, deep rooting and drought tolerant attributes. These were sited throughout the central zones of Valley Gardens and will give access to areas for play, informal gatherings and relaxation.

1 Aerial views highlight connectivity across the gardens 2 Beautiful plantings separate pathways 3 Lythrum salicaria ‘Blush’ close-up

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 55

17/12/2020 10:01

INSPIRE

TREE PLANTING

contractor, Dyer & Butler attending face to face meetings and many onsite project walks to ensure the dovetailing of the two disciplines.

Perhaps the most unexpected challenge was when works came to a halt, when an unexploded World War II mortar bomb WILDFLOWER BORDERS was discovered on site.

Police were called and the The scheme was finished with 1,250 square surrounding roads shut off, as the Explosive metres of wildflower turf mats along the Ordnance Disposal Unit detonated the device western margins of all three parks to form in a controlled explosion. species rich meadows for improved biodiversity.

Challenges Major road infrastructure works associated with the project ran alongside the landscaping of the green environment. Cultura worked closely with the client, Brighton and Hove City Council, their planning department and main

A B OU T C U LT U RA G RO U P Cultura is a specialist landscape contractor who has been providing high quality commercial landscaping services for nearly three decades. Disciplines include hard and soft landscaping, arboriculture and grounds maintenance. Its clients know they can rely on its technical and practical expertise, no matter how demanding or challenging the project.

56 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Portfolio 3 Cultura.indd 56

Designer Untitled Practice www.untitledpractice.com Main contractor Dyer & Butler www.dyerandbutler.co.uk Specialist planting lead Nigel Dunnett www.nigeldunnett.com Soil scientists Tim O’Hare Associates www.toha.co.uk Bourne Amenity www.bourneamenity.co.uk Low fertility soil and wildflower mix Euro Green Environmental www.topsoilwestsussex.co.uk

SELECTING TREES

PLANTING IN PROGRESS

REFERENCES

www.culturagroup.co.uk

Perennials Greenwood www.greenwoodplants.co.uk Trees Hillier www.hillier.co.uk Special RTF turf Tillers Turf www.tillersturf.co.uk Wildflower turf Wildflower Turf www.wildflowerturf.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 09:57

Crest Nicholson Livewell Garden Silver Medal - RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2019 For this show garden, we made two massive corten water features, with all parts laser-cut and CNC-rolled in-house, then welded and hand-polished to a smooth, seamless finish. Fabricating the 20-metre roller-track system for the wooden seating involved welding and polishing 80 linear metres of 5mm corten plate; the slot is accurate to within 0.5mm along its entire length.

Unrivalled skills, expertise, technology and attention to detail that bring our clients’ visions to life.

View this project online: www.outdoordesign.co.uk

Whatever you can imagine, we can make it a reality in metal.

To discuss your ideas, email info@outdoordesign.co.uk or call us now on 01903 716960.

JoA4039 - Outdoordesign - Prolandscaper - January 2021 - Livewell Garden AW.indd 1

M E R

ME

NN

R

PP RR OO VV EE

R S PP

MSTEA

D

PPE ER RF OF RO

From the smallest garden to the largest park, leading producers of quality nursery stock

Garden by Acres Wild

S T E L M A

AL

A

D

our plants your design

26/11/2020 08:50

discover more online...

Live stock availability 10% web discount Articles, events, oers visit

palmstead.co.uk Advert Template PL.indd 14

17/12/2020 11:16

CATHEDRAL VIEW WITH SPIRE WALLS AND WILDFLOWERS

INSPIRE

LANDSCAPE A R C H I T EC T ’S

JOURNAL F I N F LU E N C E

RAF UPWOOD: DETAILED SOFT LANDSCAPE PROPOSAL

58 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Landscape Architects Journal Influence.indd 58

2020 WAS A CHALLENGING YEAR FOR SO MANY, BUT FOR MANAGING DIRECTOR SARA BOLAND, IT’S PROVEN HOW STRONG INFLUENCE IS. WE DELVE INTO THE SERVICES INFLUENCE OFFERS BY LOOKING AT ITS PROJECTS AND FIND OUT WHY THIS PUT IT IN SUCH A STRONG POSITION.

ounded in 2008, Influence aims to remain true to its namesake. For managing director, Sara, being involved in a range of projects enables us to make positive change. The three strands which Influence aims to change for the better are planning, design and the environment.

Influence’s landscape planning side is driven by Sara.

Here, she looks at the potential impacts on the landscape and townscape. This work currently sees the company working on a project in a High Street Heritage Action Zone. Historic England’s overarching brief is to unlock the potential of high streets across England. At Kettering high street, Influence has been appointed to bring about public realm enhancements for the street scene, access, wayfinding, interpretation, and connectivity with the historic foundation embedded within Kettering. Currently out of consultation, the plan sees new life brought to the area while harking back to its industrial shoe and boot manufacturing past.

The landscaping planning side of the business is coupled with Influence’s design service which is led by Shona. “We’ve got two pillars to the company, two pools of experience,” explains Sara, “It’s quite rare that you find both in a landscape architecture practice, and it’s hugely beneficial that we offer this.” One of the main benefits – and a unique selling point of Influence – is the team’s cohesiveness. “We have one part of the business that really understands the environment that we’re putting a development into, then another part that brings that development forward. That makes for unified projects.”

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 12:36

INSPIRE

A project which really pushed Influence to channel this cohesion and create something aesthetically stunning but also relating to the history and setting of the site, was the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) in Lincoln. This has one of the tallest war memorial in the UK, and recognises the contribution of Bomber Command to the international war effort. Here, Influence designed the two peace gardens.

One key design element was the 27 lime trees each representing a Lincolnshire Station of Bomber Command. These are geographically positioned using a GIS (geographic information system), and sit in relation to where they are throughout Lincolnshire.

International Bomber Command Centre – are another string to Influence’s bow. When bringing forward a new development, Influence will undertake assessments which look at

the townscape impact of tall buildings.

At one such assessment, Influence needed to take into account London’s important views. Many views focus on St Paul’s Cathedral, but at this development, the potentially affected view was from Stanmore Country Park.

About five kilometres outside the centre of London, from this high point, panoramic views of London are on offer – including Wembley and the London Eye. Panning round, there are views of the iconic St Mary’s Church on Harrow LANDSCAPE IMPRESSION OF MEADOW ROAD, KETTERING on the Hill. Influence assessed how potential developments would affect these view RAF base’s past. “It’s great to reuse the big corridors, giving approval to developments tranches of land of former RAF bases,” Sara tells which sit complementary to the rest of us. “But it’s also a real challenge to ensure you its environment. achieve the right aesthetic and appropriate form For many landscape architects, the of development.” This project has currently had environment, biodiversity and sustainability its planning approved and Influence has been are all goals which they keep in mind when appointed to phase two. developing their projects. “We should be doing it Though COVID-19 made 2020 a challenging subconsciously as professionals,” explains Sara.

Upon entering the site, the eye is drawn year for many, it gave Sara reason to be grateful “We’re designing with longevity in mind and that to the 31.09m high spire, the wing span of and positive about the future. “It has been an means biodiversity and sustainability are a Lancaster Bomber made from two sections incredibly challenging period globally, but worked into every project.” of Corten steel, surrounded by the Walls Influence has put a positive foot forward At a former RAF site in Cambridgeshire, the of Names. as our workload has increased. typical regimented buildings with long avenues The Walls of Names remember almost “I’m grateful for the increased demand in of trees needs to be transformed into a more 58,000 men and women who lost their lives our services and incredibly proud of our team biodiverse housing development while keeping serving or supporting Bomber Command on who have worked particularly hard during this some of the character and history of the site. engraved sheets of Corten weathering steel. period,” Sara explains.

Influence wants to retain the tree avenues, “The project was challenging in two ways,” This team includes two ‘year out’ students not just for their strong aesthetic but also to explains Sara. “It is a project that gets to from Lincoln and Sheffield University, who create bat corridors. Old RAF buildings will be the heart of people, and we wanted to do Sara hopes will bring energy and a fair bit of renovated into apartments and community it justice.” software skills to the business. It was important use buildings.

Protected views assessments – like that of for Influence to take these students on, as Sara Throughout the site, Influence is creating the spire in relation to Lincoln Cathedral at the is well aware of how difficult 2020 has made play areas using plane imagery to connect to the getting these types of opportunities.

Representative Site Location “This year has made us very aware that there LONDON VIEWS: HARROW RECREATION GROUND Southall Dry Gas Holder St George’s Shopping Centre are so many people that haven’t had the Stanmore Golf Course St Mary’s Church opportunities that we have,” says Sara. “So we’re 51 College Road ready to embrace any and all challenges which come our way now.”

WE’RE DESIGNING WITH LONGEVITY IN MIND AND THAT MEANS BIODIVERSITY AND SUSTAINABILITY ARE WORKED INTO EVERY PROJECT

C O N TA C T Influence Healy’s Wharf, Huddlestones Wharf Millgate, Newark NG24 4UL Tel +44(0)1636 702 152 Email info@influence.co.uk

Viewpoint 12 - View from Harrow Recreation ground protected view.

The Shard

Wembley Stadium

www.influence.co.uk Wider Context View Viewpoint and Camera Details: Camera: Lens: Date: Time: OS Grid Reference: Distance to Site: Elevation:

Canon EOS 6D 55mm 15.05.18 10:46 AM 517108, 193373 4.75km 141m

Viewpoint Location Plan Key:

12

Protected wider view height

c

Critically protected view height

Safari Cinema, Harrow

PROJECT

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

TITLE

Viewpoint 12 STATUS SCALE DRAWN

Landscape Architects Journal Influence.indd 59

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 59

CLIENT

Asprea 2 Limited

These views are representative of visual receptors at this location.

They are for information purposes only and are not to scale. Scaled images can be provided upon request.

Reproduced from Ornance Survey digital map data. © Crown Copyright and database rights 2018 Ordnance Survey: 0100031673

JOB NO:

FINAL NTS OL DWG NO:

N0502 (08)015

DATE

26/02/19 SB

CHECKED REV NO:

-

ORIGINAL SIZE:

A3

17/12/2020 12:37

INSPIRE

ALL OF NATURE FLOWS THROUGH US” BY MARC QUINN

ARTEMIDE’S DIAMANTE

M A K I N G A MARK WITH HOMES AND GARDENS BECOMING SO INTEGRAL IN PEOPLE’S LIVES IN 2020, ANJI CONNELL EXPLORES HOW THEY CAN BE PERSONALISED USING ART TO CREATE A SENSE OF BELONGING

RUSTIC GARDEN ART SHOP

JOANA VASCONCELOS’ ‘GATEWAY’

‘WALALA LOUNGE’, BY CAMILLE WALALA IN LONDON’S SOUTH MOLTON STREET

60 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Anji Connell.indd 60

T

his year, we have all discovered how important our homes are, especially our outdoor spaces.

And, with travel still pretty much off the agenda, investing in our gardens can only be money well spent.

Creating a sense of place generates a feeling of belonging. This leads to a feeling of deep attachment and makes the ‘space’ become a ‘place’ of meaning and connection. Making them reflect our character and personality will make them even more so.

Art can set the tone and the theme in a garden; it adds interest, texture, colour, and form.

It can highlight the beauty of surrounding plants and flowers and create year-round interest and structure when the perennials have died back.

form that work incredibly well in gardens. Sam tells me: “Sculptures for me are an important element in a garden. They add something to the space without dominating it and boost the energy of the outdoor space. Having my sculptures in the garden are like having flowers blooming all year long.”

Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos’ ‘Gateway’ at Jupiter Artland near Edinburgh is an immersive installation and a fully functional swimming pool. Its bold and stunning yet harmonious contrast to the classic garden and architecture of Bonnington House.

Alex Proba translates her colourful abstractions to rugs, countertops, ceilings, and walls. She has now delightfully showcased them at the bottom of a swimming pool on the grounds of a historic house in California.

Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind’s four monumental abstract contemporary artworks explore the imbalance man has contributed to climate. Each of the three-metertall works represents chemical compounds that are causing our changing climate.

Sculptural shape Typically, it’s a statue we think of when we consider adding art to the garden. However, we can use any visual imagery and object that is pleasing to the eye or has a sculptural shape, on any surface – walls, the ground, hanging and suspended.

Sam Shendi, the Egyptian-born British sculptor, living in North Yorkshire, manipulates contemporary industrial material – steel, stainless steel, aluminium, and fibreglass – in a glorious play of lines and colour to create a two-dimensional vision in three-dimensional

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 12:49

THE PRISM CHIMINEA

BY DREW SESKUNAS

INSPIRE

PRISM PLANTERS

SAM SHENDI

Marc Quinn’s monumental 2008 sculpture ‘Planet’ – a sculptural portrait of his first son at seven months old – is on permanent display at the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. The sculpture appears to float weightlessly over the earth as it distorts our perception of space. It shows how we can use overscale; art does not have to be hidden within the flower beds. We can use it to make an impact.

For more affordable sculpture, look at the beautiful pieces from Vadim Kharchenko. His hand made metal sculptures reflect modern, contemporary, and mid-century industrial design styles.

The Rustic Garden Art Shop’s metal hoops have a natural rusted finish that gets better with age and needs no maintenance. The metal ring sculptures are interchangeable as one is slightly smaller than the other, so it fits within the other ring. Rings can be purchased individually and

SPLINTERWORKS POOL SLIDE

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Anji Connell.indd 61

A GARDEN OF SCULPTURES

used as one-offs or arranged randomly or in a line, guiding you through the garden.

New York-based architect and designer Drew Seskunas’s wood-burning stove, the Prism Chiminea, is definitely a work of art. It makes a stunning addition to any space, a focal point, and a gathering point on colder months.

The stove is corrosion-proof, heat-resistant, and lightweight and portable.

The ‘Prism Chiminea’ took inspiration from the studio’s Prism Planters, made from sheets of aluminium or pre-rusted steel folded into triangles to form a container that can be stacked to create a stunning and unique sculpture and a vertical garden.

