Pro Landscaper June 2021

JUNE 2O21

PLAYING WITH NATURE I DVERDE

30 UNDER 30 LAUNCH

LET’S HEAR IT FROM

RECENT REBRANDING

THE ONLY WAY IS UP

The search begins for this year’s up-and-comers

Award-winning designer Arabella Lennox-Boyd

Bennett Landscapes updates its look and core offering

Maylim’s Thomas O’Mahony on nurturing staff

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WELCOME

W E LCO M E N

Let’s hope we take the chance to shine, grow the reputation and the importance of our sector and embed it in the government, developers’ and general public’s minds.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue and please look out for the information on the launch of this year’s small project BIG IMPACT Awards (page 42). If you have been involved in designing and/or building exceptional gardens for under £30,000, then these are awards that you should be entering.

Have a great month,

JIM & LISA

THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER OPPORTUNITY FOR THE SECTOR TO REALLY STAND OUT

©Marianne Cartwright-Hignett/Iford Manor Garden

ow is the time to shine. Since we launched Pro Landscaper 10 years ago, there has never been a better opportunity for the sector to really stand out. As the pandemic seems to be on its way to being under control, it’s paramount the sector maximises the value that the UK public is putting upon green space.

It has become crystal clear that having a garden during the last 12 months has been a real asset, but we shouldn’t forget that having green space close by to allow exercise was high up on the government’s recommendation. With good evidence to support this stance, the positive impact it has on our health and wellbeing – and the quick wins in respect of climate change – the landscaping sector can come out on top.

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CONTENTS

IQ 35 39

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46 UK Landscape Barometer Analysing March’s data A Pause for Breath Neil Edwards

INFORM 08 11 12 15 21 24 26 28 30 31 4

News Our monthly roundup of industry news 30 Under 30: The Next Generation Launch 30 Under 30 Update Olivia Benger

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Inside: Bennett Landscapes Rebranding, success and future ambitions

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The Only Way is Up: Progression and Development Thomas O’Mahony Do No Harm Lynne Marcus The Curse of the Cow Parsley Andrew Wilson Design Through Ecology Katie Flaxman Paradise City Christopher Martin

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INSPIRE

Let’s Hear It From Arabella Lennox-Boyd

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46 50 54 59 63

Reimagined Beauty Lynne Marcus Garden Design Stepping Stones Tracy Foster Garden Design Playing With Nature idverde Landscape Architect’s Journal Mei Loci Internationally Inspired Debs Winrow Lighting for Spa Areas Latest Products

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CONTENTS

JUNE 2021 NURTURE 67 72 75 76 79 80 83

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Feature Garden Iford Manor The Worth of Wildlife Nick Coslett Happy to Help Lewis Normand News Extra Glendale Civic Trees Versatile Vertical Greening Plantbox Johnsons of Whixley Celebrates 100 Years Johnsons of Whixley Top Turf Why invest in expensive turf?

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E D U C AT E 87 88 89 90 93

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Keeping Your Feet on Firm Ground Alison Warner Problematic Paving Gareth Wilson Understanding Positive Discrimination Jason McKenzie, Oracle Solicitors The Keys to Time Management Nick Ruddle You Are Not Alone How can we care for ourselves and those we work with?

Product DNA Toro Groundsmaster 3500-D 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.

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CONTRIBUTORS

CO N T R I B U TO R S Thomas O’Mahony Investing in its people is key to Maylim, with training and development continuously reviewed and encouraged. Its Rising Star programme celebrates those showing promise and determination, and this nurturing approach has proven successful for the company, says Thomas O’Mahony.

P24

W W W.MAYLIM.CO.UK

CHRISTOPHER MARTIN P31

@MAYLIMLTD

Lynne Marcus

NICK COSLETT P72

The last year has highlighted the importance of green space more than ever, and so Lynne Marcus questions why we continue to produce landscapes covered in plastic products. The chair of the SGD explains why such choices can be damaging to the environment and why they should be reconsidered.

P26

W W W.SGD.ORG.UK

@THE_SGD

LEWIS NORMAND P75

Katie Flaxman Ecologists should be seen as integral to projects, says Katie Flaxman.

Their environmental expertise can benefit each and every landscaping scheme. Recognising this, Studio 31 has partnered with an ecological consultant to further its commitment to the environment.

P30

ALISON WARNER P87

W W W.DESIGNSTUDIO31.CO.UK

Nick Ruddle

GARETH WILSON P88

Managing your to-do list might seem a little easier after reading Nick Ruddle’s advice this month. He explains the four skills required for better time management, setting out the process for success with some small tips and tricks which can make a huge difference to your business.

P90

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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

JASON MCKENZIE P89

@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 – Alex Olley alex.olley@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 – Joe Wilkinson joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 577

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 2021 subscription price is £100. 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.

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

Cover image ©Henrietta Williams/idverde

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INFORM

NEWS

MITIE EXTENDS WORK WITH SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT WITH SEVEN-YEAR CONTRACT

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itie has extended its 13-year partnership with the Scottish Government with a new seven-year facilities management contract. The contract, which was awarded following a competitive tender, will see Mitie deliver key services for 70 sites across the country, ranging from offices and research centres through to Marine Scotland’s buildings and the First Minister’s residence.

DEEPDALE ANNOUNCES NEW MANAGEMENT BUYOUT

D

eepdale, a leading nursery in the UK, has announced the completion of a management buyout to enhance its success further and begin its EU expansion.

As expert growers and wholesalers of

high-quality mature trees and shrubs, Deepdale’s aim is to invest more into the company and staff to enable business growth. The structure of the buyout will allow Deepdale to offer more to its UK clients.

The change occurred after Deepdale was approached by a private equity company looking to invest in green projects.

Unfortunately, this was not successful due to a disagreement regarding the deal, and it was

then that the current management team – Mark Godden, Andrew Fenton and Matthias Anton – decided a buyout would be the most beneficial option.

Michael Hickson, finance director, says: “We are looking to open a company in Europe as we deal with a lot of clients such as landscape architects and designers across the EU. This will enable us to supply trees to them without the Brexit trade difficulties.”

Matthias Anton, who is based in Germany, says: “I am looking forward to a new era in the company as the management team builds on its past success. As part of that he says that Deepdale is already helping and supplying our UK clients with their projects in Europe.”

Andrew Fenton, production director, says: “We will be looking to expand our UK growing and holding facilities enabling us to provide more containerisation space as well as the ability to stock more of the items.” www.deepdale-trees.co.uk

Mitie will deliver various services, including engineering, maintenance, energy management, and more. Sustainability will be central, with Mitie designing a strategy to cut carbon emissions across its estate. It will start by auditing all 70 sites to collect data on water and energy consumption and identify opportunities to make buildings more efficient. This will help the government set sustainability targets and implement solutions to reach its net zero goal.

Carlo Alloni, managing director for technical services, says: “We look forward to...sharing our sustainability expertise to help the Scottish Government fight climate change and achieve its carbon emissions targets for its sites.” www.mitie.com

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INFORM

GROUND CONTROL WINS THE QUEEN’S AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE

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or the second time in five years, Ground Control has won The Queen’s Award for Enterprise, one of the country’s most prestigious and respected business honours.

After the success of winning the inaugural Queen’s Award five years ago, Ground Control’s work in developing and launching a Gateway Compliance Matrix resource management system caught the judging panel’s eye this year.

The platform is unique, allowing the company to more accurately target and compete for contracts by automatically assessing the risk, management and compliance obligations for each project.

Targeting the right selection of people, the system allows customers to see how Ground Control safely and efficiently manages complex compliance records at scale.

Jason Knights, managing director, Ground Control, says: “This is fantastic news as the

Queen’s Award is recognition of the effort and investment we put in to create and maintain external spaces that are safe, functional and enjoyable for all our workers.

The need for the system evolved out of our continued growth and diversification.

As we’ve expanded, so has the difficulty, challenges and complexity of managing and recording the compliance requirements for each project.”

The platform has already played an important role in helping Ground Control win a long-term contract with National Grid by eliminating long consultations with senior management and instead the complex compliance and training requirements were accurately assessed, cross-referenced and authorised in a matter of hours – rather than days.

A further key advantage is that there is wider distribution of expertise and decision making. The use of the rules-based system will enable authorised experts from across the company to assess, act and make timely decisions whilst managing risk. www.ground-control.co.uk

TREE PLANTING RATES TO TREBLE BY END OF THIS PARLIAMENT

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lans to treble tree planting rates over the course of this Parliament have been set out by the Environment Secretary. In a speech that outlined the government’s ambitions to create more woodlands, protect peatlands and boost biodiversity, he set out how new measures to increase tree planting will form a central pillar in the efforts to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

Under the new target, approximately 7,000ha of woodlands will be planted per year by the end of this Parliament (May 2024) alongside new initiatives to improve the health of trees, create more woodlands in cities, and deliver thousands of green jobs.

The increase in woodland creation rates will be backed up by new funding for tree nurseries to improve domestic tree production and maintain high levels of biosecurity. This is to ensure the trees

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Online Exclusives MEASUREMENT IN THE CARBON CHALLENGE Dr Abigail Barker, Natural Capital Research’s chief operating officer, considers the complexity of measuring results of carbon zero initiatives. She says: “The industry is facing challenges that require demonstrable improvements in the natural capital of areas subject to intervention or construction...” www.prolandscapermagazine.com/ measurement-in-the-carbon-challenge

FASTEST RISE IN ENQUIRIES FOR BUILDING WORK IN OVER A DECADE During the first three months of 2021, building firms saw the fastest increase of enquiries in a decade, according to the Federation of Master Builders, Scotland.

However, this rapid increase presented difficulties as it fuelled material shortages. www.prolandscapermagazine.com/ fastest-rise-in-enquiries-for-buildingwork-in-over-a-decade

HAS THE PANDEMIC SPARKED AN INCREASE IN GARDEN DESIGN? planted are healthy and resilient to the impacts of changing climate and increasing threats from pests and diseases.

Launching the plan, the Environment Secretary George Eustice says: “We are putting plans in place to treble woodland creation rates by the end of this Parliament, reflecting England’s contribution to meeting the UK’s overall target of planting 30,000ha per year by the end of this Parliament.

We will make sure that the right trees are planted in the right places and that more green jobs are created in the forestry sector.” www.gov.uk

Last month’s UK Landscape Barometer discovered there has been an increase in enquiries, projects, and conversion rates.

There was an average increase of 90% in conversion and 92% in projects. So, what has prompted this interest of garden design? www.prolandscapermagazine.com/ has-the-pandemic-sparked-an-increase -in-garden-design

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ENTER YOURSELF OR A COLLEAGUE Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation is back for its seventh year. To date, we have celebrated 180 winners from a variety of sectors within the industry – from sales to arboriculture, from construction to design, from maintenance to landscape architecture. These awards should not only highlight the up-and-coming talent within the industry, but also the diversity of horticulture and those working within it. Why not put forward yourself or a deserving colleague for a chance to be recognised?

Who?

Why?

How?

The rules are simple. You can nominate yourself or a colleague, as long as the nominee was aged 30 or under on 1 January 2021 and currently works within the horticulture, arboriculture, garden design or landscape sector. Entrants must have worked in the industry for at least one year.

Entering Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation is a great way to gain recognition for your own work or the work of someone you know. Previous winners have expressed that winning the awards is a wonderful way to enhance their careers.

Simply email 30u30@eljays44.com to request an entry form.

Fill out the form to the best of your ability, picking out key moments from your career and showcasing some of your best work.

Email the form back with a high-resolution (at least 1MB) headshot by 31 August 2021.

Proudly supported by

CONTACT DETAILS

For more information on how to enter, contact 01903 777570 or email 30u30@eljays44.com

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OLIVIA WITH HER DAD AT BURROW FARM GARDENS, PUBLIC GARDENS OWNED AND CREATED BY OLIVIA’S GRANDPARENTS, MARY AND JOHN BENGER

INFORM

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

OLIVIA BENGER OLIVIA BENGER SOMEWHAT UNEXPECTEDLY JOINED THE FAMILY BUSINESS BUT IS NOW THRILLED TO BE A COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS MANAGER AT TONY BENGER LANDSCAPING AND HAS BIG PLANS FOR ITS FUTURE

I

t shouldn’t come as a surprise that Olivia Benger excels as a commercial contracts manager – the skill seems to run in the family. Her father founded Tony Benger Landscaping in 1986 and the company has since become successful in both the domestic and commercial sectors, with more than 80 employees working on projects across the south west of England.

The surprise might be that Olivia had no intention of joining the family business.

As a keen instrumentalist, playing both the saxophone and clarinet, Olivia went to study music at the University of Chichester. “There wasn’t a career that I naturally thought of, which seems absurd when the whole family is involved in landscaping and my grandparents have public gardens,” says Olivia. “So, I did a degree in music, something completely different, and then went travelling around Australia and New Zealand for a couple of years.”

IN AUSTRALIA

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When Olivia returned to Devon in 2016, she was asked to be a “guinea pig” at Tony Benger Landscaping, to see whether she (with little to no knowledge of the landscaping sector) could learn how to estimate and manage projects on the job. We don’t need to tell you the results of this test – not only did Olivia learn the skills of running everything from house building sites to large commercial landscaping projects with the help of business manager Oliver Hemson, but she’s now on track to oversee the entire commercial department.

THERE’S A REAL DEMAND IN COMMERCIAL AND I’D LOVE TO GROW THIS SECTOR OF THE BUSINESS It’s a fantastic opportunity for the 27-year-old, arguably more so as a female working in commercial contract management – and she's done nothing but show that she was a perfect fit for the job. “I was a bit apprehensive when I first joined about going onto a building site, but I love it and I wouldn’t choose to do any other role – it seems to come naturally to me being in that environment and I enjoy being able to build relationships with customers whilst working with my team to deliver top quality results.”

WITH COLLEAGUES

Olivia is also undertaking a Level 3 Leadership and Management course in her spare time, though with the sector thriving, there’s perhaps little of this. It’s already looking to be a stellar year for Tony Benger Landscaping, which has been shortlisted in three categories of the Pro Landscaper Business Awards 2021, including Employer of the Year.

With business booming, Olivia has bold plans for the commercial department. “There’s a real demand in commercial and I’d love to grow this sector of the business and have more team leaders and contract managers to be able to take on whichever commercial project comes along.” As one of our most recent 30 Under 30: The Next Generation, this is likely to be just the start of a promising career for Olivia, and her success in managing commercial contracts will hopefully encourage more women to take on such a role in the industry.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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INFORM

Let ’s Hear it From

ARABELLA LENNOX-BOYD ARABELLA LENNOX-BOYD BEGAN HER CAREER IN 1969.

OVER THE PAST 52 YEARS, THE INDUSTRY HAS CHANGED SIGNIFICANTLY. WE SPEAK TO HER ABOUT HOW, AS SHE TOUCHES UPON SOME OF HER CAREER HIGHLIGHTS.

I

n 1969, Arabella Lennox-Boyd began her journey as a landscape architect at Thames Polytechnic (now the University of Greenwich). It’s a career that has seen her design over 800 gardens, win six Chelsea Flower Show Gold medals, be awarded the RHS Veitch Memorial Medal for her outstanding work in horticulture and write four books.

Arabella began her remarkable career working on smaller gardens, but even today there is no project too small. “Small London gardens can be the most challenging of all. They have to look good all year, providing interest, beauty, scent and attracting wildlife. It’s a lot to work out in a very small space.”

It’s safe to say that no small space is more work than a Chelsea Flower Show Garden. Arabella has designed seven of them throughout her career, the first in 1979 and the most recent in 2008. Her very first garden was a garden for bees with a formal style and back then, Chelsea was a very different affair. “You didn’t think too much about medals in those days. There was no pressure,” explains Arabella.

“It was more about having a good idea, a message, and showing what can be achieved with plants. The brief nowadays is quite stringent. Designers have to be careful to follow the brief and create what they said they would.

It’s a good way of judging a garden, but it can be restraining.”

“There’s so much information out there about plant combinations now, you don’t necessarily need Chelsea to learn about that. But these gardens can send messages.

The year before last The Forestry Commission created The Resilience Garden which explored the challenges facing our forests in the future. I really liked that.”

1 Lake edge with Prunus ‘Tai-haku’, Cercidiphyllum japonicum f.pendulum and Iris pseudacorus variegate 2 Arabella among a large clump of Rodgersia aesculifolia ©Martin Pope

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INFORM

These days, Arabella has curated gardens all over the world; she’s crafted a Tuscan paradise bursting full of colour and texture for Sting and Trudie Styler, developed the first large landscape for the Maggie’s Cancer Caring Charity in Dundee, built a contemporary roof garden in Hong Kong, and fashioned a garden for Queen Paola of Belgium, but, when asked what her career highlight has been, Arabella doesn’t hesitate: “The projects where I feel I’ve given the client something that’s going to take away their worries and preoccupations.”

And, when speaking of her favourite project, she tells us: “the ones where I have felt the client has become involved, where the relationship carries on through the garden and a shared love of nature and design.”

In her most recent book, Gardens in My Life, Arabella reflects on some of the gardens which have had a profound impact on her. We learn of the inspirations which led to the final design, while learning from Arabella’s wealth of planting knowledge. “Writing the book was

Back when Arabella first started designing Chelsea gardens, it was a cheaper affair, and, though this is changing, the sometimes unsustainable nature of Chelsea doesn’t sit right with her, “What I don’t find attractive about Chelsea is the cost of everything – it’s distasteful.

Especially as the supplies used often go to waste.

Things have changed, thankfully, but 12 or 15 years ago I was often refused when asked if I could sell on or even buy parts of my gardens.”

This passion for sustainability and the environment seems to have been with Arabella from the beginning. When she was just starting out as a landscape architect, Arabella worked on what was perhaps the first ever rewilding project.

Of course, back in the mid-1970’s the term ‘rewilding’ wasn’t in use, but its principles certainly were. In Italy, a farming estate south of Rome was given back to nature and transformed into a bird park in collaboration with World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Due to her connection with the owner of the property attached to the major rewilding site, Arabella was asked to undertake the landscaping and did so with pleasure: “It was an enormous thing for someone starting their career.”

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YOU CAN MAKE ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT A COUNTRY AND ITS PLANTS, BUT IT’S NEVER THE REALITY. TALKING TO THE LOCAL HORTICULTURALISTS IS SO IMPORTANT TO LEARN ABOUT A COUNTRY’S MICROCLIMATE AND WHICH PLANTS THRIVE BEST perfect for COVID-19 because I had plenty of time to write it,” explains Arabella. “It was really fun and really hard work, but I hugely enjoyed the challenge.”

