Pro Landscaper October 2014

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DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

October 2014

LIVE

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SMALL SCALE

SIMPLICITY LET’S HEAR IT FROM

FRANK CURRY BRAMBLEDOWN LANDSCAPE SERVICES

INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIOS

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WELCOME

Concept to Delivery DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

October 2014

October 2014 | Volume 4, Issue 10 LIVE

ARE YOU GOING?

BETTER BY

Welcome to October 2014

SMALL SCALE

SIMPLICITY LET’S HEAR IT FROM

FRANK CURRY BRAMBLEDOWN LANDSCAPE SERVICES

INTERNATIONAL PORT FOLIOS

SINGAPORE ST YLE

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Welcome to the October issue of Pro Landscaper.

This month is an exciting one for us with the launch of our first northern based event, LandscapeLive, sponsored by Green-tech, which this month celebrates 20 years in business. If

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

you can get to Yorkshire County Cricket Ground, Headingley on Tuesday 7 October it’ll be well worth the visit – there are some great events and debates planned plus an array of exhibitors who will all have people on hand to explain and demonstrate their products.

We also attended the yearly Palmstead Workshop in September and listened to some great speakers including Noel Kingsbury and Colin Crosbie from RHS Wisley. IOG SALTEX, at Windsor Racecourse for the last time before moving to the NEC, was blessed with glorious weather and we also attended the Arb Association’s conference and APF Show with our new sister publication Pro Arb which will no doubt be of interest to many of Pro Landscaper’s readers (please contact us if you like to receive it).

ADVERTISING Business Development Manager – Jamie Wilkinson jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 588 Account Manager – Luke Chaplin luke.chaplin@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 584 Sales Executive – Amber Bernabe amber.bernabe@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 581 Horticulture Careers – Ellie Downes ellie.downes@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 587

Equipment Editor – Joe Wilkinson joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 577

Accounts Assistant – Lisa Woollard accounts@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570

Reporter – Alex Farnham alex.farnham@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 573

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

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

MARKETING AND CIRCULATION Tel:01903 777571

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Subscription enquiries lewis.dan@eljays44.com

These events are always a great way to network with other industry professionals and find new ideas and suppliers. Please do also consider visiting the landscape industry event of the year, FutureScape, which is located at Sandown Park Racecourse in Esher, Surrey on Tuesday 18 November and will be bigger and better than ever.

Have a good month, hope to see you at one (or both) of our shows!

@jimeljays

@lisaeljays

P.S. Rose Hales, Deputy Editor and member of the Pro Landscaper team, is leaving for pastures new in October. She has been a valuable member of the Eljays44 family for two and a half years and we’ll all miss her. Good luck Rose in your new role.

Design – Kara Thomas Olivia White Amy Downes

Pro Landscaper is proud to be an affiliate member of BALI

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

The Association of

Professional Landscapers

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

Pro Landscaper is published 12 times per year by Eljays44 Ltd. The 2014 subscription price is £95.00.

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

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.

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

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CONTENTS

October 2014 6

News Shed

6

Round up of industry news

12 News Extra International work, yes or no?

The results of our survey are in…

15 Association News The RHS report on their upcoming autumn shows; efig start thinking about Christmas early; the APL Autumn Networking Seminar is fast approaching, take at look at what you can expect from the event; BALI announce Award winners and new Chairman; and the SGD has announced the 2014 SGD Awards shortlist OPINION

19 Better By Design and Build…?

34 The Benefits Of An Online Marketplace

New columnist David Dodd begins his residency by discussing design and build companies

The online marketplace is always open for business, Chris Burke explains how to make the most of it

21 Stepping Out Of The Box

37 DOA, Dead On Arrival

Andrew Wilson reflects on the 2014 Singapore Garden Festival

Or is there a better definition? Steve Clarke offers an alternative

22 Biggest Is Not Always The Best Don’t forget the human touch, advises Angus Lindsay

39 Trustmark: Supporting Landscapers

24 View From The Top Phil Jones takes a look at what can be achieved from an employee’s annual appraisal

Concept to Delivery

DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

October 2014

LIVE

BUSINESS TIPS

26 Survive, Grow, And Diversify Justin Paxman offers advice from his own experience of adapting his business to survive

BETTER BY

SIMPLICITY LET’S HEAR IT FROM

31 Are You Prepared For Compulsory Workplace Pensions?

Peter Yardley, experienced corporate pensions specialist, advises companies on the new Government legislation on pensions

32 Investing: A Brief Introduction Chartered Financial Planner Lee Maddock begins by discussing what you need to consider prior to making any financial investments

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INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIOS

SINGAPORE STYLE

Garden Designer

41 Employers’ Liability Insurance For Subcontractors

TECHNICAL

FRANK CURRY BRAMBLEDOWN LANDSCAPE SERVICES

Simon Ayes clarifies what the shakeup of consumer protection laws means for landscapers

Do you need it? The answer is virtually always yes, says Simon Wilson

SMALL SCALE

29 How To Survive And Thrive As A Janine Pattison begins a new series sharing her extensive knowledge of building a successful career as a garden designer

ARE YOU GOING?

On New Consumer Contracts

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43 Setts In The Street Michael Heap from stone specialist CED, advises on the various design options available for a pavement

46 Small-Scale Simplicity ARE YOU GOING?

Lucy Summers explains how to use hard landscaping to the best effect in small urban gardens

OCTOBER 7 Landscape Live Yorkshire County Cricket Ground, Headingley www.landscapelive.co.uk

48 Designing Roof Gardens

NOVEMBER 18 FutureScape Sandown Park Racecourse www.futurescapeevent.com

51 Let’s Hear It From

Liz Ackerley completes her series by looking at finishing touches

Frank Curry from Brambledown Landscape Services

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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CONTENTS 73 Festival des Jardins Out and about at the garden festival in France

75 Nursery Factfile

CONTRIBUTORS David Dodd Landscaper and lecturer

A nursery factfile with Deepdale Trees

76 Industry Charities Perennial, Thrive, Greenfingers, and Gardening Leave explain what they do for and in the industry, and how you can get involved

79 LandscapeLive It’s not long until LandscapeLive, an unmissable event for landscapers in the north of England – information on special events and exhibitors

84 Topsoil – Getting It Right

59 PORTFOLIO

57 Singapore: High Stakes An International Show Portfolio documenting Wilson McWilliam Studio’s show garden in Singapore, which won Gold and Best of Show

59 Endless Enjoyment This International Portfolio features the Far East Organization Children’s Garden in Singapore by Grant Associates

62 Garden of England A sloping garden was transformed into a series of terraces using local Kentish materials, by I J Landscapes

66 Cottage Garden Cube 1994 redesigned an overgrown garden to generate more space, and include a bespoke play area for the children

NURSERY

71 Nursery News News bites and information from around the country, including Nursery Notes from Coles Nurseries

72 Plantsman’s Plot Autumnal plants and trees from nurseries around the country

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Why is it so important that landscapers specify the correct topsoil?

86 Paving Latest products

88 FutureScape FutureScape is drawing closer, start planning your visit and take a look at all the special events and seminars taking place at the show

EQUIPMENT

91 Equipment News 93 SALTEX New Products 94 Autumn Clean Up Latest Kit 97 General Latest Kit PEOPLE

100 Life/Style With Amanda Patton

102 Training Penny Evans from the HTA talks about training plans and apprenticeship drives

103 What’s Your Role?

Stuart Derbyshire, Commercial Director for Glendale Managed Services talks us through his role at the company

104 Look out For Sam Ovens, winner of the RHS Young Designer of the Year 2014

Andrew Wilson Garden designer and lecturer Angus Lindsay Head of Fleet at The Landscape Group Phil Jones MD of ISS Facility Services Landscaping Justin Paxman Landscaper

Janine Pattison Garden designer

Peter Yardley Corporate pensions specialist Lee Maddock Chartered Financial Planner Chris Burke Insight & Monetisation at Rated People Steve Clarke Sales mentor

Simon Ayers Chief Executive Officer of TrustMark Simon Wilson MD of Landscaping Insurance Services Lucy Summers Garden designer, writer and journalist Liz Ackerley Garden designer and landscape architect Jonathan Ward Photographer and garden writer at Ginger Horticulture

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NEWS

NEWS SHED HTA Benevolent Fund restructures Trustees HTA Benevolent Fund is pleased to announce a restructure of its Board of Trustees following an Annual General Meeting in July 2014. Chairing the Board is Andrew Richardson of Johnsons of

Whixley, while Dougal Philip of New Hopetoun Gardens steps up as Vice Charirman. Tim Woodland of Simple Pleasures, a bulb wholesaling company, joins as a new Trustee to sit alongside existing Trustees Robert Hillier of Hillier Nurseries, Tom Wood of Oakover Nurseries, and Eddie Topping of Barton Grange Garden Centre. Jeffery Bernhard of Bernhards Nurseries has now stepped down as a Trustee. www.the-hta.org.uk

Turfgrass Growers Association in drive to get more members The Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA) is embarking upon a major recruitment drive to encourage growers to get involved with its work. Formed in 1996 the TGA has successfully represented, promoted

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and defended its members, and the industry, on planning issues crop protection and water issues as well as providing a platform for speakers at its many events.

TGA Chairman, Robert Adcock,

ISS hits Gold standard with Met Office ISS Facility Services Landscaping is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the Met Office Gold Level Quality Mark for Winter Gritting. The Met Office Quality Mark is the only such mark in the industry and underpins ISS’s continued commitment to invest in its winter maintenance services. It demonstrates that ISS’s employees are properly trained by meteorological experts, and that the most accurate and reliable forecast information from the world-leading weather and climate experts is being utilised.