THE ARTEMIDE ‘O’

Soundscaping Hugh Livingston of Livingston Sound creates permanent sound environments for public and private gardens that are site-specific and tailored to the client. He adds his melodic composition with piano and percussion instruments made of bamboo that mimic the natural sounds in gardens. Soundscaping is definitely something we’ll be seeing (or hearing!) more of, especially in public spaces.

Lighting Lighting can also be used as art form to enhance our spaces. Artemide’s Reeds modular and whimsical floor lights create a spectacle of light. The Artemide ‘O’ when switched off, frames nature and lends perspective. It comes in both floor and suspended outdoor versions, and a cabled option allows for easy relocation.

Artemide’s Diamante creates excellent visual impact. ‘Diamonds’ of different colours use

TOWERING ROSE SCULPTURE

prismatic filters. The vertical drop can be realised when customised by various configurations of the number of ‘diamonds’ and the heights.

Artemide corten steel Granito lamps project four light beams through the fissures on the sides make it perfect for drives and walkways and a fabulous light effect in parks and gardens.

ARTEMIDE GRANITO LAMP

Mural art Kelly Wearstler has used a mural at the Santa Monica Viceroy Hotel’s Sugar Palm Ocean Avenue Restaurant that adds colour, depth, and interest.

This is truly a way to personalise any space.

French-born London-based artist multidisciplinary artist Camille Walala is known for her ambitious, large-scale geometric interventions in public spaces creating full facade murals and immersive 3D installations.

Her ‘Walala Lounge’ in London’s South Molton Street has her signature style in seating and planters that are most definitely functional art.

Her work shows how we can elevate a spacefilling it with colour and joy. Walala has also recently made a proposal for a pedestrianised takeover of London’s Oxford Street. What a joy that would be.

ABOUT ANJI CONNELL Internationally recognised interior architect and landscape designer, Anji Connell, is a detail-obsessed Inchbald graduate, and has been collaborating with artisans and craftsmen to create bespoke and unique interiors for a discerning clientele since 1986. Anji is a stylist, feature writer and lover of all things art and design.

www.anjiconnellinteriordesign.com

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 61

17/12/2020 12:49

Horticulture Horticulture Horticulture Horticulture

CAREERS CAREERS CAREERS

CAREERS

Register online now for free and take advantage of the following features: Register the following followingfeatures: features: Registeronline onlinenow nowfor forfree freeand and take take advantage advantage of the

User-friendly interface.

A modernised design that egister online now for free and take advantage of means the following feature

he

User-friendly interface.with modernised design means User-friendly AA modernised design meansthat that the site is easier to interface. navigate, simplified job application features. thesite siteisiseasier easierto tonavigate, navigate, with with simplifi simplified job application the applicationfeatures. features.

Follow your favourite companies. You can follow some of the Followbiggest yourfavourite favourite companies.

You can cantofollow some of Follow your companies.

You follow some ofthe thethat companies inmodernised the industry be notifi ed User-friendly interface.

A design means biggest companies in the theas industry be biggest in industry touploaded. be notifi notified ed of thecompanies latest vacancies they areto site is easier of to navigate, with simplifi job application features ofthe the latestvacancies vacancies as they they ed are latest as are uploaded. uploaded.

Register a CV. Upload a CV and let employers find you!

Register CV.Upload Upload CV and and You let employers employers fifind Follow your favourite companies. can follow some Register aaCV. aa CV let ndyou! you! of the

biggest companies in the industry to be notified Please contact Phil Every totoadvertise your vacancy: of the latestLiam vacancies they are uploaded.

Please contact Colcloughas advertise your vacancy: Please contactLiam LiamColclough Colclough to to advertise advertise vacancy: Email: phil.every@eljays44.com Tel:your 01903 777 570 Please contact your vacancy: Email: liam.colclough@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 446076 Register a CV. Upload a CV and let employers fi nd you!

Email: liam.colclough@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 446076 Email: liam.colclough@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 446076

Hort Careers QTR.indd 1

19/11/2020 12:21

INSPIRE

MOONLIGHT DESIGN

Location: Hampstead, London Product used: 316 Stainless steel LuxR M2 Wall Washer Price (inc. VAT): £186.18 each Moonlight Design wanted to gently highlight the entrance of the property by illuminating the two stone piers. The LuxR Wall Washers are perfect for this application as they have an asymmetric lens where the light is directed onto the pier without the light being too harsh and at the same time producing very little glare.

On top of this, they are very small discrete lights with a flange diameter 58mm, which is perfect for this path.

WWW.MOONLIGHTDESIGN.CO.UK

P R O D U C TS

LIGHTING SUPPLIERS SHOWCASE UNIQUE SETUPS IN GRE AT PROJECTS

GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

Location: Essex Product used: Anodised aluminium black power spotlights Price (exc. VAT): £95 Garden and Landscape Lighting not only supplies high quality outdoor lighting but can help in designing and implementing outdoor lighting solutions. The photo shows a lighting design for a project on the Essex coast.

The property had a steep 17m decline from the top drive to the foot of front door. The brief was to light the garden to highlight all the features while illuminating the steps to ensure easy access and navigation of the six separate flights of steps. At the bottom, there was also a secluded seating area that was to be illuminated to ensure a beautiful seating and dining area. One of the lights used was the small but powerful Platinum range lights – the anodised aluminium black power spotlights to ensure the lights could be hidden without losing the power or the lighting effect. Stainless steel down lights were used in the dining area and placed lights in trees (moonlighting) where path lights could not be placed. The end result was fantastic.

WWW.GARDENANDLANDSCAPELIGHTING.CO.UK

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Lighting.indd 63

LIGHT VISUALS

Location: Bexley, Kent Product used: Light Visuals black 316 Stainless steel spike light (LV-BL802) Price (inc. VAT): £207 The Light Visuals Black Spike Light (LV-BL802) was used for its compact design. This also allowed the colour to blend in with the surrounding woodland. This fitting uses a high CRI (colour rendering index) LED from ®CREE in 3000ºK, which worked very well in this setting. A mix of lumen outputs of between 90 to 300 lumens were also used. Light Visuals also had the difficulty of a dense root system, so opted for Constant Current LEDs over mains voltage fittings, as this reduced the voltage drop on longer runs, and also reduced the depth of cable trenching.

WWW.LIGHTVISUALS.CO.UK

©Neil Parslow design

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 63

17/12/2020 10:10

PROVENDER

where

stockpiling is perfectly acceptable The Landscape Centre, Leydenhatch Lane, Swanley, Kent BR8 7PS Tel: 01322 662315 Web: www.provendernurseries.co.uk

01428 741655

Pleaching - Topiary - Hedging Specimen Trees & Shrubs www.griffinnurseries.co.uk enquiries@griffinnurseries.co.uk

Advert Template PL.indd 16

17/12/2020 11:17

N U RT U R E

FEATURE GARDEN GREAT DIXTER

P67

I N S I D E N U R T U R E T H I S M O N T H PAG E 6 7 F E AT U R E G A R D E N : G R E AT D I X T E R , PAG E 7 1 N O E L K I N G S B U RY, PAG E 7 2 L E W I S N O R M A N D , PAG E 7 3 S T E V E M C C U R D Y, PA G E 7 6 N I C K C O S L E T T, PA G E 7 7 J O H N C H A M B E R S W I L D F L O W E R S E E D

Nurture Cover-2.indd 65

17/12/2020 12:56

ÂŽ

Care.

01386 750585 lindsay@readyhedge.com matthew@readyhedge.com

Our instant hedging is cared for by experts at every stage - in the field, in the container and during despatch.

Advert Template PL.indd 17

www.readyhedge.com

17/12/2020 13:54

NURTURE

F E AT U R E GARDEN GREAT DIXTER

GREAT DIXTER HAS INSPIRED ITS VISITORS FOR DECADES. WE SPEAK TO HEAD GARDENER FERGUS GARRETT, EXPLORING THE GARDEN’S HISTORY, PLANTS, AND EDUCATIONAL TRAINING, TO DISCOVER WHY.

T

he medieval landscape of the High Weald is scattered with woodland, rolling hills, farmsteads, and Great Dixter. The six acres of gardens centre around a 15th Century manor house with a Lutyens extension. But the house wasn’t the only part of Great Dixter which Edwin Lutyens had a hand in – he also designed the gardens.

The infrastructure of the garden is designed so that its rooms all look inward towards the house. Each room has a different feel and different plants – from its pond lined with dogwoods and Gunnera tinctoria to the Solar Garden where annuals and tender bedding plants create a swathe of colour and texture. Concave and convex steps and decorative tiles lead you through the garden – a peppering of Edwin Lutyens design style.

But Edwin was a busy man. With another project in New Dehli taking up a lot of his time, Great Dixter was left three quarters to complete. It was Nathaniel Lloyd who took up the gardening baton and completed the space, adding in topiary pieces for which Great Dixter is so famous, creating more yew hedging, a sunken octagonal pool and perhaps most importantly, he decided to allow the countryside to flood in.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Feature Garden Great Dixter.indd 67

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 67

17/12/2020 17:56

NURTURE

His wife, Daisy Lloyd, was an advocate for the meadows and orchard that connected the garden to the wider environment. When her architect husband died, Daisy took over the garden, but it was perhaps nature which was really taken over. Enjoying William Robinson's informal semi-naturalistic style, Daisy encouraged more meadows, allowed plants to self-seed and terraces to go wild. This informal style of gardening juxtaposed the formal backbone of the garden perfectly, and has remained a gardening practice since.

THE WHOLE IDEA ABOUT GARDENING AT GREAT DIXTER IS THAT YOU GARDEN IT NATURALLY – IT COMES FROM YOUR GUTS Nathaniel and Daisy’s youngest child, Christopher Lloyd, gardened alongside his mother as she taught him everything she knew, eventually leading him to return to Great Dixter to devote his life to it. Here, his gardening fuelled his writing just as his writing fuelled his gardening.

Great Dixter’s current head gardener and Christopher’s successor, Fergus Garrett worked alongside Christopher for many years. “I was very fortunate that I knelt on the ground beside him for all those years,” says Fergus. “He was a dynamic, inquisitive, experimentative gardener, who broke rules.” Part of this rule breaking was in relation to Beth Chatto’s ethos of ‘right plant, right place’. But, though on first inspection it may seem like Christopher broke this rule, in actuality it was the opposite. Placing Crinum powellii, commonly associated with a hot, dry, Mediterranean garden, in a pond may seem bizarre, but this is something he had seen in the wild, where the plant thrived in swampy areas in Malawi. “If you see hellebores in the wild, they grow in the shade and in the sun – it depends on the soil and the climate,” explains Fergus. “You use Melianthus major in bright sunshine in the UK, but take it to the south of France and it will only survive in shade.”

One of the first projects which Christopher and Fergus worked on together – an example of allowing an area to dictate the plants which thrive there – was the transformation of the rose garden. It was Fergus’ delivery of exotic plants from his work in the South of France, inspiration from Kingston Maurward, and some

68 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Feature Garden Great Dixter.indd 68

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 17:56

NURTURE

diseased roses that led to the creation of Great Dixter’s exotic garden.

Though many cite Fergus’ arrival at Dixter as the catalyst for this change, it was actually Christopher who really wanted the exotic garden.

In an area where roses were failing, instead of removing the soil and starting again, Christopher saw an opportunity. The pair began simply by planting Canna indica ‘Purpurea’, Nicotiana and Verbena bonariensis which could be grown from seed. As Fergus was on the RHS Dahlia Committee, they soon became a prominent feature in the exotic garden too. “It became a mad jungle of swashbuckling dahlias and cannas,” explains Fergus. “After years of this, I took a left turn and removed all the colours to make it a green and grey garden with foliage.

That upset a few people."

When Christopher passed away, Fergus stepped into his gardening boots. Though you could forgive him for being a little daunted by this, the nature of Great Dixter and Christopher’s gardening style meant he needn’t be. “People say, wasn't it difficult to take over from Christopher? But it wasn’t,” explains Fergus.

“The whole idea about gardening at Great Dixter is that you garden it naturally – it comes from your guts. The exotic garden is a great example of the fun we had experimenting. We never drew anything out on paper; just grow plants, gather them together and then shoot from the hip.”

WE LIKE RARE AND UNUSUAL PLANTS, BUT THEY'RE NOT THE BE-ALL AND END-ALL OF GARDENING One of the areas which has seen the most experimentation is the bedding. In the almost 30 years that Fergus has worked at Great Dixter, the bedding has never seen a combination repeated.

This is additionally impressive considering they are often planted out two or three times a year.

“We always try to tweak the borders,” Fergus explains. “Add another element or add less of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Feature Garden Great Dixter.indd 69

Topiary Peacocks in clipped yew (Taxus baccata) The barn and sunk garden in early summer Seasonal pot displays for experimentation Tulip 'Jan Reus' in the Solar Garden Famous Long Border with Ladybird poppies Tulip Purple Prince in spiring bedding Colocasia esculenta in the Exotic Garden Allium 'Round and Purple', Nepeta 'Walker’s Low' and Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow'

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 69

17/12/2020 17:57

NURTURE

something, try different sowing dates. We’ll keep tweaking until we’ve cracked the puzzle and then we’ll move on.” The largest area of bedding at Great Dixter is in the Solar Garden.

It sits next to an old bay tree and is backed by a swathe of white Japanese anemones.

With an abundance of rare and exotic plants at Great Dixter, it may come as a surprise that one of the standout plants is pretty common – Asarum europaeum. “We like rare and unusual plants, but they're not the be-all and end-all of gardening,” explains Fergus.

“Sometimes those common species do a really good job.” Part of Asarum europaeum’s charm is it ability to sit under vegetation and continue to add interest, even if the rest of the layered planting fails or goes dormant. “You may have a Rodgersia that collapses in August, leaving bare ground – Asarum europaeum will sit underneath that. You may have a giant fennel or a hosta that goes winter dormant – Asarum europaeum can go underneath that and it will allow the snowdrops to come up through it, explains Fergus. “We also love things like forget-me-not that are two a penny. Where would a spring garden be without them creating a sea of blue through the vegetation?” At Great Dixter, Fergus creates a seven layered planting combination, starting with an autumn snowdrop, followed by a spring snowdrop and then a carpet of Asarum europaeum, while Allium neapolitan and Convallaria come up through. This is then taken over by ferns and Veratrum nigrum.

