Pro Landscaper May 2014

Concept to Delivery

DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

May 2014

RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW SUPPLEMENT THE GARDENS THE PEOPLE THE PRODUCTS THE

LITTLE INTERVIEW IS BACK PRESENTATION & PHOTOGRAPHY

ADVICE

LET’S HEAR IT FROM

BRIAN HERBERT Outdoor Options

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Concept to Delivery DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

May 2014

RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW SUPPLEMENT

May 2014 | Volume 4, Issue 5

THE GARDENS THE PEOPLE THE PRODUCTS

Welcome to May 2014

THE

LITTLE INTERVIEW IS BACK PRESENTATION & PHOTOGRAPHY

ADVICE

LET’S HEAR IT FRO M

BRIAN HERBERT Outdoor Options

With the highlight of the horticultural calendar, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show almost upon us, many people involved in some way or another will be feeling the pressure to present their designs, show gardens, exhibits or stands in the best way possible to ensure they are in the running for a medal. What always comes to light is that success can only be achieved when people work as a team – every person is important in the whole process.

We’ve heard many a volunteer or student marvel at how large landscape company directors or top designers love nothing more than digging in and getting their hands dirty, or perhaps even making the tea. For Chelsea 2014 we have a bumper 32 page supplement highlighting all the gardens on show, some

ALL ENQUIRIES Tel: 01903 777 570 Eljays44 Ltd 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA EDITORIAL editor@pro-landscaper.co.uk Director – Lisa Wilkinson lisa.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 579 Deputy Editor – Rose Hales rose.hales@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 578 Equipment Editor – Joe Wilkinson joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 577

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Pro Landscaper is proud to be an affiliate member of BALI

EDITORIAL ADVISORY PANEL Mark Gregory Chairman of APL and Landform Consultants Sam Hassall LandPRO Ltd Russell Eales Lawn care expert Karl Harrison Decking expert David Dodd Hard landscaping expert

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

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The Association of

Professional Landscapers

of the products being showcased, and an interesting insight into what people are looking forward to seeing this year.

An interview with Brian Herbert, owner of Outdoor Options which is constructing two gardens at the show, gives a great insight into the man and the business, and there’s a really interesting feature giving tips and advice on elevating the image of your business from Synergy 3 Ltd. With all the usual great features also included, you may need some extra time to read the issue this month, so sit back, relax and enjoy the ride…

Have a great month,

@jimeljays

Design – Kara Thomas Olivia White 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 CIRCULATION Subscription enquiries: lewis.dan@eljays44.com Pro Landscaper is published 12 times per year by Eljays44 Ltd. The 2014 subscription price is £95.00.

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.

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AND THERE’S MORE... www.prolandscapermagazine.com Read everything from up-to-date news to the digital version of the magazine Download the Pro Landscaper App Available FREE from the App Store CONTRACTORS A RCHITECTS Landscape Hub ARCHITECTS GARDENERS LANDSCAPERS ARCHITECTS www.landscapehub.co.uk CONTRACTORSHUB GARDENERS CONTRACTORS ARCHITECTS Visit, join and debate within the LANDSCAPERS DESIGNERS A landscape community Landscape

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MANAGEMENT Managing Director Jim Wilkinson Director Lisa Wilkinson Business Development Manager Jamie Wilkinson

May 2014

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Contents

May 2014 6 News Shed Round up of industry news

9 News Extra Paul Hervey-Brookes reports on the Ellerslie International Flower Show in New Zealand

9

11 Association News efig report from their show INSCAPE, BALI call for awards entries and celebrate a rise in membership, APL introduces the competitors going for Gold at WorldSkills UK, the RHS offer a Chelsea Flower Show preview, and the SGD announce two new judges for their Awards and the 2014 categories OPINION

15 View From The Top Phil Jones recently attended a strategy session focusing on how to engage with customers through their own staff

16 When Gardening Isn’t Helpful Andrew Wilson ponders the future of the profession and considers what can be done to change the downward spiral

19 Rise Of The Machine Angus Lindsay asks, are machines here to stay?

BUSINESS TIPS

Concept to Delivery

May 2014

DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW SUPPLEMENT THE GARDENS THE PEOPLE THE PRODUCTS

26 What’s Not Wrong With Wood?

THE

LITTLE INTERVIEW IS BACK

Try Composite...

PRESENTATION & PHOTOGRAPHY

ADVICE

20 Project Management Principles: Part 1

Margaret McNeil explains how to calculate project timelines and preparing your schedule

LET’S HEAR IT FROM

BRIAN HERBERT Outdoor Options

Karl Harrison explains exactly what composite decking is, and what makes it stand out

29 Always Prepared Thomas Rathbone explains when and where to use cleaners and strippers on decking

30 Let’s Hear It From Brian Herbert of Outdoor Options

TECHNICAL

PORTFOLIOS

23 Underplanting Wildflower Areas With Bulbs

Advice on extending the season of interest with spring bulbs, from James Hewetson-Brown

24 Garden Surveying Practical advice from Janine Pattison on how photographs can aid the accuracy of the survey 4

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2014 RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW SUPPLEMENT 35-66 www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Contents

NURSERY

79 Nursery News News bites and information from around the country, including Nursery Notes from Provender Nurseries

80 Plantsman’s Plot Plants recommended for May by some of the country’s top nurseries

82 Quality All The Way Synergy 3 Ltd explain the power of presentation and how you can improve your company image

85 Latest Products Composite Decking

EQUIPMENT

87 Equipment News The latest equipment news

89 Turf Maintenance Latest Kit 90 Arboriculture Latest Kit

74 Jungle

An award-winning nursery garden with plenty of woodland character by The Extra Room

74 Smoke & Mirrors A contemporary courtyard garden built by The Team Landscapers with topiary and clipped shapes

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Andrew Wilson Garden designer and lecturer Angus Lindsay Head of Fleet at The Landscape Group Margaret McNeil Owner of Onsite Training UK James Hewetson-Brown Founder of Wildflower Turf Ltd Janine Pattison Garden designer Karl Harrison Director of Exterior Solutions Ltd

ARE YOU GOING?

67 Urban

70 Learning Curve

Phil Jones MD of ISS Facility Services Landscaping

Thomas Rathbone Owner of Decking Décor

PORTFOLIO

A garden full of memories of New Zealand designed by Ann-Marie Powell and built by Garden House Design

CONTRIBUTORS

90 92 General Latest Kit 93 Trading With GroundsCare Products

PEOPLE

94 The Little Interview The popular Little Interview is back – we ask six industry professionals quick-fire questions to find out more about them

MAY 8-11 Malvern Spring Festival www.rhs.org.uk 20-24 RHS Chelsea Flower Show www.rhs.org.uk JUNE 6-7 The ARB Show Cirencester, Gloucestershire www.trees.org.uk/The-ARB-Show 12-15 Gardeners’ World Live NEC, Birmingham www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com 24-25 HTA National Plant Show StoneLeigh Park, Coventry www.nationalplantshow.co.uk

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News

NEWS SHED

Frosts take efig Gold Leaf for two projects

Gavin Jones secure historical landscape grounds maintenance contract Gavin Jones Ltd is delighted to add another significant grounds maintenance contract to its impressive portfolio. The ten year term with The Chiswick House and Gardens Trust commenced in April, 2014 with a full time Head Gardener and Operative alongside

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seasonal and part-time employees.

With no transferring staff, there has been an opportunity to promote internally and provide new opportunities for staff ready for new challenges. The term also provides scope for longer-term planning and development initiatives.

The gardens at Chiswick are the birthplace of the English Landscape Movement and are amongst the most historically important in England.

Yvette Etcell, Director at Gavin Jones, said she was particularly proud of the company’s strengths which secured the works; excellent partner-style working relationship and exceptional quality of service delivery. www.gavinjones.co.uk

Frosts submitted two projects for judging against their peers in the efig Awards in 2014 and the awards ceremony was held on 3 April at Steam in Swindon. The projects entered, Network Rail Headquarters, (in the Design and Installation category) was a project that was to bring all office staff together under one roof for the first time with a design that encourages staff and visitors to interact with a main atrium incorporating a meeting place in the middle. Fortnum & Mason’s St Pancras 40ft Christmas tree (also entered in the Design and Installation category), was a project to celebrate the opening of a new store in St Pancras International, their first in 307 years.

Darrell Hedden, Director of Frosts said; “We were delighted to be awarded the ‘Gold Leaf ’ award for both projects and also secured

the ‘Judge’s Commendation’ for Network Rail Headquarters. Both projects were extremely challenging and carried high risk. Due to careful planning, close liaison with other stakeholders and contractors, strong control and management of specialist suppliers and the skill and dedication of our own staff each project was successfully delivered on time to the clients’ complete satisfaction.” He continued “The Network Rail Headquarters project saw trees some 6-7m tall having to be manoeuvred through very small doorways. Also, as this project was taking place alongside the rest of the renovations, most of the time it was a building site and temperatures fluctuated greatly, which could have caused problems with the trees had we not installed thermometers and heat protection to avoid damage.

Work on the St Pancras Christmas Tree had to take place between the hours of 11.30pm to 5.00am, within five days and deconstructed in two days; and a special flame retardant applied for health and safety reasons”. Go to www.christmastree-hire.co.uk to see the time lapse video of this installation. www.frostslandscapes.co.uk

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News

Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer Best in Show garden to be relocated

UK garden design practice, Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer has confirmed that its woodland garden designed for the tenth RHS Flower Show Cardiff will be re-located as a permanent garden, just metres from

where it won Best in Show and an RHS Gold medal in April.

Director Andrew Fisher Tomlin said “Whenever we have created show gardens we make an effort to find a permanent home for the garden either as a whole or in part, otherwise all that creativity and construction effort can be lost.

The Woodland Garden is to become a permanent garden in Bute Park in Cardiff.”

This garden was inspired by the company’s work for Blind Veterans UK in North Wales where they have designed a four acre garden from an existing woodland to commemorate the centenary of the charity in 2015.

Fisher Tomlin added “ We had an amazing positive response to the garden from visitors. It was a great pleasure to take vision impaired visitors onto the garden and gauge their reaction as much as it was good to get feedback from general visitors, many of whom will now be able to experience the plants and the focal slate circle for themselves when it is re-built.” www.andrewfishertomlin.com

British Flora sponsored project to be the focus of a visit from the Environment Minister British Flora has helped the Leighton Buzzard Station Project create a new area of wildlife habitat, to be visited by the Environment Minister on the 5 June.

Despite winning a contract to supply many of the plants for the Olympic Legacy Project, British Flora has suffered in the last few years and was unable to sustain itself during the height of the recession. During 2013, the future of British Flora was uncertain but Chris Baker, MD of Phoenix Amenity Supplies Ltd acquired

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the company and is keeping the same principles by which British Flora had made its’ name in the world of conservation and ecology.

Chris Baker said: “British Flora has done so much towards the preservation of native wild flowers in the UK. To be able to preserve this brand is a tribute to the hard work and achievements of the company and the many ecological projects it has delivered.” www.britishflora.co.uk

NEWS IN BRIEF YoungHort Launched A new forum for young people in horticulture, YoungHort was launched at RHS garden Wisley in March.

‘Marketing for Designers’ Seminar in June

Alan Sargent’s seminar ‘Marketing for Designers’ is at Brinsbury College on 12 June and Capel Manor on 26 June.

Nick Knowles becomes RHS Ambassador

TV personality Nick Knowles is to become an RHS Ambassador focusing on the promotion of RHS Britain in Bloom.

35 efig Leaf Awards Presented at Ceremony

35 efig Leaf Awards were presented by Dr Craig Knight of Identity Realisation, at the Awards ceremony in April.

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News

DIARY OF A

SHOW MANAGER Dave Green Show Manager, RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show As we move into May the RHS show season is now well under way. In April the RHS Flower Show Cardiff opened the show season and saw an explosion of yellow daffodils appear all over Cardiff city but now in May the country’s focus moves to London and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

This Show offers a great opportunity for inspiration and so for 2014 we are arranging for new RHS Hampton Court designers and landscapers to visit the show during the build phase. This will not only provide inspiration but will give a first-hand opportunity to see the pressures and challenges that need to be faced when

building a garden at a show site.

The RHS Hampton Court Flower Show in many ways is an easier show for designers and landscapers to prepare for; the mid-season show dates means that there is a greater selection of seasonal plants to choose from and the wonderful countryside setting and larger show site help to make it a slightly more relaxing place to work. I think these are some of the reasons why the show continues to attract some of the best talent from across the industry.

The designers and landscapers involved in the 2014 gardens are currently all working hard to finalise details and prefabricate features ahead of starting on site in the middle of June. Trialling materials, testing structures, and experimenting with different finishes and techniques is a key part of preparing to build a show garden. In reality finishes can look very different from the catalogues and it is worth testing out several to avoid that sinking feeling on site when the render dries and it just doesn’t look quite right.

As the garden teams make their

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own preparations, our show team have been finalising the RHS commissioned features at the show.

The RHS features will include a garden celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Britain in Bloom, an invisible microscope based garden developed with the RHS Science team and the One Show Garden designed by the winner of a competition run jointly with the BBC One Show programme. The One Show competition winner will team up with award winning designer Adam Frost and award winning landscapers The Outdoor Room to create their design. It is a fantastic opportunity for the winner’s design to be transformed into a full show garden. The winning design was only announced at the end of April, however, so both Adam and The Outdoor Room have a challenge both in terms of interpreting the design and sourcing materials/plants in sufficient time to create a garden worthy of both the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show and the BBC One Show. It will be really exciting to see what they are able to deliver working with such short timescales.

Katerina Rafaj - Gluttony

Bowles & Wyer Win Royal Parks Contract for Speaker’s Corner

Bowles & Wyer are working on the restoration of the landscape at Speakers Corner, one of London’s most famous landmarks. The site is on a triangle of land in London’s Hyde Park where, for over a century, men and women have spoken, protested or exhorted on a myriad of subjects.

Under the direction of Landscape Architects Burns + Nice, Bowles & Wyer are carrying out works including refurbishment of surfacing and introduction of additional bitumen bonded gravel surfacing, granite bands and granite entrance cobbles, additional tree planting, planting beds and grass areas, introduction of additional lighting columns to the Royal Parks design, the extension of the existing parks watering system and the relocation of furniture. www.bowleswyer.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

16/04/2014 11:27

News Extra

beach cobbles can be hugely expensive and many things we would find expensive are the opposite.

Working with a local contractor and finding a good one early can pay dividends in understanding the logistics and likely costs.

Like most shows Ellerslie has a press day and gala style evening event, additionally there are two exhibitor thank you events, the BBQ during build and the thank you at Christchurch Casino mid-show week.

The organising staff are extremely helpful and in general the atmosphere is laid back and it’s not uncommon to see exhibitors cracking open a beer and lighting the BBQ in the evening after a day building their garden. This at first sight seems totally at odds with the Finding a good, pressure of creating a show garden local contractor early but after a few days it becomes the norm and you are wondering where can pay dividends your burger is!

The application process includes a your emails will never go unanswered, number of pre-show meetings held in Christchurch but for potential UK and you will get hard work, applicants who can’t make these determination and, almost without events, the Exhibitions Co-ordinator, exception, a strive for perfection and Tarryn Garton is wonderfully helpful, pride in the work of contractors and always offering good pointers and tradesmen you bring on-site. information which makes planning Ellerslie offers grants towards from afar much easier to deal with. the cost of creating a garden at the Applications have to be in by the show and if you can combine this with additional sponsorship then you September of the year before the can work with quite a healthy budget. coming show and it’s useful to start talking to potential nurseries and Be warned, many items we would other suppliers early on as well. take as cheap to work with such as

Exhibiting internationally ELLERSLIE INTERNATIONAL FLOWER SHOW Garden designer Paul HerveyBrookes reports from the Ellerslie International Flower Show in New Zealand, offering advice and pointers for UK designers considering exhibiting at the show The Ellerslie International Flower Show takes place every February in New Zealand; it was located in Auckland until 2008 when Christchurch City Council bought the rights to stage the show for 1.5 million NZ dollars. The show takes place in North Hagley Park and is a stone’s throw from the city centre.

Three years on from the devastating

Ellerslie International Flower Show News Extra.indd 9

earthquake that struck Christchurch in February 2011, the city is turning its attention to the future with new plans, vast landscape developments and buildings taking shape across the city. This is reflected in the number of show gardens which either remember those lost, offer a healing solution or brightly look forward.

As an international designer coming to the show I was struck by the many differences to an RHS show, and also by how universal some elements of design and horticulture are. The standard of garden ranges from outstanding, to what Brits might call a ‘valiant effort’ and whilst I can’t say I agreed with or understood all of the judges’ decisions, in the broadest sense the medals made sense.

For British designers exhibiting at the show there is one very important thing to remember: there is a Kiwi phrase ‘she’ll be right’, which purports to a laidback attitude which can seem alien and unproductive to us on first encounter. Don’t be fooled, although you may not get that instant email reply and requests for information ‘by the close of play’,

16/04/2014 12:23

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Association

NEWS

Association News

The Caerphilly Castle, guest of honour

We can report that our show, INSCAPE was small but perfectly formed. Our exhibitors created a really great show.

Dutch suppliers the Nieuwkoop Group and Koberg BV brought their beautifully crafted stands and products with them. Other exhibitors also added to the interest including Europlanters, Tree Locate, Woodland Horticulture, Fargro, Interior Landscaping Products and of course our own Pop-Up Office and Office Plant of the Year stands.

Koberg had an ‘umbrella’ stand incorporating many products for which they are the main agents.

These included Planters for Life, Fleur Ami, Live Pictures moss walls

were showcased, and Superline, as well as Koberg’s own Artivase container range.

Two charities were present at the show. Perennial were with us for the first time explaining their role in helping horticulturists.

Greenfingers were our chosen charity for the evening Awards ceremony and had a small space at the show.

Super seminars At the heart of the show was our seminar programme which received great responses from visitors with on-going tweets and messages on LinkedIn such as: “I could not have imagined that I would have come away with so much valuable

BALI briefing BALI Awards – call for entries It’s that time of year again! BALI members take note – the entry deadlines for the 2014 BALI National Landscape Awards are as follows: 23 May – Full Contractors and Groups 14 July – Registered Designers, Overseas, Affiliates, Employer of the Year and Student Design Judging takes place during the summer and winners of National

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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efig outline information. The seminars where very informative and offered relevant information in today’s market”. No better accolade and of course if our visitors are happy, we are too.

The Awards On Thursday 3 April, efig members were recognised for their creativity and maintenance at the Annual Awards ceremony, also held at STEAM. After a superb dinner, Dr Craig Knight announced the 35 prize winners. One of the three Award judges Nicola Bristow made two special presentations for two

corner of Eastern Avenue and Ranelagh Way – Number 87. The focus will be on trumpeting BALI members’ contribution to Chelsea and how members of the public can find a BALI designer or contractor in their region.

Awards will be announced in September, with the winners of Principal, Special and the Grand Award announced at the Awards ceremony in London on 5 December. www.baliawards.co.uk Gearing up for Chelsea BALI will once again be supporting its designers, contractors and affiliate members (product suppliers) who are creating show gardens at Chelsea with a great stand on the

Membership up BALI is celebrating a rise in membership to 765, confirming its position as the UK’s representative voice for the landscape industry. The number of members choosing not to continue with their membership at renewal in April has also dropped markedly for another year.This may well be a sign that the economy is picking up and that businesses are feeling more confident. It may also be down to BALI’s response to

commendations. The first went to Frosts Landscapes for their design and installation at Network Rail HQ and the second to Urban Planters London South West for their living wall at GSky Living Wall, West Elm, London.

An impromptu presentation was made to efig’s Chairman Ian Drummond (left), Creative Director at Indoor Garden Design for 25 years in horticulture.

Well done to all the Award winners and thanks to our sponsors Koberg bv and the Nieuwkoop Group Ltd, and media partners Pro Landscaper.

member feedback and its continual drive to deliver what members ask for from their trade association.

Investors in People The Association is also celebrating achieving the Investors in People core standard.The team at Landscape House is intrinsic to the level of service BALI delivers and so developing the skills and talents of its staff is vital.The sense of ‘family’ for which BALI is known, at both national and regional level, starts with the first contact prospective members have with staff at Landscape House and continues throughout their membership. It’s definitely the people that count. www.bali.org.uk

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Association Association News

NEWS

Blue Peter gardener opens APL Tatton garden at hospice An award-winning garden from RHS Flower Show Tatton Park that was donated to a local hospice by members of the APL has been officially opened.

The Precious Resources Garden, designed by Paul Hervey-Brookes, was moved to a new home at Willow Wood Hospice, in Ashton-

APL update under-Lyne and was opened by Blue Peter gardener, Chris Collins last week.

Chris Collins said: “It was a big honour for me to attend and open the new garden at Willow Wood Hospice. I am fortunate to be aware of the amazing work that is being undertaken there and the positivity of those all involved bring to this special place. As a gardener I fully understand the ability of nature to bring happiness into our lives and thus feel the garden is a superb addition to Willow Wood.

I believe it will make a valuable contribution to all

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who are involved at the hospice for many years to come.”

The hospice provides specialist palliative care to those suffering with life-threatening illnesses. The hospice first opened its doors for day hospice patients in May 1999 and for in-patients the following September. Since then, the hospice has cared for more than 2,000 patients and their families.

WorldSkills UK – meet the landscape gardening competitors going for Gold Eight students are celebrating after being selected to compete in the semi-finals of the WorldSkills UK competition.

The lucky eight are Dean Thomson, Jonathan Buchanan, Ronan McLarnon and Robert Wylie from CAFRE, Richard Carden from

The world’s most famous flower show kicks off this month and the RHS is giving Pro Landscaper readers a preview of some of the Show Garden highlights at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show (20-24 May).

The Show Gardens are among the most eagerly anticipated elements of every Chelsea Flower Show because of their ability to wow the crowds and this year is no exception. Show Gardens to look out for this year include those commemorating the centenary of the First World War, gardens created by bright young

Reaseheath College, Samuel Birks from Bishop Burton College, as well as Andrew Hannam and Aaron Cunningham from Sparsholt College.

They will now go on to the heats at RHS Tatton in July where they will be required to build a 2m x 6m garden designed by award winning Alexandra Froggatt.

Mark Gregory, judge and APL Chairman said: “Congratulations to the students who have made it through to the semi finals at RHS Tatton. WorldSkills UK is the biggest secret that people don’t know about. The competitions inspire young people and adults to be ambitious in their pursuit of skills to the highest level.

The APL are delighted to be organising partner and this demonstrates our on-going pledge of encouraging landscaping excellence and raising the profile of vocational skills.”

stars of horticulture and designs that take inspiration from Italy.

ABF The Soldier’s Charity’s garden commemorates the Great War and reflects on how the effects of conflict were felt not only by the people involved but also their families. The No Man’s Land: ABF The Soldier’s Charity Garden to Mark the Centenary of World War One, designed by Charlotte Rowe (1) also reflects on how the

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

16/04/2014 11:31

Association News

SGD bulletin New Judges for the SGD Awards 2014 Two of the Society’s leading members Julie Toll FSGD and Jill Billington FSGD will be joining the judging panel for the 2014 SGD Awards.

With 20 years of experience judging RHS shows, Jill Billington is perfectly placed to join the now familiar Awards panel of Richard Sneesby, Trudi Entwistle, Bill Burford and Arabella St. John Parker, whilst Julie Toll brings her life-long passion for horticulture and the natural world into the mix.

The SGD Awards are open to registered, pre-registered and student members of the Society and for the second year, the SGD will be inviting members of the public to submit entries for the

‘Designing for Community Space’ Award.

Two new award categories – ‘Pocket Garden’ and ‘Historic Garden Restoration’ –means 19 awards will be announced at the award ceremony in January 2015.

The Awards are a celebration of excellence in the garden design profession and a chance

landscape of the Western Front has regenerated and healed.

Many of the show’s gardens have been designed by upand-coming talent. Harry (23) and David Rich (26) are the youngest designers at this year’s show. Their design for Vital Earth:

The Night Sky Garden, takes its inspiration from star constellations and the different forms and elements of a star (2).

The Royal Bank of Canada is exhibiting a garden designed

by RHS Chelsea first timer Hugo Bugg (26). His garden RBC Waterscape Garden – Embrace the Rain will focus on global water issues and demonstrate practical ways home gardeners and commercial landscapes can reduce their water use.

Classical Italian references were the inspiration behind both The Telegraph and BrandAlley garden

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for members of the SGD to raise their profile and reach a wider audience. As 2013 Judges Award winner Amanda Patton MSGD said: “Winning an SGD Award is a fantastic way to show to clients that you know what you are doing and that you have been judged by an independent panel of peers.

From a business point of view, entering the SGD Awards is one of the best decisions you can make.”