The gardens featured in the book include Palazzo Parisi in Italy, Dauenburg in Germany and Le Bristol in France. These are just a selection of the plethora of international projects Arabella has in her repertoire and each is a testament to how she is able to adapt her style to suit varying tastes and climates.

She does this first and foremost by speaking to the local botanic garden: “You can make assumptions about a country and its plants, but it’s never the reality,” explains Arabella. “Talking to the local horticulturalists is so important to

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INFORM

learn about a countries microclimate and which plants thrive best.”

It’s Arabella’s country home in north Lancashire, Gresgarth Hall, which truly showcases her lifetime’s work. “Gresgarth Hall is a constant revolution. There’s always something I want to add to it, which is inevitable – I think my husband thinks I’ve gone too far!

Nature is very powerful, so we’re constantly fighting against weeds and the river breaking its banks and trees falling. It’s a constant evolution; a constant interest and joy.”

Nestled in a valley, the site is 12 acres of terraces, a lake, a wild garden, kitchen garden, herbaceous borders and a serpentine walk.

Predominant pinks, purples and silver-whites

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come from plants such as roses and clematis.

A recently planted arboretum is home to a collection of Cassia fistula, a family of plants which Arabella particularly enjoys working with.

Though Arabella loves travelling, music, and cooking, her work, and in particular, plants, are her biggest hobby. Choosing a favourite plant to work with is impossible, though, as it changes throughout the year. In the spring, Arabella loves cherry trees and hellebores, as the months pass peonies seize her attention, and then roses.

Come August, Arabella is dreaming of an Italian garden with no flowers. Soon, green turns to orange, yellow and red as autumn colours take over and Arabella can appreciate the form of plants, “a garden in winter is a beautiful thing,

with topiary hedges and well-trained plants,” Arabella tells us, “the naked shape of a plant is fascinating. I’m always very careful of how I prune trees and try and give them a shape – I observe what the tree is telling me.”

This is a technique which extends to Arabella’s garden design, where every project is unique to place: “I’m not interested in somebody saying that ‘this must be an Arabella Lennox-Boyd garden’ at all.”

3 Herbaceous border with clipped Prunus lusitanica, Monarda ‘Thundercloud’, Phlox ‘Franz Schubert’ rising through Achillea ‘Summerwine’ and Agapanthus ‘Midnight’ 4 The back of Gresgarth Hall with topiary yew buttresses, tumbling roses and Salix lanata

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INFORM

“I want people to feel that I have followed the natural landscape and that they feel they are where they are, not in an installation.”

Arabella takes careful consideration of who the garden is for, where its located and how she can incorporate nature naturally, by taking in the views and opening up the landscape. Going with the landscape also means not changing soil types to suit certain planting palettes but changing the planting to suit the soil.

This process has served Arabella well for 52 years. But, as you can imagine, those years have seen its fair share of changes to the industry. Back in Arabella’s early days, planting a full-grown tree or hedge would have been completely out of the question, “In one of the first gardens I did, I planted hedges which were just over 30cm tall, now they plant them at 2m.”

This may have been in part due to the absence of JCBs, which were just beginning to be rolled out.

THE INDUSTRY HAS MOVED ON LEAPS AND BOUNDS. DESIGN IS SO MUCH BETTER, YOU HAVE ACCESS TO A LARGER VARIETY OF PLANTS, WONDERFUL SUPPLIES, AND SKILLED CONTRACTORS Landscape contractors also weren’t around – only on large city projects – with the job falling to local gardeners instead. “The industry has moved on leaps and bounds,” explains Arabella, “design is so much better, you have access to a larger variety of plants, wonderful supplies, and skilled contractors.”

Perhaps one of the most significant of all these changes came last year, as the public, more than they ever had before, began to wake up to the wonders of outdoor spaces. Arabella didn’t stop working during the pandemic, with the luxury of working outside in client’s gardens.

Throughout this time, she found her clients engaged with the projects on a whole new level, with many taking up a newfound interesting in growing their own food: “A lot of my clients have realised what being in the countryside means and what it can give you. I’m finding more of them are interested in vegetable patches, fruit trees for the birds, and nature in general.”

Arabella has even been able to appreciate her own garden more too, finding the extra time she’s been able to spend there invaluable for learning and hopes that with the discovery of Zoom and Teams, she can do more of the same from now on.

Arabella may have a huge career behind her, but she is nowhere near done yet. “I’ll always love my work” Arabella tells us, “It’s a fantastic career that I have, and I have been incredibly lucky because it has so many different aspects. It’s brought me so much happiness and interest.”

5 Front of Gresgarth Hall with Cordateria richardii rising out of Rodgersia aesculifolia, species roses and Cercidiphyllum japonicum 6 Four Magnolia x loebneri ‘Merrill’ are planted around a central cobbled rondel

C O N TA C T Arabella Lennox-Boyd Tel 020 7931 9995 Email office@arabellalennoxboyd.com

www.arabellalennoxboyd.com

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Pro Landscaper / June 2021

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

19/05/2021 15:31

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20/05/2021 08:33

INFORM

BENNETT LANDSCAPES

SINCE SWITCHING ITS FOCUS TO COMMERCIAL MAINTENANCE, BENNETT LANDSCAPES HAS SOARED. MANAGING DIRECTOR MATTHEW BENNETT SHARES HOW ITS RECENT REBRANDING SHOWS THE COMPANY’S SUCCESSES AND ITS BOLD AMBITIONS FOR GROWTH

F

or the last 18 years, Bennett Landscapes has been modest.

The Midlands based grounds maintenance company has quietly grown from a one-man-band into a 78-strong team, making it one of the largest of its kind in the region. But now, after years of humility, Bennett Landscapes is coming out of its shell. It has undergone a complete rebrand, switching to a sleek and sophisticated logo

THIS IS A NEW BEGINNING, AND THE IDEA IS WE GO ON BIGGER AND BOLDER. WE’RE LOOKING TO DOUBLE OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS; WE HAVE A SOLID BUSINESS PLAN, AND WE WANT TO MOVE FORWARD

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and website which reflects not only its admirable growth and prolific client base, but its plans for the future, too.

“We’re really proud of where we are now and we certainly don’t want to make light of our achievements,” says managing director Matthew Bennett. “But this is a new beginning, and the idea is we go on bigger and bolder.

We’re looking to double over the next five years; we have a solid business plan, and we want to move forward.”

With Matthew at the helm, Bennett Landscapes is more ambitious than ever.

And whilst he might have founded the company with its current name back in 2003, he calls it a third-generation family business.

“My grandfather started the company in the 60s, specialising in sports grounds.

“Back then, every big factory had a sports ground and team. The 90s were more difficult – a lot of the factories were closing down, and the big sports fields were no more. When I took it on, it was pretty much just me in a van.”

Matthew had been working weekends for the family business since he was 12,

MATTHEW BENNETT

and knew he wanted to be involved in it when he left school, so when he took over, he focused on how the business could move forward.

The answer? Diversification.

“One of our big contracts at the time was with IMI plc. Its headquarters was in Birmingham and that’s where we had our unit. IMI then decided to sell and the grounds – around 30 acres – was going to be developed into an industrial estate. A managing agent came to the grounds after the sale, and it opened my eyes to the commercial world.

“That was when I thought, ‘this is how we can move forward’. From there, around 2007, it was

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INFORM

about trying to develop a one or two-manband into a proper company and develop an infrastructure we could scale up.”

Investment was made into gaining recognised accreditations, such as ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 and Investors In People. “That gave us the building blocks for the stability of a business. It’s been a hard slog, with the ebb and flow of the family business over the years, but it’s been great, and I’ve really enjoyed it. I have some great people around me and the company has really progressed.

I can’t quite believe it when I look back – where it is now and where it’s going.”

Moving away from the sports turf specialism of the 60s, Bennett Landscapes’ core business is now commercial grounds maintenance, with most of its business coming through managing agents. It started building a portfolio of office blocks, retail parks and industrial estates; these made up 80% of its work, with the remaining 20% being residential. Ten years later, Matthew says this has switched, and Bennett Landscapes maintains more apartment blocks and stately homes than it does business parks.

“It’s been quite a shift,” says Matthew.

“And it’s one of the things we’ve been really quite proud of during the pandemic. We’ve

22 Pro Landscaper / June 2021

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been working flat out because people have been stuck at home and staying local, using their communal gardens or going for a walk in their local area. Business was still there for us. It’s been really difficult finding a way to work under the coronavirus, such as not putting people together; but ultimately it

HOPEFULLY THE REBRAND IS GOING TO ALIGN US WITH OUR BIGGER COMPETITORS WITHIN THE INDUSTRY meant that we were able to keep trading at a sizeable scale. That slight shift in model over the last year was a saving grace for us.

I’d like to say it was planned, but no-one was predicting a pandemic!”

Being able to work throughout the pandemic has not only enabled Bennett Landscapes to make it through what could have been an incredible difficult period, but the company has actually grown over the last year. “I don’t want to tempt fate, but we are coming out of the COVID-19 situation – and certainly out of the third lockdown –

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19/05/2021 16:58

INFORM

a much stronger, bigger and better company than when we went in, which is remarkable.

Now, we’re looking forward and we’re really positive.”

Hence the rebrand, which includes clearly defining the six departments that now make up the company: grounds maintenance, street cleaning, commercial landscaping, rapid response, winter services and road sweeping. Each has its own branding, with the first ‘e’ in Bennett changing colour depending on the department.

“We have three vans carrying out winter maintenance services, for instance, and these should be branded ‘Bennett Winter Services’, that’s the department. So, we’re looking to develop the six departments and that’s going to be key to our growth. We needed a brand to reflect who we are, but more importantly where we’re going.

“Hopefully the rebrand is going to align us with the biggest names in our industry; we have some fantastic, big players in the industry which are leading the way and it’s for the likes of us to not only keep up, but push them.

“So, I wanted to give us a brand which will stand in five years’ time when we’re operating with 150 to 200 people. Our previous branding wasn’t bad, but it reflected where we started, and we

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Inside Bennett Landscapes.indd 23

perhaps need to be less humble and prouder of our achievements.”

The client base is certainly one to be proud of – Savills, Knight Frank and Mainstay Group, to name a few. Bennett Landscapes’ biggest client is Calthorpe Estates, a property investment and development company which owns a 1,600-acre mixed-use estate in Edgbaston, Birmingham, of which Bennett Landscapes maintains the entirety.

Whilst the company’s core focus and base is in the Midlands, there are plans to expand its reach, and Matthew says he recognises that acquisitions are perhaps going to be the best way to do this, but not without losing the Bennett’s ethos. Over the last two years, it has focused on nurturing its team through training and apprenticeships.

“Our management team is fantastic.

We spent a lot of time over the winter seasons with the operational staff in the classroom, effectively. We do our own internal training as well as the standard external courses. We have 54 training modules covering all equipment types, such as strimmers and hedge cutters, as well as horticultural knowledge.

“Most people think that anyone good with their hands can be trained to use equipment, but I think you need to go beyond that for

quality; that’s where horticultural knowledge comes in and we have an abundance of it in our firm.”

Matthew says Bennett Landscapes has embraced the apprenticeship scheme too.

“I’m really passionate about it. People should be proud of our industry – it’s not just something people go into if they don’t like working in an office. It’s a great trade, and we hope we’re playing our part in bringing up the skills of the industry.”

Bennett Landscapes is not just bringing up the skills of the industry through its in-house training but is also contributing to building the industry’s reputation. Through ensuring it has accreditations, training and apprenticeships and a strong structure to the business, Bennett Landscapes is showcasing a grounds maintenance company at its best, and its new branding epitomises their dedication.

C O N TA C T Bennett Landscapes & Maintenance Ltd 10, 21, 22 and 27 Poplar Drive, Witton, Birmingham, B6 7AD Tel 0844 879 4211 Email info@bennettlandscapes.co.uk

www.bennettlandscapes.co.uk

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19/05/2021 16:59

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T H O M AS O’ M A H O N Y

THE ONLY WAY IS UP: PROGRESSION AND DEVELOPMENT THOMAS O’MAHONEY EXPLAINS THE IMPORTANCE OF NOURISHING AND SUPPORTING STAFF AND HOW MAYLIM HAS DEVELOPED ITS OWN WAY OF DOING JUST THAT

P

eople development is at the heart of Maylim, and something that I am personally very passionate about.

From my experience, and having been managing director at Maylim for 12 years, the satisfaction doesn’t come from the growth of the organisation. Instead, it comes from the development and growth of our people.

In recent years, I feel that the industry has lost its way in regard to people development; especially in comparison to what I experienced starting out. Many moons ago, at the start of my career, I undertook a training programme to be an assistant engineer. Over the course of the six-year programme I soaked up as much as I possibly could. I learnt about all aspects of the construction from demolition, drainage and civils, through to hard and soft landscaping finishes.

I was also given the opportunity to experience the other side of the industry including all stages of delivery, tendering and procurement.

This 360-degree view helped to provide real grounding as an individual and gave me the opportunity to explore different career paths.

Fast-pace programmes and tighter margins have certainly had a major impact on organisations having the resource in place to grow talent within. In more recent times, I believe that COVID-19 has also had a visible impact on this.

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Thomas OMahony.indd 24

Maylim places a significant importance on developing and training employees within the company. The fact that many of our managers and senior managers have come up through the ranks from junior positions is a real testament to that. Operations director, Liam Hawkins, joined the organisation in 2014 as an engineer. Our training and development system helped Liam to explore different career paths and provided the opportunity to develop his skills, gain qualifications and progress within the company.

MAYLIM PLACES A SIGNIFICANT IMPORTANCE ON DEVELOPING AND TRAINING EMPLOYEES WITHIN THE COMPANY In April 2021 we launched our Development Journal Programme, made up of one-to-one quarterly meetings between line managers and their individual team members. The journal helps each of our people track development at Maylim. We also run a ‘Rising Stars’ programme, focusing on our younger and aspiring team members who are new to the industry. The programme teaches useful communication and learning tools, and showcases the diverse range of opportunities available.

Whilst on the subject of the future of our industry, Maylim has recently collaborated with BALI Go Landscape on a school careers campaign and has also joined the BALI Landscape Trailblazer Group. As part of the group, we are committed to developing and providing high-quality apprenticeships,

supporting skills and facilitating collaboration with apprenticeship groups and trade associations.

CAREERS TALKS AT SCHOOLS

Delivering in-house training is a fairly new initiative in regard to our people development. It has allowed us to develop bespoke and engaging content specific to our team’s skills and learning styles. The training has helped to establish a key element of ‘The Maylim Way’ – encouraging collaboration and consistency. Tailormade programmes assist individuals in becoming ambassadors for Maylim and champions for the landscaping industry. Maylim has recently become a 70% Employment Ownership Trust (EOT). Having our people as shareholders has helped us to attract top talent and rising stars that will become the future of the industry.

Nurturing this talent is vital in order to continue to create and improve landscaping schemes and building communities in the years to come.

ABOUT THOMAS O’MAHONY Thomas O’Mahony is managing director of Maylim, a BALI Grand Award-winning organisation, specialising in high-quality external works and landscaping schemes. Originally from a civilengineering background, Tom has over 30 years’ experience across a diverse range of landscaping, infrastructure and urban regeneration projects.

www.maylim.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

20/05/2021 11:32

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18/05/2021 13:21:10 20/05/2021 08:34

INFORM

LY N N E M A R C U S DO NO HARM

IN HER DEBUT ARTICLE, LYNNE MARCUS, GARDEN DESIGNER AND CHAIR OF THE SOCIETY OF GARDEN DESIGNERS (SGD), EXPLAINS WHY THE SGD TOOK A STAND AGAINST PLASTIC LAWNS AND FOLIAGE

T

here are about 23 million private gardens occupying over 10 million acres of land in the UK. Eighty-seven per cent of households have gardens and alongside green spaces occupy about one third of urban space. Gardens are an essential part of the ecosystem. During the pandemic, we became increasingly aware of the psychological and health-giving benefits, even initiating and accelerating physiological recovery from serious illness. Last year, the explorer Robin HanburyTenison spent five weeks in intensive care with COVID-19 at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, one of the few ICUs with a garden. Given a 5% chance of recovery, when his bed was wheeled into the garden, he opened his eyes, saw the sunshine and flowers and knew his life had been saved by the healing power of nature.

We know that gardens have powerful mental and physical healing properties. We know that they are a wildlife habitat. We know that photosynthesis takes out CO2 from our atmosphere and gives us the oxygen we breath and we also know that plant transpiration cools the atmosphere. We are all in no doubt that our planet is on the brink of ecological collapse. Why therefore, do people still rip out living lawns to install artificial grass? How is it possible that we don’t take plastic bags from supermarkets, painstakingly recycle plastic refuse but still choose to cover a garden in plastic grass?

26 Pro Landscaper / June 2021

Lynne Marcus.indd 26

In spring 2019, The Society of Garden Designers (SGD) took a stand against the exponential proliferation of plastic lawns and foliage by banning it from all advertising and sponsorship. These are some reasons why: • Plastic pollution – plastic lawns are predominantly composed of un-recyclable polyurethane and polyethylene. In addition,

THERE CAN BE NO JUSTIFICATION TO CAUSE THIS AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO THE NATURAL WORLD FOR DOMESTIC CONVENIENCE the substructure for the lawn is also of petrochemical origin. Both contribute to microplastics in our waterways and oceans.

• CO2 emissions – plastic has none of the absorption benefits of natural grass – approximately one person’s CO2 per quarter acre. Instead, it’s high in manufacture, transport (mainly from the Far East), and installation.

• Urban heat islands – plastic grass becomes hot and heats the air which then rises, contributing to global warming and climate change. It also has no transpiration cooling.

• Water – because water can’t percolate sufficiently into the groundwater it runs off into drains; the natural water course is disrupted.

Hosing and scrubbing is needed to cool the hot plastic in the summer and to clean animal faeces and general organic waste.

• Wildlife habitat loss – wildlife corridor

disruption. Plastic grass supports no life either as a habitat or as a source of food.

• Catastrophic decline of insects – it supports no insect life either, resulting in less pollinators and food for birds/small mammals.

The rate of extinction of insects is eight times faster than that of mammals, birds or reptiles.

• Destruction of living soil – it takes 100 years to make 25mm of topsoil. During excavation for an artificial lawn, all topsoil is removed and the sub soil is compacted and sterile.

• Destruction of trees – plastic grass cuts through surrounding tree roots.