But Great Dixter’s planting schemes aren’t just about looks – they’re also about the biodiversity they create. Though Fergus and the team always suspected the garden was biodiverse because of its rich tapestry of wildlife, a biodiversity audit conducted between

70 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Feature Garden Great Dixter.indd 70

WE COULD MAKE THINGS MORE LOW MAINTENANCE, BUT BECAUSE WE’RE TEACHING STUDENTS, WE WANT TO TEACH BOTH EXTREMES 2017 and 2019 confirmed it. In fact, from only a handful of visits it found there were 2,300 species in the garden including 120 species of solitary bee – impressive considering there are only 270 species of bee in the United Kingdom.

“It changed the way we look at the garden, because we were no longer just looking at the vegetation, we were looking for little holes in brickwork and woodwork. But it didn’t change the way we garden,” explains Fergus. “We did create more of a scrub layer, but in terms of gardening we already had the perfect storm.”

This perfect storm consists of a diverse range of plants, no spraying, beneficial habitats in porous buildings and short, mid length and long grass that’s left for two or three years.

With such a bountiful garden, the maintenance varies between areas. Some requiring less time but a more skilled eye and some needing more time and energy.

The bedding is one of these high maintenance areas, but it would seem this is a conscious decision rather than a necessity. “We could make things more low maintenance, but because we’re teaching students, we want to teach both extremes,” explains Fergus. The added benefit of changing the bedding three times a year, is that they can avoid the dreaded June gap.

Another project which is under the supervision of Great Dixter’s students is the

propagation of new plants. 99% of the plants are grown by the team and when one is bought in, Fergus will buy just one. From this one, it is then possible for the team to produce 500. In fact, from one clump of Aster a student was able to produce 700 plants – at which point she stopped. “This makes us much more labour intensive,” explains Fergus. “It’s cheaper to

actually buy these plants in, but it’s all part of that educational process. It’s one massive experiment which keeps things interesting.”

Education will continue to play an important role in Great Dixter’s future, as it strives to lead the way forward for biodiverse and sustainable gardens. “Great Dixter is a very unusual place. You can’t pigeonhole it. If we tried to simplify it, I think it would lose its essence.” One hugely important element of the garden for Fergus is that it’s more than just that. Through his presidency role of the local communities' horticulture society and the garden’s creativity and dynamic nature, Great Dixter hopes to inspire many, not the few.

9 A medley of Zinnias in the Solar Garden 10 A spring bulb display in the front porch 11 Apeldoorn tulips, Forget-me-nots and Honesty

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 17:57

NURTURE

O

ne of the glories of Britain is our heritage of 18th century landscapes – those rolling acres of well-planned woods, grass and lakes around many of our great houses. Capability Brown and the other landscape designers of the period created something genuinely new and different to what had been done before. Our profession is, of course, crucially and intimately involved with their maintenance and, sometimes, work to do with their conservation and restoration.

But where did the money come from for that burst of house building and landscape shaping during this period? We are now increasingly realising that a lot of it came from slavery. The historian David Olusoga’s BBC television programmes have made it painfully

MANY 18TH CENTURY LANDOWNERS WERE ABLE TO SPEND FORTUNES ON RESHAPING THEIR ESTATES BECAUSE THEY WERE MAKING THAT MONEY THROUGH SLAVERY obvious to many of us just how many people in this period had investments in plantations in the Caribbean which involved slavery, the sugar industry in particular. So, many 18th century landowners were able to spend fortunes on reshaping their estates because they were making that money through slavery.

What do we do with this knowledge? This is an important question because it relates to how we interpret this very important part of our heritage to the public, to our children and to foreign visitors. Personally, I think it is important we recognise it and face up to it honestly. The National Trust, as owners and managers of a great deal of slavery-funded heritage, are trying to do this; the criticism they have had from the more nationalistic tabloid press for doing so is, I believe, quite shaming, equivalent in its way to Holocaust-denial. However, we also need to put our slavery episode into perspective.

Many, if not most, of the world’s great civilisations have depended on slavery; ancient Rome depopulated entire regions in order to

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Noel Kingsbury-2.indd 71

CONFRONTING T HE PAST NOEL KINGSBURY ASKS US TO CONSIDER THE ROLE SLAVERY PLAYED IN CREATING HISTORIC LANDSCAPES AND, THOUGH IT SHOULDN’T STOP US APPRECIATING THESE LANDSCAPES, HOW THIS HISTORY NEEDS TO BE WIDER KNOWN

build its cities and run its farms, the Islamic Middle East plundered eastern Europe and Africa for slaves over centuries, the Aztecs – and so the list goes on. Compared to these civilisations, Western Europe used slavery for a relatively short time and at least has the moral courage to abandon it of its own accord, the only time in history I think this has happened.

Life in previous periods of history was pretty awful for everybody, apart from a tiny elite (and pretty bad for them when they had smallpox, TB or toothache). Think of the navy press gangs, the people transported to Australia for life (or hanged) for offences that these days would get you a community service order at worst, and the fact that, for much of the population, work was relentless, incredibly poorly paid, conducted in very poor conditions, often very dangerous – and absolutely not an option.

We should take the slavery discussion a bit further, and remember some of the other people who contributed, less than willingly, to our landscape heritage. I am thinking particularly of that little entry that appears so often in the financial accounts of the time – the sums paid to the ‘weeder women’ whose work kept both productive and ornamental gardens from being choked by weeds or devoured by caterpillars. The amount of money paid to them is always pretty much

the smallest figure in the accounts, and yet without them, those gardens and landscapes would have been rapidly lost.

I don’t think history remembers a single one of them by name.

WITHOUT THEM, THOSE GARDENS AND LANDSCAPES WOULD HAVE BEEN RAPIDLY LOST When we visit the Colosseum in Rome, we are aware of the terrible things that went on there, but that does not stop most of us being able to appreciate the architecture, the engineering and the ambition. We need to adopt a similar attitude perhaps to our landscape heritage and appreciate our history honestly and ‘in the round’.

ABOUT NOEL KINGSBURY Noel Kingsbury is a freelance designer, writer and researcher who has long promoted naturalistic planting design. He also teaches at Boston Architectural College.

www.noelkingsbury.com

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 71

17/12/2020 10:44

NURTURE

I

t may seem to have been a while ago to you when you read this, but FutureScape VIRTUAL was just last week as I write.

During the show, I was lucky enough to chair four panels of top industry professionals and to be a panellist on a further panel discussing our industry and the future.

It was great fun and many interesting points were made. For those of you not able to attend or who haven’t yet caught up with the recordings of these events, I thought that this would be a good opportunity for me to highlight some of the points raised as we enter a new year with Brexit on the horizon.

As I write, no Brexit deal has been agreed, but one thing that struck me during discussion panels and through general communication that I have had with the industry before and since has been that there is a lack of understanding over what Brexit will mean to horticulture. Most people are cognisant of likely delays at ports and increases in costs of plants, but an alarming number believed that if we get a deal that all will remain as it is currently.

This will not be the case. Even if we get a zero-tariff deal, we will still be subject to customs import and export administrative costs. That, as well as time delays, will be

EVERYONE SHOULD BE PREPARED TO EXPECT DELAYS AND COST INCREASES REGARDLESS OF THE NATURE OF THE DEAL WE BROKER

incurred through the measures put in place to ensure biosecurity. This will, quite rightly, not be going away to help ensure we can remain free from problems like Xylella, which is affecting continental Europe. Plant Passporting will likely follow the EU model initially, though this could be changed over time.

I was very pleased to see the environment take a forefront to our discussions across many

72

Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Lewis Normand.indd 72

HORTICULTURE

HAPPENINGS

AFTER CHAIRING A NUMBER OF PANELS AT FUTURESCAPE VIRTUAL, LEWIS NORMAND DISCUSSES SOME OF THE TOPICS COVERED, INCLUDED UPCOMING BREXIT panels. As someone who works for a nursery that has been peat-free for more than seven years, it was pleasing to see the number of designers looking to specify their plant procurement this way. Recent controversy from Monty Don regarding peat use brought this into the national press and, while I agree with his desire to avoid peat, I strongly disagreed when he wrote that people within horticulture may “fail to understand the issue” with using it. This showed his disconnect from the industry more than anything else and a lack of knowledge of the intelligence and social conscience that exists within professional horticulture.

One point that I made, which I have been arguing the case for some years now, is the need for a Minister for Horticulture. We’re a big industry, in excess of £24 billion a year in the UK, and we have no person within parliament with a dedicated portfolio to fight on our behalf. As Ken White from Frosts Landscapes pointed out, we do have a number of lobbyists from several of our trade bodies doing great work to get our message out to parliament. No dispute from me here; if anything we need to sing their praises more. But having a dedicated minister and opposition MP focused on horticulture is the way forward for us being well represented and heard.

I think my final point here should dovetail into the environment again and consider our

future. Several panels recognised the need for rigorous biosecurity to protect our future plant health, but equally as many recognised a need for us to plant more natives and to ensure that those natives are examples of #fitterflora.

Nick Coslett mentioned Harry Watkins, director at St. Andrews Botanic Gardens, who is researching for his University of Sheffield PhD the origin of plant material sold as native and looking at which seed strains are most able to withstand our climate and pests in the changing future. There is little value, after all, in us planting trees that will die as a result of changing weather patterns or pests and diseases in just a few decades. We need to be sure that we are able to grow and commercially offer plant material that can respond to our future world.

ABOUT LEWIS NORMAND Lewis has worked in a wide variety of roles within horticulture over a 20-year career. He has lectured on garden design and horticulture, and designed gardens in the UK, Europe and the Middle East.

Since 2011, Lewis has focused on nursery sales, now working as sales manager at Bernhard’s Nurseries, and has helped to launch a number of new plants into the UK plant market. He is a specialist supplier to show gardens, supplying more than 100 gardens at major shows.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 09:00

WHY DO SPECIMEN TREES FAIL?

NURTURE

STEVE MCCURDY DISCUSSES SOME OF THE MYTHS AND REASONS FOR TREE PLANTING FAILURES

A BEAUTIFUL SEQUOIA SEMPERVIRENS BEING PREPARED FOR SHIPPING; NOTE THE STRONG FIBROUS ROOT SYSTEM THAT WILL ENSURE IT THRIVES IN THE PROJECT IT IS DESTINED FOR; IT’S NOT GOING TO ROCK AROUND AS THE ROOTBALL IS SO SOLID AND HAS A FLAT BOTTOM

T

here are lots of opinions in print out there on how to plant a tree, but from my personal experience, observations and debates with many of the true experts in the industry, I thought I would write and dispel some of the myths and list some of the reasons that tree planting fails.

Poor fibrous root It doesn’t matter how you look at it, if a tree has limited fibrous root it is doomed to failure. If you’re fortunate in that whoever provides aftercare really understands the tree’s needs, you might get lucky as it struggles along for two to three years before it hopefully recovers. In the meantime, your customer is very disappointed at the poor, weak crown, die back, small leaves, little flower, even juvenile growth on the trunk, all of which you hear about in regular emails or phone calls; why give yourself or your customer so much stress?

They will often demand a replacement or, at best, a discount, all the time whilst you know it could fail to wake up next spring or keel over in the heat of summer when transpiration far exceeds the tree’s poor root system’s ability to resupply water.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Steve McCurdy.indd 73

So why do we do this to ourselves? Trying to save money by finding the cheapest tree, or simply not understanding the importance of a great root system? Cheapest almost always ends up being more costly in the long run, because something has to give to sell it to you for less. If a grower doesn’t regularly undercut (pruning the roots) he will not only have saved some labour but will not need expensive tree spades that dramatically increase in cost the larger the machine. At the point where the tree is sold, the nursery may well lift it by hiring in a tree spade contractor, but once lifted make sure you examine the roots and especially ask the question as to how many times it has been transplanted.

Planting too deep Sadly, I have visited a number of projects over the years that we have supplied to check on trees that are failing. The most common reason is that it was ‘aesthetically decided that the trunks were too tall’, so they planted it deeper; or not enough care had been taken on deciding the finished grade at the point of planting, then after building the paths, they might have graded down to the rootball. But as it didn’t look right, it was simply filled in. I have literally seen trees in the ground 300 to 450mm too deep! The eminent Tony Kirkham, head of arboretum, gardens & horticulture services at

SADLY THIS BETULA UTILIS VAR. JACQUEMONTII WAS NOT ONLY PLANTED TOO DEEP, BUT WITH THE GROUND WAS STRUGGLING TO DRAIN HAS DEVELOPED COLLAR ROT AND DIED

Kew Gardens, insists that all new trees should be planted high by as much as 150mm, to ensure that if they settle the collar will still be proud. You might say easy for him to do when planting up a vast arboretum, but I think the important point is to understand how critical it is to not plant the collar below the grade.

NEVER PLANT A TREE DEEPER THAN THE ROOT FLARE, AND MAKE SURE THAT A TOPSOIL AND COMPOST IS WELL-MIXED FOR THE BACKFILL

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 73

17/12/2020 15:53

NURTURE

Tree pit too wide or too deep It is no wonder that so many tree pits are dug so huge or so deep, as so many books tell you to dig them twice the width and depth of the rootball or container. However, they are referring to little whips, whereas a larger tree does not require this. Obviously, if it is a large rootball that has just been cut out of the ground, leaving >50% of its roots behind, more careful prep and amendment of the soil will be critical. However, a container grown, and especially an Air-Pot grown tree, will be far stronger and resilient, being more forgiving to a less than ideal planting standard or inadequate care during establishment.

When planting a container grown specimen tree of 200L or more, dig the tree pit to the depth you are planning to plant at, and 50% wider than the root ball. Do not dig the pit deeper unless you are going to use mechanical compaction to bring it back up to the correct depth or it will settle, and whatever you do make sure you are no lower than the current finished or planned finished grade.