The 2014 SGD Awards are now open for entries. Applications for the main entries have to be submitted before 13 June 2014 and later dates apply for Student and Designing for Community

Garden by Amanda Patton MSGD. Image: Marcus Harpur

designs. The BrandAlley Garden, designed by Paul Hervey-Brookes, focuses on creating the ultimate aspirational lifestyle experience by drawing on elements from the early, imperial and late renaissance periods – three major evolutions in garden design.

The Telegraph Garden (3), designed by Tomasso del

2014 Award Categories ● International Award ● Public or Commercial Outdoor Space ● Large Residential ● Medium Residential ● Small Residential ● NEW Pocket Garden ● Small Budget Garden ● Future Designers ● Planting Design ● Hardscape ● Lighting ● NEW Historic Garden Restoration ● Paper Landscapes ● Student Designer ● Designing for Community Space ● The John Brookes Lifetime Achievement Award ● People’s Choice Award ● The Judges’ Award ● The Grand Award Visit the SGD Awards website for information on all the award categories, details of how to enter and to download an application form. www.sgdawards.org.uk

3

Buono, revisits the components traditionally found in the great historical Italian gardens to create a bold uncompromising garden for the 21st Century.

For more information on the RHS Chelsea Flower Show please visit: www.rhs.org.uk/shows

May 2014

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Association News.indd 13

Space Awards. See the Awards website for details of key dates.

3

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16/04/2014 11:31

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22/01/2014 15/04/2014 10:06 13:51

Opinion

View from the Top

advocates of our greatest assets.

The second question to ask, however, is how do we encourage our own staff to participate in more physical activity outside work? There will be some people smiling at the prospect of doing more after a full day’s work

Phil Jones recently attended a two day strategy session as part of his responsibilities as a Director of ISS Facility Services Ltd, where they were presented to by one of the major international suppliers to their Cleaning Businesses

The thrust of the presentation was addressing how to further engage with our customers, via their staff. The idea, briefly, is that by working with the employees inside our customers’ buildings, identifying the areas where there was most risk of infection, we could – through education and behavioural change – help reduce sickness amongst the workforce by having cleaner workplaces.

Improving the health of the workforce in a confined space is important for a number of reasons. It reduces the human misery that is brought about by colds and flu, and dealt with at source it also helps prevent the spread of germs by these employees when they go home, thus enhancing the health of the nation. As custodians of parks and green spaces we have an even more important role to fulfil in maintaining and enhancing the health of the public.

A recent report by the All Party Commission on Physical Activity headlines the concern it has,

which is not restricted to them, that “in all of human history, we have never been so inactive”.

As with germs in offices, “lack of physical activity is estimated to double the rate of absenteeism at work, and estimated to cost the UK economy www.prolandscapermagazine.com

View from the top.indd 15

billions every year”.

One of the recommendations outlined in their report is that “we need to design physical activity back into our daily lives”. Streets and parks constructed to be safer and more attractive were the most common changes people reported,

As custodians of parks and green spaces we have an even more important role to fulfil in maintaining and enhancing the health of the public when surveyed, which would encourage them to walk more. If you work or spend recreation time in parks and open spaces you will know the benefits of such facilities.

This is an extract from a 2006 publication

by The Trust for Public Land in the USA.: “Parks, playgrounds, greenways, trails, and community open spaces help keep people and their communities fit and healthy. Physical activity increases strength, flexibility, and endurance, relieves symptoms of depression and anxiety, improves mood and enhances psychological well-being.” Not much has changed and there are still compelling arguments to support the sentiment.

The first question is “how do we encourage the public to visit parks, gardens and open spaces in order that they can see and experience the benefits for themselves and therefore enhance their wellbeing?” I believe we all have a role to play in this process. We should be the greatest

outdoors! However, I remember wanting to play more sport as a result of being fit from manual work, than not wanting to do it because I was tired.The ‘lead by example’ approach may reap more rewards.

Perhaps the agenda for the healthy benefits of parks and open spaces hasn’t advanced much because it is a massive task if approached as a major exercise. Maybe it would be helpful to encourage our own staff working in parks to be the exponents of the advancement of good health and reduced sickness – but gradually. For them to be aware and able to educate the public at a local level would be very powerful.The benefits are so obvious that, slowly but surely we must all be able to crack this one! A bit like pushing against an open door?

ABOUT PHIL JONES Phil Jones is Managing Director of ISS Facility Services Landscaping and is based at the company’s head office in Woking, Surrey. He gained an HND in landscape construction and moved into grounds maintenance early on in his career, further gaining an MBA. He has been with the company since 1987 and as well as running the landscaping business he also sits on the UK operational management board of ISS Facility Services. www.isslandscaping.co.uk Follow Phil Jones @philjonesISS Follow ISS Landscaping @ISSLandscaping

May 2014

15

16/04/2014 11:16

Business OpinionTips

When gardening isn’t helpful There is a great deal of hype in the horticultural air at the moment as we all ponder a future in which this profession and its related disciplines struggle. Andrew Wilson reveals that over the last year or so the horticultural sector offered over ten thousand job vacancies with no one either filling them or apparently wanting to fill them.

A growing skill shortage has encouraged the RHS and the IoH amongst others to examine the issue with some urgency and the data now being researched and analysed makes interesting and slightly worrying reading.The long running demise of horticultural teaching and learning is well known with colleges either closed or struggling to find sufficient student numbers in order to stay afloat and yet we have a skill shortage.

Careers advice at secondary school level is a hit and miss affair with many more misses it seems.

Schools are not obliged to give this subject more than one day per year and with most teachers hard pressed to deliver their core curriculum the additional burden of careers advice is falling short.

It is an easy target for cost savings and yet the implications are long reaching. Headway is currently being made at primary school level with school gardens, but gardening linking in successfully to other core subjects is often lost at secondary level when the educational heat of GCSEs clicks in.

The issue has been exacerbated by the drive towards university education for all – a fine ideal in some ways but perhaps not the best solution for everyone. Nine degree programmes show on the list of available horticulture courses at university level with other shorter programmes offered at foundation degree level or below. For many schools the advice is university or nothing, then leaving the exploration of course options to the individual. With many parents wanting university 16

May 2014

Andrew Wilson.indd 16

education for their children it is easy to see how students are re-directed to other more widely available fields.

Horticulture rarely figures on the list of desirable qualifications for one’s children when more apparently lucrative career paths beckon. I caused uproar in 2005 at an RHS debate – which had even then focused on the demise of

Gardening is a word with connotations of retirement and a hobbyist mentality rather than a career horticulture and the skill shortage – by asking politely how many of the middle and upper middle class audience would be sending their children to study horticulture. I don’t believe anyone responded positively; a straw poll to some extent but a predictable response.

I currently sit on the RHS Education Committee and in one of those all too rare reflective moments it suddenly dawned on me where we might be going wrong. In our last meeting there was talk of horticultural ambassadors, initiatives on gardening and how a younger generation might relate to horticulture and gardening but gardening is actually not the main point of horticulture – it is a word with

connotations of retirement and a hobbyist mentality rather than a career.

In its wider sense horticulture is a broad profession with diverse and stimulating opportunities, most of which are business based – running a landscaping company, running a nursery, running a design practice, teaching, researching, management, sales and marketing – and the horticultural world is full of success stories – business successes and entrepreneurial endeavour. If we can shift the focus away from cheesy shots of youngsters with flowers, trugs or trowels and move the spotlight off gardening then perhaps we can make some headway in bringing younger generations back to horticulture and its related fields.Yes of course gardening is important and the skills of the professional gardener must not be underestimated or belittled but there is so much more to celebrate and promote. What’s more, horticulture regularly tops polls as one of the most satisfying and rewarding professions in which to work.

ABOUT ANDREW WILSON Andrew Wilson is a landscape and garden designer as well as Director of Wilson McWilliam Studio. He is also a Director of the London College of Garden Design, an author and an RHS judge of Show Gardens. www.wmstudio.co.uk www.prolandscapermagazine.com

16/04/2014 11:14

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10/04/2014 13:59 15/04/2014 13:41

Opinion

Machines are becoming more and more prolific in all industries, and their presence in the landscaping industry has not been missed by Angus Lindsay, but are they here to stay?

Rise of the machine It seems today that there’s an App for pretty much everything, technology is allegedly making life easier and giving us more free time to enjoy ourselves. Robotics are also making their presence felt, most notably in manufacturing where they have been building cars and picking parts for many years. Now they are making their presence felt in agriculture and potentially scuttling onto a playing field near you.

Robotic milking and vegetable packing plants have been used to tackle the more mundane tasks in agriculture for several years, but significant developments are now moving us towards driverless tractors that use GPS technology to guide them around fields for simple operations such as grain collection. This is not a new development; a simple mechanical guidance system was developed in the States about 100 years ago. Since then there have been several attempts at using guide wheels, buried wires, radio control, CCTV cameras and GPS but so far nothing commercially viable – a case of, “Sure it’s automatic, but I’ve still got to be here”. Realistically these type of systems are only suitable in controlled environments such as large fields or row crops and under the watchful eye of a human operator, be it the combine driver controlling a fleet of tractors and trailers collecting grain, or from a control vehicle at the edge of the field controlling machines on predetermined tramlines within the crop.

This may work on a 100Ha field, but is not so practical in a park with a multitude of obstacles, some of which bite back. In our www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Angus Lindsay.indd 19

industry, the driverless tractor or mower is still a long way off, but the robot is here and very much at home keeping the grass short in a variety of environments. Husqvarna, Etesia, John Deere and a host of other manufacturers make robotic mowers for the consumer market which can be left to get on with cutting the grass using solar power or returning to a docking station to recharge. These clever machines work very well in controlled environments such as sports grounds or large gardens where a control perimeter can be put in place; in fact the Yorkshire Sculpture Park uses one to cut the grass roof on one of their galleries. Football grounds are the ideal venue for a robotic to show off its skills. Forest Green Rovers is one of 350 clubs across Europe that uses a robot to maintain their pitch, where light footprint and floating heads allow it to operate in conditions unsuitable for conventional methods. When it’s finished it just parks up and recharges itself ready for the next round. In the States, some golf courses have been invaded by strange turreted machines moving around the complex, cutting the greens on a predetermined route controlled by GPS and a computer in the green keeper’s office.

So the robots are amongst us, but do they have future in our industry? Personally I hope not as we are very much a people business and whilst technology and automation can make us more efficient, we will always need the human touch.

There is no doubt that in certain circumstances the robotic or remotely controlled mower

has a major safety advantage over the human.

Examples such as working on slopes, high speed roads, waterways and railways or where the nature of the operation is regular, repetitive and can be controlled, for instance the maintenance of row crops such as tree stock. Looking at the latest range of remote control power units you do have to wonder if the machine is starting to control us and the way we think; 140hp with front and rear linkage at £70k plus, the Terminator has arrived!

“I Robot”

ABOUT ANGUS LINDSAY As an agriculturist, Angus spent several years working on arable farms in Scotland before joining VSO in Egypt, implementing a mechanisation programme, managing field operations for a commercial cotton plantation in Nigeria and as a contract instructor for Massey Ferguson in Yemen. During this time he also spent a year at Silsoe, gaining an MSc in Agricultural Engineering and Mechanisation Management. Returning to the UK he joined Glendale as machinery manager in 1994 – going on to become Company Engineer – before joining The Landscape Group in 2009 as Group Head of Assets and Fleet. Contact: alindsay@thelandscapegroup.co.uk

May 2014

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16/04/2014 11:11

Business Tips

Project management principles Part 1

Managing projects efficiently is about negotiating achievable deadlines, explains Margaret McNeil

Calculating project timelines Have you ever been on a project where the deadline was way too tight? Chances are that tempers were frayed, clients were unhappy, and team members were working ridiculous hours.

People often underestimate the amount of time needed to implement projects. For instance, they may not take into account unexpected events or urgent high priority work; and they may fail to allow for the complexity of the job.

Accurate time estimation is a crucial skill in project management. Without it, you won’t know how long your project will take, and you won’t be able to get commitment from the people who need to sign it off.

Even more importantly for your career, clients/bosses often judge whether a project has succeeded or failed depending on whether it has been delivered on time and on budget. To have a chance of being successful as a supervisor or project manager, you need to be able to negotiate achievable deadlines.

Step 1: Understand what’s required ● Start by identifying all of the work that needs to

be done within the project. Make sure that you allow for meetings, reporting and other activities that are critical to the project’s success.

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May 2014

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Step 2: Order these activities ● List the activities you identified in the order they need to happen. ● You don’t need to estimate how long you think activities are going to take. However, you might want to note any important deadlines.

Step 3: Decide who you need to involve ● You can do the estimates yourself, brainstorm them as a group, or ask others to contribute. ● Where you can, get the help of the people who will actually do the work, as they are likely to have prior experience to draw upon. By involving them, they’ll also take on greater ownership of the estimates they suggest, and they’ll work harder to meet them.

Step 4: Make your estimates Whichever methods you choose to make your estimates, bear these basic rules in mind: ● To begin with, estimate the time needed for each task rather than for the project as a whole. ● How much detail you need depends on the circumstances. For example, you may only need a rough outline of time estimates for future project phases, but you’ll probably need detailed estimates for phases ahead. ● List all the assumptions, exclusions and constraints that are relevant, and note any data you rely on.This will help you when your estimates are questioned, and will also help you identify any risk areas if circumstances change. ● Assume your resources will be productive for 80 per cent of the time. Include time for unexpected events such as sickness, supply problems, equipment failure, accidents and emergencies, problem solving, and meetings. ● Remember that people are often overly optimistic, and may significantly underestimate the amount of time that it will take for them to complete tasks.

Tip The most reliable estimates are those that you have arranged to be challenged.This helps you identify any assumptions and biases that aren’t valid.You can ask team members, other managers, or co-workers to challenge your time estimates.

Methods for estimating time There are different approaches that you can use to estimate time. Google these for more detail. ● Bottom-Up Estimating ● Top-Down Estimating ● Comparative Estimating ● Parametric Estimating ● Three-Point Estimating Preparing your schedule Once you’ve estimated the time needed for each task, you can prepare your project schedule. Add your estimates to the draft activity list that you produced in the second step, above.

You could then create a Gantt chart and/or the critical path method (CPM), and assign resources to your project, and to finalise milestones and deadlines.

Similar information and more detail can be found at www.mindtools.com. Next time we will look at managing the project once it starts.

ABOUT MARGARET MCNEIL Margaret McNeil runs BALI Award winner OnSite Training UK with Roger Clarke. They offer flexible learning, qualifications and apprenticeships for horticulturalists in their workplace, including short courses in leadership and management techniques. www.onsitetraininguk.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/04/2014 09:24

15/04/2014 11/04/2014 13:49 14:37

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24/04/2014 09:45

Technical

Underplanting wildflower areas with bulbs James Hewetson-Brown offers advice for extending the season of interest by including spring bulbs in a wildflower area The last couple of months have seen an array of wonderful colour with spring bulbs appearing in woodlands, gardens, parks and roundabouts.There is an undoubted feel good factor associated with the first sightings of fritillary, bluebells and anemone. However, if you have a naturalised area or designated wildflower meadow, whilst there are some early bloomers such as campion and cowslips, the colour does not really get going until mid-May. Extending the flowering season of your wildflower area is definitely possible and particularly effective in areas where visual impact is required earlier in the year.The colour that bulbs can bring amongst the new green growth of wildflowers will be very apparent. Underplanting is straightforward and there are a variety of techniques that can be adopted dependent on the size of area that requires planting and the look that you would like to create.

For smaller areas, hand planting is advisable, as you can be more prescriptive as to where you are putting the bulbs. A dibber for smaller bulbs or hand held planter works well.This method also should be used for green roofs, going in at an angle so as not to damage the lining. However if you are creating an area over 20m² the hands www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Wildflower Turf.indd 23

and knees method may become tiresome. Using a turf cutter is great for a more defined area of bulbs.The depth of turf to be cut can be altered dependent on the bulbs that you are planting.

The turf is shaved off in a strip and can be simply relayed after placing the bulbs down.

For larger areas of wildflower you may want to consider using a specialist bulb planting machine that picks up the turf, plants the bulb and rolls it back over the bulb.You can pop a mix of bulbs into the machine and alter the planting rate.

This would certainly be the least back breaking method when planting beautiful drifts of spring flowers but it certainly eats up a lot of bulbs and is hence fairly costly. If you’re creating a wildflower area from scratch, it couldn’t be simpler, as you can lay the bulbs before laying wildflower turf over the top.The bulbs then grow through the turf in the spring.

With regard to choosing your bulbs there are no rules, however avoid overly fleshy foliage bulbs such as daffodils and tulips. For a wilder look you may decide bluebells, snowdrops, puschkina and chionodoxa would work well.

For big colour impact wild narcissi and crocus would fit the bill, personal favourites of mine are fritillaria, iris reticulata, allium, particularly wild garlic and scilla.

With regard to depth of planting, the smaller bulbs are certainly easier to handle and cause least disruption to the area, larger bulbs can be broken if rolling turf back on top. With regard to density, so much depends on the look you want to create but we would recommend not over

Underplanting the bulbs

planting to be in keeping with a more natural look, around 20 bulbs per m². Any denser and you will lose the ‘wild’ feel of the area.

With regard to maintenance, you will need to bear in mind that your wildflower area does not need to be mown until the autumn. Choosing bulbs that have little residual growth after flowering and stems of 20cms or less will mean by May they will be superseded by the wildflowers and will not visually impact the area after this time.

Whilst there is a compromise to be made on the native element of your wildflower landscape, underplanting the area with spring bulbs certainly lengthens the season of colour and interest whilst providing an early nectar source for pollinators.

ABOUT JAMES HEWETSON-BROWN Wildflower Turf Ltd was founded in 2003 by James Hewetson-Brown.

With 20 years expertise in the lawn turf market, he wanted to find a solution to the problems faced when growing a meadow from seed. He went on to create the UK’s first, soil-less growing system for wildflowers and grasses to meet the demand for superior quality, ready-made wildflower meadows without the establishment problems associated with traditional seeding methods. Over the past 10 years, Wildflower Turf Ltd has continued to fine tune its seed mixes and techniques to produce a unique and high quality product for a number of uses from landscapes to green roofs. www.wildflowerturf.co.uk

May 2014

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16/04/2014 11:23

Technical

One of the most useful pieces of equipment for the landscaper or designer during a survey is a digital camera. A small inexpensive digital camera is ideal as it will be exposed to the elements and is likely to suffer some damage over time. Many people use their phones now as in-built cameras, and they have improved greatly in recent years.

Digital photos are ideal as they are effectively ‘free’ and you can take literally hundreds of shots during a survey to make sure that you have recorded all that you will need.

During the survey I find that a systematic approach is useful to ensure that everything is recorded methodically.The three groups of photos you’ll need are: ● Panoramic shots of the whole garden from the house ● Views back towards the house from various points around the garden ● Detailed close-ups of elements like walls, drains, trees, steps, outbuildings, fencing etc.

Panoramic shots are best taken from the same viewpoint and at the same height while you pivot from left to right. Include a portion of the previous shot in each new photo so that they can be overlaid to create a panorama.Taking a number of these from various points will be very helpful during the design process when exact

Surveying Taking systematic, detailed, and panoramic photographs during a survey will be very helpful for the design process, and also document anything you might miss during the survey itself, says Janine Pattison

memories have faded slightly! These shots will also reveal things which might have been missed during the survey like overhead cables, neighbouring trees or overlooking windows.

If possible I also like to get photos from upstairs windows looking down onto the garden. These photos help reveal areas of sun and shade and will help you plot how the sun moves during the day. Note down the date and time the photos were taken so that you can refer to that in the future. I like to take all the panorama shots when I first begin the survey, then carry out the measuring and then take all the detailed shots required. Then if the daylight starts to go towards the end of the visit you can use flash to record the detailed shots that you need.

These detailed photos will be helpful if you have missed a measurement and want to avoid re-visiting the site. For example counting the number of courses of bricks in a wall can give you a fairly accurate measurement.

A large site may justify commissioning aerial photos and there are specialist firms who can do this for you. However there are sources of information like Google Maps (satellite view) which can offer additional information at no cost.

Your photos will be very helpful during the design process and I will often print out a panorama and stick it above the design desk to refer to while designing. On your screen you can zoom in on photos and/or print out detailed sections to help with understanding a levels change or complicated area. Sometimes printing out a photo at A4 and then drawing over it can help with visualising a design idea.

We retain all photos from a site and they can be very helpful if any queries ever arise, for example with a Council Planning Officer, Tree Officer or neighbour dispute. They also help win future work and potential clients love to see before and after photos.

ABOUT JANINE PATTISON

Janine Pattison MSGD is a multi award-winning garden designer and horticulturalist who trained with English Heritage at Eltham Palace in London and at Kingston Maurward College in Dorchester.

A registered member of the Society of Garden Designers, the British Association of Landscape Industries and the Garden Media Guild, Janine is also a highly qualified RHS horticulturalist. www.janinepattison.com

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www.prolandscapermagazine.com

16/04/2014 10:02

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24/04/2014 09:41

Technical

What’s not wrong with wood?

Try composite...

Karl Harrison looks at exactly what composite decking is, and why it really may be a viable alternative to traditional wooden decking Composite decking is a worldwide, half-billion dollar industry. It covers the globe in too many guises and is, essentially, a product made from more than one material. More and more people want their deck to look like wood, but don’t want any of the inconvenience that comes with maintaining it. Others choose it because they believe it to be more eco-friendly (another story for another day).

What is composite decking?

I think it would be fair to assume that composite decking is a composition of wood-flour and plastic (WPC) because such products make up the vast majority of the market. However, composite decking is simply a composition of more than one material to produce a deck board. For example, Millboard decking manufacture deck boards using a composition of polyurethane and fibreglass.

Therefore, contrary to popular belief, the product is actually wood and plastic free, no heat is involved as it is a cold chemical process.

Another example would be the new products from Germany. A little different from the norm and I’m not too sure if we should call this a composite or not. It is hardwood in sheets glued together to form a decking board, it does look great and has good possibilities; the delamination and decay warranty is 15 years which I find incredible. I do have samples and working on possibilities to supply this in the UK, but I am undecided on “Heveatech” we’ll have to wait and see… For the realists out there this is simply a high end laminated ply.

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Too much choice The composite decking market is far too competitive. Hundreds of millions of pounds, euros and dollars have been spent on marketing development and product research. Trex, TimberTech, Ecodek and Saige are a select few WPCs that sell similar ideas which are formulated in slightly different ways. Manufacturers of WPC have claimed their product to be “maintenancefree” in the past and it can be argued that some simply are and some are not.

show how technology has progressed and how this has been harnessed by the composite producing industry. I see a past that is ebbing further and further away from the horror stories of how collapsing, delaminating and awfulness passed off for decking has now disappeared from the headlines

What people say ● Leon Atkins from Atkins Vause, “Trex is a

heavy product to work with and is a slow product to install as I don’t get on with the clip system” ● Richard Bickler prefers Saige decking, “The main factors are price, and the clients are happy with the quality, you can’t get better than that, it’s quick to install too” ● Gary Cobb from Acer Paving and Landscaping, “I get on really well with Ecodek, great choice, neat and contemporary. The installation is drawn out with having to predrill prior to fixing and the boards are heavy, saying all that I do really like it”. ● For me it has to be Millboard, it looks great, super lightweight and the speed of installation is amazing, I do love the super flexible finishing pieces.

Longevity Composite decking has massive warranties, up to 25 years in some cases. I see this as a great endorsement and a testimony to

Conclusion In conclusion, if you want composite – great.

I have in the past assumed that there is nothing wrong with wood but I do see composite catching up fast. At the moment due to the resurgence in composite decking and the want for designers to have a massive choice composite does offer that little extra.

ABOUT KARL HARRISON Karl Harrison runs Exterior Solutions Ltd based in Buckinghamshire, with his wife Lana. The company offers expert decking advice and is the sole UK distributor for high-end timber decking manufactured by Exterpark. www.exteriordecking.co.uk

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15/04/2014 14:20

Technical

Always prepared Following on from last month’s advice on the cleaners and strippers available, Thomas Rathbone explains where and when to use them

Many people believe that weathered decking cannot be restored but nothing could be further from the truth. Unfinished weathered decking (more than 12 months old and has turned silver) can be restored to its original colour and then finished. ● If the deck is several years old and has never been finished it will be heavily weathered, have algae and other contamination, all of which need to be removed first. Use a powerful alkaline cleaner followed by an acid based cleaner. ● If the decking has been allowed to weather for 12 months, use an acid based cleaner to restore the colour by removing dirt and weathering, leaving a clean surface ready to finish.

