Pro Landscaper May 2019

Concept to Delivery

May 2019

DESIGN, BUILD AND MAINTAIN

Let’s hear it from COMPANY PROFILE

BELDERBOS LANDSCAPES

PAUL LYNCH ELMTREE GARDEN CONTRACTORS LTD

FIRST IMPRESSIONS LEE BESTALL

Playing with colour DEBS WINROW

Crown jewel KENSINGTON GARDENS

Cover1 2.indd 10

25/04/2019 16:32

MDF? Outside?

In the Rain? For 50 years?

Are you MAD?

MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME is a revolutionary product that will take the construction, landscaping and exterior design worlds by storm.

Guaranteed for up to 50 years in the face of the elements, this naturally modified MDF is incredibly versatile and can be used for planters, garden rooms, sculptures, playgrounds, building faรงades, furniture; you name it, MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME can do it!

For more information on MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME, visit www.mdfosb.com

Advert template.indd 1

25/04/2019 10:20

WELCOME

Concept to Delivery DESIGN, BUILD AND MAINTAIN

May 2019 | Volume 9, Issue 5

May 2019

Let’s Hear it From

COMPANY PROF ILE

PAUL LYNCH

BELDERBOS

ELMTREE GARDEN

LANDSCAPES

CONTRACTORS LTD

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Welcome to May 2019

LEE BESTALL

Playing with colour DEBS WINROW

Welcome to the May issue of Pro Landscaper.

With the build-up to RHS Chelsea now underway, we’re really excited (as always) about what the show has to offer, and this year is no exception. Good luck to all the designers, landscapers and suppliers taking part. Of course, we can’t wait to visit at build-up and on press day.

We’re now halfway through our LIVE events taking place around the country which have been well received by attendees and suppliers. We have two more events to come: Cheshire and Kent. We would

Eljays44 Ltd 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA Tel: 01903 777 570 EDITORIAL Editorial director – Lisa Wilkinson lisa.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 579

urge you to take the time out to come along and learn something new whilst getting a chance to network with industry colleagues. See the news pages for a report.

As usual there’s so much to read in this issue, but in particular a couple of very interesting ‘human interest’ articles caught our eye. The discussion on mental health by Ground Control’s Marcus Watson, and Talasey Group’s Shane McCormick talking about melanoma from first-hand experience. Both topics are hugely important to the well-being of the landscape industry workforce.

Of course, along with the issue you will see

ADVERTISING Business development manager – Jamie Wilkinson jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 585 Head of sales – Jessica McCabe jessica.mccabe@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 587

Head of content – Nina Mason nina.mason@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 593

Horticulture Careers – Liam Colclough liam.colclough@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 446 076

Features writer – Rachael Forsyth rachael.forsyth@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 578

Managing director – Jim Wilkinson jim.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 589

Features writer – Frankie Youd frankie.youd@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570

MARKETING AND CIRCULATION Tel: 01903 777 570

Nurture editor – Jamie Butterworth nurtureeditor@pro-landscaper.co.uk Tel: 01903 777 570

Subscription enquiries – Chris Anderson chris.anderson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570

Subeditor – Kia Wilson kia.wilson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 597

Online content editor – Amy Fitz-Hugh amy.fitz-hugh@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 583

Subeditor – Sam Seaton sam.seaton@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 591

Design – Kara Thomas, Kirsty Turek

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Leader.indd 3

Crown jewel KENSINGTON GAR

DENS

our exclusive preview of this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Whether you’re going to the show or not, this will give you a good insight into who’s involved and what’s featuring this year.

Finally, we’re excited to announce that next month you will see a very different Pro Landscaper. We’ve had our biggest redesign since launching back in 2011 and felt that both the look and content needed bringing up-to-date. We hope you like it.

In the meantime, have a brilliant month!

@jimeljays

Printed by Pensord Press Ltd, Gwent, UK Published by ©Eljays44 Ltd – Connecting Horticulture Pro Landscaper’s content is available for licensing overseas. Contact jamie.wilkinson@ eljays44.com Pro Landscaper is published 12 times per year by Eljays44 Ltd. The 2019 subscription price is £95.

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

@lisaeljays

Pro Landscaper is proud to be an affiliate member of BALI

The Association of

Professional Landscapers

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

Whilst every effort has been made to maintain the integrity of our advertisers, we accept no responsibility for any problem, complaints, or subsequent litigation arising from readers’ responses to advertisements in the magazine. We also wish to emphasise that views expressed by editorial contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Reproduction of any part of this magazine is strictly forbidden.

Cover image ©Max Rush/The Royal Parks

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

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

3

25/04/2019 15:33

Concept to Delivery

Concept to Delivery

September 2011

DEDICATED TO THE LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY

Let’s hear it from...

LA IS UN SU C E H

MASTER PLAN

Business intelligence

Our launch issue

Redesign DPS.indd 32

1

WILLERBY LANDSCAPES

SUPPLEMENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH CED STONE GROUP

THE SGD AWARDS

RS AR Y AN NI VE E IS SU

Celebrating our first anniversary

March 2016

NEW

AGENDA

IS THE GARDEN BRIDGE GOOD FOR OUR INDUSTRY?

crossrail roof garden stephen richards gillespies

maintenance finn chu Bartholomew

A PRO LA

WHAT WAS 2015’S BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

NDS

C

EMENT

Show highlights

RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

Concept to Delivery

DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

SUPPL

Latest kit at IOG Saltex 2011

Published by

KEYSCAPE’S

PRO LANDSCAPER’S GUIDE TO THE

ER

An inspired transformation of the grounds at Heath Manor, Longdon, Worcestershire: Portfolio

See how three companies have designed and implemented their projects

September 2012

AP

Mark Gregory, Landform Consultants and Chairman of the APL

DESIGN, BUILD AND MAINTAIN

2016

Page 1

2015

13:42

2015

15/8/11

2016

2012 2011

PL_Sep11_Cover_v8:Layout 1

BEST NEW PRODUCTS

FROM SCULPTURES TO PLANTERS

CHARACTER BUILDING

elephant & CASTLE lendlease and southwark council

the value of landscaping clare hebbes, lendlease

ATELIER DYJG Cover.indd 1

Chelsea intros 2.indd 1

First RHS Chelsea Flower Show supplement

21/04/2015 13:55

Cover final 3.indd 1

23/06/2016 16:05

18/02/2016 16:31

Introducing Inform, Inspire, Nurture and Educate

Our first London supplement

25/04/2019 17:11

Celebrating 5 years of Pro Landscaper

Redesign DPS.indd 33

2019

2018

2016

2017

“Without change nothing would grow�

Our first perfect bound issue

?

The first podium supplement

The next step...

25/04/2019 17:12

CONTENTS

May 2019

32

27

INFORM

10

Agenda Mental wellbeing in the workplace

12

News Our monthly roundup of industry news

15

News Extra

Concept to Delivery

RHS Bridgewater Garden

16

Pro Landscaper LIVE Coverage Coverage of Bristol and Northampton

May 2019

DESIGN, BUILD AND MAINTAIN

Let’s Hear it From COMPANY PROFILE

BELDERBOS LANDSCAPES

19

Association News The latest from APL, BALI, plants@work, SGD and RHS

22

CONTRACTORS LTD

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

39

LEE BESTALL

30 Under 30 Noticeboard

Playing with colour

Updates from previous winners

27

PAUL LYNCH ELMTREE GARDEN

DEBS WINROW

Let’s Hear It From

Crown jewel

Paul Lynch

KENSINGTON GARDENS

30

Company Profile Belderbos

32

Landscape Architect’s Journal Area Landscape Architects

34

View From The Top Marcus Watson

36

Relatively Speaking Andrew Wilson

39

The Evolution Of A Crown Jewel Exploring Kensington Gardens

6

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Contents.indd 6

INSPIRE

45

Urban Oasis

60

Emotive Landscapes

48

All-Purpose Style

Kate Savill

63

Parmé Garden Design

52

Concise Brilliance Playing With Colour Debs Winrow

Light it up Bright inspiration from Collingwood Lighting

65

Kate Gould Gardens

57

Life/Style

Interview We speak to Caribbean Blinds

67

Garden Buildings Five buildings to consider for your next design www.prolandscapermagazine.com

26/04/2019 11:12

CONTENTS

101

52 95 EDUCATE

87

First Impressions Lee Bestall

88

Finishing Touches Sean Butler

90

Broaching The C-Word Shane McCormick shares his story

94

What I’m Reading Rhiannon Williams

95 NURTURE

71

Nurture News News from the UK’s growing sector

72

Plants Of The Month Three industry experts share their choices for May

73 74

Maytime Pruning

79

80

Nursery Focus Architectural Plants

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Contents.indd 7

Branching Out Slow Release Fertilisers

Top Tips For Turf Choosing turf for high footfall areas

83

A Cut Above The Rest Trends for pedestrian mowers

Germinal talks us through the benefits

Thomas Stone

75

97

Creepers new location

Identifying And Treating James Todman

Reesink Turfcare

57 77

Product DNA

Nursery Factfile Robin Tacchi Plants

101 Renson’s Got You Covered A case study on Renson’s Camargue

102 New Ways To Frame The Landscape

AVS Fencing talks latest trends

103 What’s Your Role?

Laura Hathaway-Jenkins

107 Little Interviews Quick-fire questions with the individuals who make up our industry Pro Landscaper / May 2019

7

25/04/2019 15:39

GIVE YOUR BUSINESS MORE TIME

THE WORLD LEADER IN ROBOTIC MOWING

HUSQVARNA AUTOMOWER® IMPROVING EFFICIENCY "Parks and green spaces is an important element of Edinburgh. If we can free up what limited resources we have to look after the borders and plants, it's a winner for everybody because the borders are clean and the grass is still getting cut. It keeps it to a standard that we couldn't keep before”. - Edinburgh City Council

HUSQVARNA AUTOMOWER® COMMERCIAL RANGE • Up to 5000m2 per machine • Manage slopes up to 70% • Husqvarna Fleet Services™

For more information and to locate your local Authorised Husqvarna dealer visit: HUSQVARNA.COM/UK COPYRIGHT © 2019 HUSQVARNA AB (PUBL). ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Pro Landscaper 11 Jan, Advert template.indd 2 Automower Edinburgh correct size.indd 1

14/01/2019 09:12:16 25/04/2019 10:20

INFORM

SPOTLIGHT ON

CONTRIBUTORS

Marcus Watson

Debs Winrow

James Todman

Thomas Stone

Managing director, Ground Control

Creative director, Garden House Design

Topiary specialist, James Todman

Garden consultant, Thomas Stone Horticultural Services

Mental health is a hugely important topic of discussion, with its impact on men being brought to the forefront of these discussions of late.

Marcus explains why it is important to continue this conversation in the work place, and put things in place to support employees who are struggling.

This month, Debs plays with colour in the garden, offering her advice on how to choose a client’s colour palette, areas where you can add a splash of colour and what to bear in mind. Debs also recommends some sources of inspiration, from catalogues and trade shows to florists and your supplier partners.

We welcome James to the Nurture section this month, as he identifies four common pests and diseases which can threaten Buxus sempervirens and tells us how these can be managed. These include box blight, which James says is the one which you should be most concerned by, as well as box rust which is so often mistaken for the concerning box blight.

Thomas joins our Nurture section this month, talking us through pruning at this time of year. With plenty of winter flowering shrubs now ready to prune, Thomas recommends the best techniques to maintain your plants to perfection, so that in less than a year’s time they will be ready to flower once again.

ground-control.co.uk @MDrWatson

gardenhousedesign.co.uk @GardenHouseDsgn

jamestodman.com @jamestodman

thomasdstone.co.uk @TshsHort

Other contributors Andrew Wilson Garden designer and lecturer

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Contributors.indd 9

Lee Bestall Managing director and founder, Bestall & Co

Sean Butler Director, Cube 1994

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

9

25/04/2019 13:55

INFORM

AGENDA HOW CAN WE AS AN INDUSTRY IMPROVE MENTAL WELL-BEING IN THE WORK PLACE?

This month we ask what companies are doing to improve employee’s mental health, how self-employed people can deal with additional stress and how landscaping can improve well-being on a larger scale.

Paul Lynch Managing director, Elmtree Garden Contractors Ltd

Communication is the key. The recent awareness of mental health has definitely helped, but if the management team and supervisors open up about their own feelings and issues, it reduces the stigma and encourages others to do the same. If you bottle feelings up, it can make the issue that much worse. Staff should know that it is not a sign of weakness to talk about feelings or ask for help.

We encourage an open-door policy at Elmtree so staff can talk to each other and to us.

Mental Health First Aid training is very helpful.

We have two trained MH First Aiders who have been on a full two-day course, but even the half day course is great as it raises awareness and 10

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Agenda.indd 10

gets people talking to each other. One of our managers, who is trained as a MH First Aider, was able to use it to help one of his operatives who was suffering with depression. This included talking to his family directly, giving him time off, being patient and flexible with his start times and paying for counselling therapy. He is now back to work full-time and functioning well again as a valuable team member.

We can also introduce talking about well-being in staff reviews as well as performance. Change the language you use in the culture. Instead of ‘crazy’ or ‘psycho’, you should use non-stigmatising terms like poorly, mental illness, health and stress.

Jo Manfredi-Hamer Garden designer, Jo Manfredi-Hamer Garden Design

As a self-employed garden designer, I understand the mental strains of running my own business. Self-employed people frequently undertake many different roles and many of us are very self-critical – leading to a perfect mental health storm.

The good news is that there is a lot we can do to help ourselves. Exercise is medically proven to be beneficial. Meeting up with other designers, through the SGD or otherwise, is a great way to combat isolation. We can also think, at the end of each day, about three good things we have achieved – great for boosting morale. It may help to set healthy boundaries on work hours too.

There is no single solution to fit all, but communication is key. and the industry needs to help to make everyone aware of the actions we can take, whether through providing guidance on websites or through training on mental health.

For those of us who employ others, we can: • send a clear message that employee wellbeing matters • promote work/life balance through sensible hours and flexible working • encourage exercise at lunchtimes • table regular one-to-ones • have a policy for mental health wellbeing so employees know it is taken seriously • make sure HR policies reflect the policy on mental health • signpost other resources such as IAPT (improving access to psychological therapies) services or Mind. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 15:17

INFORM

Steve Smith, Steven Blair and Lee Woodgate Hosts of MENTalk podcast It would be great if organisations took a small amount of their profit and used it to set up a call or text line where members could speak with someone or have access to a therapist or group therapy sessions.

There are a lot of charities out there doing amazing work, but if we were told to go to a group therapy session in the past, as bad as the stereotype is, I’d think any of us would be one of the only male trade professionals in the room.

So, to have something really recognisable which is specifically for tradesmen and people in this industry, something which everyone knew about, would be so beneficial.

A lot of people who approach us just don’t know where to go or who to talk to. If there was an opportunity to go to a group session with others in the industry, then you’d know there would be people there exactly like you who you can relate to.

The MENTalk podcast is a conversation starter and we’re really pleased that we’ve www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Agenda.indd 11

already had people reaching out to us. It just shows that when offered the opportunity to talk to like-minded others, guys who are just like them, people are willing to open up and make that first step to getting help.

Damien Newman Training, education & consultancy manager, Thrive

Thrive views gardens and gardening as great vehicles to good health, but do recognise that there is a big difference between social and therapeutic horticulture (STH) and working within the horticulture industry.

Many people who come into STH come from a background of working in more traditional landscaping industries. They also have often recognised how the working environment can go against the grain and overturn the evidenced

NEXT MONTH

benefits of time in nature and green space.

It is often the pressurised nature of work and isolation within these industries that can lead to mental stress and burnout alongside the traditional physical health risks.

Everyone can benefit from taking note of the ‘five ways to wellbeing’, a practical guide to maintaining good mental health that stems from an analysis of wellbeing literature from the New Economics Forum. The five actions are to: connect, be active, take notice, learn and give.

This means that in our lives we should make room to connect with family, friends and across our community. It also suggests we take time to appreciate beauty and savour the moment where we can, and to make an effort to learn from our experiences. A simple activity that can have a significant impact is rediscovering old interests or just trying something new. Also, it is important to give. Do something for a friend or stranger, whilst recognising the contributions you already make.

How can landscaping help to prevent crime?

Have your say: content@eljays44.com Pro Landscaper / May 2019 11

25/04/2019 14:59

INFORM

NEWS RHS medals announced at RHS Flower Show Cardiff 2019 The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has revealed the award winners at its first major outdoor event of the year the RHS Flower Show Cardiff 2019, supported by Brewin Dolphin.

Nature’s Takeover was awarded the top title of Best Garden and Best Construction while Andy’s Air Plants was awarded Best in Floral Marquee.

First-time designer Diego Carrillo from London teamed up with Smartscape Cardiff to build the Regeneration Garden which received the title after the RHS Judging Panel awarded it a Silver-Guilt medal. In line with the Regeneration Gardens category,

Nature’s Takeover illustrates the simple beauty of nature as the space depicts plants left to grow untamed as they reclaim the space.

Silver medals were awarded to the two Show Gardens, A Reading Room for a Rebel Girl by Anthea Guthrie with Botanica World Discoveries and The Perennial Garden by Peter Donegan alongside Burnham Landscaping, while Brent Purtell and Xardin Garden were awarded a Bronze medal for The Xardin Urban Gallery.

Andy’s Air Plants achieved Best Exhibit in the Floral Marquee, returning for the second year with an intriguing display of bromeliads, terrestrial and epiphytic plants.

Harts Nursery’s display of lilies, spring and summer-flowering bulbs scooped Best Exhibit in the Plant Village. www.rhs.org.uk/ cardiff

Lost pleasure grounds to open at Walmer Castle

Part of Walmer Castle’s gardens, first laid out by William Pitt the Younger and enjoyed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, will soon reopen for the first time in over 100 years.

The reopening was made possible following a £2.3m investment including £1.35m from the National Lottery.

It has also involved a new collaboration with Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN) and includes new education and visitor facilities.

People can explore every corner of the castle’s 11 acre historic grounds and discover its lost quarry garden for the first time.

As part of the project at Walmer, English Heritage has created two new horticultural apprenticeships. It has also almost doubled the volunteering opportunities in the historic gardens, reaching a wide range of local community groups.

Working in collaboration with Kent Refugee Action Network, groups of young refugees have been taking part in volunteering workshops and will continue to do so. A new children’s play trail has been created, as well as an improved visitor facilities by adding a new Glasshouse café, toilets and better access routes. www.english-heritage.org.uk

Mitie wins extension to NHS contract Mitie has won a fourth year of a major contract delivering engineering, landscaping and security services to NHS Property Services.

The new award means Mitie will continue to deliver mechanical and electrical services, building maintenance, security and grounds maintenance to the public body which owns a portfolio of 3,500 12

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

News with Chelsea Diary.indd 12

buildings, representing about 10% of the entire NHS estate.

The new term starts in April 2019 and run for another year.

Mitie has delivered these services since 2016, meeting the needs of NHS Property Services, which manages health centres, GP surgeries, hospitals and offices as part of a £3bn portfolio. When Mitie originally won the contract, a

further 2,300 individual contracts were consolidated into five key areas. This delivered significant cost savings, which were invested back into frontline patient services.

Carlo Alloni, managing director, engineering and integrated FM, Mitie, says: “We are delighted to have extended our contract with NHS Property Services into a fourth year. This requires a large-

scale mobile facilities management operation across a wide range of services, showcasing the breadth of expertise we can bring.

“Delivering on our commitments in the original contract has earned this extension. It also enables NHS Property Services to use the cost savings we have generated to reinvest in patient care.” www.mitie.com www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 15:04

INFORM

small project, BIG IMPACT Awards returns We are excited to announce that following the success of the 2018 awards the Pro Landscaper small project BIG IMPACT awards will return for a second year.

Applications open on 1 May 2019 and close on 30 August, with the winners being announced on 19 November 2019 at FutureScape. We can also confirm that we have an array of fantastic judges for this year’s awards, Matt Keightley, Brian Herbert, Sarah Eberle, James Scott, Holly Youde, Ross Conquest, Alistair Bayford, Ian Drummond, Helen Elks-Smith, Sean Butler and Richard Barnard!

Managing director, Jim Wilkinson says: “Last year we launched Pro Landscaper small project BIG Impact awards to recognise and

promote the projects that sometimes get overlooked. small project “To design and build an BIG IMPACT outstanding garden, transforming the space or designed a fabulous garden for and delivering client satisfaction, under £25k then you need to enter all on a small budget is an amazing the awards. You can’t win unless skill. We believe that last year’s you enter.” awards exceeded our greatest expectations, the entries were Categories include: outstanding and the final winners • Design under £25,000 – were certainly a credit to the sponsored by Provender landscaping sector.

Nurseries “This year’s awards will • Build under £25,000 be bigger and better. We’ve • Design and Build under £25,000 introduced some additional • Planting design under £20,000 categories, already lined up are • Special feature under £20,000 some excellent independent judges and we have great New categories include: commitment • Hard landscaping only under from the £25,000 – sponsored by Kebur sponsors.

Garden Marerials My advice to • Temporary installation under landscapers £25,000. To enter visit and designers prolandscapermagazine.com is don’t or contact Laura Harris be shy! If on 01903 777 570 or email you’ve built laura.harris@eljays44.com.

LI launches new biosecurity toolkit for landscape consultants The Landscape Institute (LI) has published a new plant health and biosecurity toolkit to help landscape professionals tackle the pests and diseases that threaten our landscapes.

Plant health and biosecurity issues present a major threat to ecosystem resilience. And with the uncertainty in the UK’s trading future with the EU, it is crucial that those in the landscape sector www.prolandscapermagazine.com

News with Chelsea Diary.indd 13

implement biosecurity principles at every stage of their work.

Plant pests and diseases are normal characteristics of the environment and usually exist in equilibrium with their hosts, which naturally limit their spread.

On a landscape scale, some pests and diseases can be beneficial in terms of habitat creation and contributing to the carbon cycle.

LIVE

One important practical feature of the toolkit is the species selection guide – an A–Z list of the 90 most common genera encountered by landscape professionals. The guide sets out the risks from pests and diseases and actions to mitigate them. www.landscapeinstitute.org

NEWS IN BRIEF 30 under 30: The Next Generation Awards

Sponsored by Green-tech, 30 Under 30: The Next Generation is back for 2019.

These awards recognise the work that young people across the horticulture and landscape sectors put into their career.

To find out more information and to request your application visit: prolandscapermagazine. com/30u30

Pro Landscaper Live Events See below the dates and locations we will be visiting for Pro Landscaper LIVE. Thursday 30 May 2019.

Pro Landscaper LIVE Cheshire, The Mere.

Thursday 13 June 2019.

Pro Landscaper LIVE Kent, Spa Hotel. prolandscapermagazine.com

LIVE

Paul Stone appointed as new head of horticulture at The Eden Project

Award-winning garden designer Paul Stone has been appointed Head of Horticulture at the Eden Project.

Paul has been part of the Eden horticultural team from the beginning and is now in charge of a team of 50, working within several areas across the project. www.edenproject.com

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 13

25/04/2019 15:05

INFORM

Piet Oudolf documentary is released Five Seasons: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf is an immersion in the life and work of the most influential landscape designer of the last 50 years. Piet is responsible for New York’s High Line and many other iconic urban spaces.

Closer to home, Piet designed the landscaping for the entire

site at Hauser & Wirth Somerset.

Five Seasons is set to change the way we think about and indeed regard beauty itself. The designer is celebrated by gardeners for his revolutionary designs, by ecologists for his contributions to bio-diversity, by horticulturalists for his unrivalled knowledge of plants,

and by the art, design and fashion worlds for his innovative aesthetics.

Piet has achieved a level of influence and cultural relevance, rarely, if ever, attained by, in his own words, a modest plantsman.