If you dig the tree pit too deep, it doesn’t matter what you do – the tree will settle, and don’t expect it to settle straight or not rock crooked in high winds. Furthermore, the wider the pit the more the soil will move, and before you know it you will have a disaster on your hands.

then further compounded by an element of self-serving growers who managed to be in the right place at the right time, growing most of their stock in bags, who encouraged this line of thinking as it helped push customers their way!

The amazing thing about it is that some of the above committee has first-hand experience as to what tree roots can do if not managed or the right tree specified correctly, with the roots heaving sidewalks, damaging foundations and walls.

If roots find their way through concrete, I doubt whether they will have any problems with rotting hessian or low-grade wire that will rust away within a year; 99% of trees moved with a wire net are planted with a wire net, whether being replanted on a nursery or into the landscape, with no problems whatsoever!

In fact, Tony Kirkham says that removing the net can cause serious damage to the rootball, as the net is holding the soil and roots together during transfer from one location to another.

Furthermore, should it fall apart, you could destroy the rootball and the likelihood of the tree failing to survive are dramatically increased. By all means, once you have set the tree in the tree pit and do not need to move it any more, if concerned as to how close the wire across the top is to the trunk, cut it and remove any wire you are worried about, taking care to turn in or cut out any wire that could cause puncture woods to anyone working the soil in the future.

Should you remove both the hessian and wire net?

It is unbelievable how many people think this, but then is it any wonder when the British Standard says you must? Sadly, this was written by a committee of mostly well-meaning people, many of whom had no or little practical understanding of how things grow. It was

1 LARGE SPECIMEN CATALPA IS LIFTED OUT OF ONE OF OUR SLIDING ROOM ARTIC TRAILERS; YOU WOULDN’T WANT TO MOVE THIS WITH NO HESSIAN OR WIRE NET

74

Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Steve McCurdy.indd 74

Drainage issues Unfortunately, major swaths of England’s soil are heavy clay, which does tend to stay wet in the winter. However, just look around you at the planting site and note which trees are not only surviving but more importantly thriving to

A LARGE PARROTIA PERSICA HAS BECOME WATERLOGGED AFTER VERY HEAVY RAIN, AND NOW NEEDS DRAINAGE INSTALLED ASAP. WHILST THIS LAWN HAD ALWAYS STAYED WET THROUGH THE WINTER, THE SHALLOWNESS OF THE GRASS ROOTS DID NOT ACCENTUATE ITSELF UNTIL A TREE WAS PLANTED IN THE LAWN

see if there is a problem before you begin.

Once you have assessed this, you need to take a closer look at the planting site, and question whether heavy machinery may have compacted the area during any construction or grading, decreasing the soils porosity and its drainage capabilities. However, you might just be unlucky and have a heavy, sticky blue clay seam running right through the spot, more conducive to making a pond than a tree pit.

LOOK AROUND YOU AT THE PLANTING SITE AND NOTE WHICH TREES ARE NOT ONLY SURVIVING BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY THRIVING TO SEE IF THERE IS A PROBLEM BEFORE YOU BEGIN NOTE THAT THE TREE PITS ARE NOT SO BIG, BECAUSE WITH AN OUTSTANDING FIBROUS ROOT SYSTEM IN A MUCH LARGER AIR-POT GROWN TREE, THERE IS FAR LESS NEED FOR A BIG PIT FOR THE BACKFILL

If in doubt, install a monitoring pipe, but if you can see you have a problem, don’t just stick your head in the sand hoping it will go away. Tell the customer that you will need to install a drainage system sooner rather than later, and if they decline make sure they understand and agree to check the monitoring

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 15:41

NURTURE

pipe after heavy rain and alert you that they do need to consider installing the drainage. It’s especially problematic if the tree is planted in a low spot, as water will run to it, so planting it high is very important in these situations.

Whilst the tree may eventually overcome if planted high, don’t forget that when you dig a tree pit in heavy clay at a low point, the water will run to it and drain rapidly into the bottom of the tree pit, where it may sit for a rather long time if cold and wet. Every time it rains it will keep filling up, eventually resulting in an overflowing tree pit that needs urgent action before you lose the tree!

Should you only plant trees from October to March?

It really comes down to what you are planting!

If the tree is bareroot, do not lift and then replant before it has completely shut down or you will have losses. Don’t kid yourself that you can plant in the spring with the tree pushing and coming into leaf without substantial losses or at best a very stressed-out tree!

Rootballs are not much different, though a little more forgiving so you can expand your planting window by a few weeks in the spring, but still not recommended. Obviously containerised trees, and especially Air-Pots, allow year-round planting and dramatically increases the success rate, but even they will need extra care if planted when in leaf, so October to March is still the ultimate time to plant but not so important if container grown.

AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF DRAINAGE WORKS BEING DONE BY A GROUND WORKER ON A WATER LOGGED GARDEN

Small trees always catch-up big trees I’ve heard this so many times, and you know what, with most species it is true!

However, there is one very important fact being omitted each time I hear this – that they are talking about rootball planted trees just lifted out of a field! Large field produced trees, especially slow rooting ones and if not regularly undercut or transplanted, or if not planted properly, are going to struggle to survive let alone grow!

The tree can sit there for years sulking, doing nothing except hang on for dear life, with their chances of success often compounded by whomever is caring for the tree figuring it needs more water because of how it looks, further aggravating the problem. If they are lucky enough that the tree doesn’t die, the customer will often be dissatisfied as to its condition, especially if other trees planted much smaller have caught up or passed it by.

A MATURE TREE FULLY ROOTED OUT IN A CONTAINER, PLANTED PROFESSIONALLY, IS WELL WORTH THE EXTRA EXPENSE, NOT ONLY FOR ITS IMMEDIATE IMPACT BUT ALSO FOR ITS LONG-TERM SUCCESSFUL ESTABLISHMENT Often one does not consider the fact that whilst a container grown tree will cost more than a rootball dug out of the field, one must weigh up the increased cost of care and the possibility of replacement, besides the stress and disappointment!

However, if they had planted a wellestablished, fully rooted out container tree, especially if Air-Pot grown with its fantastic fibrous roots, they would have seen it romping away, growing into a fantastic specimen.

A mature tree fully rooted out in a container, planted professionally, is well worth the extra expense, not only for its immediate impact but also for its long-term successful establishment.

A B O U T ST E V E M C C U R DY

A FINE SALIX ALBA ‘CHRYSOCOMA’ THAT HAD JUST WON GOLD IN JO THOMPSON GARDEN AT THE RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW, BEING LIFTED ONE DAY AND SUCCESSFULLY REPLANTED THE NEXT DAY IN A JAMES ALEXANDER-SINCLAIR PROJECT

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Steve McCurdy.indd 75

Steve is managing director of Majestic Trees, which he formed almost 20 years ago. He, often with another team member, spends weeks walking the fields of nurseries all over Europe, tagging tree stock he buys to grow on. Last season, he made 12 trips in his search to ensure the best quality and the UK’s highest biosecurity at Majestic Trees.

www.majestictrees.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 75

17/12/2020 15:47

NURTURE

V I RT UA L V I S I TO R NICK COSLETT NOTES WHAT HE LEARNED FROM FUTURESCAPE VIRTUAL AND A FEW POINTS WE NEED TO KEEP IN MIND FOR THE YEAR AHEAD

A

fter such an odd year, it was good to see a gathering of our industry – well, a virtual gathering at least, but seemingly well attended and with many participants. Well done the Eljays44 team.

I joined Lewis Normand, Vince Edwards and Ken White to discuss commercial planting and maintenance. We had a good discussion and, although coming from different places, shared a common view and outlook on where the industry is at. I’m only sorry we didn’t have more time to respond to viewers’ questions.

It appears that most landscapers and their suppliers have bounced back after the first lockdown and business is going well; I daren’t say booming, as working to social distance rules will reduce productivity somewhat.

Many reported having full order books well into this year and growers starting to see plant shortages which is unheard of for November.

This seems to be the outlook for the next 12-18 months; crystal balls get a bit murky after that.

UK GDP is down by around 10%, so although we are in a recession it has not impacted too hard on the landscape sector. COVID has created demand, as people are aware of the benefits of having access to either public or private green space. We are fortunate that we have not been hit hard like

76

Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Nick Coslett-4.indd 76

the leisure and entertaining sector and this is an opportunity.

There is a much larger pool of out-of-work people, all with their own skills, and John Melmoe said it was a good time to recruit: “Get the right people and everything follows”.

Although some may see the uncertainty of the future as a personal security threat, there is currently a larger pool of quality people to

to buy UK-grown plants, but inter-nursery trading is not what it was 20 years ago and UK logistics lag well behind those of Holland which is a significantly smaller land mass.

FUTURESCAPE VIRTUAL

THE PAY-WHEN-PAID APPROACH NEEDS TO GO AND A MUTUALLY DEPENDANT PARTNERSHIP IS THE WAY FORWARD recruit from. I always found businesses were limited in their development and progression by the availability of good staff. So, now is the time to recruit, especially job changers and upskill your team. Ours is a wonderful industry to work in, and who gets top pay when starting a job?

At the time of writing I still don’t know the outcomes of any UK/EU deal, so we may well be importing plants this year at World Trade rules – that’s an 8% tariff and other additional costs due to import and phytosanitary rules.

I see some plant prices could be up by 20%.

So, do plan your planting procurement ahead; gone will be the “can I have it this week?”, just-in-time service that you have enjoyed. The nurseries can’t instantly compensate for your lack of planning with at least a week or possibly fortnight required to get plant imports landed to supplement what is already grown here. Yes, do try

Most landscapers have good partnerships with their supply chains especially if lubricated by prompt payments. The pay-when-paid approach needs to go and a mutually dependant partnership is the way forward. I wonder what will come from the Grenfell tragedy and snail’s pace inquiry. Will value engineering be kicked out of the stadium? With landscape being ‘tail end Charlie’ to construction works, its money is rarely ringfenced (apart from the Olympic Park) and usually goes to pay for unforeseen earlier work. We have to resist this and reinforce the values and benefits quality landscape work brings to the project, client and surroundings.

I wish you a healthy, happy, vaccinated and prosperous new year.

ABOUT NICK COSLETT Nick is now retired but has worked in landscape offices, parks management and horticultural nurseries. For the past 20 years, he has also run soft landscape workshops at Coblands and Palmstead. He has been involved in BALI at a regional and national level, and is a trustee of the BALI Chalk Fund, as well as an awards judge.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 09:46

NURTURE

LO CAT I O N , LO CAT I O N , LO C AT I O N !

STUART BALL OF JOHN CHAMBERS WILDFLOWER SEED SHARES WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING WILDFLOWERS

S

electing the best wildflowers for an area can seem like a daunting task but break it down into seed recipes which have been designed for specific growing conditions, such as soil type and environment, and the decision is more straightforward. There are three main considerations to be made when selecting wildflower seed mixes.

Soil type Each wildflower is unique and will perform better in one soil type than another. Knowing whether your soil type is clay, sand, loam or chalk is essential when choosing the wildflowers that will thrive. Taking samples of soil from across your site and testing for pH is the most accurate way to identify the soil type. Companies such as John Chambers Wildflower Seed can then advise you on the most suitable wildflowers.

If you take an area with a heavy, clay-type soil, for instance, the seed mix should contain species which are suited to this particular type of soil, such as selfheal (Prunella vulgaris), greater knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa) and other species that can cope with a little damp but aren’t too affected by growing conditions that are a little acidic or a little alkaline.

Site considerations Where your proposed wildflower area is situated must be considered. Is it in a coastal area, near wetland, affected by shade or any other conditions? If we look at a hedgerow area, this generally features an element of shade at certain times of day, and the soil is likely to be poor and dry, as the hedgerow and trees are taking the nutrients and moisture. We need wildflowers that can cope with

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Wildflowers.indd 77

these conditions; not all can. In this case, choose a mix featuring teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) and red campion (Silene dioica), to name a couple. The size of the area can also have an impact on the most appropriate mix. If you wish to sow in a flower bed, a mix without grass is a good choice.

Environmental outcomes Wildflowers are incredibly important for biodiversity. They are an intrinsic part of the food chain for insects and some animals.

They are an essential and attractive food source for pollinating insects. There are several wildflowers and mixes that will specifically support certain pollinators. Good examples of this type of wildflower would be field scabious, viper’s-bugloss and kidney vetch.

Before starting any wildflower seed project in any location, preparation is key to successful wildflower establishment. Wildflowers do not fare well if faced with competition from fast-growing, vigorous species – including some grasses – especially in fertile soil.

Removing the competition in the first place will give wildflowers the best possible start, so you should remove all unwanted vegetation and work the very top layer of soil only (to avoid disturbing large amounts of dormant seed in the soil), to create a decent tilth for the seeds to be sown into. Ideally, let any seeds germinate that come to surface, before disposing of the

resulting immature plants. Prepare the surface once more to a decent tilth and then sow your wildflower seed mix. Best results will always come from an area of clean, bare soil.

Sadly, we have lost most of our wildflower meadows over the last few decades, but the importance of reinstating them in the countryside as well as in urban roundabouts and verges has been recognised and is well-placed on the agenda.

So, to recap, before starting work consider the condition of the proposed area, its soil type and fertility. Consider the location; selecting sites near to existing species-rich grasslands will allow plants and insects to colonise naturally. Finally, plan for the management and maintenance of the area in the longer term.