Previously finished decks will always offer the greatest challenge. ● The easiest situation is a regular maintenance contract; first use an acid based cleaner, then top up the finish with the same product as before. ● If the deck has not been maintained and the finish is in poor condition I would advocate stripping using an alkaline stripper, neutralising with an acid based cleaner and starting again, this way you can be confident of the finishes’ performance.This is especially important if a penetrating finish is being applied.

Similar to the preparation products, decking can be split into three basic categories – new, weathered unfinished, and previously finished.

While the preparation process required will depend on one of these three categories it will be the same for all wood types – PTW, cedar, heat treated, hardwoods etc.

With new decking we face mill-glaze, tannins and manufacturing chemicals. ● Mill-glaze is created in the milling process.The cutters close the grain of the wood and the heat generated draws any of the woods natural oils/ saps to the surface where they dry as a glaze. ● Tannins will give the wood a greasy feel which can repel or prevent the finish penetrating the wood.

Some tannins slow or prevent the finish from drying altogether. ● Chemicals such as waxes primarily used on PTW will prevent a finish from penetrating or adhering properly. Even the salts in the preservatives can have an effect.

All of these factors, whether individually or combined, will have an effect on the performance of a new finish and must therefore be removed or www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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substantially reduced. Except for wax impregnated woods, which can only be prepared chemically there are two ways we can remove these issues: ● Sanding will leave a beautifully smooth finish, remove any mill-glaze from the wood and open the pores, but it will not remove any excess tannins or degrease the wood. On greasy wood the sandpaper is likely to become clogged and need changing often. ● Chemical preparation is my preferred option. Either using an alkaline cleaner (undiluted) such as Aquanett or stripper (diluted) such as Prepdeck; for wax impregnated timbers an alkaline stripper should be used. In all cases the wood must be neutralised afterwards with an acid based cleaner such as Net-trol. This is quicker than sanding, removes the mill glaze, opens the woods pores and washes away excess tannins allowing the finish to penetrate properly or adhere more effectively. It also allows a finish to be applied to woods which contain antioxidants as it removes these from the surface thus allowing the finish to dry properly and it can be used on grooved decking.

Whichever scenario you are faced with, when stripping and cleaning the deck it is important to use the right products and when stripping always carry out a test to establish the contact time required to remove the finish. Finally, if you ever hear anyone say that you need only powerwash a deck to clean or prepare it for finishing, don’t believe them, and instead ask yourself these two questions: ● Would I ever wash my clothes without washing powder? ● Would I ever clean my car without using a shampoo prior to polishing it?

I think not – the same goes for decking.

ABOUT THOMAS RATHBONE Thomas Rathbone, owner of Decking Décor which specialises in the cleaning, finishing and maintenance of decking and wood products, works closely with customers, both private and commercial, offering samples of finished products and on site surveys, as well as advice on how to restore and maintain decking. www.deckingdecor.co.uk

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Let’s Hear it From...

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erbert, who iew Brian H rv te in e w ens at This month ilding gard very busy bu . We ask 14 20 is currently w Flower Sho ea ls , he C S the RH the industry periences in ex s hi t ou ul sf him ab very succes ptions – his g on Outdoor O am d , an g business landscapin ing passion go on s hi other things ng part in ng and taki for organisi ts charity even

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Let’s Hear it From...

On a bright spring afternoon, we meet at Pro Landscaper’s head office and over a cup of tea ask Brian about how he got into the world of landscaping. “My grandfather and father were in landscaping so I grew up hanging off the back of mowers and rotovators, and in big allotments and gardens so it all felt very natural to me. I worked for two years in the car trade, but I just couldn’t be indoors. I’d grown up working outdoors and I needed to get out and about.

“At 19 I went to work for my dad full time, and then a couple of years later went off to Merrist Wood. I studied full time in landscape construction.

To me the study choices were better back then; there was a clear line of training. There was a requirement to have done a couple of years in the field first, so you came onto the course semiexperienced, or certainly site-wise.

One day a week was practical, and the rest was theory”.

We continue onto his career after college, “I joined Pantiles Landscapes (previously Pantiles Nurseries) in 1994 at a time when design and build was really developing. During the next decade the whole industry took off on TV, and people’s perceptions of having a garden designed changed in one generation. Computers came along and changed it all immensely, for the better, from both design and contracting perspectives, and we’re all a lot more capable of multi disciplines. After Pantiles, I worked for a few years with Mark Gregory. I knew Mark through show grounds, working at Pantiles and Landmark. I spent a lot of my late twenties and early thirties in RHS show grounds and it was a great learning experience. You really learn to work under pressure, to be resourceful, working to high levels of finishing, and all the while dealing with people in intense situations and coping with various personalities. I really enjoyed that side of it then, it put a spring in my step and I loved the challenges.

1-6 G ardens designed by: Anthony Paul, various projects including BALI Principal National Award Winners, Olivia Kirk, Chelsea Gold 2011 ‘The Power of Nature’

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I did have a break from it though, just to enjoy some normal summers again!”

So having touched on RHS shows, we ask Brian when and how he first experienced Chelsea. “The first Chelsea I was involved with was 1997, when Christopher Bradley-Hole got his first Best in Show for the Latin Garden, and brought large sheets of glass and steel beams to Chelsea – we were next door with Pantiles building the Country Life Magazine, bi-centenary garden, which was hugely expensive. When I think back to how Main Avenue was – there were so many different styles, but that was the turning point when contemporary gardens

You really learn to work under pressure, to be resourceful, working to high levels of finishing began to appear, it all changed after that. Then you saw a lot of new exciting materials with sharp clean edged designs in the next era, a break away from traditions.”

Following on, we chat about Outdoor Options, Brian’s company and ask when it was set up and how the business operates. “I started Outdoor Options in 2001 with just myself and a colleague that worked for my father, who has known me since I was eight years old. Most of the rest of the team have come from Merrist Wood or are good craftsman I have met along the way.” The company tends to stick to one to two projects at a time because “we like to focus on the quality of what we’re doing. You’re only as good as your next job,

and the quality that project achieves. We mostly trade off reputation.” The business thinks of itself “as a small company that punches above its weight.”

As far as partnerships with designers are concerned, we wonder if there are any designers that Outdoor Options hasn’t worked with yet but would like to? Brian says “oh yes, it would have to be all the usual suspects at the top end that represent the industry well. I’ve always admired Andrew Wilson’s work for his design capabilities and approach to the construction elements. Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer’s work has always intrigued me too. We have a long tried and tested relationship with Anthony Paul which has afforded us some stunning awardwinning schemes, the level of those professionals and the commitment they give their projects always inspires me. Modern complex garden design requires contractors to be skilled with an ever broadening range of disciplines. I am keen to become more involved with designer contractor working relationships. For contractors to sustain overheads designers need to possess not only great creative skills 6 but also commercial aptitude to see a design become reality. Through the BALI and APL channels I am keen to see how those links can continue to be improved.

Whilst talking about designers we ask about Brian’s view on the much discussed topic of where the responsibility lies in terms of responsibility for plants and planting. He says “Some designers want to do it themselves, but I look upon it on a job by job basis. We’ve got to return a certain amount of profit, if it’s a soft landscape project and the designer wants to supply all the plants we’re there as a labour agency and that’s unsustainable. So you’ve got to price that loss of profit gap into the project. Or there might be a job that’s a complex build with plenty of elements and work for everyone.” With that in mind, we enquire whether the company has a maintenance arm. “No we don’t. I grew up doing a lot of maintenance, but I got busy building and landscaping. We’ve got some colleagues around the area that we normally hand maintenance jobs onto.”

As a member of BALI, we then ask Brian’s

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The business thinks of itself as a small company that punches above its weight views on another top debate in the industry of late – whether he feels BALI and APL should merge to become one association? “I’m on the board for BALI South Thames, and I care passionately about the industry bodies. I feel that the more we pool our efforts and focus together, the more we’ll achieve. We have a finite amount of talent that are prepared to commit their time to associations, we need to pool that talent as much as possible.

Paul Cowell has the great foresight of how to take it forward, a great vision, I think he might achieve breaking the norm and give some old issues new direction. BALI is too big now not to have specialist sections within it. It is mainly catering for large maintenance companies, because they have to be deeply engrossed in legislation and contracts, so they need to do their thing, but there needs to be an equivalent of a BALI/APL sitting under that for domestic landscapers.” He continues “I’ve got a lot of admiration and respect for the APL, I think their awards are really good, the standard of work is good, the people who are involved are fantastic, it’s chaired by Mark (Gregory), and you couldn’t have

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someone in the landscape industry who has more passion and experience. I was BALI before I was APL, otherwise I’d be more involved but I just don’t have the time to commit to two. What I do avidly care about is the next generation coming through. If my son says, “I like what you do for a living, where do I go, and what do I do?” there isn’t that clear path ahead. We can learn from the construction industry, and simplify and amalgamate. We need to make sure the landscaping industry is worth coming into.” So is a career in landscaping something he’d be pleased for his son or daughter to go into?

“I’d be delighted, but I’d want them to work for someone else first! I don’t want them to see the landscaping world through my eyes, they should get experience from others in the industry, and then come back if they want. There’s a fair chance they may be interested, and be fourth generation. I’d never put that weight on them, but who knows.”

Turning our attention to the here and now, how is the company’s diary looking for the rest of 2014? “It’s looking very good. We’ve developed an exciting design with Rae Wilkinson for the first

Dutch barn conversion in the country to a private dwelling, on an AONB which we’re due to start soon. It’s been a learning curve being involved in a development from the outset with ecology coding, wildlife and planning experts, plus then design and building in a way that serves those requirements.

But I think that’s the start of the future for me. I believe in my career I’ll see the full transition; at the moment we’re still importing materials (timbers and stone from every corner of the earth!) and although the jobs look fantastic, I do wonder how long that can go on for, and at what point we will be looking more and more at what we can reuse. I’d like to see that change.

We have several jobs we developed last year in terms of contacts, relationships and designs, and of course we’ve got the RHS Chelsea Flower Show”.

This is great news for the company, to expand on Outdoor Options’ involvement with Chelsea, Brian explains the gardens and collaboration for 2014.

“We’ve got a Main Avenue and a Fresh Garden at Chelsea. The Main Avenue garden is with Charlotte Rowe for the Army Royal Benevolent Fund. It’s

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Let’s Hear it From...

a catalogue of firsts – the benevolent fund for the centenary of the First World War, first ABF garden, first Chelsea garden for Charlotte Rowe, all parachuted in on Main Avenue! I’ve worked on Main Avenue many times but it’s also the first time I’m there as Outdoor Options. Charlotte runs a professional practice; it’s really at the end of the design industry I love to work in. You can get really passionate and driven about it, there’s a lot of energy behind this project and what a great cause to be involved with. For instance, Chris Parrot joined us for a few days recently and will now be working with us on the ABF garden. Chris served two tours of Afghanistan, got injured twice, and ended up medically discharged. With support from the ABF he has retrained in horticulture and wants to train in landscaping. He was a career soldier forced to reinvent himself six years down the line, possesses great attitude and as you can imagine it is a pleasure to offer him the opportunity of being involved with the ABF garden.

The other garden is for WellChild with designer Olivia Kirk – these two gardens couldn’t be any more hearts and minds! For Olivia’s garden I’ve teamed up with Tecwyn Evans from Living Landscapes. I was the BALI mentor for Tecwyn on the Hampton Court garden he did with Peter Reader last year, and I quickly realised he didn’t need his hand holding. He’s a really nice guy, one of those people who is exactly the sort of professional we want to see developing the landscape industry. I spoke to Tecwyn about building the garden with us and he’s been sitting in on meetings so we’re working it out together. We’ve branded it as a co-build. It’s perfect really – Olivia’s happy and confident in the process, it’s a lovely route in for him, and I’m equally as grateful to him for his help. Chelsea is such a unique working environment. I don’t know other industries that come together like that. And what you produce gets shown all over the world through the BBC. I admire the designers that verbally support their contractors on

camera; they have germinated the project from seed, but we’re also very integrally involved with helping to develop that process, a lot more beyond just delivering a design.” That level of exposure can help us encourage the next generation of landscapers.

We cannot let this interview pass without mention of the Three Peaks Challenge, the fundraising event for Perennial which involved climbing the three highest UK mountains whilst also cycling the 450 miles between them, how can that possibly be topped? “It was absolutely fantastic. The money raised was amazing, so now we have to think of a new challenge.

We’ve got some ideas... Atlantic to Mediterranean, John O’Groats to Land’s End... I was thinking about it and I did wonder whether by keeping it so sporting we’re maybe missing out on some other great characters in the industry. Maybe next time we build something, and use other skill sets.”

But of the Three Peaks, Brian says “It was a very human level event in the end, none of us were exactly athletes – apart from Ed (Belderbos) and Grant (Beerling), but what determination from a great bunch of characters. They’re unflappable; they run businesses that have every challenge thrown at them, across the seasons, recessions – they see everything on a daily basis. You couldn’t

take a better group of more adaptable people, who have such strong steady mind-sets, their ships never rock, they just carry on! You take a lot away from that. I think we’ve started something special that could and should carry on. What amazed me about Perennial was that we thought it’d be a harder sell than a children’s charity, for example, but to raise £26,000 was fantastic. I think it’s the support from you guys and social media that really put it out there, everyone was aware of it.”

So finally, we ask Brian about what he does when he’s not working. “I love mountain biking, I’ve got an eight and a six year old, what better hobbies are there? They take up so much time, which is brilliant. Being outdoors is what I love, exploring the beautiful countryside on bikes. Biking, kids and dog, that’s my other life. I should probably say kids, dog, biking. And my ever supportive wife, Nia, of course!”

Watch this space for the launch of the next charity event – there’s no doubt Brian will be involved and it will again be a great success!

CONTACT Outdoor Options Ltd The Garden Studio, 19 Upper Manor Road, Milford, Surrey GU8 5JW Tel: 01483 415 602 Email: info@outdooroptions.co.uk Web: www.outdooroptions.co.uk

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WELCOME...

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Welcome to the 2014 RHS Chelsea Flower Show Supplement. We’re immensely excited about this year’s show and have produced this handy guide for you to navigate your way around the show and the gardens. We have also spoken exclusively to many of the designers and contractors involved in the Main Avenue, Fresh and Artisan gardens in order to bring you special insight into the inspiration behind the designs, the sourcing of materials, and any unusual features to look out for.

Following a fantastic centenary show in 2013, particular trends to look out for at Chelsea this year include commemorating the 100 year anniversary of the First World War, as well as championing young new talent in the industry, and a special garden from Alan Titchmarsh who is celebrating 50 years working in horticulture by both designing and building a garden for RHS Britain in Bloom’s 50th anniversary.

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CONTENTS 58

38-45 Main Avenue Gardens Details of the fifteen gardens appearing on Main Avenue this year

See you there!

The Pro Landscaper team

46-52 Fresh Gardens Details of the ten gardens appearing in the Fresh section this year 54-56 Artisan Gardens Details of the seven gardens appearing in the Artisan section this year 58-60 Go and See at Chelsea – Sculpture We’ve taken a look at what sculpture to look out for at the show

OW SEA FLOWER SH 2014 RHS CHEL LEMENT PP SU IN ASSOCIATION

WITH

62 Go and See at Chelsea – Garden Buildings From glasshouses to cosy wooden sheltered seating areas

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64-65 What Are You Looking Forward To? We caught up with lots of top industry names to ask them what they’re looking forward to seeing at this year’s show

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MAIN AVENUE A GARDEN FOR FIRST TOUCH AT ST GEORGE’S

“There is no theme, subject matter or plant content restrictions imposed on Show Gardens. Traditional or contemporary, we actively encourage diversity of design in this category.”

Sponsor: BrandAlley UK Designer: Paul Hervey-Brookes Landscaper: Big Fish Landscapes Plants supplied by: Hillier, Chichester Trees & Shrubs, Practicality Brown, Coblands

Why did you choose the landscaper you are working with?

Choosing a landscaper is a little bit like a marriage when it comes to these projects, you need 100 per cent commitment not just during the build, Paul Hervey-Brookes but also in the pre-build planning.

What was your inspiration?

Chelsea designers are very lucky; there The inspiration for the garden came are some of the best landscapers in the from the idea of creating an ultimate world married to these projects. I have expression of aspiration. I was chosen to work with Big Fish because immediately drawn to the Renaissance they have built all of the gardens I have gardens of Italy principally because created at Chelsea. they left a lasting I have total faith in impression on me from my time The inspiration for them.

Sponsor: St Georges Hospital Trust, Landscape Associates and Tendercare Designer: Patrick Collins Landscaper: Landscape Associates Plants supplied by: Tendercare, Quercus Plant Procurement

Patrick Collins

What was your inspiration?

My family home in the village of Lanlivery in Cornwall, with its rocks, waterfalls and streams.

Along with my eldest daughter Isabel, who was born three months prematurely and cared for at St George’s Hospital. My wife is the Charity Director of First Touch. I am giving my time and design free of charge.

A Garden for First Touch at St George’s has been inspired by the strength and determination shown by premature babies and their families.

What are the prominent features within the design?

The main feature of the garden is a watercourse which flows through a stylised valley, representing the journey that families undergo through

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THE BRANDALLEY GARDEN

this difficult time. It has a turbulent source but becomes gentler further downstream.

On either side of the water, sculptural terraces are planted with a variety of alpines and herbaceous perennials, such as Campanula, Sea Thrift and Aquilegia.

How many Chelsea gardens have you designed previously?

Five. The Knightsbridge Garden in 2004 (With Scape Associates, Silver-Gilt), Urban Oasis 2007 (with Laurie Chetwood, Gold), The Perfume Garden in 2009 (with Laurie Chetwood, Gold), The B&Q Garden in 2011 (with Laurie Chetwood, Gold) and The First Touch Garden in 2013 (Gold).

Why did you choose the landscaper you are working with?

I have been working with Richard Curle and Oliver Barlow from Landscape Associates previously. Creating a Chelsea garden is all about teamwork and it is important that you have a good and experienced contractor to build the garden from the initial design.

working in one of them as a student at RBGE.

the garden came from the idea of creating an ultimate expression of aspiration

Who is involved in the design?

Although the ultimate design and Renaissance style were my own interpretation, the ideas came about through collaboration with BrandAlley. We wanted to create a garden which represented BrandAlley and their member’s aspirational lifestyles and we felt that the luxury and finesse of the Italian Renaissance period was perfectly aligned with this.

What are the prominent features within the design?

I think the two features which will stand out to visitors are the Loggia with its water cascade and the pool, it’s very large – 10m x 4m – but it’s such a key element of early Renaissance design.

Andrew Ball (Big Fish Landscapes)

Have you been involved in sourcing products?

Most of our hard landscaping products are from Bradstone, We also went around the quarry at Forest of Dean Stone Firms Ltd and selected a stone which has been cut to form our water feature.

Do you think building at Chelsea will help your business to grow and if so, how?

A successful build at Chelsea helps our business, we may well be given the opportunity to build more gardens at the show, and future clients love the fact that their landscaper has built a Gold medal winning garden at Chelsea.

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Chelsea 2014

HOPE ON THE HORIZON – HELP FOR HEROES Sponsor: David Brownlow Designer: Matt Keightley Landscaper: Farr & Roberts Plants supplied by: The Palm Centre, Treetop Landscapes

Matt Keightley

What was your inspiration?

My brother Michael was the starting point for the concept. His experiences on tours of duty to Afghanistan as a RAF Regiment sniper paired with the work Help for Heroes do with our troops was more than enough inspiration.

Who is involved in the design?

I am solely responsible for all the design work for this garden, from the concept sketches, scale plans through to technical drawings for all of my structural elements included and planting choices.

What are the prominent features within the design?

Granite – this represents the soldier’s physical wellbeing, there are 52 granite cubes of 13 different sizes and three different finishes.

Walking on Water – this represents the end of the recovery process; at this point the soldiers have been through unimaginable challenges both physically and psychologically.

Hope on the Horizon – our sculpture set on the rear boundary hedge and framed by a row of Carpinus to consistently draw attention through the garden to this piece.

How many Chelsea gardens have you designed previously?

I haven’t actually designed a show garden at all, let alone one for Chelsea!

Why did you choose the landscaper you are working with?

We are calling on our own employees of Farr & Roberts. Not only do we specialise in high end construction and tackle fabulous landscaping projects, our guys work together day in day out and have done for many years. As a result they form the perfect team to carry out our very first Chelsea build.

NO MAN’S LAND : ABF THE SOLDIERS’ CHARITY GARDEN TO MARK THE CENTENARY OF WORLD WAR ONE Sponsor: Betchell, Coutts Designer: Charlotte Rowe Landscaper: Outdoor Options Plants supplied by: Kelways Plants

Charlotte Rowe

What was your inspiration?

The inspiration for the garden came from my grandparents, both of whom served in World War One and whose memoirs and photographs I recently discovered. It is a conceptual representation of the landscape of the Western Front, timed to mark the centenary of WW1. It is also designed to serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges and hardships faced by soldiers 100 years ago, while highlighting the work The Soldiers’ Charity does today in helping soldiers, veterans and their families. The garden will reflect how the landscape of the Western Front, though changed forever, has regenerated and ‘healed’.

What are the prominent features within the design?

The garden represents several

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elements of the landscape of the chalk downlands of the Somme, including a water basing representing the mine craters, and a long feature wall suggesting the trenches and tunnels – among others.

How many Chelsea gardens have you designed previously?

This is my first show garden at Chelsea.

Why did you choose the landscaper you are working with?

Brian has enormous experience of working on RHS show gardens with over 20 under his belt. I needed a contractor who knew the ropes and was able to handle the complex logistics of building a Main Avenue show garden at Chelsea. However, I also wanted someone who had the sensitivity to understand what was needed.

Brian Herbert Outdoor Options

Who are the main team members and what will their role be?

We are a team of 12 all playing equally important roles. Joining us is Chris Parrot from the Army Benevolent Fund, after two tours of Afghanistan he was injured twice and medically discharged. He retrained in horticulture and it is a pleasure to have him involved.

Have you been involved in sourcing products?

Very involved, visits to Portland for stone, importing reclaimed limestone

from France, inspecting mature trees, plus endless meetings for specialist products and manufacture items.

What are you most looking forward to?

So many aspects; cranes and large trees get me excited but so too does our specialist concrete. Also we have a pretty exciting press day planned, but that’s all hush hush!

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Chelsea 2014

THE LAURENT-PERRIER GARDEN Sponsor: Laurent-Perrier UK Ltd Designer: Luciano Giubbilei Landscaper: Crocus Plants supplied by: Crocus

Luciano Giubbilei

What was your inspiration?

The garden has been designed to stimulate the enjoyment of observation and contemplation.

The design is all about texture, form and light whilst reflecting the elegance, creativity and pioneering spirit of the 200 year old family run Champagne house Laurent-Perrier.

My style is modern but uses formal

approaches and clipped plants, while my design is dominated by trees, hedges and grasses, with frequent replanting. Texture is not something that we just look at, it’s something that we experience.

Who is involved in the design?

This year I have the absolute pleasure of having a wooden structure by critically acclaimed American artist Ursula von Rydingsvard. Constructed in meticulously assembled layers of cedar, the inclusion of Ursula’s work will further highlight my work on texture.

RBC WATERSCAPE GARDEN wanted to create a creative and innovative response to the global issue of water management, and present a concept that was fresh and bold yet practical and pertinent.

Sponsor: Royal Bank of Canada Designer: Hugo Bugg Landscaper: Himalayan Landscaping and Landscape Associates Plants supplied by: Hortus Loci

Hugo Bugg

What was your inspiration?

The brief was to create a beautiful garden with a strong and simple message: effectively demonstrating how gardeners can manage the water used in their gardens through simple techniques that replicate processes occurring in nature. I 40

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What are the prominent features within the design?

The garden features bold shapes, forms and avenues that entice visitors to explore the different areas via a floating corten steel walkway.

Materials of different textures and motifs will add depth and colour to the garden, while the juxtaposition of the hard concrete platforms against the softness of the planting and the purposeful movement of water around the garden should make for a unique and eye-catching experience. The garden allows water to flow at different gradients and speeds, while attracting and nurturing biodiversity with the help of trees, grasses and herbaceous perennials.

What are the prominent features within the design?

The garden comprises of a simple geometric layout juxtaposed with detail and explores the contrasting concepts of stillness and movement, elegance and rawness. The walls of concrete and metal combine lustres and materials; the stone surfaces are executed with contrasting finishes; the flow and reflection of the water gives light and animation to the space.

How many Chelsea gardens have you designed previously?

This is the third time I have designed a garden for LaurentPerrier, following Gold medal winning gardens in 2009 and 2011.

and Tatton Park and won Gold medals at both.

up with Landscape Associates to build this educational garden.

Why did you choose the landscaper you are working with?