Filmmaker Thomas Piper visits many of Piet’s iconic works,

including the designer’s garden in Holland and public works in New York, Chicago, and the UK. As well as sources of inspiration ranging from German industrial parks to the deep woods of Pennsylvania, and a Texas wildflower explosion. www.fiveseasonsmovie.com/ piet-oudolf-movie-trailer

Chelsea diary DAN RIDDLESTON, BOWLES & WYER

Garden The Warner’s Distillery Garden Designer Helen Elks-Smith Sponsor Warner’s Distillery

T

here are just a few weeks to go now until RHS Chelsea opens its gates. As we prepare to go on site, everything is progressing well.

There’s still a lot to do, but because we’ve already built as much as we can off site, we can now focus on the finer details. With the pavilion’s steel frame erected we’ve been able to take measurements for the copper

fascia and the timber cladding to go on the underside of the roof, so we can now position the joints exactly where Helen wants them. We’re aiming to complete most of the pavilion in advance including

14

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

News with Chelsea Diary.indd 14

the dry stonewalls, so by time we get to Chelsea, around 70 per cent of them will have been built. We’ve even tested how we will transport them to the showground, vigorously shaking them on a fork lift truck to see how they will fare in transit.

Of course, we can’t expect everything to go smoothly. It takes just one late delivery to throw things out of sequence, leaving us to think on our feet and reorganise our plans. Our experience of building large show gardens means we’re adept at dealing with most problems, though.

The most important thing to do when we arrive on site is to make sure we can plug in the kettle.

After that the construction equipment will arrive and we’ll begin setting out and excavating.

Space is always tight so it’s important to coordinate deliveries with the garden next door – we don’t want to fall out with our neighbours – but our skilled workforce is expert at manoeuvring all types of vehicles and knowing exactly what to use for each job.

Unusually, on The Warner’s Distillery Garden, there will be more filling than digging as the floor of the pavilion is 45cm above ground level rising to 70cm at the back. We’ll lift in the structures as early as possible before moving on to the paving and boulders. The proof will come when the pavilion is in position and we’ve installed the beautiful copper work that will form the central water feature. We don’t want it to be damaged so this will be one of the last things we do as well as fitting the bespoke glass panels that will form one wall.

By the second week most of the construction work will be done and we’ll release the rear of the site to the planting team, having visited Deepdale in Easter to work out the delivery schedule for the trees. Everything’s on track but there’s still work to be done off site, not least finalising all the health and safety documents to make for a smooth arrival on the 30 April, and keeping a close eye on the weather. A warm, dry build makes everyone’s life easier but if there’s one thing we can’t control it’s the elements.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 15:05

INFORM

TOM STUART-SMITH

The RHS Bridgewater Garden Pro Landscaper speaks to award-winning landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith about his RHS Bridgewater Garden at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show

T

om Stuart-Smith has designed a feature garden for this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The unjudged show garden is to promote the ongoing development of the RHS’s latest garden in Salford, RHS Garden Bridgewater, which is set to open to the public next year. The RHS says the garden in Greater Manchester is considered to be one of the most remarkable and outstanding projects in its 215-year history.

Tom says that Sue Biggs, director general of the RHS, approached him to build the feature garden earlier in the year: “My initial reaction was it’s quite a short space of time. But although it’s a bit of a rush, it would be great to have the publicity for Bridgewater. That was the main reason I agreed, but also for a fun challenge.”

Located on the prominent triangle position at Chelsea, the design allows a preview of what to expect at the upcoming garden in

Greater Manchester.

This contemporary design, sponsored by M&G Investments, is double the size of standard Chelsea show gardens, and is divided by paths with the patterns based on the mathematical arrangement of The Voronoi diagram. Tom says: “The Chelsea garden is a collage of all the parts of the Bridgewater garden. In a way, it’s not really a garden, it’s more like an exhibition stand.”

THE CHELSEA GARDEN IS A COLLAGE OF ALL THE PARTS OF THE BRIDGEWATER GARDEN Defined by three distinct segments, the planting includes a canopy made up of Cornus kousa while sculptural focal points are provided via the inclusion of seven clipped Beech domes.

The plant species selected for this design – including Iris sibirica, Rodgersia and Darmera – are chosen to thrive in damp, mossy soils, similar to the ones located around Bridgewater.

Tom says: “It’s completely defined by what we’re planting at Bridgewater, which is quite a damp, peaky clay meadow, so all the species have to be adapted to that.”

Tom recently said that he thought he would never do another Chelsea garden, but told Pro

Landscaper he wanted to give this challenge a go despite his doubts surrounding the world famous flower show: “I’m an avid supporter of the RHS, but my main problem with Chelsea is the show gardens are generally quite wasteful.”

When this year’s Chelsea flower show concludes the whole of his feature garden will be relocated and reconstructed at Bridgewater.

Reusing the plants within the design was vital for Tom. “I wanted to do a garden where everything that was used was recycled. We are actually using trees that we’re going to be using in the walled garden at Bridgewater. If everything we made was going to be reused in the garden, then there wouldn’t be very much waste.”

When asked if he’d appear at Chelsea in the future, Tom says he would like to see some changes at the show first. “Chelsea’s good fun to do, but maybe its format will change to make it more interesting. I think that there is scope for this, for Chelsea to have a different kind of approach.” www.tomstuartsmith.co.uk

Find out what else the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has to offer this year in our exclusive show guide...

SPONSORED BY

Chelsea final ones.indd 4

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

News Extra Bridgewater Tom Stuart-Smith.indd 15

16/04/2019 15:27

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 15

25/04/2019 13:06

INFORM

Bristol

LIVE PRO LANDSCAPER LIVE

SO FAR...

Pro Landscaper LIVE events for 2019 have kicked off, aiming to inform, educate, and inspire the industry throughout the UK

O

ur first stop was Bristol on 27 March at De Vere, Tortworth Court. Here, the seminar programme included why it can be beneficial to be a member of a landscaping association and whether companies offering a design and build service is the future. There were also discussions around sourcing landscaping products online, lighting a project, and maximising the supply chain.

The following month, on 11 April, we took our LIVE event to a new venue in Northampton, hosting a jam-packed seminar programme at Whittlebury Hall.

A presentation by leading soil scientist Tim O’Hare was followed by a debate on the pros and cons of the British Standards.

Industry leaders discussed how they use social media, and the day closed with an expert panel on sustainable planting.

16

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Pro Landscaper Live.indd 16

There are still two more stops for Pro Landscaper LIVE...

Northampton

• Pro Landscaper LIVE Cheshire 30 May at The Mere, Knutsford • Pro Landscaper LIVE Kent 13 June at The Spa Hotel, Royal Tunbridge Wells Interested in joining us?

Contact Chris via email on chris.anderson@eljays44.com or call 01903 777588 to register to attend.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 14:41

GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE CANTER 3.5t Get your hands on a Canter 3.5t Dropside for £75* a week Expertly navigate through parks, woodland and the suburban streets of Britain with this small but mighty truck. With a 1.5t body/payload allowance, the smallest turning circle in its class and a cab width of under 2m, the Canter 3.5t can go anywhere a van can go. A 7t max gross train weight means it’s strong enough to pull chippers, plant trailers and ride-on mowers, with no special training required, this strong yet agile truck packs a punch.

Canter can do loads more. To find out more visit Canter.co.uk

*BUSINESS USERS ONLY. Weekly equivalent for illustration purposes only, monthly payments apply. £321.00 a month over a 48 month Agility agreement. £8,538.19 customer deposit including VAT. £6,250.00 optional final payment. Based on a Canter 3C13 2.5m Wheelbase Dropside. Mileage and damage charges apply. 10,000 miles per annum. Offer ends 30/06/2019.

Mercedes-Benz Finance.

Advert template.indd 3

25/04/2019 10:22

New Porcelain Ranges for 2019 2019 sees the introduction of 10 NEW ranges, each offering a different feel, colour, surface finish and size format.

Request y F REE c o our py 2019 br och of our ure now!

Here is a taster of some of our new breathtaking ranges...

Colosso The showstopping 1200mm x 1200mm flagstone

Athos

Ravana

Thea

Cronus

Guidare Robust 30mm thick porcelain paving designed for driveways

Como

Garda

Monza

Orta

Romano The romantic cobbles available in 2 sizes

Calcare

Ferro

Porfido

Terracotta

For samples, brochures, local stockists and further information simply call or email us: 0330 333 8030 | enquiries@vitripiazza.co.uk www.vitripiazza.co.uk Advert template.indd 4

25/04/2019 10:23

INFORM

ASSOCIATION

NEWS

BALI briefing

BALI’s stand of two halves at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019 Working closely with registered members Biotecture, Tim Wells Nurseries and SAiGE Longlife Decking, BALI’s trade stand for this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show will promote member specialisms in designing, building and maintaining stunning domestic and commercial schemes with a high-quality visual presentation of foliage and flowering plant species. Offering visitors a sensory and immersive experience, the trade stand will come alive with fragrant varieties, colourful displays and quality landscaping materials.

BALI supports LI’s plant health and biosecurity toolkit launch The Landscape Institute has published a new plant health and biosecurity toolkit to help environmental professionals combat Britain’s biggest pests and diseases.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Association News.indd 19

Food and Rural Affairs), has pledged his commitment to supporting the Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group and its work, in which BALI plays an active role as sponsor, for the foreseeable future Awards host Mark Durden-Smith ©Ruth Crafer at a recent OHRTG MP pledges support BALI meeting. BALI, which has for landscape and Awards a proud history of lobbying horticulture industry news important industry matters at Rt Hon Robert Goodwill, The BALI government level is pleased Member of Parliament for team is to see an emphasis on Scarborough and Whitby, pleased to announce Mark continued ministerial support as well as Minister of State Durden-Smith as the host for for the land-based sector.

(Department for Environment, the 43rd BALI Awards which will take place on 6 December 2019 – Mark is a well-known sport and lifestyle presenter whose versatility has seen him front everything from sports coverage to reality contests, cookery programmes to morning magazine shows.

The BALI team is delighted to have secured Mark as the host for the BALI Awards 2019 and very much looks forward to working with him. www.bali.org.uk BALI RHS Chelsea 2018 Launched in partnership with BALI and other professional bodies, the resource is a huge milestone.

It is the first comprehensive, dedicated biosecurity guide for landscape architects, garden designers, consultants and contractors. You can download the toolkit at: www.bali.org.uk/help-andadvice/industry/plant-health

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 19

25/04/2019 15:24

INFORM

RHS report

RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2018

11–12 May: Wildlife Weekend, RHS Garden Hyde Hall Visitors can learn all about the wildlife that can be found in their own gardens. Local wildlife experts will be guiding estate walks with the Hyde Hall team.

21–25 May, RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Royal

Hospital Chelsea Encouraging people to reconnect with nature is a key theme at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show with gardens celebrating the beauty of the natural world. Seventime Gold medal winning designer Andy Sturgeon is back for show sponsor M&G Investments, drawing inspiration for his garden from nature’s power to regenerate.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2018

©RHS Luke MacGregor

9–12 May, RHS Malvern Spring Festival, Three Counties Showground Home to stunning show gardens, innovative ideas for small spaces and a Floral Marquee bursting with the UK’s leading nurseries, RHS Malvern is the perfect spring treat. This year’s theme pays homage to the silver-halide process used to capture photographic images, which celebrates its 180th anniversary by taking a look ‘through the lens’,

©RHS/Neil Hepworth

with a series of photographic exhibits that explores gardening through time.

The woodland landscape will be colonised by young trees, ferns and jewel-like flowers, interspersed

with stone platforms and huge burnt timber sculptures representing natural rock formations.

25 May–2 June: Get Set, Grow! Half Term Family Fun Head to the RHS Gardens for opportunities to try out practical gardening activities, crafts and games for all the family and fascinating trails to discover seasonal highlights.

Events include storytelling with the Garden Detectives at Harlow Carr and Hyde Hall, spring garden trails at Rosemoor, and pot-to-plate cookery classes and an outdoor maze at Wisley. www.rhs.org.uk

APL update Home Solutions Partnership Garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Live Home Solutions from John Lewis has joined up with the APL to create a Partnership garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Live. The Partnership

20

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Association News.indd 20

Garden from Home Solutions has been fully installed by John Lewis Partners and Home Solutions landscaping teams, with a design by a Waitrose Partner, Shaun Beale.

Home Solutions works with the best local landscapers and gardeners in the business and backs its work with a 12-month John Lewis guarantee. All of the landscapers and gardeners Home Solutions works with are members of the APL. The garden will be showcased during the fourday event at NEC Birmingham from

13–16 June. Specialists from the Home Solutions team, APL and Longstock Park Nursery will be there to speak to visitors. Samples of Leckford estate sparkling wine will also be available for visitors to enjoy whilst walking through the garden.

Any members or nonmembers interested in joining the John Lewis Home Solutions landscaping scheme should contact APL general manager Phil Tremayne at phil.tremayne@hta.org.uk.

APL WorldSkills UK Look out for news on the heats for this year’s APL WorldSkills UK competition. We have had a record amount of entries

and it is great to see so many young people willing to challenge themselves in the Olympics of landscaping.

APL Awards 2020 Don’t forget APL Awards 2020 entries closes soon – please ensure your entries are in by the end of May. Show season Going into show season the APL would like to wish all members the best of luck in their various garden builds this year. Don’t forget to provide the APL team with images and information so we can ensure we maximise promotion of your builds. www.landscaper.org.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 15:23

INFORM

SGD bulletin Thrive announced as charity partner for SGD Awards 2020 The SGD has announced Thrive as its charity partner for the SGD Awards 2020, following partnerships with both Greenfingers and Perennial in the last seven years. The money will be raised at the SGD Awards Ceremony, which will be staged on Friday 31 January 2020.

Thrive specialises in using therapeutic horticulture to improve people’s lives. Working with people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities,

autism, long-term illness and those with poor mental health, the charity uses plants and gardens in a process known as Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) to help improve physical and mental health as well as communication and thinking skills. Thrive also uses the

garden as a safe and secure place to develop social skills, as well as life skills that will help their clients live more independently.

The charity, which is the UK’s leading social and therapeutic horticulture training organisation, was established over 40 years ago. It has centres in Birmingham, London and Reading.

Lynne Marcus MSGD, Council Member for the SGD Awards, said: “The Society is delighted to be working with such a worthy charity as Thrive.

It’s an organisation that many of our members are familiar with and a cause that we all actively support. We hope the partnership will help them to continue their invaluable work.”

Thrive’s Fundraising Manager, Stacey Lewis, said: “Raising Thrive’s profile is incredibly

important to us, in order to achieve the goal of supporting more people through therapeutic horticulture. It’s a real honour to be chosen by the SGD as its charity partner for the upcoming Awards.”

The SGD Awards, which is in its eighth year, is now open for entries for 2020. In total, 16 award categories are open to SGD Members ranging from Large Residential Garden and Planting Design to Garden Jewel and International Garden. A new Beth Chatto Garden Award has also been introduced for 2020. www.sgdawards.com

plants@work outline #LetLondonBreathe By the time you read this the new emission laws in London will have been in action for about two weeks. They operate 24 hours a day to reduce air pollution and call on vehicles to pay fines if they don’t meet the requirements. Essentially this means all diesel vehicles including lorries, buses and

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Association News.indd 21

coaches will be charged £100 a day for using the Central London area and £12.50 for cars, vans and motorbikes.

These charges will be in addition to the congestion charge and may be higher if the vehicle is more than four years old.

All vehicles will have to meet Euro standards or the charges will be greater.

Reducing pollution in our capital city can only be a good thing and we are told it will spread to other large UK cities too.

When studies suggest that by 2050, 60% of

the world will be urbanised, this can’t come soon enough.

Initiative from the Mayor of London This initiative in London is the

Green wall on Regal House, Gold Award winning project by Biotecture Ltd

work of the London mayor, Sadiq Khan who expects this initiative, along with ‘greener’ London buses, to reduce pollution by 45% in two years.

He’s also planning on planting more trees and

providing more space for walking and cycling, as well as making it easier for people to know how to choose greener cars.

Why are we commenting?

We think these restrictions should definitely make a difference, but we just wanted to say that green walls and green screens, particularly around schools are also making a difference.

Research has shown that green walls on the outside of buildings can absorb toxins and fine dust particles. An added bonus is that they help absorb the busy city noise too.

For more information, visit: www.plantsatwork.org.uk

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 21

25/04/2019 15:23

INFORM

30 UNDER 30

noticeboard

INEZ WILLIAMS

ANCA PANAIT

LUC

Anca Panait Studio

Inez has proudly been appointed a GoLandscape Ambassador. The aim of the programme, in association with British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), is to encourage young people to join the landscape industry by bringing together real-life stories and exemplary projects from leading landscape industry organisations and individuals.

Inez looks forward to getting involved with the three key objectives of the programme: • To inspire: promoting the landscape industry within schools, colleges and universities supporting students and showing just how varied the industry is • To encourage retention: encouraging reconnection between industry and colleges • To combat landscaping industry issues: helping close the skills gap.

This is a great opportunity to showcase the variety of roles within the sector and highlight the huge potential for a successful career within the landscape industry.

You can read more about the GoLandscape scheme and how to get involved on their webpages.

Anca Panait has been working on a series of illustrations for three different RHS shows that promote community allotments as a way of bringing people together.

As well as celebrating the beautiful dahlias where large floral displays will allow visitors to immerse themselves within thousands of blooming dahlias. One of Anca’s favourite illustrations is the Iconic Horticultural Hero show garden, which pays homage to plantswoman Beth Chatto. It’s designed as a gravel garden that shows plants that can survive in difficult situations in an unpredictable climate. Anca commented that she “felt grateful to get a preview of the layout and planting list and be able to create a personal artistic impression”.

Hampton Court

Make sure you keep an eye out at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2019 for some of our 30 under 30s.

Tom Simpson has designed an immersive walkthrough space for Cancer Research UK as tribute to those who have pledged legacy gifts in their wills to the charity, funding progress towards a day when all cancers are cured. The design will be built by Rosebank Landscaping.

Caitlin McLaughlin’s ‘Urban Pollinator’ garden encourages pollination, helping bees to thrive and supporting biodiversity. Her design is sponsored by Warner’s and is being built by Conway Landscapes.

Elsewhere in the magazine…

Kate Savill talks to us about her work, inspirations, hobbies and travel goals on pages 60 for our Life/Style piece.

On page 94, Rhiannon Williams talks us through Sowing Beauty by professor James Hitchmough and why it appealed to her.

Make sure you check out the Chelsea supplement where Ross Conquest talks us through the two gardens he will be building, and Lilly Gomm shares her design for this year’s Hillier Nurseries Exhibit.

SPONSORED

Chelsea final

BY

ones.indd 4

16/04/2019

22

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

30 U 30 noticeboard.indd 22

15:27

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 15:11

All the fencing you’ll ever need AVS Fencing & Landscaping have the largest range of fences in the South East, from contemporary to classic and even noise-reducing. Visit your nearest branch today.

Aylesbury

01296 747048

Basingstoke

01256 381585

Bishop’s Stortford

01920 822055

Guildford

01483 410960

Havant

02392 412445

Henfield

01273 492969

Lewes

01273 814567

Peterborough

01733 343030

Rudgwick

01403 823401

Wokingham

01189 893475

AV S F E N C I N G . C O . U K FENCING • DECKING • PAVING • AGGREGATES • GATES • TRELLIS

Full Page Ad Pro - Landscaper April 2019.indd 1 Advert template.indd 5

24/04/2019 25/04/2019 16:22 10:23

small project

BIG IMPACT Celebrating projects with a value under £25k Pro Landscaper’s small project BIG IMPACT awards return for 2019

tries n e r o f n e p o w o N SPBI DPS.indd 1

16/04/2019 14:55

Pro Landscaper’s small project BIG IMPACT celebrates projects with a value under £25,000, showing smaller projects are just as important for the industry’s reputation as their larger counterparts.

DESIGN

UNDER £25,000

BUILD

UNDER £25,000

SPECIAL FEATURE

PLANTING DESIGN

UNDER £20,000

DESIGN & BUILD

UNDER £25,000

NEW FOR 2019

UNDER £20,000

HARD LANDSCAPING ONLY UNDER £25,000

www.prolandscapermagazine.com/spbi SPBI DPS.indd 2

16/04/2019 14:56

#ThisIsLondonStone

www.londonstone.co.uk

JURA BEIGE LIMESTONE Designed by John Davies Landscape | www.johndavieslandscape.co.uk Built by The Garden Builders | www.gardenbuilders.co.uk

More than just porcelain_prolandscaper.indd 1 Advert template.indd 6

25/04/2019 08:41:39 25/04/2019 10:25

INFORM

Let’s hear it from

PAUL LYNCH MANAGING DIRECTOR OF

ELMTREE GARDEN CONTRACTORS LTD Paul Lynch recalls turning points in the 50-year history of Elmtree Garden Contractors, and highlights the rewards of staff training

O

ver the last five decades, Elmtree Garden Contractors has built a remarkable reputation and become renowned for its attention to detail to the projects it undertakes and the welfare of its staff.

It was this particular trait that was recognised at the Pro Landscaper Business Awards in February. In its 50th year, the Bristol-based company was announced as the Supreme Winner, selected for its “commitment to the

industry and to staff training”, said Giles Heap, managing director of award sponsor CED Stone Group.

For Elmtree’s managing director Paul Lynch, it was: “probably the best moment of my personal career,” he says. “We have always believed in winning projects based on merit instead of putting profit first. We hope to be able to use this award to win further exciting projects.”

WE’VE ALWAYS BELIEVED IN WINNING PROJECTS BASED ON MERIT INSTEAD OF PUTTING PROFIT FIRST Each year the company invests £40,000 in staff training, using a combination of Lantra, NPTC and in-house training in areas such as management, disability awareness, lone working, and customer care and communication.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Let's Hear it From Paul Lynch of Elmtree.indd 27

“We have a training matrix which we look at every month to see what we need to do,” says Paul. Recent examples of training include a spraying course for four of the team, and a Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) for an individual member of staff.

“As long as there’s a business case for the training, we’ll say yes to it,” explains Paul. This extends to ensure there is support for any mental health issues as well.

In November 2018, Elmtree gained its first Mental Health First Aider after a member of staff completed a two-day course via MHFA England, while a further two personnel undertook training in February this year.

This commitment to training was particularly evident when the company took on a member of staff who had been unemployed for six years and was taking medication for depression.

Accordingly, the team provided him with additional support for the first three months of Pro Landscaper / May 2019 27

25/04/2019 11:00

INFORM

LANDSCAPING FOR NEW BUILDS, FOR INSTANCE, CAN LEAD TO ONGOING MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS work, such as training, mentoring, reduced hours and transport to and from the workplace.

He is now excelling at the company, which unsurprisingly gained Investors in People Silver accreditation in 2012.

Elmtree is now an award-winning company of 45 employees, plus the subcontractors it works with on a regular basis and the additional grounds maintenance staff it takes on over the summer, bringing the total closer to 60.

The business’s growth has been steady and substantial, since Keith Lynch, the current chairman and Paul’s father, started the company. “My dad was in Avon Fire & Rescue Service,” says Paul. “He started up the business part-time with another fireman, undertaking domestic work. Within three years, they’d gained a couple of commercial contracts, one with Wimpey Homes (now Taylor Wimpey) who we still work for. He also secured a couple of large maintenance contracts for local councils.

“The other fireman was promoted within the fire brigade and had to leave, so my dad bought out his share.”

Paul would help out during school holidays and on the weekends. “I used to love working outside in the summer and enjoyed

28

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Let's Hear it From Paul Lynch of Elmtree.indd 28

landscaping. I think my dad always hoped I would take over the business, but I wasn’t sure at the time. Then once I had left school, there was nothing that looked more appealing than landscaping, so I went to Pershore College for a year to gain an NCH in Horticulture then started working straight away.”

Before heading off to Pershore, Paul worked through the process of gaining the BS5750 (now ISO9002) accreditation for Elmtree, writing the policy himself using the BALI guidebook when he was just 17 years of age.