ABOUT STUART BALL Stuart is wildflower business manager for John Chambers Wildflower Seed. Stuart’s personal enthusiasm for nature over the years has led to him heading up the John Chambers Wildflowers business and spreading the word on British native wildflowers, after John himself retired in 2013. Stuart advises and creates mixes to help the environment and meet project requirements. Stuart also delivers a CPD seminar on the benefits and the factors to consider when choosing a wildflower mix.

www.johnchamberswildflowers.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 77

17/12/2020 09:05

UK’S LEADING LANDSCAPING TRADE EVENT

SAVE THE DATE 16 - 17 November 2021 ExCeL London LET’S GROW TOGETHER WWW.FUTURESCAPEEVENT.COM save the date.indd 1

17/12/2020 12:53

E D U CAT E

HELEN TAYLOR: BENEFIT FROM BEING GREEN

P83

I N S I D E E D U C AT E T H I S M O N T H PA G E 8 1 A L I S O N W A R N E R , PA G E 8 2 O R A C L E S O L I C I T O R S , PA G E 8 3 H E L E N TAY L O R , PA G E 8 4 N I C K R U D D L E , PA G E 8 5 A N G U S L I N D S AY, PA G E 8 6 B AT T E R Y- P O W E R E D K I T, PA G E 8 7 T H E G R E AT D E C K I N G D E B AT E

Educate Cover-2.indd 79

17/12/2020 12:54

Turf Care, trailers & more!

SCHmanufactureavastsel ctionofcost-ef ectivegras care systemsandtrailers, uitableforpitchesofal sizesandbudgets.

SUPPLIERS AND GROWERS OF SEMI-MATURE & MATURE, ROOTBALL & CONTAINERISED TREES, SHRUBS AND INSTANT HEDGING

From our Buckinghamshire nursery we are conveniently located to service the whole of the UK, which we do with our own fleet of fully equipped vehicles.

With over 15 miles of Instant Hedging Troughs and more than 3,000 Pleached and shaped trees from Box Heads to Multi Stem umbrellas, we have the finest stock for Garden Designers, Landscapers, Architects and Developers you can find.

ContactustodayforaFRE brochure featuringover20 Britshproducts,orvistour websitetofindoutmore.

We look forward to receiving your enquiries.

Contact Us:

01296 399585

sales@instanthedges.co.uk

G&L LIG

www.instanthedges.co.uk

Pro Landscaper Trailers_Layout 1 02/12/2019 13:51 Page 1 Pro Landscaper Trailers_Layout 1 02/12/2019 13:51 Page 1

MADE IN BRITAIN MADE IN BRITAIN

Britains Largest Compact Trailer Selection

G&L LIGHTING

Britains Largest Compact Trailer Selection

Plastic Bodied Trailers

Tipping & Hydraulic Trailers

Plastic Bodied Trailers

Tipping & Hydraulic Trailers

High quality outdoor lighting • www.gardenandlandscapelighting.co.uk Slitters

Hollow Corers

Aerators

Slitters

Hollow Corers

Aerators

01473 28 72 • sales@schsup lies.co.uk • w w.schsup lies.co.uk Turf Care, trailers & more!

Turf Care, trailers & more!

SCH manufacture a vast selection of cost-effective grass care systems and trailers,asuitable for pitches of all sizes and budgets.

SCH manufacture vast selection of cost-effective grass care Contact today for a FREE systems and trailers, suitable forus pitches of all sizesbrochure and budgets.

High quality outdoor lighting featuring overus 200 British or visit our Contact today for aproducts, FREE brochure website find out more. or visit our featuring over 200 to British products, website to find out more.

G&L LIGHTING G&L LIGHTING G&L LIGHTING

G&L LIGHTING G&L LIGHT

• www.gardenandlandscapelighting.co.uk High quality outdoor lighting • www.gardenandlands

High quality outdoor lighting • www.gardenand

01473 328272 • sales@schsupplies.co.uk • www.schsupplies.co.uk 01473 328272 • sales@schsupplies.co.uk www.schsupplies.co.uk High• quality outdoor lighting • www.gardenandlandscapelighting.co.uk

High quality outdoor lighting • www.gardenandlandscapelighting.co.uk

Advert Template PL.indd 18

17/12/2020 16:26

EDUCATE

HOW TO

STA N D O U T IN A WOOD FULL OF TREES

J A N U A RY M A R K S A NEW YEAR AND TIME TO P L A N T T H E S E E D S FOR A FRUITFUL 2021.

T H E T R A D E S ’ C OAC H , A L I S O N WA R N E R S H A R E S H E R TO P T I P S W I T H T H E S E M A R K E T I N G M U ST- D O S Create a brochure By having good offline marketing collateral that is aligned to your online content, this can immediately set you apart from your competition. It also serves as a memory hook for customers.

Include your USP, different products and services, the team, good quality images of your work, testimonials, case studies and how to get in touch.

Brochures can be used in so many different ways, e.g. given to prospects alongside a branded quote, at events, and as a tool to help others recommend you.

Join a local networking group Build a network of local trades at a networking group such as BNI. You can pass business between you and build up a strong reputation. People buy people, and most of us will be swayed by a personal recommendation. Also, think of other services that your customers use frequently but which don’t compete with you – e.g. a garden maintenance company that doesn’t offer landscaping, tree surgeon, carpenter or builder.

How Google famous are you?

In 2011, Google conducted some research into how we make buying decisions, they called this ‘Zero Moments of Truth’. They

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Alison Warner.indd 81

discovered that before we make any decision to purchase, we will tend to research the company online and, essentially, the more content we can find about them, the more likely we are to trust them and buy from them. This means having a professional-looking website and content such as videos, articles, blogs and customer reviews is crucial. Reviews will also improve your website’s ranking on Google, making it easier for prospective customers to find you.

PEOPLE BUY PEOPLE, AND MOST OF US WILL BE SWAYED BY A PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION

customers. This not only helped drive more traffic to their company’s website, it also helped educate their prospects, which meant that sales appointments didn’t take as long. What are the top 10 questions your customers tend to ask? Write blogs using these questions as the title, as this is what they will be putting into Google, which in turn will drive traffic to your website.

Enter an award This is a great way of standing out from your competition, as well as building trust and credibility. There are several awards out there for trades, and specific to your industry. In fact, entries are open right now for the Pro Landscaper Business Awards!

This is something that requires thought and effort. Even if you are not successful in winning, just being shortlisted, can also be a great PR opportunity.

To measure the health of your business, take our free BUILD system scorecard, available on our website: www.evolveandgrowcoaching.com

A B O U T A L I S O N WA R N E R

Provide free content that solves your customers' problems One of the best books I have read recently is Marcus Sheridan’s 'They Ask You Answer'. This is written by a co-founder of a swimming pool company in the US, that completely reversed their fortunes in the last recession, by providing lots of free information, that answered the most commonly asked questions from

Alison Warner is founder of Evolve and Grow Ltd, a business coaching firm that specialises in helping owners of construction and trade businesses grow sustainably. She is also the author of bestselling book ‘Build and Grow: How to go from Tradesperson to Managing Director in the Construction and Trade Industries’: https://amzn.to/2QIb467 Grow in 2021: Alison is launching the Build and Grow Academy later in January 2021, the first online training centre for trades and construction SMEs. For news on the launch please email: alison@evolveandgrowcoaching.com www.evolveandgrowcoaching.com

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 81

17/12/2020 08:48

EDUCATE

DEALING WITH

ILAN BRAHA AND JASON MCKENZIE OF ORACLE SOLICITORS GIVE AN OVERVIEW OF CONTRACT DISPUTE RESOLUTION

A

n inevitable fact of business dealings is that occasionally disputes will arise. It is highly advisable to have clear dispute resolution clauses in the contract. This provides an easier, usually cheaper route to resolve a dispute without having to go to court. Court cases can also detract from what had been an amicable commercial relationship. The clauses should be staged and worded so there is a natural progression for resolution. The types of resolution that do not involve the court are called Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

The first step should be a meeting, preferably in person. At the meeting, the parties can clear the air and work towards resolving the dispute.

If no meeting is arranged or occurs within a fixed period (e.g. 21 days of a request) or there is no resolution, the contract should allow the requesting party to move to the next step.

Depending on the nature of the dispute (e.g. a technical dispute), the parties may wish to include a clause on expert determination (ED). This is when an appropriate expert is appointed by the parties to determine a specific issue. It is an evaluation and contractually binding. ED is usually much quicker, cheaper, and less formal than arbitration or court. ED is not ideal for resolving complex factual issues and is entirely dependent on the contractual clauses, which empower the expert.

DI S PU TES Enforcing the expert’s decision may require going to court or arbitration.

An alternative second step would be mediation, for example under the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR). Mediation is the process where, with the assistance of a neutral third party (the mediator), parties identify the issues in dispute, explore the options for resolution and attempt to reach

MEDIATION CAN RESULT IN MORE CREATIVITY AND FLEXIBILITY OVER SETTLEMENT OPTIONS THAN LITIGATING IN COURT OR ARBITRATION agreement. There are different types of mediation; for example, facilitative mediation.

Unlike a judge or arbitrator, the mediator will not decide the case on its merits but will work to facilitate agreement between the parties.

Occasionally, mediators may be asked to evaluate the issue, or identify the strengths and weaknesses of a particular case. This is called evaluative mediation. In mediation, the parties retain control of the decision on whether or not to settle and on what terms.

Mediation can result in more creativity and flexibility over settlement options than litigating in court or arbitration. Any settlement reached is consensual, unlike other ADR options (or court proceedings) where a third party intervenes. It can, therefore, reduce the risk of damage to ongoing business relationships.

If there is still no resolution, the contract should provide for a further escalation, for example to arbitration. Unlike court proceedings, arbitration proceedings are usually held in private and are confidential.

The procedure used in arbitration is flexible; the tribunal must tailor the process to the particular dispute, and the parties also have power to agree procedures that are efficient and speedy.

The parties can choose a tribunal with expertise relevant to the particular dispute. The parties’ ability to select the number and identity of arbitrators can further maximise neutrality.

The tribunal’s award is binding and relatively easy to enforce – an advantage compared to litigation or ADR. On the other hand, if the arbitrator determines a dispute wrongly, the opportunities for challenging or appealing the award are very limited.

Finally, if the dispute remains unresolved, the contract should include a provision for court involvement. It is also highly advisable to ensure that should one party refuse to engage, the other can escalate without their agreement or involvement, including starting litigation. This helps avoid one party frustrating the contract and leaving the other party all-but helpless to deal with it.

A B O U T O R AC L E S O L I C I TO R S Oracle Solicitors is an award-winning law firm with a deep understanding of the landscape industry and expertise in employment, commercial, litigation, property and contract law. Oracle Solicitors, founded in 2002 has since grown to include offices in London, Belfast, Birmingham, Manchester, Frankfurt, and Addis Ababa – please visit:

www.oraclesolicitors.co.uk

82 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Oracle Solicitors-2.indd 82

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 12:29

EDUCATE HELEN TAYLOR EXPLAINS WHY SUSTAINABILITY IS SO IMPORTANT TO THE LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY AND GOOD FOR BUSINESS The business case The business case for sustainability is clear for all sectors, including the landscape industry.

Adopting sustainable practices contributes to business growth in multiple ways, by: creating efficiencies; reducing costs; innovating; attracting and retaining talented employees; gaining competitive advantage; marketing; and, ultimately, improved financial performance.

Climate change, extreme weather events and COVID-19 all pose risks to businesses; but the current momentum for clean growth, increased awareness of the fragility of nature and the environmental links to COVID-19 create the perfect opportunities for businesses within the landscape sector to contribute to ‘Building Back Better’.

Alongside the business case, it is the ethical responsibility of all business owners, leaders and managers to embed sustainability practices throughout organisations, including within supply chains. Environmental performance and sustainable procurement strategies are increasing pressure on SMEs within supply chains, and product transparency and accountability is fundamental to meet the needs of the customer and larger clients. It is vital that businesses of all sizes understand the climate and social impact of their activities in order to contribute effectively to a recovery from COVID-19 and the climate crisis.

Whilst the many tiers that can form a complex supply chain or network can create distance from potential negative environmental and social impacts, the ultimate risk and responsibility lies with each individual business. With a huge collective impact, SMEs have an opportunity to contribute to society and the environment through sustainable supply chains.

The landscape industry’s role Reputational risk from poor environmental management is a serious threat to organisations within the horticultural industry traditionally viewed as ‘green’. Waste still poses a significant problem, as 99% of production and product materials become waste within six weeks, any reduction of waste to landfill will increase sustainability and reduce reputational risk. Environmental awareness and disquiet for

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Helen Taylor.indd 83

BENEFIT FROM

BEING GREEN THE DEFINITION OF ‘SUSTAINABILITY' “…development which meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” (WCED, 1987)

the lifecycle of plastic, the lack of new landfill sites and constraints on incineration are collectively driving exploration into more environmentally admissible options.

However, the complexity of this problem means that we still have a long way to go.

Ethical sourcing of materials is still a risk factor within some businesses who continue to source products and materials such as paving from areas of the globe that do not take a responsible approach to modern slavery compliance. The problem of peat use is a continuing issue for the sector. Peat is a globally significant carbon store, and environmentally responsible businesses must opt for alternative peat-free growing media. Transportation is still a problem for the industry, but there are ways of managing logistics with sustainability.

Ultimately, whilst the industry still has a long way to go in improving its overall environmental performance, each individual business from startup to large organisation has a responsibility and an opportunity to contribute to the preservation of the natural environment and its resources for future generations.

How do SMEs with limited resources begin to approach sustainability?

The next article will offer information and tools to support businesses in implementing sustainability within their strategy. In the meantime, it would be worthwhile for all businesses to familiarise themselves with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs). The SDGs provide a free framework for organisations of all sizes to use to assist them in approaching sustainability.

A B O U T H E L E N TAY LO R Following completion of her BSc, Helen Taylor launched her first business in 2011 with a strong environmental ethos. Helen completed her MBA in 2018 and, with an eager interest in the business case for sustainability, she began to focus her time on developing a toolkit to assist business owners’ approach to sustainability. Alongside her work as a business consultant, Helen is now an associate lecturer and industry skills coach at Nottingham Trent University, focusing on projects around the theme of sustainability and business support.

www.hostaconsulting.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 83

17/12/2020 10:46

EDUCATE

5YO U TS HHO UILND KGN OWS

B E F O R E YO U

GROW

B U S I N E S S C OAC H N I C K R U D D L E A DV I S E S H O W TO AVO I D T H E P I T FA L L S W H E N YO U ’ R E LO O K I N G TO E X PA N D You’re passionate about building dream gardens for your clients. You’re excited about building your dream business. But what are the vital things you need to have in place? Avoid the common mistakes that many business owners make by following some of these basic principles – here are five things you must consider.