Both Himalayan Landscaping and Landscape Associates have great experience at Chelsea. As Himalayan Landscaping have built my three RHS show gardens, we have a good working relationship and know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Have you been involved in sourcing products?

We have been working with Hugo throughout and we all have some input but Hugo has sourced most of the products himself and he is doing fantastic work.

Dhundi Bhusal Himalayan Landscaping

Who are the main team members and what will their role be?

The garden will be constructed

by Dhundi Bhusal of Himalayan Landscaping and Richard Curle of Landscape Associates with a team of people. Himalayan Landscaping has built Hugo Bugg’s show gardens before, but this time we have teamed

What are you most looking forward to?

Everything, constructing a Gold medal winning garden with bit of luck, and meeting old faces!

Do you think building at Chelsea will help your business to grow and if so, how?

Yes I think so, lots of designers recognise you and your work.

I strongly recommend anyone involved in landscaping to have experience working at Chelsea.

How many Chelsea gardens have you designed previously?

This will be my first time at Chelsea, but I have exhibited at Hampton Court Palace Show www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Chelsea 2014

VITAL EARTH: THE NIGHT SKY GARDEN

THE BREWIN DOLPHIN GARDEN Sponsor: Bord Na Mona Designer: David & Harry Rich Landscaper: Rich Landscapes Plants supplied by: Dingle Nurseries

David Rich

What was your inspiration?

Different elements within the night sky (meteors, meteor craters, black holes, the Milky Way), and the Brecon Beacons National Park which was given dark sky reserve status, one of five in the world.

Who is involved in the design?

Myself and my brother Harry designed the garden.

What are the prominent features within the design?

Dry stonewalls create subtle rooms within the garden. The naturalistic planting echoes the feeling of the Milky Way, with large drifts of white and tones of orange and blues. Boulders give gravity to the space whilst replicating fallen meteors. Two large circular reflection pools mirror the overhanging planting and sky above. The boundary hedge draws back to reveal the night sky, with scattered copper

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Chelsea.indd 41

discs resembling star constellations.

A light canopy of silver birch trees wander through the space, opening to reveal a grass stargazing pit. Oak topped benches sit amongst the serpentine stonewalls, creating intimate and relaxing seating areas. Glass panes, framed by a traditional timber building allow the eye through onto the surrounding space. A spiral staircase takes you onto a rooftop platform, perfect for viewing the night sky. Undulating cobbled stone paths lead you through the space. A central Armillary Sphere creates a focal point within the garden, continuing the circular theme.

How many Chelsea gardens have you designed previously?

Our first one was last year, it was an artisan garden, called Un Garreg (meaning ‘one stone’ in Welsh).

Why did you choose the landscaper you are working with?

We are building the garden ourselves. It’s nice to be able to see the process through from start to finish, and build the garden exactly as we envisioned it.

Sponsor: Brewin Dolphin Designer: Matthew Childs Landscaper: Bowles & Wyer Contracts Plants supplied by: Hortus Loci

Matthew Childs

What was your inspiration?

The inspiration came from nature and in particular all of the wonders that are present on a fresh spring morning.

I want to capture both a mood of tranquillity and a sense of anticipation throughout the garden.

I was also keen that the landscaper was dedicated to The Brewin Dolphin Garden and Bowles & Wyer Contracts gave me this commitment.

Dan Riddleston Bowles & Wyer

Who are the main team members?

Dan Riddleston, Jim Brasier, Tony Beech, and Tony Roper.

What are the main pieces of equipment you will be using?

Tea urn and cafetiere! For the initial reduced level dig two six tonne dumpers and a five tonne excavator; then for the rest of the build a three tonne excavator, a three tonne dumper, a 5m telehandler, and a spider crane.

What are the prominent features within the design?

There are tranquil, reflective spaces in the garden such as a sunken floating island surrounded by a rill of still water and fresh planting of white, green Have and zingy yellows. you been I’m excited about Two large patinated involved using Cryptomeria copper arches in sourcing provide windows japonica ‘Globosa Nana’ products? through to focal Matthew as an alternative points which Childs and I symbolise new have worked evergreen ball opportunities and very closely in a wide basalt path sourcing quite a passes through them into new spaces number of the hard landscape features, creating a sense of anticipation. such as the cedar pergola, water I’m really excited about using features, timber for the decking, the Cryptomeria japonica ‘Globosa Nana’ boulders, the green wall, the basalt as an alternative evergreen ball – I paving and basalt lining to the pools. love its texture and slightly loose form. I think our metal surfaces from Do you think building at the patinated copper to the rippling Chelsea will help your liquid metal will be a talking point at business to grow and if so, the show along with the design and how? finishes of the dew drop pergola.

As a contractor I don’t see direct sales from Chelsea, but it does help Why did you choose the to remind designers and specifiers landscaper you are working of who we are and what we are with? able to produce. I believe the main It was really important that landscaper beneficiaries for business opportunities had Main Avenue Chelsea experience. are the sponsors and the designers.

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Chelsea 2014

THE M&G GARDEN Sponsor: M&G Investments Designer: Cleve West Landscaper: Swatton Landscapes Plants supplied by: Hortus Loci

Cleve West returns to RHS Chelsea with a contemporary interpretation of the ‘Paradise Garden’ to show that the earliest ideas of what defined outdoor ‘Paradise spaces’ still hold true in English gardens today. He seeks to blend timeless aspects of ancient garden design whilst drawing on the established canon of British planting and craftsmanship.

The design is part of a larger garden and contains a tall centrepiece in the shape of an octagonal fountain within a sunken base and constructed from traditional British materials such as Bath limestone and flint. Its water

Sponsor: Massachusetts Office for Travel & Tourism Designer: Susannah Hunter & Catherine McDonald Landscaper: Landform Consultants Plants supplied by: Kelways Plants

Susannah Hunter

What was your inspiration?

One of the major inspirations for the Massachusetts Garden is the coastline and dunes around Provincetown and the dune shacks there which were inhabited by artists and writers such as Tennessee Williams, Jackson Pollock and Henry Beston who wrote The Outermost House.

This book is now considered an American Nature Literary Classic also inspired this garden and the structure within it.

Who is involved in the design?

Catherine MacDonald and I have collaborated for the second year running. Catherine is a wonderful planting designer with www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Chelsea.indd 43

flows into four rills, through a stoneedged sunken terrace and into an octagonal perimeter.

Behind the fountain, flanked by yew hedging, is a stone relief

to The M&G Garden. The relief also symbolises the roots of many gardens throughout the world, including traditional English gardens that have been derived from the ancient

the Persian Paradise garden as my inspiration, re-imagined for the 21st century. I have re-worked this concept with a contemporary twist, using ancient elements of water, shade and planting to create a paradise garden fit for 2014.

How many Chelsea gardens have you designed previously?

This will be my sixth.

depicting the designer’s interpretation of the Tree of Life. Painstakingly engraved in five panels the limestone feature stands two and a half metres in height and is four metres across. It portrays only the tree’s roots reaching out to the planting below, giving life

a soft naturalistic planting style which complements my leather appliqué work.

What are the prominent features within the design?

My signature leather appliqué panels will form a theatrical background to the garden with a ten metre wall depicting a dune landscape scattered with Rosa Rugosa while the side wall features a frieze of bold hydrangeas reflecting the wonderful gardens on the Cape.

The garden’s Dune Shack has been designed by award winning Scottish architect Julian Hunter; quotations from ‘The Outermost House’ will be etched into several of the timbers.

Catherine wanted to use Massachusetts natives wherever possible and in particular species native to the Cape Cod region.

Dave Root from Kelways Plants has been tasked with sourcing and growing many of the plants but has found it tough. However, there will be some never before seen varieties at Chelsea this year,

paradise gardens of Persia, Italy and Greece.

Cleve West

What was your inspiration?

I am taking the ancient concept of

Why did you choose the landscaper you are working with?

Steve at Swatton Landscapes has a really good eye for detail which makes the whole collaborative process so much more fruitful and enjoyable. He also has (so far) a calm disposition which is just what’s required at Chelsea.

THE MASSACHUSETTS GARDEN

including a Prunus species, Prunus maritima, the American beach plum. Other little-seen, unusual Massachusetts native shrubs include; Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry; Ilex glabra (Inkberry); Myrica pensylvanica (Bayberry); and Rubus flagelleris (Dewberry).

The Outermost House

by Henry Beston inspired this garden and the structure within it

How many Chelsea gardens have you designed previously?

This is our second garden working together.

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Chelsea 2014

THE TELEGRAPH GARDEN

Sponsor: The Telegraph Designers: Tomasso del Buono – Del Buono Gazerwitz Landscape Design Contractor: Crocus Plants supplied by: Crocus

Tommaso del Buono has designed an Italian garden for the modern era, combining some of the guiding principles of Italy’s great historical

HOMEBASE – TIME TO REFLECT Sponsor: Homebase Designer: Adam Frost Contractor: The Outdoor Room

Designer Adam Frost has themed The Homebase Garden – Time to Reflect on memories, and has taken inspiration from his father’s passion for stone, water, wildlife and the countryside. The design demonstrates how a person’s memories can inspire a family garden and provide a gentle space to find, discover and enjoy each other’s company. The garden, which uses natural and crafted stonework, is intended to provide a multigenerational area as somewhere to experience the living world and spend time gardening, cooking or just relaxing.

Copper is showcased in the rills that snake down through the garden and references a copper mine, feeding water from the top arbour down through two pools, which also attract wildlife. The heather-clad gazebo roof undulates as a reflection of the moors and provides somewhere to shelter, cook together as a family, and enjoy

the views of the garden. The planting is ornamental and wildlife-friendly, evoking memories of time spent in the English countryside.

David Dodd Outdoor Room

Who are the main team members and what will their role be?

Everyone has their vital roles, so in my mind we are all equally important. The foremen have to be spot on the ball every day for the whole time and the management will need to keep team morale up.

Have you been involved in sourcing products?

Yes. I didn’t have to go abroad this year, but I’ve had several trips to Lovells quarries in Somerset and Dorset sourcing the stone for Homebase. I’ve been to timber merchants and metal workers as well.

What are you most looking forward to?

The show itself. Seeing the public admire your team’s efforts is very rewarding.

tradition, re-interpreted in a 21st century idiom.

The inspiration for the garden was revisiting the components traditionally found in the great historical Italian gardens to create a bold and uncompromising modern garden. The function of the space is to create a peaceful and beautiful environment to be enjoyed, in which one can rest and relax.

All the plants included within the garden are both appropriate

and suitable for the conditions typically found in the north of Italy – the garden will be enclosed on two sides by a Bay (Laurus nobilis) hedge and shaded at both ends by the canopy of 12 ‘roof trained’ Plane trees (Platanus acerifolia).

The sunken area at the heart of the garden will be punctuated by domes of clipped box (Buxus sempervirens) and Osmanthus burkwoodii, softened by a range of herbaceous plants in deep blues, lime green with a touch of deep pink.

POSITIVELY STOKE-ON-TRENT Designers: Bartholomew Landscaping and Stoke-onTrent City Council Contractor: Bartholomew Landscaping

Barry Burrows

What was your inspiration?

This year the partnership garden is delivering a strong message that the city of Stoke is resurgent and powering ahead as a growth point for the UK, by employing clean lines and precision design and blending natural elements with technological dynamism.

The planting has been inspired by nature’s re-colonisation of Stoke-on-Trent, where old industrial wastelands have been reclaimed to create wildflower meadows.

The Positively Stoke Garden represents a modern, dynamic and ambitious city, one with deep traditions rooted in ceramics, but re-forged in the white heat of modern advanced materials technology and manufacturing. We want the garden to capture the city’s new dynamism as a growth point for the UK.

within the design?

This garden for the Chelsea Flower Show aims to harness the city’s new dynamism. Moving water is used to symbolise sustainable energy, while polished steel and glass reflect the contemporary nature of the new city centre.

A woodland glade fringes the furthest edge of the pool, mirroring

The Positively Stoke Garden represents a modern, dynamic and ambitious city

What are the prominent features www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Chelsea 2014

THE CLOUDY BAY SENSATIONS GARDEN Sponsor: Cloudy Bay Designers: Gavin McWilliam and Andrew Wilson Contractor: The Outdoor Room Plants supplied by: Hortus Loci

Gavin McWilliam and Andrew Wilson have designed the Cloudy Bay Sensations Garden to reflect the tasting notes of the Cloudy Bay wines. Using this as the basic concept, planting and flower colours, perfumes and textures are used to visualise the sensations experienced when drinking the wine.

Flower colour is used to create a

the natural energy that could power the city’s future. Within the woodland dell, a copse of betula utilis jacquemontii punctuates the carpet of white woodland flowers including Astrantia major ‘Shaggy’, Gillenia trifoliate and the pure white digitalis purprea f. ‘Albiflora’.

The planting sweeps round the side of the water, out from under the trees and in to the sunlight where colours bleed from white to hazy pinks representing a vibrant flow of energy.

Grasses such as Briza media (the quaking grass) and our native Deschampsia cespitosa shimmer and weave through the planting whilst taxus topiary balls are dotted throughout to create anchor points within the scheme. The final flourish is the inclusion of fragrant David Austin roses ‘Darcey Bussell’, ‘Queen of Sweden’ and ‘Winchester Cathedral’.

splash of sensational shades across the garden. Roses, irises and peonies create intense colour depth and perfumes, set against a simple palette of oak and hazel coppice, woodland grasses and sweet woodruff. To the front of the garden the colour planting drifts into soft ornamental grasses and bulbs. A specimen medlar and a pomegranate create foreground interest.

Oak and charred oak are combined with limestone surfaces and sparkling water to complete the design as a garden of sensory delight. Tall oak panels create a sense of elegance and oak and hazel coppice with woodland fruit contrast the drama of the colour swathe that splashes across the garden.

David Dodd The Outdoor Room

What are the main pieces of equipment you will be using?

Our brains and hands. Apart from

Chelsea.indd 45

Have you been involved in sourcing products?

I’ve had several trips to Lovells quarries in Somerset and Dorset to source the stone for the Cloudy Bay garden.

How has doing Chelsea affected your day job?

It completely takes over

Roses, irises and peonies create intense colour depth and perfumes and it’s a lot of time which often goes unpaid. Having done it for several years now, it does become easier as you know what to expect.

THE EXTENDING SPACE Sponsor: Auderset & Fischer Designers: Nicole Fischer and Daniel Auderset Contractor: PC Landscapes Plants supplied by: Bruns Nursery, Roger Platts, Lorenz von Ehren, Barcham Trees

Nicole Fischer

What was your inspiration?

The Extending Space is a contemporary garden design which is inspired by the diverse landscapes of the protected Pfyn Forest region in the Swiss Valais. It is an area we both know and have visited many times.

Over the last few decades gardeners in the UK have developed a love hate relationship with conifers.

We aim to highlight the beauty and versatility of the pine species and show how effectively they can be used in gardens of any scale, while raising awareness of the decline of pine across warmer parts of Europe.

Who is involved in the design?

We designed the garden. We are

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that, a six tonne digger and dumper will be used, but the most important piece of kit will be the huge telehandlers which have a two tonne lifting capacity at full reach of 17m.

newly qualified garden designers and are taking on the challenge of our first ever show garden, at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2014. I (Nicole) am German and Daniel is Swiss. We met while studying Garden Design at Inchbald School of Design in London.

What are the prominent features within the design?

In terms of planting then the Pines are the most prominent of the shrubs and trees in particular Pinus sylvestris ’Watereri’ and ‘mops’ of Pinus Mugo.

The hard landscaping in the garden is very striking and is used to heighten the overall spatial experience. The focal point is a striking Swiss pine pergola which emerges organically from the hedging. The widening spaces between its beams create a sensation of extending space.

We commissioned a bespoke metal water feature from artist Simon Percival. The water feature provides a contrast of fast flowing water to calmer pools, hinting at the Rhone’s passage through the Swiss Valais region.

Why did you choose the landscaper you are working with?

PC Landscapes has extensive experience in a wide range of quality landscaping projects. They have provided landscape services to a number of designers at Chelsea in recent years and in 2013 they won a prestigious BALI National Landscape Award. We have no experience of creating a show garden at Chelsea and so we are delighted to be working alongside such an experienced team.

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FRESH “These gardens take away the constraints of a defined category, we are looking for show gardens that will engage both media and visitors alike through design innovation and creative use of existing and new materials. We are challenging designers to be brave and step outside the perceived traditional Chelsea garden. Designers can create a space that fits their purpose, concept and budgetary constraints. Fresh Gardens are about a feel and vibe.”

CAVE PAVILLION Sponsor: Garden Museum Designer: Sophie Walker Landscaper: Mark Wallinger Landscapes

Sophie Walker

What was your inspiration?

When I first travelled into the Amazon jungle, I couldn’t believe how ‘all-over’ landscape could be, and I was amazed (and shocked) to see the closeness of growth and decay. I have been interested in making a garden that is as raw and disorientating as jungle. I’ve called the garden ‘Cave Pavilion’ because caves and jungles are both disorientating: when you first enter you see one space, and then once your eyes are used to the dark, the

space opens up and you see a different bigger space...

Who is involved in the design?

I’m working closely with two plant hunters, RHS President Award winners Sue and Bleddyn-Wynn Jones.

What are the prominent features within the design?

A courtyard looks onto a garden that is set within the walls of an opaque Perspex light-box. You can’t enter the garden, you can only look onto it through a window that has been

cut through one wall. I am not using flowers – they’ve been replaced with tangled vegetation; I’m interested in the untamed imperfect wild stuff.

How many Chelsea gardens have you designed previously?

This is the first!

Why did you choose the landscaper you are working with?

Mark Wallinger worked with me on my People’s Choice show garden A Valley Garden at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in 2013.

Something really interesting?

This is the first fully traceable garden ever at Chelsea: every plant is listed with its individual seed collection number describing who collected the seed, where and when.

REACHOUT Sponsor: Newground Designer: John Everiss Landscaper: Andy Loudon

John Everiss

What was your inspiration?

I was inspired by a visit to a youth project in Lancashire called Reachout, I’m aiming to show how young vulnerable adults can be helped by an involvement in horticulture, linking in with Newground as sponsors who do fantastic work with young people in the local community. Myerscough College based in Preston are also supporting us and will provide a student designer to help with the build-up.

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Chelsea.indd 46

Who is involved in the design?

The design is by myself, John Everiss.

My day to day job is designing and building bespoke gardens, but I love making sculptures so jumped at the chance to put a piece in my Chelsea garden. It is based on a figure hunched against a wall reaching out to a water channel. I love using standard steel fabrication materials; based around a re-bar backbone I’ve used 190m of 6mm bar to form the body and 150m of stainless steel chain creating a mop of hair.

What are the prominent features within the design?

I’m using only two types of plant, a mass planting of variegated lemon

thyme interspersed with rosemary clipped domes, increasing in size as you move down the garden. I thought it would be easy to find Rosemarinus topiary – but no! Apparently this doesn’t exist as a ball or dome so these have been specially grown, first in Italy then Holland to be finished, maybe this is a first at Chelsea? I think the thyme will really zing out against the blue limestone/slate plus you will get an amazing scent.

including one with Andy, it was a no brainer to work again with him again at Chelsea. The wall will have a random dry stone appearance with three steel channels allowing visitors to look down the garden. Andy is also building a convex image of the sculptures back into the wall, all at an angle.

Why did you choose the landscaper you are working with?

Having done four gardens at Tatton

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Chelsea 2014

FLORA Sponsor: Gucci Designer: Sarah Eberle Landscaper: Anemone Landscapes Plants: Kelways Plants

The garden is inspired by the floral bouquets featured the famous scarf which represent all four seasons, and depicts a courtyard space attached to a flagship store in Western Europe.

The raised catwalk allows small scale fashion shows and displays to take place while the hanging ‘bouquets’ can be changed seasonally to correspond to the fashion house’s current portfolio. The overhead gantry is used to suspend plants, attach lighting and to support fabric. The chains used to suspend the plants are inspired

by Gucci jewellery. The garden is seen as high in maintenance in much the same way as the interior displays within a Gucci store.

Two mannequins on either side of the catwalk are reflected by mirrors, making the catwalk appear as if it floats over a carpet of flowers. The catwalk is made of white, seamless

flooring, reflecting the background theme of the Flora scarf.

Sarah Eberle

What was your inspiration?

The iconic Gucci Flora scarf (designed by Vittorio Accornero) for and presented to Princess Grace of Monaco.

THE HIMALAYAN ROCK GARDEN Sponsor: Global Stone Designer: Janey Auchincloss & James Soane Landscaper: Stewart Landscape Construction Plants supplied by: Manor Farm Nursery, Crocus, Barcham Trees

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Chelsea.indd 48

What was your inspiration?

The designers wished to portray the epic horticultural story of plants that have a history in the Himalayas by creating a garden which is a complex, jewelled carpet of colours and textures.

What are the prominent features within the design?

Nine floral bouquets with 47 species/varieties that represent all four seasons. These are set on a white carpet of Euphorbia Diamond Frost, Iris Winter Olympics and white peonies.

How many Chelsea gardens have you designed previously?

I have designed six and project managed a further two.

Why did you choose the landscaper you are working with?

I worked with Anemone Landscapes at Chelsea before and have a very high regard for their skills.

THE WELLCHILD GARDEN Sponsor: WellChild Designer: Olivia Kirk Landscaper: Outdoor Options Plants supplied by: Kelways Plants, Deepdale Tree

Olivia Kirk

What was your inspiration?

As I specialise in creating healing gardens, I was privileged to be asked to design a garden for WellChild.

I wanted to create a feeling of sanctuary at the heart of the garden – an oasis from the harsh realities of life created when caring for a poorly child. The five pathways leading from the central space was inspired by the hands in WellChild’s logo. The curved wall wraps protectively round the garden giving protection but at the same time hiding musical treasures, bringing a sense of fun and magic to the garden.

What are the prominent features within the design?

The curved wall is flanked by two large multi-stemmed Acer triflorum

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Janey Auchincloss

– not often seen at Chelsea, chosen for their distinct cloud like form and textured bark. The garden will be planted to look beautiful, calm and restful.

Who is involved in the design?

I am working with a number of artists local to where I live, who have been busy creating very special elements for the garden. These include willow weaver Victoria Westaway, metal artist Caro Sweet, and Michael Speller.

Why did you choose the landscaper you are working with?

I worked with Brian Herbert of Outdoor Options on my last, Gold medal winning garden, in 2011. His attention to detail throughout the planning and building of the garden and the supportive can-do attitude he and his team generated during the build made the whole, quite stressful, experience really enjoyable – so why would I choose anyone else?

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Chelsea 2014

Who is involved in the design?

Principal designers are Janey Auchincloss – a Suffolk based garden designer with on-going design commissions as diverse as the gardens of a Moscow Summer House and the landscape to a newly built Suffolk hall house; and James Soane – director of Project Orange, an award-winning RIBA Chartered Architect and Interior Design studio with a broad and original portfolio of work in the UK and overseas.

What are the prominent features within the design?

The foreground of the garden is dominated by a fallen stone

Brian Herbert Outdoor Options

What are the main pieces of equipment you will be using?

My phone! Apart from that the lifting equipment always plays a vital role with show gardens. Not to mention every landscaper loves a digger or two.

How has doing Chelsea affected your day job?

I have given it my upmost attention and for some weeks now I have been saying our two Chelsea projects are requiring

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column. A rill inspired by the peepul tree, or sacred fig, spreads its branches through the garden, and water drips down into a mysterious star shaped sink hole, which exudes a watery mist. And of course there’s the planting, with its bright and even clashing colour combinations, echoing those often found in nature.

The plants used all originate in the Himalayas, but can be found in many British gardens. They are however, not conventional choices for a Chelsea garden, which means the task of bringing them into flower at the right time is even more challenging than usual!

Why did you choose the landscaper you are working with?

It’s vital to have confidence in the people around you – it’s all about team work in the build-up!

min 24hrs input a week. Basically that means a lot of evening work to make sure all the plates keep spinning.

Do you think building at Chelsea will help your business to grow and if so, how?

It’s all about reputation and kudos, and not often about direct leads; however, it very much helps sell who you are when sitting in final tender meetings. Plus it’s about personal goals.

LONDON SQUARE Sponsor: London Square Designer: Jo Thompson Landscaper: The Outdoor Room

Jo Thompson

What was your inspiration?

With Italian parentage and a childhood spent growing up in Italy, I am no stranger to the concept of shared outdoor living spaces. It is my experience of living next to London’s Eccleston Square that has mostly inspired this garden. The Square has an immense emotional appeal and feeds a very British obsession with ownership, land, gardens and privacy. This Fresh Garden provides a new take on what you can expect to find in one.

What are the prominent features within the design?