It signalled the future success Paul would bring to the business, though he refuses to take sole credit, saying he couldn’t have grown Elmtree without contracts director Marcus Bird.

“He is amazing, he knows the market really well.

We met whilst he was working for another company which was subcontracting for us on a project in Bath. Marcus and I had quite similar values, such as wanting to do the job properly and not taking shortcuts or skimping on materials. For me, profit is still important, but I want to be proud of the job I’ve achieved.

Marcus shares these values, so we knew we’d work well together.”

Marcus joined Elmtree in 2013, when the company’s turnover was below £2m. For the last financial year, its turnover was £4.2m, and Elmtree is on track to reach a £4.8m turnover in 2019, a 200% growth in six years.

Marcus is now a shareholder in the company as well as director.

“I always had a vision of where I wanted the company to go, but I was too busy to take a step back and look at the overall strategy,” says Paul. “When Marcus started, he was able to take some of the work off my hands, so I had a

AS WE’VE GROWN, WE’VE PROMOTED FROM WITHIN THE COMPANY bit more time. Within two years, it was clear Marcus was overrun and so we had to promote somebody to help him. It’s grown from there. We have a landscape manager, Mark Harris, who manages the new build work, and a grounds maintenance manager, Simon

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 11:01

INFORM

Palmer, who was promoted about three years ago when this side of the business was picking up. They’re based nearby.

“Once the new build picked up again, we promoted our customer care manager Leigh Naden. So far, as we’ve grown, we’ve promoted on the whole from within the company, only a few personnel have come from outside. Of course it’s vital to have a strong back office support team, which we are also fortunate to have in estimating, finance, design and administration.”

The work Elmtree undertakes is currently 85% landscape construction – 65% is new build and 20% is in the commercial sector – for companies such as Skanska and Kier. The remaining 15% is grounds maintenance, which has increased over the last couple of years and Paul says the work continues to grow.

Landscaping for new builds, for instance, can lead to ongoing maintenance contracts.

Going forward, Paul says there is likely to be even more growth at Elmtree, though not in staff numbers. “It will probably be through partnership with some of our subcontractors a bit more. For example, the biggest project we’re doing now is at the Wild Place Project in Bristol. We’re building the 800m-long timber www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Let's Hear it From Paul Lynch of Elmtree.indd 29

ELMTREE HAS BECOME RENOWNED FOR ITS ATTENTION TO DETAIL, NOT ONLY ON THE PROJECTS IT UNDERTAKES BUT ALSO WITH ITS MEMBERS OF STAFF walkway as well as creating a couple of classrooms up there. The total contract will be worth about £700K at the end and has all got to be finished by May. We’ve only got four of our own team working up there – the rest are subcontractors. So, we’d like to be able to do more of this.”

With the business going from strength to strength, would Paul consider selling it?

“We get a lot of phone calls,” he says, “but I’m enjoying what I do at the moment and so is Marcus. For the moment, the answer would be, no. But in a few years’ time, who knows?”

Now celebrating 50 years, there’s bound to be plenty more successes for Elmtree, and the list of those interested in buying the awardwinning company can only continue to grow.

1 Sales complex, Longcross in Surrey 2 Stoke Gifford Retirement Village, Bristol 3 Paintworks in Bristol, a development Elmtree worked on with Crest Nicholson 4 Bristol Business Park 5 The operations team at Elmtree 6 Winners at Pro Landscaper Business Awards 2018 7 Paul inspecting plants in Holland 8 Paul and Marcus accept the Pro Landscaper Supreme Winner Award 9 Ready to lay the turf in Daventry 10 Tree planting, Bristol Harbourside

CONTACT Elmtree Garden Contractors Ltd Torrs Farm, Pilning, Bristol BS35 4JJ Tel: 01454 633 560 info@elmtreegarden.co.uk www.elmtreegarden.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 29

25/04/2019 11:04

INFORM

COMPANY

PROFILE Pro Landscaper visits the new headquarters at Belderbos Landscapes to speak with founders Ed and Claire about the continual growth of the business

How was the business established?

Claire: We began business on 19 May 2004.

Ed: I studied Landscape Architecture in Manchester in the nineties and had always wanted to set up a landscaping business.

Our first project was a £3K 5m x 5m garden in Earlsfield. We had worked on private projects for friends beforehand, but this was our first professional job. From there, we completed a project in Tooting, followed by a large driveway in Buckinghamshire. We would travel wherever an opportunity took us. Initially, the gardens were designed and built in house, but then we started to involve designers. Since then approximately 50% of the gardens we build are on behalf of external designers.

Why did you start contacting garden designers?

Ed: It made sense to team up with designers in order to keep everyone busy. We were developing skilled and enthusiastic landscape teams. Once you have good people working in the team, you are in a position of responsibility

BELDERBOS LANDSCAPES

in numbers

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Company Profile Belderbos.indd 30

What’s the structure of the company now?

Claire: There are five managers, and about 15 people in the office. On site, there are 30–40 people, and 12 in our maintenance team.

Established 2004 Employees 40 Breakdown 80% landscaping, 20% maintenance Awards RHS Chelsea 3 Golds and 1 Silver-Gilt Turnover £4m to keep them occupied, and inspired by new challenges, so it drives you to get more work.

We regularly build for designers such as Shelley Hugh-Jones, Peter Reader, Sara Jane Rothwell and Olivia Rossi. We know how each other works and there is a strong element of trust which helps on all levels. Future projects include working with Tom Massey on a driveway in Richmond and building for Matt Childs at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show.

Can you tell us about a memorable project?

A residential project, on a commercial scale in Marlow, which we won via Sarah Eberle, involved reshaping a chalk valley and major earthworks over a two-year period. The exhilaration of winning the tender was rapidly replaced by the daunting task of making it happen.

However, the team rose to the challenge and Sarah was flexible and great to work with. For us, the completed project is definitely one of our key milestones over the past 15 years.

30

Claire and Ed Belderbos

Are designers aware that you offer design facilities?

Ed: Yes, many like the fact that we’re a bit of a ‘melting pot’ of ideas and enjoy the challenge of working with new materials.

For instance, when we worked with Marcus Barnett Designs, we used precast concrete wood-embossed planters for a retro hotel project located near London’s King’s Cross.

Black sprayed bamboo was selected for a Central London roof terrace, designed by Nicola Wakefield, and we installed bronze-sprayed stainless steel sculptures in a project for Andy Sturgeon in Holland Park.

Is the maintenance side of your work relevant to all your projects?

Claire: To begin with, maintenance work applied to just the gardens we landscape, but now this is an important, stand-alone part of our business. Around 90% of this work is domestic, www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 12:58

INFORM

safely, but also because it increases efficiency through planning. Most of our team leaders have attended SSTS courses, and we are now CHAS accredited.

So, this time next year the business will be bigger?

Claire: Yes, if the market allows it. We’re stronger than we were a year ago, both in terms of skills, talent and infrastructure.

We want to grow the maintenance because that generates a recurring revenue with local clients. We also really enjoy building for external garden designers, so we are always looking to expand our network here. We’re not looking to make drastic changes.

and is for owners of high-end, residential gardens in London.

Ed: For us maintenance is a real selling point.

Garden designers want to ensure their projects are developed in line with their vision, and this, of course, extends to maintenance.

Do you undertake any interior landscaping?

Ed: Yes, there is an increasing trend in indoor planting both in offices and restaurants and hotels. This has led to a variety of projects working with Sara Jane Rothwell including the newly opened Sushi Samba in Covent Garden.

For a typical build, how much of the work is hard and soft landscaping?

Ed: We split this around two years ago. When the hard landscaping is complete, the soft landscaping begins. Our hard and soft landscaping are separate teams. The great thing about having a soft landscaping team and a maintenance team is that they are fairly interchangeable – if we’re short on maintenance staff, the soft landscapers are drafted in to help out, and vice versa. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Company Profile Belderbos.indd 31

Is the design work a separate charge?

Ed: Yes, we have always charged separately for our designs.

What are your future plans for the business?

Claire: We have a clearly defined management structure for each business unit in place and this is working really well for the company as a whole. With some exciting recent projects, as well as our office relocation, there is a buzz and positive can-do attitude which emanates throughout the team. It’s a real pleasure to come to the office each day.

Our employees possess all the right intentions – they’re loyal, enthusiastic and hardworking. The team dynamic works well – and everything is falling into place. Of course, we acknowledge the Brexit influence, but obviously any subsequent loss of confidence is beyond our control. However, we will be prepared for it and do everything we can.

Ed: We want to grow and improve on all levels as we develop. Health and safety compliance is now looked on in a positive way, not just because it ensures that sites and staff operate

Will the size and value of the projects change?

Claire: The size and value of projects have certainly increased, but we’re still happy to design and landscape small gardens if the budget is realistic. Our client base is quite broad.

A client with a realistic budget for a small garden, especially if they are local, is ideal.

Ed: The most simple work can often be the most profitable. The size of our projects varies hugely due to also having the maintenance team, so we will do a simple project with a value of £500 to a large project of about £1m.

Claire: One thing we have started doing is establishing more alliances and relationships with other companies. We have trusting relationships with developers, other landscapers and interior designers who frequently refer work to us.

1 Some of the team outside the new office 2 Marlow project with Sarah Eberle 3S outh West London garden designed

by Shelley Hugh-Jones.

4 RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2018 designed by Sarah Eberle 5 Sushi Samba project team

CONTACT Belderbos Landscapes Limited 7 Greenlea Park, Prince George’s Road London, SW19 2JD Tel: 020 8940 2832 Instagram: belderboslandscapes Twitter: @BelderbosLand Email: info@belderbos.co.uk Web: www.belderbos.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 31

25/04/2019 12:58

Zenith House Podium Courtyard

INFORM

North Lodge Park, Cromer

Brackley Town Hall

First Avenue Pocket Park

LANDSCAPE

ARCHITECT’S JOURNAL

Charlotte Norman of AREA Landscape Architects, talks about the influence of design styles from other cultures on their diverse body of work Max and Charlotte Norman met at Gustafson Porter in London where they were both completing work on Battersea Power Station. Subsequently, they moved to Suffolk where they started AREA from the summer house in their garden. Initially collaborating on projects with Grant Associates and Frances Christie of remapp chartered landscape architects, within a year the pair had a number of projects on the go, including work on the masterplan for City Park West in Chelmsford.

AREA took on its first member of staff in 2009 and moved to waterfront offices in Ipswich from where they expanded to a happy and busy office of five to seven staff members.

Sadly, Max passed away in 2015, and Charlotte now runs the business based at a self-built studio at Pin Mill on the banks of the 32

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Architects journal.indd 32

River Orwell, and the ethos of the company is the same as it was from the start: strong and simple, with coherent structure, elegant robust details and minimal clutter. AREA regards every project as a new challenge, where the aim is to design a rational, robust, but hopefully beautiful response to the unique demands of a site, a client’s budget and the needs of end users.

Charlotte’s teenage years in Norway are a strong influence in her work. “Norwegian architecture is so responsive to the landscape, to light and to space, and was in stark contrast to the chintz and fussiness of English tastes in the 1980s,” Charlotte explains.

“I also spent six years of the 1990s in Japan, where towns and cities are for the most part chaotic and cluttered. Living here made me appreciate our UK planning system which helps keep a check on development and tries to balance conflicting and complex pressures on places,” she says.

While her time in Japan made Charlotte appreciate the UK’s urban green spaces, she

Gillespie Park, Islington

also found inspiration in examples of traditional and contemporary Japanese architecture, art, garden and product design.

“I love the work of Japanese architects Tadao Ando and Kazuyo Sejima and the Finnish great Alvar Aalto amongst many others.”

AREA’s projects focus on civic space, urban housing developments, education and play in London and the South East.

STAND-OUT PROJECTS The £180m Anglia Ruskin site in Chelmsford – City Park West – is the company’s largest project to date and almost complete after 12 years. The redevelopment has created around 500 mixed tenure city homes, new retail and commercial space as well as the restoration of three listed buildings. It includes an extensive area of connected public spaces – four squares, residents’ gardens, play spaces, new streets, and pedestrian and cycle routes – on what was a typical town centre rabbit-warren campus site.

Charlotte touches upon the heart of the www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 15:13

The Livity School, Lambeth

INFORM

CPW AK Building

Langdon Plotlands Interpretation Concept

Gillespie Park, Islington

©Anthony Cullen

Westgate Theatre Square

Mistley Place Park, Essex

City Park West: Phase 1 and 2 landscape masterplan

Ruth Chittock and Charlotte Norman

project: “The Crossing is named for its location as a hub at the intersection of the many pedestrian routes and desire lines.” It is graced by a veteran oak tree, providing a stately link with the past, and incorporates new seating, lighting, planting, water and play elements. At its centre is the Saltmarsh Pool, which is a unique water feature whose organic forms reflect the distinctive patterns found in the estuarine saltmarsh of coastal Essex.

THE ULTIMATE AIM IS TO DESIGN A RATIONAL, ROBUST, BUT HOPEFULLY BEAUTIFUL RESPONSE TO THE UNIQUE DEMANDS OF A SITE Since 2007 AREA has worked on the scheme from the early masterplan stage through to preparing detailed designs for tender, then later monitoring quality. “We are very excited to be in the process of inspecting the final stage of landscape works after 12 years – for us, this www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Architects journal.indd 33

project feels rather like a child that’s finally leaving home,” Charlotte says.

Another project, located in South London, is The Livity School in Lambeth – a primary school for children with a wide variety of complex learning needs. AREA created a series of stimulating places for outdoor play and learning on a challenging urban site. For this the company won the 2014 Civic Trust Award.

“The main challenge was to acquire the best possible understanding of the needs of the pupils, present and future, as well as the teachers and parents,” Charlotte explains.

AREA worked alongside a wider design team and carried out extensive briefing and consultation to establish the brief. The design elements are bespoke, with an emphasis on non-prescriptive and creative play opportunities for physical challenge and fun.

FUTURE PLANS And there are further exciting projects on the horizon for AREA, including landscape design

for a new visitor centre and the creation of a wayfinding concept at former ‘Plotlands’ for Essex Wildlife Trust. Alongside planting trees, there will be selective management of young woodland and scrub to create an enhanced habitat mosaic. AREA will also create a new education garden, with improved access to an existing pond for schools and community groups. Drainage swales will also be created as part of sitewide SuDS strategy.

AREA is also looking into introducing a ‘camp school’ concept into primary schools. This is a one-night, back to basics camping experience that aims to encourage connecting children with the outdoors.

CONTACT AREA Landscape Architects Blackhouse Studio, Pin Mill Ipswich IP9 1JN Tel: +44 (0)1473 781994 Email: office@area-la.com www.area-la.com

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 33

25/04/2019 15:14

VIEW FROM THE TOP MARCUS WATSON

Marcus Watson of Ground Control utilises the idea of “if we care, they care”, and how bolstering mental health at work can do more than we may realise In the early hours of a cold February morning, a team of night workers were working near a railway station when they noticed what appeared to be a female reveller waiting for a train, looking worse for wear. As they went over to investigate and offer help, the young girl looked too young to be out alone and was soaking wet. It was clear to them that she was in a serious condition and suffering from hypothermia.

They acted immediately, alerted the emergency services, trying to keep her warm in the meantime. As they later came to understand, the teenage girl had attempted suicide by walking into the freezing sea before having a change of heart.

On that exact same night, another team spotted a man in a stationary car, engine running, sadly trying to end his life. Once again, the team investigated and realised something was wrong. They acted quickly and pulled the man out of his car before seeking assistance.

The man was suffering from PTSD. In both instances, the team saw something odd. These heroes acted selflessly because

34

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

View From The Top.indd 34

human instinct told them that it was the right thing to do.

This raises the question, if people will step in and help complete strangers, how should companies care for the well-being and mental health of their own colleagues?

The figures are alarming, approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression, in any given week. Suicide remains the leading cause of death for males aged 35 to 49 years.

YOU CAN TRAIN STAFF TO BE MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDERS THROUGHOUT THE BUSINESS AT ALL LEVELS AND LOCATIONS These are staggering statistics. Fortunately, but belatedly, mental health and well-being are terms which society is beginning to talk about more openly these days. Our industry must play its part in recognising and tackling these issues, providing support, care and compassion to those people who need it and with whom we work every day. Indeed, it is high time for well-being and mental health to be viewed the same as the health and safety of our bodies.

Luckily, there are many things that organisations can do to help, and some of the interventions can be obtained via reputable third-party

providers to suit the needs of any organisation.

These may include: • Training staff in mental health first aid • Providing 24/7 access to an effective and confidential Employee Assistance Programme, giving colleagues access to a range of advice, including face-to-face and telephone counselling • Providing bespoke interventions with specialist counsellors • Focusing on mental health in company communications • Holding fundraising to support and raise awareness for great charities such as Mind and Samaritans • Promoting ‘Action for Happiness’ initiatives.

Of course, it is not just about having a mental health and well-being programme in place. The most important thing of all perhaps is to talk openly about these very real issues.

Let’s remove any stigma.

ABOUT MARCUS WATSON Joining Ground Control in 2011, Marcus Watson champions outstanding customer service and innovation in the grounds maintenance, arboriculture and landscaping sectors. In 2016 Ground Control was recognised with a Queen’s Award for Innovation, celebrating the company’s application of technology.

www.ground-control.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 10:49

Tough, everyday performance to rely on.

G SERIES: Powerful and robust ride-on mowing solutions If you’re going to spend all day riding a mower, make sure it’s the right one. Visit our website or talk to your dealer now to find out how our G series has everything you need to make mowing more efficient and productive: powerful but economic Kubota engines, superb twin-cut mower deck, highly efficient cut and collection. And for all day comfort, power steering, cruise control plus a high back suspension seat as standard.

Contact your local dealer or visit our website for more details. www.kubota.co.uk

Prolandscaper G Series_265X210_G SERIES.indd 1 Advert template.indd 7

T: 01844 873190

15/04/2019 25/04/2019 12:45 10:25

INFORM

RELATIVELY SPEAKING ANDREW WILSON

Andrew Wilson considers time and our use of this precious commodity I have to confess to becoming a recent convert to Gogglebox. When it first appeared, I wondered why anyone would want to watch others watching TV, but now I enjoy its humour and the chance to reflect on the reactions and responses of others.

Recently, there was coverage of Mary Berry playing drums for Rick Astley at Camp Bestival.

Slightly bizarre I know, but she was there to promote alternative, made to order fast food.

Her aim was to show how good food needn’t take long.

My wife and I are keen foodies but possibly in the minority now of people who produce fresh, home cooked meals every evening. So, when Mary suggested it would take five minutes to prepare a dish, we thought that sounded okay. By contrast, the Gogglebox audience howled in derision suggesting that fast food for them would be selecting and cooking a frozen pizza or phoning for a take-away.

Our interest in good food and cooking means that we are happy to dedicate time to

36

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Andrew Wilson.indd 36

its production. Shorter preparation times are certainly acceptable but don’t always produce the depth or richness of flavour of a more involved dish.

As ever there are parallels to the garden world here in which our clients are for ever looking for labour saving responses from the designer. Incredible planting results – yes please – with little or no maintenance – yes please – looking great within weeks after planting – yes please – and still looking great through the winter – absolutely!

WE ARE SPECIALISTS IN DELIVERING SUCCESSFUL AND SUSTAINABLE GARDENS AND LANDSCAPES AND NEED TO PROCLAIM THEIR VALUE IN MUCH MORE THAN PURELY FINANCIAL OR TIME SAVING TERMS With the average time a British person spends gardening per week standing at or below 20 minutes (that is any form of gardening – lawns and all) most of our design responses to a client’s low maintenance request would find us in a Gogglebox situation, heckled with derisive guffaws.

But, why does everything in our world have to be executed in minimal time and can we persuade people to savour and value a worthwhile time input and the qualities that might produce? If we are all intent on saving time on meal

production or garden maintenance what are we doing with all the spare time this produces?

More time to watch TV, for gaming, for socialising, for sport?

The list is of course endless but not all of these opportunities create great rewards.

I would say that the activities that do provide a lasting quality, a sense of pride and achievement, are those that involve a reasonable input of time and energy together with a tangible result. The production of a good meal is one such activity, and gardening is another.

Perhaps instead of agreeing to demands for lower and lower maintenance regimes in the gardens that we create, we take a wider view.

We might concentrate on the benefits of a well-designed garden, a well-maintained planting regime, of gardening and plant husbandry or perhaps food production and the way in which these activities might enrich our lives and improve our health and well-being.

Our problem I think is that within our world we all know these benefits and talk about them freely when we meet each other. When we step out of that world, we need to communicate that same message and yet so often we fail. We are specialists in delivering successful and sustainable gardens and landscapes and need to proclaim their value in much more than purely financial or time saving terms. More importantly we need to deliver the message in a way that is meaningful, tangible and achievable for the many outside our hallowed profession.

Pictured: Hertfordshire gravel garden by Andrew Wilson and Gavin McWilliam. Successful planting design results need more than 20 minutes per week!

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

www.lcgd.org.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 10:43

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON For the first entry deadline

Visit baliawards.co.uk to view the categories, entry criteria and submit online today Registered Contractor/ Registered Designer/Group Early Bird Discount Deadline: 24 April 2019 Final Deadline: 5 June 2019 International/Affiliate/Employer Excellence Early Bird Discount Deadline: 5 June 2019 Final Deadline: 10 July 2019

Headline Sponsor

Sponsors

BALI Awards Ceremony: Friday 6 December 2019 JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London For general enquiries please contact Leah Brookes +44 (0)2475 185613 / +44 (0)7931 810210 or email leah.brookes@bali.org.uk For sponsorship opportunities please contact Diane McCulloch +44 (0)2475 185614 / +44 (0)7455 110975 or email diane.mcculloch@bali.org.uk

baliawards.co.uk BALI_Awards baliawards

Advert template.indd 8

25/04/2019 10:26

Drive to Success with Resin Drives Choose a resin bound installation team with BBA certification and over 10 years experience: ✔ Ideal for public pathways, hotels, car parks and leisure facilities ✔ Quick drying time to allow access as soon as possible ✔ 10 times more environmentally friendly than concrete ✔ Wheelchair friendly with anti-slip surface and great tyre traction for public safety Alternatively, order resin supplies online for your landscaping business ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Guaranteed next day delivery Two optional pick-up points Expert advice and hands-on training Huge range of dried aggregates, rubber mulch and resin grid systems

Call 01274 699233 for commercial installation or visit www.resindrivestrade.co.uk to order online Collection Points

West Yorkshire

South Wales

01274 699233 01656 667866

Unit 4D Armytage Road Brighouse HD6 1QF

Advert template.indd 9

Unit 17A Kingsway Buildings Bridgend Ind Est, Bridgend CF31 3RY

Approved Materials & Systems Cert No 18/5476

Resindrives.co.uk is a trading name of resindrives.co.uk ltd.

25/04/2019 10:26

INFORM

The evolution of a

CROWN JEWEL Kensington Gardens, one of the royal parks of London, has a character all of its own, distinct from its neigbour Hyde Park, and borne from a rich and varied horticultural history

S

itting immediately to the west of Hyde Park in one of the most visitor-rich areas of London, Kensington Gardens are shared by the City of Westminster and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in western central London.

Stretching from Kensington High Street to the south up to Bayswater in the north across an area of around 270 acres, there is perhaps no more civilised – or more historic – place to go out for a stroll in our nation’s capital. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Phil Mason Kensington Gardens.indd 39

A rich history The story of Kensington Gardens stretches back to the early 16th century when the land was appropriated by Henry VIII as a hunting ground.

It gained its current unique identity meanwhile – as opposed to merely being the western portion of Hyde Park – in the 1720s at the request of Queen Caroline (the wife of George II), who at the time resided in Kensington Palace.

The job was finished in the 1860s, when the last piece of land previously designated as Hyde Park was co-opted as the site of the Albert

Memorial, just north of the Royal Albert Hall.