Know your numbers If you were playing a game of golf or tennis, how would you know if you were winning or losing if you didn’t keep score? It’s the same in business. You need a score card to know whether you’re winning or not. Do you know your true margins? Your monthly breakeven number? Marketing ROI? Productivity KPIs? ‘Knowing your numbers’ is vital to making the right decisions to make your business a success.

Establish your Vision and Values You wouldn’t start a long journey without knowing where you’re going or how you’re going to get there. You’ll need to have a clear understanding of what your business looks like when it’s ‘finished’. Then you can go to work ‘on’ your business and not just work a job ‘in’ your business. Having a clear vision and solid values will help to attract like-minded individuals to achieve your goals. If you haven’t done so already, you must read a great book called ‘The E-Myth Revisited’ that explains how to get started.

84 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Nick Ruddle.indd 84

Follow a successful recruitment process to attract great people Great people work for great companies.

Average people work for average companies. If you want to attract the best people you need to be an attractive business to work for. Learning and following a successful recruitment process is the key to building a winning team of great people. If you’re consistently frustrated with your team, it may be time to assess your recruitment process and find out what changes you need to make.

IF YOU WANT TO ATTRACT THE BEST PEOPLE YOU NEED TO BE AN ATTRACTIVE BUSINESS TO WORK FOR Get organised and efficient Map out your critical business processes that are performed on a regular basis, break them down into simple steps and train the relevant people in those tasks. For example, what’s your marketing process?

Customer sales journey? Daily operations/ delivery processes? Accounting systems?

If everyone executes their tasks in the

correct way and in a consistent manner, there will be less mistakes – which means you’ll be more efficient and more profitable as a result!

Integrate the right IT systems 80% systemisation, 20% humanisation!

80% of tasks in a business are performed on a regular basis, either hourly, daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly. Great businesses are built on great systems run by great people. Make sure you research the right IT systems in the key departments. Remember the acronym for S.Y.S.T.E.M – Save Yourself Stress Time Energy and Money!

ABOUT NICK RUDDLE Since 2007, Nick Ruddle has coached many landscape contractors, horticulturists, nurseries, garden centres and garden designers to success and works closely with the main industry associations, suppliers and leaders.

With more than 5,000 hours of one-to-one coaching and delivering hundreds of workshops and seminars over the years, Nick can help implement specific strategies, methods, processes and systems that will produce exceptional results for your landscape business. www.nickruddle.com

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 09:16

EDUCATE

PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE ANGUS LINDSAY WONDERS AT WHAT POINT WE BECOME OBSOLETE, ALONGSIDE MACHINERY AND NOT-SO-OLD TECHNOLOGY

T

here was a time when you bought a freezer, TV, or cooker and it lasted for years without an issue; the only reason for changing it was to keep up with next door or because it had become totally inefficient.

Nowadays, things seem to have a built-in expiry. There you are about to watch the football on your 48” state-of-the-art, flat-screen TV when all of a sudden the image shimmers and disappears. Frantically you press buttons, switch it off and on again in the hope that it will restart, but to no avail. You contact the supplier and find out that even though it’s less than two years old, it’s just out of warranty and has been superseded by several newer models – oh, and they don’t make the part anymore but they can do you a great deal on the latest model with interest-free credit! Is nothing built to last anymore?

To a certain extent, it’s the same with vehicles and machinery. Manufacturers seem to have a need to upgrade and facelift models, even though they’ve only been on the market for 12 months. The changes to the new model may be no more than a redesigned grill or engine covers, dashboard layout, or gimmicky switch which actually doesn’t do anything, and

of course, the all-important ‘Series 2’ sticker which all add up to an increase in price when there’s little or nothing wrong with the previous model. This could again be my cynical side shining through, but I have seen everything from hedge cutters to excavators go through this transition, and in many cases the updated model is worse than the one that it has replaced.

Just because something is old and in need of repair doesn’t mean it’s obsolete.

IT WILL COME TO US ALL DURING OUR WORKING LIFE THAT WE WILL HAVE TO STEP ASIDE AND LET THE NEXT GENERATION TAKE OVER

And what of ourselves? When do we become obsolete? And how do we recognise and indeed accept it?

Keeping up with technology is all well and good, but how often have you asked a sibling to sort out the menu on your TV or reprogramme your phone? It will come to us all during our working life that we will have to step aside and let the next generation take over. The trick is to recognise that time and how to make the transition as smooth as possible so as not to disrupt the JUST BECAUSE SOMETHING IS OLD AND IN NEED OF REPAIR DOESN’T MEAN IT’S OBSOLETE business and undo all of the previous years, as it should be the

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Angus Lindsay-3.indd 85

foundation on which the next level is built on.

Recognising a machine or vehicle is past its best is simple in comparison – running costs become excessive, performance suffers, breakdowns are more frequent, and it doesn’t do your business any favours, so time to replace it, though it may still have a role doing lesser duties, much as the front-line tractor sees out its final years shunting things round the yard.

Obsolescence is defined as being the state which occurs when an object, service, or practice is no longer maintained, even though it may still be in good working order. Planned obsolescence is a policy of planning or designing a product with an artificially limited useful life or a purposely frail design, so that it becomes obsolete after a certain period of time – see most mobile phones for details.

So, I go back to my earlier question: When do we become obsolete in our roles, and who makes the judgement? To me, this should be down to the individual to decide and recognise when they need to get off the bus; but that can be very difficult as very few will want to admit when they’ve got to that particular destination.

A B O U T A N G U S L I N D S AY Angus spent several years working on arable farms in Scotland before joining VSO in Egypt, implementing a mechanisation programme, managing field operations for a commercial cotton plantation in Nigeria and working as a contract instructor for Massey Ferguson in Yemen. He has an Agricultural Engineering and Mechanisation Management MSc from Silsoe, and joined Glendale as machinery manager in 1994, then idverde UK in 2009.

angus.lindsay@idverde.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 85

17/12/2020 10:42

EDUCATE

KIT

BATTERY POWERED LO O K I N G F O R T H E N E X T P R O D U C T TO J O I N YO U R R A N G E O F B AT T E RY P OW E R E D K I T ? O R M AY B E YO U ’ R E LO O K I N G TO M A K E YO U R F I R ST B AT T E R Y P U R C H A S E ? H E R E A R E A F E W T H AT R EC E N T LY H I T T H E M A R K E T

HUSQVARNA 535IRXT BRUSHCUTTER An extremely efficient product in the Husqvarna battery-powered range, Husqvarna 535iRXT is a new high-performance brushcutter, designed for professional groundscare use.

The machine’s lightweight, well-balanced design and silent operation leads to easy operation and results in professionals being able to work in noise sensitive and public areas, without any disturbance.

The 535iRXT’s features ensure the machine is a long-lasting and reliable tool that can be used in all weather conditions, which in turn increases flexibility in user’s working hours. The brushcutter also possesses three different performance modes to allow groundsmen

to maximise the runtime of the machine and adjust the power output to the corresponding working conditions.

On top of this, the machine features integrated connectivity, ensuring the brushcutter can be easily connected with Husqvarna Fleet Services™, allowing groundmen to see the machine’s last known location, usage stats and service history.

• Battery voltage: 36V • Cutting diameter: 45cm • Weight without battery: 4.9kg • E-TORQ motor • ErgoFeed™ function, allowing users to feed the trimmer line with the push of a button Price (unit only): £599.00 (inc. VAT) www.husqvarna.com/uk

MAKITA

STIHL

Makita’s DUX60PG2 cordless split-shaft drive unit is an incredibly versatile machine and is compatible with a selection of attachments for use across a wide range of applications.

Powered by Makita’s innovative Twin 18V technology, the DUX60PG2 can tackle a wide range of tasks effortlessly. The combination of LXT technology and Makita’s brushless motor offers long run times, maximising operator efficiency. It is supplied with two 6Ah batteries and a twin-port fast charger, extending these benefits further.

The DUX60PG2 has been designed with user comfort and safety in mind, with soft start technology, constant speed control and overload protection included. It also benefits from Makita’s innovative Active Feedback Sensing Technology, which shuts the tool down if rotation speed suddenly slows, to prevent damage.

• 10x attachments available, plus an extension bar • Tool-less installation of attachments • Maximum output of 600W • Total of 36V (2x 18V) • No load speed of up to 9,700rpm Price: £575 (exc. VAT)

STIHL has launched the new HLA 66 and HLA 86, updating its range of cordless long-reach hedge trimmers designed for landscaping professionals and groundskeepers.

Ideal for pruning taller hedges and shrubs as well as clearing ground cover plants, the new HLA 66 and 86 replace the popular HLA 65 and 85 models and feature a series of upgrades to improve the user experience. The hedge trimmers are lightweight for easier handling and reduced fatigue when working over longer periods.

Thanks to the EC motor, rapid acceleration of the blades is achieved for optimum performance, and the tool can be used in wet conditions to minimise downtime.

Both of the models feature a new ergonomic control handle and a self-resetting locking lever in combination with the Ergo lever for an intuitive start-up process. This design also ensures that the tool is comfortable to use whether right-handed or left-handed and features anti-slip protection for further safety and comfort.

• Available with a loop handle and shaft grip • Can be used with STIHL’s 36V AP battery system for professional use • 115º swivelling cutter bar • The cutter blade can be folded flat • Self-resetting locking lever Price: £319

DUX60PG2 CORDLESS SPLIT-SHAFT DRIVE UNIT

www.makitauk.com

HLA 66 BRUSHCUTTER

www.stihl.co.uk

86 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Battery powered kit.indd 86

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 08:52

EDUCATE

O

n Thursday 19 November the Great Decking Debate kicked off. Panellists Karl Harrison of Karl Harrison Landscapes, Lee Heitzman of Arbor Forest Products, Chris King of Saige Decking and Stefan Holmes of Millboard began by discussing how they felt the decking market is performing and whether COVID-19 affected this.

For Lee, “it’s been a year like no other”, with the demand massively outstripping the supply. This was seconded by Chris who added that the decking industry “has almost been COVID-proof”, with composite decking gaining serious traction this year. Stefan echoed their sentiments about the growth of the sector, putting this down to the advances

WE ALL PRIDE OURSELVES ON OUR PAPER WORK AND OUR INSTALLATION GUIDES. BUT PEOPLE THINK IF THEY’VE DONE ONE, THEY CAN DO THEM ALL CHRIS KING, SAIGE DECKING

THE PANEL

in the home improvements sector. But Karl noted that as a landscaper he hadn’t seen any hiccups within the supply chain himself, and Stefan commented that Millboard has masses in stock which they thankfully got in before COVID-19 hit.

Other questions included whether the consumer – or even landscapers – understand composite decking. The panel agreed there is still some education needed surrounding the complexities of installing decking, and that it’s not a DIY product.

Chris commented: “We all pride ourselves on our paper work and our installation guides.

CHRIS KING

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Decking.indd 87

THE GREAT

DECKING DEBATE

W E TA K E A L O O K AT S O M E O F T H E D I S C U S S I O N S H A D O N T H E G R E AT D E C K I N G D E B AT E , O N E O F T H E M A N Y S U C C E S S F U L S E M I N A R S AT O U R F I R S T E V E R F U T U R E S C A P E V I R T U A L , H E L D F R O M T U E S D AY 1 7 T O T H U R S D AY 1 9 N O V E M B E R T H I S Y E A R But people think if they’ve done one, they can do them all. They don’t necessarily notice the extra couple of millimetres where they should be taking those expansion and contraction parts into account. They’re usually very good carpenters and they train to get things very tight, however, with composite it’s different.” He went on to say this was a issue he’s had with DIYers all the way up to big contractors.

Karl couldn’t have agreed more, adding that he’s encountered many people who have installed Trex and assume they then know how to install Millboard or Saige. He said: “That’s a mile away from the message the whole of the industry should be saying.”

Stefan agreed that a good deck is in the detail and this is where it can so often go wrong. He added that the product can so often be blamed for things which are purely down to installation mistakes. “You might pay all this money on Millboard decking, but it’s only going to last as long as the subframe underneath,” explained Stefan,

LEE HEITZMAN

“that’s where we see most of the mistakes.”

Lee echoed this adding: “I think the timber industry has a big part to play in that as well.

Every builder’s merchant is stocking a variant of C24 treated timber. Most of them know it’s not fit to be used in ground contact but they’re not readvising the customer, they’re relying on them to know and the customer is relying on the merchant to tell them.

The two parties need to find a way of

YOU MIGHT PAY ALL THIS MONEY ON MILLBOARD DECKING, BUT IT’S ONLY GOING TO LAST AS LONG AS THE SUBFRAME UNDERNEATH

STEFAN HOLMES

S T E FA N H O L M E S , M I L L B O A R D

KARL HARRISON

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 87

17/12/2020 11:13

EDUCATE

reaching a bit more clarity and honesty.” Chris put this down to price, with Lee agreeing to some extent, though he stood by the main reason being a lack of understanding.

Karl added that nuts and bolts are also an issue, because even if an installer was to used the correct subframe, if these are interior grade and not stainless steel, they’ll fail and the subframe will fall to pieces.

This led Karl to begin one of the biggest topics of debate – whether or not the panel would support the introduction of a formalised training qualification for deck contractors. Karl talked about how he’d like to enforce a code of practice with a set of incredibly stringent standards, claiming that the installations guide’s written by suppliers tend to get ignored.

Though all the panellists agreed they would support this, with Chris saying he “couldn’t see why you wouldn’t,” Lee argued

EVERY BUILDER’S MERCHANT IS STOCKING A VARIANT OF C24 TREATED TIMBER. MOST OF THEM KNOW IT’S NOT FIT TO BE USED IN GROUND CONTACT BUT THEY’RE NOT READVISING THE CUSTOMER LEE HEITZMAN, ARBOR FOREST PRODUCTS

88 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Decking.indd 88

that it wasn’t an easy thing to do. He said: “We’ve all got fantastic user guides on our websites, helpful videos online that anyone can watch and we can’t get people to look at them. If we inspect a deck when it’s done to see if it passes the code, it’s also far too late – they’re not going to rip it back up and do it again if it’s wrong.”