Each year, ISS delivers a continually expanding national winter gritting and snow clearance operation from multiple locations all over the country and it is a significant area of focus, growth and investment for the company. In 2013, a bespoke Winter Gritting Database was developed to streamline and control

the service, and this was further supported by the introduction of highly-trained Winter Gritting Champions.

Phil Jones, Managing Director, ISS Facility Services Landscaping said “ISS has been working in partnership with the Met office for over a decade now using the OpenSite forecasting tool which has allowed us to tailor our service to the local situation avoiding needless attendances. Our winter gritting and snow clearance service ensures our customers stay open for business and that their staff and visitors are safe.” www.isslandscaping.co.uk

says “The TGA is now recognised as the voice of the turfgrass industry and we want to get more companies involved. Going forward there will be many more challenges for us to face and we will be a stronger organisation with a wider membership base.”

A new self-assessment application form for membership is

being sent to all UK growers this month, along with a fact sheet about the TGA, to encourage them to join. All members of the TGA will be required to complete an annual self-assessment form from now on to make sure they are complying with the TGA rules and code of conduct in their businesses. www.turfgrass.co.uk

18/09/2014 11:25

NEWS

BALI members elect new National Chairman Robert Field, a long-standing contracting member of BALI, has been elected as the Association’s National Chairman, taking over from Q Lawns’ Chris Carr who remains on the Board as Immediate Past Chairman. Board member Paul Downer of Oak View Landscapes takes up the post of Vice Chairman/ Chair Elect. Members at the National AGM, held at SALTEX on 3 September, also elected two new Board members – BALI Registered Designer Janine Pattison and Nigel Bowcock, owner and managing director of BALI Registered Contractor Acre Landscapes.

On assuming his role as National Chairman, Robert Field thanked Chris Carr and Paul Cowell for their major contribution to the success of the Association in recent years. He

Funding for Kew Gardens to be protected Nick Clegg announced in September that the Government will continue current levels of funding for the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew until at least April 2015. The £1.5 million funding will help the world renowned scientific research institute to

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also stated that he would personally champion BALI’s domestic landscapers, ensuring that their businesses were supported and actively promoted by BALI. Another key focus for Robert is training and encouraging young people into the industry.

Robert said: “I have been a BALI member for 28 years and a Board member for over five and I am very proud to have been elected National Chairman. I look forward to continuing to work with the BALI Board on behalf of our membership during the two years of my tenure and will do my utmost to ensure BALI continues to be the natural choice for landscape professionals. The main challenge now is to ensure that the high standards that BALI has been instrumental in raising over the past 40 plus years are maintained and that we have sufficient trained and skilled staff to meet the demand.” www.bali.org.uk

continue its work. It will help to secure a number of jobs and enable Kew to undertake vital research.

Kew Gardens hosts the world’s largest collections of living plants, and it features as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is helping to save the world’s rarest plants from extinction and scientists at Kew are heavily involved in research in the vital fields of biodiversity and climate change. www.kew.org

Glendale secures FORS accredited status National green services company Glendale has received accreditation from the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) in recognition of its environmental policies. The accreditation is recognised across the UK as a quality benchmark for fleet operators, and is part of Glendale’s commitment to being safer, greener and more efficient.

FORS accredited companies

NEWS IN BRIEF Councillor raises funds for Garden Museum

A Lambeth councillor has raised more than £1,000 for the Garden Museum with a 78-mile walk round the Capital Ring orbital footpath.

Campaign for National Parks highlight needs

National Parks need stronger protection and a fairer share of resources, according to a manifesto launched in September by the Campaign for National Parks (CNP).

Award given for best prison garden have access to additional resources which can help reduce their environmental impact, such as fuel trackers and ‘greener city’ driver training. To attain the status, Glendale was required to submit to an audit which reviewed working practices, policies, procedures and management system documentation.

It also had to demonstrate that it managed risks to its operations and that systems were in place to monitor fuel use, Penalty Charge Notices, vehicle incidents and other infringements. After passing all of the inspections, Glendale was awarded accredited status and will be subject to reassessment after a set period via a re-approval process. www.glendale-services.co.uk

HMP Maidstone in Kent has been named winner of the prestigious RHS backed Windlesham Trophy Competition 2014 for the best-kept prison garden in England and Wales.

Northern Design Awards

Entries are being welcomed for the 2014 Northern Design Awards which now feature a landscape design category. The deadline for entries is 17 October. www.northerndesignawards.com

Twitter-reactive garden

A Twitter-reactive garden designed at the University of Lincoln won a Gold award at the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show.

18/09/2014 11:26

NEWS

Blakedown announces new Managing Director Blakedown Landscapes is delighted to announce the promotion of Jonathan Salem to the position of Managing Director. Jonathan has successfully performed the role of Joint Managing Director alongside Nick Barfoot since September 2011. This promotion marks a continuation of his rise through the Company since joining Blakedown as a Management Trainee in August 1999. Jonathan will be responsible for the operational running of the business, supported by Jon Griffin and Nick Barfoot, who becomes Chairman.

Jonathan adds “Blakedown is a great company with great people and has provided me with every opportunity to learn and develop since joining 15 years ago. This period has seen significant change for the company and having successfully survived the recession there are exciting times ahead! It is a privilege to lead the business as we look forward to a continuing of our achievements over the coming years.” www.blakedownlandscapes.com

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National Apprenticeship Awards Hertfordshire based specialist grounds maintenance company, John O’Conner (GM) Ltd’s Managing Director, Matt O’Conner, was proud to speak at the National Apprenticeship Awards Presentation for the Central Eastern Region.

The National Apprenticeship Awards, now in its eleventh year, is run by the National Apprenticeship Service and recognises excellence in two areas: businesses that grow their

own talent with apprentices and apprentices who have made a significant contribution to their workplaces. The winners and highly commended entries were announced at a prestigious awards ceremony held on Thursday 4 September at the Cambridge Belfry Hotel in Cambourne.

Matt was delighted to deliver a presentation offering the benefits of the company’s experience, having won the Highly

Commended Newcomer Employer of the Year Award 2013 by the National Apprenticeships Service & BALI Principal Employer of the Year 2013.

John O’Conner launched its Amenity Horticulture Apprenticeship Scheme in May 2011 to coincide with successfully winning new contracts and the success of previous schemes supporting the young and disadvantaged via work experience schemes. This success prompted a directive to establish an on-going Apprentice Scheme as part of its Business Strategy. www.apprenticeships.org.uk

The Chartered Institute of Horticulture makes history The Institute of Horticulture made horticultural history for professional horticulturists when it became Chartered on 21 July 2014. It is now The Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH).

The formal celebrations began on 1 September 2014 when The Marchioness of Salisbury, Patron of The Chartered Institute of Horticulture, hosted a Garden Party at Hatfield House to celebrate the grant of the Royal Charter, by Her Majesty the Queen.

The Garden Party was a ‘thank you’ for Institute members,

stakeholders, influential friends and sector partners for their support during the application for Chartership and a celebration of this landmark moment in the history of both the Institute and professional horticulture.

The first ever six Chartered Horticulturists were announced at the Garden Party; Leigh Morris C Hort FCIHort - (President); Andrew Gill C Hort FCIHort (President-Elect); Heather Barrett-Mold C Hort FCIHort (Past President and Education Sector Representative); Dennis Clarke

C Hort FCIHort - (Honorary Secretary), Owen Doyle C Hort FCIHort - (Chair Membership Action Group); and John Whetman. C Hort FCIHort (Honorary Treasurer). Lady Salisbury presented certificates to the Chartered Horticulturists; Andrew Gill, Heather Barrett-Mold, and Dennis Clarke. www.horticulture.org.uk

18/09/2014 11:27

NEWS

Quadron apprentices honoured

by Kensington & Chelsea’s Mayor

Five of Quadron’s apprentices were invited to a special ceremony at the Mayor’s Parlour in July to celebrate their achievements. The event was hosted by the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Councillor Maighread Condon-Simmonds, and was also attended by Quadron’s Managing

Director, Contract Manager, Holland Park supervisory staff and client officers.

Liam Mulcahy, Ryan Burch, Braden Allen, Sophia Pomiankowski and Jasper Holland have all been undertaking Quadron’s longstanding apprenticeship programme. They are based in

The Landscape Group achieves Green Flag success across 31 sites In total, 1,476 parks, cemeteries, universities, shopping centres and community gardens have met the high standard needed to receive the Green Flag Award. This year, The Landscape Group has worked with clients and communities to be a part of 31 Green Flag sites.

In Hastings, Cllr Dawn Poole, lead member for leisure and amenities said: “We are absolutely delighted once again to receive Green Flag recognition for three of our parks and gardens, a magnificent

News Shed.indd 9

result with Alexandra Park also receiving a Green Heritage award.

“I would like to thank our grounds maintenance contractors, The Landscape Group for all their hard work in making our parks and gardens look great and all the park

Holland Park where they gain practical horticultural experience working alongside Quadron’s team of staff, led by Head Gardener, Ian Fleming. They also spend one day a week with a Groundwork tutor in Quadron’s dedicated training room at Holland Park nursery, where they receive their theory training.

Liam Mulcahy described his experience as “a fantastic opportunity”, and Ian Fleming added “The training and education of these young people is incredibly important for the sustainability of the practice of gardening, and here at Holland Park we are fortunate to have the facility to give the apprentices an all-round education in horticulture.” www.quadronservices.co.uk

managers, staff and volunteers for their hard work and dedication which has helped to create these fantastic places for us all to enjoy.”

For the first time, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London has gained a Green Flag Award.