• Toxicity – this is uncertain as it is hard to access specifications. However, some core materials used may be toxic, particularly in the plastic underlay or the compound used to bind recycled rubber for optional ‘shock padding’.

There can be no justification to cause this amount of damage to the natural world for domestic convenience. We are privileged to own and enjoy land attached to our homes, but we are only the stewards. It is our responsibility to ‘do no harm’ if our children and grandchildren are to have gardens for their children.

A BOU T LY NNE MARCUS MSGD, CHAIR OF THE SOCIETY OF GARDEN DESIGNERS

Lynne Marcus has been designing gardens since 1997 having trained under Professor David Stevens FSGD. Her award-winning portfolio includes contemporary, traditional, formal and naturalistic gardens recognisable for their innovative use of space, strong, pared-down layout and the sensitive integration of natural materials and planting. Lynne has also been Chair of the SGD since September 2020.

www.sgd.org.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

20/05/2021 11:20

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20/05/2021 08:34

INFORM

ANDREW WILSON THE CURSE OF THE COW PARSLEY

ANDREW WILSON EXPLORES THE ONSET OF SPRING AND WHY CERTAIN PLANTS INSTIL DREAD

T

his should be an interesting year, not least as we hope to leave lockdown behind soon and look forward to a life more normal. It also means that we can look forward to an autumnal RHS Chelsea Flower Show. There is a feeling of positive anticipation, in part because Chelsea is finally happening after two missed shows but also that there will be a completely different planting palette for a September delivery.

I love the spring, especially as we move from April into May and the hedgerows and verges suddenly explode with life and fresh growth.

But, as a show garden designer, that also brings with it a sense of impending doom and a gut wrenching feeling of dread. It is the cow parsley that does it every time – Anthriscus sylvestris – that suddenly, it seems, is sprinkled liberally everywhere creating a romantic haze of froth.

It is a wonderful plant and a staple back up for

Chelsea, guaranteed to be doing its thing for the great spring show.

What it also signals is the onset of the Chelsea build and the final countdown to the production of the show garden for better or for worse. It tends to induce a feeling of mild panic and a little voice in your head saying: “What on earth possessed you to design another show garden?” I remember Andy Sturgeon confessing that he felt physically sick walking into the show ground at the start of build, so I know I’m not alone.

THE BIG QUESTION IS WHAT WILL BE THAT HARBINGER OF DOOM FOR AUTUMN SHOW GARDEN DESIGNERS IN THE RUN UP TO A SEPTEMBER SHOW? Every show garden designer knows this time is coming from the day the whole process starts, virtually a year before. In that time there is plant sourcing and then regular checking of your selected associations, but somehow that froth of ivory lace says: “it’s time!”

I’m much more relaxed this year with no show gardens to deliver and no spring show, but as this floral display emerged, I reflected on a Chelsea towards the end of the growing season rather than at its onset.

I am certain there will be planting that goes over, exhausted before the show itself or late flowering perennials stubbornly remaining in bud – situations still dictated by our changeable weather patterns. But there is a drama inherent

28 Pro Landscaper / June 2021

Andrew Wilson.indd 28

in the spring planting selections for Chelsea that can decimate a whole selection with the ensuing stress of finding suitable alternatives late in the day.

This year has been a cold spring much like the spring of 2013 when across the Chelsea show ground virtually nothing was in flower.

That year as both a judge and an exhibitor I remembered that the rules stated that plants should be “true to the season”. Interesting, therefore, that we all still obsess so much about our show plants being in full leaf or flower.

The big question is what will be that harbinger of doom for autumn show garden designers in the run up to a September show?

It will be fascinating to see a completely different array of plant material, different colours and associations but there should also be a wider range of substitutions available.

This will take some of the heat out of the process. Or perhaps it is just that with the onset of the build all show garden designers get that gut wrenching feeling that within three weeks they need a successful end result with the added stress of the judging process and a worldwide audience ready to appreciate every detail. No pressure there, of course – Anthriscus sylvestris you are forgiven.

Pictured: Cow parsley – the harbinger of doom for all Chelsea designers

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

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

18/05/2021 15:24

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20/05/2021 08:35

INFORM

K AT I E F L A X M A N DESIGN THROUGH ECOLOGY

KATIE FLAXMAN TALKS TO US ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF INVOLVING ECOLOGISTS IN EVERY PROJECT

E

cology is defined as the “interrelationship of organisms and their environments”. We, by definition as designers, change environments and so it follows that each site we design changes the ecology therein. The word ‘interrelationship’ is also familiar to us. Our studio is founded on relationships which remind us of our connection to all things; The strong, synergetic and sometimes unusual relationships we have with professionals and also the deeply rooted relationships we have with the natural world.

Ecology has always driven our process.

It is an integral part of our site analysis and our historic work with ecologists has informed both our design approach and the overall design outcome for our schemes. The trouble is though, not all projects require ecological input.

Landscape professionals themselves aren’t obligated to consider the ecological value of a site (unless planning or legislation requires them to do so). Because of this, many projects miss out on valuable environmental input.

Although, as landscape architects, we are trained to have a foundational understanding of ecology and the impact or enhancements we can make, it doesn’t compare to having a fully trained expert involved in our projects from inception. We believe, that much like a landscape professional should be appointed where a development has an impact on an external space, so too should an ecologist. It is possible to involve ecologists on all projects and the value

30 Pro Landscaper / June 2021

Katie Flaxman.indd 30

of doing this to the client, natural environment and to design outcomes could be immense.

Ecologist’s roles are often hamstrung.

Reports as part of planning permission often consist of terrestrial and/or aquatic surveys alongside suggestions for mitigating measures.

What if, instead of ‘mitigating’ we allowed ecologists to ‘enhance’? Instead of ‘not making

WHAT IF, INSTEAD OF ‘MITIGATING’ WE ALLOWED ECOLOGISTS TO ‘ENHANCE’?

INSTEAD OF ‘NOT MAKING WORSE’, WE ACTUALLY ‘IMPROVED’? worse’, we actually ‘improved’? What if, instead of generic biodiversity improvements which might meet the standardised requirements of biodiversity net gain, the measures taken were site specific and individual?

We have been taking this approach informally for a few years now but as part of our ongoing commitment to the earth, recently forged a partnership with an ecological consultant who now forms part of our Studio 31 team. He is a guide and a compass and is bringing a new layer of knowledge, experience and expertise to our projects.

We are collaborating on the development of an internal standardised assessment of habitat, biodiversity and other ecological aspects. We hope that this can be used to measure both the baseline and enhancements on our projects.

We are also rolling this retrospectively across our previous projects to help us ascertain the

benefit or learning in terms of our prior informal or outsourced ecological input.

We are using this collaboration to further develop our core ecological philosophy and translate that into design process. These kinds of relationships have previously been compartmentalised and for many professionals their contact with an ecologist on a given project may be paper-based only. We are championing, as advocates of ecological design have done for years, a more holistic and interwoven approach.

The benefits to us as a design practice and to planet earth are obvious but there are benefits from an ecologist perspective also. To gain deeper insight into design concepts and philosophies for a particular project allows the development of an ecological approach in achieving those. Ecologists in this way begin to have real influence and ownership over the design and the ecological outcome of a place.

Relationships are all about how you view them. Landscape and ecology can be tick boxes or hoops to jump through, or they can be key and driving factors in the creation of a positive relationship to a site. To have the knowledge and experience of an ecologist on hand is to sidestep the need for client or legislative requirement and to be led by the natural environment we are designing. I look forward to sharing the learning and outcomes as we benefit from his input.

A B O U T K AT I E F L A X M A N Katie Flaxman is co-founder and director of Studio 31 Landscape Architects. Studio 31 is an awardwinning, adventurous and environmentally conscious landscape architecture practice working across the residential, public realm and health sectors.

www.designstudio31.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

18/05/2021 16:31

INFORM

C H R I STO P H E R M A RT I N PARADISE CITY

WITH OUR STREETS TURNING INTO ALFRESCO DINING SPOTS, WE’RE REMINDED THAT CITIES ARE SOCIAL SPACES RATHER THAN GIANT CAR PARKS, SAYS CHRISTOPHER MARTIN

T

he week that city streets were once again allowed to welcome the life, enjoyment, and the essence of cities that the hospitality industry affords people – I thought – was an interesting time for a study to break cover from The New Weather Institute, highlighting that the part of the UK with the highest proportion of SUV sales is Kensington and Chelsea. Indeed, seven of the top eight regions are around London.

Cities in their very essence are inherently social places, despite what preconceptions we might have garnered from rules like ‘never make eye contact with someone on the London Underground’, for example. Cities are born out of our willingness to coagulate together with an enormous group of people and roll the dice on the endless possibilities that this mass assembly of human imaginations affords.

It is for this reason, I will argue, that one of the primary principles for designing cities and the spaces within them is conviviality – spaces of opportunity, of chance encounter, or triangulation; spaces where new ideas are created, new partnerships formed, and new loves met. This is why we are in cities, and this is why the world needs cities, even if they’re not for you. So, to design something at odds with this, is to be down on love.

As Ernst Schumacher put it: “Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius— and a lot of courage—to move in the opposite direction.” This takes us to the heart of the issue and to the crux of the opportunity. Starting in the 1950s, the automotive industry invested a great deal of money in consumer research and especially in marketing strategies both guided by its results and guiding our zeitgeist. Our

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Christopher Martin.indd 31

culture, the attitudes and feelings that we hold today, on both a conscious and subconscious level, were moulded and reinforced by decades of marketing cars as symbols of status, power and freedom – and the bigger the better, more is more. I say now is the time for love once again.

ONE OF THE PRIMARY PRINCIPLES FOR DESIGNING CITIES AND THE SPACES WITHIN THEM IS CONVIVIALITY – SPACES OF OPPORTUNITY

moments we might have if (at least) we lost some parking spaces in favour of benches, tables, chairs, planters, or trampolines.

Some cities have always been laid out following this principle of conviviality – Rome and its many Piazzas spring to mind. But others like London are having to work hard to set aside more and more space for citizens to come together, step by step moving the city back to the roots of all urbanisation – love and opportunity.

Lots has been written about The New Weather Institute’s study, saying that we now need to ban advertising of SUVs like they are cigarettes to deadhead the zeitgeist of vehicular excess, but I say instead of fighting against a thing, we just sell what we have. The real, live, inspiring human energy that exists when we coagulate together in crazy places like London or Rome is what cities have, and this greatness is rare. We need to make our towns and cities once again about opportunity and love – make space for opportunity and in turn opportunity for love, instead of parking because, quite frankly, parking is boring and it’s not why you moved here.

A BOU T C H RISTOP HER MARTIN The timeliness of The New Weather Institute’s study is not lost. The last year has given us the impetus and the need to reclaim outdoor spaces – space on streets and in public spaces – for conviviality, with bars and restaurants spilling off pavements into parking spaces and carriageways to make way for city life. It makes me wonder why so much of our cities are dedicated to cars, when 44% of households in London don’t own one, and how many more relationships, innovations, hedonism-fuelled evenings or life-affirming

Christopher is an influential urban designer and planner working all over the globe to help communities improve their public spaces; as well as supporting cities and governments to develop strategy, change policies, and make great places possible. He is co-founder and director of Urban Strategy at Urban Movement; a trustee of the UK charity for everyday walking – Living Streets; vice chair of the UK Urban Design Group; and is a member of the United Nations Planning and Climate Action Group.

www.urbanmovement.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / June 2021 31

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UK LANDSCAPE BAROMETER: MARCH’S DATA

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IQ

I

n this issue of the UK Landscape Barometer, we are focused on the trading month of March 2021. As outlined in the roadmap, the first restrictions were lifted, and a feeling of relief is in the air. Confidence across all sectors is at its highest since the start of the Barometer, with demand seemingly endless in its growth. However, this is hit with a bittersweet feeling due to the current supply chain problem that is continuing to add to the chaos.

Timber, steel and plants are particularly difficult to get hold of, and overall, this demand has caused prices to rise.

Participants shared concern about this as it has caused their lead times to lengthen and the price of materials to increase. As business continues to boom, the solution appears to be a lot of forward thinking. Participants stated they have stock for projects booked in up to three years in advance. Garden design remains steady in its enquiries, turnover, and projects, while design and build companies appear to be working on the highest number of projects.

Though figures are positive, the circulating concern regarding the supply chain problem is reflecting a deeper worry for what we can expect in the coming months. Demand is there, but unfortunately, the material is not.

If you would like the full report or would like to contribute to the UK Landscape Barometer moving forward, please send an email to Gemma Lloyd on gemma.lloyd@eljays44.com or call on 01903 777 570.

Please note that all statistics are based on those surveyed and compare March 2021 and March 2020.

NATIONAL TURNOVER

PERCENTAGE OF RESPONDENTS MORE CONFIDENT COMPARED TO LAST MONTH 100%

10%

90% 15%

Lower Equal Higher

75%

80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30%

ENQUIRIES

20% 10%

8% 8%

Lower

0%

Equal

Oct20

Nov20

Dec20

Jan21

Feb21

Mar21

Apr21

May21

STAFF

Jun21

Jul21

CONVERSION

Higher 17%

39%

Equal

PROJECTS 45%

Higher

Equal Higher

55%

No response

Lower Equal Higher

72%

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UK Landscape Barometer-3.indd 35

Lower Lower

38%

17%

Sep21

3% 3%

84%

11%

Aug21

Enquiries are continuing to rise, with 84% of respondents reporting an increase. Turnover increased a further 13% on last month, with 75% of participants seeing an increase. Around 70% of respondents have been working on more projects. This is hugely positive, especially considering the supply chain problem. However, staff levels did present a change, with a higher percentage of participants experiencing no change. This is a drop of 13% compared to last month.

Pro Landscaper / June 2021 35

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IQ

CONFIDENCE

TURNOVER

ENQUIRIES

THE SOUTH

THE SOUTH

THE SOUTH

THE MIDLANDS

THE MIDLANDS

THE MIDLANDS

SCOTLAND AND THE NORTH

SCOTLAND AND THE NORTH

SCOTLAND AND THE NORTH

GARDEN DESIGN

GARDEN DESIGN

GARDEN DESIGN

DESIGN AND BUILD

DESIGN AND BUILD

DESIGN AND BUILD

COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPING

COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPING

COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPING

DOMESTIC LANDSCAPING

DOMESTIC LANDSCAPING

DOMESTIC LANDSCAPING

0%

20%

40%

More

60%

80% 100%

0%

20%

40%

Higher

Less

PROJECTS

60%

Equal

80% 100%

0%

Lower

STAFF

20%

40%

Higher

60%

Equal

80% 100% Lower

CONVERSION

THE SOUTH

THE SOUTH

THE SOUTH

THE MIDLANDS

THE MIDLANDS

THE MIDLANDS

SCOTLAND AND THE NORTH

SCOTLAND AND THE NORTH

SCOTLAND AND THE NORTH

GARDEN DESIGN

DESIGN AND BUILD

GARDEN DESIGN

DESIGN AND BUILD

DESIGN AND BUILD COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPING

COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPING

DOMESTIC LANDSCAPING

0%

20%

40%

60%

80% 100%

Higher

Equal

Lower

No response

36 Pro Landscaper / June 2021

UK Landscape Barometer-3.indd 36

COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPING

DOMESTIC LANDSCAPING

0%

20% Higher

40%

60%

Equal

80% 100% Lower

DOMESTIC LANDSCAPING

0%

20%

40%

60%

80% 100%

Higher

Equal

Lower

No response

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20/05/2021 10:36

IQ

NURSERIES

Confidence has increased for the

Figures all around are remaining positive, with 100% of participants reporting increases. Nurseries have been one of the busiest sectors over the past few months, and the barometer responses support this.

One participant said: “COVID was really starting to effect the company mid to late March last year. The increase in demand this year has kept us incredibly busy.”

However, the stock shortage is a cause for concern and is presenting some challenges. One nursery said: “The shortage in plant stock, particularly with trees, and the increase in demand is resulting in a significant increase of customers wanting to secure stock for projects from one to three years from today. Snooze, you lose!”

CONFIDENCE

TURNOVER

FOURTH MONTH in a row since the start of the UK Landscape Barometer The greatest increase in turnover was seen by garden designers at

Turnover for domestic landscapers rose by

National turnover increased by an average of

84% Enquiries rose by

98% 48% 140% on average

More 100%

Higher

The lowest increase in turnover was seen by commercial landscapers at

100%

QUOTES

Higher 100%

SOIL All participants stated they had a higher amount of volume being sold in March 2021 compared to the same time last year. This is to be expected due to the start of the national lockdown falling in March 2020. Furthermore, this could explain why 100% of participants are feeling more confident this year as the industry continues to show a positive performance.

Quotes was the only area forming a split. 50% of participants reported their quotes remained static and the other 50% experienced an increase.

One participant commented: “Business is very busy across the whole country. Compost is a massive issue for the industry as well as the haulage available as HS2 kicks in.”

CONFIDENCE

TURNOVER

More 100%

Higher 100%

QUOTES

50%

50%

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UK Landscape Barometer-3.indd 37

Equal Higher

27%

Projects for garden designers were up by

84%

Turnover in the Midlands increased by

52% INCREASE

A in conversion rate was seen by

DESIGN AND BUILD COMPANIES

The greatest increase in projects was seen by design and build companies at

35%

The South saw an increase of

67% in enquiries

Projects in Scotland and North rose by

100% 87% STAFF LEVELS for design and build companies INCREASED BY 58%

Staff for domestic landscapers remained static

Pro Landscaper / June 2021 37

20/05/2021 10:38

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12/05/2021 15:31:19 20/05/2021 16:28

THERE WAS A SLIGHT DOWNTURN IN UK CONSTRUCTION FORTUNES IN THE MONTH OF APRIL. BUT NEIL EDWARDS BELIEVES THIS WAS MERELY A BUMP IN THE ROAD TOWARDS FURTHER POSITIVITY

T

here was a time when even the slightest blip in the construction sector’s fortunes would send economists into panic mode. But having seen off the dual threat of both Brexit and a global pandemic with barely a pause for breath, the sector is made of stronger stuff these days. So, the fact that the value of new contract awards dipped below the £6bn for the first time in seven months will be greeted as little more than an anomaly amidst a picture of wider and seemingly ongoing positivity. Furthermore, all evidence points to the continued rise of the housebuilding sector – a key contributor to workload within the landscaping sector – and to a slight improvement in the geographic spread of that workload.