Materials – cream porcelain floor tiles for a raised seating area (hard-wearing and non-slip, elegant and sleek and not used before at Chelsea). The risers of the steps up to this area have a triglyph detail (a structural member of a Doric frieze) inspired by the architectural detail seen at Wellington Square in London SW3.

Planting – A colour palette of green and white, with hints of pale apricot irises link in with a cream coloured marble sculpture by Frederic Chevarin. White roses sit against topiarised mounds of Ilex crenata. The soft, abundant planting adds to the elegant and luxurious atmosphere. Splashes of cream also come from the chalky-white bark of four majestic multi-stem Betula utilis var. jacquemontii. Show stoppers in themselves they create privacy and height.

How many Chelsea gardens have you designed previously?

Five.

The Square has an immense emotional appeal and feeds a very British obsession with ownership, land, gardens and privacy Why did you choose the landscaper you are working with?

He does a great job and we get on well! This will be the third time that I’ve worked with David Dodd and his team from The Outdoor Room.

David Dodd The Outdoor Room

How has doing Chelsea affected your day job?

It completely takes over and it’s a lot of time which often goes unpaid. After having done it for several years now, it does become easier as you know what to expect.

Do you think building at Chelsea will help your business to grow and if so, how?

It definitely helps your business develop. Designers still take most of the glory, so before you start, talk with them about making sure you get the right credit. Remember, it’s a team effort. Also make sure you market the show properly for your own advertising.

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11/04/2014 07:08 24/04/2014 10:14

Chelsea 2014

FABRIC

How many Chelsea gardens have you designed?

We have designed numerous gardens in the Great Pavilion for Notcutts Garden Centre and won a series of Gold medals. In 2010 and 2011 we designed gardens for John Woods Nurseries and won Gold and Silver-Gilt respectively.

Why did you choose the landscaper you are

Chris Deakin

What was your inspiration?

We were inspired by House of Fraser our sponsor. We wanted to reflect its approach to modern living whilst respecting and acknowledging its long history, tradition and importantly Scottish roots. I am very interested in the diversity of design, materials and colour in the world of interiors and really wanted to explore

opportunities to do the same outside in the garden.

Who is involved in the design?

The garden was designed by Chris Deakin and Jason Lock, we worked with some of the creative directors at House of Fraser to help reflect their developing brand image and new spring/summer ranges.

What are the unique features?

The most exciting features are perhaps the wall and floor wraps, this innovative surface treatment provides people with the opportunity to decorate their fences, walls and hard surfaces with virtually any image, pattern or colour they want.

Helen Elks-Smith

What was your inspiration?

Shroud noun: 1. A cloth used to wrap a body for burial. The idea for the garden was a personal, artistic response to the distressing news that Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) is threatening our great native oak trees. The design was a play on the idea of shrouds and the cocoons, the pupal casing made by moth caterpillars.

Who is involved in the design?

Helen Elks-Smith and Tori Mclean

designed the pattern on the fabric for the shrouds.

What are the prominent features within the design?

A stand of oak trees (quercus robur) are part shrouded in fabric to symbolise disease and death. Hornbeam (carpinus betulus) columns within the garden represent barriers. The planting in the gaps between the hornbeam columns and shrouds will be planted with pale and white flowered plants to show the spread of infection, much as water rushes through a pinch point. This represents the idea of how even small gaps in treatment of OPM and biosecurity can be exploited by OPM. The brief for Fresh gardens at RHS Chelsea is “Gardens designers must think outside the box as the brief for these gardens.” This is very much a conceptual garden and appeals to my campaigning heart.

How many Chelsea gardens have you designed previously?

This will be my first show garden.

Why did you choose the landscaper you are working with?

I have known Martin Gomm at Wycliffe Landscapes for many years and we have worked together on many projects.

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May 2014

THE CITY OF LONDON OAK PROCESSIONARY MOTH GARDEN

Sponsor: House of Fraser Designer: Chris Deakin and Jason Lock, Deackinlock Landscaper: Landform Consultants Ltd Plants supplied by: Johnsons of Whixley

Sponsor: City of London Corporation Designer: Helen Elks-Smith Landscaper: Wycliffe Landscapes Plants supplied by: Deepdale, Hardys Cottage Garden Plants

working with?

We chose Landform Consultants because we have known Mark Gregory for many years through our mutual association with the APL and other organisations. Mark and his team have been building successfully at Chelsea for many years and we felt the garden would benefit from his wealth of expertise in what is a difficult build environment.

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Chelsea 2014

THE WORLD VISION GARDEN – THE PROMISE Sponsor: World Vision Designer: John Warland Landscaper: Indoor Garden Design

John Warland

What was your inspiration?

The inspiration was the moment aid crates first fell to earth in Ethiopia 30 years ago.

The work tries to show that not only did the crates offer immediate aid and medicine, but a promise to help deliver a verdant, drought resistant, self-supporting landscape through over 30 years of investment and education.

Who is involved with the design?

The garden is designed by John Warland.

What are the prominent features within the design?

The main feature is an inverted shipping

crate, with plants suspended from the roof, and parachute caught in the tree beyond. It is a site-specific installation, and a moment of impromptu theatre in a generally very structured showground environment.

How many Chelsea gardens have you designed previously?

I previously completed one Chelsea installation in 2012.

Why did you choose the landscaper you are working with?

Indoor Garden Design were chosen as contractors for their plant expertise and experience of delivering one-off installation pieces outside the remit of conventional landscaping.

THE MIND’S EYE Sponsors: Countryside Designer: LDC Design Landscaper: Pulham Garden Crafts Plants supplied by: Mark Laurence Design Ltd/Vertology, Tendercare

year. He has developed the garden in partnership with Alex Frazier, LDC’s talented landscape architect.

What are the prominent features within the design?

Aspects of the ‘Mind’s Eye’ are inspired by the Islamic Paradise

of Ben Nicholson and Piet Mondrian.

The garden is loosely divided into four zones – open woodland, damp/ wet shady woodland, temperate prairie border and Mediterranean/ arid border. Naturalistic planting covers horizontal and vertical plant beds to contrast and soften the hard

Tom Prince

What was your inspiration?

The ‘mind’s eye’ is the human ability to create images or scenes without the need for sight. This garden stimulates the ‘mind’s eye’ through a series of contrasting sensory experiences. Designed as a sensory garden for blind and partially sighted people, as well as those with sight, it also aims to challenge the fully sighted visitor, sometimes blurring or distorting the image we expect to see. The garden becomes a ‘sensual canvas’ encouraging the visitor to engage in an intimate experience of touch, sound, taste and aroma.

Who is involved in the design?

The Mind’s Eye concept is the brainchild of designer Tom Prince, who makes his Chelsea debut this

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Garden: this is essentially a walled garden providing a rich oasis away from the chaos of the outer world.

The garden structures and patterns evolve from constructivist architecture and take inspiration from the artwork

landscaping. Water acts as a unifying and way finding element throughout the garden to link and emphasise the architectural elements.

Abstract outer walls and windows are finished with render using a

selection of textures, while coloured glass and acrylic shards provide contrast and capture light. Two granite monoliths mark the garden’s entrance, while a wall sculpture using a variety of textures draws inspiration from Ben Nicholson’s work. The visitor is encouraged to touch and explore this work, particularly by the clipped aromatic planting panels. Bird song is introduced to provide animation, to stimulate the sense of hearing.

While the lower garden is an intimate, enclosed space, there is an upper level, which provides a view of the world, an outward looking space. It represents both the challenge and the trepidation of climbing the steps, but also the reward of seeing the garden on another level and new sensory experiences.

Why did you choose the contractor you are working with?

Pulham Garden Crafts were chosen to work on the garden due to their extensive experience in working on award winning gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show. This has included working with Dave Fountain, David Stevens and Peter Seabrook from The Sun, on gardens such as Sunflower Street.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/04/2014 13:38

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Chelsea 2014

ARTISAN “Designers are challenged to use an artisan approach to build methods and choice of materials when designing their gardens.

The RHS will look for show gardens that will engage both media and visitors alike through the artistic use of materials from natural and sustainable sources. Artisan Gardens are sited in Ranelagh Gardens and staged against a wooded backdrop.”

LE TOUR DE YORKSHIRE Sponsor: Welcome to Yorkshire Designer: Alistair Baldwin Landscaper: Aire Valley Landscaping Services

Alastair Baldwin

What was your inspiration?

The wild landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales and the designed landscapes of Yorkshires cities and the gardens in their suburbs.

What are the prominent features within the design?

The two halves of the design each have a defining element. The ‘rural’ part of the garden is characterised by a mature hawthorn tree, rescued from Brimham Rocks in North Yorkshire as part of their annual programme of tree clearance to protect and sustain the special moorland habitat up there, which relies on the kind of open expansiveness that

is only interrupted (and ultimately invaded!) by trees.

The ‘urban’ side of the garden has as its centrepiece a stunning elliptical water feature fabricated in Corian – a highly versatile and attractive material with a wonderful deep black finish – a precisely engineered component in contrast to the rougher textures of the other side of the garden. The two halves are linked by the use of Yorkshire stone, quarried, expertly cut and supplied by Calverts Stone of Leyburn.

Why did you choose the landscaper you are working with?

I have been working with Aire Valley Landscaping Services for some 20 years now and, as well as my previous two Chelsea show installations, they have built a number of gardens for me in that time. They are exactly what I look for in a landscaper – highly skilled, very motivated and strong communicators.

Every project brings with it a set of unique challenges – such is the nature of garden design – and Aire Valley tackle these challenges with the kind of positivity, practicality and diplomacy that really does set them apart.

THE DIALA-FLIGHT POTTER’S GARDEN Sponsor: DialAFlight Designer: Francesca Murrell and Emma Page Landscaper: Frogheath Landscapes Plants supplied by: Tendercare, How Green Nursery, English Woodlands and Pure Plants

Francesca Murrell

What was your inspiration?

The inspiration for the Potter’s Garden came from good friend, potter and artist Martin Brockman.

He suggested the idea of a garden for a potter who went to war in 1914, thereby tying in an artisan theme with the centenary of the First World War. Emma and I researched and visited the pottery in July last year and absolutely fell in love with it. It is the most fascinating place and well worth a visit to see the restored Victorian bottle kiln and all the incredible features that make it so special. Nearly a year on and the Potter’s Garden is going to be built at one of the most exciting gardening shows in the world!

How many Chelsea gardens have you designed previously?

This is the first garden that Emma and I, now Nature Redesigned, have designed together, and what better place to showcase it than our first appearance at the Chelsea Flower Show.

What are the prominent features within the design?

The potter’s workshop is being built from reclaimed oak and

old clay tiles from the pottery, within the workshop there is a habitat wall built from old kiln furniture and original artefacts from the pottery. We also wanted an interactive element to the garden so are working with Kathy Mason and Julia Quigley, both ceramics tutors with the West Street Potters to create 100 pottery “tokens” to mark the centenary. These will be auctioned off to raise funds for the restoration work at the pottery and to support horticultural charity Greenfingers. A gnarly old pear tree and a beautiful multistemmed hawthorn give height to the cottage style planting.

Why did you choose the landscaper you are working with?

Steve and his team at Frogheath Landscapes have been so generous with all their help and time. Having previously worked with Steve on my first RHS Show Garden, Mangetout, at Hampton Court in 2007, he was my first choice. He is local to us and has an ever expanding team of landscapers and professionals with a show history and a fantastic portfolio of work. What more could we ask for? Special thanks also have to go to Mark Gregory from Landform who has been very generous in mentoring us and helping us with advice and loan of machinery on site.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Chelsea 2014

THE TOPIARIST’S GARDEN Sponsor: Zenith44 Designer: Marylyn Abbott Landscaper: Michael Chewter Landscapes Plants supplied by: Architectural Plants

Marilyn Abbott

What was your inspiration?

Our Chelsea garden has been designed as a personal space for a country house head gardener,

influenced by the tradition of “topia opera” In this small walled space, the gardener can indulge his passion for eclectic topiary designs, which are placed haphazardly amongst his favourite perennials. His bestloved bulbs and annuals flower in season in a sunken chequerboard of pots, making this space a fantasy of formality. The overall effect is of a very personal and much loved space.

Who is involved with this design?

The concept for the design is by Marylyn Abbott, an acclaimed gardener who has created two highly regarded gardens, one in Kennerton Green in New South Wales, Australia and her current garden at West Green House. She is supported by garden designer Alyson Hamilton and Michael Chewter of Michael D Chewter Landscapes. This is Marylyn’s first Chelsea garden whilst both Mike and Alyson have significant previous experience.

What are the prominent features of this design?

The prominent features of the design include a representation of the bothy at West Green House

with its weathered brick walls and climbing rose. In front will be a sunken parterre grid of boxus and terracotta pots overflowing with colour all surrounded by borders with eclectic topiary and perennial planting.

Why did you choose the landscaper you are working with?

Micheal Chewter has been commissioned to create a number of landscape and water features for Marylyn Abbott in the gardens at West Green House over the last 20 years. The quality of his work is therefore well known to Marylyn Abbott. Mike will be constructing the bothy and undertaking the hard landscaping, whilst Alyson leads on plant selection and management.

THE VIKING CRUISES NORSE GARDEN Sponsor: Viking Cruises Designer: Sadie May Stowell Landscaper: Beautiful Gardens

Sadie May Stowell

What was your inspiration?

The garden captures the spirit of the Viking age, offering a sense of history, adventure, journey, water and travel and incorporating the prow of a bespoke Viking ship designed and built by UK specialists.

Who is involved in the design?

Sadie May Stowell is the designer, she has commissioned students at the Falmouth Marine School to create a bespoke-designed and hand-built prow of a Viking ship made from Scottish Larch, and local stone mason Simon Hudson is creating a network of stepping stones, which he has carved with Viking runic symbols.

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Chelsea.indd 55

What are the prominent features within the design?

The Viking Longship hand-built prow is definitely the star of the show, with the Viking shield runes stones

complementing the ship and the rest of the garden. There will also be a green carpet of low growing plants, such as Lamium, Ajuga and Ophiopogon, with European

species of pine trees forming the backdrop of the garden. There will also be a boundary of boat oars, positioned along the sides, to reinforce further the Viking experience.

How many Chelsea gardens have you designed previously?

This is the first garden that I have created for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. I have previously exhibited at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show.

Why did you choose the landscaper you are working with?

Beautiful Gardens has 80 years’ experience in the landscaping industry. It is a family run business, managed

by Mark Feighan who has been involved in the landscaping business for 24 years. I have worked with Mark on many projects over the past six years.

May 2014

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Chelsea 2014

75 YEARS OF THE ROOF GARDENS IN KENSINGTON Sponsor: The Roof Gardens Designer: David Lewis Contractor: Land Designs

The Roof Gardens in Kensington has long been one of London’s most spectacular and extraordinary landmarks and May 9 2013 marked the Garden’s 75th anniversary.

David Lewis

What are the prominent features within the design?

The Spanish Garden, originally designed by Ralph Hancock in the 1930s, is the base for the design featuring brightly coloured herbaceous planting to reflect the garden along with the original pillars, iron gate and balconies all used by Ralph Hancock in his show garden at the 1939 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The Spanish Garden design is inspiring and vivid,

representing the past and present characteristics of The Roof Gardens whilst showcasing how accessible they are for all.

How many Chelsea gardens have you designed previously?

RHS Chelsea Flower Show Courtyard Garden in 1999, achieving a Silver medal. David Lewis has worked on four different show gardens at RHS Chelsea and commercial stands over the years, and has also designed six show gardens at Hampton Court over a period of 30 years.

TOGENKYO – A PARADISE ON EARTH Sponsor: Cat’s Co Ltd Designer: Kazuyuki Ishihara Contractor: Kazuyuki Ishihara Design Lab

The theme of this year’s garden from Kazuyuki Ishihara is ‘Togenkyo’, a fabled place of beautiful scenery that aims to eliminate trouble and personal strife.

The garden is designed to be a break from reality, representing another world of relaxation and calm which can be visited in an instant. Using natural elements to reproduce ‘Togenkyo’, the water mill feature holds a dual auditory and visual function, bringing movement to the garden.

The underfoot plants are purple and white, expressing the natural scenery of the Japanese ‘Satomaya’, the border between hills and flatland, evoking the designer’s place of birth.

Kazuyuki Ishihara returns to RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2014 after his Artisan Gardens were awarded Gold medals in both 2012 and 2013.

The garden is designed to be a break from reality, representing another world of relaxation and calm

ARITA Sponsor: Hanamizuki Corporation,Ltd, Iwao Jiki,Ltd, Saga Kinzoku,Ltd, Saga Prefecture Designer: Shuko Noda Contractor: Hanamizuki Corporation, Ltd

Inspired by the ‘Arita’ porcelain made in Arita, Saga in Japan, this garden aims to highlight and celebrate the ornamentation and construction of the world famous material. With a 400 year history, Arita porcelain is firmly cemented in Saga Prefecture’s cultural heritage.

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The Arita garden is designed to be a space where the visitor can spend time alone, reflecting on their thoughts. Flowing water from a water curtain and pool creates a private space, with sound and light expressing a feeling of time as the water continues moving perpetually.

Blue and white tones will evoke the palette of Arita’s decorative style whilst the planting will be focused on those varieties native to Saga.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2014 will be Shuko can Noda’s first exhibition.

The Arita garden is a space where the visitor spend time alone, reflecting on their thoughts

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Chelsea 2014

SUSAN LONG Susan Long is exhibiting at RHS Chelsea 2014 for the second year running and her bespoke resin-fabric creations instantly distinguishes her work from other forms of traditional sculpture. From three-dimensional life-size figures, serene ladies reading a book, or contemporary abstract climbing, each unique piece is frost-proof and suitable for both garden and indoor situations. As Britain’s leading resin fabric sculptor Susan undertakes commissions and has many UK and international private collectors. Susan Long exhibits at the major RHS flower shows as well as prestigious craft shows around the country.

WWW.SUSANLONGSCULPTURE.COM

DAVID WATKINSON David Watkinson will be at the Chelsea Flower Show for the fifth year wowing the public with more of his unique innovative sculpture.

David will be unveiling striking new work that uses delicately balanced, polished stainless steel elements which create a shimmering surface.

The overall effect is mesmerising, contemplative and truly unique.

David is best known for his large kinetic sculptures such as ‘Kinetic Seed’ and ‘Kinetic Leaf’ but also creates beautiful contemporary pieces such as ‘Light’, where David manages to capture the ethereal qualities of light. David will be near the Bull Ring Entrance at stand SR40.

WWW.DAVIDWATKINSONSCULPTURE.CO.UK

RHS Chelsea Flower Show is about a lot more than just the show gardens and celebrities.

There are also a whole host of trade stands, of which many are taken up by sculptors and artists to showcase their way of bringing life into structures that can brighten up any outdoor space – or at least give it another focal point. In this feature, we have picked out a number of sculptures that you will be able to see as you wander around the whole show – and those of you unfortunately not attending the show, it gives you a chance to see weird and wonderful statues and sculptures that will exhibited.

GO AND SEE AT CHELSEA

SCULPTURE

RACHEL CARTER Each bronze sculpture is created by hand weaving with wax lengths in Rachel’s trademark woven swirls to create the spherical sculpture. The wax sculpture is then transported to Pangolin Editions foundry to be transformed into bronze using the lost wax technique. This new sculpture is suitable for both interior display and garden display and is available in two portable sizes and a range of colours. Select your size and contact Rachel with your colour preference. Choose from red, blue, green or brown.

WWW.RACHELCARTER.CO.UK

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GURUVE Guruve (stand SR46) return to the Chelsea Flower Show for their ninth year. Guruve are ethical dealers in African art, specialising in contemporary stone sculpture from Zimbabwe. Many of their sculptures are elegant abstract modern pieces, and you’d never guess they came from Africa! With pieces up to 2m high (and the possibility of commissioning larger pieces), of exceptional quality and in hard frost-resistant stone, Guruve provide a great option for clients looking for original sculpture on a limited budget. See the full selection of garden sculpture on their web gallery.

WWW.GURUVE.COM www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/04/2014 13:27

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Chelsea 2014

SUSAN LONG

JAN SWEENEY Jan is an international sculptor working in Somerset and Zimbabwe. Tremendous energy and movement are evident in her bronze sculptures, with strong texture and the trademark hollow eyes portraying hares, African wildlife and dogs and horses, racing and polo. You can see Jan’s work at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

WWW.JSWEENEY.CO.UK

GO AND SEE AT CHELSEA

SCULPTURE MADDOCKS CONTEMPORARY DESIGN Maddocks Contemporary Design will be exhibiting in ‘Fresh’ at Chelsea this year.

Exhibiting a range of hand carved granite sculptures, a mixture of geometric and natural forms including garden sculpture, water features, seating and a range of textured paving. Sculptural granite pieces feature highly polished spirals or angular

forms, hand carved out from the core of naturally formed boulders, the pieces lead the eye through the stones to focal points of the garden. Suitable for any setting, enhancing your outdoor or indoor space, providing focus or simply complementing the existing surroundings.

WWW.MADDOCKS.UK.COM

GLADWELL & PATTERSON JOHN O’CONNOR

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An exaggeration of the figure is a recurring theme in John’s work. Blending the physical with the emotional he explores the fabric of his own internal worlds. He approaches his work with an honest and open heart. John demonstrates these universal states of mind and emotion with a visual dialogue we can all relate to, taking us on a journey to a place where familiarity and shared emotional expressions unite us.

His works manage to reveal an intimate examination of our reflective self. His works are personal, emotional and poetic. This year you can view John’s beautiful works at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

WWW.JOHNOCONNORSCULPTOR.CO.UK

Internationally acclaimed animal sculptor, Edward Waites, will be sculpting a life size statue of a classic winning racehorse at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2014. His sculpture will be among a variety of artworks on display at the Gladwell & Patterson fine art stand. Visitors to Gladwell & Patterson stand SR44 will be able to meet and talk to the sculptor whilst he works on a clay mould ahead of casting a full bronze of Makfi.

WWW.GLADWELLPATTERSON.COM

17/04/2014 13:27

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HARTLEY BOTANIC Hartley Botanic manufactures of powder coated aluminium glasshouses with pride since 1938. From your very first contact with us you’ll realise we are different. We are immensely proud of all our products, and know that, from the designs on the drawing board, throughout manufacturing to the finishing process, our products stand superior. There are special show offers across the ranges.

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The Julian Christian Collection is created and made in our dedicated workshop which is located just outside the historic town of Oxford. Each building design is a perfect example of Julian Christian’s ability to deliver a building, stunning in design, meticulous in detail and of the highest quality. With both snug and dining areas available all in the one building, the ‘Julian Christian Collections’ are the perfect buildings to blend seamlessly into your garden and provide a lifetime of pleasure even in the most inclement weather. The ‘Lifestyle’ Collection is all that... a revolution in outdoor living.

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GRIFFIN GLASSHOUSES Griffin Glasshouses creates beautiful bespoke aluminium glasshouses and greenhouses to meet your individual requirements. The exclusive NGS collection designed for the discerning gardener, featuring five popular designs which can be personalised with a range of accessories and finished in any colour. The National Garden’s Scheme receives five per cent of the proceeds from the sale of each glasshouse in this collection. A Griffin Glasshouse is built to the highest standards; each component is calculated to provide both aesthetic and durable finishes ensuring you have an attractive, top quality glasshouse with virtually no maintenance. Stand no. RHW32 WWW.GRIFFINGLASSHOUSES.COM

JULIAN CHRISTIAN SCOTTS OF THRAPSTON Scotts of Thrapston will be exhibiting a range of garden buildings at Chelsea 2014. In 2013, we launched a range of garden buildings in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society. The timing coincided with the centenary year of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and Scotts designed two garden buildings that captured the essence of the RHS. The RHS Centenary Arbour will be on display on the Scotts stand WA12. The RHS Centenary Arbour combines a cosy, sheltered seating area with a large, lockable tool store.

WWW.SCOTTSOFTHRAPSTON.CO.UK

GO AND SEE AT CHELSEA

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16/04/2014 12:36

Chelsea 2014

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO AT THE

RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW THIS YEAR? I will be looking forward to BALI promoting the excellent workmanship of the contractors who build these esteemed gardens along with the designers, and of course not forgetting the superb suppliers that contribute their quality products. Oh and good weather would be nice!

Wayne Grills, CEO BALI

For me it’s the buzz of doing three gardens. I love the designs of all three, so seeing them become a reality is going to be amazing. I’m also looking forward to seeing Matt Childs’ garden built. He initially asked The Outdoor Room to build it, but we were already committed. I love the design and I think it’s going to be a beautiful garden built by Bowles & Wyer who are great. I’m also delighted for Brian Herbert at Outdoor Options who are building their first show garden.

David Dodd The Outdoor Room

Well, apart from building our own garden and seeing it come to life from nearly a year’s work on it! It has to be meeting all the amazing horticultural celebrities and getting selfies with them. Watch out Alan and Monty.