With grounds maintenance of the Park’s green and blue estates delivered by The Landscape Group, the award is testament to the high standards of horticulture delivered by the team. Aske Gardens, constructed by The Landscape Group, also achieved its first Green Flag Award. www.thelandscapegroup.co.uk

Royal Parks Apprenticeship Scheme Awards Celebration

The Royal Parks Apprenticeship Scheme celebrated its annual awards ceremony on 10 September at Old Naval College in Greenwich, at an event hosted by the University of Greenwich, in association with The Royal Parks and The Royal Parks Guild. The Awards saw Colin Buttery, the Director of Parks and Deputy Chief Executive at The Royal Parks, presenting Royal Parks Horticultural Diplomas and Certificates to the apprentices to mark the successful completion of their work-based study programme.

Individual awards were also presented for outstanding achievement, the most prestigious of which being the TRP Guild’s George Cook Award, which went to Lucy Attias, who has spent her apprenticeship in St. James’s Park.

The 2014 graduating cohort of The Royal Parks Apprenticeship Scheme is, in the words of Mike Sutton, their education assessor from Capel Manor College, “the best year that we have had”. www.royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

18/09/2014 11:28

The facts

DESIGN ERS

Date: 18 / 11 / 2014 time: 9am - 5pm venue: sandown park racecourse,surrey, kt10 9aj

what to see NCE CONTR TENA ACT AIN

ORS

150 exhibitor stands

M

Refreshments

networking events LANDSCAPERS

product Specification

ARC H

Special events CTS ITE

nursery zone

contact us FS Final Maze3.indd 2

f

www.facebook.com/ FutureScapeUK

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01903 777 570

t FutureScapeUK 17/09/2014 16:01

Don’t miss out – It’s easy, simple and free, register now Step 1 – Put the date in your diary Step 2 - Go to www.futurescapeevent.com and register Step 3 – Choose the seminars you wish to attend Step 4 – Choose which special events you want to attend Step 5 – Look at which exhibiting companies you would like to visit Don’t forget to allow for time to visit the Pro Landscaper team.

“PACKED FULL OF GREAT EVENTS”

“A fantastic DAY OUT”

“I’VE LEARNT SO MUCH IN ONE DAY”

“I MADE SOME WONDERFUL NEW CONNECTIONS”

www.futurescapeevent.com FS Final Maze3.indd 3

Register now 17/09/2014 16:04

NEWS EXTRA

International work: yes or no?

This month we conducted a survey with the aim of finding out how many UK based companies working with the landscaping industry work or trade internationally. To some it seems an obvious way to generate more income, but to others it’s more trouble than it’s worth; the results are in…

DO YOU WORK INTERNATIONALLY? The results show it is clearly a minority who are taking on work abroad. We asked why they take on international work; the responses were varied, suppliers in particular noted that their products were internationally relevant and sold well overseas – therefore there was no reason not to tap into this market. Others simply appreciated the challenge (and rewards) of working overseas, and the fun of working in new and different environments. Out of those who answered yes, 67% said that this accounted for less than 10% of their overall work. However, 10% said that this made up more than 50% of their work.

So what are the rewards? The greatest reward and attraction for undertaking work overseas is the opportunity to work in a completely different environment; interesting customers with different expectations, interesting projects, and different styles were all mentioned as the rewards gained from international work. There is also a sense of prestige in knowing

Yes No.indd 12

your services are required abroad as well as at home, not to mention the positive impact on PR, and increased profit margins. Many are also passionate and proud to supply their plants or products abroad, or work with different materials when there.

Why don’t landscaping companies work abroad, and how do these reasons match up with the challengers that are faced by those who do? Many of the responses cited risk, travel and logistics as being their main reasons for not working overseas. A large number of the companies also saw themselves as being too small to be able to work internationally; due to the obvious risks involved. When it comes to challenges, there are definite

difficulties when taking on work abroad.

Of the reasons listed two of the major challenges were the difficulties in receiving payment and logistics. Other reasons included language barriers, climate, cultural differences, and the inevitable travelling.

“I’m put off simply because I have too much on my own doorstep” Richard Lamont

“The most rewarding thing is the satisfaction for a job well done, overseas is no different to elsewhere” David Stevens, David Stevens International

“The most rewarding thing is knowing your services are sought after abroad as well as at home.”

David Dodd, The Outdoor Room

18/09/2014 11:03

LAYING DOWN THE STANDARD

Our eye for detail is as meticulous as yours.

Since you always strive for perfection, we like to make sure that all of our products match your exacting standards.

Savanna to create even more remarkable projects.

And we’ve also introduced some stunning new finishes to our ethically sourced Fairstone.

With a host of brilliant new choices available for 2014, you’ll be able to use our cutting edge, contemporary Wildwood Paving and new Drivesett

So you can head into the new year confident that Marshalls has everything you need to create perfect projects in 2014.

New Marshalls Landscaping Brochure available now. For more information, or to become a Marshalls Register Installer, call 0870 411 2102 or visit www.marshalls.co.uk/homeowners

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15/09/2014 09:37

Association

ASSOCIATION NEWS

NEWS

RHS London Harvest Festival Show, 7-8 October The RHS London Harvest Festival Show marks the start of autumn and offers visitors the chance to gain ideas and inspiration and taste and purchase harvest produce from some of the UK’s best nurseries, growers and independent food producers.

Of particular interest to Pro Landscaper readers will be the creative display

by RHS Chelsea Flower Show medal-winners Pennard Plants who will be showcasing alternative ways of growing fruits and

RHS report vegetables in small spaces.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy apple tasting with the RHS Wisley sampling sessions, and the magnificent entries in the RHS Heaviest Pumpkin Competition.

RHS London Shades of Autumn Show, 21-22 October Taking place in both the Lindley and Lawrence Halls the RHS London Shades of Autumn Show offers the best in autumn RHS Harvest Festival Late, 7 October (6-9pm) planting and inspiration, with a The RHS Harvest Festival special focus this year on art Late is an ever popular after-hours and design. Across the two days there will be an engaging talks evening harvest celebration. programme on garden design, Visitors have the opportunity to taste some seasonal fruit cocktails as well as striking photography and botanical art on display. from the Midnight Apothecary,

at Aalsmeer and visit both wholesalers for presentations about green walls. The latter being something that members have shown an interest in.

There will also be a visit to Fachjan on the Friday morning for a ‘big tree’ training day.

efig outline Christmas is just around the corner September marked the end of summer as schools and colleges reopened their doors for the autumn term. With the end of this season many efig members, like retailers, are turning their thoughts to Christmas. This is why our next two events will focus on the Christmas services available from them.

A trip to Holland On the 2 and 3 of October efig

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Association News.indd 15

have a go at pumpkin carving and apple bobbing or listen to music from folk artist Robin Grey.

members are being invited to join a trip to Holland arranged as a collaboration between efig and two of their supplier members, Koberg BV and NieuwkoopEurope BV. The focus of the trip will be on Christmas shopping and green walls.

The two day drip will give members the opportunity to visit the cash and carries

Working Christmas Tree Week 20-24 October “Working for business, working for charity, working for staff morale” We will follow this with a week dedicated to the Christmas work of interior landscapers. efig intends to promote this week in a similar way to National Plants at Work Week using social media. efig members will be asked to donate £1 from every Christmas

An innovative 3D printing exhibit will showcase high quality miniature garden models from some of the UK’s leading garden designers; demonstrating how the development of this technology has opened up new possibilities to be more ambitious and experimental in design.

This show is a real celebration of autumn colour with specialist nurseries showing the best in seasonal interest plants.

The RHS Autumn Shows will take place at the Lindley Hall and Lawrence Hall, Greycoat Street, Westminster SW1P 2PE. www.rhs.org.uk/Shows-Events

tree they install to charity. It can be the charity of their own choice.

This ensures that those less fortunate also benefit from the joy of Christmas. efig’s website ...will feature case studies from previous years to showcase members’ award-winning Christmas installations and to highlight how they affect employees’ morale. Look out for information about prestigious installations, unusual trees, Christmas tree facts, sustainable suppliers, alternatives to Christmas trees and more. Again efig will dedicate a Facebook page to the week and also a hashtag for tweeting. www.efig.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / October 2014 15

17/09/2014 15:15

ASSOCIATION NEWS

APL update Spotlight on recruitment and retention of staff at Autumn APL Networking Seminar Landscapers are encouraged to book now for the Autumn APL Networking Seminar on Wednesday 22 October 2014 at Provender Nurseries, Kent to ensure they don’t miss out on the packed programme designed for landscapers to recruit and retain the best staff for their business.

At the previous seminar the hot topic of recruitment

was highlighted and this time the programme aims to delve deeper. The APL is aware that the landscape industry can often face challenges when hiring staff. Therefore, this autumn all landscapers and designers are invited to an evening focused on the best ways to recruit the staff most suited to your business and, most importantly, how to keep hold of them. The seminar will also explore training opportunities, apprenticeships and subcontracting. Delegates will benefit from expert advice complemented by first-hand accounts from Guy Moreton of MorePeople, and Dan Lally, Slic Training.

There will be an interactive panel session featuring a line-

16

Pro Landscaper / October 2014

Association News.indd 16

Record number of entries for APL Awards A record number of entries mean the 2015 APL Awards,

August at Landscape House for three intense days of final deliberations. Having visited the many impressive schemes entered for the 2014 BALI

BALI briefing After the relative tranquillity of August, September heralded a flurry of activity, not only at our new Landscape House but also around the BALI regions as

up of the heads of landscape courses from a range of colleges, they will discuss courses and answer questions in relation to how they train students and any improvements that can be made to encourage the younger generation in to the landscaping industry.