The largest single project of the month was for the construction of roads and bridges at the A465 Heads of the Valleys sections five and six at Merthyr Tydfil in Wales. That £590m project went to Future Valleys Construction, a joint venture combining Roadbridge, Meridiam, Alun Griffiths and Atkins.

However, landscaping contractors will be eyeing the activities of main contractor BAM, which picked up nine new contract awards with a combined value of over £246m. The most significant of these is a £100m new build for client Argent in London’s Kings Cross. Split across 11 storeys, the new build will include office, residential and retail space, together with leisure facilities. That project is expected to require extensive landscaping of the planned communal areas.

Also focusing upon landscaping is Countryside Properties, which picked up two big contracts in the month of April valued at a combined £243m. The largest of these is a £161m new build of 308 dwellings at Peel Place in Kilburn, North West London. Some 41% of the new homes will be affordable, complemented by a gym and workspaces.

Also expected to require extensive landscaping work will be the former Rugeley Power Station. Main contractor Engie has now been awarded the contract to convert the huge site into a housing development comprising as many as 2,300 new homes.

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Neil Edwards.indd 39

A PAUSE FOR BREATH In a month in which 17 contractors each picked up more than £100m in new contract awards, Tide Construction took the fifth position on the table with a single landmark project. That project requires the construction

ALL EVIDENCE POINTS TO THE CONTINUED RISE OF THE HOUSEBUILDING SECTOR – A KEY CONTRIBUTOR TO WORKLOAD WITHIN THE LANDSCAPING SECTOR of one 49 and one 34-storey tower blocks on land adjacent to Croydon College in South London. Those blocks will comprise 817 ‘co-living’ units and 120 residential units, together with communal and amenity spaces, car parking and extensive landscaping.

Regionally, London was top dog yet again with 116 new contract awards valued at a combined £1.48bn. However, boosted by the Heads of the Valleys road project, Wales leapt into second place with a total of £622m (South and Mid Wales £612m; North Wales £10.35m). The West Midlands enjoyed yet another impressive month, delivering £522m in new contract awards spread across 42 individual projects. Its East Midlands neighbour picked up 24 new projects worth a combined £223m.

©Ceri Breeze/Shutterstock.com

IQ

Even though the roads and bridges sector enjoyed an uptick this past month, housing was yet again the busiest and most valuable industry category. House builders picked up 210 new contract awards in the month worth a combined £2.27bn or more than a third of the industry’s monthly total. Given that housing is also a key constituent of most mixed-use developments, housing probably accounted for more than half of the monthly total.

There is no denying that April’s figures represented a slight backwards step, a pause for breath. Having topped £12bn in December, £6bn in January, £8bn in February and £9bn in March, it is tempting to greet an April figure of “just” £5.7bn with a sense of unease. But such concern is misplaced. The wider construction industry remains upbeat and is on target to hit an unprecedented annual figure of more than £90bn. That should be music to the ears of landscaping companies across the country.

A B O U T N E I L E DWA R D S Neil Edwards is CEO of Builder’s Conference, the construction industry’s leading trade body. It provides its members to sales leads and market intelligence, as well as statistical data and networking opportunities. BCLive is a real-time league table of construction contract award activity. Operated by the Builders’ Conference, the BCLive league table monitors more than 6,000 new contract awards each year with a combined value of over £80bn. www.buildersconference.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / June 2021 39

18/05/2021 16:56

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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 3 P O R T F O L I O 1 : LY N N E M A R C U S G A R D E N D E S I G N , PA G E 4 6 P O R T F O L I O 2 : T R A C Y F O S T E R G A R D E N D E S I G N , PA G E 5 0 P O R T F O L I O 3 I D V E R D E , PA G E 5 4 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 : M E I L O C I , PA G E 5 9 D E B S W I N R O W, 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 F O R S PA A R E A S Inspire Cover-2.indd 41

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R E I M AG I N E D I

BEAUTY

P E T WO RT H , W EST SUSS E X LY N N E M A R C U S GARDEN DESIGN S E T I N T H E V A S T E X PA N S E O F T H E S O U T H D O W N S , A 1 7 T H C E N T U R Y G R A D E I I L I S T E D C O T TA G E NEEDED A GARDEN TO UNITE ITS OUTBUILDINGS AND PROVIDE THE CLIENTS WITH A ‘WITHIN REACH’ SWIMMING POOL

n the rolling downs of West Sussex, surrounded by farmland, a 17th Century grade II listed cottage needed a garden to unite the house with the stable block annexe and barn conversion. The clients needed the space to be reimagined, with concealed areas, dramatic level changes straightened out, a swimming pool close enough that they could reach it bare foot, low maintenance planting including blossom, fruit trees and roses, with a colour palette of magentas, soft pinks, blues and purples; the clients also wanted Yorkstone to be reused as far as possible. The desired design was based on linear geometry with a glimpse of the expansive South Downs an added bonus, but not a necessity – though these were at first afterthoughts, they ended up having huge influence over the final look of the garden.

Design and build Linear geometry twists the main axis from the house and runs between the out-buildings to focus on the view. Disparate, hidden spaces were woven into the design, while sorting out irrational levels created not only a level games lawn, but also gave the clients their much-desired swimming pool only a stone throw from the house. The garden descends in gentle stages to the pool and paths, and steps laid to unite buildings and all the garden spaces to create a circuitous journey with easy (barefoot) access throughout.

PROJECT D E TA I L S Project value £417,700 (inc. VAT) Build time 5 to 6 months Size of project 1,560m2 Awards BALI Principal Design winner over £100k, 2020, BALI Contractor Award over £100k

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Pro Landscaper / June 2021 43

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INSPIRE

To reveal the South Downs in all its glory, a giant concrete sunbathing platform, car parking, walls, steps, an enormous lime and old shrubs were removed. Fourteen grabber loads later, the rolling hills are visible throughout the garden and from within the house.

Planting Planting was undertaken in the spring with trees and hedging, in the summer for everything else and again in the autumn with bulbs and supplementary planting. There is no irrigation in the garden for ecological reasons and this presented a challenge as it meant hand watering during and after planting; the challenge was increased particularly in the short term and over a hot summer.

Planting was kept low to the rear of the house to avoid impinging on the view with multi stem, shaggy, indigenous Taxus sempervirens used to frame the view. Indigenous Juniperus communis standards link the house and stable block. Taxus, Pinus mugo ‘Mops’ and Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Golf Ball’ mounds create a rolling, winding, contrasting evergreen colour and textural framework to soften the linear geometry and through which to weave flowering shrubs, roses and herbaceous plants, chosen to cope with the free draining soil.

Low herb and dry planting bleed into paving flags and offer a practical and colourful outlook from the kitchen. Blossom trees set in predominantly indigenous planting are raised by the lawn in sleeper beds, which are screened with a low Taxus hedge; this picked up with Taxus baccata ‘Repandens’ over the retaining wall to the barn as well as Taxus hedging screening the oak barn and marking the entrance to the garden. Wedges of Cornus and wildflower flower meadows are carved into the lawn, retaining the overall geometry and marking the level change.

The centrepiece of the garden is a simple, metal rill wrapped in aromatic Thymus and Teucrium to reflect the changing sky and quietly show the way to the Downs.

Ricky Goodwin of the Garden Builders says: “The biggest challenge was access, due to the sheer amount of waste away (that couldn’t be recycled) and materials in. There was a balancing of the two that needed to be worked out. The success of this project was due to real collaboration between designer, contractor and client at all key stages of the works.”

Materials All materials and soil were recycled on site, except for the grabber loads of concrete and rubble which went to recycling. The existing York stone was re-laid and supplemented from the local reclamation yard with additional paving along with charcoal bricks to mark the directional change and as inset detail. Stone CONSTRUCTION

walling was demolished, extended and re-used to level up paths, terraces and the lawn. Eco friendly, Norwegian KEBONY decking was used to make a comfortable surface around the pool and the existing sawn stone re-laid less obtrusively.

Additional self-binding gravel paths were laid for softness and for water penetration.

Lighting is understated, limited and largely for practical purposes to avoid a glaring imposition on the rural environment.

44 Pro Landscaper / June 2021

Portfolio 1 Lynne Marcus.indd 44

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20/05/2021 09:50

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ABOUT LYNNE MARCUS GARDEN DESIGN Lynne Marcus, MSGD, MBALI has been a garden designer since 1997. She runs her practice from North London, bringing together a team of professionals on a project-by-project basis to provide a flexible and bespoke service to create sensual and practical outdoor spaces with sustainability and biodiversity and the core. Lynne’s extensive portfolio includes contemporary, traditional, formal and naturalistic gardens in London, the country, abroad and on the coast. Lynne is currently Chair of the Society of Garden Designers and Chair of SGD Awards.

www.lynnemarcus.com

1 2 3 4 5

Metal rill water feature with Thymus and Teucrium Low planting offers unimpeded views of Downs The swimming pool sits close to the property Wildflower meadow carves into the lawn York stone paving amongst herb and dry planting

REFERENCES Designer Lynne Marcus, MSGD, MBALI www.lynnemarcus.com Contractor The Garden Builders www.gardenbuilders.co.uk Self-binding gravel Breedon Group www.breedon-special-aggregates.co.uk Kebony decking Champion Timber www.championtimber.com Reclaimed stone Horsham Reclamation www.horshamstone.co.uk Steel edging Everedge www.everedge.co.uk Raw materials Travis Perkins www.travisperkins.co.uk Jewsons www.jewson.co.uk Skips South Coast Skips www.southcoastskips.co.uk Wildflower turf Wildflower Turf www.wildflowerturf.co.uk Plants Premier Plants (UK) Ltd www.premierplantsuk.com Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants www.hardysplants.co.uk Knoll Gardens www.knollgardens.co.uk Beth Chatto www.bethchatto.co.uk David Austin Roses www.davidaustinroses.co.uk Style Roses www.styleroses.co.uk Jacques Amand www.jacquesamandintl.com

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Pro Landscaper / June 2021 45

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INSPIRE

STEPPING

STONES CONTEMPORARY WILDLIFE GARDEN TRACY FOSTER GARDEN DESIGN

PROJECT D E TA I L S Project value £25k Build time 6 weeks Size of project 175m2 Awards Winner of Pro Landscaper small project BIG IMPACT Award for Design in 2020

THIS SMALL, AWKWARDLY SHAPED AND OVERLOOKED PLOT WAS TRANSFORMED INTO A CALM AND PRIVATE SPACE THAT WOULD ATTRACT AND SUPPORT WILDLIFE WHILST STILL LOOKING STYLISH

F

ollowing the construction of an extension to the house, it was the client’s dream to look out onto a fabulous, ever changing view with a large pond and the prospect of visiting wildlife.

The new design had to integrate the house, garage and garden, provide spaces to sit in morning and evening sunshine and allow space for entertaining. The garden had to embrace the owners’ love of traditional materials, country flowers, scented flowers and wildlife, but they also wanted the garden to have a strong design with real impact.

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INSPIRE

Design/build The very small space needed a simple treatment to unite garden and extension together in a bold and striking way. The odd angles that made the space feel imbalanced had to be disguised.

The design uses interlocking rectangles of pond and paved areas to fit together around the extension. These are the shapes that define the garden. The new dark fencing allows the planting to stand out and makes the garden feel larger by receding into the shadows. Generous planting blurs the boundary and conceals the awkward shape of the garden.

The client wanted something eye catching, so the pond was made as large as possible with stepping stones to allow access round the house to give a dramatic effect when viewed from the picture window.

Classic stone paving flags in ‘Promenade’ were chosen to contrast with the darker brick of the house.

A slightly riven surface suits the traditional random laying pattern and complements the cottage style planting. Baksteen pavers in ‘Dove’ contrast with the stone and pick up the warm colour of the brick walls of the house.

Planting The planting has a long season of interest with evergreen shrubs, colourful bark such as that of Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ and grasses and seedheads in winter, followed by a succession of flowers from spring to autumn and the addition of bulbs for a burst of early colour. A colour palette of mainly burgundy, blue and peach was chosen for the beds around the pond and a palette of cool colours for the cottage garden planting around the larger patio. Between the window and the pond, a delicate swaying mixture of Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea ‘Heidebraut’, Dianthus carthusianorum, Achillea ‘Terracotta’ and Echinacea ‘Summer Cocktail’ is punctuated by tulips and alliums in spring.

The small custom-designed pergolas give height, frame views within the garden and offer support to scented climbing plants including roses and jasmine. A small, enclosed space like this provides an excellent site for scented plants so daphne, lavander and sweet peas are also included. Together with the clever use of paving materials, these structures help to define different areas of the garden.

Tracy Foster has worked closely with the People’s Trust for Endangered Species and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society on a series of gardens for the ‘Hedgehog Street’ campaign and was keen to introduce some of the wildlife friendly features that she developed together with those organisations.

1 A quiet corner to sit and enjoy the pond 2 Space for seating and entertaining 3 Baksteen pavers break up the expanse of stone and highlight the rectangular design 4 The view from the house sees a curtain of delicate Molinia caerulea ‘Heidebraut’ woven with Dianthus carthusianorum and Echinacea ‘Summer Cocktail’ Photography ©Tracy Foster

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VIEW FROM THE BACK OF THE GARDEN

Liam Pickering of First Light Landscaping Ltd said: “We love a challenge, and Tracy’s designs always present us with something new. We find that constructing gardens with unique elements, such as the pond and stepping stones featured in this project, are always incredibly rewarding to be involved in.”

BEFORE

The large pond has ledges for plants and small steps to enable visiting creatures to exit to pond safely. Planting around the pond is lush to provide cover, and plants in the garden include those attractive to pollinators and other insects, with others providing berries for birds, and nesting materials. Care was also taken to include the all-important hedgehog holes in the base of fences.

POND STEPS FOR WILDLIFE

The garden is now alive with pollinators, birds are starting to visit the feeders and drink from the pond and frogs have begun to arrive.

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Challenges The build had to be very precise, and this coupled with the small site, clay soil and winter weather meant that a challenging design was followed by a challenging build, but designer and landscaper met frequently on site to ensure that everything went to plan.

A B OU T T RACY FOST E R GARDEN DESIGN Tracy Foster Garden Design is a Leeds based garden design practice and has been operating since 2002, designing and planting gardens throughout the north of England. Founder Tracy Foster has won many awards for her gardens including the Pro Landscaper Small Project Big Impact Award for Design in 2020. She has also won four RHS gold medals, including one for her Bronte garden at Chelsea in 2012, plus two people’s choice awards and Three Best in Category Awards. Tracy prefers to design gardens that help clients to feel connected to nature, even in an urban setting.

www.tracyfostergardendesign.co.uk

REFERENCES Designer Tracy Foster Garden Design www.tracyfostergardendesign.co.uk Contractor First Light Landscaping www.firstlightlandscaping.co.uk Paving Talasey Group talasey.co.uk Fencing Jacksons www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk Planting Johnsons of Whixley nurserymen.co.uk Knowl Park Nurseries www.knowlpark.co.uk Pond supplies Landscape Plus landscapeplus.com

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Looking back…

Bourne Amenity, supporting Idverde with materials at Holland Park, Kensington.

The most rewarding part of working in this wonderfully diverse industry is seeing client projects mature and come into their own years down the line.

Holland Park is another fantastic result from our friends at Idverde, whose eye for detail can turn the ordinary into the outstanding!

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PL AYING

W I T H N AT U R E H O L L A N D PA R K A DV E N T U R E P L AYG R O U N D

IDVERDE

SET IN THE HE ART OF LONDON, THIS TIRED PL AY ARE A IN HOLL AND PARK NEEDED A REVAMP. BRINGING TOGETHER BESPOKE PL AY WITH SUSTAINABLE DRAINAGE DESIGN, THE BRAND-NEW ALL-INCLUSIVE PARK IS FIRMLY ROOTED IN THE L ANDSCAPE

H

olland Park in Kensington and Chelsea is The Royal Borough’s largest park with 22.5 hectares of gardens, children’s play facilities, sports areas, a cafeteria and large areas of woodland abundant with wildlife. Its adventure playground provides a high-quality play experience linking to the nature-abundant woodland surroundings.

In 2016, the Borough Council made a decision to refurbish the existing play area which had become tired and uninteresting. The playground was redesigned to provide a high-quality play experience linking with the woodland surroundings and improving the drainage of the site, which had previously been prone to flooding.

As incumbent grounds maintenance provider for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and having delivered the first phase of the SuDS project in Holland Park, idverde was delighted to have been awarded the scheme to transform the adventure playground. idverde was responsible for the construction of this innovative playground, bringing together bespoke play with playable sustainable drainage design to create an inclusive, all-ages and all-weather play landscape that comes alive when it rains. Set in Central London, the play

space offers play that is firmly rooted in the landscape context, creating a natural world of adventure and exploration where every child can unlock their creativity and find a space and activity that captures their imagination.

Design Holland Park Playground is a space for children of all ages and abilities, and adults alike. The design transformed the existing site to create a terraced landscape with differentiated character areas which address the needs of diverse user groups and maximises accessibility.

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INSPIRE PROJECT D E TA I L S Project value £1.1 million Build time November 2018 – July 2019 Size of project 4,000m2 Awards BALI National Award 2020 for Hard Landscaping Construction over £500k. BALI Principal Award 2020 for best Community and Schools development

The scope of works included redevelopment of the existing playground to create a new adventure playground involving hard and soft landscaping works with tyre grip, self-binding gravel and play safety surfaces; play structures and equipment; drainage with stone and sculpted concrete water channels; soft swales and dry river planting; SuDS ponds; planting and woodland ground covering; water fountain features and retaining walls, gates, fencing and site furniture.

Some exciting new pieces of equipment include a 25m zip wire, a 10-person see-saw and a 10-person dragon swinger. The pathways and bridges are fully-accessible with a wheelchair-accessible roundabout and accessible swings.

tree. The sprawling structure offers play value for large groups of children. The Fishermen’s Towers (including a dome constructed from site-won clay, staying true to traditional techniques) mark the start of the play valley and provide a vantage point over the site, while offering challenging play within their surprisingly labyrinthine interior, and a quick tunnel slide. The textured concrete play bank and play valley offer sand, water play and motoric play for younger children with adjacent areas for parents to relax.

When it rains the playground comes alive with water cascading, pooling and dispersing – a water wheel is set in motion and an additional layer of sensory experience further enriches play. The network of planted swales

1 The new, more adventurous play equipment is proving very popular with local children ©Henrietta Williams 2 Super new swings ready for use 3 Children enjoy the playbank ©Henrietta Williams 4 The new accessible roundabout

Build The first task was to clear the site of existing features and complete significant earthworks in the form of a cut and fill to form the new landscape. During the works a number of modifications had to be incorporated into the scheme on the discovery of unrecorded services which conflicted with the construction build-ups, reinforced concrete slabs, and a number of natural water springs which flowed into the site.