Francesca Murrell, Nature Redesigned

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I am excited to see Luciano Giubbilei’s garden for Laurent Perrier – his previous Chelsea gardens have been absolutely stunning and I am sure this one will be no different. The other garden which is likely to be a show-stopper is The Telegraph Garden by Tommaso del Buono. Both of these gardens are being built by Crocus – so they are going to be very busy!

Janine Pattison Janine Pattison Studiost

I can’t wait to see what everyone is doing for this year’s Fresh Gardens and also having fun catching up with lots of friends.

Ian Drummond Indoor Garden Design Ltd

There is always something new and exciting to see at Chelsea – whether new varieties of plant in the Floral Marquee or interesting use of materials or plant combinations in the gardens.

Chelsea is a great source of inspiration.

Patrick Collins Chartered Landscape Architect

Working at the top of the landscape premier league is what I most look forward to. Seeing how others go about achieving their goals plus watching designs come to life.

Brian Herbert Outdoor Options Ltd

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Chelsea 2014 It’s a great experience to be amongst the world’s best designers. It’s also very infectious being able to create a garden that in three weeks looks like it’s always been there.

Harry Rich, Rich Landscapes

We are looking forward to seeing more dynamic and graphic gardens that perhaps move away from the romance of the traditional ‘English’ garden that has been so popular of late.

Janey Auchincloss Janey Auchincloss Designs

The things that I am most looking forward to are the buzz of the Chelsea build site, meeting up with people that I have not seen for a while and living and working in the centre of London for a few weeks of the year.

Andrew Ball Big Fish Landscapes I am most looking forward to seeing something of the future, this is the first time in a long time that so many fresh faces and younger designers have all showcased their skill at one time and I think that will be hugely inspiring for all of us.

Paul Hervey-Brookes Paul Hervey-Brookes Associates

I’m very much looking forward to seeing the gardens from all the designers for whom this is their first Chelsea, including Hugo Bugg and Charlotte Rowe (not to forget Matthew Childs, for whom we are building a garden). Over the last couple of years I have found the ‘Fresh’ section of the show exciting and innovative, so I’m looking forward to seeing what is there this year.

Dan Riddleston Bowles & Wyer

The show is a great place to ‘bump into’ friends and acquaintances in the business – so many people attend, you just sort of bump into people you haven’t seen in a while, often since the same time last year. It is always good to see new trade products, other designers and contractors ideas. At its best RHS Chelsea Flower show is a good melting pot.

Helen Elks-Smith Elks-Smith Landscape & Garden Design

To tell you the truth, I have not thought about anything else apart from preparing my garden! I don’t even know what is going to be there or who is exhibiting! So I am looking forward to press day once everything is finished and I can explore and take everything in!

Hugo Bugg Hugo Bugg Landscapes

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Portfolio

URBAN JUNGLE Built by Garden House Design and designed by Ann-Marie Powell HIGHLY COMMENDED

Project Value £15,000 - £25,000

I

nspired by their time living in New Zealand, our clients brief was to create a contemporary, low maintenance garden within a tight budget frame. Ann-Marie's solution was to design a zoned, multi-functional, decked space using plenty of evergreen tropical and subtropical plants which would create privacy and year round interest, both from within the garden and also from inside the house looking out.

Problems which the garden needed to provide solutions for: ● A garden broadly on three levels. ● The garden was overlooked from all sides, www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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The clients wanted a verdant garden to remind them of happy times spent in New Zealand particularly from the rear, where flats could see straight into the newly extended property. ● The rear gate is used constantly and our clients wanted to create a visual wow factor when opening the gate. ● There was a row of existing lime trees, which created a datum. ● The garden was to be suitable for both intimate family suppers and entertaining large groups of family and friends. ● A vegetable garden was to be incorporated into the space. ● The neighbour’s unattractive garage lying within the garden's boundaries is not owned by the

client, and needed to be screened in some way. ● Our clients didn’t want to be tied to lawn

maintenance but still wanted the garden to be as green as possible.

To this end, three separate levels were created within the garden, linked with generous steps suitable for two people to walk side by side.

Paths flanked by under-planted clumps of bamboo and banana lead around the space to create a sense of adventure and framed views which tantalise and surprise as they lead to larger open decked terraces and a contemporary raised vegetable garden of corten planters.The corten was chosen to allow a maximum of May 2014

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More images at: www.prolandscapermagazine.com

planting space, a contemporary edge, the colour picking up the rusty hues of Rodgersia ‘Braunlaub’ and Fargesia 'Jiuzhaigou' within the planting.

Phyllostachys planted in root barrier will in time rise skyward to form a miniature jungle, creating a real sense of adventure and capturing the spirit of New Zealand, whilst screening the property from the surrounding houses.

Dicksonias planted close to the house add interest and accents to green tapestries of underplanting including plenty of ferns.

Retaining walls using the same render as the house and grey marine play cladding to the garage and the up-stand of the built in bench match the colour of the window frames to tie the garden to the property's architectural details. The bench protected the existing limes’ planting zone whilst bridging the height gap between deck and tree canopy. This is a wonderful place to contemplate, read the papers or chat with friends completely surrounded by plants.

THE BUDGET As usual matching the budget, design and expectations was a challenge. Unfortunately due to an overrun on the house extension works,

1

the original garden budget was slashed.

Our challenge was to finish a garden not only on time and on budget but also finished to a level expected by our client and an award winning designer. We achieved this by good planning, and an incredibly organised site, running the project almost as two jobs with two team leaders and one overall coordinator.

LEVELS When retuning to site after our initial survey and

contract meeting, it became apparent that the heights of the new extension and particularly the new bi-folding doors were lower than planned by the architect. Consequently this meant that the large lower terrace, and sub base had to be excavated to ensure the decking met the doors at the same level and the drainage was also re-routed.

SITE AND CLIENT MANAGEMENT Although the client took out the lighting, irrigation and the render from our package, suddenly

Project details Project Duration: Three weeks

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these were re-introduced using local 'cheaper' suppliers. By default we now became the main contractor on site, and after a meeting with the client it was agreed that the other trades worked under our direction and health and safety policy.

Not an ideal situation but the only way to keep the project moving.

BED PREPARATION AND PLANTING The strength of the design was in the lush green planting offering a jungle type New

Zealand 'bush' feel to the garden. Consequently the bed preparation was critical, and involved storing and moving the topsoil on site to reduce carbon footprint, (moving several times to keep the site moving) and then adding metres of compost and new soil.

The success of the bed preparation speaks for itself, in just over five months of growing time the increase in plant size is phenomenal.

Designer Ann-Marie Powell Web: www.ann-mariepowell.com

Planters Richard Harwood Made specifically by Richard Harwood

Main contractor Garden House Design Web: www.gardenhousedesign.co.uk

Decking Finn Forest

Orchard Dene Web: www.orcharddene.co.uk

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1 Views from inside the house was a key element to the garden design 2 Decked boardwalks looking back to the house.

3 A closer look at the new decking.

4 Lush “bush” style planting.

5 The garden before work took place.

6 The growing area before new design.

ABOUT GARDEN HOUSE DESIGN

REFERENCES

Plants Palm Centre Web: www.palmcentre.co.uk

4

Green Roof ANS Group Europe Web: www.ansgroupeurope.com

Garden House Design is an award winning West Sussex based company specialising in garden design, landscape construction and outdoor styling, in both the domestic and commercial markets. Through extensive experience, they maximise existing outdoor spaces from urban courtyards to rural spaces to reflect their client’s individual lifestyles, transforming gardens into a natural extension of their homes.Their services include garden design, project management and construction, planting and garden styling.

www.gardenhousedesign.co.uk

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E V R U C G

L

More images at: www.prolandscapermagazine.com

E

R A

N I N

Project details Timeline of development: Eight months Cost: £36,000 Size: 330m2

ABOUT THE EXTRA ROOM The Extra Room is Jackie Herald’s design practice, creating visual and functional flow between indoors and out, maximising the space available. Jackie has an MA in History of Art and expertise in fashion and textiles – one reason for her strong sense of colour and pattern in both planting and hard landscaping. The practice portfolio includes: sustainable designs combining reclaimed and new materials, child-friendly gardens, elegant garden rooms, bespoke metalwork features, special surface effects, and the refurbishment of interiors.

www.extra-room.com

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16/04/2014 11:48 SGD Award winner des

©Daniel Stier

Portfolio

The Extra Room An award-winning nursery garden with a woodland character and plentiful opportunities for play and learning

M WINNER

Designing for Community Space Award

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2.indd 71 d winnerPortfolio designing for community space

ontpelier Community Nursery’s garden in Kentish Town, north London is located within Montpelier Gardens, one of Camden’s public parks. It bears immediate connections with the space, biodiversity, and activities of the local residential community.

The Extra Room’s landscape design complements the recent nursery building by AY Architects (winner of RIBA 2013 Awards and the Stephen Lawrence Prize). The setting of mature trees has been a source of inspiration for both landscape and building which allow the three and four-year-old children of the nursery free flow between indoors and out. The woodland character of the site has been retained in the new nursery scheme, although the space now offers a greater sense of being ‘a garden’, with planted banks of herbaceous perennials, tough grasses in beds that absorb the surface water from the hardstanding, a border of ornamental edibles, two raised beds for growing vegetables and herbs, and wildlife friendly herbaceous perennials and bulbs (all plants

sourced from UK nurseries).

Creating bountiful opportunities for play and learning, the garden structure includes two key features that nestle among the trees: a timber storyhouse (now named ‘The Treehouse’ by children and nursery staff alike) and a broadly elliptical tricycle track.

The track replaces an earlier one, which had been laid awkwardly with 600mm square concrete pavers and jerked its way over the bank. The new surface is concrete laid in situ, tinted dark grey and mixed with some shingle.

The surface was brushed to expose the aggregate – to give just enough visual texture for interest and a ‘natural’ look, but not so many bumps as to inhibit the hard-wheeled traffic of tricycles. The track is retained by haunched edges of 90mm black basalt cubes that were flexible enough to accommodate a chicane here and a mogul there, for challenge and a touch of thrill! To add interest and play value, oblong silver grey granite setts were laid in the centre of the track, suggestive of road markings, and a crossing of basalt and granite stripes intersects the two areas of May 2014

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©Daniel Stier

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crazy Yorkstone paving.

The storyhouse nestles in the trees, and lies parallel with the southern boundary fence of the nursery. It incorporates activities of balancing, climbing, sliding and storytelling – for the purpose of children’s play, healthy development and imaginative learning within a natural open air setting. Designed to be accessible by adults (staff, carers, parents and visiting storytellers), the storyhouse is a flexible space for everyone to enjoy – for teddy bears’ tea parties, cooling respite from summer heat, as a grandstand to view the track from, and whatever the imagination chooses the space to become. The understory functions as an all-weather den and secret hiding space (though fully visible from all around the garden, of course!).

The storyhouse is raised, with a 1.2m high platform accessed by a ladder from one end and a balustraded flight of steps at the other, nearer to the building. To return to bark chip ground level, there are two additional options: a fireman’s pole via the ‘Wobbly Walk’, and a slide. The rich but subdued palette of natural cedar and stainless steel, plus black rubber fixings and cabling, complement AY’s monochrome building, with its whitewashed inner face and ebony stained outer skin of larch cladding. The garden’s naturalistic surfaces deliberately contrast with the primary colours of the children’s toys and the playground 72

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in the adjacent park.

Following the cedar theme, tree rings lead little feet through the soft landscaping, for minimal intervention with the established trees. They have been laid at different spacings and heights to form stepping-logs that suit fast-growing pre-school children, to assist their coordination, balance, and build confidence. In every aspect of design, the consultation with both parent governors and nursery staff has been crucial to achieve a fine line between play risk and learning challenge, and sometimes the guidance to landscape contractor Andrew Chubb was not what you’d normally anticipate or specify. For instance, the nursery’s manager Joan asked for the tree rings not to be embedded rigidly on sand and cement pads; instead, she argued that – provided there was no danger of a log upturning – a slight rock would prepare children to negotiate different ground scapes. After all, a daily walk to school or the shops is rarely free of trip hazards!

The cedar logs are proving one of the most positive “natural” assets of the nursery garden.

Stepping logs were always central to the design concept – but the acquisition of massive cedar rings was a moment of serendipity arising from necessity. Just after completion of the building, while waiting for the decision on Full Planning Permission to build the storyhouse, I received an SOS call from the nursery shortly after

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they’d moved into the new building. Following the heavy rainfall of 2012, in the wake of ground compaction and dips and troughs due to building works, the children relished their mud kitchen. However many parents, understandably, were less content with the extra laundering load. So I contacted local tree surgeon Christopher Hill, in urgent need of chippings to fill the potholes and mitigate against the mud. By extraordinary coincidence he was cutting down a mature cedar that day – and the rest is history. We took delivery of the whole tree. Smaller branches were chopped into logs piled up along the western boundary, as a habitat for ‘mini-beasties’ for the children to observe.

CHALLENGES This has been a fun and rewarding project, but with several challenges. The landscaping work took place after staff and children had moved into the new building, creating particular H&S issues; access was constricted by the nursery’s location in the corner of a public park, immediately adjacent to a Pupil Referral Unit; the limited size of the site and presence of trees necessitated particular attention to the logistics of lifting and sorting existing paving and spoil, all of which was re-used; the budget was extremely tight; the appalling winter and early spring weather slowed down the progress of the works – occasionally nerve-wracking in the build-up to RIBA’s visits to assess the building.

1 A line offset from the meeting room sharply divides relaid slabs and crazy paving.

2 Piles of concrete slabs from the former track.

3A chillea ‘Beacon’ and Geranium ‘Rozanne’ have established well on the banks, after daily watering in the heat of summer 2013.

4 The existing Yorkstone crazy paving was lifted and relaid to snake across the tricycle track.

Though the children occasionally crash into the planting, there are no barriers around the beds – encouraging them to steer tricycles with care and respect the plants, which they love to water in summer.

5V iew onto the garden from the new building, just after the builders had left.

6C hequerboard of old CED stone samples from my studio library of materials set into the tricycle track as the starter line.

7 Work in progress on the zebra crossing.

REFERENCES Landscape contractor Andrew Chubb Tel: 07866 623 929 Web: www.thelandscapegardener.com Designer Jackie Herald - The Extra Room Tel: 07714 234 808 Email: jackieherald@aol.com Web: www.extra-room.com

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Timber Lawsons Tel: 020 8446 1321 Email: info@lawsons.co.uk Web: www.lawsons.co.uk Artificial grass iGrass Tel: 08000 884 339 Web: www.igrass.co.uk Natural stone CED Tel: 01895 0422 411 Email: sales@ced.ltd.uk Web: www.ced.ltd.uk

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Cable and fixings for Wobbly Walk Huck Play UK Tel: 01308 425 100 Email: sales@hucknetting.co.uk Web: www.huck-net.co.uk

Plants Pennard Plants (edible ornamentals) Tel: 01749 860 039 Email: sales@pennardplants.com Web: www.pennardplants.com Glebe Nursery (herbaceous perennials and grasses) Tel: 07950 749 388, 02083 643 150 Email: andriamead@aol.com Web: www.glebenursery.co.uk Peter Nyssen (bulbs) Tel: 0161 747 4000 Email: info@peternyssen.com Web: www.peternyssen.com

Tree surgery and cedar ring supply Christopher Hill Tel: 020 8883 0803 or 07733 442 017 Email: info@woodlandtrees.co.uk Web: www.woodlandtrees.co.uk Recycling and Machines Quarry Man Crushers Tel: 020 8793 8168 or 07949 466 557 Email: info@quarrymancrusher-hire. co.uk Web: www.quarrymancrusher-hire. co.uk

Stainless steel slide and fireman’s pole Yates Tel: 01704 882 123 Email: ian@yatesplaygrounds. wanadoo.co.uk Web: www.yatesplaygrounds.co.uk 7

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SMOKE & MIRRORS The Team Landscapers A courtyard garden designed to look good all year round, with topiary and clipped shapes to keep maintenance fairly low, and hard landscaping inspired by the light and contemporary interior scheme

Project details Timeline of development: Five weeks Cost: £50,000-100,000 Size: 95m²

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Project Value £50,000 - £100,000

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3D ILLUSTRATIONS

T

he clients had downsized from a very large family home to a much smaller ground floor apartment where much of the living and bedroom space looked directly out onto the garden. The outside space was nothing like they were previously used to (which was large and spacious) and had been left in such an awful state by the builders with paving coming up and half dead plants. Kate Gould was called upon to design a garden based upon topiary shapes that was contemporary in design but still gave the impression of a green space even though there was no room for a lawn.

The garden is rectangular and quite small.

It is situated at ground level but to retain the other land on the site which slopes considerably the space is contained by walls over 3m high all the way around. The garden is also overlooked by balconies from above; consequently it feels

ABOUT THE TEAM LANDSCAPERS

The Team Landscapers is an established landscaping business with a long and wide experience in all aspects of landscaping, in the commercial and residential sectors. They are committed to producing and maintaining high quality and competitively priced solutions for private home owners, construction contractors, property developers, commercial property owners and public sector clients. The company policy is to meet the needs of every client. They pride themselves on hard work, professionalism and attention to the detail, using the latest innovations in the industry to turn their client’s wishes into a beautiful reality.

www.theteamlandscapers.co.uk

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Portfolio 3.indd 75

more like a basement space. The problem of overlooking was not expressed as an issue by the clients who were installing large automated blinds but greening all the walls was. The clients had come from a garden that they had tended for over twenty years and although they considered this a chance to try something new they felt that the orange bricks in the retaining boundary walls were very dominant and it was these that had to be minimised most in the scheme. Originally a green wall was considered but this was discounted due to budget. It is something that they are considering for the future.

The brief for the scheme was a garden that was primarily to be used by the couple for relaxing and occasionally spending time with their grandchildren, although they tended to use the lawned communal gardens for this. It was a garden that should look good all year round.

The garden is wide rather than deep and so it was requested that something be designed to extend the shorter aspect. Mirror polished stainless steel panels were designed and commissioned to bounce light around the space as well as providing a false sense of depth to the garden. The garden also had to be very low maintenance with only white or blue flowers, if any.

Krasmir Milchov from The Team Landscapers was contracted to turn Kate’s design into a reality. He recalls “There were many limitations to the build

of the project since the plot was at the rear of the apartments with no direct access from a point where deliveries could be safely made.

Consequently all of the materials had to be transported from a kerbside delivery through the basement car park, in through a side door into the house and out into the garden. We couldn’t take a wheelbarrow or anything through the house so all materials were bagged and hand carried both in and out to allow easy and clean transportation”.

“The existing riven sandstone paving had been laid very badly on a insulation layer which had to be removed as it was floating in water and

1 Olympics installation.

2 'Flagship' roof garden.

3 Reception: 'In Bloom' display in corporate colours.

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drainage installed.There had been three main contractors throughout the build of the apartments and there were issues relating to each contractor that had to be rectified before the landscaping could start. Much of this we had to take on. One real issue was that of rubbish disposal, we had to break up and remove the existing paving stones and these had to be hand carried out of the apartment into the street. Once there we had about 10 minutes to load the stone into a skip which was only allowed to be there for 15 minutes before collection due to street licensing regulations. Careful timing was essential.”

The paving was to complement the new exterior wooden floor which was a light silver colour.The stone selected was a sawn grey sandstone in 600x600mm slabs with a special order of smaller setts cut from the same stone which took 16 weeks to be delivered.These were retro fitted around the paving and garden so that the clients had use of the scheme whilst waiting for the setts.The materials all have a grey/silver theme; stone, concrete coloured pots from Urbis Design, mirror polished stainless steel in the form of reflective panels and a water feature and also brushed stainless steel details to contrast the mirror effect which created a a small arbour to the rear of the water feature.

The mirror polished panels were too large to bring through the apartment and lacking the access to bring any machinery round to the communal gardens above, these had to be literally lifted by hand, up and over the glass retaining walls and lowered extremely carefully down into the courtyard where they were slotted between the walls and the trees.

There were no materials or plants that were to remain from the existing scheme but the plants were relocated to the clients’ daughter’s garden where they continue to thrive.

REFERENCES Contractor The Team Landscapers Tel: 01708 727 565 Email: krasimir@theteamlandscapers.co.uk Web: www.theteamlandscapers.co.uk

Pots Urbis Design Tel: 01759 373 839 Email: rm@urbisdesign.co.uk Web: www.urbisdesign.co.uk

Designer Kate Gould Gardens Tel: 01923 839 733 Email: enquiries@kategouldgardens.com Web: www.kategouldgardens.com

Plants Kate Gould Gardens Tel: 01923 839 733 Email: enquiries@kategouldgardens.com Web: www.kategouldgardens.com

Stone CED Tel: 01708 867 237 Email: sales@ced.ltd.uk Web: www.ced.ltd.uk

Water feature Challenging Developments Tel: 01923 608 088 Email: enquiries@challengingdevelopments.co.uk Web: www.challengingdevelopments.co.uk

TECHNICAL DIAGRAM

1 2

1 A simple mirror polished stainless steel water feature 900mm high with a pebble detail at the base was used to create some movement in the centre of the garden.

2 Evergreen planting in Urbis pots.

3 Recirculating stainless steel water feature.

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Nursery

NURSERY NEWS The Plantation – Spring Garden Fair A weekend in March saw The Plantation nursery at Gavin Jones Ltd in Addlestone celebrate the arrival of spring with their Spring Garden Fair. Historically this has been an annual event at the nursery where many special offers and promotions are introduced to the well-stocked garden centre.

This year was no exception with great offers – which are still available for a limited period – on plants, alongside free compost and plant food on larger sales.

Alison Durnford, Nursery Assistant Manager was thrilled to see lots of new faces at the nursery, “Hidden away off Woburn Hill, Addlestone, even local residents are unfamiliar with us – promotion weekends are a great way to let people know what’s on their doorstep.

Staff at the nursery are always happy to share their expertise about the wonderful selection of plants we display – it’s also a great spot for a drink and cake in our coffee house”. www.theplantationnursery.co.uk

Coles Nurseries Best Training Initiative Award Coles Nurseries, the UK’s largest grower of trees and shrubs, have been awarded the Best Training Initiative Award at this years’ Grower of the Year Awards. The national awards celebrate excellence amongst UK growers, across a broad range of disciplines.

Coles’ training programme has been running since 2010 and is

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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offered to all staff involved with production, dispatch and retail elements of the business. Progress through the modular programme is marked by three ranks: Nurseryman, Craftsman and Senior Craftsman, and is linked to the company’s pay structure. Coles are currently in the process of gaining full accreditation for this programme, meaning staff would gain a recognised qualification upon successful completion. This would also enable the company to train staff from external organisations, on nursery sites, using the same system. www.colesnurseries.co.uk

Innovation Award for Boningale Greensky Boningale GreenSky is celebrating success after triumphing in the prestigious UK Grower Awards 2014 for its innovations in the green roof sector. The company, the green roof department of Shropshire-based Boningale Nurseries set up in partnership with the University of Sheffield Green Roof Centre, picked up the Best Business Innovation at the ceremony in London.

GreenSky was applauded for its innovative online tool selector, which helps landscape architects and contractors to choose the most appropriate plants and growing medium for their green roofs.

Maggie Fennell, Technical Green Roof Expert at Boningale GreenSky, said she was thrilled that the products were being recognised for their innovation in the sector.

“It’s testament to the hard work that everyone at Boningale GreenSky has done over the past few years to develop products that help green roofs to thrive and so contribute positively to the ecology of the areas where they are planted.” www.boningale-greensky.co.uk

NURSERY NOTES

So, a quiet January, sheets of rain covering the country was had by all and now – sparkling Magnolias in full bloom with magnificent displays – they truly have revelled in the wet weather this year! As plant fanatics we are all now reaping the rewards; a season is a very short time in horticulture.

Spring, comes around and no matter how prepared you are for it – the speed/ferocity with which it hits never fails to take you by surprise. The accompanying problems that come with the constant phone ringing, queues of customers at the till, quotes being accepted four months after having submitted them, everyone wanting everything tomorrow, full lorries on the road all day every day, no delivery slots for the next week, order bay too small to house customer orders, stock coming in and out before you can register they were ever here, not enough time in the day to take a decent lunch. Are all of these really problems? Problems? Or just an opportunity to recover some of what was lost over the wet period.