The evening event will run from 4-7.30pm and will also offer ample networking time for delegates to discuss the topics raised along with opportunities to interact with a variety of suppliers on hand to discuss your business requirements.

Exhibitors include Everedge, Citation, Natural Paving, Woodblox, HTA Insurance Services, Melcourt Industries, Vectorworks, Bradstone, and Viroturf (Juta UK).

Contact the APL Events Team on 0118 930 3132 or events@the-hta.org.uk to book places.

our members enter the autumn period of landscape and grounds maintenance works.

Our incredible panel of Awards judges met in late

BALI Awards adjudication

National Landscape Awards over the summer, they have

sponsored by Bradstone, are on course to be the most successful yet. For 2015, the categories have been completely reviewed to make them more accessible to APL member businesses of all

sizes. 80 entries have been received compared with 60 that were received last year After a sell-out event this year, the popular awards ceremony will take place at a new bigger venue to ensure all attendees eager to celebrate the best in landscaping can be accommodated. Therefore, we are delighted to announce that the 2015 APL Awards will be held at The Brewery, London on Friday 13 March 2015.

chosen their winners and these have now been announced on the BALI Awards website. We must now wait until the big day itself – Friday 5 December – to find out who has triumphed with Principal and Special Awards, and the BALI Grand Award.

Watching the judges in action is a humbling experience. Their depth of knowledge, expertise and determination to be completely impartial in their decision

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/09/2014 15:15

ASSOCIATION NEWS

● Cremorne Gardens -

SGD bulletin SGD Awards 2014: shortlist announced Another year of inspiring entries in the SGD Awards has resulted in the judging panel creating a shortlist of 30 in the main award categories. Projects range from inventive pocket-sized plots to a 21st century garden restoration inspired by and honouring Gertrude Jekyll’s historic schemes.

Finalists in the three Residential Garden categories and in the International, Public and Communal and the

new Pocket Garden award categories will now be entered into the People’s Choice Award run by Awards media partner, Homes & Gardens magazine.

The same finalists will also be competing for the highly coveted Grand Award, which will be decided by the main judging panel.

Visit the SGD Awards website to see images of all the projects shortlisted in the main award categories. www.sgdawards.com

Wimbledon Garden by Charlotte Rowe MSGD Photo: Marianne Majerus

Shortlisted Garden Projects ● Bermondsey garden Charlotte Rowe MSGD ● Chateau du Sable James Basson MSGD ● College Crescent John Davies

making is simply inspirational and if they have selected you as a BALI Award winner you can bask in the knowledge that you are at the very top of your industry, as judged by those qualified to do so!

Congratulations! Tickets for the event can be ordered online at www.baliawards.co.uk.

The BALI AGM at SALTEX in early September saw Bob Field of Robert Field Landscapes (right) elected as our new National Chairman.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Association News.indd 17

Marcus Foster ● Contemporary Curved Courtyard - Sue Townsend MSGD ● Dovecote Barn Cassandra Crouch ● Eaton Square garden John Wyer FSGD ● Folly Farm Dan Pearson MSGD ● Harefield - Suzanne Sleeper ● Hawkedon House Thomas Hoblyn MSGD ● Horatio’s Garden Cleve West MSGD ● Le Haut, Guernsey Debbie Roberts MSGD ● Millwater, Surrey Ian Smith MSGD ● New Paradise Garden Sean Swallow ● Old House Farm Amanda Patton MSGD ● Price Waterhouse Coopers Matthew Bell MSGD ● Hampstead garden Andrew Wenham MSGD ● Regent’s Park House Patricia Fox MSGD ● Snow Hill - Gavin McWilliam

At a packed AGM, Bob took over from Q Lawns’ Chris Carr and said he would work tirelessly to help tackle the growing skills shortage. He is also keen to encourage members to engage with their BALI Regions and wants to hear from members on the issues that concern them and impact their businesses.

Please email him at robert. field@bali.org.uk.

The new BALI website is on the cusp of being launched

● Suffolk Manor garden -

Sue Townsend MSGD

● The Old Bakery -

Rebecca Smith

● The River Garden -

Rosemary Coldstream MSGD

● Wimbledon garden -

Charlotte Rowe MSGD

Hampstead Garden by Andrew Wenham MSGD

Finalists in the Student and Designing for Community Space Awards will be announced in the autumn. The winners of all 19 awards will be revealed at The SGD Awards ceremony on 30 January 2015. The event promises to be one of the highlights of the garden design calendar. Look out for tickets, which go on sale later in the year. www.sgdawads.com

and members are urged to continue to send in content in the form of case studies, images, testimonials and ‘how to’ features. Sharing your successes and expertise will ensure the new website is the first port of call for domestic and commercial clients looking for information, professional designers and contractors, and suppliers of quality landscape products. Email content for the website to angela.donovan@ bali.org.uk.

Pro Landscaper / October 2014 17

17/09/2014 15:16

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15/09/2014 09:37

OPINION

BETTER BY DESIGN AND BUILD…?

David Dodd begins a regular column by touching on a subject which is receiving a lot of discussion at the moment, design and build companies Traditionally design and build was pretty much how the domestic landscape industry was back in the seventies and eighties; a client would phone up a landscape gardener who would draw up either a sketch, or a pretty good scale plan design. This was presented along with the quote and, if accepted, that company would then build what had been designed. I remember lots of crazy paving, screen block walling, rockeries and fiberglass ponds, all planted with rhododendrons and conifers. These weren’t necessarily bad designs, just the fashion at the time.

However, there was also a niche market for the rich and famous who could afford ‘a garden designer!’ With the rise of TV gardening in the nineties, landscaping, horticulture and design

ONE THING I’VE NEVER REALLY UNDERSTOOD, IS WHY SOME ESTABLISHED DESIGNERS ARE SO ANTI DESIGN AND BUILD COMPANIES became trendy. Horticultural colleges jumped on this bandwagon and started garden design courses here there and everywhere. This saw a huge increase of garden designers, of varying abilities, coming into the industry.

I think currently there are approximately 400 www.prolandscapermagazine.com

David Dodd.indd 19

newly qualified designers every year. A lot of these don’t go on to pursue long term full time careers as a designers, as I think many don’t really appreciate how difficult it is to actually make a living as a self-employed designer or how few job opportunities there are within established practices.

One thing I’ve never really understood, is why some established designers are so anti design and build companies. I can understand resentment towards the one-man-band outfits who produce a back of a fag packet sketch, but there are some well established professional companies who have the capacity to have design as a service are more than capable of producing really high end design schemes.

One practice that does the industry no favours at all is the so called free design (or even reduced rate) offered by some contractors.

Good design requires intelligence and artistic flair, along with the capability to come up with practical solutions.

The Outdoor Room has always had a design service; but recently we set up a separate company and moved the design service over to Longview. This has meant that The Outdoor Room can focus on projects from freelance designers; this is how we’ve worked for the past 20 years and I believe we can offer a better service if it concentrates on construction only.

Also Longview is a landscape architects practice, which gives us greater scope to design commercial projects as well as domestic.

To me the advantage of design and build is that there is always the technical knowledge and practical experience on hand. Problems on-site can usually be resolved quicker and the liability

issue of supplied plants and materials land on one doorstep. As design and build businesses grow, in popularity and size, a whole new area of employment opportunity should open up for more freelance and graduate garden designers.

Adversely, a design and build company may become complacent and repetitively churn out easy to build designs with high profit margins. There are some brilliant designers; some of whom are solo and some of whom have great design practices. Working for a good designer can be an absolute pleasure. The work can be more varied and as long as you’re staying on top of your game, designers will use you time and time again. Working within a landscaping company would possibly fill some designers with dread and being freelance gives them freedom and flexibility to suit their lifestyle and be more in control of what they want to produce for their clients.

It’s a fact that garden designers and design and build companies can, and do, co-exist.

Therefore, as long as the design work is being produced to a high standard, and fees are being charged at the correct rates, surely this will lead to healthier competition and better industry standards.

ABOUT DAVID DODD David Dodd has been in the landscape industry since the tender age of 17 (thanks to the great storm of 1987 when he got involved in the clear up afterwards whilst waiting to join the Royal Navy).

After undertaking landscape training at Merrist Wood college he set up The Outdoor Room, his design and build landscape company in 1995 and now has a team of 14 people. In the last year, he has created a new business, LongView Design Ltd, with Landscape Architect Joe Perkins. David has also lectured in design and construction for over 20 years. www.theoutdoorroom.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / October 2014 19

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15/09/2014 14:19

OPINION

STEPPING OUT OF THE BOX Andrew Wilson reflects on the 2014 Singapore Garden Festival, a garden show with a difference in both character and attitude August saw Gavin and I fly out to Singapore to take part in the Singapore Garden Festival 2014 held for the first time in the spectacular setting of Gardens by the Bay. The whole event was something of an adventure, and perhaps a curiosity, travelling nearly 7,000 miles in order to create a show garden when we have a plethora of shows to choose from here in the UK. After two consecutive Chelsea appearances it was also an opportunity to experience a different approach.

The show is biennial and by invitation only with the organisers, Singapore National Parks (NParks), selecting designers from around the world. Exhibitors such as Andy Sturgeon and Jim Fogarty have taken part several times which was reassuring and Adam Frost and Chris Beardshaw were also representing the UK this year.

Financial support is offered by NParks and they operate a ballot system in selecting a Singapore contractor or partner for each designer. There is some variability here as some contractors such as our partner, Evershine, have previous show experience. Others were allocated partners who were building and showing for the first time. In a break from previous festivals, half of the show gardens were outdoors; the other half, Fantasy Gardens, were in a blacked out air conditioned marquee allowing lighting to play a major part in the design of the exhibits.