At the top of the site, the Hill-coaster structure snakes and winds around an existing

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INSPIRE

and granite channels collects and guides rainwater through the site and feeds a newly created wetland landscape which can be experienced from a winding boardwalk.

All elements of the design – play structures, seating, bridges and the boardwalk – were designed for longevity and with ease of maintenance in mind. idverde’s client, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, said of the project: “Redesigning the Holland Park adventure playground had been a priority for the Council for a number of years and we wanted a high calibre design that was worthy of its position in our flagship park.

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“In addition to providing a great play experience, the project addresses some of the historic drainage issues, using sustainable drainage systems. These provide a range of benefits over conventional drainage systems, reducing flood risk and increasing biodiversity.

The benefit of incorporating play features with SuDS, we hope, will stimulate children’s curiosity in the natural environment.”

Community engagement The design was created in line with the results of a public consultation exercise.

Throughout the project delivery, idverde’s greenspace development team worked

alongside RBKC to deliver a number of community events that would promote public engagement with the project. These have included, hard-hat tours for both adults and children from various local organisations, as well as practical planting and mulching sessions.

It provided all of the necessary children’s PPE and hand tools.

Included in the playground are habitat panels, new planting and rubbing plaques for the newly planted trees. These have all been included to encourage children to engage with the natural environment and help them to understand the benefits of plants and wildlife. This links to the work carried out by the Ecology Centre in the park, who run a series of events and educational programmes throughout the year.

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Challenges The project included some very challenging and bespoke items which formed part of the contractor’s design portion. This required collaboration with the client team and idverde’s play safety consultant to prepare the fabrication drawings and turn these into functional and buildable features which complied with all relevant standards for play equipment.

The project included a complex and bespoke concrete playbank, with multiple colours and surface finishes, from polished to sand blasted.

This was executed to exacting levels since the entire scheme was a functioning SuDS scheme where surface water would be directed into the play bank for the sand and water play elements.

Site constraints also meant careful planning and the coordinating of deliveries and materials management on a just-in-time basis to limit the impacts to the operations and the users of Holland Park and the adjacent car park.

The bespoke play features had to be developed from concept sketches, and details explored to achieve the right balance in finishes and material combinations. It required the

5 The completed Fishermen’s Tower features a dome constructed of site-worn clay as well as providing a vantage point over the site and opportunities for challenging play 6 Bird and bug boxes have been integrated into the new playground to aid biodiversity and to support the work being done by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s Ecology Centre 7 Local school children visit to inspect progress 8 Community planting day

ABOUT I DVERDE

PLANTING IN PROGRESS

continued refinement and coordination of multiple moving parts to bring to life features, which by their very nature and response to the site, were innovative, unique and original.

idverde is the UK’s leading provider of grounds maintenance and landscape creation services, offering a holistic range of services to support the creation, maintenance, and management of landscapes. Over 200 public sector organisations trust idverde to look after their landscapes and the company also has a large portfolio of private sector clients, from blue-chip corporations to smaller local businesses.

www.idverde.co.uk

REFERENCES

THE OLD PLAYGROUND WAS TIRED AND IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT

Designer/architect Erect Architecture www.erectarchitecture.co.uk

Tigermulch and safety surfacing Star Rubber www.star-rubber.co.uk

Landscape architect Robert Bray Associates www.robertbrayassociates.co.uk

Timber boardwalk, bridges and furniture Woodscape woodscape.co.uk

Engineer Entuitive www.entuitive.com Quantity surveyor Huntley Cartwright www.huntleycartwright.co.uk Contractor idverde www.idverde.co.uk Play equipment Jupiter Play jupiterplay.co.uk

CONSTRUCTION OF THE FISHERMEN’S TOWERS

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Aggregates and removal of soils MCM www.mcm-se.com Subsoil, topsoil and mulch Bourne Amenity bourneamenity.co.uk Granite setts and CEDEC Gold footpath gravel CED Stone www.cedstone.co.uk

Bespoke play structures Duncan & Grove duncanandgrove.com

Trees, shrubs, herbaceous and aquatic plants Crowders www.crowdersnurseries.co.uk

Textured and pigmented concrete play bank Lazenby www.lazenby.co.uk

Asphalt and resin bonded gravel footpaths CCE Surfacing www.cce-surfacing.co.uk

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PENZANCE PROMENADE ©TONY WILSON

INSPIRE

LANDSCAPE A R C H I T EC T ’S

JOURNAL I M E I LO C I

GREEN WILDFLOWER VERGE, ST AUSTELL

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WE SPEAK TO DIRECTOR TRISH HAWES ABOUT HOW MEI LOCI LIVES UP TO ITS NAME, MY PLACE, BY CREATING SUSTAINABLE, BEAUTIFUL PLACES FOR PEOPLE AND NATURE AS WELL AS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A BUILDING WITH NATURE ACCREDITED ASSESSOR

n Latin, Mei Loci means ‘my place’. It’s a sentiment which radiates throughout landscape architecture practice Mei Loci, as it strives to create places that people love, that they can call their own.

Formed by Trish and Michael Hawes, the practice has been built on the foundation of their previous company, Mor Design, which strove to create unique and bespoke landscapes under the influence of landscape architect and artist David Buurma. Previous work saw Trish and Michael work worldwide on diverse and large-scale projects – from regeneration schemes for mining and coastal regions in Australia, to public realms in Birmingham.

Today, Mei Loci focuses on public realm, parks and gardens, education, heritage and cultural projects – so, not much is off the cards as long as it’s landscape architecture. The practice has projects all across the UK and international work which includes a centre for children with Down Syndrome in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, COVID-19 has shown Trish how much potential there is on Mei Loci’s Cornish doorstep: “We’ve never been good at promoting our work locally and the pandemic changed that,” she explains.

“We’re becoming better known in our own county, and in turn we’re acknowledging other expertise in our local area.”

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It’s a change which will push Mei Loci to focus on its local area and what it can bring, but that’s not to say it hasn’t already had a hand in shaping Cornwall.

At Cornwall’s only surviving Victorian Promenade, Penzance Promenade, Mei Loci was engaged by Cormac and Cornwall Council to design a brand-new surface so it can once again be enjoyed by residents and visitors.

As the location for the start of the Tour of Britain 2021, old and broken pink paving slabs have been replaced by a new concrete surface with etchings depicting the heritage of Penzance Promenade – swimmers reflect Jubilee Pool, the lunar calendar marks the effect of time and the tide. Alongside the existing brass inlaid ‘Compass Stone’ brass discs depict local children’s artwork and text, laid out in the pattern of constellations. Existing seating has been replaced with playful ‘pebble’ seats. “Through landscape architecture, we reinvigorate a conversation between landscape, nature and communities,” explains Trish, “creating landscapes through a collaborative process, one that begins and ends with people.”

Mei Loci has a myriad of skills under its roof; its landscape architects, designers, horticulturists, High Streets Task Force experts, specialists in design for wellbeing and lecturers in garden and landscape design allow it to offer clients services throughout all stages of the design and build process – from site analysis and concept design through to post-completion on-site and post-design follow up services.

THROUGH LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, WE REINVIGORATE A CONVERSATION BETWEEN LANDSCAPE, NATURE AND COMMUNITIES One service in particular serves the environment well – Mei Loci’s Building with Nature accredited assessor. Building with Nature itself is a framework of quality standards, an assessment and accreditation service, and national awards. It ensures developments are delivering for the natural world and for healthy communities – is water managed sustainably? Are they meeting biodiversity requirements? Is there a holistic approach to green infrastructure? “By

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THE CERAMIC HONEY BEE BY PARASITE CERAMICS, A NEW TILE MURAL MADE OF OVER 11,000 HANDMADE CERAMIC TILES, BIDDICKS COURT, ST AUSTELL. IMAGE ©AUSTELL PROJECT / JAMES DARLING

NEW CONCRETE SURFACE WITH CONSTELLATION ETCHNGS, PENZANCE PROMENADE

PEBBLE SEATS, PENZANCE PROMENADE

delivering such a project a smoother ride through the planning process is inevitable for the clients with a joined-up approach to designing for people and ecology from the outset,” explains Trish.

Though she is not always assessing Mei Loci’s schemes, as an accredited assessor, Trish is able to bring this wealth of knowledge to projects: “Being a Building with Nature accredited assessor gives us a strong mechanism against which to test our own designs to ensure that we are designing spaces with green infrastructure for people, and nature at its core,” explains Trish.

Cornwall Council was one of the first authorities to implement Biodiversity Net Gain through local policy, declaring a climate emergency in 2019. Today, Mei Loci is able to work alongside it. At the ongoing Austell Project at St Austell in Cornwall the first round of green infrastructure projects have been implemented. This includes vast wildlife corridors, pocket parks and ceramic art installations to celebrate the area’s China clay heritage.

With a drive to make St Austell and its vicinity a thriving place to live, work and play, Mei Loci was involved in the masterplanning for the Green and White Gold projects. It will also advise St Austell Bay Economic Forum (SABEF) and Cornwall Council to redefine the high street and create stronger communities.

This will see green infrastructure and people at its core. Another of Mei Loci’s projects goes one step further – an all-inclusive design, The Lost Gardens of Heligan will explore the effects of green spaces and access to horticulture for health and wellbeing.

But Mei Loci doesn’t green up its projects for the sake of it. Its projects are always informed by in-depth research and investigation into the site and its natural landscape and context, the local people and communities, heritage and contemporary culture, and bringing local stories of nature, people and art to forefront of its design. Command of the Heights in Chatham Kent is a perfect example of the accumulation of this. “To fully comprehend this site and understand what this place means for the past, present

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and the future, and what it means for people and the environment, was crucial,” explains Trish. “In order to do this we needed to take a journey back through time.”

A Scheduled Ancient Monument, previously on Historic England’s ‘at risk’ register, with numerous listed structures and sites, Fort Amherst is a site of historical significance born from a time when the British Empire was focused on exploring and conquering. Whilst it’s important to acknowledge this, Mei Loci recognised the need to challenge modern perceptions of white military history.

“Old thinking does not align with the current cultural context of human rights, and the present political dialogue around

AS WELL AS SHAPING THE LANDSCAPE, THIS PROJECT ALSO HAD TO BE ABOUT EDUCATING, ACKNOWLEDGING THE PAST, AND CREATING A NEW STORY FOR THE FUTURE SO THAT THE SITE CAN MOVE FORWARD WITH POSITIVITY gender and race equality,” explains Trish.

“As well as shaping the landscape, this project also had to be about educating, acknowledging the past, and creating a new story for the future so that the site can move forward with positivity.”

COMMAND OF THE HEIGHTS, FORT AMHERST, DORSET. ALL FORT AMHERST IMAGES ©PRAXIS

FORT AMHERST THEATRE

FORT AMHERST PERFORMANCE

Originally built to keep people out, Fort Amherst is built on a steep hillside with embankments, high revetments, and guarded entrances – it even has drawbridges designed to completely prevent entry. Mei Loci wanted to sensitively open up these barriers; the landscape, theatre, community gardens, market spaces and public realm literally and metaphorically break down barriers. Links to the local town have also been reinstated, with a building at Riverside One removed and unrestored areas reopened for new community use.

It’s safe to say one of the reasons Mei Loci is able to take on such complex projects is because, though it has a wealth of skill itself,

Mei Loci is all about collaboration. “We take a community-led and co-design approach to all of our projects,” explains Trish. “Through a dynamic and collaborative dialogue with clients, communities, academics and colleagues, we have delivered a diverse body of work that speaks of quality, commitment, beauty and richness.”

COVID-19 has brought a lot into perspective for Mei Loci. It has learned to travel less and work more locally, but as it is for the whole industry, what the public has learnt will prove to be invaluable and something Mei Loci will grasp with both hands: “There is growing evidence that well planned, quality landscapes can help tackle climate challenges and have enormous benefits for people’s health and wellbeing and our work is increasingly recognised and appreciated for this,” explains Trish.

With a strong team, and as it celebrates its tenth birthday next year, Mei Loci will continue to put its efforts into high-quality public realm and green infrastructure projects, with tangible benefits for people, communities and nature.

C O N TA C T Meiloci Limited 67 Lemon Street, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 2PN Tel +44 (0) 1872 264899 Email studio@meiloci.co.uk FORT AMHERST

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INTERNATIONALLY INSPIRED E

asy access to the wonderful world of overseas outdoor spaces may be dampened this year, with most of us considering whether to leave foreign travel and holidays for another year. We may, therefore, need to draw from past experiences and bring international trends into our own designs this season.

H O L I D AY S A B R O A D M AY B E O F F T H E C A R D S FOR A WHILE, SO DEBS WINROW EXPLAINS H O W Y O U C A N I N J E C T S O M E I N T E R N AT I O N A L F L AV O U R I N T O Y O U R G A R D E N D E S I G N S

hotels and restaurants where we are finally venturing back out to with friends and family.

International inspiration There is plenty of international suppliers keen to continue showcasing the absolute best they have via social media channels, PDF brochures, videos and still some beautifully printed brochures. Be sure to freshen your feeds and follow these companies who can provoke memories of travel and international life all within one or two photos. Look for colours, tiles, and porcelain patterns, Trends build detail, planting, furniture, Like us, your customers have and accessories and imagine also been forced to live a more how you could replicate. outdoor lifestyle. This means You will be sure to see COCKTAILS IN SANTORINI they’ve been making the most a trend of more lifestyle photos of the outdoor space they have and mood boards being used readily available all year rather than during that amongst the classic product shots to help us two-week trip to the perfect paradise in which create an overall look from their ranges, with the to experience outdoor living. The rise in outdoor glamour of overseas styling. It is probably worth cooking and entertaining, a memory probably creating something similar – maybe even from from a favoured holiday, is being replicated in holiday snaps of your own – to include in design our back yards – a trend sure to last now people concepts to create a feeling of international have the taste for it. We are also finding further design when presenting to your clients. Ask inspiration in commercial outdoor settings like them about their favourite holiday destinations

MAJORCA

THE RENSON PURE ESSENCE RANGE

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and memories to try and replicate some of these feelings within the design and build.

Outdoor furniture With most of the outdoor furniture ranges still coming from Europe, this approach is possibly the best way of keeping up with international design trends from the comfort of our UK design studios.

With core comfort being at the heart of most of their designs, we also get easy cleaning, low maintenance, quick-dry fabrics all being integrated into some furniture pieces that we would usually only see in hotels, bars, and restaurants when on holiday. Flexible sofa dining is becoming sought after much more, perhaps under a covering of a pergola, large umbrellas or similar, allowing relaxing and dining in the one space in any weather.

Colour palette Think rich textures, soft colour palettes and a new surge of the colour green and you will have the sense of elegant hotel bars and restaurants designs. Include outdoor standing LED lamps and large candle holders and you will be transported back to times of relaxation and happiness – maybe with a slightly lower temperature, but all the same feeling of ease!

As we spend more time outside, it can also help to add objects that hold our attention.

Large open garden spaces can almost feel suffocating and not relaxing at all. You will

see international stylists continue to add extra layers with vertical green walls, clusters of pots and planters, defined spaces for smaller cosy seating and accessories such as candles and lighting, much like interiors have.

Outdoor lighting Speaking of outdoor lights, we predict the use of outdoor lighting and our continued desire to stay outdoors for longer will inspire customers to prioritise a good proportion of their spend into beautiful lighting options. From well thought out lighting plans entwined into the garden design to simple and rustic tealight holders from old jars. Memories of hurricane lights lining the poolside, soft lighting highlighting a climber up an old wall, to plenty of scented and soft candles on taverna tables.

Create both dark and light areas. drawing your eyes to something, or an area the client loves.

Cosiness Sometimes the most meaningful mementoes are the simplest. A twisted willow branch with fairy lights in an old jar, a smooth and large pebble you could hold napkins down with, a wine bottle filled with fairy lights – all are memory joggers of adventures here or aboard.

Consider Hygge, a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of cosiness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of contentment.

Look for ways to follow this and the ease of living outdoors will become simpler. Add blankets, furs and throws, outdoor fireplaces, wood fired ovens and you will be entertaining outdoors through all seasons just like them.

With being confined indoors for such a long period, we are all looking for all the nature we can get. We need to adjust the spaces we live in as we adjust the life we now live.

The importance of comfort and wellness are key requirements to our outdoor spaces, so taking a wide view from different countries and cultures will ensure a well balanced yet unique approach to helping our clients create amazing spaces for their families and friends. Keep looking at international design, albeit maybe online for a little while longer, to keep you on trend and inspired with your UK projects.

CANE-LINE

ABOUT DEBS WINROW Debs Winrow, creative director of award-winning landscape company Garden House Design, is an avid trend spotter, responsible for seeking out the latest and best outdoor living products, and developing an expansive portfolio to offer to both consumers and fellow landscapers and designers.

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

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NEW ZEALAND PEBBLES

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Garden and Landscape Lighting “When lighting around hot tubs and swimming pools, the first thing any installer must consider is safety. This aspect involves not only what type of lights to use but where to situate them to help the client navigate the space safely and avoid any tripping or electrical hazards. Firstly, we would always recommend using extra low voltage lighting (12v to 24v) in hot tub and swimming pool areas. This immediately negates many of the concerns that arise from water and electrics in close proximity. Secondly, for lighting steps and walkways towards and also around the hot tub, we would use the recessed side lights which are great for illuminating spaces without causing any glare or over lighting the space. The best places to position these lights are in the corners of the walkways and in the fulcrums of the steps.”

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“Hot tub lighting can be fun and exciting when using white/static or colour changing LEDs combined with music, but a few precautions should be considered for safety. Ensure that all surrounding lighting is extra low voltage and not 230v, as we all know electricity and water are not a great combination. The lighting needs to be consistent and provide enough illumination (without glare) for safe passage when entering and exiting the area surrounding the hot tub, and this will help reduce injuries to partially clothed people through slips, trips and falls.

Also, try to include ambient landscape lighting as this will allow easy transition for the eyes to adjust from the sometimes over bright hot tub internal lighting.”

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“When lighting around hot tubs and spas, it’s important to think about safety. When you leave the area, the floor could well be wet and possibly slippery. The last thing you need is to worry about is to see where you are walking. With the regulations of mains power being close to pools etc., it’s important to consider low voltage lighting. To keep the ‘mood’, it’s best to choose a LED light that produces warm white (2700k ideally) and is not too intrusive. We often use Hunza border lights to gently light the paths to and from the hot tub. These can be installed into turf or borders and because they have a flat lens and an adjustable head, you can cast the light onto the path without any glare.”