Though Karl could see where he was coming from, he said: “As a member of the PGCA (The Professional Garden Consultants Association), there are more and more insurance claims on decks which have failed.

We’ve had legal teams calling us out to check the decks and I’m lost for words by some of the shocking states that I’ve seen decks in, that have literally just been finished.”

Karl suggested that in order to get the warranty – given by the supplier, however long that may be – and have the deck certified, installers would have to have their deck certified by a professional who is trained to install all types of decking, be that Saige, Trex, Millboard or any other.

Other topics discussed were how Brexit would affect the deking industry, whether the UK should generate its own product standards for decking and recommendations for how best to lay boards.

The Decking Debate panel finished by discussing the type of decking innovations they believe are around the corner. Karl reiterated his earlier point that we need to get installation right first, claiming we can do this through the associations. He also added that we’ll see lots of different colours, different styles and different banding, with decking designs becoming more adventurous. Lee celebrated Trex and its skill at always leading innovation adding that he feels

composite decking will rise in popularity.

Stefan stressed how importantly Millboard takes innovation, saying it will be focusing on designing better looking products and making installation easier. Chris explained that Saige’s innovation is led by its customers, and that it is currently working on new brackets to help customers create different shaped decks.

I’M LOST FOR WORDS BY SOME OF THE SHOCKING STATES THAT I’VE SEEN DECKS IN, THAT HAVE LITERALLY JUST BEEN FINISHED KARL HARRISON, KARL HARRISON LANDSCAPES

At the end, there was a chance for the 190 audience members to ask the panellists questions. Questions ranged from enquiries about the software the panel used to calculate materials needed for decking, curiosity about their views on reclaimed hardwood timber decking and whether one viewer could create curved raised planters – of which the answer was a resounding yes.

If you missed the seminar and would like to watch it, all of the videos from FutureScape VIRTUAL will be available for 12 months on the FutureScape website or at futurescape.pathable.co.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 11:14

OUT & ABOUT CHRISTMAS AT KEW

P91

©Richard Haughton

P EO P L E

I N S I D E P E O P L E T H I S M O N T H PA G E 9 1 O U T & A B O U T: C H R I S T M A S AT K E W, PA G E 9 2 L I F E / S T Y L E : T I M O ’ H A R E , PA G E 9 4 3 0 U N D E R 3 0 U P D AT E : L E O N C H A P P E L L , PA G E 9 5 W H AT ’ S YO U R R O L E ? K AT E C O O N E Y, PA G E 9 8 L I T T L E I N T E R V I E W S

People Cover-3.indd 89

17/12/2020 12:57

• PREMIUM & CONTRACT SOILS • ERICACEOUS & SPECIALIST SOILS • LOW FERTILITY & BESPOKE BLENDED SOILS

Hundreds of natural stone & porcelain options Bespoke sourcing, accessories, lighting & more

NEW Now open for trade collections!

Manufacturers & Suppliers of Specialist Soils, Growing Media and Hard & Soft Landscaping MaterialS Specialising in high-quality contaminate free topsoils and subsoils, which are fully tested to the British Standard, our products are re larly e i e by lea i a a e r ie a e i er a i ely e by e a a ea r i l ral ra e a rie Supplying orders from one bag to many thousands of tons, we can undertake the most challenging deliveries using our own ee f il er r e iali e i le Please call us for a quote on your next project or to discuss your la a e a erial ee

LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES Tel: 01306 877540 or buy online at www.buryhilltopsoilandlogs.co.uk Email: sales@buryhilltopsoil.com BUILDING AGGREGATES • WILDFLOWER TURF & SEED • DECORATIVE STONE

BHL 92mmx128mm.indd 1

For a fine range of quality trees with first class service and expert advice

Burrow Nursery, Cross in Hand, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 0UG Tel: 01435 862992

www.englishwoodlands.com

Advert Template PL.indd 19

• COMPOST & MULCHES• BARKS & WOODCHIP • PLAY SAND & PLAY GRADE BARK • LAWN TURF & GRASS SEED •

Black Limestone Trade Pack and Contemporary fencing slats courtesy of CMA Garden Design

• LIGHTWEIGHT ROOF SOILS • SPORTS LOAMS & DRESSINGS • SOIL CONDITIONER

17/12/2020 11:30

It’s not only Pro Landscaper that’s had a makeover, the Friday wrap has a new look too.

Email laura.harris@eljays44.com to sign up for the weekly newsletter brought to you by Pro Landscaper

17/12/2020 15:45

PEOPLE

OUT & ABOUT

CHRISTMAS AT KEW W

Photographs ŠRichard Haughton

ith so many events cancelled this year, it was a relief to see that Christmas at Kew would still going ahead. It might have been delayed by the second lockdown, but the annual light trail at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, kicked off on 4 December – and to make up for the postponement, the garden added extra dates in January.

The festive event is now in its eighth year, but this year will most likely stand out as one of the most memorable, with new COVID-19 safety measures being introduced, such as adapting the route to manage visitor flow.

Regardless of this, Christmas at Kew remains as dazzling as ever. The new route takes visitors through the Rose Garden and towards giant illuminated seed heads, a Tunnel of Light and Temperate House, which is lit up with laser projections. Street food, mulled wine and a prosecco pop-up add to the festivities, which end with the popular Palm House Pond finale. www.kew.org

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Out and About Christmas at Kew.indd 91

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 91

17/12/2020 09:48

WORK

PEOPLE

Best project I have been lucky enough to work on some fantastic projects over the last 25 years.

I would say the best are those that were the most challenging and innovative, but also those which offered the opportunity to collaborate with other professions – consultants, clients, contractors, suppliers.

Bluewater Park and T5 Heathrow were my first ‘big ones’. Jubilee Park at Canary Wharf was at the time the biggest podium landscape in the UK, and Jubilee Gardens now receives 8 million visitors a year.

The Olympic Park and Athletes’ Village drew upon much of my accrued skill and knowledge, as well as generating new ideas and solutions,

as the soils were required to support so many different environments – parklands, street trees, SuDS, wetlands, podiums, biodiverse green roofs, wildflower grasslands, allotments.

British Sugar Topsoil has been a ‘project’ of mine since 1996 when I first tested a bag of their ‘soil washings’ and told them they could be turned into topsoil. Andy Spetch and I have worked closely ever since to develop soil products, reconditioning systems and testing protocols that are now industry benchmarks.

More recently, ‘best projects’ have included the Oman Botanic Garden, Kings Cross, Battersea Power Station, Cator Park and The Water Gardens; the last two of which I’m delighted to see have just won Landscape Institute awards.

Colleagues I am very privileged to work with a terrific team at TOHA. Many joined after graduation and have thankfully never left. I am most grateful for their trust and loyalty, and it is a pleasure to watch

their skills, capabilities, confidence and careers develop.

Mentors Throughout my career there have been individuals that have advised, encouraged and become trusted friends along the way: Mike Dinsdale (my first boss), George Longmuir (my first business partner), Simon Leake (Australia’s version of me, according to him!). I have also had the pleasure of working with many great people within the landscape industry that I admire and I value their judgement and opinion.

Best learning curve Nothing beats “working at the coal face” to discover what you actually know and what you need to learn quickly.

Leadership style I’m not sure it’s a leadership style, but I always believe that you should treat other people the way you would expect to be treated yourself.

LIFE/STYLE TIM O’HARE

T I M O’ H A R E , O W N E R O F T I M O ’ H A R E A S S O C I AT E S , E X P LO R E S W H E R E H I S LOV E O F S O I L C O M E S F R O M A N D I N T R O D U C E S U S TO S O M E O F H I S M A N Y I N S P I R AT I O N S A N D M E N TO R S

INSPIRATION People My Mum taught me many ‘life-lessons’, which have stuck with me over the years. My Dad’s passion for business, travel and people thankfully rubbed off on me. Unfortunately, a stroke in his fifties meant he never recovered enough to see my career develop. He would have loved nothing more than talking shop over a few beers!

Geology was my favourite subject at school and that led me to choose geology and

92 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Lifestyle Tim O'Hare.indd 92

geography for my first degree. It was in the first lecture on soils in my third year that drew me away from rocks to the fluffy stuff on top. My lecturer brought in a tray of lovely garden topsoil and a big boulder of granite, and asked all of us which interested us most.

He ran his hands repeatedly through the soil, describing its colour, feel, smell, etc, and then he picked up and dropped the granite boulder on the floor. From then on, I realised I was hooked on soil.

Nicki, my wife and business partner, is my foundation. She supports me through thick and thin, is always a good sounding board for ideas and when the stress levels rise –

and thankfully is decent at sums (accounts), as I have absolutely no interest in them!

Gardens Growing up in Indonesia, my first exposure to gardening was in southern Jakarta where I loved to continually dig over the blood red, sticky, plastic clay soil (which I now know as an Andisol due to its volcanic origin). Since then, I have always seemed to appreciate and wanted to understand what goes on below ground.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 10:16

PEOPLE

PERSONAL Hobbies My passions have always been fly fishing and surfing, since I was about nine. Funnily enough, both relate to water rather than soil so perhaps I should have been a marine biologist or hydrologist. I was once asked which one I would give up if I had to, and I simply couldn’t choose. Both deliver the same amount of pleasure and adrenalin rush, but in different ways. Thankfully my sons enjoy and excel at both, so I am always in good company.

Rugby was my team sport right into my thirties, plus a Dad’s coaching role with my sons. In my forties, marathon running and triathlons took over, and I still continue to cycle, run and/or swim most weeks.

Dogs have always been part of my life. Our latest family member, Luna, was recently rescued from a dog pound in Crete, so I look forward to introducing her to the Chiltern Hills.

Food and drink My food tastes probably relate back to my upbringing where I grew up on a combination of hearty meals like chicken casserole, spag bol and Sunday roasts, combined with Asian favourites like nasi goreng, satay and pretty much anything from the sea. I also love a good BBQ in the summer with family and friends. I’m not a fan of puddings or desserts, and to my wife’s dismay, I will usually choose the fruit option.

I love a couple of pints of local ale at the pub in winter, a cold lager in hot weather and a run-of-the mill red wine with a meal.

The rest of the time, I drink gallons of good old tap water.

Most fun you’ve ever had?

Between my first and second degrees, I spent six months travelling and surfing my way across Indonesia, and another six months farming and fishing across New Zealand. Say no more!

TRAVEL Places you’ve been I lived in Indonesia until I was twelve, and have been back many times since as my brothers both live there.

I have been lucky enough to visit New Zealand, Australia, Maldives, Seychelles, many European countries and the east and west coasts of the US. I really enjoy working abroad and thankfully my job has taken me to many countries, including France, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Norway, Gibraltar, Spain, Oman, Lebanon, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia and Australia.

Places you’d like to go Montana, Vancouver, Costa Rica and return trips to Oz and NZ are on the list.

How you like to stay when you’re on holiday?

I like a mixture of accommodation depending on where I travel, from camping to hotels. I always like the opportunity to integrate with the locals and the environment, rather than be isolated in ‘a tourist bubble’.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Lifestyle Tim O'Hare.indd 93

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 93

17/12/2020 10:17

PEOPLE

3 0 U N D E R 3 0 U P DAT E

LEON CHAPPELL THE YOUNGEST WINNER OF PRO LANDSCAPER’S 30 UNDER 30: THE NEXT GENERATION AWARDS, LEON CHAPPELL, EXPLAINS HIS AMBITIONS TO SUCCEED IN THE INDUSTRY

S

ince Pro Landscaper’s initiative to award high achievers under the age of 30 first started six years ago, the youngest average age of winners occurred in 2019 – it was just over 26 years old.

So, to have our youngest winner to date this year at just 18 years old shows that the 30 Under 30: The Next Generation awards are not only looking for a long list of achievements but also a great deal of ambition. One of the hottest topics in the landscaping industry is the need to fill the skills gap, and it’s budding young landscapers such as Leon Chappell who can help to do this.

Leon first joined Kirman Design as a labourer on a six-month contract last year but was offered full-time employment with the design and build company after showing a real knack – and passion – for the job. “I loved learning new things and the small details, and Kirman Design is a great company to start with. They complete projects to the absolute best of their ability,” says Leon.

He’d always shown an interest in horticulture, carrying out gardening for neighbours and friends of the family in the summer holidays

94 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

30 Under 30 Leon Chappell.indd 94

when he was growing up, cutting grass and planting borders for them – even building brick barbecues. With no horticultural qualifications, Leon has picked up the skills along the way, from laying porcelain to soft landscaping.

He’s even asked to deputise when the site foreman has to leave site.

I LOVE WHAT I DO, AND I AM SO GLAD I DECIDED TO JOIN THE LANDSCAPING INDUSTRY Once the pandemic allows, he will be undertaking a horticultural apprenticeship to develop his skills further, and he hopes more people his age will follow in his footsteps. “My generation are going to eventually be the next employers when they have worked up through the ranks, and I think more of this should be encouraged. I joined this industry because I have always loved being outside, doing physical work. The job was perfect for me.

I love what I do, and I am so glad I decided to join the landscaping industry.”

Eventually, Leon would like to own his own well-known and respected landscaping company which, whilst likely to be similar to Warringtonbased Kirman Design, will have its own personal touch. In the meantime, a more immediate goal is passing his driving test so that he can run his own team and projects, and there are likely to be show gardens on his CV soon too – well, once flower shows are back up and running.

“My career is the focus of my life and I am deeply passionate about it. I understand I had to start at the bottom, but I definitely do not plan on staying there. I want to build up and broaden my skill set. I want to learn as much as possible to make me a better person and great landscaper. I have realised that you never stop learning, however old you are.” It’s a sentiment we can all get behind.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 08:45

PEOPLE

WHAT’S

YOUR

ROLE? KATE COONEY PERENNIAL CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP MANAGER K ATE COONE Y E XPL AINS HOW SHE FIRST JOINED PERENNIAL AND THE JOYS OF WORKING FOR A CHARIT Y

What does your role include?