The daytime temperatures hovered resolutely in the low to mid 30s with night time temperatures dropping to a cool 25°C. Humidity is high at any time but work teams often continued into the night, taking advantage of cooler temperatures over the 10 day build.

Our garden was undoubtedly ambitious but was designed in the context of Singapore – a city in which green architecture thrives and breezy shade gardens are valued. In a two tier, 9m high composition we incorporated architecture, engineering, green roof planting and a reflecting rain pool to produce a garden

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Andrew Wilson.indd 21

that combined high drama with a serene and contemplative character. The elegant tower trees created a gauzy grove above a tropical meadow that integrated native and cultivated orchids and grasses.

The response from fellow exhibitors, show visitors, press and judges was tremendous and the whirlwind of interest made the journey and tight build programme so worthwhile. We came home with Gold and Best in Show alongside smiles that couldn’t be wiped for at least a week. The Facebook and Twitter response was unprecedented and prolonged the thrill.

As we reflected on the experience and the win, it seemed obvious that this garden was of its place although many responses asked why this could not be seen at Chelsea. Having experienced two Silver-gilt awards for gardens that many predicted as Gold medals at Chelsea I started to compare and consider how the garden might fare. (After 17 years I just can’t resist that judgely approach!)

In our feedback this year at Chelsea, despite a terrace surrounded by luxuriant and show stopping planting, we were told that it could not be seen when sitting down and would be difficult to maintain.

What hope then for a garden in which all planting, apart from a single bowl of orchids and Ophiopogon, is on the roof with no direct access? I won’t bore you with the other details of our Chelsea feedback save to say that it struck me that it is possible to be so blinkered as to miss the joy and exuberance of a good show garden.

The judges in Singapore took an entirely different, more holistic view and to me this seemed to embody the essential difference between the two shows. Ah me!

What to do, what to do...?

For the full story on the Sacred Grove garden, turn to pages 57-58.

ABOUT ANDREW WILSON Andrew Wilson is a landscape and garden designer and a Director of Wilson McWilliam Studio. He is also a Director of the London College of Garden Design, an author, writer and lecturer. www.wmstudio.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / October 2014 21

17/09/2014 09:47

OPINION

Buying equipment or a vehicle is costly and you’re perfectly within your rights to expect a decent level of service from the supplier, Angus Lindsay explains how best to articulate this, and what you can do to make the relationship an agreeable one (Please be assured that the content is not aimed at an individual organisation and is made up purely of my views and observations on today’s supply and support network) When we buy a vehicle, machine or piece of equipment we expect that we will receive a level of follow-up support which ensures that we go back to the supplier or manufacturer, and that this service will help sell more for the supplier and ultimately the manufacturer. Many smaller independent suppliers often fall over themselves to follow up a sale with a phone call, or drop into a site just to check everything is alright, but over the last year or so I have noticed a waning of this support from some operations. It seems that some businesses are happy to move on from you as soon as your order is placed, forgetting that in many cases the equipment actually sells itself, and it’s the back-up support that secures future deals.

I’m sure we all do our homework before committing to spending thousands of pounds on a vehicle or piece of equipment, meaning that a good part of the sales job is already done.

Supplying equipment should be a relatively simple process but this is unfortunately where some suppliers fall at the first hurdle; by failing to deliver on time, not reading the specification (which can be costly), or in some cases forgetting

BIGGEST IS NOT ALWAYS BEST

SO DON’T FORGET THE HUMAN TOUCH... to order and blaming the manufacturer to hide their shortcomings, this has happened.

I can fully appreciate that there are not stock piles of vehicles and machinery ready for distribution across the country. However, when

EQUIPMENT IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY EXPENSIVE TO BUY AND MAINTAIN, SO MAKE SURE YOU GET VALUE FOR MONEY

you order well in advance – to an agreed specification for delivery on a certain date – why then is the dealer surprised that you cancel when told your vehicles are still three months away? When equipment is readily available and specifications are agreed with both manufacturer and supplier, is it any wonder your blood boils when it is delivered with £1,000 worth of options you didn’t want – and worse still, untaxed and with no number plates so you can’t use it?

On the plus side, there Very inviting but is the product support so well organised? are organisations of all sizes who are happy to go the extra mile to make things happen, no matter how bizarre the request. This could be down to contract idiosyncrasies, an unforeseen problem which requires a piece of equipment to be altered, a last minute change in specification, or human error.

22

Pro Landscaper / October 2014

Angus Lindsay.indd 22

In many cases it is the individuals within these organisations and their understanding of your business who are prepared to go the extra mile to make things happen. Without this personal touch we’d struggle, so don’t take them for granted and remember to say thank you, it goes a long way in today’s world.

So what am I trying to say with this article? Well it’s simply that if you find a good supplier, stick with them and ensure you get the support you’re paying for. Equipment is becoming increasingly expensive to buy and maintain, so make sure you get value for money. If a spare part is not available then ask ‘why not?’ and ‘how long will it take?’ Remember that every day your machine is off the road it’s costing money. If your vehicle or machine does suffer a major failure, find out why so you can try to avoid it happening again. Suppliers and manufacturers have a tough time with customers who are, allegedly, always right; we’re not, so establish and maintain a good relationship and when a problem does arise try to resolve it amicably no matter whose fault it is, it helps in the long run.

ABOUT ANGUS LINDSAY As an agriculturist, Angus spent several years working on arable farms in Scotland before joining VSO in Egypt, implementing a mechanisation programme, managing field operations for a commercial cotton plantation in Nigeria and as a contract instructor for Massey Ferguson in Yemen. During this time he also spent a year at Silsoe, gaining an MSc in Agricultural Engineering and Mechanisation Management.

Returning to the UK he joined Glendale as machinery manager in 1994 – going on to become Company Engineer – before joining The Landscape Group in 2009 as Group Head of Assets and Fleet. Contact:

alindsay@thelandscapegroup.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

15/09/2014 14:43

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15/09/2014 09:40 01/09/2014 15:59

OPINION

VIEW FROM THE TOP Annual appraisals are imperative to track the development of an employee, and give them the opportunity to express their feelings about the business explains Phil Jones

be demonstrated by a real commitment We have just finished our mid-term throughout the organisation it is awarded reviews at ISS. This is a process where to. I think my recent experience we spend some time with each member demonstrates that you can gain whatever of staff to review and formally record their standard you like. However, unless the progress against the goals, both principles of that standard are robustly business and personal, that they set upheld by everyone in the organisation you themselves at their annual appraisal in January. The annual appraisal and mid-term reviews are a very good way of WE SHOULD ALWAYS tracking the development of an individual.

DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE This sits alongside regular contact TO ENSURE EMPLOYEES throughout the year. I believe it is BEING APPRAISED OR imperative that we are all given as much REVIEWED ARE opportunity as possible to be able to express our feelings about our business.

PUT AT THEIR EASE I was recently in a garden centre will still have non-compliance. I would go coffee shop. Why else would one visit a Is this the best location for an important and confidential meeting? further and say that it is the responsibility of garden centre these days? Did you know any awarding body to ensure their award is that food and beverage sales in garden meaningful, by a standard of vetting that uncovers centres outstrips horticultural sales in many this was the right environment in which to be any slack practices. locations? Whilst having my coffee and tea cake, holding such an important meeting. They hadn’t The alternative view of course is that we I was aware of a conversation taking place at the even chosen a discreet location; they had the should always do everything possible to ensure table next to mine. It soon became apparent that most central table of the whole cafe! One of the employees being appraised or reviewed are put at of the two ladies engaged in conversation, one key principles of planning an appraisal is to their ease. This, for some people, may include an was undergoing her performance appraisal and choose a location where all parties can be atmosphere such as I have described. However, one was, I assumed, her line manager. Whilst not focused, not distracted. Given this was mid-week should there have been a need to challenge that and the cafe was very busy, I would suggest employee, would this have been possible or neither was possible. Is it fair to anyone to not I BELIEVE IT IS IMPERATIVE appropriate in public? give them the right conditions to be able to talk in THAT WE ARE ALL GIVEN AS

MUCH OPPORTUNITY TO BE ABLE TO EXPRESS OUR FEELINGS ABOUT OUR BUSINESS listening to every word it was very apparent that the appraiser was very happy with her charges performance and general behaviour. In fact, I heard phrases such as “I think you’re excellent at everything” and “we couldn’t do without you”.

On the face of it, it seemed a very successful personal review (although it left very little room for improvement), if measured on the tone of the comments. However, I couldn’t help wondering if 24

Pro Landscaper / October 2014

View From The Top.indd 24

a relaxed manner about their important career development? I suggest not.

It was easy to see from all of the (supposedly confidential) paperwork, which organisation these two women were from. Whilst I would not name and (possibly) shame them in this column, I did look up their website for more information. In their employment section it states that “--- is a great place to work where staff development is highly prioritised through training. --- has held Investors in People since 1997, demonstrating our commitment to staff training and development”.

I have long held the view that Investors in People as a standard is meaningless unless it can

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

Follow Phil Jones: @philjonesISS Follow ISS Landscaping: @ISSLandscaping

www.isslandscaping.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

15/09/2014 15:13

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BUSINESS TIPS

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HOW IT ALL BEGAN...

Since 2011, Paxman Landscapes has been striding forward with business, but it wasn’t always this way; the economic climate hit them hard and it needed a new way of working – a complete rethink.

Nowadays, the business is a far cry from the early landscaping days but it’s still all about hard graft, relationships and personal service.