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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The Hunza PURE LED Border Light is ideal for path lighting giving a wide spread of light filtered through a frosted lens.

This luminaire has a fully adjustable head, allowing 3600 rotation and 0 to 900 elevation, making this product suitable for both up lighting and down lighting.

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Pro Landscaper / June 2021 63

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NURTURE

F E AT U R E GARDEN OVER THOUSANDS OF YEARS, IFORD MANOR GARDEN HAS EVOLVED INTO THE SMORGASBORD OF CULTURE AND INSPIRATION IT IS TODAY. WE SPEAK TO OWNER WILLIAM CARTWRIGHT-HIGNETT TO DISCOVER SOME OF ITS HISTORICAL PLANTS AS WELL AS WHAT THE FUTURE HAS IN STORE

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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IFORD MANOR GARDENS

F

rom its origins in wool production, to its Georgian developments, to Harold Peto’s experimental Edwardian designs, right up to today, Iford Manor Gardens has never been conceived but has evolved throughout its thousands of years of history. Settled within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just on the edge of the Cotswolds, the garden borrows unparalleled views of its surroundings. This, combined with the gardens' 1:3 slope, means the view within Iford’s gardens stretch forward seemingly endlessly.

As a garden bursting full of plants, Iford is inherently on the side of biodiversity. Since the Cartwright-Hignett family have taken stewardship of Iford, they’ve been able to acquire 900 acres of adjacent farmland – meaning the surrounding landscape can now also become a biodiverse haven.

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NURTURE

For owner William, managing the land sustainably doesn’t necessarily mean what you think it might. “Biodiversity for me doesn’t just mean birds, bees and butterflies, it means the sustainability of the landscape as a whole. Iford was inhabited in Roman times, and, we think,

THERE’S A SENSE THAT IF WE WERE TO DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN FARM THE LAND, WE WOULD BE FORCING IT TO CHANGE IN A WAY THAT ISN’T RIGHT FOR IT. A REWILDING POLICY, FOR EXAMPLE, JUST WOULDN’T BE RIGHT FOR IFORD they were making woollen products even then.

There’s a sense that if we were to do anything other than farm the land, we would be forcing it to change in a way that isn’t right for it.

A rewilding policy, for example, just wouldn’t be right for Iford. In fact, cattle and especially

68 Pro Landscaper / June 2021

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sheep grazing has proven to be incredibly environmentally friendly.”

Iford does consciously and sustainably manage its farmland, though, with low intensity farming. And, though for William biodiversity isn’t all about wildlife, as a result of how Iford is farmed, it now has an important colony of greater horseshoe bats, attracted to the cattle because they eat dung beetles.

Of course, a huge part of Iford’s biodiversity offering is down to its plant collection. The wider landscape plays host to wild orchids and naturally occurring wildflowers but within the gardens, the planting palette showcases flower borders set against an evergreen background.

New cypresses – brought back from Italy just before the pandemic – add a vertical element to the garden, softer than columns but still able to frame views. A Cercidiphyllum japonicum transforms throughout the seasons, beginning with a reddish glow as it flowers, turning white as the leaves emerge, changing to green and then finally yellow at the end of the season. Lilium martagon naturalised from the woodland hanging above have existed for hundreds of years.

Iford is also part of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project which marks 150 years of Japan-UK friendship and involved the distribution of cherry trees to 160 parks and gardens, and over 400

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20/05/2021 09:08

NURTURE

schools. In total, the garden was bestowed with 31 trees which today make up a Sakura walk bursting with blossom in the spring.

William’s favourite plant, though, is Phillyrea.

“Phillyrea is a bit out of fashion, but it’s a very important plant to us here because you can clip

WE’VE GOT IDEAS AND OBJECTS FROM DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, ORIGINS AND TIME PERIODS, ALL PLACED TOGETHER IN AN UNMISTAKEABLY ENGLISH LANDSCAPE. IT HAS NO RIGHT TO WORK AT ALL, BUT IT DOES it, it has thin, wide, and serrated leaved forms, its big and bold, forms a good blocker as an evergreen, but also can be structural. I love it and I think it’s time other people loved it too.”

Iford is dripping in one plant in particular – Wisteria sinensis. Though the oldest wisteria

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predates Harold Peto at 200 years old, he was a huge fan and planted it throughout the garden, not just on buildings but also as standard forms.

As such, freestanding wisteria circles the great lily pond creating a framework of scent and colour. For William, Iford’s wisteria has a depth of scent that is unrivalled by modern forms: “The scent is often bred out of the modern forms in exchange for quicker flowering.

Wisterias tend to take 10 to 20 years to flower, and people often aren’t prepared to invest that.”

Iford not only marries its soft borders and structural planting, but also finds balance between historic plants and the more contemporary. “Our head gardener Troy Scott Smith was appointed because he understands the importance of the historic palette, as well as the relevance to the modern visitor, having gained his expertise from Sissinghurst Castle Garden and Bodnant Garden,” explains William.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

loggia view ©Marianne Cartwright-Hignett Great Terrace in May ©Marianne Cartwright-Hignett Early May ©William Cartwright-Hignett Patio area ©Marianne Cartwright-Hignett May wisteria ©William Cartwright-Hignett View of the Iford Valley ©Simon Knight Selection of historic roses from the garden ©William Cartwright-Hignett

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At Iford the historical planting will always take priority though. “We have to respect the historical plants more than what’s around them,” explains William. “The hardest decisions are when to take out a historical plant – those are really sad moments but they’re necessary.”

The gardens are currently undergoing a cycle of renewal, with dying or vastly overgrown plants being removed and replaced. In the cloisters, an important Prunus 'Tai-haku' – or great white cherry – is coming to the end of its life. Part of the planting palette for years, William and the team are currently reworking the border to accommodate a new cherry tree. Conscious of the slim likelihood of another cherry tree taking to the ground of former cherry tree, though, William and his team need to have several backup plans in place. “The succession planting that people often talk about is within a season, but we have to talk about succession planting over a decade or two, or even ten. It adds that extra layer of challenge,” explains William.

IT’S LESS ABOUT THE HERE AND NOW, AND MORE ABOUT BEING A GARDEN FULL OF VERY PERSONAL MEMORIES Many of these historical plants were collected by landscape architect Harold Peto, who left a great legacy at Iford. A melting pot of culture, influence from Roman Forum, Italian renaissance water gardens, Moroccan Arabesque patios, Spain, and the rough landscape of Tuscany makes up Iford. “We’ve got ideas and objects from different locations, origins and time periods, all placed together in an unmistakeably English landscape. It has no right to work at all, but it does,” William tells us. “This extraordinary

capacity of objects to link to our memories is what draws you around the garden here and I think that is why it's such a special place for so many people. It’s less about the here and now, and more about being a garden full of very personal memories.”

Iford certainly packs a punch. Not only is it full of inspiration from around the globe, at only two acres, visitors often believe it is five times bigger.

This is in part down to its hillside location, but also due to how Harold Peto has framed the spaces, never allowing you to see the whole space at once. Instead, vignette views lead you around and glimpses of buildings and structures keep you intrigued. “Some people have got a quarter of an acre, others have 100 acres but it’s true in all of those cases – if you want to create space, shut the area down.”

The gardens have a lot to offer, but for William, there’s no room for complacency: “These places only survive if they remain

relevant,” explains William, “we want to create a sense of relevance to the local community, the landscape design community and the horticultural community. In doing so, Iford can survive the long term.”

These changes will also see Iford use interpretation in a different way. Feeling signboards and QR code signs degrades the experience of the garden, William will instead introduce audio guides informed by a map – keeping interpretation boards firmly in the ticket office. Another change for Iford is that it no longer allows under-10’s in the gardens.

This was due to health and safety issues, but also to preserve the peace and tranquillity which Iford visitors crave so dearly.

In terms of the actual garden, in addition to a new cafe and restaurant, Iford has plans to bolster its horticultural offering. In time, William hopes the garden can provide a commercial plant offering, selling items which are particularly Iford. But before then, it needs to renovate its walled garden. Iford’s new propagator, Alison, will take on this challenge, focusing on the micropropagation of some of Iford’s most unique species. These species include plants Harold Peto brought back from Japan, Canada, America, Egypt and all across Europe.

It’s these collections and the garden’s ability to be so intertwined with the landscape which adds to Iford’s amorphous nature – you can’t quite put your hands on it.

8 Evening light in garden ©Marianne Cartwright-Hignett 9 Valley view ©Marianne Cartwright-Hignett 10 Cloister ©Marianne Cartwright-Hignett

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www.prolandscapermagazine.com

19/05/2021 11:40

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THE KNEPP ESTATE

NURTURE

I

write in the week that the bubble burst for big business. Those owners of the top six football clubs involved had plans for a money-spinning super league, only to find no one was willing to follow them. The threat activated football fans and politicians who proposed legislation to stop it.

Not the usual case that politicians put the brakes on exploiting resources for money making schemes!

Some nine years ago, initial plans were announced to build a theme park on the Swanscombe Peninsula on the North Kent coast, one of the largest brownfield sites in the UK. The prospect of a world class theme park attraction, bringing with it lots of jobs in an area

BIG SCHEMES USUALLY ATTRACT OPPOSITION; HOWEVER, IT IS THE CALIBRE OF THOSE VOICING CONCERN THAT HAS STRUCK A NOTE affected by traditional industry changes, sounded good. Of course, there would be work for the landscape industry too. The project has been a rollercoaster ride to build a rollercoaster. Paramount Park was granted Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project status in May 2014. This meant planning applications could bypass local planning requirements and be submitted straight to the Secretary of State. Originally, the London Paramount Entertainment Resort changed to The London Resort when Paramount backed out, but the status remained.

T HE WO RTH O F W I L D LIF E DOES OUR SOCIETY REALLY VALUE THE NATURAL WORLD? ASKS NICK COSLETT

Big schemes usually attract opposition; however, it is the calibre of those voicing concern that has struck a note. Both Transport for London and Network Rail have said that London Resort’s transport models are flawed.

The transport infrastructure has not been designed to accommodate the volume of visitors the resort would attract. The nearby HS1 Ebbsfleet station is 17 minutes away but has been designed for the Ebbsfleet Garden City’s 15,000 new homes. The E-W Crossrail Elizabeth line ends in Woolwich some 18 miles away and an hour on current public transport.

Those in the South East already know the Dartford crossing and M25 is at capacity and journeys can be unpredictable.

Then nature gets a look in. The Swanscombe Peninsula has a long history of industrial use, with aggregate, cement and gas works, as well as waste tipping. But, as industry declined, this remote, marshy landscape has been rapidly reclaimed by nature, forming an

open mosaic habitat rich in biodiversity, with drainage canals home to endangered water voles, while kites hover overhead. (It’s precisely this mosaic habitat which has evolved at Knepp in Sussex where sparse farmland has been richly rewilded). In fact, the peninsula is home to 1992 species of invertebrates, including 250 of conservation concern which is more than any other site in the country. This March, Natural England recognised the area as a nationally important wildlife haven by designating it as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). But history shows this is not a sure-fire protection for the wildlife which enjoy the peace of this large site, the resort would break up the space and its wildlife corridors.

So, what happens next? A battle between the nature conservationists and big money once they get their transport model, right?

How can any development here succeed in a net biodiversity gain? Shouldn’t nature be left to her own devices? What would be more rewarding is to allow some wildlife friendly public access and use technology so people can reconnect with and enjoy the natural world and learn to value it.

ABOUT NICK COSLETT

THE SWANSCOMBE PENINSULA

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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

19/05/2021 09:34

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BUSINESS FOR SALE

M

MARK WRIGHT LANDSCAPES

ark Wright Landscapes Ltd is for sale.

I have been trading since 2006 and have built up the business doing all aspects of domestic landscaping in Preston, Lancashire and the surrounding areas.

Having undergone back surgery, I find myself in a position where I need to retire from the industry.

My two employees – who have been with me for eight years – finish at the end of May and are changing careers. It seems a shame to just let the business and reputation I have

built disappear; therefore, I am trying to sell it as a going concern.

I had the business valued a couple of years ago at around £120K but am looking to sell for around £70K. I turnover around £200K per annum with the potential to increase it significantly. I do not advertise, yet we are busy 12 months of the year.

My website appears on the first page of Google and the analytic report states that from January 2017 to present the website gets 276 views per month. I own every piece

of equipment you will need – from hand tools, power tools and a RUBI table tile cutter to a Bobcat digger, tipping trailer and van. I also rent a yard.

It would be an ideal opportunity for a landscaper to walk into an immediate income or for a larger company looking to branch out into the area.

Take a look at the website and give me a call on 07950 066755

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HAPPY TO HELP

NURTURE

ACCESSIBILITY OF HORTICULTURAL KNOWLEDGE TO THE PUBLIC IS AN ISSUE, SAYS LEWIS NORMAND

I

was recently recording some short instructional videos for children about plants and gardening as part of a Scottish Festival called Wildhood – which for 2021, like 2020, will only be happening in a digital realm. No bad thing and great to be a part of something so interesting and fresh. I look forward to 2022, when we can hopefully have an in-person festival; but this now year-long festival promises to engage children with videos on horticulture, gardening, art, music, storytelling, nature and the environment.

When reflecting on the ideas behind this festival and the refreshing approach to making it a year-long event on a digital platform, I feel there is much more that I can do to help children and adults engage in horticulture.

As a wider topic though, I have been thinking about the barriers to engagement from adults across the UK and one theme which I have seen over the years is definitely becoming more of an issue. The problem of not knowing and not being confident enough to ask has become a huge issue for some who want to garden but are concerned about making a fool of themselves if they ask a question that someone in the know may feel is laughable. In truth, I know that almost every knowledgeable gardener and horticulturist in the UK would be supportive of the questions of an inexperienced entrant to the garden.

Anxiety, however, is a powerful detractor and many don’t ask when they aren’t sure.

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I have seen this many times over the years and when looking back to my days in a garden centre plant area, you would regularly overhear people asking their partner questions about a plant they liked the look of. More often than not, their partner wouldn’t know and they would agree to risk it before I would approach them and ask if they needed any help. Risking it may

THE NURTURING NATURE OF MENTORING IS EVER-PRESENT IN PROFESSIONAL HORTICULTURE AND WOULD READILY EXTEND TO AN AMATEUR ASKING QUESTIONS. ANXIETY, HOWEVER, IS A POWERFUL DETRACTOR well produce some pleasing results, but with plants, as you know dear reader, it commonly results in death and a further disillusioned gardener unsure of what went wrong.

Even when offered help, lots of people would still prefer not to ask the question that they had asked their partner, to better understand the needs of the plant.

A very recent example of a similar problem was when I was chatting with the cameraman videoing me. He told me how during lockdown he bought a bottle garden

with succulents in it and over time, not knowing what to do with them and having received no information from the supermarket label where he bought it, they slowly withered and died.

I’m sure some of you reading this will be frustrated that he didn’t seek the guidance of our beloved Google, but we mustn’t blame him for not knowing what questions to ask the treasured search engine. While succulents may be easy plants for many of us, they are as mystifying to some of our clients and those not in know as the mics and cameras of a cinematographer will be to others.

So, to resolution then. We know the potential stumbling blocks of the novice. While we shouldn’t look to dumb-down our professional approach, we must make ourselves accessible to those that need it. Social media is a wonderful resource for people to access helpful tips and there are several amateur-friendly content creators out there providing great advice. I’m going to try to dedicate some time going forward to demystify elements of horticulture and aid people who might not otherwise ask, to better understand the terms and ideas of gardening and plants, making accessible the otherwise intimidating language and concepts that we professionals adeptly navigate daily.

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.

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18/05/2021 16:42

ADVERTORIAL

GOING FOR GROWTH

GLENDALE CIVIC TREES WELCOMES A NEW SENIOR SALES MANAGER, MICHAEL JOSE, WHO HAS SET BOLD GOALS FOR THE COMPANY

M

ichael Jose has stepped into his new role with ambitious plans.

As the senior sales manager at Glendale Civic Trees, Michael is looking to almost double the landscape business over the next few years. He is also aiming to win more commercial work for the company, and he plans to do this through building on the already stellar reputation of Glendale Civic Trees and creating strong client relationships.

Having worked in horticulture since he was teenager, Michael has plenty of experience to help him achieve these MICHAEL JOSE goals. “I started working with my grandad on pitch maintenance and ground care when I was 14; he taught me initially everything to do with horticulture and ground care, and that’s what got me into the industry. After I finished high school, I went straight to college and got my diploma in horticulture.”

Since then, Michael has held several roles in the industry, from landscape foreman to operations manager to quantity surveyor and project manager. He’s even owned his own landscaping company, bringing with it experience of design, construction and dealing with clients. “I’ve basically been with the industry

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my entire life and I’ve worked for various companies. I started as a labourer and worked my way up to project management, overseeing projects worth millions of pounds. I’ve always looked to achieve as much as I can in each role, and I’ve progressed to the position I have now.

“I’d heard of Glendale previously, but hadn’t had the opportunity to work with them. They’re quite a family-orientated business and they don’t just look after their clients, but they look after their employees as well. My manager, for

GLENDALE ITSELF IS KNOWN OVER THE WHOLE COUNTRY, BUT WE WANT GLENDALE CIVIC TREES TO BE RECOGNISED AS MUCH, IF NOT MORE instance, has worked with the company for more than 20 years. He’s worked his way up, learning and progressing. They’re a caring business. I saw this role as a chance to develop my skills within the company, where I could see myself staying for the foreseeable future.”

Michael has now been with Glendale since January, and he’s keen to explore projects abroad as the UK continues on its roadmap out of lockdown. “It will be quite interesting and

a good challenge to take on more projects abroad. We’re tendering now for a few, and with regulations lifting, we will hopefully look more appealing. A lot of countries are a bit dubious

about outsourcing tenders to another country because of the pandemic, but as the rules are lifting there should be more opportunities.”

That’s not to say there won’t be more challenges over the next 12 months. Michael is expecting more competition to arise out of the pandemic, whether that’s from those setting up their own companies after losing their jobs or having left their jobs because they were dissatisfied. “We’ll have to excel in showing that we’re good at what we do and carry on building our reputation, with more and broader business and better relationships with clients.