Got to love spring to keep you on your toes!

www.provendernurseries.co.uk

May 2014

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Nursery

Plantsman’s PLOT A round-up of trees and plants available at some of the country’s best nurseries To appear in Plantsman’s Plot, please send your plant of the month, details and image to editor@pro-landscaper.co.uk Topiary is one of our best sellers and in the run up to Chelsea, we’re receiving enquiries from designers looking for specimens to include in their gardens. Buxus sempervirens is the obvious choice but there are lots of alternatives which are equally effective and reliable: Lonicera nitida ‘Elegans’ – fast growing, compact and it’ll clip beautifully. Ilex crenata – the closest thing to Buxus aesthetically. Myrtus apiculata – clips beautifully, orange bark and white flowers. Azalea japonica – very Japanese and when in flower, breathtaking.Taxus baccata – hardy as anything and dead posh. Think outside the box. www.architecturalplants.com

What can you say about a Wisteria sinensis that hasn’t been said already? The mere mention of Wisteria conjures up romance, cottage gardens and most famously the image of a large Wisteria adorning Monet’s bridge in Giverny. Twining anticlockwise around structures and literally dripping with racemes of fragrant pea-like, violet-blue flowers and best trained along a sunny wall or structure where the flowers can be viewed from below.

Plant grafted plants or plants over at least eight years old to ensure flowering. Provide lots of root space, prune accordingly, sit back, pour a glass of wine underneath its boughs and enjoy! www.provender-nurseries.co.uk 80

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This flowering cherry Prunus Accolade is a cross between Prunus sargentii and Prunus x subhirtella and so inherits the best features of both, namely profuse pink flowers in spring as well as a smattering in the winter. This great clone is well proven, winning the First Class Certificate in 1954, the Award of Merit in 1952 and the updated Award of Garden Merit in 2002. An outstandingly fine small tree with a rounded and spreading habit, its semi-double pink blossoms are hard to rival. Tolerant of most soils, including calcareous ones, this is a good choice for streets, parks and gardens. Mature height: 5-10m. www.barcham.co.uk

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus ‘repens’ is a small but vigorous growing evergreen shrub that is frequently used as ground cover, whilst also making a fantastic climber when trained against a frame or a trellis. This variety of Ceanothus is fairly hardy, and will thrive when planted in a warm sunny spot, ideal for a south facing wall. This plant is best known for its dark green leaves and rounded panicles of pale blue flowers, which are produced in abundance throughout spring and early summer; superb for attracting a range of wildlife into the garden. www.colesnurseries.co.uk

Traditionally regarded as a coastal plant due to its toughness and ability to cope with a wide range of conditions, Griselinia littoralis is becoming an increasingly popular choice for hedging due to its attractive light green leaves and upright habit. This fast-growing bushy shrub, ultimately reaching 5m x 3m, thrives in almost any type of soil, in either an exposed or sheltered aspect. Almost the only condition Griselinia littoralis doesn’t like is full shade: full sun is a requirement for this bright and cheery plant. www.theplantationnursery.co.uk www.prolandscapermagazine.com

16/04/2014 11:59

Bio 91 x 240:AW 18/02/2014 15:21 Page 1

TENDERCARE Mature & Formal Hardy Plants

with Barcham Our policy commitment to you

Unrivalled range of mature plants...

For your commercial & domestic development projects

Statement of intent

KOKOWALL Garden Screen & Soundproof Barrier Panels The most natural looking fencing and noise preventing solutions available

We will NOT import trees and sell to customers for immediate planting into the UK landscape. All imported trees will be held on the nursery for one full growing season and subjected to rigorous inspection for pest and disease. This includes systematic and regular DEFRA visits to the nursery.

Tree health, pest & disease control In addition to the routine pest and disease control programme implemented on the nursery over 15,000 trees across the entire species range are annually, randomly and independently examined for physiological health using leaf fluorescence, chlorophyll content and cell electrolyte leakage. This report is published and available for public inspection.

Audit trail

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Telephone: 01895 835544 Email: sales@tendercare.co.uk

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ADVERTS.indd 93

Every batch of trees imported onto the nursery has its own Batch Number. This number provides a complete audit trail both from supplying nursery and out into the UK landscape once the trees are sold.

PLEASE NOTE: Not all trees in white containers are Barcham Trees. It cannot, therefore, be assumed that buying a tree in a white container ensures that the rigorous bio-security measures outlined here have been applied or that the tree purchased has not been imported for immediate resale and planting into the UK landscape. If in doubt do ask.

Barcham Trees Plc, Tel: 01353 720 748 sales@barchamtrees.co.uk www.barcham.co.uk

The Tree Specialists

15/04/2014 16:03

QUALITY ALL THE WAY

the power of presentation

Should we be looking at the way we present our business?

Synergy 3 Ltd explain the power of presentation and how you can improve your company image

We remain in a difficult commercial period and landscaping companies and suppliers who invest in presenting their business in the best possible way will always ultimately prosper.

What does your website say about you?

The first task for any company is to produce a website that is easy to navigate, reflects the excellence of your business, and makes it a pleasant experience for users. The website should contain strong but limited text and focus mainly on powerful images which depict scale and quality. A good website gives you confidence and you should encourage clients to use it on a regular basis.

It is a good idea to include project profiles showing a wide range of skills. Photographs should ideally be taken by a professional photographer who has the capability to edit and produce a very high quality end result. Landscaping is all about quality finishes and attention to detail; high quality photographs simply enhance these finishes and brings your work to life.

Try to update your website regularly. The best way of doing this is to include a blog as part of the site.

Blogs are a powerful way of advising website users of your latest activities. They give your business a more personal identity, and can also be sent directly to your clients – providing a great reason to keep in touch.

A brief video with a musical accompaniment is also worthy of consideration to elevate the website to an enhanced level. The pace of the video is important as the viewer needs to be able to absorb the images portrayed. It is also often a good idea to produce the video using imagery of finished projects, to showcase the quality of the work you have undertaken. If this is done well, it has a lasting impact on the visitors to your website. You can improve your video by introducing music. If a bespoke musical production is introduced, it holds your attention and intensifies the viewing experience.

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PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS Tidy up

This may seem simple, but no one wants to see beds without mulch and a lack of weed control.

Why does it matter?

Your website is probably a new client’s first point of contact with your business, so keeping the quality and usability high should be a priority.

Local authorities invariably look for high quality tender submissions, with a quality target often reaching a minimum of 40 per cent. They have welcomed these changes as it encourages the tenderer to plan the project in advance, and to take the time and trouble to submit a quality lead bid. First impressions are a key factor and it is surprising how many clients comment on the quality content of a bid, whilst identifying its style with a certain company.

Main contractors

Whilst main contractors often only look at the bottom line, they are increasing their focus on credible subcontractors with financial pedigree, and also have the ability to submit quality supporting material.

Landscape architects

Companies that present well and pay attention to detail will always be well received by landscape architects. Most of the work generated for a landscape contractor or supplier will originate from this profession. If you talk to landscape architects about their preferred contractors, it will inevitably be those contractors that go that extra mile and they enjoy working with.

CPD presentations

Landscape architects are required by their professional body to host CPD (Continuous Professional Development) presentations with a technical content. These are an exciting forum as they are normally held at the landscape practice over a lunchtime period. They will likely be attended by several landscape architects, many of whom will be decision makers.

This is a typical example of where your marketing material must be of a high standard.

Whilst CPDs are driven by technical content www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Synergy 3.indd 83

they provide an opportunity to get to know the designers. It keeps you abreast of how busy practices are, and in touch with current and future schemes.

Whilst these are normally tailored to suppliers, there is no reason why landscape contractors cannot conduct these presentations by simply providing an educational subject topic.

Wait for the weather

General documentation

People and movement bring photographs to life. Don’t be afraid to ask passers-by to be involved in your photos.

It is important to run your branding through all your documentation as this gives both you and the recipient confidence. This should start with your strap line on emails and continue throughout.

The following documentation should be included for this approach: ● Website ● Health and Safety Policy ● Risk Assessments and Method Statements ● Environmental Policy ● Training Documents ● Accreditation Documents BALI Awards

The annual BALI award submissions are another good reason to upgrade your marketing material.

This will enable you to produce high grade submissions for your nominated sites.

Social network

Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn etc. have more value than they are often given credit. Utilised well it can give you a wider appeal and is definitely worth investing some time in.

Re-invention

Finally, never be fearful of reinventing your company with fresh rebranding. It can breathe new life into an organisation and sometimes lead to a new direction.

Adam Corrie Director, Synergy 3 Ltd www.synergy3ltd.com

Ideally a sunny day always helps your landscaping imagery (but we don’t get many of those!) Lighting is key, so a dry, clear day is good too. We find for day shots, early morning or early afternoon will give you the best results.

Atmosphere

Equipment and knowledge

A good camera will last for many years but knowing how to use it is crucial. There are plenty of courses available as well as free resources online.

Presentation

Making your photos enrich your website or promotional material is a fine art. Remember to always design around your photographs, taking into account your subject matter.

Simply placing photos into a template will detract from the photo itself.

Finally, have fun! Photography is a great tool and an enjoyable pastime, as well as a great method of record keeping. It can be applied to tender documentation, advertising, websites, business cards, and much more.

Don’t be left behind, moderate investment will pay big dividends.

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1235 SAiGE Pro Landscaper April AW.pdf

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Decking

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Silvadec was the first in Europe to manufacture composite wood.

We have been producing decking for 10 years, and our range has been increased by fencing and railing.

Feel free to contact us or our importer for UK. www.massamssupplies.co.uk - Call: (0) 1704 840265

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www.silvadec.co.uk info@silvadec.com

The Finest Decking for Beautiful Projects by

Exterior Decking supply the finest decking materials to commercial and domestic projects across the UK and Europe.

With the largest range of decking materials in the UK, Exterior is the first choice by Architects and Designers for specifying projects where their clients demand the best.

Exterpark Hardwood decking is available in 10 timber species, 3 thicknesses and is the only timber decking to have a patented invisible stainless fixing system providing a beautiful screw-less decking project.

TEAK • IPE • KEBONY • ELONDO • DOUSSIE KURUPAY • MERBAU • LAPACHO CUMARU • MASSARANDUBA

Exterior Decking exclusively uses and recommends Owatrol decking oil

Exterior Solutions Ltd Unit 8, Penn Street Works Penn Street, Amersham Buckinghamshire HP7 0PX

+44 (0)1494 711800 office@exteriordecking.co.uk

www.exteriordecking.co.uk

IPE AND KURUPAY UK STOCK NOW AVAILABLE, NEXT DAY DELIVERY FOR LONDON AND SURROUNDING AREAS

ADVERTS.indd 85

16/04/2014 12:29

Latest Products

COMPOSITE DECKING TimberTech composite decking from Greensquares is a durable and low maintenance alternative to traditional timber decking with all the aesthetic qualities of real wood. Made from a blend of hard wood and polymers, the patented TimberTech manufacturing process provides the decking with an authentic wood grain look in a wide variety of colours.

Available in a variety of ranges from the entry-level edeck through to high-end Earthwood Easy Clean, most ranges incorporate a hidden fixing option for a seamless look.

TimberTech needs only occasional wiping down with no staining or sealing required.

WWW.TIMBERTECHUK.CO.UK

Millboard’s new generation of innovative anti-slip and maintenance-free external flooring looks as beautiful and warm as natural timber, but with no wood content.

Made in the UK, the unique blend of polymer resin and fibres is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional timber. Due to its wood-free content, Millboard does not host algae growth. With its non-porous nature, unlike wood, Millboard does not stain from food or drink, swell or rot. Millboard’s unique Lastane® surface is highly resistant to scratches or marking and its UV stability resists fading. Having been awarded the highest classification for anti-slip and certified to BS79.76, Millboard is the safest choice on the market.

WWW.MILLBOARD.CO.UK

SAiGE Longlife Decking is a supplier of composite decking throughout the UK. Their decking is an environmentally sourced, long lasting alternative to traditional timber decking.

SAiGE’s Charcoal Residential Decking is available in both wide and narrow grooves and provides the end user with a truly unique and contemporary option for their garden. Low water absorption rates, anti-slip and anti-splinter properties makes it ideal for use around wet environments including swimming pools and with minimal maintenance requirements, it is the perfect choice for balconies and garden terraces. The decking is also available in oak, redwood and light grey.

WWW.SAIGEDECKING.COM

Designed & installed by SAiGE Agent Arbour Design & Build

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Arbordeck, the trade only distributor of Trex Composite Decking is excited to announce that they will be offering curved deck boards in the second half of 2014. Arbordeck believes this is a first for deck boards in the UK and would be happy to hear from landscapers who would be interested in offering Trex curved boards to their customer base. Trex is highly durable and guaranteed not to fade, stain, rot or split.

WWW.ARBORDECK.CO.UK

Hampton decking from Masterjoint Ltd has the very best in polymer technology.

It incorporates the latest developments in materials using ASA & Carbon, which offer far better long-term weathering characteristics than many of its plastic or composite decking rivals. Even with these advanced materials, 85 per cent recycled uPVC has been maintained, ensuring it remains an Earthfriendly product. Hampton decking has been cleverly designed to easily be installed by way of a very simple clip system, giving a pre-determined gap of 5mm between the planks. The clip allows the planks to move with co-expansion and contraction from heat, which is crucial with any plastic or composite decking product.

WWW.MASTERJOINT.CO.UK

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Amino Sorb (190x133) AD:Layout 1 03/02/2010 18:34 Page 1

AMINO-SORB The Sports Turf Stress Buster

Amino-Sorb contains high levels of specially selected, pure quality Amino Acids and official UK field trails conducted by Groundsmen have proved that, when used as part of a maintenance programme, it will: Significantly reduce yellowing of turf when tank-mixed with the leading plant growth regulator Greatly increase root mass and the ability to recover from stress caused by water logging or drought Boost photosynthesis and increase production of natural enzymes Amino-Sorb is ideal for use in Low N input fertiliser programmes.

For more information contact Vitax Amenity on 01530 51006, email to sales@vitax.co.uk or visit our website at www.vitaxamenity.co.uk *Amino Sorb is a registered trademark of Bioiberica

CAMON LAWN CARE RANGE . . . THE PROFESSIONAL’S CHOICE

LS42 LAWN SCARIFIER

LA20 LAWN AERATOR

TC07 TURF CUTTER

Built by Tracmaster in the UK, the CAMON range is designed to withstand the rigours of continuous daily use by landscape professionals.

Call us today on 01444 247689 or visit www.tracmaster.co.uk ADVERTS.indd 77

16/04/2014 10:48

Equipment

EQUIPMENT NEWS

Welcome to the equipment pages of Pro Landscaper, where we will be looking at new products and developments in the market. If you have any stories, please email them to joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com or tweet me @ProLanKit

SCH (SUPPLIES) LTD launches new Scari-Brush Groomer

The Scari-Brush Groomer is the latest addition to the SCH (Supplies) Ltd range of artificial and natural sports surface maintenance

machines.The two wheeled unit comprises of two brushes, the first is a scarifying brush which has an easily adjustable bar fitted which can be raised or lowered to ensure the exact level of stiffness and aggression required.This brush de-compacts the surface and evens out infill.

Following behind is a gentler grooming brush, which straightens the pile and gives a fine, play-ready

finish to the surface.This rear brush may be removed if required.

The unit is fitted with a weight tray complete with a 25 litre tank meaning the level of aggressiveness can be fine-tuned even more.The brushes can be lifted out of work for transportation. SCH can also provide quotes for three point linkage models and wider version of this unit. www.schsupplies.co.uk

Charge all night, work all day with the Hitachi 36V Li-ion battery technology Hitachi Power Tools’ 36V Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) series of cordless landscaping tools produce zero exhaust emissions, provide easy maintenance for users and emit low noise for users’ comfort.The cordless range includes top handle chainsaws for use by trained arborists, triple-edged hedge trimmers, high efficiency disc-motored grass trimmers and a blower, powered by a durable

brushless motor that delivers large volumes of air.

Combined with the BL36200 high capacity 750Wh Back Pack Power Supply, the cordless range will now run longer per charge than ever before. For example, the CS36DL Compact Top Handle Chainsaw will run 10 times longer using the Back Pack, giving up to eight hours of run time when on full charge.

Subject to terms and conditions, the cordless landscaping range is backed by a three-year warranty, which becomes available when the tools are registered. www.hitachi-powertools.co.uk

There’s no stopping the Scrubmaster Where dense brush and scrub need clearing the Wessex Scrubmaster rotary slasher has been described as unstoppable. Four heavy duty reversible blades mounted on a hardened steel plate do the slashing with over two thousand one ton impact cuts per minute.

Dense vegetation stands no chance while the heavy gauge steel tailgates contain debris beneath the machine to give it a thorough mulching and for manoeuvring without lifting there is an optional rear castoring wheel. A fully floating headstock allows it to be dragged across rough ground with minimal stress to the frame and a heavy galvanised chain takes the strain of lifting. www.wessexintl.com

PREMIUM CUT – Equal to a cylinder mower, but 50% faster!

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Equipment.indd 87

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16/04/2014 12:11

Equipment

EQUIPMENT NEWS Kubota RTVs tested to the limit

Located a few miles north of the former steel town of Corby, the 11th Century castle grounds were the scene of Euromec’s annual ride and drive day – an event which offers the dealer a chance to say

Barrus undergoes major expansion to support growth Barrus has officially opened its new Garden Tools Distribution Centre at their Bicester based head office to support the company’s continuing business growth. Distributing well-known brands in the garden, marine and industrial engine markets, Barrus also has a strong engineering focus with an enviable

thank you to its loyal client base and give its customers the opportunity to try before they buy.

A key Kubota dealer for over eight years, Euromec has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with the Thame-based manufacturer, who supplied its full range of utility vehicles for the day, including its popular RTV900, the 4-seater RTV1140 and its two newest models

reputation as a leading customengine builder.

The Tools Distribution Centre was opened by Gabriella Hart and Olivia Newall, the granddaughters of Mr Robert Glen, Chairman of E. P. Barrus Ltd, who is the grandson of the company’s founder, Mr. E. P. Barrus. Also in attendance were Mr Tony Stratton, High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, the Rt. Hon Sir Tony Baldry MP, local councillors, members of the Glen family, business partners and customers.

– the petrol-fuelled RTV400 and RTV500.

Rockingham Castle is home to Land Rover’s punishing The Land Rover Experience course, a hair-raising circuit designed to push its 4×4 vehicles to the limit. The diminutive RTVs more than held their own, though, with many of the guests amazed with the handling and robustness of the range; with the braking capabilities and Kubota’s unique Hydrostatic transmission singled out as firm favourites among testers.

Euromec Managing Director,

Peter Crewe, who established the Market Harborough-based groundcare, maintenance and utility vehicle dealership in 1986, was keen to stress the importance of utility vehicles to his business: “Utility vehicles have transformed the market in many ways, taking over where the quad bike started.They are incredibly popular in the estates and equestrian market, with end users demanding a machine that has an excellent load capacity, is safe and can get them across sites quickly and efficiently – Kubota’s range does this. www.kubota.co.uk

The company has invested £2.5 million into the new building, six new computer-controlled parts picking machines and other upgrades to the production and

servicing areas.

“The garden tool business has gone from strength to strength for Barrus since the introduction of the WOLF-Garten brand in 2009 and Wilkinson Sword in 2010. Our modern, new facility and the investment in spare parts systems will assist in increasing our efficiencies and more importantly the service we provide to all our customers”, said Robert Muir, Managing Director, E. P. Barrus Ltd. www.barrus.co.uk

It’s Little Wonder professionals demand it Little Wonder has been building edgers for over five decades. The Little Wonder Pro Edger is designed to cut clean, crisp edges quickly and efficiently. It will cut up to 90ft/28metres per minute. Fingertip control, height adjustment, dual belt drive, Honda engine, user-friendly.

What more can you say? It’s a Little Wonder.

For more details or your local dealer contact Schiller Grounds Care 0800 840 0888 lwdealer@littlewonder.uk.com www.littlewonder.uk.com Schiller2.indd 1 Equipment.indd 88

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Equipment

TURF MAINTENANCE LATEST KIT The AE401 19in self-propelled aerator from Billy Goat, complete with a 118cc Honda engine, eliminates the conventional centre drum of traditional aerators. The outboard drive wheels prevent centre wheel slip and abuse from ramp loading. The AE401 also means the end of bulky side weights as it has a simple to use water weight that is positioned directly over its 24 tines for better aeration depth.

With the industry’s softest tine engagement and exclusive Billy Goat Lift n Lock™ disengagement, the AE401 offers improved comfort and productivity. The AE401 is available for £2449.99 including VAT. WWW.BILLYGOAT.CO.UK

Terrain Aeration Services are a specialist company whose unique techniques

Makita’s scarifier range features the 1,300w UV3200 which runs the cylinder up to 3500rpm and has a 32cm wide working width. Five height settings give a working depth down to -10mm to +10mm above ground surface.

The grass

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Tracmaster manufactures a range of lawn scarification machines designed and built to withstand the heaviest of workloads. The CAMON LS42 Lawn Scarifier features independently sprung freeswinging blades with a staggered layout to remove moss and thatch

with maximum efficiency. The blades feature a “waisted” design to keep their edge for longer. A

truly manicured look can be achieved with the CAMON LS42R Lawn Rake designed for year round use. The Lawn Rake is fitted with durable free swinging springs which clear unwanted moss and thatch without disrupting healthy growing grass.

WWW.TRACMASTER.CO.UK

The brand new Cobra electric S32E is a bladed aerator and 13in scarifying drum all in one.

Gardeners can easily switch between the two functions to effortlessly remove thatch and moss. The scarifier has sharp tines that rotate at a high speed to

cut turf vertically, and the aerating element has 10 steel blades to alleviate soil compaction. The S32E has a 1300w motor and a five step height adjustment, along with ergonomically positioned controls for comfort and safety.

WWW.COBRAGARDEN.CO.UK

are a proven method of alleviating the stress endured by poorly managed areas. Their caterpillar tracker machine is ideal for landscaping back gardens that suffer from compaction paning and waterlogging. In terms of remedial

options, the potential for flooding can be reduced or even avoided in advance by employing their Terralift aeration equipment. This is a deep soil aeration machine with a proven track record.

WWW.TERRAINAERATION.COM

thatch raked out of the turf can be collected in a 30 litre nylon collection bag. This electric lightweight scarifier has a rubberised handgrip rail and simple clasp

control for motor operation. The larger UV3600 electric scarifier has a 1,800 watt motor that drives the 36cm wide cylinder at up to 3,700rpm. Four height settings enable a working depth from -10mm to +5mm above surface level.

WWW.MAKITAUK.COM

Tracmaster’s CAMON LA20 aerator is hard-wearing and reliable yet easy-to-use and can cope with the toughest of conditions. This winter, the working speed of the LA20 has been significantly increased, enabling landscapers to aerate lawns faster than before. Supplied with both hollow corer tines and solid spikes as standard, the LA20 aerator features an “off-set” crank operating system allowing the power of the engine to punch the tines into the ground.

WWW.TRACMASTER.CO.UK

May 2014

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Latest Kit Equipment

ARBORICULTURE LATEST KIT The T536LiXP from Husqvarna is a lightweight, highperformance, professional top handled chainsaw, ideal for arboriculture and utility applications. This battery chainsaw has petrol performance with low noise and vibration

The ECHO CS-450 petrol chainsaw features a 45cc 2-stroke engine and is a stage two compliant low emission engine.

With guide bar options of 38, 45 or 50cm, the ultra-tough CS-450 is a mid-range, low emission chainsaw used by professionals for felling trees and logging. Other features include a clutch related oil pump, inertia chain brake, side adjust chain tensioner and a six position anti-vibration cushion on the read handle. Echo power tools come with a two year professional use warranty.

WWW.ECHO-TOOLS.CO.UK

The Super Jr line of compact, self-propelled stump grinders are now available with 3-position swing-out operator control stations to allow better visibility of the cutting action and easier travel through gates. The swing-out control is of particular value at times when visibility is

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The latest addition to the Makita professional chainsaw line, the EA6100P45D, is a 61cc machine developing 4.5hp and running up to 13,800rpm with a 45cm chain bar. This new compact, slim-

levels allowing longer use in built up residential areas and delivers high productivity with lower running costs. A powerful brushless motor delivers a superb maximum chain speed of 20m/s, which is reduced to 15m/s in savE™ mode to prolong battery runtime in less demanding conditions.

WWW.HUSQVARNA.COM/UK

line engine installation reduces the overall width of the machine making it even more manoeuvrable in operation improving both comfort and safety.

WWW.MAKITAUK.COM

The all new Timberwolf TW 240TDHB (t) 160mm (6in) turntable wood chipper is the latest innovative design to derive from the chip and shred experts. This new design has been created by listening to what the customers want and the quality and reliability of this new model is second to none. The blades are supported by external ‘oversized’ greasable bearings, which generate huge reserves of inertia – delivering class leading performance, ejection and throughput.