Justin Paxman explains why, and how he went about implementing the change…

My landscaping business developed from humble beginnings. Starting at Kirklees Council as a Horticultural Apprentice, I learned from the ground up, literally. My love of landscaping grew from a love of the outdoors and I was always keen to make things right. I rolled my sleeves up, listened, laboured and learned. It’s important for apprentices to get their hands dirty – it gives them something to build on and teaches them to understand and appreciate all the work that goes into planning, preparation and aftercare in landscaping and grounds maintenance.

Success comes from building relationships too.

Before long, I was seizing opportunities to manage my own landscaping jobs in my own time. The flexibility and ownership I had in my own landscaping projects had given me a fresh outlook and a resolve to build my own business. The private work lead to referrals and new projects, and soon – armed with a couple of labouring contacts, a Bedford Rascal van 26

Pro Landscaper / October 2014

Justin Paxman.indd 26

and some elbow grease – Paxman Landscapes was born. My customer base was local, loyal and varied. I have always put great emphasis on customer service and getting things right first time, and all through my career this has been the foundation of everything I have done. It wasn’t long before I was working with the Council again – but this time I was their contractor and advisor, standing on my own two feet, on my own terms.

I’ve always tried to work with like-minded associates, too, this is such an important thing to emphasise. With a portfolio of local customers, we pooled resources with a builder and a local garden designer and utilised my strengths in soft landscaping and timber work to provide the full

KNOWING HOW TO PLAN AND BUILD GARDENS IS A WORLD AWAY FROM KNOWING HOW TO PLAN AND BUILD A COMMERCIAL STRATEGY FOR YOUR BUSINESS service to customers. I think it is important to build a business organically and have made some careful and shrewd judgments financially along the way. We always purchased equipment as an investment rather than leasing, and we kept the flexibility and emphasised strong relationships as integral to the business.

Take pride in landscaping as a service and don’t allow it to be just a tag-on to other construction work. The role is a skilled one – we’re not just labourers who can ‘bung a few plants in’.

The Paxman emphasis is on technical expertise, plant knowledge, professionalism and a creative eye for design and that’s what means most to my customers and why they come back to me time and time again. A good reputation spreads like

wildfire in the right circles and my clients often share their positive experience with colleagues and associates.

In the early days, our ‘old-school’ partnerships with clients and other contractors became the mainstay of my regular business turnover. However, as the recession hit it became clear that we had to not only work harder, but smarter. In 2009, I took the plunge and decided to take a Foundation Degree in Landscape Management at Askham Bryan College. It opened my eyes to business strategy and I would advise anyone seeking to set up their own company to educate themselves in business too. I wanted to apply my newly-acquired skills straight away so took a long, hard, critical appraisal of my business. It was a brave decision but one I would advocate for any business owner who wants to build a sustainable, profitable business.

Knowing how to plan and build gardens is a world away from knowing how to plan and build a commercial strategy for your business. I often think: what’s best, knowing or not knowing? I started without knowing about sectors, targets, marketing and margins and focused on customer service, workmanship and relationships – and the business grew but couldn’t sustain the growth when economic factors took over. Now that I know about the strategic side of business, I can recognise its importance and use it to our advantage – and grow the business sustainably for the future.

ABOUT JUSTIN PAXMAN Justin Paxman is the Director of Paxman Landscapes, commercial and domestic landscapers, founded in 1999. With turnover in excess of £1million, they provide design, construction and management services across the North and UK. APL and BALI members, they launched Grass Greener artificial lawns last year. Justin is married with four children and is a Huddersfield Giants fan. www.paxman-landscapes.com

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/09/2014 09:07

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15/09/2014 14:25

BUSINESS TIPS

HOW TO

SURVIVE & THRIVE AS A GARDEN DESIGNER In a new series of articles, Janine Pattison MSGD MBALI, shares her extensive knowledge of building a successful career as a garden designer Right, so you have completed a garden design course, got the certificate and been practicing for a year or two. You’ve had a few clients (not enough), got a few gardens built (not enough) and made some money (not enough). Where do you go from here? How do you build your profile, win more and better work, earn better money and even think about taking someone on to help you?

Well it’s not easy making the transition from your current situation to being a full-time designer, perhaps employing other designers and building a reputation that means that work starts to find you rather than having to chase it all the time. In this series of articles I will share tips and hints and reveal some of the secrets of building a career as a successful garden designer.

The first thing is make sure that you are the best designer you can be – are you up-to-date with industry standards? Are you quick and efficient at designing (whether by hand or CAD)? Is your plant knowledge up to speed? Have you visited the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and some of the top gardens in the country? Have you built some good knowledge about landscape construction and what materials are available? Are www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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you comfortable working with levels? Do you understand the importance of drainage, and can you write a decent specification for a build?

We are all constantly learning and it is important to keep your knowledge current. Trade press like Pro Landscaper magazine and shows like FutureScape are great sources of information

HOW DO YOU BUILD YOUR PROFILE, WIN MORE AND BETTER WORK, EARN BETTER MONEY AND EVEN THINK ABOUT TAKING SOMEONE ON TO HELP YOU? and there are short courses run by many organisations like the SGD or the London College of Garden Design which will fill in gaps in your knowledge.

The next thing to make sure is that potential clients can find you. Built gardens and recommendations are your best advertisement, but while you are building your portfolio and your reputation you need a good ‘shop window’ and a good website is the best way to do this. Make sure you use really good photos and consider getting a professional photographer to take them for you if your own skills are not yet good enough.

Try and learn the skills to update the site yourself

so that it can stay current but be careful of offering topical tips – no one wants to read July advice in January and it will make your site look unloved.

Another excellent shop window is to get your gardens featured in magazines, books or on TV. Building these relationships takes time but can bring your work to a wide audience and make the phone ring with new enquiries. Advertising as a garden designer can be expensive and the results very variable. We have found that it doesn’t work for us but possibly a well-targeted advert in the right publication might get results.

Show gardens can be a very good way to raise your profile but will require huge amounts of time and effort to arrange. Seeking sponsorship, getting a design accepted and then building it will consume your life for several months. But many designers have gone this route with great success.

Next month we’ll look at how to grow your business to cope with the additional work you’ve won.

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

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

Pro Landscaper / October 2014 29

15/09/2014 14:59

EMPLOYERS: ARE YOU PREPARED FOR COMPULSORY WORKPLACE PENSIONS? Whether you employ a large number of workers or just one, under new Government legislation you will be required to run an employersponsored pension scheme.

The legislation is a way of addressing the fact that millions of people in the UK are not saving enough for their retirement, and, also sets out a series of stringent obligations for employers. It is important that you know what these obligations are, when you need to meet them, and what happens if you don’t.

Peter Yardley, experienced corporate pensions specialist explains What is the law?

Every employer in the UK must automatically enrol eligible employees into a qualifying workplace pension scheme. This must be done by a specified date, referred to as your ‘Staging Date’. Your Staging Date is determined by your PAYE reference and your number of employees at April 2012.

Staging Dates for larger employers started in October 2012, but most employers’ dates will be in 2014 or 2015. The Pensions Regulator should contact you at least 12 months in advance of your Staging Date, however you can find your assigned date by visiting The Pensions Regulator website at www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk.

In advance of your Staging Date you will need to identify eligible jobholders in your workforce, tell them about what the changes will mean for them, and then make arrangements to regularly pay a pre-defined minimum level of employer and employee pension contributions into a qualifying pension scheme. The minimum level of employer contribution is determined by the salary basis which is chosen for your scheme and will start at 1 per cent of earnings, then increase over time to 4 per cent by October 2018.

Opting out Workers have the right to opt out of the autoenrolment process. They have one month to opt out from the day they officially become a member of the scheme. Any payments made during this time must be refunded. This must be done via www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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payroll so that the relevant tax and National Insurance contributions are collected. After this opting out period, workers can choose to leave the scheme at any time, however the payments already made will not be refunded. Workers who have opted out or leave the pension scheme can re-join at a later date if they wish. You have a duty to automatically re-enrol any eligible workers back into the scheme after three years.

Planning It is critical to appreciate the significant effort and cost involved in getting ready for auto-enrolment and to recognise that it is an ongoing exercise.

The key is to allow sufficient time and resources for setting up a scheme, organising processes, and implementing a communications strategy.

A minimum of six months (but preferably 12 months) prior to your Staging Date is needed to set up your pension arrangements.

From a budgetary point of view, you should plan for the financial impact of allocating internal resources and making regular employer contributions. Also consider any third party costs you may incur.

Appointing an individual to co-ordinate auto-enrolment, record keeping and communication is a good idea. They should make certain that your payroll and pension providers are working together to meet your Staging Date.

Employers can face fines of up to £10,000 per day if they miss this deadline.

Going forward Your responsibilities do not end with setting up a qualifying scheme and auto-enrolling eligible jobholders. There is a legal requirement to maintain accurate and up to date records of all aspects of the ongoing auto-enrolment process. You must prove that employees have been correctly auto-enrolled, document any workers who opt out or in, and record that the correct deductions have been taken from workers’ earnings. You must record that these deductions, along with the correct employer contributions, have been paid to the pension provider within the required time limits (no later than the 19th of the month following that

BUSINESS TIPS

on which the contributions have been deducted).

In addition, Non-eligible Jobholders and Entitled Workers in your workforce must be monitored so that they too can be auto-enrolled as soon as they become eligible. New employees who are eligible must be assessed and autoenrolled within 30 days of joining the company.

Don’t leave it too late Without doubt, auto-enrolment is both complex and time-consuming. Professional advice can smooth out the process and help you to navigate successfully, but beware – this legislation applies to every employer in the UK and you may find that your options, and access to financial advice are limited if you leave things too late. If you have not already done so, I recommended that you take immediate action. Remember, The Pensions Regulator has the power to fine any employer who misses their Staging Date deadline.