“Glendale itself is known over the whole country, but we want Glendale Civic Trees to be recognised as much, if not more.” It’s bold, but Michael’s passion for the company and his role within it makes it seem far more achievable. www.civictrees.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

19/05/2021 09:49

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NURTURE

V E R S AT I L E V E R T I C A L G RE E N I N G WITH P L A N T BOX

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aunching at the start of a global pandemic might sound like the end of a product before it’s even hit the shelves. For PlantBox, though, it was perfect timing. The clever vertical planting system was initially launched to consumers as they were starting to spend more time – and money – in their gardens, and the success of the product speaks for itself.

Sold online via Growing Revolution, a sister company of green infrastructure specialist Biotecture, the stackable troughs were selling more than four times over the forecast in March, says product manager Matt Lindsay.

“Consumer demand has been amazing – from a standing start, we’ve seen it grow from strength to strength. Our mission as a business is to reconnect people with nature, and PlantBox makes this accessible and easy.”

Within two months of PlantBox’s launch to consumers, Growing Revolution was also setting up a trade portal on its website. “Not all our project enquiries are suitable for our flagship BioPanel product – a hydroponic living wall system used in large scale commercial developments.

“We have an established network of landscapers and there was real interest

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PRODUCT MANAGER MATT LINDSAY SHARES THE SUCCESS OF PLANTBOX AND WHY ITS VERSATILITY MAKES IT A GREAT ADDITION TO SMALLER SCALE PROJECTS

for PlantBox from both landscapers and garden designers straight away’.”

Designed by Biotecture directors Richard Sabin and Mark Fleming, PlantBox is a trough-based system which is stackable and modular. Each trough is 60cm wide by 20cm high and is made up of nine components in total. A reservoir capable of holding 1.8L of water is built into each trough, with a fabric to wick moisture from this reservoir to the plants, avoiding overwatering and spillage. A float indicator shows when the reservoir is full; when

OUR MISSION AS A BUSINESS IS TO RECONNECT PEOPLE WITH NATURE, AND PLANTBOX MAKES THIS ACCESSIBLE AND EASY this is the case, the excess water will cascade down to the reservoir of the trough beneath.

“It’s ultra-low maintenance,” says Matt.

“And from a sustainability perspective, everything is made in the UK from 100% recycled materials, so there’s a quick lead time and the carbon footprint is minimal.

We also recommend peat-free compost.

“There’s a community and social aspect too. We have set up the PlantBox Trust, a charity to which we donate £1 for every trough sold to go towards community projects. Our first project was a wellbeing garden at the NHS Nightingale Hospital at the ExCeL.” For consumers, these versatile troughs are available in sets of three, five and 10; for trade,

they are available by the pallet load, which is around 21 square metres. They can be fixed to suitable structures using just a couple of screws, so can be used for fence lines and brick walls too.

“It’s maximum impact for as little space as possible. Because each PlantBox takes quite an established one-litre pot plant, you can quickly create a lush living wall which is rich in foliage, whereas other systems might only take smaller plants and you’ll need to wait for them to grow.”

After just one year of successful trading, Matt is already looking to expand the trade network in the UK and overseas. Trade partners are currently offered full training, competitive rates, a drop shipping option, 24/7 online ordering, and sales and marketing collateral.

Free trade samples are available on request, and PlantBox will be showcased this year at FutureScape in November.

POP-UP STUDIO, KINGS CROSS

Matt has also recently received the exciting news that PlantBox has been shortlisted for the RHS Sustainable Garden Product of the Year award.

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NURTURE

Johnsons of Whixley CELEBRATES

10 0 Y E A R S

AS FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS JOHNSONS OF WHIXLEY CELEBRATES ITS CENTENARY THIS YEAR, GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR GRAHAM RICHARDSON EXPLAINS HOW THE YORKSHIRE-BASED NURSERY HAS GROWN AND THE SECRETS BEHIND ITS SUCCESS

How was Johnsons of Whixley first founded?

Mr Eric Johnson founded the business in 1921 on his return from service in the great war. After the armistice, Mr Johnson remained in Europe, assisting with de-mobilisation and policing the turmoil that followed the 'war to end all wars'.

Mr Johnson had studied botany and had a natural passion for growing – his new wife's family owned malt kilns throughout Yorkshire and provided a small parcel of land close to the

FIRST LORRY LOADED, HOLLAND 1966

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main nursery now. Production began on a tiny scale with no specific specialism. E.R Johnsons Nurseries was founded and rapidly developed a reputation for the quality of its stock and the reliability of its service – sentiments that we have never lost!

WE TEND TO STICK TO WHAT WE KNOW AND WHAT WE ARE GOOD AT AND RECOGNISE THE IMPORTANCE OF 'SERVICE' Stock was supplied to local estates and landowners, the general public and via the accepted 'market economy' that accompanied every town. Roses, fruit trees, garden conifers, hardy shrubs and transplants and seedlings became the mainstay of supply.

How has the nursery developed since then?

Excuse the pun, but the nursery grew organically, and my father mortgaged his soul to buy the business in 1963/64; the company then consisted of 11 acres of production being tended by 11 staff.

Within a few years, my father had consolidated commercial supply and had ditched retailing, which seemed wholly inefficient compared to harvesting, collating and shipping multiples of any single variety. The advent of containerisation was recognised as an opportunity for our business, as was the early use of polythene tunnels – my father developed a jig to bend steel tubes into hoops and became a very early advocate of growing under protection at scale.

Markets and relationships developed, and our recognition of the need to reduce exposure as

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NURTURE

a result of climatic and seasonal variation was cemented in our policy to service a number of channels to market.

This (as it does now) consisted of a majority of supply into the commercial amenity sector, followed by supply to garden centres nationally and not long after the beginnings of our wholesale trade counter servicing smaller business regionally. This split is current 66% amenity, 20% garden centres and 14% wholesale cash and carry.

Johnsons remain 'growers' at heart but also recognise the commercial folly of exposing ourselves to more production than we can comfortably sell – supplementing home production with traded material from trusted suppliers is entirely central to our successful business model.

How has the relationship with professional landscapers and garden designers grown?

Exponentially is the only accurate description I can give. Sales to 'key' accounts, meaning 'cemented trading relationships', remains at the heart of our success – woe betides if we ever take this for granted! These make up a significant proportion of annual sales, and the relationships are often much more than a commercial arrangement – they are much valued friendships!

Tell us about the nursery now.

The nursery consists of five production centres servicing a head office site that concentrates production stock and incoming goods and provides the platform for despatch. Most sites have dedicated staff managed by a long term

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manager (many of whom have at least 30 years’ service) – staff on these sites are supplemented by agency staff in response to demand and can call on production hit squads who can provide a rapid response to production challenges or other forms of demand. Our entire staff consists of 120 full time, and this is supplemented by a minimum of 20 agency staff that can rise by a further 40 at the point that both amenity and retail supply seasons converge.

Our management, admin and sales teams consist of about 35 people and we also employ accountancy, H&S, HR, IT, logistics and engineering specialists.

We typically supply six to eight million plants annually, although this can be heavily dominated by large quantities of seedlings and transplants.

So, what's behind the success? What is Johnsons of Whixley's USP? Success is never taken for granted and we remain acutely aware of the objects that are likely to derail our trajectory – climate, seasons, economy and currently the pandemic. We tend to stick to what we know and what we are good at and recognise the importance of 'service' – we believe that people enjoy convenience and like to think of ourselves as solutions providers who make the challenges that our customers face that bit easier. We also recognise that we occasionally get it wrong and hope to be measured by our honest attempts to correct things.

What have been the biggest highlights for the nursery over the last 100 years?

Inception, purchase by John Richardson, containerisation, winter protection, a sales

curve that plots an increase in sales from £33K pa to £15m+ in 2021, the adoption of forklifts; a reduction in permanent headcount in favour of some agency, the loyalty of our staff and the relationships forged with so many customers; and finally, our determination to embrace the contribution of technology and having the vision to seize on marketing and PR to reinforce our message.

What have been the biggest challenges?

World War II; the reduction in supply to local authorities in the late 80s; the loss of nearly £500k to a large scheme in the early 2000s; the economic depression beginning in 2008; several plant diseases including Dutch elm disease, Phytophthora ramorum, and fireblight; the really bad winters in 1981, 2010 and 2013; Brexit; and finally, the ongoing pandemic.

How does the nursery incorporate sustainability?

Being both accredited to ISO 9000 (quality standard) and the environmental standard 14001 and very recently the 'Plant Healthy' initiative, we believe sustainability is inherent in what we do – after all, we are one of a small core of businesses that can legitimately claim to be carbon neutral by virtue of our product. We are already 'net contributors' to the environment.

What does the future look like for Johnsons of Whixley?

In short, hard work and not taking anything for granted. We currently employ 11 members of the Richardson family and moves are already afoot to transition management control to the eldest of these. They already understand that each generation are custodians who should look after and nurture the business so that subsequent generations have an opportunity to benefit from the fulfilment and security that our company brings. Growth is likely to continue organically but is not a mantra – consolidation and maintained profits are at the heart of what we do. Financial reward is fundamental, but it doesn't trump sustainability, personal fulfilment and the right to a happy life!

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NURTURE

TOP TURF W H Y I S I T I M P O R TA N T TO O P T FO R H I G H Q U A L I T Y T U R F OV E R C H E A P E R A LT E R N AT I V E S ? R O L AW N E X P L A I N S

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urchasing technically superior turf is an investment in customer satisfaction. With a high-quality product, you can consistently deliver the right outcome – quickly creating attractive, useable lawns for your customers.

“Advanced technologies enable Rolawn to harvest younger and thinner turf. This is in line with independent research by the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) which proves the ability of younger, thinner cut turf to root more quickly and vigorously than older, thicker cut product. The turf’s shelf life is then extended using our unique, patented Profresh® system so it arrives in a healthy, ready-to-lay condition.

“In the longer term, quality turf such as Rolawn’s Medallion® ensures a lawn’s resilience in the face of extreme weather and varying degrees of maintenance, because the cultivars are researched and selected, by our agronomy experts, for their known performance in key areas such as colour, disease resistance and wear tolerance, among many others.”

ABOUT ROLAWN Rolawn is one of the UK’s leading turf grower and supplier of Britain’s Finest Turf, also renowned for its market leading topsoils and barks. They are certified to BS EN ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management and BS EN ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management.

www.rolawn.co.uk

ABOUT LONDON LAWN TURF CO. The London Lawn Turf company is one of Rolawn’s premier stockists, working together to provide outstanding value quality and service.

Established for more than 20 years, it supplies trade and retail customers throughout London and the Home Counties.

www.londonlawnturf.co.uk

R O L AW N M E DA L L I O N ® TURF

CASE ST U DY

A residential client of London Lawn wanted to replace their lawn, which had been adversely affected by works to the garden, with a premium-quality turf to complement the entire garden.

To achieve this, they used 1250m2 of Rolawn Medallion® Turf. The ground was prepared using 50m3 of Rolawn’s Blended Loam Topsoil, a premiumquality, responsibly sourced, peat-free, multi-purpose topsoil. Once spread and firmed, Rolawn’s Lawn Establishment Fertiliser was added to give the turf the best possible start. With extreme summer heat threatening turf quality whilst in transit, Rolawn’s Profresh® system proved its worth as turf arrived on site in ‘as harvested’ condition ready for the London Lawn team to lay.

“We approached London Lawn Turf to carry out the works in the knowledge they work closely with Rolawn and have a good experience of working with Rolawn products, having researched the project prior to enquiring we were certain we wanted to use Rolawn Medallion Turf on the project. The team on site were extremely knowledgeable and worked efficiently from start to finish, all of the materials delivered looked to be of great quality; the turf in particular was lush and deep green.

The lawn still looks spectacular.”

Rory Cathryn, Farnham Photograph ©The London Lawn Turf Company

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The Outback Ride-on Brushcutter Range The new Outback® 4WD Rider range has been designed with a low centre of gravity in combination with a four wheel drive system that enables it to tackle those hard-to-reach places that wouldn't have been accessible to the more traditional handheld brushcutting machines.

Powered by Briggs & Stratton engines, Billy Goat Outback® Riders have set the standard for professional brushcutting equipment on the market.

The Outback® 4WD Rider continues to expand the Billy Goat line-up of domestic and professional turf care and property maintenance equipment.

Visit www.billygoat.co.uk or call: 0115 986 6646 for more details on the Billy Goat Outback Range

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E D U CAT E

NICK RUDDLE: THE KEYS TO TIME MANAGEMENT

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EDUCATE

©Emma Gossett/Unsplash

KEEPING YOUR FEET ON

FIRM GROUND

THE TRADES’ COACH, ALISON WARNER GIVES ADVICE ON HOW TO FEEL MORE IN CONTROL OF YOUR BUSINESS

I

n February, Tradify, a CRM system for the trades, asked 460 tradespeople in the UK, Australia and New Zealand how they felt about the next 12 months. It found that: “36% of tradespeople in building, carpentry, and construction almost always feel in control of their businesses.

No landscaping business owner could say the same, with a quarter admitting they seldom feel in control.”

I found this intriguing and wondered why this might be? Is it due to the seasonal nature of the industry? Feeling in control is linked to how much we feel we can predict what is going to happen next. Here are some ways to tackle this.

Create your own crystal ball Not literally of course! But it is easier to predict the future with accounting software such as Xero or QuickBooks if you use it to its full capacity to measure trends, and report against a financial forecast. Add in cashflow forecasting software such as Fluidly, and you now have visibility of cashflow as well as profitability.

Have a marketing plan Fail to plan, plan to fail – I’m sure you’ve heard of this before. Many business owners proudly tell me that the majority of their work comes via word of mouth, and whilst that is great to hear, it isn’t very predictable. Instead use a variety of

MANY BUSINESS OWNERS PROUDLY TELL ME THAT THE MAJORITY OF THEIR WORK COMES VIA WORD OF MOUTH, AND WHILST THAT IS GREAT TO HEAR, IT ISN’T VERY PREDICTABLE different marketing channels and measure where your leads are coming from. This enables you to invest in what is working best and more accurately predicts the future.

Invest in business coaching or find a mentor Okay, I am a business coach, but I have always invested in my own development in my business. I love learning new things because it keeps me engaged and energised. In addition, it prevents me from making mistakes, as I am learning from someone else who has perhaps already made them for me! This gives me a much greater sense of control.

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Look into the future One of my mentors taught me about the importance of always looking to the future and to consider how needs and expectations might change. Things move so quickly nowadays, especially in terms of technology, that the term ‘you snooze, you lose’ is becoming more and more relevant.

Keep your mind and body healthy My final piece of advice is to keep investing in your physical and mental wellbeing. I strongly believe that if your body and mind is fit and well, you can deal so much more effectively with any challenges that come your way.

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 Alison Warner is the founder of Evolve and Grow, a business coaching firm that specialises in the trades and construction industry. She is also the author of bestselling book ‘How to go from Tradesperson to Managing Director in the Construction and Trade Industries’ https://amzn.to/2QIb467 and founder of the UK’s first Business Growth Academy for trades. www.evolveandgrowcoaching.com

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EDUCATE

S

pring has been and gone now but temperatures are beginning to rise quite rapidly in the day times and there were some pretty sharp frosts at night. This brought to my attention an influx of paving issues from efflorescence, leachate, iron deposits to moisture staining, especially on the lighter coloured sandstones and granite.

Ever since imported sandstone paving slabs were manufactured thinner or calibrated and the sawn and honed sandstones became more popular, the issues have in many cases become quite problematic. The sole reason the slabs became thinner was not because they are easier to lay, but because it was possible to get another five square metres in a crate, which meant more profit shipping wise.

Many landscapers (and I’ll be perfectly honest here – I’ve been guilty of this method too) have been ‘fluffing up’ or ‘scoring’ the mortar bed (images 1 and 2) with the point of the trowel prior to laying the slab. It gives that nice cushion when tapping the paving slab

down to the correct level. This method of preparing your mortar bedding layer, and any other methods that leave voids under the paving slab, will create air pockets that will collect moisture (as seen in image 3). This in turn creates many of the above issues. When temperatures rise, this will draw moisture from the laying bed through the porous slab or

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PROBLEMATIC PAVING GARETH WILSON EXPLAINS WHY A FULL CONTACT MORTAR BED IS SO IMPORTANT

grouting and possibly bring with it unsightly efflorescence, leachate, water staining or iron deposits through the paving. In many cases this will mean relaying the patio or treatment with the relevant chemicals. Iron deposits have proved to be a particular issue with the sawn grey sandstone.

So, the big question is what can we contractors do to avoid moisture staining, iron deposits, leachate and efflorescence? I think it should be noted before we start that you can still get the above problems even when using best practices but here are some ways to minimise these issues.

EVER SINCE IMPORTED SANDSTONE PAVING SLABS WERE MANUFACTURED THINNER OR CALIBRATED AND THE SAWN AND HONED SANDSTONES BECAME MORE POPULAR, THE ISSUES HAVE IN MANY CASES BECOME QUITE PROBLEMATIC Firstly, I’d use a permeable laying mortar bed pre-sealing the paving with a breathable sealant – preferably one of the new generation sealants that can be applied even when the paver is still slightly damp. I’d apply SBR to the back of the

slab and a pre-mixed slurry primer too. Now the big one for me is making sure the whole of the laying bed is touching the back of the slab – no voids that can collect moisture. I’ve had some good feedback from installers who use a rendering float to distribute the mortar bed around evenly and they use a semi-dry mix and ‘white’ cement, especially if using light coloured sandstone – in other words, the less water in the mix the better.

Lastly needed is a full and continuous mortar bed where 90 to 100% of the bed is in contact with the slab, therefore creating a maximum surface area and contact between the bed and slurry primer. This will give maximum adhesion between the two surfaces and will prevent delamination of the slab from the laying bed giving your patio more longevity.

Image 4 is what you need to avoid. Even though this paving slab was laid on full bed, it wasn’t a full contact bed.

ABOUT GARETH WILSON Leaving college at 17, Gareth has worked in the landscape industry since 1989. Progressing onto highend projects over the years, he has picked up 30 RHS medals, including Gold at Chelsea. Now a retained consultant to The Landscape Academy, Gareth is a member of multiple professional bodies. He provides technical and product advice to companies, mentors and trains landscapers across the UK, and provides arbitration and mediation services.

www.gkwilsonlandscaping.co.uk

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U N D E R S TA N D I N G

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P OSITIVE DISCRIMINATION P

THERE ARE INSTANCES WHEN POSITIVE DISCRIMINATION CAN BE LAWFUL, EXPLAINS JASON MCKENZIE OF ORACLE SOLICITORS

ositive Discrimination is defined as treating someone more favourably because they have a “protected characteristic” (PC). The PCs are: age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; and sexual orientation. The law generally forbids positive discrimination except in some very specific circumstances.