Myself and my colleague, Phil Swainston, are Perennial’s direct link into the industry.

Perennial’s vision is that everyone in the industry knows about us, understands the help that they can receive from us and feel confident to get in touch should they, or their dependent families, ever need our help at any stage of their lives. To encourage this, we take part in trade shows such as FutureScape and attend conferences and meet with businesses and trade associations, not only to present but to listen and understand the specific issues facing the industry, that company or individual.

Our role is about engaging with people and bringing them into the Perennial family.

What was your position prior to Perennial?

Until I joined Perennial, I had spent more than 30 years in the recruitment industry as well as being heavily involved for around eight years volunteering as an additional skills school governor. They were both roles that I really loved at the time, but from a very personal point of view, they pale into insignificance in comparison to my current role.

WHAT GENUINELY SPARKS THE MOST PERSONAL JOY IS WHEN I MEET SOMEONE THAT TELLS ME HOW PERENNIAL HAS PERSONALLY HELPED THEM What drew you to the horticultural charity?

The short answer is that Perennial headhunted me, but it was probably a combination of factors. I first heard of Perennial several years ago via my youngest brother David Dodd, a landscaper who gave me a Christmas present of Christmas Dinner for some retired gardeners courtesy of Perennial. Years later, after a career break raising my children, I returned to recruitment and one of my first clients, by coincidence, was Perennial. One day, I received a phone call to ask if I wanted to come in for a chat

WITH BROTHER, DAVID DODD

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Whats your role Kate Cooney.indd 95

about a new role and a coffee. I initially thought that they wanted me to help fill the vacancy; however, the rest, as they say, is history!

SPEAKING AT FUTURESCAPE VIRTUAL

What has been a personal highlight?

Obviously, when we gain a new Perennial supporter it is like gaining a new member of a family and that gives both Phil and me a real buzz. In addition, we get to meet so many interesting people and are privileged to be invited to lots of amazing events and gardens, all of which I love.

It is a weird thing to say, but one of the many highlights was during the first two weeks of lockdown. It was stressful and, in some cases, very frightening. Calls to our helpline increased literally overnight by almost 400%. It was dramatic to say the least, but what was amazing was how the Perennial team reacted and adapted so quickly to help support those in crisis. It was incredible and an absolute honour to be part of that.

What genuinely sparks the most personal joy is when I meet someone that tells me how Perennial has personally helped them. Our service is totally confidential and, as a result, unless a service user has agreed that we can use their story to talk about as a case study, there is no way that someone in our team would know which individuals we have supported. So when an apparent stranger approaches you to tell you how Perennial has helped either themselves or perhaps a colleague, a friend or family member, those are my highlights.

Future plans for your career?

I can’t imagine being happier in my career and what is exciting about my role with Perennial is that there will always be so much more to be done. Obviously, you don’t work for a charity for the money, but as I have already touched upon, the rewards are so great in other ways. My future plans are to carry on developing relationships with all of our industry stakeholders and work towards a time when everyone in the industry understands what Perennial does and feels confident to get in touch.

You can still view the seminars featuring Perennial at www.futurescapevirtual.com

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 95

17/12/2020 15:59

JOBS

For full details on all jobs, please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk Call 01903 777 570 or email phil.every@eljays44.com with your vacancy

MAINTENANCE MANAGER

ESTATE FORESTRY WORKER

Harry Holding Garden Design & Maintenance is looking for someone to manage and inspire the horticultural maintenance teams to delivery to the highest standards held by the company. The successful candidate will need to ensure that the maintenance company is continually growing and upholding its reputation. They will also manage the operations so that the business operates efficiently and that systems are continually improving, taking on all client facing roles, managing, maintaining and improving client relations. Responsibilities include scheduling, timesheets, invoicing, client liaison, quoting and implementing ‘extras’ and ensuring health and safety compliance. Candidates will need a recognised horticultural qualification and previous experience in horticultural management to apply, as well as a full UK driving license. Training and career development within the role is expected. The right candidate will have the same tenacious motivation to get stuck into the business and its exciting projects, creating and caring for inspiring, magical gardens.

Miserden Estate is looking for someone to maintain 850 acres of predominantly broadleaf forestry. While the large felling operations are outsourced to contractors, this individual would be responsible for all other areas of practical management of the RFS award-winning estate woodland and parkland.

Duties include maintaining new plantations and woodlands to the current high standard, managing woodchip supply and maintaining boilers on a large biomass district heating scheme. The estate has a ‘one team’ approach, so while the individual suited for this role must be happy to work alone and be selfmotivated, there is no reason to feel isolated and other members of the estate team can assist where necessary, so a good team ethos is key. The candidate should have at least five years’ practical forestry experience and be qualified to fell and process trees over 380mm. The ability to deal with uprooted or windblown trees is desirable.

For more details, please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

For more details, please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

GARDEN DESIGNER – PART TIME/ FULLTIME/FREELANCER (NEGOTIABLE)

PROJECT MANAGER

HARRY HOLDING GARDEN DESIGN & MAINTENANCE Location: London

ARTSCAPE DESIGN & BUILD LTD Location: Berkshire

This is a great opportunity to work for an award-winning design and build company established for 40 years, working mainly in the home counties. Its goal is to provide creative and beautiful designs that work for our clients. Artscape is looking for an experienced, enthusiastic garden designer to join its team. Applicants must have excellent Vectorworks skills to produce 2D plans and 3D visuals (or SketchUp for 3D), and a familiarity with Photoshop is ideal. The successful candidate will meet with clients to discuss the garden and present designs and produce detailed designs for both hard and soft landscaping, schedules and specifications. They must also have good plant and horticultural knowledge, as well as experience working on a range of different sized projects, mainly high-end domestic gardens. Artscape is willing to consider whether this will be a part-time or full-time role, or for a freelance designer.

You will need your own vehicle.

MISERDEN Location: Gloucestershire

THOMSON ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS Location: Nationwide, Surrey Thomson Environmental Consultants is looking for a full-time, permanent project manager based in one of its modern offices across the UK. Candidates will have experience of working in landscaping, ecological contracting, countryside management or a similar field, with the ability to contribute to the bid and tendering process. The successful applicant will be responsible for resourcing and line managing a site team whilst promoting compliance with all company systems and policies. They will have experience of managing and delivering various sized complex projects on time and to the satisfaction of our clients and will need to be based in or near to one of the company’s regional offices in Guildford, Cardiff, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester. Occasional visits to head office in Guildford are required.

For more details, please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

For more details, please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

PLANT HEALTH CARE TECHNICIAN – BUCKS AND LONDON BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS Location: Buckinghamshire

Bartlett Tree Experts has a full-time position available, based at its office near Beaconsfield. The successful candidate will identify a variety of tree and shrub species and common pest and disease problems associated with them.

They will schedule treatments with clients, drive and operate the company’s 3.5t spray truck and take soil samples, as well as complete paperwork and manage the chemical and fertiliser stock. The role would involve working with the tree crew when not busy with plant health care. Those applying need to have a genuine interest in plant health care, good communication skills and be able to work independently. Applicants must have PA1 and PA6 spraying qualifications and a full driving licence. CS30, CS31, CS38 and CS39 (or equivalent), Level 2 or Level 3 Arboriculture or Horticulture are desirable.

For more information or to place an job, please contact the team on:

01903 777 570

For more details, please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

96 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Hort Careers-2.indd 96

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 16:43

CLASSIFIED

TREE PLANTING • LANDSCAPING • HORTICULTURE

rootgrow.co.uk • info@plantworksuk.co.uk • 01795 411527 Manufactured under Licence granted by the Royal Horticultural Society. Registered Charity no 222879/SC038262

Shade Solutions   

FOR ALL YOUR IRRIGATION NEEDS

Design and Advice • Irrigation Parts Catalogue 24/7 Online Parts Ordering www.shade - solutions.com

www.access-irrigation.co.uk • sales@access-irrigation.co.uk

01788 823811

 





Design, Installation & Maintenance of Landscape Irrigation Systems and Water Features

For all your golf, sportsturf and landscape irrigation needs.

Buy online at www.lws.uk.com

@waterscapesltd

Tel 0345 230 9697 • www.lws.uk.com

For the Best Turf on Earth call 01759321000 or email us info@inturf.co.uk www.inturf.com

Advert Template PL.indd 20

01963 824166 info@waterscapeslimited.com

Download the FREE PRO LANDSCAPER app today 1 Go to the App Store

3 Download the free app

2 Search for ‘Pro Landscaper’

4 Choose and download your issue

17/12/2020 12:13

PEOPLE

T H E L I T T L E I N T E RV I E W

PRO LANDSCAPER ASKS QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS TO GAIN A SMALL INSIGHT INTO THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE UP OUR INDUSTRY. TO TAKE PART, EMAIL CONTENT@ EL JAYS44.COM

98 Pro Landscaper / January 2021

Little Interviews.indd 98

GEORGE TROTT

J O N AT H A N H I L L

Senior site supervisor/arborist, Tony Benger Landscaping Ltd

Sales & marketing director, Rolawn Limited

www.tonybenger.com

www.rolawn.co.uk

If you weren’t in the horticulture industry, what would you be doing?

Something musical.

If you weren’t in the horticulture industry, what would you be doing?

Pathology.

Garden shows/show gardens – inspirational or not?

Occasionally, but on the whole not for me.

Other than the UK, which country’s landscape inspires you the most?

Italy, especially Tuscany.

Other than the UK, which country’s landscape inspires you the most?

Japan and South Korea.

The one person in the industry you’d love to meet?

Whoever is responsible for the weather.

What would you blow your budget on?

Planting lots of trees.

One thing that you think would make the industry better?

Ever greater engagement with kids and young adults.

The one person in the industry you’d love to meet?

John Parker – Arboricultural Association.

Newest gardening trend in your opinion?

Living walls.

Best piece of trivia you know?

The circumference of the world along the equator is approximately the width of five Russias.

Role model as a child?

Tony Hawk.

Couldn’t get through the week without…

Coffee, lots of coffee.

Newest gardening trend in your opinion?

The re-emergence of house plants.

Role model as a child?

Bjorn Borg.

Couldn’t get through the week without...

Coffee and the prospect of what’s next Best invention in recent years?

Wi-Fi technology.

Your most used saying or cliché?

Onwards and upwards.

Best invention in recent years?

Sonic tomography testing on trees.

What three things would you take to a desert island?

My wife, reading glasses, wine.

What three things would you take to a desert island?

Swiss army knife, fire stone, water container.

Your favourite joke?

What did the one snowman say to the other snowman? Can you smell carrots?

Karaoke song of choice?

‘Sweet Child of Mine’ by Guns n Roses.

Karaoke song of choice?

‘Tell Her About It’ by Billy Joel.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/12/2020 09:44

PEOPLE

WENDY SMITH

KARL HARRISON

MARLENE LENTO

Garden designer, The PlantSmith

Director, Karl Harrison Landscapes Ltd

Creative director, Green Oak Services

www.theplantsmith.co.uk

www.karlharrison.design

www.greenoakservices.co.uk

Garden shows/show gardens – inspirational or not?

Mostly, yes!

If you weren’t in the horticulture industry, what would you be doing?

Designing and manufacturing my own products.

If you weren’t in the horticulture industry, what would you be doing?

Designing interiors.

Other than the UK, which country’s landscape inspires you the most?

Spain, as I grew up going there on holidays then walked across it last year following The Camino de Santiago path.

The one person in the industry you’d love to meet?

Charlotte Harris.

One thing that you think would make the industry better?

Better course content and standards from the start.

Best piece of trivia you know?

There’s more microorganisms in one teaspoon of soil than there are people on earth.

Role model as a child?

My dad.

Couldn’t get through the week without...

Lemons.

What three things would you take to a desert island?

Ray Mears, champagne and lemons.

Best invention in recent years?

Electric cars.

Your favourite joke?

I got my daughter a fridge for her birthday – can’t wait for her face to light up when she opens it.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Little Interviews.indd 99

Garden shows/show gardens – inspirational or not?

Possibly not, I prefer real gardens for real people, they are more sustainable too.

Other than the UK, which country’s landscape inspires you the most?

Mexico, possible the most original, challenging yet beautifully coloured ‘scapes.

What would you blow your budget on?

A massive party and champagne for everyone.

One thing that you think would make the industry better?

Me on the telly, obvs’.

Role model as a child?

My father, a brilliant landscaper.

Couldn’t get through the week without...

Fine food with friends.

Best invention in recent years?

Charred timber.

Your most used saying or cliché?

“Bottle of wine for the winner…”

Favourite tipple?

Champagne, obviously.

What three things would you take to a desert island?

A bunch of mates, a fridge and wine making equipment.

Other than the UK, which country’s landscape inspires you the most?

France – there is so much variety.

One thing that you think would make the industry better?

If clients could be educated to understand the value of a quality install.

Newest gardening trend in your opinion?

Gas fire pits and fire tables. Also, outdoor tiles and rugs.

Role model as a child?

My dad – he is an engineer and inventor and I used to spend hours watching him draw.

Couldn’t get through the week without...

Pottering in my allotment.

Best invention in recent years?

Great composite materials for everything from counter tops to cladding. And outdoor wallpaper.

Your most used saying or cliché?

You can’t build a champagne design with lemonade money.

Favourite tipple?

Champagne mixed with lemonade – just kidding. Red wine, but only on porcelain patios!

Your favourite joke?

What is brown and runs around the garden? A fence.

Pro Landscaper / January 2021 99

17/12/2020 09:44

#LetsGetPlanting

IN 2020, GREENBLUE URBAN PRODUCTS SUPPORTED THE PLANTING OF 30,000 TREES.

Visit greenblue.com to discover how our landscaping solutions enable sustainable cities.

hello@greenblue.com Advert Template PL.indd 21

greenblue.com 17/12/2020 13:00