Be prepared ● Know your Staging Date ● Assess your workforce ● Review new/existing pension arrangements ● Plan ahead ● Budget ● Appoint an auto-enrolment co-ordinator ● Work with your financial adviser

ABOUT PETER YARDLEY Peter Yardley is an experienced corporate pensions specialist and is a Fellow of the Pensions Management Institute. He is Head of Corporate Development at Brighton Williams & Partners in Bristol, and provides pensions advice to both large and small businesses across the UK. Visit www.brightonwilliams.com/ auto for more details on auto-enrolment.

Pro Landscaper / October 2014 31

15/09/2014 16:01

BUSINESS TIPS

Chartered Financial Planner Lee Maddock begins a series on investment by taking a look at what you need to consider before making any financial investments

INVESTING: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION

Investing your hard earned money can seem like a daunting prospect. There appear to be a myriad of different investment plans to choose from and many tax implications surrounding them. However, before any kind of investment vehicle is chosen it is important to ask yourself a number of questions: ● What are the reasons for making an investment?

Is it for anything specific such as a new car or for a longer-term goal such as retirement? ● How long are you thinking of investing for? ● How much risk are you prepared to take to try

and make your money grow? ● Are you aware of the tax allowances available

and are you making the most of them?

It is important to remember that all investments carry an element of risk. The value can go down as well as up, so you could get back less than you invested, or you could get nothing at all. Ideally you should think about investment as a medium to long-term commitment. A time frame of five years or more should be taken. It is important to have clear investment goals. Like training in a gym or running your own business, investing can become difficult, tedious and even dangerous if you are not working towards a goal and monitoring your progress.

LIKE RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS, INVESTING CAN BECOME DIFFICULT, TEDIOUS AND EVEN DANGEROUS IF YOU ARE NOT WORKING TOWARDS A GOAL The first step is to have a good think about your current financial situation and the reasons for investing. For example, you might be: ● Looking at ways of improving on the current low interest rates offered by the banks; ● Thinking about putting some money aside to help pay for your children’s or grandchildren’s university education, deposit 32

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for a house or wedding; ● Thinking about what you are going to do

when you retire. Investing into pensions is a key strategy in ascertaining when and how you are going to retire.

It is worth thinking about your reasons for investing now. This will help you work out your investment goals and influence how you manage your investments in the future. The two main options when thinking about your investment goals or strategy is whether you are looking to build up the value of your investment over time, investing for growth or if you’re aiming to get a regular income from your investments, investing for income.

It is important to think about timescales and the following examples may help: ● You are in your thirties and plan to retire at 65. You have decided to invest for your retirement, because it is a long way off you want investments that are likely to provide growth over the longer term. So, you might choose funds that invest in equities and hold them in a tax efficient NISA or a pension plan. ● You are in your fifties and planning to retire in five years’ time. As you are working to a shorter time frame, it is really important to safeguard your investments as much as you can. So you might invest in more stable assets such as some bond funds,

guaranteed funds and cash. Also, when you reach retirement you may want to utilise investments that produce an income that would enhance any income received from pensions such as your state pension or personal pension.

As already mentioned there are many different ways in which you can invest and using professional advice can improve your savings position. A recent survey from the Centre for Economics and Business Research suggested that those who use professional financial advice when planning for their retirement have the greatest levels of retirement and other savings. Those who had put a financial plan in place with a professional adviser had so far accumulated £127,000 in retirement savings compared to £61,000 among those who had not used a financial adviser. Developing a financial plan with a professional financial adviser can help to ensure that all retirement needs are identified and that comprehensive financial plans are put in place.

ABOUT LEE MADDOCK Chartered Financial Planner Lee Maddock trained as an accountant and having spent a majority of his career working at organisations such as Aegon Scottish Equitable and AXA, is now Director at Millbank Financial Solutions which specialises in financial planning for SMEs, as well as personal finance issues including longevity, retirement planning and family / business protection. www.millbankfs.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/09/2014 16:51

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BUSINESS TIPS

Summer may be over, but the online marketplace is staying open for business, explains Chris Burke

Landscaping jobs may be plentiful in the warmer days of spring and summer, but there’s no need to pack away the tools once the weather turns. A cost effective and easy way to secure a healthy amount of work throughout the year is to use online tradesmen marketplaces, which are rapidly becoming the most popular method of finding landscaping work in the UK. Today, old methods of generating business enquiries (leads), such as paper directory services or word-of-mouth, are simply ineffective, with too much time taken up waiting around for the next job to come in. Instead, nearly every trade relies on the internet to some extent.

While company websites and online directories such as Google are great for visibility and therefore may seem like suitable solutions in today’s digital world, they don’t offer much in terms of reassurance for nervous garden owners. According to a poll by Bradstone Assured, 60 per cent of British homeowners still admit to feeling nervous when dealing with tradesmen they haven’t met before. Almost half are worried they’ll get ripped off.

Online tradesmen marketplaces, the next evolution in lead generation, offer a solution to these problems. By creating a tradesman profile, listing work experience and displaying past customer reviews, landscapers can build a more interactive online presence and create a level of trust before a job is even secured. Homeowners, on the other hand, can feel better about bringing someone in to sort out the garden.

Landscape your online profile Getting the most out of this form of lead generation is still very much in the hands of the profile owners. Ultimately, an online profile should act as an extension of a company website and, crucially, a showcase of previous work; high quality photos of previous jobs lets homeowners know the standard of landscaping they’re buying in, while displaying customer feedback helps create confidence in both landscaping abilities and a landscaper’s level of transparency.

There are currently 3,395 landscapers or garden designers registered with Rated People. In 34

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THE BENEFITS OF AN ONLINE MARKETPLACE 2014 so far, a staggering 107,000 garden design jobs have been posted by homeowners via Rated People.

It’s easy to see why the online marketplace is such fertile ground: for every £1 spent buying jobs leads, tradesmen typically make £20 or more in revenue. For landscapers, the marketplace has unique benefits too. By alerting landscapers about jobs in detail – type, location and timeframe – online marketplaces offer far more flexibility while filling the diary fast with a growing customer base.

Planting the seeds of future work Better yet, the online marketplace offers landscapers the opportunity to secure a steady flow of work during naturally quieter times of the year, such as autumn and winter. Leads from a marketplace can turn into good business relationships and a steady stream of job opportunities. If a homeowner finds an efficient and creative landscaper, they’re more likely to consider getting more work done further down the line: skilfully redoing a lawn for summer can convince a homeowner to winter landscape for the festive period.

Again, Rated People data supports this.

While there is a clear jump in jobs in the spring and summer months, with most leads secured

in April (19,000), the data shows that winter landscaping jobs are growing in popularity as homeowners find a landscaper they trust and are more willing to work with throughout the year. In February 2013, 5,000 leads were secured; by 2014, this number had increased by 50 per cent to 7,500.

If a lead via Rated People isn’t secured, landscapers are also given the unique opportunity to contact homeowners to find out why they weren’t successful. This is an extremely valuable source of information that can enable a landscaper to make positive changes to the way they find business – something no online directory can offer.

So, with winter fast approaching and the natural onset of less work for landscapers, now is the perfect time to branch out and join an online marketplace.

ABOUT CHRIS BURKE Chris joined the Rated People Group in 2011. He is responsible for the Group’s Insight & Monetisation function, the primary purpose of which is to monetise insight via pricing, tariffing, marketing, proposition, product development. In the commercial sector, Chris has previously held senior strategic and profit and loss responsible marketing positions. Prior to this, Chris was a consultant with L.E.K. Consulting. Chris holds an MA and MEng in Engineering from Churchill College, Cambridge University. www.RatedPeople.com

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BUSINESS TIPS

DOA, DEAD ON ARRIVAL OR IS THERE A BETTER DEFINITION? Running a business can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be exhausting.

Don’t try to do everything yourself, learn to delegate, outsource, and automate – Steve Clarke explains Whatever role you have within a business, it is tempting to attempt to work without help or assistance. How often do you find yourself with not enough hours in the day for all the work you have to get done? If this strikes a chord then you’re not alone.

Do you often feel like you’re the air traffic controller – trying to keep too many planes safely in the air, worried you’ll not bring enough of them in to land safely? Are most days spent rushing from pillar to post trying to do everything yourself?

I found this map when I visited the Great Wall of China during a break in my recent speaking tour there. I’m not taking the mickey out of their translation – it just hit my funny bone pretty hard to be honest. Doesn’t it just sum up how we feel in business too often? You are everywhere, doing everything, all at the same time.

Are you familiar with the term DOA? Instead of the usual definition – dead on arrival – my advice is to think about it a different way, how about delegate, outsource, and automate.

Making a change If you’d like to see a change, before it’s too late – here’s a simple idea. Take stock of all the jobs and tasks you do in a day, and over week and month. Which ones do you really enjoy? Which ones can you and only you do? I read a great business quote years ago that has stayed with me www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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to this day: “Only do, what only you can do”. All too often busy entrepreneurial business owners suffer ‘superhero syndrome’. It starts with feelings of power and strength. The stamina to work 14 and 16 hour days. The belief that we can perform every task required in our business – if we don’t know how then we’ll learn, if it saves money then we can do it.

In my last business this was how I operated.

I was so proud to be able to run on a shoestring budget. Watching every penny meant doing so much of the doing myself. It was exhausting to say the least. Then I considered and applied: “Only do, what only you can do”. I began to delegate effectively and let go; what a transformation. I got really good at what I was really good at – and enjoyed work so much more. We grew the business to £30million annual turnover with 150 staff across three locations in eight years before selling out and exiting the business.

Think about who you could effectively delegate certain tasks to. I don’t mean dump it on and I don’t mean abdicate; specify the task and delegate, then test and measure the results.