Speaking of the process through which Kensington Gardens gained its current identity, park manager Andrew Williams says: “The evolution of Kensington Gardens is inextricably linked to the royal residence at the palace, which itself only came into existence when William of Orange and Mary II purchased the site in 1689. It was formerly a mansion known as Nottingham House, owned by Heneage Finch, the First Earl of Nottingham.

The main period of change in relation Pro Landscaper / May 2019 39

25/04/2019 14:29

INFORM

to the gardens themselves came in the early 18th century when Queen Caroline brought in designer Charles Bridgeman, who laid out a baroque style of landscaping across the site.

That’s survived to this day, with Kensington Gardens generally being regarded as one of Bridgeman’s most intact landscapes.”

According to Andrew, the focus of the new garden was the palace itself, in front of which Bridgeman dug a round pond, colloquially known as the Goose Foot. From this several tree-lined avenues were constructed, according to a design intended to provide visitors with numerous different views of the main building, as well as of peripheral structures such as the Queens Temple.

KENSINGTON GARDENS REPRESENTS ONE OF THE MOST WELL-PRESERVED EXAMPLES OF THE DESIGNS OF CHARLES BRIDGEMAN STILL IN EXISTENCE At the same time, Bridgeman and Queen Caroline also set about damming the Westbourne Stream in order to create a long strip of water separating Kensington Gardens from its big brother Hyde Park, while at the same time linking up to the Serpentine to the south – this became known as The Long Water.

Providing more information about the site’s 40

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Phil Mason Kensington Gardens.indd 40

evolution, Andrew says: “Following the changes carried out by Bridgeman in the 18th century, the next 100 years saw the addition of the Italian Gardens at the northern end of The Long Water, as commissioned by Prince Albert. The south flower walk was added around the same time, as well as several beds of seasonal flowers and perennials.

“Moving into the Edwardian period, the park began to be associated with the playwright JM Barrie, and in particular with Peter Pan. Barrie lived locally and bequeathed some money for a playground, which first opened in 1909 in the north west corner. That site is now occupied by the Princess Diana memorial playground, but the inspiration for it is still derived in particular from Barrie’s work. There’s a galleon and teepees with the emphasis on imaginative play with a managed element of risk.”

Designed by James Pennethorne, the Italian Gardens layout takes inspiration from The Isle of Wight where the royal family spent its holidays.

Features include a collection of stone statues, a white marble Tazza fountain and four main basins featuring central rosettes carved in Carrara marble.

One particularly memorable and romantic feature of the garden is Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s initials carved on one of walls of the pump house, towards the north of the site.

still in existence. While the layout of the site has remained roughly the same with the passing of the centuries, the planting-up strategy has had to move with the times.

Discussing this – particularly in relation to the aforementioned tree-lined avenues emanating from Kensington Palace – Andrew explains: “We’re probably on our third layer of successional planting in relation to the avenues in particular.

When the gardens were originally laid out for instance, the predominant species would have been Elm and Lime, but now we’re experimenting with things, specifically Ulmus Lutece because of its resistance to Dutch Elm disease. We put them in the ground in the last couple of years and they

Planting and maintenance As mentioned by Andrew, Kensington Gardens represents one of the most well-preserved examples of the designs of Charles Bridgeman www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 14:30

INFORM

seem to be establishing well.” Elaborating on the theme, he continues: “About four years ago, we looked at our avenues plan, and identified something like ten years’ worth of planting which needed to be done. Another example would be the Norway Maples in the main boardwalk, which have a lovely rich buttery autumn colour but don’t necessarily thrive in that context.

We’ve lost a few through defects, and we’re considering replacing those with more consistent parkland trees.”

The process of maintaining Kensington Gardens to such an incredibly high standard takes a considerable amount of effort. This is reflected, according to Andrew, not just in the number of people employed to work in the park, but also the manner in which they work.

These consist of a very forward-looking maintenance crew, augmented by a fourperson park management team, as well as a number of specialists looking at areas such as arboriculture, ecology, sustainability and landscaping. Those running the park also receive a certain level of input from parties outside the organisation, such as the Ancient Tree Forum – members of which recently attended a seminar about veteran tree management hosted on site.

At the same time, management is also held accountable by arguably the most important set of stakeholders – the users of the park themselves. Speaking of the variety of different ways in which members of the public

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Phil Mason Kensington Gardens.indd 41

WE ALSO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO STAGE UP TO FOUR MAJOR EVENTS HERE EVERY YEAR currently interact with the site, Andrew says: “In the past few years the park has expanded its offer, holding a range of activities such as the nature club, volunteering on the allotments and so on. The London half marathon comes through Kensington Gardens as well.

“As written into our major events strategy, we also have the opportunity to stage up to four major events here every year, which we hold on the lawns east and west of the main Albert Memorial. Recently Burberry has put on fashion shows, as well as productions such as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

“Of course, we also have our dog walkers, and people just coming for a nice day out as well. They act as our eyes and ears across the park, and we likewise have a very close relationship with The Friends of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.”

Despite their close proximity, one wonders how Kensington Gardens is able to differentiate itself from its more gregarious neighbour, but Andrew believes there is no need to labour this point as the characters of each are so distinctly different from one another.

“You can say that across all the Royal Parks,” Andrew summarises, “they’re all uniquely special.”

1 The Italian Gardens ©Max Rush/The Royal Parks 2 The Henry Moore Arch ©Greywolf/The Royal Parks 3 Blossom in Kensington Gardens ©Greywolf/The Royal Parks 4 The Italian Gardens ©Max Rush/The Royal Parks 5 Peter Pan sculpture ©Max Rush/The Royal Parks

CONTACT The Royal Parks Tel: +44 (0)300 061 2000 www.royalparks.org.uk

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 41

25/04/2019 14:31

UKMade_210x265_18_3_19:Layout 1 18/03/2019 10:54 Page 1

New for 2019 - Bespoke planter range made in the U.K.

Corten Steel, Aluminium and Fibreglass.

Any size, shape, colour and finish.

01892 890 353 sales@thepotco.com

www.thepotco.com Advert template.indd 10

25/04/2019 10:27

EMOTIVE LANDSCAPES

45

The Mandrake Hotel

ALL-PURPOSE STYLE

48

PARMÉ GARDEN DESIGN Contemporary meets traditional

CONCISE BRILLIANCE

52

KATE GOULD GARDENS Wild West End Garden

INTERVIEW CARIBBEAN BLINDS

65

Managing director Stuart Dantzic answers our questions

PLUS...

INSPIRE

URBAN OASIS

60

DEBS WINROW (P57) LIFE/STYLE (P60) LIGHTING (P63) GARDEN BUILDINGS (P67)

57 INSPIRE cover.indd 43

25/04/2019 15:07

SAVE THE DATE

19 NOVEMBER 2019 | 9AM - 5PM

SANDOWN PARK RACECOURSE, ESHER, SURREY, KT10 9AJ

THE UK’S LARGEST LANDSCAPING EXHIBITION HEADLINE SPONSOR

WWW.FUTURESCAPEEVENT.COM Advert save the template.indd date FP.indd 11 1

25/04/2019 17/04/2019 10:27 09:59

PORTFOLIO

URBAN OASIS DESIGNER: BUREAU BAS SMETS CONTRACTOR: EMOTIVE LANDSCAPES Climbing plants and a series of walkways at The Mandrake Hotel offer tranquil escapism in the heart of London’s fashionable West End

I

n 2013/2014 a previous RIBA award-winning Fitzrovian office block, located 400m from Oxford Street with a unique large open-air courtyard had been bought by a private individual with the intention of transforming it into an ultra-luxury boutique hotel. The external space, so large and integral to the design intent that even prior to a successful planning application, the landscape scheme was being planned and provisioned for. So it was in spring 2014 that Guy Jones of Emotive Landscapes received a call from Bas Smets – a Brussels based landscape architect – asking him to come on board as contractor and horticultural advisor for this project.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 45

PORTFOLIO

Design It was agreed that Emotive Landscapes would install a mock-up of the planting, using troughs as planters. Bas Smets had conceptualised the idea of cladding the walkways of this central space with climbing plants. However, in November 2014, it was discovered that there was no structural capacity in the existing walkways to absorb the

The suggestion was made to grow plants in the void of the structural box section steel which would support the walkway. By adding internal stiffening plates it was possible to cut the top off the box steel and repurpose the void as a planter, removing the need for further metalwork or a separate planter.

PROJECT DETAILS

extra load of So successful was the planters. this design solution Work was that the additional halted whilst the structural capacity Project value strip out contractor afforded by the Soft landscaping was instructed to redesigned walkways ÂŁ30,000 install temporary allowed, through Consultancy/planning steel supports cantilevering, 2.5 years to enable the additions to be made mock-up. This was to the interior design.

Size of project a success and the 10 x 17 x 16m scheme was Materials approved at the To direct the final end of 2014. design of the steel However, the restrictive loading capacity of the work it was necessary to determine walkways remained. the weight of the growing media To avoid cluttering the open courtyard with which would be used. Emotive Landscapes various unattractive structural supports, the therefore set about approaching compost solution, despite the cost and time required, suppliers to produce a growing media which was to completely rebuild the walkways. This would perform appropriately with the climbing provided the opportunity to design the planters plants in mind. It needed to be lightweight and into the new walkways and, at the suggestion of have a tested and dependable saturated weight.

Guy Jones, add an additional walkway on the The limitation of using this void in the north elevation to allow a four-sided planting. structural steel was the narrow width of 28cm.

The challenge was how to plant at the maximum size with the desired varieties into a narrow planter.

Emotive Landscapes solved this by contract growing the plants in Pistoia, Italy with the plants potted in appropriate container sizes.

It was also decided to put tree ferns in the basement bar, with the requirement that the top of trunks in their pots needed be the exact height of the first floor terrace. These were sourced and potted to size from current UK stock.

WINNER

Best outdoor and landscape space Global Ahead Awards 2018

46

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Build By autumn 2016, the structural steelwork was in place, and it was decided to conduct a further mock up to test a variety of plant species and planting arrangements. The mock up was installed to the entire south facade and was in place for the winter, providing an opportunity to test the growing media and winter performance of these climbers.

From the mock up three plant types were selected. Trachelospermum jasminoides, Solanum album, Passiflora caerulea and with some negotiation the contract-grown plants were edited accordingly. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

PORTFOLIO

Emotive Landscapes also became responsible for the design and installation of the wiring that the plants would grow on, as well as planting up a greenhouse set amongst the climbing plants, which would be used as a private dining space.

In order to optimise growth prior to the opening, Emotive Landscapes insisted on a May installation and by mid 2017 the contract was complete. The client’s desire for maximum growth meant that Emotive Landscapes continued to visit the site twice a week, calibrating the irrigation and feeding the plants so that by late July the desired growth was achieved and the urban oasis was born.

Life after the build Upon entering the Mandrake hotel, one is transported into a different world. An urban tropical oasis, hidden away from the busy streets of Fitzrovia. It is unique in every sense and Emotive Landscapes is very proud that its efforts were recognised as the global winners of Best Outdoor Space in the Ahead Awards in 2019.

Due to the complexity of the installation, Guy Jones continues to be involved on a day to day basis, offering training and support for the hotel staff and the external maintenance company. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

1V ertical vegetative walls of Trachelospermum, Passiflora and Solanum cloak the courtyard 2T he greenhouse and rebuilt walkways 3B asement tree ferns anchor the design of the vertical vegetative walls 4P rior to opening August 2017 5C onceptual design photo and drawing ŠBBS Studios 62 014 mock up (note: temporary red steel works)

REFERENCES Plants Kolff Plants

www.kolff.com Growing media Sinclair Pro

www.sinclairpro.com Sundries BHGS

www.bhgsltd.co.uk

BUILD

ABOUT EMOTIVE LANDSCAPES Emotive Landscapes is an international award-winning landscape design and build practice. Based in Cheltenham and run by Guy Jones, it produces high-quality, timeless outdoor spaces with a focus on exceptional customer service and attention to detail. Its portfolio spans rural and urban settings, making each project imaginative whilst never compromising on quality. www.emotivelandscapes.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 47

PORTFOLIO

ALL-PURPOSE STYLE PARMÉ GARDEN DESIGN This courtyard has been redefined with a mix of contemporary and traditional elements to become a year-round relaxation spot

BRONZE

APL DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

48

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Portfolio 2 Daisy Barn Project.indd 48

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 14:05

PORTFOLIO

H

for the garden to look colourful and attractive all aving previously designed and year with a country feel but not to look twee, planted the main communal keeping that contemporary edge. Because the courtyard, driveway and two of clients entertain a lot, the courtyard covered all the four gardens at Kinnerton possibilities that weather could throw at it and Barns, Parmé Garden Design was asked to was designed to be warm and cosy long into the design the client’s own rear garden. The client’s evening. Light and heat was considered and an garden was previously used for washing cows outdoor speaker system was installed. and was largely left as slurry.

With the benefit of space The Build and a trusting client, Parmé An old cow barn was Garden Design wanted to converted into a games room, create something that sat so this had to sit well within well within both its the garden and all the hard countryside surroundings landscaping had to flow well and the traditional round it. There was a height appearance of the barn Project value difference, but the Millboard conversion, but still reflected £150,000+ deck and stainless-steel wire the modernity of the clients’ and post railings worked well. interiors with a Build time Permanent structures were contemporary twist on a One year added on a key axis of the country garden, by using garden, viewed from the elegant materials, topiary Size of project (approx) house, to also provide the and beautiful perennials.

950m2 perfect opportunity to grow In March, this garden climbing roses and Clematis. won Bronze in the Garden The pergola is over a Designer of the Year central path edged in lavender between four category at the APL Awards.

Buxus parterre that leads to a seating area and small slate water feature backed by strongly The Brief scented roses. Multi-stem trees, Amelanchier The client requested that the garden be left lamarckii, provide a balance to either side. To this open to the views of the fields beyond. end, flowering trees and trees with autumn However, the designer felt that some height was

PROJECT DETAILS

needed to create context and delineation of space across the garden.

The clients wanted to have a lawn that allowed for a 12ft trampoline. They were keen www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Portfolio 2 Daisy Barn Project.indd 49

1 Seating area with slate sphere water feature 2 Tulips provide a burst of spring colour 3 Renson’s ‘Camargue’ pergola Pro Landscaper / May 2019 49

25/04/2019 14:06

PORTFOLIO

interest were planted including some fantastic multi-stem Amelanchiers. These provide interest during the day and look fantastic at night.

The Harrod Horticultural contemporary pergola was selected for its clean lines and simplicity of design. The square style gives it a classic but fashionable feel which sat well with the traditional style of the barn conversion and married with the contemporary materials used in the garden.

The main garden also featured a dining patio and a separate all-weather deck wrapping round a games room. The entertaining courtyard features a deck in the same material and a Renson all-weather pergola, with sound, light and heat, retractable sides, rain sensors, and a gas fire pit.

Challenges The garden is set significantly lower than the fields that surround it. It is built on solid clay, which is wet in the winter and rock hard in the summer. It is also very exposed, and the wind whistles up over the fields down and across in to the garden. All the planting had to meet these criteria to cope with these multiple conditions – wet soil, dry soil, wind, hot sun in summer and drying winds.

A graduated bank was built to help with the height difference and to also provide a beautiful planted boundary which borrows from the landscape beyond, blurring the line between garden and field. They also underestimated how far the cows could reach to munch on planting – a couple of dwarf cherries were lost before it was rectified with a double post and rail.

Weeds are a constant battle so close to fields of grass, so Parmé Garden Design had to be smart with their mulch selection. The team researched choices with the best coverage and made an effort to be considerate with membranes and any unnecessary cracks and crevices.

ABOUT PARMÉ DESIGN Parmé Design is a successful Garden Design Consultancy based in Cheshire. Parmé Garden Design has been designing, building and planting beautiful gardens in Cheshire, the Wirral, North Wales, Dorset, Sussex and Hampshire, for over 15 years.

It specialises and delights in rejuvenating tired borders and creating beautiful planting plans. www.parmegardendesign.com

50

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Portfolio 2 Daisy Barn Project.indd 50

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 14:08

PORTFOLIO

4 Cottage Garden favourites sit well in the countryside setting 5 Blues, purples and silvers complement the grey decking from Millboard and the contemporary steel balustrading 6 Harrod Horticultural’s contemporary pergola provides height and defines difference spaces in the garden 7 Stonemarket’s ‘Exilis’ split face walling in Harvest Mix provides texture to the raised beds on the dining terrace 8 Cows at the railing – the garden is never short of visitors!

9 The all-weather pergola can be used all year round

REFERENCES Designer

Containers

Clare McEnery

The Pot Company

www.parmegardendesign.com Paving Stonemarket

www.stonemarket.co.uk Marshalls

www.thepotco.com Plants, topiary, trees and bulbs Best 4 Hedging

www.best4hedging.co.uk

www.marshalls.co.uk

Peter Nyssen Ltd

Split face walling

De Jaeger

Stonemarket

www.peternyssen.com www.dejager.co.uk

www.stonemarket.co.uk

Grasslands Nursery

Copings

Plant Supports UK Ltd

Stonemarket

www.stonemarket.co.uk Pergola in main garden Harrod Horticultural

www.harrodhorticultural.com Pergola in courtyard Renson

www.renson-outdoor.com

www.grasslands.co.uk www.plantsupports.co.uk Paramount Plants & Garden

www.paramountplants.co.uk Bannister Hall Nursery

www.bannisterhall.com Ornamental trees Ltd

www.ornamental-trees.co.uk Greenhills Nursery

www.greenhills-nursery.co.uk

Decking Millboard

BEFORE www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Portfolio 2 Daisy Barn Project.indd 51

www.millboard.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 51

25/04/2019 14:08

PORTFOLIO

PROJECT DETAILS Build time Two weeks Size of project 10m2

52

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Portfolio 3.indd 52

25/04/2019 14:02

PORTFOLIO

2018 RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW RHS Gold medal, Space To Grow

CONCISE BRILLIANCE KATE GOULD GARDENS This show garden relocated to London's West End after winning an RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold medal for its tight dimensions

E

xcelling in the new Space To Grow category, Kate Gould Gardens scooped a Gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last year.

The New West End Garden with its energy-harvesting technology and precise plant selection was designed as a modern interpretation of a London square – a concept that the public could engage with.

This part of the brief was crucial as the show garden was to relocate close to Oxford Street in the city centre where 142 million visitors flock each year.

The original show garden was commissioned by the New West End Company, a retail-led business partnership which collaborated with the Sir Simon Milton Foundation, a charity which helps young people gain education and training to help them join the workforce in Westminster.

Futuristic technology was used within the show garden at Chelsea. Paving slabs supplied

by Pavegen generate electricity when stepped on, powering the water feature, lighting and fans. This innovative paving can also be used in conjunction with solar power, and although they were not part of the garden which was Pro Landscaper / May 2019 53

Portfolio 3.indd 53

25/04/2019 14:02

PORTFOLIO

REFERENCES Plants Deepdale Trees

www.deepdale-trees.co.uk Todd’s Botanics

www.toddsbotanics.co.uk David Austin Roses

www.davidaustinroses.co.uk Planters and seating Bespoke

Designed by Kate Gould

relocated, Pavegen is looking to roll out this impressive technology in the capital.

To help tackle noise pollution, mixed evergreen ferns were used in the vertical green walls around elegant window frames. With nearly 9,500 people reportedly dying early each year in London due to long-term exposure to air pollution, one of the key considerations for selecting the plants for the garden was to choose those that are able to absorb pollution and carbon dioxide to help create clean air. Varieties such as Acer ginnala, Cornus kousa, Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ and Heptacodium miconioides were chosen, as well as Cercidiphyllum japonicum and Rehmannia elata.

After Chelsea, most of these plants were relocated to Old Quebec Street in Marylebone, where the elements of the garden were adapted to suit the new location, ribboning down the pavement with the green walls and window frames.

One of the biggest challenges, along with the logistics of working in central London and the health and safety requirements, was that the relocated elements of the show garden would need to sit above ground rather than digging up the tarmac as it would only be serving as a temporary installation.

The trees were therefore placed in large planters, with new spaces created to sit amongst these and the living walls. The plant selection had been heavily weighted towards May for the flower show, but Kate Gould Gardens had also taken into account the climate when these plants would be moved to a built-up area, where some of the

plants would be in full sun and others under shade. The plants need to be manually watered from a bowser as there was no way of irrigating the site.

The relocated show garden now provides a strip of green to central London and a retreat from one of the busiest streets in the world. It will also hopefully provide a habitat for some of the species with high conservation priority which have been spotted in the area, such as the Leisler’s bat and the black redstart.

This new tranquil space is one of many to be added to this part of London as part of the Wild West End, a project aiming to improve biodiversity and air quality. It was relocated as part of a partnership between the New West End Company, the Sir Simon Milton Foundation, The Portman Estate, Baker Street Quarter Partnership, and Marble Arch London BID. The new area had a warm reception after opening to the public last year and will remain in Old Quebec Street until the end of 2019.

1 Energy-harvesting paving uses the power of human footsteps to generate electricity for lights, fans and the water feature (New West End Garden, RHS Chelsea 2018) ©Helen Fickling 2 A sunken courtyard with water feature creates a peaceful sanctuary for relaxation (New West End Garden, RHS Chelsea 2018) ©Helen Fickling 3 The green walls and pergola reconfigured with bench seating for Old Quebec Street ©New West End Company 4 Greening urban spaces is imperative for the health of our cities (Wild West End Garden, Old Quebec Street) ©New West End Company 5 Green walls planted with ferns absorb sound as well as pollution in built-up urban areas (New West End Garden, RHS Chelsea 2018) ©RHS/Sarah Cuttle

ABOUT KATE GOULD Founded in 1999, Kate Gould Gardens has grown organically from a one-woman design studio to a full-service design and build company. Kate has built a tight-knit, talented team that shares her passion, values and commitment. She is known for her innovative, fearless and practical designs and her enduring love of plants is always evident in each every one of her projects. www.kategouldgardens.com

54

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Portfolio 3.indd 54

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 14:03

Superior quality designer meadows from seed and PMTurf based on 20 years of research and development

ma

Choose fro

As

d an

tly balance

of perfec wide range

rdens across

nal Trust ga

and Natio seen in RHS

the

Advert template.indd 12

rope.

ens across Eu

nical Gard UK, and Bota

Request your catalogue now: 01142 677 635 PictorialMeadows.co.uk

igns

eadow des

erennial m nual and p

Meadow seed and PMTurf Design and consultation Meadow installation Professional Training 25/04/2019 10:28

Are you looking for a reliable living wall partner?

• Instant vertical greening • Numerous plant options • Simple irrigation system • Easy-to-grow & adaptable • Proven supplier • Trade terms available

PlantBox is designed with professional landscapers, garden designers & self-builders in mind – simply attach and plant on site for instant vertical greening solutions!

Ideal for planting Herbs & Edibles, Ferns & Grasses, Bedding Plants and more.

It’s a Growing Revolution!™

For your recognised, reliable living wall partner contact PlantBox NOW.

020 8543 4530 contact@plantbox.shop www.plantbox.shop

CUSTOM & BESPOKE PLANTERS

STEEL | POWDER-COATED | FIBREGLASS | TERRACOTTA | HARDWOOD

From our showroom in Cobham, Surrey we supply a wide-range of bespoke and off-the-peg planters to suit all your projects. Visit us soon, we’re open 7 days a week.

Advert template.indd 13

Cedar Nursery

landscaping.co.uk | 01932 862473

25/04/2019 10:29

INSPIRE This beautiful RENSON canopy, made to a specific RAL colour, was designed for Catherine McDonald’s Gold Medal garden at RHS Hampton Court Palace Show 2016

PLAYING WITH COLOUR

I

Using an on-trend colour palette in an outdoor scheme is easy and can have a big impact; Debs Winrow shows you where to find inspiration and how to interpret it

f you or your clients are keen to indulge in adding colour to a garden, simply approach it as you would anywhere that needs decorating. Look first at the surfaces: in a garden environment this includes decking, paving, gravel and grass. Also consider the perimeters, such as fencing, trellises and hedging. Both make up the foundation of the overall design to which you can add colour through furniture, accessories and clever styling.