WWW.TIMBERWOLF-UK.COM

BLEC has designed a new generation of stump grinder designed for small tractor 20-45hp which is economical and user friendly. The BLEC STUMP GRINDER is a robust linkage mounted attachment designed to tackle both small and large stumps. The powerful PTO driven grinding wheel is controlled by two hydraulic cylinders for both horizontal and vertical movement – a wide cutting swing of

crucial, such as grinding stumps near obstructions such as pavements or driveways. For

travel through gates, the controls swing in-line with the machine so the operator can more easily drive through narrow openings.

There are two grinding positions to allow operators the ability to select which position better suits the job conditions.

WWW.WESTCONUK.COM

over one metre makes removal of large stumps easy. The operator is protected from flying debris with the adjustable rubber curtains.

WWW.BLEC.CO.UK

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

16/04/2014 12:15

www.schsupplies.co.uk

Our Artificial Surface Maintenance Package offers the opportunity of a dedicated 3G or Turf system, at a realistic price. To find out more, call us or email today.

H i g h P r e c i s i o n L e v e l A lt i m e t e r Works Around Corners! ...Works the way you think.

This innovative product can work around corners; behind trees and bushes; needs only one person to operate it; is compact and light weight; easy to use; requires virtually no set-up; can store up to 137 plots and does not need line of sight, so can work around any obstacle - unlike laser, automatic and dumpy levels. It will also work over unlimited heights and distances.

Photograph show the brush and rake attachment. Package also includes tractor, mounting frame, levelling lute, weight tray.

Optional extras also available.

Call now for your FREE brochure 01473 328272 Email Sales@schsupplies www.schsupplies.co.uk

UK Importer GroundsCare Products Contact us on Tel: 0118 981 1313 E-mail: sales@groundscare-products.co.uk Web: www.groundscare-products.co.uk

Prolandscaper Apr14_Layout 1 15/04/2014 14:50 Page 1

QP advert templates.indd 38

TIMBERWOLF TW 240TDHB(t)...

...the latest innovative, feature rich next generation wood chipper from the market leading wood chipper and shredder experts.

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

17/04/2014 09:18

NEW !

PRODUCT

270 degree mounted turntable with multiple choice work position 241mm x 166mm letter box feed opening Sub 750kg (with fuel) All guards made from metal Twin disc 56kg heavyweight rotor Oversized external greasable rotor bearings Double sided 109mm x 100mm blades secured with 24mm bolts Dual safety plus feed controls 34hp Kubota turbo charged, diesel engine Remote centralised greasing points Locking tow hitch as standard High speed braked chassis with handbrake Fully homologated for compliance with Whole Vehicle Type Approval throughout Europe

see our machines in action at

timberwolf-uk.com

+44 (0)1449 765800

ADVERTS.indd 87

facebook.com/timberwolf.uk

THE CHIP & SHRED EXPERTS

17/04/2014 09:21

Latest Kit Equipment

GENERAL LATEST KIT

Grillo has added a further walk behind rough cutter to their already impressive range. The CL62 is designed to tackle high grass and shrub on flat or sloping terrain thanks to the aggressive high grip wheels and low centre of gravity. Power is provided by a B&S 223cc engine with hydrostatic transmission. The 62cm cutter deck, with high performance blade, has a cutting height range of between 50-110mm and is regulated via a single screw type adjuster. Other features include self-adjusting belts, diff-lock and height adjustable handles.

WWW.GRILLOAGRIGARDEN.CO.UK

The Scari-Brush Groomer is the latest addition to the SCH (Supplies) Ltd range of artificial and natural sports surface maintenance machines. The two wheeled unit comprises of two brushes, the first is a scarifying brush which has an easily adjustable bar fitted which can be raised or lowered to ensure the

John Deere’s new EZtrak Z235 zero-turn radius mower has been redesigned to provide a compact, easy-to-use machine especially for smaller or more intricately landscaped gardens. The

The all new Goldoni TT is a utility vehicle that is lively in performance yet can be used like a tractor. The TT has a 40kph gearbox, selectable two or four wheel drive, four wheel braking and a low centre of gravity. Having 540 PTO and

The Groundsman TMC range has a unique patented technology that enables them to work with less effort to cut turf down to 7cm (3in) thick and from 30cm (12in) widths up to 60cm (24in). The latest innovation is a simple attachment to insert cable down to 7cm (3in) below the surface for low voltage

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lighting or sub-surface signal cable for robotic grass mowing. The TMC range includes the 6.5HP two wheel drive portable machine ideal for landscapers and contractors. A guillotine attachment can be fitted to measure and chop the turf sod into lengths for rolling and relaying.

WWW.GROUNDSMANINDUSTRIES.COM

exact level of stiffness and aggression required. This brush de-compacts the surface and evens out infill. Following behind is a gentler grooming brush, which straightens the pile and give a fine, play-ready finish to the surface. This rear brush may be removed if required.

WWW.SCHSUPPLIES.CO.UK

highly manoeuvrable Z235 features 360-degree turning ability and a 107cm (42in) rotary deck with the patented EDGE cutting system, which lifts and distributes grass clippings more evenly. Other features

include up to 7mph forward speed, and a robust belt-drive transmission.

Cutting height is adjustable from 25 to 102mm (1 to 4in) in a matter of seconds, without getting out of the driver’s seat, and an optional rear collector is available.

WWW.JOHNDEERE.CO.UK

drawbar as standard, the Goldoni TT from Goldoni Importer CTM is extremely versatile with its quick and easy body change system for use with timber bodies, cranes, sprayers and much more.

WWW.GOLDONITRACTORS.COM Leicester City Council have upgraded their fleet, majoring on Shibaura compact tractors and Muthing flails. This latest order, with a value approaching £170,000, was for nine Shibaura CM374 Power Units, a combined total of 15 Muthing MUFM 160 and FUFM 140 flail decks, one MUL- 220 tractor mounted flail and one MUE-160 compact tractor rear mounted flail.

WWW.SLOPEMOWER.CO.UK

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

16/04/2014 12:17

Business Tips Equipment

Trading with...

GroundsCare Products

Paul Errington, Managing Director of GroundsCare Products runs us through the company and plans for the future Give us a brief outline of your role.

I have overall responsibility for the profitable operation of GroundsCare Products and County Hire Ltd. I keep at the sharp end by doing most of the equipment demonstrations and dealer visits.

What is the ethos of the company?

What additional support do you offer the landscape contractors?

What exhibitions are you planning to attend before the end of this year?

Advice on the best product to use for the job; delivery and comprehensive hand-over of rental products (within a reasonable range of our base); discounted rental rates to members of selected industry organisations such as BALI and the SGD.

We have Saltex and Salon Vert (France) in September, followed by FutureScape and the SGD Autumn Conference in November.

Are your products made in Britain?

Paul Errington, Managing Director of GroundsCare Products

To provide top quality products both for hire and sale, backed up by excellent service and a comprehensive stock of spare parts.

What is your route to market?

We currently sell mainly direct to end users.

Do you have a dealer network?

We have very few, due mainly to the fact that we launched the TurfTeq range onto the UK market at the end of 2007, just before the recession started to bite. Most dealers and hire companies were unwilling to commit to an unknown product at such an uncertain time, so we ended up doing the job ourselves.

How important is the landscape contractor to your business?

Very important. All our products can be used in the design, construction and maintenance of gardens and public spaces.

The Rotowash is manufactured in UK.Turf Teq and ZipLevel products are manufactured in the USA.

Do you think that the next 12 months will be better than the last in terms of turnover and profit?

We have seen a significant rise in turnover and enquiries during the first quarter of this year.

Hopefully this trend will continue.

How will you remain competitive for next year?

We have changed our prices very little since 2007, despite the decline in value of the pound.

Recently, the exchange rate has been improving, and if that trend continues or the current rate holds, I don’t see any need to alter our prices.

What is the next step for your company?

Why do contractors choose your brand over competitors?

In light of the improving economic climate we shall start looking for dealers and hire companies in selected areas of the UK.

Quality and innovation.The Turf Teq Edger/ Trencher and the ZipLevel survey instruments are unique.The TurfTeq Surface Preparation Rake is probably the best and quickest machine currently available for the preparation of soil for seeding or turfing. It can also be used for preparing a wildflower site and for breaking up self-binding gravel paths prior to re-levelling.

What health and safety precautions do you take to ensure the safety of the contractor using your products?

All of our products have been independently assessed for safety and comply with CE safety guide lines. We are accredited to Safehire and CHAS standards, and our rental machines are inspected in line with Hire Association of Europe guide lines.

Are you introducing any new products in the next few months?

No. We have started marketing Rotowash and ZipLevel within the last 18 months and would like to concentrate on those before looking at any new ventures.

GroundsCare Products Unit 2d, Whitehouse Ind. Park Silchester Road, Tadley, Hampshire RG26 3PY Tel: 0118 981 1313 Web: www.groundscare-products.co.uk

May 2014

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People

JOY GREY Garden Designer and Consultant at Goose Green Design

www.goosegreendesign.co.uk

Best garden in the UK? Cambo Estate, Fife.

Top plant?

Euphorbia.

Favourite tipple?

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Your most used saying or cliché?

Smile and the whole world smiles with you.

Newest gardening trend for 2014?

Words carved in stone.

the l inter v REBECCA SMITH Rebecca Smith Garden Design & Consultancy www.rsgardendesign.co.uk Best garden in the UK? Either Wisley or West Dean.

Most treasured gift?

My engagement ring.

Your most used saying or cliché?

Life is too short...

Newest gardening trend for 2014?

Formality and structure.

Three people you’d like to invite to dinner?

David Hicks, Thomas Jefferson and Vita Sackville-West.

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KIRK NELSON Director at LDA Design

www.lda-design.co.uk

Your most referred to gardening book?

The Landscape of Man by Geoffrey Jellicoe.

Top plant?

Liriope muscari – works most places in the world!

Favourite tipple?

Red Stripe and/or Appleton (Jamaican) Rum. Most treasured gift?

A garden mosaic from my sister Janine Nelson, plus artwork from mum, Mary Nelson.

Three people you’d like to invite to dinner?

Frank Gehry, Sir Norman Foster, and Prince Charles. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/04/2014 13:34

People

GRANT CAPSOPOULOS Urban Scapes

www.urbanescapes.co.uk Your most referred to gardening book of all time?

John Brookes Garden Design by John Brookes is as relevant today as when he first wrote it.

Biggest life influence?

Luis Barragan.

Favourite tipple?

Tequila!

Your most used saying or cliché?

Get on with it!

Newest gardening trend for 2014?

Outdoor kitchens and covered seating areas.

e little r view

Pro Landscaper asks quick-fire questions to get a small insight into the people that make up our industry. To take part email lisa.wilkinson@eljays44.com

ADAM BAILEY Adam S Bailey Garden Design

DAVID MULHOLLAND JSA Landscape Group

www.adamsbailey.com

www.jsagriculture.com

Your most referred to gardening book?

Perennials and their Garden Habitats

by Hansen and Stahl.

Best garden in the UK? Coleton Fishacre in Devon.

Most treasured gift?

My grandfather’s Super Paxette camera – he taught photography.

Lifelong fan of…

Charlton FC. Three people you’d like to invite to dinner?

David Bowie, Tim Minchin, and Richard Dawkins.

Your most referred to gardening book of all time?

How to Make a Wildlife Garden by Chris Baines.

Best garden in the UK? Alnwick Castle.

Biggest life influence?

Dale Carnegie.

Top plant?

Alchemilla mollis.

Three people you’d like to invite to dinner?

Claudia Winkleman, Billy Connolly and Julie Walters.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Little Interviews.indd 95

May 2014

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Jobs LANDSCAPE GARDEN SALES DESIGNER HAMBROOKS Location: Curdridge, Hampshire

For full details on all jobs, please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

Call 01903 777 587 or email ellie.downes@eljays44.com with your vacancy.

We currently have three vacancies for Graduate Landscape Garden Sales Designers, to work within a team of designers, providing potential clients with reliable and workable solutions for their garden projects. Responsibilities will include: sales, design, estimating, and people management.

Skills required: good interpersonal skills, customer focused, experience of working as a designer/ or horticulture qualification desired, computer literate, time management skills. Benefits include a starting salary of £22,000 depending on experience, a company vehicle, on-going support and training and 28 days holiday.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

MOREPEOPLE Location: Norfolk

COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE STAFF

Our client is one of East Anglia’s largest commercial grounds maintenance and landscaping companies; based in Norfolk, they are seeking experienced soft landscapers. The successful candidates should be a driven, hard-working team players with an exceptional attention to detail. Excellent opportunities for the correct candidates to excel and progress within the company. The ideal candidates must have at least three years’ experience in landscaping.

Must hold a valid CSCS card and any landscaping qualifications will be favourable. Driver’s licence is essential. Duties to include turfing, tree and shrub planting, ground preparation, seeding, staking, mulching and when required, hard landscaping.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

We have two vacancies for individuals with previous experience to work on a large commercial project to carry out a high standard of grounds maintenance.The successful candidates will have a good knowledge of plant husbandry (horticultural NVQ or similar qualification preferable) and a PA1 & PA6 qualification. Experience in using a range of commercial style grounds maintenance machinery is essential. Driving licence would be beneficial. Must be reliable and able to work as part of a small team but also have the ability to use own initiative and be self-motivated to ensure works are completed to given timescales and to a high standard with minimum supervision.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

SOFT LANDSCAPERS

GRACE LANDSCAPES Location: Aylesbury

LANDSCAPING TEAM LEADER

SOFT LANDSCAPE GARDENER

We are an expanding, award winning landscaping company looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Team Leader to manage and implement new projects.You will already have: at least five years’ experience in domestic landscaping, a portfolio of previous hard and soft landscaping, good customer relation skills, leadership skills, attention to detail and good Problem solving ability, a conscientious and honest approach, a full clean driving license, experience with machinery (digger/dumper etc.)

Our client builds commercial and domestic landscapes in Surrey, London and the Home Counties.

They are seeking a Trainee Soft Landscaper to join the team.You will be assisting with the turfing and planting on new projects.This will be an opportunity to learn about landscaping from the ground up and will be an ideal role for a recent graduate from one of the horticultural colleges.

Applicants for this post should have the following: good plant knowledge, keen to learn, physically fit and keen to do manual labour all day, some experience of turfing useful but not essential.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

EXPERIENCED LANDSCAPER

TEAM LEADER – LANDSCAPING/ARTIFICIAL GRASS INSTALLATION

TKE LANDSCAPING Location: Saffron Walden, Essex

URBAN FORESTRY (BURY ST EDMUNDS) LTD Location: Ingham, Bury St. Edmunds We are looking for an experienced landscaper to join our progressive company. We have been established for over 20 years and pride ourselves on our excellent reputation.

Applicants must have good practical skills in all aspects of landscaping. Knowledge of plants and horticulture is essential, together with experience of using landscaping equipment.You must be a team player but have the ability to work independently when necessary and be able to use your own initiative.You will be motivated, polite, presentable, have good timekeeping, be reliable and have a full clean driving licence. We take a lot of pride in our work and expect all our staff to complete their work to a high standard.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

ASSISTANT TURF PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR WILDFLOWER TURF LTD Location: Basingstoke

Wildflower Turf Ltd are pioneers of wildflower turf products and you will be part of a small motivated team based on a 700 acre arable farm in Hampshire.You will need very good tractor driving skills (minimum three years’ experience) and a telescopic forklift driving licence. Pa1 and Pa2 certificates would be useful. Duties will include the preparation and lifting of turf for orders, restocking and maintenance of the turf beds and research and development with the production of Wildflower Turf products. Previous experience in the horticulture industry will be an advantage.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

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May 2014

ANDERSPLUS Location: Surrey

EASIGRASS Location: Sussex

We have a vacancy for a team leader in our expanding artificial grass company. Based in Worthing we cover the whole of Sussex, so the ability to drive is essential. The ideal candidate will be able to manage a small team of two or three and be responsible for liaising and communicating with our clients onsite.You will need to be punctual, reliable and take pride in your work, getting the job done on time and to the highest of standards. The perfect candidate would have the following: valid DVLC (over 25 for insurance purposes), landscaping experience in decking, paving, fencing, and artificial grass installation.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

LANDSCAPER

ASSURED LANDSCAPES Location: Charlwood, Surrey Assured Landscapes has grown significantly over the last few years and needs a high quality experienced landscaper to allow the continued development of the business.You have to take pride in your work, pay attention to detail, be polite, friendly when customer facing, confident and reliable.You need to take pride in your work, deliver a first class service and help build Assured Landscapes into a one of the leading landscapers in our area. We reward well and work within a very committed team that enjoys what it does.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/04/2014 10:00

Jobs LANDSCAPE GARDEN TEAM LEADER

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE TEAM LEADER

We have a vacancy for a landscape team leader, capable of carrying out domestic garden construction to BALI award winning standards.The successful applicant will be a self-motivated individual, capable of working from detailed designs and specifications for private gardens in the S. Yorks. N. Lincs. area and will be responsible for supervising one to two operatives. Experience in paving and brickwork, ground preparation, laying lawns and planting are essential. Joinery and pond construction experience would be an advantage. A full clean driving licence will be required.

Grounds Maintenance Team Leader sought for a well-established, well run and professional company who are based in Bagshot, Surrey.The role will involve maintaining public sports pitches, communal gardens, local authority and other commercial sites, all within a 30 miles radius of Bagshot. Applicants must have the following: drivers licence (van provided) including trailer/towing, PA1 and 6, experience of commercial grounds maintenance, line marking experience very useful.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

LANDSCAPER/FOREMAN

GARDENER

We are looking to recruit a skilled landscaper/foreman to work as part of a team in a small landscape company, the ideal candidate will need to be able to carry out all hard and soft landscape duties and be committed to working to a high standard in building the very best gardens, have excellent communication skills and a full UK driving licence essential.

To mainly cover West Sussex and Surrey.

Topiarus horticulture Ltd maintains the gardens and grounds of a number of corporate and private clients across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds.Working principally on high spec gardens, we are looking for a gardener to join the team to help maintain these gardens to an excellent standard.You will be experienced in gardening and soft landscaping, have good plant knowledge, and work well in a team.You will also need to be able to communicate with clients and be comfortable working with a range of garden machinery.This is the ideal position for someone keen to develop their career in a successful and friendly company.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

AXHOLME LANDSCAPES Location: Epworth, North Lincolnshire

ANDERSPLUS Location: London

GARDENSCAPES Location: Billingshurst

TOPIARUS HORTICULTURE LTD Location: Chipping Norton

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Fawcetts Liners

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45 Market Way, Pinchbeck, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE11 3PE Tel: 01775 723320 / 766028 Fax: 01775 760451 / 714970 www.drsimmons.co.uk e-mail: sales@drsimmons.co.uk

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Tamlyns Outdoor Auctions Cost effective disposal of vehicles and equipment via auction

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John Deere 6430 Premium specification, 125hp – 1161hrs John Deere 3720 (Ex Demo) 45hp, cab, turf tyres – low hrs John Deere 3320, 33hp, roll bar, turf tyres – 1230hrs John Deere 2720 (Ex Demo) 31hp, roll bar, turf tyres – low hrs John Deere 4115, 24hp, roll bar, turf tyres – 1976hrs Kioti DK551C, 54hp, cab, turf tyres – 612hrs Kubota L3830D, 38hp, gearbox, roll bar, turf tyres – 319hrs Kubota STV36, 36hp, 4WD, bi-speed turn, wide turf tyres – 1661hrs Kubota ST30, 30hp, roll bar, turf tyres – 3601hrs Massey Ferguson 1528 c/w front brush, 28hp – 430hrs New Holland T6010 Plus, 100hp c/w: euro hitch brackets, cab New Holland T5060, 105hp, full cab, turf tyres – 1208hrs New Holland TN55D, 55hp, cab, turf tyres – 1751hrs Yanmar FE280H, 28hp, roll bar, turf tyres – 234hrs

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Tractor Mowers Etesia Attila 88 Bank Mower (Ex Demo) – low hours Etesia H124DS (Ex Demo) 48” RD deck, Hi-Tip coll. – low hrs Etesia H124DS, 48” RD deck, 2 x ft scarifiers, Hi-Tip coll.-1468hrs John Deere 1026R (Ex Demo) 26hp, roll bar, turf tyres – low hrs John Deere X748, 24hp, 4WD, 48” RD deck, roll bar – 249hrs John Deere X740, 24hp, 2WD, 54” SD deck, low-tip coll. 1826hrs John Deere X740, 54” SD deck, low-tip coll. – choice of 2 John Deere X595, 24hp, 4WD, 48” SD deck and fan col, - 1608 hrs John Deere X495, 24hp, 2WD, 48” SD deck – 2057hrs

£ POA £ POA £6’500 £ POA £10’500 £ 8’750 £ 6’250 £ 5’750 £ 5’000

Ride-On Rotary Mowers Ferris IS1500Z, 19hp, 2WD, HST drive, 44” RD deck – choice of 7 John Deere 1445, 31hp, 4WD, 62” rear discharge deck – 287hrs John Deere 1445, 31hp, 4WD, 62” rear discharge deck – 802hrs John Deere 1445, 31hp, 4WD, 62” rear discharge deck – 1710hrs John Deere 1445, 31hp, 4WD, 60” S.D deck, full cab – 2126hrs John Deere 1445, 31hp, 4WD, 62” rear discharge deck – 3142hrs John Deere 1445, 31hp, 4WD, 62” rear discharge deck – 3721hrs John Deere F1145, 28hp, 60” Trimax flail deck – 1744hrs John Deere 1565, 38hp, 4WD, 62” R.D deck, full cab – 1044hrs 18/07/2013 15:23 John Deere 1600T Wide Area Mower, – 3396hrs Established 1948 58hp, and canopy still going strong due to John Deere 1600T Wide Area Mower,being 58hp –our 128”main cuttingconcern. width quality Ransome HR6010 Batwing mower – choice of 2

Tel: 0844 567 8811 www.tradelocker.co.uk

QP advert templates.indd 26

£ 3’250 £12’000 £10’500 £10’500 £ 9’750 £ 7’000 £ 7’000 £ 4’500 £10’500 £ 8’500 £13’500 £ POA

Classified

Fawcetts Liners Pond Liners

www.oxfordplanters.co.uk

Ride-On Cylinder Mowers

John Deere 2653Bfrom (Ex Demo) 8 blade units, grass boxesand - low hrs Buy manufacturers save £££!

JD 2653A, 26” 8 blade units, spiral rollers, rear scrapers - 1491hrs Providers of English Handcrafted Planters and Outdoor Furniture in Oak, Iroko or Accoya.

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JD 2653A, 26” 8 blade units, spiral rollers, on rear scarpers – 2534hrs JD 2500B, 22” 11 blade units, new cyl. & bot.blades fitted – 2163hrs Why not visit our website!

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JD 2500, 22” 11 blade units, smooth tyres – 2881hrs JD 2500A, 22” 11 blade units c/w: brushes, grass boxes – 3144hrs For more information email info@oxfordplanters.co.uk or call 01608 683022 JD 3225C, 38hp, 4WD, 5 x 7 blade units, r.roller brushes – 2217hrs JD 3235B, 38hp, 4WD, 5 x 8 blade ESP units – 2691hrs For all horticultural and Garden design enquiries please contact Martin or 35hp, telephone forunits, a brochure JD 3235B, 4WD, 22” 8 blade full cab – 2708 hrsand samples: on 07765 188725 or email info@martincadams.co.uk JD 3235B, 38hp, 4WD, 5 x 7 blade units – 2491hrs All products manufactured in the Cotswolds using sustainable timber.

JD 8400 Triple, 37hp, 30” units, various hours – choice of 4 JD 900 Triple, 28hp, 30” fixed units – choice of 2 Roberine 900 Triple, 28hp, 30” fixed units – choice of 3 Hayter T424, 5 gang, FawcettsLiners_B182919_1LB 1 6 blade, 30” units – choice of 2 Hayter TM539 trailed gang mower Hayter 749 trailed gang mower QP advert templates.indd 24 18/07/2013 15:43

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£ POA £ 6’750 £ 5’500 £8’500 £ 6’000 £ 5’000 £ 8’000 £ 7’500 £ 6’500 £ 4’000 £ POA £ 5’500 £ 5’000 £2/2/10 9’000 £ 5’000 £ 3’000

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Commercial Pedestrian Mowers Huge choice of Ferris and Scag mowers – 36”, 48” 52” Zero Turn mowers.

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Balmers GM, Trafalgar Street, Burnley, Lancs, BB11 1TQ 2014 SNOW CLEARANCE NEEDED ON A NATIONALMay BASIS

99

Do you have a tractor / teleporter? We need you to clear snow as part of our winter maintenance programme. Ideally we would like you to work locally to your base and clear17/04/2014 09:28 snow from our clients’ sites. Competitive rates offered dependant on machinary type.

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the artificial grass brand

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