In employment, there are three main exceptions to the general rule of positive discrimination being unlawful. The exceptions are: occupational requirements, positive action, and where there is a law that specifically allows or requires positive discrimination.

Positive action Positive discrimination is not to be confused with positive action. Positive action is lawful.

This is when an employer acts to assist employees or prospective employees or workers who share a specific PC and are disadvantaged, have particular needs, or are underrepresented in the workplace.

The primary differences between positive

Occupational requirements This exception is available where, due to the nature or context of the work, having a particular PC is an occupational requirement.

Examples of occupational requirements that might apply include: • For reasons of privacy or decency, when choosing toilet attendants • Casting in plays or films • Requiring employees to be of a particular religion for specific roles in a religious institution Occupational requirements are only acceptable if they are a proportionate way of achieving a legitimate aim. The employer will need to balance a number of factors to determine whether the action to be taken is ‘proportionate’ – these factors include considering the seriousness of the disadvantage to be addressed and by how much the PC means the need is different, then what is the action that would least impact others?

Minimum change for maximum benefit.

discrimination and positive action are that the latter is action taken to benefit those from one particular protected group and does not involve less favourable treatment of those from another; or is action which eradicates discriminatory policies or practices.

Positive action is not usually required of employers. However, there may be instances where there is a duty to do so. For example, employers are obliged to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people and therefore the employer treating the disabled person more favourably than a non-disabled person would not usually be unlawful. If an employer reasonably thinks that people with a particular PC suffer a disadvantage connected to it, or simply have different needs to fully participate in the workplace, they can take action which is aimed at enabling or encouraging the affected to participate or otherwise minimise the effect of their PC. An example given by the Equality & Human Rights

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EMPLOYERS MAY BENEFIT FROM A WIDER RECRUITMENT POOL OF TALENTED, SKILLED AND EXPERIENCED CANDIDATES

Commission (EHRC) is where an employer’s monitoring data on training shows that their workers over the age of 60 are more likely to request training in advanced IT skills compared with workers outside this age group. The employer could provide training sessions primarily targeted at this group of workers.

Positive action has the potential to benefit the employer as well as the recipients.

Employers may benefit from a wider recruitment pool of talented, skilled and experienced candidates; a more dynamic workforce capable to responding better to challenges; and better understanding of a more diverse range of customers, which would bring in more business.

Other statutory provisions requiring or allowing discrimination.

We do not have space to consider them all here, but there are several legal provisions that require or allow “discriminatory” treatment to take place; for example, in the context of certain educational appointments, national security, protection of women (e.g. around pregnancy).

Overall, it is always important for employers to consider the legal justification for any proposals that may have an impact on staff with particular protected characteristics.

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

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THE KEYS TO TIME MANAGEMENT

EDUCATE

D O E S T H E TO - D O L I ST A L WAYS S E E M U N AC H I E VA B L E ? N I C K R U D D L E S H A R E S A DV I C E O N H O W TO T I C K O F F T H E I T E M S BY WO R K I N G M O R E E F F I C I E N T LY The basic principles to time management are: • Accept that you will never be able to do everything that you want, because there is just too much to do.

• Purpose – the driving force behind managing your time is to accomplish your ultimate goal(s).

The process for success • What to do: Spend your time doing what is key to the success of your business. Work on tasks that can only be done effectively by you.

Follow the four ‘Ds’ – Do it, Delegate it, Defer it, or Dump it.

• When to do: Plan your time and organise your work schedule so that you are never working on the issues that fall into the two ‘Not Important’ categories.

• How to do: Be organised. Create a default diary for each time period – month/week/day – which allocates time periods for specific tasks. For example: travel to customers, return/place phone calls, do quiet work, organise paperwork, or read.

Tool – time blocking chart.

• How to do: Be disciplined. The key to efficient use of time is planning. Work from lists and mark the items for priority (using A – C to rank them, perhaps).

Tool – daily and weekly lists

Planning For efficiency Do it in advance – on a Friday night or the weekend for the following week, and the night before for the following day, rather than the morning of. Gather your materials in advance so you can ‘hit the ground running’.

For motivation Put as much on your list as you can, gaining momentum as you check off each item.

With larger projects, break them into small steps so that you can see progress.

For effectiveness Each major project should be planned out over time periods, with other activities interspersed.

Hints for success • Incremental progress is key.

So, for projects, ‘divide to multiply’.

• Start now, step by step.

• Do the toughest thing first:  It stops procrastination;

FOUR SKILLS REQUIRED TO USE YOUR TIME WISELY:

1. Analysis 2. Planning 3. Delegation 4. Self-management

 You’ll

feel great, and therefore… feel inspired to do everything else required for the day • Delegate:  Include scheduled time in your plan to oversee, train, obtain and review reports on the work you have delegated.  Do not slip into the habit of doing it. …you’ll

If you schedule on importance, not urgency, then the urgent will almost never occur!

In order to grow your business, you’ll need to carve out 5 to 10 hours a week of your busy schedule. Considering that you are probably working 40 to 60 hours, this may be difficult but should not be impossible. Once you have some time to invest in team building and marketing, you will see your business begin to grow.

There’s a very simple process to analyse your time. If you’d like to discover how to do this, then schedule a free session with Nick at: www.nickruddle.com.

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

90 Pro Landscaper / June 2021

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YOU ARE N OT A LO N E L O N E L I N E S S H A S H I T U S A L L AT S O M E P O I N T I N T I M E . T H I S H A S O N LY I N T E N S I F I E D OV E R T H E PA ST Y E A R A S LO C K D O W N R E ST R I C T I O N S H AV E FO R C E D M A N Y O F U S TO I S O L AT E O U R S E LV E S F R O M F R I E N D S A N D FA M I LY. W E E X P LO R E H OW LO N E L I N E S S C A N P R E S E N T I TS E L F, A S W E L L A S W H AT YO U C A N D O TO H E L P YO U R S E L F A N D H OW E M P LOY E R S C A N LO O K O U T FO R T H E I R STA F F

W

e’ve all felt lonely. The reasons and circumstances may vary from person to person – loneliness is not always the same as being alone, for example – but most of us can recognise the feeling. In fact, according to The British Red Cross: “One in five people in the UK say they experience feelings of loneliness”. This has only been exacerbated during the coronavirus pandemic, as lockdowns have forced more of us into isolation.

IT’S USUALLY WRAPPED UP IN SO MANY OTHER ISSUES WHICH CAN INCLUDE THEIR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH THAT THEY DON’T REALISE ULTIMATELY IT’S BECAUSE THEY’VE NOT TALKED TO SOMEONE IN OVER A WEEK H E L E N WA D D I N GTO N , P E R E N N I A L

Mental Health Foundation states that: “According to a survey of UK adults which took place nine months into COVID-19 restrictions (late November 2020) one in four adults in the UK said they had feelings of loneliness in the “previous two weeks”.” It’s not surprising when millions of us have had to put a pause on seeing family, friends and colleagues in an effort to stay safe.

It’s an important time to look out for loneliness, not just in ourselves but also in employees and colleagues. But how can loneliness present itself?

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Feature Loneliness.indd 93

Loneliness isn’t necessarily a mental health problem, but it certainly can have a negative impact on mental health and, equally, having a mental health problem can feel very isolating.

Perennial notes that individuals reaching out don’t necessarily make the connection between what they’re struggling with and the feeling of loneliness. “It’s usually wrapped up in so many other issues which can include their physical and mental health that they don’t realise ultimately it’s because they’ve not talked to someone in over a week,” explains Helen Waddington. “That’s why, when people approach with, say, a financial problem, we don’t only look at how we can help them pay the bills, we explore what else might be going on.”

As a sole trader, garden designer Jo Manfredi-Hamer admits to experiencing loneliness, but notes that there’s a difference between loneliness and professional isolation.

The former can often be fixed with a get together with friends or family, but the latter is harder: “Professional isolation is not often spoken about and I do sometimes feel that, especially when I come across a new situation I haven’t dealt with before,” she explains. “I suspect there are a lot of career changers in the garden design industry who have changed from working in teams to working as a sole trader. Such large changes can cause feelings of loneliness that were not there before.”

Jo also acknowledges that often feelings of anxiety can present themselves, but after talking her problem through her perspective shifts: “I then recognise that, actually, I just need a heart to heart about a business matter.”

But it’s not just sole traders who struggle with feelings of loneliness – after all, we can feel lonely while surrounded by people. Perennial’s Kate Cooney has noticed that loneliness within some organisations has dramatically increased, especially at the beginning of the pandemic:

THERE ARE A LOT OF CAREER CHANGERS IN THE GARDEN DESIGN INDUSTRY WHO HAVE CHANGED FROM WORKING IN TEAMS TO WORKING AS A SOLE TRADER. SUCH LARGE CHANGES CAN CAUSE FEELINGS OF LONELINESS JO MANFREDI-HAMER, GARDEN DESIGNER

“That team banter – driving to jobs together, getting a McDonalds breakfast – has been lost in a way. With loneliness, in a lot of cases, there’s almost a gradual chipping away, it’s not a sudden thing. It’s a gradual loss of contact.”

Tivoli takes loneliness very seriously, recognising how it affects its workforce.

“We have small mobile teams and lone workers, and an operational workforce spread out at

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different depots across the UK, so we’re acutely aware that some employees may go days without seeing or speaking to another colleague,” explains Sarah Lee marketing and communications manager. This is of magnified importance at Tivoli due to its 94% male workforce, with research showing men find it harder to open up about mental health issues and that male suicide rates are substantially higher. It also recognises that the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the problem, causing Tivoli to widen its focus.

So, how can we help ourselves and help others too? It’s important to remember you don’t have to try everything at once. Mind states: “If you’ve felt lonely for a long time, even if you already know lots of people, it can be terrifying to think about trying to meet new people.” So take it slowly, and take the pressure right off.

When you are ready, Jo strongly recommends reaching out to other sole traders. “Reaching out online can be less scary in the first instance. I try to use Facebook pages and email to reach out to other designers in the industry and attend as much training as I can fit in,” she explains. “SGD training is always great, and the SGD cluster groups are a good forum for debate. I know new connections will increase my knowledge as a designer and help to make me feel more supported generally.”

WITH LONELINESS, IN A LOT OF CASES, THERE’S ALMOST A GRADUAL CHIPPING AWAY, IT’S NOT A SUDDEN THING. IT’S A GRADUAL LOSS OF CONTACT K AT E C O O N E Y, P E R E N N I A L

As well as looking after yourself – physically and mentally by sleeping well, eating well, exercising, spending time outdoors or with animals and avoiding drugs and alcohol – Mind recommends resisting the urge to compare ourselves with others. Alongside this, remember that GPs will be able to offer advice and charities like Perennial are there to lean on.

In particular, Perennial’s free online mental wellbeing community allows users to speak to others in the community, access online courses

94 Pro Landscaper / June 2021

Feature Loneliness.indd 94

and keep track of your thoughts and feelings.

The space is monitored by trained therapists to ensure it remains a safe space.

But, as previously stated, it’s not just sole traders who experience feelings of loneliness, so how can you as an employer support your staff? Opening up a conversation is always a good first step and implementing peer support, mental health first aiders and opportunities for counselling are all good ways for employers to do so.

As Sarah explains: “One of our biggest challenges is communicating with all of our employees, as they are in multiple locations and have differing technical facilities and skills.

Therefore, we ensure that a huge range of communication channels are used to regularly remind our teams of what’s available to them.

We need to ensure that it’s clear what support is available, and where to get it from when things get too much.”

This is guidance Perennial also encourages, advising that, in light of lockdown and employees who have perhaps been homeworking for over a year, there needs to be a back to work policy in place, similar to one in place for extended leave. “Employers need to give staff the opportunity to discuss potential issues,” explains Kate, “Some people are feeling fearful and it’s important to look at how that might manifest.”

Indeed, it’s always best to be preventative rather than reactive when it comes to employee wellbeing, something that is hugely important to Tivoli: “Our main goal is to be able to help and support our staff before they get to breaking point,” explains Sarah.

“We all experience pressures in life, and it’s so important we recognise the different scenarios and triggers so that we can

intervene and provide the help that’s needed at the very earliest opportunity.”

It might be tempting for employers to take full advantage of restrictions easing and make up for lost time with team socials but, while this is a fantastic thing to offer staff and will

ONE OF OUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES IS COMMUNICATING WITH ALL OF OUR EMPLOYEES. WE ENSURE THAT A HUGE RANGE OF COMMUNICATION CHANNELS ARE USED TO REGULARLY REMIND OUR TEAMS OF WHAT’S AVAILABLE TO THEM SARAH LEE, MARKETING AND C O M M U N I CAT I O N S M A N AG E R , T I VO L I

definitely help some, it’s important to bear in mind that every staff member will have different boundaries. Just because things may be legal again, doesn’t mean everyone will feel comfortable to do them, so make sure there are ways other team members can take part online.

As life slowly returns to normal and we see the back of lockdown restrictions, it’s important not to assume feelings of loneliness will disappear too.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

19/05/2021 14:09

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Air inlet pockets keep the grass standing tall for the cleanest possible cut, while an acceleration baffle speeds clipping circulation and assures maximum power. The ground-following design of each deck allows mowing of challenging undulating terrain without scalping.

INCREASED COVERAGE With a large 68” width-of-cut, the Groundsmaster 3500-D allows you to mow generous swaths with ease, while its compact size and Sidewinder system allow for tight manoeuvres in trim areas for added versatility.

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COMFORT As well as its impressive efficiency, versatility and quality of cut, the design of the Groundsmaster 3500-D has also taken into consideration operator comfort. The deluxe seat adjusts to let the operator customise their work environment and reduce fatigue. Plenty of space at the operator’s station, paired with easy-to-read controls increases comfort. Plus, the steering wheel tilts for steering preference.

Pro Landscaper / June 2021 95

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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 / June 2021

Little Interviews-3.indd 98

JANE BINGHAM

NICK ABBOTT

Owner/garden designer, The Cheshire Garden

Owner, Beech Landscapes

www.thecheshiregarden.co.uk

www.beechlandscape.co.uk

If you weren’t in the horticulture industry, what would you be doing?

Singer, dancer, actor.

If you weren’t in the horticulture industry, what would you be doing?

Property developer.

Garden shows/show gardens – inspirations or not?

Yes.

Garden shows/show gardens – inspirational or not?

Yes, inspirational.

Other than the UK, which country’s landscape inspires you the most?

Italy.

Other than the UK, which country’s landscape inspires you the most?

America.

What would you blow your budget on?

Bigger garden!

What would you blow your budget on?

More land.

The one person in the industry you’d love to meet?

Tom Stuart-Smith.

The one person in the industry you’d love to meet?

Dan Pearson.

One thing that you think would make the industry better?

Clear and accurate indication in the media of potential costs of developing a garden.

One thing that you think would make the industry better?

Warmer weather.

Newest gardening trend in your opinion Alternative planting substrates.

Best piece of trivia you know?

The value of pi written backwards is PIE. Role model as a child?

Vivienne Westwood.

Couldn’t get through the week without…

Coffee.

Newest gardening trend in your opinion Roof gardens.

Best piece of trivia you know?

How to count to 10 in Welsh.

Role model as a child?

The Lone Ranger.

Couldn’t get through the week without...

Tea.

Best invention in recent years?

AI.

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

Alan Titchmarsh.

Karaoke song of choice?

‘Give Me One Reason’ by Tracy Chapman.

What three things would you take to a desert island?

A radio, toothbrush, my boat.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

20/05/2021 11:43

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OWEN ROGERS

RICHARD FRY

THERESA OSEN

Head gardener at Holland Park, idverde UK

Marketing director, Rigby Taylor Ltd

Director, Hind + Osen

www.idverde.co.uk

www.rigbytaylor.com

www.hindandosen.com

If you weren’t in the horticulture industry, what would you be doing?

Construction of some kind.

Garden shows/show gardens – inspirational or not?

Very! Great places to get ideas and stimulate the imagination.

If you weren’t in the horticulture industry, what would you be doing?

Working as a PR in the architecture sector or reading the news on Radio 4.

Other than the UK, which country’s landscape inspires you the most?

Japan. Amazing gardens that inspire peace and tranquility.

Other than the UK, which country’s landscape inspires you the most?

The Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe.

Garden shows/show gardens – inspirational or not?

Highly inspirational – a good opportunity to see current trends in plants and equipment.

Other than the UK, which country’s landscape inspires you the most?

I think France has a lot of forward-thinking design and some beautiful historic palaces and grounds that inspire me.

What would you blow your budget on?

Swimming ponds.

The one person in the industry you’d love to meet?

Diarmuid Gavin – in ‘Home Front in the Garden’ he opened my eyes to what really is possible in an outdoor space!

One thing that you think would make the industry better?

More thought into irrigation of public parks/new public spaces planting projects.

Newest gardening trend in your opinion Training fruit trees into fencing/barriers.

Role model as a child?

My older brother – we’re like twins just born two years apart. Whatever he did inspired me to do it better, Your favourite joke?

A bear walks into a bar and says “I’ll have a… pint of best”. The barman replies: “What’s with the big pause?”

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Little Interviews-3.indd 99

The one person in the industry you’d love to meet?

Capability Brown – via a time machine.

One thing that you think would make the industry better?

Better understanding by the public of the skills required by landscapers.

What would you blow your budget on?

A garden designer.

The one person in the industry you’d love to meet?

Vita Sackville-West or Derek Jarmen.

One thing that you think would make the industry better?

A ban on artificial grass.

Best piece of trivia you know?

During the 1600s, tulips in Holland were more valuable than gold.

Newest gardening trend in your opinion Rewilding.

Best invention in recent years?

COVID-19 vaccines.

Best piece of trivia you know?

Nintendo was founded in 1889.

Your most used saying or cliché It is what it is.

Role model as a child?

My dad. He still is.

Favourite tipple?

Glass of Bordeaux.

Couldn’t get through the week without...

Lindt chocolate and Netflix.

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

Tom Hollander.

Who would play you in a movie your life?

Keeley Hawes.

Your favourite joke?

Two guys walk into a bar, the third guy ducks.

Your favourite joke?

What type of sandals do frogs wear?

Open-toad.

Karaoke song of choice?

‘Born to Run’ by Bruce Springsteen.

Karaoke song of choice?

‘Young Guns’ by Wham!

Pro Landscaper / June 2021 99

20/05/2021 11:43

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