With the right choice of products and colours, you will quickly turn a garden space into an attractive outdoor room, and at the same www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Debs Winrow.indd 57

time, claim further profit by offering a turn-key design solution.

When choosing colour combinations, some will come naturally while others will prove emore challenging. As a guide, I tend to stick to a mixture of just two. You can glean guidance and inspiration from catalogues, trade shows, and Google. There are so many colour experts in the marketplace that navigating the colour journey can be tricky without outside advice: the fashion world alone spends millions of pounds every year forecasting colour trends for the future.

It’s also worthwhile consulting your suppliers for market trends. Often they are aware of the best-selling colours, textures and combinations, and this can inform your colour choices for designing an outdoor space.

Take inspiration from inside. Think about the surfaces your clients have chosen for their interiors. If they have opted for cool and

Take colour inspiration from everywhere you visit

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 57

25/04/2019 11:33

INSPIRE

contemporary white kitchen with a hot pink SMEG fridge as a feature, the chances are they will be open to including splashes of colour in their outdoor space.

However, if all the tones throughout the home are muted and simple then take inspiration from this when choosing colour palettes they’ll love. Reflecting favourite colours and materials from the clients home and transferring to outdoor spaces will foster a sense of unity and create a connection between the two.

Be careful not to make the colour elements too expensive if you aren’t 100% sure on them.

For instance, choose a neutral and versatile colour for an outdoor sofa and add brightly coloured cushions and throws. These can easily be updated or replaced.

Remember, it is only worth introducing another colour palette if you can improve on what is already there, so always keep referring back to the original product and material brief of the landscape design.

White fantastic Layer up tones and textures of white for soft and uplifting spaces. Don’t be put off by white being high maintenance, with the abundance of composite products, fibreglass, and washable fabrics, bright whites are useful even outside and throughout the year.

Toolbox tip: keep a pack of baby wipes at hand for neat freak white addicts – they honestly clean anything.

Tap into trends If your client is keen on gadgets and new innovative design – the latest smartphone, designer shoes, catwalk fashion – then they may open to the latest on trend colours for any styling suggestions. Use references from Pantone, Farrow & Ball, Designers Guild and the shop windows. For instance, Pantone’s colour of 2019 is their 16-1546 Living Coral.

I used this shade in conjunction with blush to create a vibrant display for the Relaxation Zone at FutureScape Spring. The two colours 58

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Debs Winrow.indd 58

An inviting combination of coral and blush at FutureScape Spring 2019

together worked well with the green grass base, white and grey furniture against the muted tones of the walls. It was a warm and inviting scheme that could work right through the seasons.

Splash out, go big!

The ability to powder coat metal surfaces such as aluminium provides the industry with a long-lasting, economical and durable finish in a wide range of RAL colours. In addition, a powder-coated surface will be more resistant against scratches, chipping, water and fading compared to other types of finishes.

This really opens up the opportunities to colour match a lot of items used outside. From the most popular RAL7016 Anthracite Grey to match windows and door furniture, to matching a corporate brand colour.

The louvred canopy from Renson in a deep, rich purple, featured on the page 57 was made for Catherine McDonald’s Squire’s garden at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in 2016. Following the event, it was sold privately to clients who wanted to add a pop of colour to their large garden. This hue is also effective for other other items, such as planters, firepits and water tables.

Brighten with paint Choose a colour that will make a great back drop to the planting. There are now lots of off-the-shelf outdoor paints readily available to

jazz up a trellis, shed, bird box, or even an tired-looking outdoor furniture. You can transform a dull corner into a relaxing outdoor space just by painting a couple of wooden benches and placing jewel-coloured cushions on top.

You can also create another revenue stream by offering to paint the fencing in an outdoor space, especially if your client’s budget won’t stretch to replacing old ones. For a few hours work, paint canl transform old sheds, neighbouring walls and refresh fences to give you a fresh framework for the reamainder of your design plan.

Colour underfoot If decks and patios look a little large and uninteresting, then you can offer outdoor rugs to add depth, colour and warmth to the space. These ingenious printed 2.2m vinyl rugs are avilable in various designs and sizes.

They are also non-slip, lightresistant and water-repellent – a big bonus for a An outdoor rug adds colour stylish design option.

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

www.gardenhousedesign.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 11:34

Terrace Planters - London Working to a high specification

We created these bespoke steel planters for the outdoor terraces at a super-prime residential development in Mayfair.

The planters have an anodic bronze powder-coated finish, with concealed LED lighting and built-in irrigation. Divider planters separating the terraces feature integral privacy screens made from toughened, frosted self-cleaning glass behind steel panels, which we laser-cut in-house. The highest standards of work, for the top end of the market.

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

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

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

JoA3103 - Outdoor Design - Prolandscaper Ad_Half Page_May issue AW.indd 1

02/04/2019 10:10

Advert template.indd 14

25/04/2019 10:29

INSPIRE

WORK

Best project I am a strong believer that if something is I’m incredibly proud of both gardens I’ve designed built well it will stand on its own. with Tamara Bridge for RHS Chelsea, but Career high and low points I would have to say the 2017 BBC Jo A high point was definitely Whiley Scent Garden might just win. hanging out with Tamara Somehow, we managed to pull and Jo Whiley at together the design in seven Chelsea 2017 on press weeks. Normally the average day. Low? Running garden would take a year to your own business is plan and build! sometimes like a Colleagues rollercoaster of emotion! There’s normally Delivering gardens involves a lot something positive to come from these setbacks, of collaboration. It is really good it just takes a bit of time to realise it. practice to work alongside other What you hope to achieve in your designers and landscapers as work during the next 12 months? e g building is always a team effort.

Keep developing my design practice and to ta my ©Annie Green-Ar Mentors keep working at the same pace as last year. I’ve got I’ve had lots of mentors in my various roles something exciting with Tamara coming soon, but that’s a and path to becoming a garden designer secret for now! but my time working for Adam Frost in his Studio in Stamford was probably the most important to my development.

Another influence has to be my mum and dad, as they have always built and created their own gardens.

Best learning curve Something I have learned over time is less is more in design. When you are creating a layout or new garden design

LIFE/STYLE Kate Savill

INSPIRATION

Pro Landscaper 30 under 30 alumni Kate Savill details her inspirations, her experiences and how she has become an award-winning designer

People Frida Kahlo is a strong female icon, I’m probably drawn to her for her strong use of colour and her creativity. My nan has always been an inspiration to me, being an artist and photographer herself and encouraged us to create art.

Gardens The Lost Gardens of Heligan, being a garden my mum and I visited quite a bit when I lived in Cornwall.

The Piet Oudolf field is really amazing to see.

I particularly loved the really muted courtyard which has a real juxtaposition to the full colour of the perennial field out the back. The Barbara Hepworth garden museum and RHS Bodnant were also great places to visit.

60

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Kate Savill LifeStyle.indd 60

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 14:52

INSPIRE

PERSONAL Hobbies Walking the dogs is the best chore/ hobby I have. I also loving cooking and more importantly eating, I like to keep fit too.

I love listening to music and going to gigs, something I want to do more of this year. I’m currently growing some cut flowers for my bouquet – I’m getting married this summer.

Design tastes I’ve always had an obsession for colour, it makes me feel really happy seeing colour around me. I think I gain a lot of inspiration from other cultures too. To sum it up: simple, functional design with an element of colour and fun?

Most treasured possession(s) I’ve got a cute mini trowel which belonged to my great grandad and was given to me by my great aunt who is a passionate grower of alpine plants.

Favoured dress style I love an all in one outfit, like a jumpsuit, so I don’t have to choose what goes with what! If I’m honest, it has to be dungarees, head scarf and wellies.

Food I eat most things really, but I do prefer eating fresh vegetable-based meals. I love chilli and spicy full-flavour things. I think this was enhanced when I travelled to Thailand where I experienced eating some amazing food and tried some really different flavours.

Most fun you’ve ever had?

That’s so hard! I love going to festivals and listening to live music, or going camping! Living with my friends at university was total chaos, but so much fun – lots of BBQs and cheap beer!

TRAVEL Places you’ve been I had a big get-away after Uni. I went backpacking to South East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. It was the first time I’d traveled outside of Europe which was exciting and daunting at the same time.

Thailand proved to be a pivotal place in my life where I changed my mind from being an art teacher to being a garden designer!

Places you’d like to go I’d love to go to so many places, but very high on the list are Japan and South America, also India and Africa and then everywhere in-between! Seeing new cultures and environments is so inspirational wherever they may be.

Favourite country New Zealand was pretty amazing with such a diverse variety of landscapes in a short travel time. I recommend driving around the islands if you ever get a chance - the food is amazingly fresh too. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Kate Savill LifeStyle.indd 61

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 61

25/04/2019 14:53

ELEGANT & BESPOKE BOLLARDS Design your own beautiful bollard light to suit your unique taste and individual installation needs. Only the best materials are selected for our premium, made-to-order range of bollards, which are hand-crafted in the UK, delivering unrivalled quality and a unique lit effect for your exterior space.

For our full product range visit www.collingwoodlighting.com or call 01604 495 151

Mastering light together collingwoodlighting.com

Advert template.indd 15

@collingwoodLED

/collingwoodlighting

collingwoodled

25/04/2019 10:30

INSPIRE Garden 12 – ‘The Retreat’ Garden 12 – ‘The Retreat’ features a beautifully crafted, double-storey, oak-framed building, a natural dipping pool and soft, elegant planting.

The garden includes areas for rest and a sleek stone bench at the water’s edge of the natural swimming pool.

Collingwood Lighting’s brief was to install gentle and lighting to complement the natural woods and variety of trees and enhance the overall ambience of the garden.

The SL220CARGB colour changing spike light enhances the vibrant colours of the planting and creates an effective result.

LIGHT IT UP We compare the use of Collingwood Lighting’s SL220CARGB colour changing spike light in two contrasting settings – the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and a private residential garden

‘The Brewin Dolphin Garden’ Created by Darren Hawkes, this garden intends to capture the enjoyment and appreciation of history and craftsmanship with a space for entertaining or private contemplation.

Inspired by Neolithic dolmens and the work of artists such as James Turrell, the garden combines a sense of tranquility with an enticement to explore. Collingwood’s SL220CARGB colour changing spike light blends seamlessly into the surroundings. When positioned in the perfect spot, the spike lights work effectively in spreading the focus throughout an entire installation, without dominating the setting. Using this light adds depth and interest to the naturalistic planting, and highlights the interesting details of this naturally wild garden.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Collingwood lighting.indd 63

Benefits of SL220CARGB • Adjustable angle to direct light • Full RGB colour range • Compatible with a large range of controllers • Anodised aluminium for use in outdoor and indoor environments

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 63

25/04/2019 15:30

the professionals’ choice Real time stock availability Trade discount Next day delivery

lightingforgardens.com sales@lightingforgardens.com

01462 486777 LFG063 Elipta PLS Feb17 Advert template.indd 16 Ad_210x265_V2.indd 2

12/01/2017 25/04/2019 12:49 10:31

INSPIRE Pro Landscaper speaks to Stuart Dantzic, managing director of Caribbean Blinds, to discover how the company has grown and why its products are sought after Can you tell us a bit about the company and operation?

Established in 1987, we are a family-run business, and the largest supplier to the trade of external shading systems that transform the use, functionality and enjoyment of all types of spaces.

At our factory in Sudbury, Suffolk, all the products are designed, made and assembled by highly skilled craftsmen and state of the art machinery to ensure they meet very precise standards.

Cuba heavy-duty patio awning

How would you describe the range of products?

Caribbean Blinds has the perfect external shading system to suit every setting, requirement and budget. The range includes stylish patio awnings to provide instant shade and shelter, as well innovative external blinds that act as natural air conditioning, keeping buildings cool, along with our award-winning louvred roofs (Outdoor Living Pods) that enable year-round use of outdoor spaces.

What are the features of the Outdoor Living Pod? Our Prestige Outdoor Living Pod is a highly sought-after product thanks to its endless flexibility and innovative design. The louvres rotate to provide precise shade and ventilation, and slide completely open for maximum sunlight and exposure to the air. When closed they are snow, wind and waterproof.

Furthermore, options include windproof screens to the sides, ambient LED perimeter lighting and instant infra-red heaters which ensure a cosy and pleasant environment on the terrace all year round. Like all our louvred roofs, it is constructed from super strong, corrosion-resistant, powder-coated aluminium www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Caribbean Blinds interview.indd 65

AN INTERVIEW WITH

CARIBBEAN BLINDS

Deluxe lean-to white Outdoor Living Pod

for durability and longevity. The pod is low maintenance and features clean lines with concealed fixings and integrated motors.

The colour coordinated stitching illustrates the attention to detail you can expect from a Caribbean Blinds product.

What makes the products unique?

At Caribbean Blinds we pride ourselves on the fact that we do not get involved in any other home or garden products, even interior blinds or glassrooms. This makes us completely unique in the field and this is one of the key factors in our continued growth and success.

Deliveries of our products across the country are made in our own vehicles to ensure an entirely smooth process from start to finish.

Despite significant growth in excess of 60% in just two years, the company remains true and focused on being external shading specialists,

Cayman external roof blinds

shading experience centre that showcases all of the external blinds and awnings.

Are there any plans for company growth?

Over the past two years, since my brother Brad Dantzic and I took over as directors, the company has invested heavily in state of the art machinery and the development of our valued team, along with effective marketing and brand awareness to ensure that we remain at the forefront of the industry.

2019 is set to be an exciting year, especially after last year’s heatwave, with customers keen to make the most of outdoor spaces – the al fresco lifestyle continues.

CONTACT

Antiguan external roller blinds

providing expert knowledge and advice and delivering the very finest external shading systems that enhance lifestyles. We have also set up the UK’s largest louvred roof showsite, with four show gardens featuring our marketleading Outdoor Living Pods. Clients can view the product features and benefits, and visit a

Caribbean Blinds is the UK’s leading manufacturer and installer of exterior solar shading solutions. The company showsite is located at its head office and factory in Sudbury, Suffolk. A knowledgeable team is on hand to offer advice and demonstrate the award-winning canopies. Call 0344 800 1947, or email info@cbsolarshading.co.uk

www.cbsolarshading.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 65

25/04/2019 11:45

The UK’s best selling and most frequently specified turf Hexagonal

Oval

Square

The Round Timber

Gazebo Collection The M&M Timber range of Gazebos are designed to suit every size and style of garden or play area, available from 3m up to 6m. Optional accessories include tables, benches, cushions and curtains.

Accessories Available in 3 colours

Download our Gazebo Brochure Online or

Find out why Medallion® is the first choice for professional landscapers and domestic gardeners who demand Britain’s finest turf

www.rolawn.co.uk

Call 0333 003 5133

E: sales@mmtimber.co.uk www.mmtimber.co.uk M&M Timber, Hunt House Sawmills, Clows Top, Nr Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY14 9HY M&M Timber is a Division of Forest Garden Group Ltd.

mm-unilog-91x240-new-gazebo.indd 1 Advert template.indd 17

10/04/2019 10:18 25/04/2019 10:32

INSPIRE

GARDEN HOUSE DESIGN

CUBE-fx Stainless Steel Outdoor Room

Price including VAT: From £12,000 Dimensions: 4m x 2.5m (as shown – multiple sizes and accessories available) WWW.GARDENHOUSEDESIGN.CO.UK

ALITEX

Free standing garden room with bifold doors for entertaining

Price: From £2,500 per square metre excluding flooring & building works exc. VAT Dimensions: approx. 5m x 7m Created by Marston & Langinger, part of the Alitex group WWW.ALITEX.CO.UK

GARDEN

HARTLEY BOTANIC

The Victorian Manor Glasshouse

Price including VAT: Available on request Dimensions: Width: 13’ 6 ½” (4128mm) excluding porch, length: 26’ 8 ¾” (8146mm), height: 13’ 5” (4088mm) (every structure is custom-built to customers’ exact specifications – this is also true of a Greenhouse’s size) WWW.HARTLEY-BOTANIC.CO.UK

CRANE GARDEN BUILDINGS Pavilion Garden Room

Price including VAT: £45,400 (All prices include delivery and installation as standard) Dimensions: 6.0 x 6.0m WWW.CRANEGARDENBUILDINGS.CO.UK www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Garden Buildings.indd 67

BUILDINGS Five garden buildings to consider for your next design

GRIFFIN GLASSHOUSES

Griffin Rosemary from the NGS collection Price including VAT: £24,250 Dimensions: 3m x 4.9m WWW.GRIFFINGLASSHOUSES.COM

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 67

25/04/2019 10:56

ISU1001 Grafter Green18 - AdProLandscaper(210x265mm).indd 1 Advert template.indd

23/03/2018 10:33 11:46 25/04/2019

72

TOP CHOICES FOR MAY Three industry experts’ opinions

IDENTIFYING AND TREATING JAMES TODMAN

73

Four common pests and diseases

NURSERY FOCUS

75

ARCHITECTURAL PLANTS Exploring the West Sussex based nursery

TURF

80

HIGH FOOTFALL AREAS Top tips for choosing turf suitable for heavy traffic sites

NURTURE

PLANTS OF THE MONTH

79 PLUS...

NURTURE NEWS (P71) THOMAS STONE (P74) CREEPERS NURSERY (P77) WEED CONTROL (P79) NURSERY FACTFILE (P83)

NURTURE cover.indd 69

74 25/04/2019 15:10

Care.

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

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

Tel: 01428 741655

www.readyhedge.com

Call for our Wholesale Catalogue

WHOLESALE CATALOGUE 2018/2019

01428 741655

www.griffinnurseries.co.uk enquiries@griffinnurseries.co.uk

Pleaching - Topiary - Hedging - Specimen Trees & Shrubs

Advert template.indd 19

25/04/2019 10:34

NURTURE

NURTURE NEWS The Ancient Woodland Inventory for England gets new funding ancient woodland was located.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government has awarded a grant of £210,000 to the Woodland Trust.

This is to kickstart a £1.5m collaboration with Natural England to update the inventory. The money will help to buy the essential historic data, recently digitised via the National Archives, which underpins the inventory. It will also support upskilling of staff to undertake this vital work.

The Ancient Woodland Inventory for England is to get a radical overhaul to enable changes in national planning policy to be properly implemented.

Last year, the National Planning Policy Framework was amended to give ancient woodland and ancient and veteran trees strengthened protection from inappropriate development. The Woodland Trust warned government this change would only be effective if planners and developers knew where

The inventory, which is managed by Natural England, is a map-based record of around 52,000 ancient woodlands. But there are many more which are missing. The need to update it was brought to Parliament’s attention in January.

The update will also provide

baseline data to focus improved management and restoration of ancient woodland.

It is hoped more funding will be secured from other sources to continue updating the inventory. www.naturalengland-defra. opendata.arcgis.com or www.data.gov.uk

DCF funds Studentship to tackle Agapanthus pest

Ancient Tree Inventory project confirms largest collection of oak trees in Europe.

The David Colegrave Foundation (DCF) is funding a studentship for undergraduates, as part of the Royal Society of Biology’s (RSB) Plant Health Undergraduate Summer Studentship Programme for 2019.

The Plant Health Undergraduate Studentship project funded by DCF is The Life cycle and biology of an emergent pest, the agapanthus gall midge, hosted by RHS Wisley and supervised by Dr. Hayley Jones.

The agapanthus gall midge, Enigmadiplosis agapanthi, causes damage to the popular ornamental plant Agapanthus.

The midge larvae form galls in the flower buds, deforming them and stopping their flowering.

It was first discovered in the UK in 2014, and at that time was new to science. It was

Conservation charity the Woodland Trust is challenging people across the UK to find and map ancient trees.

This is after its Ancient Tree Inventory project helped confirm the biggest collection of ancient oak trees in Europe.

Staff at Blenheim Park have been surveying oak trees for several years and have recorded 291 living oak trees with a girth of at least 5m. This data, collected primarily by Kew’s oak researcher Aljos Farjo, has been compared with other records on the Woodland Trust’s ancient tree inventory. It has revealed that the collection ranks highest across all

subsequently added to the UK Plant Health Risk Register.

This pest is a major concern to Agapanthus growers both in industry and home gardens, but its novelty means there is a real lack of information about its biology and life cycle.

Working with the scientists that first intercepted the pest, this project will use field observations and laboratory rearing to answer questions about the midge. www.rsb.org.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Nurture News.indd 71

of Europe.

It is vital that ancient trees are mapped. Ancient and veteran trees were recently given the same protection as built heritage under the National Planning Policy Framework, but if they are left unidentified, they cannot be protected.

Anyone can search for and record trees on the inventory, which has been running for over a decade.

There are already 160,000 trees listed, but thousands more to add. ati.woodlandtrust.org.uk

SEND US YOUR

NURTURE NEWS! content@eljays44.com

01903 777 570

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 71

25/04/2019 14:46

NURTURE

Allium ‘Purple Rain’

Matthew Pottage Curator, RHS Garden Wisley

PLANTS

Allium ‘Purple Rain’ still feels relatively new on the scene as far as alliums go, yet has great promise for a reliably perennial habit, being a hybrid of A. christophii crossed with A. ‘Purple Sensation’, standing around 90cm tall, and suitable for naturalising in grass. It was a real star in the RHS Allium trial held at RHS Garden Wisley, where it was given the Award of Garden Merit (AGM). www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley

of the month Three industry experts and self-confessed plant enthusiasts consider their top choices for May

Sarah Owen-Hughes Askham Bryan College

Lathraea clandestina (Orobanchaceae)

72

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Plant of the month.indd 72

©Sarah Owen-Hughes, Askham Bryan College, May 2019

May is such a competitive month for showy spring flowers, so here is something a little out of the ordinary. Lathraea clandestina (Orobanchaceae), or Purple Toothwort, is a parasitic plant that lives on the roots of trees including Populus and Salix. It prefers damp semi shady areas and is found across the whole of the UK in cultivation since the early 1900s. It has no chlorophyll, so obtains all of its energy from the host plant’s roots. The attractive crocus like flowers appear in May and are pollinated by bees. It is the only member of the broomrape family that is cultivated as a garden specimen because of the striking flowers, and it doesn’t cause significant damage to the host plant. www.askham-bryan.ac.uk

Liz Hughes

Fatsia polycarpa ‘Green Fingers’

Marketing manager, Provender Nurseries Who doesn’t love a bit of funky foliage? Fatsia polycarpa ‘Green Fingers’ is new from Taiwan and has the most adorable foliage on a Fatsia yet. The deeply lobed, almost palmate, finger-like evergreen leaves add an exotic feel all year round. This tropical beauty is happy in full sun to partial shade in a sheltered spot and will reach up to 2m in height. www.provendernurseries.co.uk www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 10:52

NURTURE

BOX BLIGHT Cylindrocladium buxicola is the blight to be most concerned about. Signs of infection include blackening of the leaves, black streaks on the stems, and areas of defoliation. In damp conditions, white spore masses can be visible on the underside of the box leaves. Fungicides approved for amateur use will slow the spread of the blight. Commercial strength fungicides are far more effective but can only be applied by professionals with the correct certification. Combine fungicide treatments with good gardening practices such as keeping clipping tools clean, clearing up fallen leaf litter and watering box plants at their base to avoid dispersing the fungal spores.

BOX TREE CATERPILLAR Box tree caterpillars can cause devastating damage in a very short time so check box regularly between March and October. Look for areas of eaten leaves, webbing and frass balls. Mature box tree caterpillars are a yellowy green colour with a black head and dark stripes down their sides. An effective treatment is the combination of using box tree moth pheromone traps with spraying the plants two or three times a season using a biological insecticide based on the Bacillus thuringiensis bacterium. The caterpillar should stop eating treated box leaves within an hour and die in a couple of days. Another option is using nematodes, but they need to be applied correctly in order to work.

Identifying and treating FOUR COMMON PESTS AND DISEASES ON BOX Many of the pests and diseases which threaten box (Buxus sempervirens) can be managed if identified and treated early.

Here, topiary specialist James Todman outlines four common ones to look out for.

BOX RUST The symptoms of box rust are often confused with box blight. Knowing the difference between the two is important as box rust is rarely severe enough to damage the plant and can be treated by trimming out the affected leaves.

Fungicide treatments are not necessary. Box rust appears as dark brown pustules that develop on the upper and lower surfaces of the box leaves, normally in early autumn, and remain until the following spring. Improving the overall health of the box will help. Diluted seaweed extract applied as a foliar feed every 4-6 weeks during the growing season works well. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Box pest and disease James Todman.indd 73

MUSSEL SCALE Mussel scale is a small insect about 3mm in length and protected under a blackishbrown, mussel shaped scale.

They feed on the box sap, causing discolouration of the leaves and defoliation. Eggs are laid under the scales in late summer and over winter before hatching the following May or June. This is the best time to spray with an insecticide, when the young insects are active and before they become protected by their scales. Two or three insecticide applications may be required.

ABOUT JAMES TODMAN James Todman specialises in topiary, enjoying the sculptural aspect of this gardening art form and favouring organic, free-form or geometric designs.

Working around the UK, his services include topiary trimming, consultancy, design and restoration. More about his work, plus helpful topiary advice, can be found on his blog at www.jamestodman.com

www.jamestodman.com

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 73

26/04/2019 11:18

Clematis

NURTURE

MAYTIME

pruning

Horticulturist Thomas Stone outlines essential pruning jobs to be tackled in late spring and into early summer Even though the nights are drawing out and the sap is rising fast, there is still lots of pruning to be carried out within a garden.

The old adage of pruning plants just after they finish flowering isn’t more true than in late spring and into early summer, with lots of winter flowering shrubs now ready to prune just before they add on the new growth, most of which will harbour the new flowers in less than a year’s time.

Clematis Winter flowering clematis – which fall into RHS Pruning group 1, meaning they require little or no pruning – can be pruned now, just to keep them under control. The growth produced last year can be reduced back to about 30cm, near a healthy bud, and all deadwood removed, though clematis armandi does not respond to this treatment.

Chaenomeles speciose (Japanese quince) If these are being trained on a wall, tie in the tips if still training and reduce all the side shoots down to three buds. This will help to encourage more flowers next spring. If they are being grown as a free-standing shrub, remove 74

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Maytime pruning Thomas Stone.indd 74

the crossing branches and deadwood, then shape them up by reducing last year’s growth to a bud, within the overall required shape.

Ribes sanguineum To keep these in size and shape, I prefer to remove the older flowered stems down to a nice new shoot towards the base. These newer stems can be tipped back to a required height to allow the plant to thicken up. They can also be renovated by cutting the shrub down to 30cm.

Akebia quinata (chocolate vine) If left unpruned, these can become quite unruly.

I would prune back the longer stems produced last year to four buds and thin out the older stems. They don’t require any formal pruning, just shaping.

Mahonia Some forms of Mahonia, such as Japonica and x media, can become tall and straggly. The tallest stems can be pruned down to a required height to bush out again.

Evergreen shrubs Tender evergreen shrubs like olives, Laurus, Arbutus and Aloysia can now have any frost damaged shoots and branches removed back to a new shoot. Evergreen shrubs like laurel, photina, Elaeagnus and Griselinia can be shaped by reducing long growths produced last year down to a leaf joint. This allows for a natural looking shaped shrub. Sarcococca can be shaped using shears to keep them looking neat and compact.

Ribes sanguineum

ABOUT THOMAS STONE Thomas Stone MCI Hort MPGCA started his horticultural career with the National Trust at Mottisfont gardens. Spells at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and two private gardens as head gardener followed. He now runs his own garden development company, Thomas Stone Horticultural Services Ltd, in Hampshire, providing consultancy, training and practical assistance throughout the country.

www.thomasdstone.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 15:16

NURTURE

NURSERY SPOTLIGHT

ARCHITECTURAL PLANTS

Nestled amongst 32 acres of open fields and farmland overlooking the South Downs, strikingly shaped topiary will allure you down a long driveway. This is where you will find Architectural Plants, a nursery situated in Pulborough, West Sussex, which welcomes both retail and trade customers.

The story begins with Angus White, who established Architectural Plants in the spring of 1990 to house the shapely and exotic plants of his dreams – Japanese and European topiary, hardy palms, bananas, bamboos, plants for screening and an array of rare evergreen trees.

To his mind, all of these plants shared a commonality, “all architectural and tremendously green”. The nursery takes pride in home growing much of its stock, while also sourcing from elsewhere in the UK. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Architectural Plants.indd 75

This is a discipline that has stood the test of nearly 30 years. Managing director Guy Watts explains: “We are the home of the interesting, unusual, quirky and bizarre – the tropical and the jungly of both big and small specimen plants”.

There are big plans in the nursery’s future, too. Guy plans to increase homegrown

WE ARE THE HOME OF THE INTERESTING, UNUSUAL, QUIRKY AND BIZARRE

production to a point where the nursery is entirely self-sustainable while continuing to grow the highest quality plants. The plan is already coming into action. This year, the nursery has increased its indoor and outdoor growing areas by 35%.

Architectural Plants is becoming a horticultural centre of excellence, training young aspiring green fingers in every aspect from design to growing and installing gardens.

Guy Watts previously co-founded and chaired the horticultural charity Streetscape. Noticing a clear lack of new and enthusiastic talent in London, Watts strove to provide year-long apprenticeships to 18-25 year olds who were longterm unemployed.

A keen gardener, Guy worked at the nursery before and after attending university.

Angus recalls a 14 year old Guy saying, “Angus, I’ve worked for lots of different businesses and they all seem rather disorganised, but you seem rather well organised.

How do those rather Pro Landscaper / May 2019 75

25/04/2019 14:24

NURTURE

disorganised businesses survive?” His curious and tenacious qualities were apparent from a young age, attributing to the success of this extraordinary nursery three decades on.

Guy’s ambition and determination does not stop at the nursery gates. In fact, this extreme sports fan holds the world record for rowing across the Indian Ocean with school friend Andrew Delaney, covering the distance in 102 days, 13 hours and 40 minutes.

Asking Guy if he had any top tips to share – for clients, rather than budding rowers – he mentions that the nursery has been installing irrigation systems for the last 15 years, finding them fundamental to all gardens, especially the ones designed by Architectural Plants. This is crucial since its designs only use plants, there’s no hard landscaping involved. Irrigation systems are worth every penny and serve as better water conservation and a more beneficial method for establishing mature plants.

Extraordinary specimens aside, we asked Guy what he believed the unique selling point of the nursery to be. He replies: “It’s all about the aesthetics – design, design, design,” and states that the concept of creative maintenance is crucial to the nursery. For example, you’ll find

76

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Architectural Plants.indd 76

ARCHITECTURAL PLANTS IS BECOMING A HORTICULTURAL CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE, TRAINING YOUNG ASPIRING GREEN FINGERS IN EVERY ASPECT the gorgeously striped, glossy trunks of a Trachycarpus, stripped using a bread knife, and Phillyrea clipped to make small architectural mounds, perfect for punctuating planting beds.

A trip around the nursery leaves you feeling inspired and mystified, wondering which shrub you might be able to sculpt when you get back to your own garden.

With an array of strong, spectacular shapes bringing extraordinary shape to a garden, it is difficult to select a few best plants from the offering. A key plant for interesting foliage, Trochodendron aralioides, must be mentioned; a small, shapely evergreen tree of decidedly formed habit, sprinkled with green flowers.

Also, Lyonothamnus floribundus aspleniifolius, with stunning peeling bark and feathery leaves, is definitely a key plant at the nursery. A rarity found native in California, this small tree is remarkably tolerant in of our cold weather.

Another Architecural Plants gem, Ilex perado, is a dense slightly exotic small tree with lustrous green leaves. It is worth a note that this tree is able to grow in a container and continues to look strong and sturdy for seemingly longer than any other woody plant.

This makes it ideal for a roof garden.

It can’t go without mentioning the friendly team intrinsic to the nursery’s success, consisting of a full-time team of six workers, and seasonal staff throughout the main growing period, all committed to keeping the nursery looking flawless. “You never know when the Queen will visit,” says Guy – a wise adage that we might all adopt.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 14:26

NURTURE

Branching out Creepers Nursery’s managing director John Ryall (left) and London branch manager Paul Cockerill (right) discuss its new location and the impact of Brexit’s uncertainty

What does this new London branch offer, why this location in Wandsworth?

Paul: We offer our London clients a convenient place to pick up bedding plants, bulbs, soil, topiary and climbers. They can also have anything from the main nursery delivered to our London branch. They can book a delivery slot to their site or just grab it on their way through in the morning.

John: We have free parking until 9:30am and an easy loading area, so it makes our clients’ mornings a lot less stressful. Located just off the A3, it’s a one-stop-shop for clients as they head into London. Wandsworth is a great area, and we are open until 11:30am so clients can select plants at a time that suits them.

How much of your client base is in London?

John: A lot of designers, landscapers and florists are London based, so maybe 50-60%.

Paul: We have many regular clients. It’s the convenience and the range of stock that makes such a difference to them. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Creepers Nursery interview.indd 77

How much of your supply comes from abroad?

John: Around 70% of all of our plants.

We have up to 10 articulated lorries from Europe delivering per week.

Paul: We actively encourage British suppliers to deal with us. It’s a shame there’s not more of them.

John: British suppliers haven’t got the weather on their side. In Italy they get an extended growing season, whilst in Britain we never know what the weather will throw at us. Also, land is at such a premium here, so many old nurseries have now been utilised for other purposes.

How have you managed to open up this new location in times of uncertainty over Brexit?

John: There was a gap in the market for our London branch, so we were glad for the opportunity to take it. A number of our clients needed the service we provide, so naturally we have their support.

Paul: It has been really satisfying to be involved in this new venture, which was much needed by London landscapers.

There will always be possible reasons not to try something new, but we had confidence in our decision and are delighted it’s going well.

Are you concerned about Brexit and the impact that it could have on the business?

John: Yes, of course. There is a lot of uncertainty, and the length of time it’s taking is frustrating, but until decisions have been made we don’t know what we’ll be dealing with.

We have contingency plans in place, have regular updates from our governing bodies and attend relevant forums. We are confident as a strong and resilient company that we can meet any challenges head on.

Paul: Unfortunately, everyone in business is facing the same concerns. We will adapt and make it work, whatever the outcome.

All nurseries will potentially face the same difficulties, so going into this with the company in such good shape should stand us in good ground.

CONTACT Creepers Ltd 1 Ferrier Street Industrial Estate, Morie Street, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1SL London tel 020 704 32046 Nursery tel 01932 821 626 London email london@creepersnursery.co.uk Surrey Nursery email sales@creepersnursery.co.uk

www.creepersnursery.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 77

25/04/2019 11:07

Full rolls, cut lengths and all ancillary products available for

Wide range of turfs available immediate for all applications including despatch Full rolls, cut lengths and all landscape, sport, play ancillary products Wide range of turfs available available for and commercial immediate Dedicated for all applications including despatch trade account managers and landscape, sport,Wide playrange of turfs available technical expertise available from for all applications including our installation and commercial managers Dedicated landscape, sport, play trade account managers and and commercial

technical expertise available from our installation managers Over rolls in stock at our UK warehouse

200

200

Contact us for more information on our range and to request your free trade sample pack:

www.hitechturf.co.uk info@hitechturf.co.uk 01244289182

info@hitechturf.co.uk 01244289182

immediate despatch

Dedicated

trade account managers and technical expertise available from our installation managers

200

Over rolls in stock at our UK warehouse

Over rolls in stock at our UK warehouse

www.hitechturf.co.uk Contact us for more information on our range and to request your free trade sample pack: Contact usinfo@hitechturf.co.uk for more information on our range 01244289182 and to request your free trade sample pack: www.hitechturf.co.uk

Full rolls, cut lengths and all ancillary products available for

Competitive prices on all trade turfs with incentives for volume orders

Competitive prices on all trade turfs with incentives for volume orders

Competitive prices on all trade turfs with incentives for volume orders

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

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

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

We look forward to receiving your enquiries.

Contact Us: 01296 399585 sales@instanthedges.co.uk

Advert template.indd 20

www.instanthedges.co.uk

25/04/2019 10:36

NURTURE

Slow release fertilisers deliver healthier grass, healthier environment and healthier budgets says Richard Brown, amenity sales manager of Germinal GB

L

andscapers should use specialist slow release fertilisers in favour of conventional compound products, not only to enhance the health and vitality of grass swards, but also to protect watercourses and to reduce the overall cost of landscaping projects. That is according to Richard Brown, amenity sales manager for Germinal, who explains that slow release fertilisers offer greater stability and longevity compared to volatile, leaching-prone alternatives.

“As much as 70% of the UK’s land area drains into watercourses which are excessively polluted by nitrates,” explains Richard. “While the majority of these nitrates are derived from agricultural land, as much as 40% comes from non-agricultural green spaces such as parks, amenity spaces and sports pitches.

“As an industry, we need to do more to reduce nutrient losses, especially if we are to comply with the Environment Agency’s recommended good practice guidelines.

These state that the amount of fertiliser used for landscaping should be limited by careful planning of where it is needed and how it is applied.”

In order to reduce nitrate losses and to ensure that the nutrients applied are of long-term benefit to the sward, Richard recommends the use of specialist slow release fertilisers. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Weed control Germinal.indd 79

SLOW RELEASE

FERTILISERS “Conventional compound fertilisers are extremely water soluble and are more likely to be leached out of the rootzone during wet weather,” says Richard. “In fact, depending on the soil type and rainfall intensity, nutrient losses via leaching and volatisation to the atmosphere can be as high as 60%.”

BECAUSE PLANTS ARE ABLE TO ACCESS A HIGHER PROPORTION OF THE NUTRIENTS SUPPLIED BY SLOW RELEASE FERTILISERS, THEY CAN BE SPREAD AT LOWER RATES THAN CONVENTIONAL PRODUCTS In contrast, slow release fertilisers which use more stable forms of nitrogen such as methylene urea and organic based elements are much less likely to be washed from the rootzone and can remain available for uptake by plant roots for up to three months.

“Slow release fertilisers typically need both heat and water to breakdown,” Richard continues. “In effect, this means that products such as Germinal’s GSR Tri-Phase 18-3.5-8 fertiliser only release their nutrients when the grass sward needs them. This produces a more even growth pattern, with none of the intense

bursts of growth associated with frequent applications of compound products. The overall effect is a slower, more consistent supply of nutrients which results in a stronger sward which is better able to cope with, and recover from, wear damage and disease.”

Because plants are able to access a higher proportion of the nutrients supplied by slow release fertilisers, they can be spread at lower rates than conventional products. “As a result, despite a higher cost per kg compared to compound fertilisers, slow release nutrients offer better overall value for money, working out significantly cheaper when used across a full growing season,” says Richard. “For landscapers and architects working to tight budgets, the economics swing firmly in favour of using slow release products.”

ABOUT GERMINAL Germinal is constantly investing in research and development to bring first class grass and wildflower seed mixtures to the landscaping sector through its Grade-A range. With cutting edge cultivars and species constantly being added, it has seed mixtures to suit every landscaping project and can create bespoke mixtures to meet specific project requirements.

www.germinalamenity.com

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 79

25/04/2019 13:20

NURTURE

TOP TIPS

FOR TURF Two of the UK’s leading turf suppliers give their advice for choosing turf suitable for high footfall areas

An important consideration on what materials to use for a heavy wear area is the rootzone. It is vital that this topsoil is fairly free draining and that a British Standard approved product is used, not to mention it is sufficiently deep enough for roots to fully establish as this will help with stability. Choosing the turf is important too and this should be from a TGA approved turf grower. The grade needs to have a minimum of 30% perennial ryegrass in the mixture, this should represent roughly 50% in the fully mature sward and provides excellent wear tolerance and self-repairing properties once established.

WWW.INTURF.COM

Choosing the right type of turf for high wear areas is crucial. It is essential that the grass varieties in the mixture are designed to withstand hard wear and tear and also recover well.

Just as important is the medium in which it is growing in. This can make a huge difference to establishment time and wear tolerance. The quality of the turf will also influence ease of laying, establishment time and how long it stays in good condition.

WWW.TURF.CO.UK

WHY IS THERE A TURF SHORTAGE? With summer approaching, business should be booming for turf suppliers.

However, the industry has taken a beating after the extreme weather the UK experienced last year. The Beast from the East struck in March, causing unusually low temperatures for the time of year and heavy

80

Turf.indd 80

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

snowfall in some areas. At the other end of the scale, a heatwave scorched fields from June through to August. It was the hottest summer ever recorded in England, with temperatures across the rest of the UK matching the record set in 1976. Thanks to these extreme weather conditions, a winter

shortage of turf yields occurred, but the Turfgrass Growers Association has said, providing there is not repeat of these conditions this year, “British turf growers will be in a position to get back to some normality and begin to work on a slow but sure recovery.” www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 10:57

t r es ou ay qu of tod Re py ue co g a alo t ca

What, no turf?

Grass seed, pre-seed fertiliser, topsoil, rakes – all in stock now with next day delivery available • Trusted supplier • Over 25 years trade experience

• A quick and effective solution • Cost-friendly choice

• All our seed is certified

• All year-round supply

• Germination tested

• Cleaner on the environment

• A grass seed mix for every landscape situation

• Minimal transport costs

We have a grass seed for all applications – contact us today T: 01423 332100 E: sales@green-tech.co.uk www.green-tech.co.uk @Greentechltd

facebook.com/greentechuk

linkedin.com/company/green-tech-ltd

robin tacchi plants

CREWS HILL

WHOLESALE PLANTS LTD

grow-consult-supply Robin Tacchi Plants is a leading UK wholesale nursery with over 35 years of expertise and experience in Landscape and Horticulture industries.

We offer an individual service with commitment, integrity, quality and efficient delivery.

Our reputation has been built on growing a full range of award winning plants and offering innovative, sustainable planting solutions to major projects nationwide.

Fen Farm, Garboldisham, Norfolk IP22 2RL tender@robintacchiplants.com

01953 681 312 www.robintacchiplants.com

Advert template.indd 21

Open: Mon-Fri 5am-3.30 Sat 5am-12 & Sun 6am-10

QUALITY PLANT SOURCER & SUPPLIER CONTINENTAL WEBSHOP TRADE ONLY Fully stocked 3 acre site 5 mins from J25 on M25

15% discount when you spend over £100 on your first visit Parkview Nursery, Theobalds Park Road, Enfield, Middlesex EN2 9BQ Tel: 0208 363 7411 Email: info@crewshillwholesaleplants.co.uk

www.crewshillwholesaleplants.co.uk

25/04/2019 10:40

w

R S PP E R

MME

NN

R

PP RR OO VV EE

Garden by Acres Wild

MSTEA

D

PPE ER RF OF RO

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

S T E L M A

AL

A

D

our plants your design

Pa lm w st w ea .p al Bo d M m o in st k e a No i W d. w or co : ks ho .u k/ ps ev en ts

discover more online...

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

palmstead.co.uk See us at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

PW602

Tel: 01904 448675

Advert template.indd 22

Supplier of choice to medal winners at RHS Flower Shows

Wildflower for colour and biodiversity

Contains a vibrant mixture of wildflowers, herbs & perennials

Sedum & Wildflower Mats for green roofs

Email: lindum@turf.co.uk

100% Plastic Free & biodegradable

www.turf.co.uk

@lindumturf

25/04/2019 10:41

NURTURE

NURSERY FACTFILE They are more than just a supplier

“

“

Robin Tacchi Plants

ABOUT

MEET THE TEAM

Joe Tacchi Director

Nigel Whiting Commercial Manager

James Collins Plant & Design Consultant

Ben Thomas Nursery Manager

Dorota Whitby Stock & Quality Controller

BESTSELLERS

Euonymus ‘Jean Hugues’

Instant hedging troughs

Robin Tacchi Plants is a leading UK wholesale nursery with over 35 years of expertise and experience in landscape and horticulture industries. It offers an individual service with commitment, integrity, quality and efficient delivery. Its reputation has been built on growing a full range of award-winning plants and offering innovative, sustainable planting solutions to major projects nationwide.

It works with designers, developers and contractors to understand their aspirations.

Robin Tacchi Plants is always looking to the future and developing new and alternative varieties in line with current trends and demands, ahead of the potential pests and diseases. To help keep designers and professionals in tune with new and current commercially produced varieties, it offers comprehensive best practice specification guide (Spec21) as well as CPD training sessions.

Broomscot Common

Nandina ‘Obsessed’

Prunus lusitanica

Grasses & Herbaceous

LOCATION TESTIMONIAL “I have used Robin Tacchi Plants for over 10 years and have always received both high-quality plants and first-class service. We know we can trust RTP and have worked closely with it on many high-profile projects, it is always willing to put in the extra time with our clients and architects to ensure what’s delivered exceeds expectations.”

Chris Wellbelove, Director Blakedown landscapes

“Robin Tacchi has been supplying us with all kinds of plants for well over 10 years now and is one of our go-to nurseries for all of Aralia’s planting installations. It always go the extra mile to find special plants and unusual varieties that we are looking for and the quality of the stock and advice that we receive is very good.”

Patricia Fox-Director - Aralia

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Nursery Factfile.indd 83

“Robin Tacchi Plants is one of Elite Landscapes key suppliers, experts in contract growing and is our go-to nursery for planting installations on our commercial projects. It always finds unusual varieties that we are looking for and goes the extra mile with regular site visits. They are more than just a supplier.”

David Twist-Director Elite Landscapes Ltd

Fen Farm, Garboldisham, Diss, Norfolk IP22 2RL

CONTACT Tel 01953 681 312 Email rtp@robintacchiplants.com Web www.robintacchiplants.com Instagram: @robintacchi Twitter: @robintacchi Pro Landscaper / May 2019 83

25/04/2019 15:19

WFG21 Everyday Meadow Wildflower Mix

hardscaperesourcing GRIDS & GROUND CONTROL THE NATURALLY PERMEABLE PAVING SOLUTION

Practically Wild • A perfect solution for modern meadows • New, native and fast establishing For more info call:

01522 868714 germinalamenity.com

Advert template.indd 23

25/04/2019 10:44

SEAN BUTLER

88

Completing a project with attention to detail

BROACHING THE C-WORD MELANOMA

90

Raising awareness of the dangers of sun exposure

CASE STUDY RENSON

101

A private spa area by Premium Ambassador Garden House Design

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE?

103 95

LAURA HATHAWAYJENKINS Senior soil scientist at Tim O’Hare Associates

PLUS...

LEE BESTALL (P87) WHAT I’M READING (P94) PRODUCT DNA (P95) PEDESTRIAN MOWERS (P97) LITTLE INTERVIEWS (P107)

EDUCATE cover_1.indd 85

EDUCATE

FINISHING TOUCHES

97 25/04/2019 15:27

BIG ROLL

• FULL SUPPLY + LAY SERVICE • FREE UP YOUR LABOUR FORCE • CHILLED, MATURE TURF • ECONOMICAL SOLUTION • CSCS/ROLO TEAM • SUPPLY ONLY OPTION

THE GRASSLANDS ADVANTAGE TEL: 01797 367130 E: FRANK@GRASSLANDS-TURF.CO.UK WWW.GRASSLANDSTURFDIRECT.CO.UK

Advert template.indd 24

25/04/2019 10:45

EDUCATE

Lee Bestall takes on making a great first impression to your clients, and how it can contribute more to your success than you might realise The old quote “you only get one chance to make a first impression” is frightening enough, and I’m about to scare you with a new one.

According to Forbes Magazine, “we only have seven seconds to make a first impression.”

If that sounds rough, some research suggests it’s even less. With that in mind, the first client meeting needs to be memorable – for all the right reasons!

The first impression of your company probably begins long before your potential client even meets you, and they will have formed an opinion of what to expect before you speak. Your website, branding, blogs, testimonials and portfolio will already have done much of the ‘introducing’ for you, so all you have to do now is live up to it.

This ranges from the quality of your website to the look of your uniforms and even to the appearance of your vehicles. The higher you raise your own bar, the higher the expectations of your potential client. There is nothing wrong with this, as long as you make sure all the other areas in your business operate at an equally high level.

Before booking an initial visit, make sure you pre-qualify your leads, otherwise you’ll just be chasing ‘potential’ and may never actually make any money. Develop a strict guide for what a qualified lead is, and make sure you and

THE FIRST CLIENT MEETING NEEDS TO BE MEMORABLE – FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS!

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Lee Bestall.indd 87

FIRST IMPRESSIONS your team follow it. Ensure the potential customers are a good fit for your business and you for their needs. Don’t be afraid to say “that’s not what we specialise in.”

In 2005, I was lucky enough to have been mentored by Diarmuid Gavin. One of our last conversations was about charging for initial consultations. He recommended always making a charge, and so I always have, and it’s probably the single best way to sort those who are serious from those ‘shopping around’.

At this point I know what the contractors might be thinking: “It’s okay for designers to charge, but nobody would pay for a landscaper to visit.” Well, Henry Ford once said: “If you believe you can or you believe you can’t, you’re probably right.” You need to offer more value.

Be realistic about timescales at your first meeting, or ideally beforehand on the pre-qualifying call. Promising deadlines you cannot meet just to win the job won’t do you any favours in the long run.

I’d also say you need to be upfront about budgets too. For some reason no one ever has enough budget, even if it seems excessive. They still want more than they are willing to spend, so I’ve found speaking

ENSURE THE POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS ARE A GOOD FIT FOR YOUR BUSINESS AND YOU FOR THEIR NEEDS honestly about budget early on is helpful.

Always send a follow up email and quotation within the timescale you specified, because breaking a promise at this early stage in the process will put doubt in their mind. So many times I go to a job and get feedback along the lines of “you were the only company who returned my call or sent me a quote.” Finally, never pre-judge a situation. At least give them the opportunity to buy what you are selling.

ABOUT LEE BESTALL Lee Bestall has been designing and managing the construction of gardens in his signature style for over 10 years and his honest, genuine passion is infectious. He regularly writes gardening and outdoor-style articles for magazines, is brand ambassador for Spear & Jackson and a stand in presenter of BBC Radio Sheffield’s Gardeners’ Question Hour. www.bestall.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 87

25/04/2019 15:35

EDUCATE

FINISHING TOUCHES This month Sean Butler discusses the importance of adding finishing touches to a project with some stellar examples for a cosy outdoor space.

There is nothing more satisfying than having a client with a budget, whether large or small, who’s funds match their brief. These clients come about through careful and well structured meetings, that manage their expectations.

When clients are nurtured this way, they trust your opinion. Being able to deliver on all aspects of their brief is essential.

CREATING THE FINISHING TOUCHES STARTS AT THE BEGINNING, NOT THE END OF A PROJECT Having had in-depth conversations with the client, you can start a project knowing exactly how it’s going to end and come together.

Otherwise, you may find yourself standing in the

garden admiring your handiwork while it’s lacking those final touches, feeling a bit empty and unfinished.

At Cube, we encourage all our clients to have these finishing touches as it really completes a project, making it stand out from the norm.

Creating the finishing touches starts at the beginning, not the end of a project.

So, what is classified as a project’s finishing touches?

For most clients it is the creation of the indoors, but outdoors. This means a need for high tech kitchens and not the simple grill barbecue, or replacing plastic and old wooden furniture with high end fabrics and furnishings, complete with cushions and outdoor rugs.

You could think about each garden area as a room. That room has three walls, mimicked

by hedges and perennials, an open side where it has a view, representing the window or access entry point. The room’s floor is made of porcelain while your outdoor area utilises natural stone or decking. You will also need somewhere to sit.

Is it a bistro space for a small table and two chairs to enjoy a morning coffee? Perhaps it’s a daytime dining area seating for ten or more people, or a relaxing sofa area with chintzy cushions, rugs and a cosy gas fire table?

Each space can be styled to suit each client, with unique touches being implemented, such as lighting activated via an app or using a key fob. You could also consider using softer, relaxed lighting for a truly cosy feel. You can also use storm lanterns and candles of various heights in clusters of threes, fives and sevens, while high impact can be achieved via the use of giant church candles.

Have warm throws to hand. It’s nice to sit out and be warm – these are a quick way to add texture, comfort and a little bit of luxury. Finishing touches are an art and a science, requiring thought, passion and meticulous attention to detail to leave a space truly complete.

ABOUT SEAN BUTLER Sean Butler is a landscape designer and director of Cube 1994. With a background in civil engineering, Sean has an in-depth understanding of the design, construction and maintenance of the physical and naturally built landscape. www.cube1994.com

88

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Sean Butler.indd 88

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 10:54

®

hanit ROT-FREE 100% RECYCLED PLASTIC PRODUCTS

+44 (0)161 850 1965 info@hahnplastics.com www.hahnplastics.com

100% recycled 100% recyclable

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN STONE Stone by Design

MASONRY EXPERTS

POOL COPINGS

PAVING

High-tech workshop Creating bespoke work to order Stone cutting and carving Bullnosing Designing in stone

Made to measure and ready to fit copings Plus Roman ends, inspection covers Deck level pools

Exceptional products in stone and porcelain Plus a vast choice of landscaping stone for every project

www.stoneworld.co.uk

Advert template.indd 25

Call for a Quote Today

01844 279274

25/04/2019 10:46

EDUCATE

BROACHING THE

C-WORD The Watch Your Back! Sun protection campaign for gardeners is back from 11 May, using humour to alert people to the danger of sunburn, which can increase the risk of melanoma by 50%.

David Domoney, Adam Frost and David Stevens will appear on posters with the message; Don’t be REDiculous – avoid a garden sunburn! The campaign, devised by the Melanoma Fund, offers expert and targeted advice on sun protection and tips on early detection for all gardeners.

Julia Newton-Bishop, Professor of Dermatology at the University of Leeds, says: “Gardening without sun protection in summer is asking for trouble especially if you are exposing virgin skin which is vulnerable and prone to burning. Clothing should be the first line in defence so keep your shirt on, wear a wide brimmed hat, which can also protect eyes, and use SPF30+ on any exposed areas.”

Long term over exposure to UV light is a trigger for accelerated skin ageing, keratosis and skin cancers such as Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. It is sunburn, however, which is linked with melanoma, a cancer that if not detected early can travel to different parts of the body.

For further details visit www.watchyourback.co.uk

90

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Melanoma awareness.indd 90

Shane McCormick, southern sales director of the Talasey Group, shares his story of being diagnosed with melanoma to encourage others within the industry to be more aware of the dangers of sun exposure

I

t was a Friday morning in late April when Shane McCormick was first diagnosed.

The ex-landscaper, now southern sales director of the Talasey Group, was due to spend the weekend in Cornwall with his wife and friends. The car was packed, and routes were planned. The last thing for Shane to do was to attend a hospital appointment.

Three weeks beforehand, he’d visited his doctor to ask about having a mole on his face removed. “It had become quite big, so I thought I’d better get it checked out,” says Shane. “It was for cosmetic reasons, really. I just wanted it cut off.”

AROUND 14,500 PEOPLE ARE DIAGNOSED WITH MELANOMA EVERY YEAR IN THE UK After examining the mole on Shane’s face, though, the doctor also wanted to take a look at Shane’s back, where a suspicious-looking mole was found. He was referred to a specialist and within two weeks had undergone a biopsy, where samples of body tissue were removed to be examined more closely.

He was called back to Royal Hampshire County Hospital after only a few days to receive the results. It was then, on that day in April two years ago, Shane was told he had melanoma, a form of skin cancer.

Shane McCormick Around 14,500 people are diagnosed with melanoma every year in the UK, according to Macmillan. And this figure is on the rise, with one of the main causes being exposure to UV radiation. The Melanoma Fund says skin cancer is now the most common and fastest growing cancer in the UK, adding men are more likely to develop melanoma on their backs and in areas that are hard to spot, making the warning signs easier to miss, leading to a later diagnosis and higher death rates.

A growing awareness of melanoma has led to an increase in early diagnoses, but Macmillan is urging people to be more aware www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 14:16

EDUCATE

Macmillan is the UK’s leading cancer support charity giving personal, one to one care and support to thousands of people every day. From the moment people hear the news they have cancer, Macmillan is there to help them live life as fully as they can.

Macmillan helps people make sense of their diagnosis, guides them through treatment and provides help and support on every aspect of life with cancer, including physical, emotional and financial matters.

of the damage long-term exposure to the sun can cause.

Shane worked as a landscaper for over a decade, spending hours outdoors each day without wearing sun lotion. He’s now eager to share his experience with the horticulture

THE MELANOMA FUND SAYS SKIN CANCER IS NOW THE MOST COMMON AND FASTEST GROWING CANCER IN THE UK

industry to raise awareness of melanoma and to encourage those who spend hours in the sun to take protective measures.

“As an industry, it could be a huge problem,” says Shane. “How many people must have been affected but not told a story about it?” He adds that working outside for lengthy periods is “highly likely to have been the cause”, and that a couple www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Melanoma awareness.indd 91

of decades ago melanoma was not a wellknown issue and sun lotion was rarely used. “I can’t go back and change what’s happened, but I can make sure others are more aware now.”

Following Shane’s diagnosis, the malignant mole was removed along with nearby lymph nodes to test if the cancer had spread. The tests after this came back clear, but Shane was then on what he calls “cancer watch”, with regular dermatology appointments and check-ups after the surgery. “Everything was fine, though. I went back to work, I took a holiday in Turkey. But then November came along.”

Shane had attended the BALI National Landscape Awards on the Friday night, then had taken a few contractors to watch the England team play in a rugby match on the Saturday.

When he awoke Sunday morning, he was aching.

“I reached under my arm and there was a swelling the size of a tennis ball which had appeared overnight,” says Shane.

He still went to work on the Monday, though, feeling “groggy” and was later

For support, information or just to chat, call Macmillan free on 0808 808 00 00, visit macmillan.org.uk or drop in to one of the local information and support centres around the UK. Macmillan is almost entirely funded by donations and cannot support the growing number of people living with cancer, without the support of the public.

admitted to Royal South Hants hospital with a fever and a suspected infection. He underwent numerous scans to determine the cause. “They discharged me but said my results would be ready by Friday. Because I’d had melanoma before, I was a high priority.”

The doctors found a 4.5cm tumour, which they removed alongside 25 lymph nodes. The lymph nodes under Shane’s arm had swollen due to an infection, which Shane says was “probably a good thing looking back as it highlighted the lump”.

The surgery took place in January, and by mid-February the doctor told Shane that he was confident the cancer was removed but as cancer cells can travel, Shane will have to go on a year-long Tesco Soleil Sun Protect Spray, SPF 50, 200ml - £5 Tesco Soleil Sun Protect Lotion, SPF 50, 200ml - £3.50 www.tesco.com Pro Landscaper / May 2019 91

25/04/2019 14:16

EDUCATE

Expert advice The Melanoma Fund puts some common misconceptions to Julia Newton-Bishop, Professor of Dermatology at the University of Leeds

Q: “Sun protection? You must be joking, we never see the sun in the UK!” A: Although the UK is not a hot country the UV Index in summer is often in the range where sunburn may happen especially to the pale skinned. This is especially true around the middle of the day and protection will be needed if you have vulnerable skin at a UV Index of three or more. That protection may be in the form of clothing, hats and shade as well as sunscreen.

Q: “I’ll wear sunscreen on holiday but not in this country, it just doesn’t get hot enough.”

A: As many people will testify, sunburn doesn’t just happen on holiday. You can burn in the UK, even when it’s cloudy.

Although sunscreen manufacturers typically advertise their products for use on a beach or by a pool, we actually need the same protection whilst playing sport or gardening.

I CAN’T GO BACK AND CHANGE WHAT’S HAPPENED, BUT I CAN MAKE SURE OTHERS ARE MORE AWARE NOW treatment called immunotherapy.

He’s been easing himself back into work, saying the Talasey Group has been hugely supportive of his need to recuperate following the surgery, which left him unable to even raise his hand in the air for weeks. Even a handshake was agony. Shane admits that if he was still a landscaper, he would not have been able to return to work, “not in a million years”.

“I couldn’t use a rubber hammer to knock a paving slab down or use a rake or a shovel.

And it’s all down to working outside without putting sun lotion on. This is the result.”

Shane is now very careful when outside.

“I wear SPF 50 sun lotion from April to November, checking the back of the bottle to make sure it’s UVA five star. When I went on holiday to Turkey last year, I spent most of the week under an umbrella in the shade with a hat 92

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Melanoma awareness.indd 92

on and wearing sun cream. There’s more surprising measures as well, such as not having a glass roof on my car.” He also continues to attend regular check-ups and scans.

The Melanoma Fund is urging people to take similar methods with this month’s launch of Watch Your Back (see box), its annual campaign to encourage gardeners, both professionals and hobbyists, to protect themselves against sunburn which increases the risk of melanoma.

Despite finding it difficult to tell his story, Shane is eager for people to take campaigns such as this seriously in the hope fewer people will receive the terrible news he did two years ago.

Q: “I need Vitamin D so for that reason I don’t bother with sunscreen.”

A: Although sun exposure is how we make vitamin D, the key is to avoid sunburn, which increases the risk of melanoma. The bottom line is, if you are exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods, ensure you are protected according to your skin type and tolerance.

Q: “I never burn so sun protection is not something I need.”

A: Some skin types are more susceptible to burning, such as those with red hair or fair skin.

Least likely to encounter problems are those with dark skin. However, we are all at risk from sun damage. Apart from melanoma, the sun dries out the skin, encourages early ageing, rough patches and other types of skin cancer.

Encouraging good skin health is important at any age. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 14:17

Limestone Sandstone

Nidagravel UK Building Stone Flooring Walling

Masonry Landscaping Restoration March 2019 Quarter Page Ad

01386 584384 www.stonequarries.co.uk

Come and see us: Stand 124 Rebate offer: 2%

The l Origina Grid

WHEN YOU’RE USING GRAVEL ALWAYS USE NIDAGRAVEL GRIDS Context Porcelain Paving - Dusk

TRADE PRICING FOR LANDSCAPERS ORDER ONLINE USING OUR TRADE LOGIN NATIONAL DELIVERY IN 48 HOURS ALWAYS IN STOCK & READY TO DELIVER

Global Stone is an industry leading, innovative supplier of premium porcelain and natural stone paving, setts, accessories and features For more information or to see our full range: www.globalstonepaving.co.uk

www.nidagraveluk.co.uk GRAVEL STABILISATION GRIDS

Advert template.indd 26

25/04/2019 10:49

EDUCATE

WHAT I’M READING Rhiannon Williams, Landform Consultants Ltd

RHIANNON WILLIAMS Title Sowing Beauty Author Professor James Hitchmough This book has been sat on my desk since the end of last year and I’ve been slowly working my way through it, reading bits here and there, when I’ve had chance. In some ways, it’s been nice to savour it.

There were a number of reasons why this book appealed to me. The gorgeous cover photo was one, and another was that it was written by Professor James Hitchmough – one of my planting design lecturers when I studied at the University of Sheffield. I vividly remember

A GREAT STAND ALONE BOOK ON A TOPIC THAT’S BECOMING INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT AND POPULAR James’ lectures and always enjoyed the way he would talk about planting design. It was hard not to come out from his lectures feeling inspired.

There are a number of projects we are currently working on at Landform HQ which this

94

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

What I'm reading.indd 94

book has come in handy for, one in particular is a larger residential property in northern England’s Yorkshire Dales.

The house is a truly beautiful barn conversion set within an acre of land on the side of a hill.

The garden features cultivated ornamental planting around the house and a large expanse of land spilling down the hillside. I love any opportunity to research planting for a project and this one was no different.

CASE STUDY The client’s initial brief specified they wanted to develop this lower land to be a mix of grass meadows with drifts of flowering meadow running through; something that is different to the neighbouring fields but sympathetic and enhancing of the Dales’ natural beauty. As with most projects, the clients wanted something relatively low maintenance but weren’t averse to putting the work in required to maintain the meadows.

The project is a little over 250 miles from the Landform Office and is in an area I am completely unfamiliar with. I wanted to research the design and development of the meadows to ensure we offered the client the best chance at establishing successful and feasible meadows.

Due to the large area to be covered by the meadows, it made more economical sense to develop a seed mix and invest in creating something more bespoke for

the site. To help with this, we’ve undertaken soil tests across the property and have researched species found in the neighbouring heaths and woodlands.

It’s so hard to say which is my favourite chapter, the book itself is split into two sections; the principles of designing flowering meadows and then an in-depth section of case studies. The ‘Designing Naturalistic Herbaceous Plant Communities’ chapter outlines how the basic design principles we’ve all learnt as designers, can be applied to sown meadows in relation to plant selection and the composition.

HIGHLIGHTS The ‘Seed Mix Design, Implementation and Initial Establishment’ chapter outlines the best practice for creating these meadows without being condescending or over complicating things with handy little sketches and photos showing different examples of sown meadows.

The book is easy to read, especially if you can only read a little here and there. It’s easy to understand and contains a fair bit of data, presented clearly to help understand the theory behind the meadows. All the examples given are different from one another, outline the client brief and site conditions and have lots of photos to outline the differences between the examples.

This book is inspiring, easy to read and easy to understand. It’s great as a reference book but also a great stand alone book on a topic that’s becoming increasingly important and popular. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 13:15

EDUCATE

1. Increased productivity, decreased downtime The 23.8hp engine powers up to 12,000m2 of mowing per hour, while the 41L fuel tank is large enough to power a full day’s work. Also, the 810L collector is accompanied by a sensor which alerts the operator when it’s full.

2. Height of cut Hydraulic adjustment delivers a cut height of between 20 -110mm and comes as standard.

Adjustments are made via a rocker switch. When mowing, the height of cut can be varied on the move.

3. Clipping collection On the deck underside are a pair of contra-rotating blades. The paddle at the tips create a blast of air to blow clippings into the collector. A third central rotor mounted ahead of the main units allows for a critical clearance between the two main rotors. When this spacing is combined with the deck’s overall depth, the net effect is to increase the mower’s capacity to cope with large volumes of bulky material.

4. No overfill A key design aim prevents the free flow of air from becoming obstructed by over-filling the hopper – the hopper sensor triggers an automatic deck stop before the hopper is over-filled and helps prevent the trunking from getting blocked. There are three hopper sensor settings – dry, wet and bulky.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Product DNA.indd 95

PRODUCT

DNA TORO

PROLINE H800 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Engine: 23.8hp Yanmar 3-cylinder liquid cooled diesel • Fuel capacity: 41ltr (10.8gal) • Tyres: Front: 23 x 10.5-12 Rear: 18 x 7.5-8 • Mowing rate: Up to 12,000m2/hr (3 acres/hr) • Height of cut: 20 to 110mm (0.8 to 4.3ins) • Width of cut: 126cms (49.6ins) • Collector capacity: 810ltr (214gal) • Overall height: Up to 2070mm (81.5ins) with ROPS up • Length: 2910mm (114.6ins) • Width: 1430mm (56.3ins) • Weight: 980kg (2160lbs) with deck

5. Clean clear up Direct grass collection with the Smart AirFlow system maximises collection performance meaning loose material is hoovered up rather than getting chopped up by the blades. The leaves in the dump pile are virtually untouched, reducing the power that would otherwise be wasted mulching them. Automatic deck cleaning wipers in rear discharge area means no time is wasted unclogging the machine.

6. High lift system The collector can be raised to almost two metres in height and remotely controlled from the operator’s station.

It’s able to tip into both conventional and high sided trailers. The hopper tilts back fully before it releases to help ensure material is dumped quickly and cleanly.

7. Ease of use and maintenance No tools are needed to raise the deck for service access. The radiator pack swings out of the way to give access to the engine oil dipstick and oil filter. Access to the deck drive belt and grease points is uncluttered and the tilting deck allows easy access to blades for daily clean up.

CONTACT Alastair Rowell Tel 01480 226800 Email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk Web www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk Twitter @ReesinkTurfcare Pro Landscaper / May 2019 95

25/04/2019 13:12

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Concept

to Delive

ry Concept DESIGN , AND M BUILD AINTAIN

April 2019

Looking

, BUILD DESIGN INTAIN A M D AN

m ar it Fro Let’s He ARK YOUDE

back at

Let’s He ar

PHILIP

SCAPE FUTURESPRING

to Deliv

ery

February

it From

2019

JAFFA

PRO LA NDSCA BUSINE PER SS AWA SHORTL RDS IST AN N

Bespok

IGN &M HOLLYN LANDSCAPE DES U RB A

OUNCED

Concept

e

DESIGN , AND M BUILD AINTAIN

SOIL M IXES

Let’s He ar

to Deliv

ery

March 20 19

it FromF

utureS HAY HW ANGSPRINcape G

SEMIN PRO L AR PODIUANDSCAPER PROGRAMME M AWA R SHORTL D S IST AN

Contem

porary F

IAL ESSENITONS DECIS R

ED

it f o r a

Cover final

.indd 1

SITE COMPO G

DECKIN RT

Hiddenen hav SCA G RE E N

PE GAR

cool

P rin REGENASSOCIA T’S PARTES ce K

JOHN N ASH

UTLE SEAN B

REPO

NOUNC

22/01/20

19 16:2 0

ANGUS LIND

Twenty SAY F Not Outive,

Making waves

DENS Cover chos

en.indd

9

WATER GEMS

9 15:49

21/03/201

20/02/20

19 16:2 9

£95

l.indd 12

Cover fina

per yea r

12 issues Additional supplements Weekly newsletter

For more information www.prolandscapermagazine.com t 01903 777588 e chris.anderson@eljays44.com Advert PL_Subs_FP.indd template.indd1 29

25/04/2019 10:56

EDUCATE

A CUT ABOVE THE REST PAUL HICKS, MARKETING AND PRODUCT MANAGER FOR STIHL, TALKS PRO LANDSCAPER THROUGH THE GROWING TRENDS FOR PEDESTRIAN MOWERS

I

t was in the early 17th century when the classic, close-cut English lawn was created by the Jacobean gentry. Land owned, purely for pleasure, was the ultimate status symbol and it took hours of intensive labour to scythe and shear the grass for a perfect finish. Today, lawn envy is alive and well, even if those employed to cut lawns no longer have such physical demands thanks to modern mowers.

Paul Hicks, marketing and product manager for STIHL, explains there are a number of major launches for 2019, and in a further move, the company has fully integrated its VIKING brand.

A professional mower needs to be a workhorse and is also a sizeable investment, so when are they called for?

Paul explains: “A jobbing gardener may get away with owning a good domestic model, but if you’re serious about lawn care, then you need a quality professional mower. Many landscaping firms own a few so they can tailor the work to the type and size of the job.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

pedestrian mowers FEATURE.indd 97

There is a lot of pride in creating that great result – just check out some of the pros’ Instagram accounts.”

IF YOU’RE SERIOUS ABOUT LAWN CARE, THEN YOU NEED A QUALITY PROFESSIONAL MOWER Earn your stripes A striped lawn is particularly favoured by the British, and STIHL’s RM 655 RS is one of the newly launched models. “It was created for the GB market and the rear roller flattens the grass, so you get the perfect striped effect as well as naivgating around borders without scalping the lawn,” says Paul. He adds that mulching mowers are gaining in popularity: “They are favoured in Europe and they are a highly effective way of feeding the lawn.” This year STIHL launched the RM 4 RTP, a robust mulching machine, which is ideal for large jobs.

Handy features Although cordless is gaining ground, petrol tends to be preferred by many professionals.

Paul comments: “You should be looking for a machine that is comfortable to use. You need a reliable and powerful engine and a large fuel tank. Recent years have also seen noise and vibration levels reduce and these are also important factors. Aspects such as an efficient catcher box and safety features, such as blade brake clutch are essential too.”

STIHL has recently launched a new range of RM 756 series petrol powered mowers, which

have Kawasaki engines and a three-litre fuel tank.

“Pros also like the mono handbar, which makes emptying the 80L grass bag easy and high-lift blades for optimum cutting.”

Championing cordless STIHL recently showed a preview of a professional battery pedestrian mower – the RMA 765 – and Paul says there is a lot of interest in cordless. “The battery technology has improved enormously, and landscapers will typically have a number of charged batteries which work in various tools to allow them to work for hours.

The fact there are no emissions and the lack of noise also makes these particularly suited to work in schools and hospitals, for example.”

Despite the rise in robotic mowers, Paul points out that a pedestrian mower remains an absolute staple. “There are jobs where you can’t use anything else, either because of the stripe finish required, the type of land or because of the theft risk in public areas.”

Mowing has moved on and technological advances leave landscapers with an outstanding selection of models to choose from, which means leaving the neighbours green with envy is readily achievable.

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 97

25/04/2019 14:20

EDUCATE

Pro 553HRSP-HST The Lawnflite Pro 553HRSP-HST is new for 2019. This mower is fast with a groundspeed of 1.8m/s due to its Hydro Max drive, making it 50% faster than the non-hydrostatic model.

The advanced, quiet, fan-assisted collection system ensures a superior quality of cut, across the wide 15mm to 77mm cutting range, and the steel roller produces a traditional striped effect.

The 553HRSP-HST comes with a blade brake clutch, which stops the blade from turning while the engine is still running so the grass bag can be emptied, coupled with a large heavy duty 75L fabric catcher, enabling longer mowing time.

The diecast alloy deck is rustproof, adding to longevity and the shaft driven gearbox offers durability, powered by a commercial-grade 163cc Honda engine. Sealed roller bearings, strong handles, and a front mounted bumper provide extra protection against accidental damage.

RRP: £1,999

CUB CADET

LAWNFLITE

PEDESTRIAN MOWERS

WWW.CUBCADET.CO.UK

WWW.HONDA .CO.UK

98

Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Pedestrian mowers KIT.indd 98

HUSQVARNA

HONDA

WWW.LAWNFLITE.CO.UK

HRX 537 HYE Honda’s HRX 537 HYE is part of the relaunched premium range. It has more power and improved efficiency, thanks to Honda’s new GCVx 200 engine. This latest Euro 5-compliant four-stroke engine provides class-leading power and torque, with improved fuel efficiency and easy starting. Automatic choke is standard, with accurate temperature sensing for optimum starting performance, plus lower noise levels than the previous model. The number of parts making up the engine has been reduced by 63% to enhance reliability and reduce maintenance, and the mower is up to 2kg lighter than previous models. The spark plug has been relocated to an easier access point, while the oil drain has been placed higher up on the side of the engine. The HRX 537 HYE also features variable hydrostatic transmission, roto-stop and Honda’s versamow variable mulching system.

RRP: £1,339

XM3 ER53 The Kawasaki engine FJ 180 V Kai gives the power to negotiate and mow slopes of up to 30°.

It comes with blade brake clutch, while the aluminium housing on the heavy-duty transmission gives more durability and longer machine life. It can be cleaned quickly with an integrated mowing deck washing nozzle and a special cleaning position, while specially-developed geometry inside the mower housing ensures cuttings are transported through a turbo tunnel into the grass bag.

There is an anti-vibration system with axle dampers and gel cushioning in the handle to absorb engine vibrations and it can be used for up to eight hours. The single die-cast aluminium housing is robust and free of any screw that can come loose.

Tough front and side bumpers protect the mower against obstacles, while steel rims, supported by ball bearings, improve running quality and give stability.

RRP: £1,299

LC 551VBP The Husqvarna LC 551VBP is a high-performance professional variable speed self-propelled petrol mower designed for full-time use. It is a lightweight and compact yet robust with a powerful engine, large fuel tank (1.9L) and aluminium wheels with rubber tyres. Featuring blade brake control and side protection bumper for additional protection when mowing next to obstacles, this mower offers affordable quality with reliable, long-lasting performance.

There is quick and easy adjustment of the grass cutting height with the use of just one lever and an easy foldable handle bar to minimise space required for storing and transportation.

Top class collections performance is thanks to the collect blade, and minimum clippings are left on the lawn. There is also a collect bag designed to keep dust in the bag and prevent it from blowing in the operator’s face.

RRP: £1,175

WWW.HUSQVARNA. COM/UK

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 14:22

• Porcelain

Tel: 01458 441122 info@woodlandhp.co.uk www.woodlandhp.co.uk

• Natural stone • Aggregates

National Suppliers of

• Edging

Bark Mulches & Play Surfaces Soil Conditioners & Manures Interior & Exterior Composts BS3882 Top Soils & Sub Soils Lightweight Roof Garden Soils LECA (Light Expanded Clay Aggregate)

• Walling • Setts • Driveway paving • Artificial grass • Decking • Sleepers • Fencing Kebur Silver Grey Sandstone Trade Pack, a firm favourite among landscape professionals Photo courtesy of Nigel Graham Garden Design

Woodland Horticulture Ltd.

Sharpham Lane, Walton, Street, Somerset BA16 9SB

for all your landscaping needs 01252 517571

www.kebur.co.uk

sales@kebur.co.uk

WHISPERCAST AND MICROETCHED CONCRETE SURFACES

Pavers are NOT the ONLY option!

©Stefano Marinaz Landscape Architect

Manufacturers of bespoke and custom made fibreglass and planters residential andplanters commf Manufacturers of bespoke andsteel custom made for fibreglass and steel Manufacturers of bespoke and custom made fibreglass and steel www.capital-garden.com planters for residential and commercial installations www.capital-garden.com Tel: 01580 2 Tel: 01580 201 092 www.capital-garden.com Tel: 01580 201 092 Whispercast MicroETCHED and Exposed Aggregate paving from HRL brings the beauty of natural aggregate together with the durability of in-situ concrete to landscape paving. User friendly materials of the highest quality, which are straightforward to apply, HRL Whispercast provides creative and individual hard landscaping options.

Probably the most cost effective method to accommodate those difficult shapes and curves, Whispercast is a worthy addition in your hard landscaping portfolio.

CONTACT HRL WHISPERCAST FOR IDEAS AND ADVICE TO OPEN UP A WORLD OF OFFERING SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!

hardscaperesourcing

Manufacturers of bespoke and custom made fibreglass and steel planters f Manufacturers bespoke and made fibreglass and steel planters for residential and commercial installations www.capital-garden.com Tel: 01580 2 COLOURS &of CHEMICALS FORcustom CONCRETE www.capital-garden.com Tel: 01580 201 fibreglass 092 Manufacturers of bespoke and custom made and steel planters for residential and comm

Tel: 01484 863 880

e: mail: sales@colchem.co.uk • www.colchem.co.uk

Advert template.indd 27

www.capital-garden.com

Tel: 01580 201 092

25/04/2019 10:51

hertfordshire - knebworth

Trovia provides a bespoke consultancy led service aimed at designers, landscapers and architects.

We offer Italian porcelain products curated to bring beauty, colour, texture and practicality to a wide range of external and internal settings.

Trovia is a wholly owned division of the Global Stone family.

Visit: www.trovia.co.uk or contact us at hello@trovia.co.uk

SELF BINDING PATH GRAVEL Call now for our leaflet...

Compact smooth surface’ perfect for footpaths, garden paths and countryside walkways, with attractive Cotswold tones!

Ideal for cycles, golf buggies, wheelbarrows, wheelchairs, pushchairs etc.

Sample Service • UK DELIVERIES Loose • Bulk Bags • Pallets Full product list, sample service and UK delivery details on our website

01869 331281

Advert template.indd 28

www.smithsbletchington.co.uk

25/04/2019 10:54

Case study

EDUCATE ADVERTORIAL

RENSON’S GOT YOU COVERED Renson’s Premium Ambassador Garden House Design had a client who wanted to create a private spa area including a hot tub in their garden as their property is located in a busy urban setting.

With an understanding of what the client wanted, Garden House Design suggested the Renson Camargue, an aluminium louvered canopy, to sit over the client’s hot tub. It was ideal not only to meet its client’s requirements, but also a beautiful and contemporary solution with exceptional design flair.

The Camargue’s design provides sun protection and ventilation according to the needs of the environment and the client. The roof consists of extruded aluminium blades which can be rotated and opened by remote control. The blades provide protection against rain, sun and wind. In summer, hot air can escape, and in winter and in the evenings the roof can be closed to become water resistant.

This works by water being discharged to the columns/legs via integrated water guiding ducts. This water drainage also works when opening the blades after a rain shower, so that any furniture, hot tubs or outdoor kitchens

within the canopy remain protected.

The Camargue also allowed Garden House Design to customise and tailor the canopy to the needs and preferences of its client by adding some personalised accessories. One of these was the Loggialu Privacy Sliding Door Panels which they designed into two of the sides. These were the perfect solution for creating privacy in the canopy. Clients can choose between Aluminium or Western Red Cedar louvres, with matching metal frames to

THE NEWLY INSTALLED CAMARGUE HAS NOW GIVEN THE GARDEN A NEW LEASE OF LIFE the main structure. These sliding doors with rotating blades not only offer a personal touch but also met the requested element of privacy.

The door louvres can be rotated to be fully open or closed giving the client full control on how much light they wish to bring into the spa area. It also ticks a further box for the client adding protection from the wind and sun.

All the canopies and accessories can be

colour matched to any RAL colour.

The team also suggested adding lighting, which they did by adding two LED roof blades. These allow the client to use their Camargue throughout the year, so even when it gets dark in the evening there are no excuses for not being outside. With the choice of warm white or bright white, the warmer white light was specified since it would support the vision for the spa area. The lights are turned on or off by the remote control or can be dimmed depending on the client’s preference.

The newly installed Camargue has given the garden a new lease of life that offers the perfect place for the whole family to relax and enjoy their hot tub, no matter what the weather.

For more information on Renson’s complete range of louvred canopies and accessories, contact Premium Ambassador Garden House Design. Call 01903 774774 or email the team at info@gardenhousedesign.co.uk.

ABOUT RENSON Renson is dedicated to creating healthy spaces since its early beginnings in 1909.

Renson is a trendsetter in ventilation, sun protection and terrace coverings, devising healthy and comfortable environments for indoors and outdoors. www.renson-outdoor.com

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Renson case study.indd 101

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 101

25/04/2019 14:39

ADVERTORIAL

NEW WAYS TO FRAME THE LANDSCAPE AVS FENCING & LANDSCAPING TELLS US WHICH FENCING TRENDS TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS YEAR

F

encing is the one product that frames our gardens and indeed the entire British landscape. It not only provides privacy and security but also brings our preferred style to our outdoor space.

Fencing is constantly evolving and improving as a product, ensuring our gardens and outdoor areas look how we want them to.

Add a contemporary edge This cleaner, more streamlined design is making a splash with landscapers in 2019. The modern look is achieved with louvred, horizontal slats which provide excellent privacy while letting in light and ensuring the garden doesn’t feel too enclosed. This feels more like smart continental screening than traditional, heavy fencing in the garden and the softwood matures beautifully over time.

The country look Designed to add a prettier, cottage look to any garden the Omega Lattice Panel will match most outdoor spaces, even a more contemporary or urban design. The decorative trellis panel creates a wave shape along the top of the fence and looks particularly good with climbing plants and flowers. What’s more, this design is dual-faced so it can be shared, and enjoyed, by neighbours.

Noise-reducing fencing Despite looking like your average fence, AVS Waves Acoustic Barriers does more than just look good. Each timber panel is made of the latest interlocking tongue and groove technology designed to reduce noise. It’s ideal for clients who want to lower noise pollution caused by traffic, trains or even noisy neighbours near their office or home. It has the look of a natural wooden, solid and durable fence but with very special noise-reducing qualities. The fencing complies with Highways Sector Scheme 2C for the pre-fabrication of environmental barriers.

ABOUT AVS FENCING & LANDSCAPING AVS Fencing & Landscaping is one of the leading suppliers of fencing, landscaping and decking materials in the South East. AVS sells over 5,000 products from fencing and beautiful summerhouses to decking and the latest in artificial grass. Its timber is sustainable, FSC-registered and UK-grown. www.avsfencing.co.uk

102 Pro Landscaper / May 2019

AVS Fencing.indd 102

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 14:33

EDUCATE

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE? LAURA HATHAWAY-JENKINS Pro Landscaper speaks to Laura HathawayJenkins, senior soil scientist at Tim O’Hare Associates about her role, future aspirations and route into the industry Tell us about your role?

I’m a senior soil scientist and part of a small team of soil scientists specialising in landscape consultancy within the built environment. I work on a range of projects, from small private individuals to large construction schemes.

What does a normal day look like for you?

Every day is really different, I don’t think I have a ‘normal day’. Sometimes I’m in the office preparing tenders, writing reports, preparing soil

I FIRST BECAME INTERESTED IN SOIL SCIENCE AND SOILS WHEN I DID MY GEOGRAPHY GCSE, WHICH FEELS LIKE A MILLION YEARS AGO NOW specifications. Other days I’m out on site surveying soils, monitoring landscape soil works or troubleshooting landscape problems. I also frequently attend meetings and design team workshops, or deliver training sessions.

Assessing soil conditions in planter, Oman I carry out soil surveys, develop management plans and specifications for use of soils on landscape schemes. I also liaise with our clients to ensure our work meets their expectations.

In addition, I have developed our in-house graduate training and continuing professional development schemes. I also deliver training sessions to our clients to further their understanding of landscape soils.

What has been your route into your career?

I first became interested in soil science and soils when I did my geography GCSE, which feels like a million years ago now. I went on to do a geography degree at Royal Holloway in London, followed by a Practical Masters in Soil Management at Cranfield University. Through Cranfield, I was given the opportunity to do an Engineering Doctorate, with an industrial sponsor: The Organic Research Centre. Once I’d completed my studies, I decided that I wanted to move away from research and into the real world.

Soil profile specifications that were needed. We selected specialist soils and a land drainage scheme, then monitored the works as they were installed.

I have been involved in the development of the Oman Botanic Gardens since 2015. The project aims to recreate the different habitats found in Oman. Initially, we completed a survey of the area to understand the existing soils. We were able to design the soil specifications and assist with each landscape habitat. I travelled to Oman and helped with the initial stages of topsoil manufacture and blending trials. I look forward to continuing to work on this project over the next few years as it is built.

Soil handling and management

Subsoil preparation, Lewis Cubitt Park www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Whats your role.indd 103

Can you tell me a bit more about some of the projects you have been involved in?

Over the last few years I’ve been lucky to work on a variety of prestigious projects, including King’s Cross’s Lewis Cubitt Park, which was a fascinating project. We joined the design team to assist in developing the soil requirements and

What are your future aspirations?

I would love to be involved in more projects abroad and learn about landscape soils in different environments. I would also like to inspire future graduates, especially soil scientists and for them to understand the value of our finite soil resources.

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 103

25/04/2019 11:47

JOBS

For full details on all jobs, please goFor to full details on all jobs, please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk. www.horticulturecareers.co.uk Call 01903 777 587 or email ellie.downes@eljays44.com vacancy.

Call 01903 446with 076your or email liam.colclough@eljays44.com with your vacancy

LANDSCAPE FOREMAN

EXPERIENCED LANDSCAPER

Outdoor Creations London SW & Surrey is seeking applicants ideally with 2–4 years experience in a similar position or ready now to move to a more senior position.

Applicants should be able to build hard landscaping features. The successful applicant will help supervise a small team on site (support, assistance and training can be provided). Applicants will ideally live locally and can travel across this area. Key tasks include interpreting scale drawings and specifications to construct residential gardens, contribute to schedules to agree and set goals for each task and the overall project.

Firstlight Landscaping is looking for an experienced Landscaper to join their team. The company is looking for an enthusiastic worker to be responsible for the day-to-day site management. Candidates will need experience in hard landscaping and building and managing high-end projects for several years.

An experienced landscaper will be able to carry out hard and some soft landscaping all to a very high standard. Candidates should have minimum 5 years’ experience in the landscaping sector, managerial experience and a UK driving licence.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION TEAM LEADER

MANAGING DIRECTOR – VERTICAL GREENING

James Bird Landscapes Ltd is one of South Yorkshire’s leading landscape and garden design companies. Based in Sheffield, it is renowned for its expertise, quality and customer service and is looking to expand the team due to business growth.

This is a fantastic opportunity for the right person totake on a full-time, permanent role with a growing business with opportunities to progress within the company. The ideal candidate will be experienced in construction and landscaping and be expected to work to a very high standard.

Biotecture has an opportunity for a divisional managing director. The successful candidate will be responsible for the maintenance division, overseeing matters regarding sales, business development, operational delivery and customer interface.

They will also be responsible for helping to drive business growth and delivering strategic financial targets. They will need great vision, ability to lead and be capable and engaging at a senior level. Also, to lead in technology development, coach teams to sustainable success and be a key part of the succession plan.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

HSEQ COMPLIANCE MANAGER

SKILLED LANDSCAPER/ TEAM LEADER

ESL Landscape Contractors is currently looking for a motivated and skilled HSEQ compliance manager to join its team on a full-time basis. Reporting to the CEO, the successful candidate will be overseeing all aspects of safety and quality at site and management level across the south of England.

Candidates should have: experience in safety and environment within the landscape industry, good academic qualifications, a minimum of NEBOSH certificate or the equivalent, computer literate and hold a full, clean driving licence.

Langlea is an award-winning, fully integrated, residential garden design and construction company. The company’s work is most often highly bespoke, challenging, fast-paced and very rewarding. Langlea is looking for an intelligent, driven, hard-working, loyal and skilled landscaper to lead the team.

The team leader should have more than five years experience, a full clean driving licence, a can-do attitude, be open minded, friendly and have the ability to work under direction and/or direct others.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

LANDSCAPING ASSISTANT

HL SERVICES

OUTDOOR CREATIONS Location: London, Surrey

JAMES BIRD LANDSCAPES LTD Location: Sheffield,Yorkshire

ESL LANDSCAPER CONTRACTORS Location: Sussex

OUTDOOR CREATIONS Location: London, Surrey

Outdoor Creations is searching for an enthusiastic landscaping assistant to become a key member of its South West London and Surrey teams. Candidates should be able to organise and manage their work.

The assistant will work with a supervisor to ensure work is completed to a high standard and be able to undertake their own landscaping tasks.The successful candidate is likely to be well presented, flexible, punctual, reliable, physically fit and able to show initiative in the workplace.

FIRSTLIGHT LANDSCAPING LTD Location: Leeds

BIOTECTURE Location: London

LANGLEA GARDEN DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION Location: Sussex, Hove

HL Services specialise in permanent and temporary recruitment solutions across the UK for the grounds maintenance and facilities management sectors.

Explore a wide range of vacancies in London and across the UK by searching HL Services on the Horticulture Careers homepage. The company is recruiting landscaping and grounds maintenance staff at all levels.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk 104 Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Jobs.indd 104

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 16:03

Horticulture CAREERS CELEBRATING 5 YEARS Since Pro Landscaper launched Horticulture Careers in May 2014, it has helped to fill a number of key roles for some of the biggest names in the landscaping and grounds maintenance sectors.

To celebrate its fifth anniversary, we are offering customers a third off three of our most popular packages throughout May 2019.

STANDARD PREMIUM WAS

WAS





WAS

£300

£600

£900

NOW

NOW

NOW

£200 

DELUXE

Branded Company Profile Online job listing displayed for 60 days, with a refresh after 30 days Personal account management

£400  

 

All benefits of Standard Package Printed job listing within one issue of Pro Landscaper or Pro Arb magazine Inclusion in our candidate mailer Personal account management

£600     

3 online job listings 2 printed job listings 1 featured listing (will remain at the top of the listing for 30 days) Personal account management Inclusion in candidate mailer and Pro Landscaper Friday Wrap newsletter

Offer valid until 31/05/2019

Please contact Liam Colclough to advertise your vacancy:

Email: liam.colclough@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 446076 Hort Careers.indd 1

18/04/2019 15:03

CLASSIFIED Diesel Bowser

Diesel Diesel Bowser Bowser

• Manufactured in the UK • 12 month warranty • 12v 40L/min pump • 440l & 220L options • AdBlue option available

For all your golf, sportsturf and landscape irrigation needs.

Buy online at www.lws.uk.com

01353 862044

• Manufactured in the UK • 12 month warranty • Manufactured in the UK • 12v 40L/min pump month warranty • 440l•&12 220L options • AdBlue option available pump • 12v 40L/min

01353 862044

Tel 0345 230 9697 • www.lws.uk.com

• 440l & 220L options 01353 862044

• AdBlue option available

01353 862044

FOR ALL YOUR IRRIGATION NEEDS

Design and Advice • Irrigation Parts Catalogue 24/7 Online Parts Ordering www.access-irrigation.co.uk • sales@access-irrigation.co.uk

T

01788 823811

Outdoor Kitchens Supply | Advice | Design

unfogable mesh eye protection

www.meshsafetyglasses.com 01254 377 467 kitcheninthegarden.co.uk | 01932 862473

Shade Solutions   

www.shade - solutions.com  





106 Pro Landscaper / May 2019

Classified.indd 106

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/04/2019 08:47

PEOPLE

RICHARD MOORE Botanical horticulturalist, Kew Gardens www.kew.org If you weren’t in the horticulture industry, what would you be doing?

If I’d never discovered horticulture I’d probably be a professional drummer as I’ve been drumming since the age of 13.

been a fascinating person to talk to!

One thing that you think would make the industry better?

I wish there was more of an emphasis on horticultural education in schools which would give people a better understanding of plants, how our food is grown and where it comes from!

Pro Landscaper asks quick-fire questions to gain a small insight into the people who make up our industry. To take part email content@eljays44.com

i

ED GRIFFITHS Head of operations, CGM Group www.cgmltd.co.uk

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

Japan. I travel to Japan occasionally as my wife is Japanese to see our family.

The landscapes are magnificent.

What would you blow your budget on?

I’d buy enough land to setup a propagation glasshouse with enough space outside to grow a wide range of trees.

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

I’ve always admired the great plant hunters such as Robert Fortune and would’ve loved to meet him in person, he must have www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Little Interview.indd 107

Best piece of trivia you know?

Did you know that Forsythia was named after the Scottish botanist William Forsyth who is the ancestor of Bruce Forsyth?!

©Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock.com

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

I think Rowan Atkinson would suit the role quite well.

What three things would you take to a desert island?

If I could, I’d take my wife, I’d go mad without her! As well as a flint so that I could make fire and a tent to keep dry. I’ve always been a practical person.

Karaoke song of choice?

Bohemian Rhapsody.

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

Professional dancer.

Best piece of trivia you know?

How long is the typical coat hanger?

21 inches long.

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

Spain.

What three things would you take to a desert island?

My Fiancée, a bottle of wine and my secateurs.

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

Wentworth Miller

What would you blow your budget on?

Machinery.

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

Monty Don. One thing that you think would make the industry better?

Clients awareness to adverse weather conditions.

Your favourite joke?

What tool did Father Christmas use to weed his garden? His Ho Ho Ho. Karaoke song of choice?

Dolly Parton, Jolene.

Pro Landscaper / May 2019 107

25/04/2019 14:12

Advert template.indd 30

25/04/2019 10:57