If you don’t have people within the business – look to outsource it.

My current business runs very well with no staff on my payroll, and no fixed overheads. I have a well-trained and motivated team of more than a dozen ‘virtual assistants’ supporting me in countless ways.

With a little technical help, what in your business could you automate? For example, how do you set reliable reminders to follow up with clients or prospects? How do you know the value of your sales pipeline, work pending, won or lost etc.? How could you send an email campaign automatically next time you’re away on holiday? I use a very simple and inexpensive

ALL TOO OFTEN BUSY ENTREPRENEURIAL BUSINESS OWNERS SUFFER ‘SUPERHERO SYNDROME’ Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. Automating many of your systems will allow you and members of your team to set and track tasks and reminders so no work slips through the cracks. Sales and marketing machine on auto pilot – doesn’t that sound great?

Claim your free marketing book “How to Thrive, Not Just Survive”, today by visiting www.eurekasales.co.uk ABOUT STEVE CLARKE An exceptional sales mentor and sought after motivational business speaker who draws upon his own first hand experiences. He built his last UK business to £30m in annual sales in just eight years, sold out and retired at 45. Now he helps businesses around the world generate more leads, more sales and more profits, and with less blood sweat and tears. www.eurekasales.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / October 2014 37

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BUSINESS TIPS

In what is being hailed as the biggest shakeup of consumer protection laws in a generation, consumers will now have a package of tougher rights regarding pre-contractual information requirements, cancellation of contracts and the payment of additional charges. Simon Ayers from TrustMark explains what this means for landscapers The Consumer Rights Directive, which is being implemented in the UK via legislation known as The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, came into force on 13 June 2014. It aims to clarify information rights and cancellation rights, and to prohibit some hidden cost practices when consumers buy certain goods and services.

These regulations replace the Distance Selling Regulations and Doorstep Selling Regulations and apply to all consumer contracts entered into, on, or after 13 June made on-premises, at a distance, and off-premises unless the customer has chosen to sign away their rights at the start.

The regulations are separate from those in the Consumer Rights Bill which is currently going through parliament.

What are the implications for landscaping firms?

All firms, big and small, will now need to review their processes, change their paperwork and terms and conditions to ensure they are compliant with the new law. Failure to comply may result in prosecution or a fine, the contract with the homeowner may also be invalid.

The regulations will put considerable new responsibilities on contractors in relation to just about everything in the business that relates to their working relationship with domestic customers, so it is vital that all contractors are www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Trustmark.indd 39

TRUSTMARK SUPPORTS LANDSCAPERS ON NEW CONSUMER CONTRACTS

aware of these new laws and their potential impact on future jobs.

Key changes There are a number of key changes, which are of particular concern to landscaping firms.

These include the following: ● Pre-contract information: consumers must

now be given much more information before they sign a contract about the contractor, the goods, the price, any other applicable charges, the terms of the contract, and their cancellation rights in a clear and comprehensive manner. ● Contractors will need the active consent of the consumer for all payments – pre-ticked boxes for additional payments, for instance, will no longer be permitted. ● Consumers will not be liable for costs which they have not been told about in advance. ● The cooling-off period for goods and services sold by distance or by off-premises selling will be harmonised across the EU to 14 days from date of delivery of the products, as opposed to the previous seven days from date of contract. ● Where a consumer has a right to cancel a contract, the contractor is required to provide the customer with a model cancellation form. ● The cancellation period is extended to, broadly, 12 months if the contractor fails to provide certain pre-contract information.

The trader could also be liable to a fine of up to £5,000. ● There are some exemptions as regards cancellation rights, one of which is for products “made to the consumer’s specification” and another is for urgent

repairs and maintenance when a consumer invites a contractor trader to their home.

The role of TrustMark It is our responsibility to try and help our registered contractors comply with these significant changes. It’s a big step forward to helping both sides enjoy a positive and transparent working relationship, so they should be viewed positively. Our approved scheme operators, including the APL, are already busy providing support to their registered firms to ensure they are getting the detailed guidance they need to be fully compliant.

Phil Tremayne, APL National Account Manager said, “The purpose of this requirement is to make sure that both parties have a record about what was agreed, if a dispute should arise. The burden of proof that the relevant information has been provided rests with the tradesperson. We anticipate that in many cases our registered firms are already compliant with the consumer-friendly aspects of the regulations, but we encourage all firms to review their terms and conditions.”

It is clear that the new Consumer Contracts regulations will give people greater protection against rogue traders, strengthen their rights and allow more power to challenge bad practice.

For further information and to stay up-to-date with developments at TrustMark, visit www.trustmark.org.uk

ABOUT SIMON AYERS Simon Ayers is the Chief Executive Officer of TrustMark, a not-for-profit organisation licensed by Government and supported by consumer protection groups. www.trustmark.org.uk

Pro Landscaper / October 2014 39

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BUSINESS TIPS

Do you need Employers’ Liability Insurance for self-employed subcontractors? The answer is virtually always yes, explains Simon Wilson

With the odd exception, this type of insurance is a legal requirement for any business using self-employed subcontractors. If somebody is not your employee for tax purposes, this does not automatically exonerate you from the requirements of the Employers’ Liability Insurance Act. Confusion often arises because there are different classes of subcontractors: ● bona-fide subcontractors ● labour-only subcontractors

Bona-fide subcontractors What is a bona-fide subcontractor? Well, it’s difficult to be exact as the definition has so many variables. It is easier to give a specific example of a bona-fide subcontractor. Let’s say you get a JCB and driver in to clear some earth. They have their own very expensive plant, which you do not know how to use, so therefore you cannot instruct them or take charge. They have quoted you a rate for the job and not an hourly rate. They have their own safety procedures, insurance, work under their own steam and without your supervision.

They won’t be working under your instruction as they are very much the expert in this area. If this is

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EMPLOYERS’ LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR SUBCONTRACTORS the case it is unlikely you will need Employers’ Liability Insurance to cover them as they will be deemed to be a bona-fide subcontractor.

Labour-only subcontractors What is a labour only subcontractor? Well, again it is difficult to use an exact definition but let’s run with an example to demonstrate the difference.

You use a self-employed groundsman to assist you and you will be instructing him and giving commands. Clearly you are in charge and as such you are responsible for his health and safety. The law requires you to have Employers’ Liability Insurance.

You are very unlikely to have a bona-fide relationship with any climbers or groundsmen; in fact it is almost impossible. In short the law is like this: if it’s your job then you’re in charge of it.

If you’re in charge of it then you are in charge of everything about it – and this includes the labour-only subcontractors. If you are in charge of the subcontractors then you are in charge of their health and safety – and if this is the case the law is very clear.

It is a legal requirement that you must have Employers’ Liability Insurance.

If you use self-employed labour-only subcontractors and you don’t have Employers’ Liability Insurance then you are probably breaking the law.

There are a few exceptions – but only

a few. Getting self-employed people to sign a statement that you are not responsible for them has absolutely no legal weight and more importantly is bad business practice.

Partnerships If you are a partnership you may not need to cover the partners with Employers’ Liability Insurance. We sometimes get calls from landscapers saying ‘me and my mate work together and share jobs but we are both sole traders’. Informal partnerships do not exist; you are either a partnership registered with the tax office or you’re not a partnership. Working together does not make you a partnership.

Unless a customer rings you both at once there is a lead contractor and a subcontractor – and whoever is the lead contractor is in charge.

In summary, virtually all landscapers need to have Employers’ Liability Insurance to cover self-employed labour-only subcontractors. We often hear that a client has been advised that don’t need it just because their subcontractors have their own insurance. They are wrong and could land you in very hot water.

This article is designed to make you think about the law, not advise you on it. Full details of the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 can be found at: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hse40.pdf

ABOUT SIMON WILSON Simon Wilson is MD of Landscaping Insurance Services but began his career working as a tree surgeon. He has now been involved in the insurance and finance sector for over 20 years. Simon has written several articles for trade newspapers and regularly lectures at colleges. www.lsin.co.uk 01732 373 869

Pro Landscaper / October 2014 41

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16/09/2014 14:11

TECHNICAL

Bound Granite Victoria Gateway, Southend

AN OVERVIEW OF DESIGN OPTIONS Michael Heap from CED advises on the various design options available when designing a pavement

Before designing a pavement, the following knowledge is needed: ● Traffic levels – for any serious degree of traffic, the number of standard axles per day (sta) that will traverse the roadway must be assessed ● The ground conditions – this can range from a concrete bridge deck to virgin soil, with land reclaimed from industrial use, an old road, or compacted waste, for example ● How will rainwater be dealt with? ● The skid resistance requirements Whether the design is for slabs or setts, the same questions apply. Guidance is then provided in BS 7533 parts 10 and 12 (design with setts or slabs respectively) and 7 and 4 (the Codes of Practice for construction of setts and slabs respectively). The standard is now several years old and is in the throes of being updated, remarkably to combine 12 parts into just three www.prolandscapermagazine.com

CED.indd 43

parts which will include concrete and brick as well as stone; the three parts are design, the code of practice for construction, and the design and construction of permeable paving.

All paving is to some degree permeable but this last part refers to SuDS driven demands. The current parts of the standard relating to natural stone are quite competent and most likely will be modified rather than rewritten, particularly so for those sections concerning the surface and bedding layers.

The code of practice for construction will be detailed from the bottom up, in logical order for the contractor. However, the design parts will be written from the top down. The selection of the surface leads directly to conclusions about the method of construction.

Bound or unbound?

In the UK it is relatively rare to find any unbound pavements under vehicular traffic. Conversely, Germany has retained a tradition for laying unbound. It requires that the street cleaning regime is such that the jointing materials are not removed, that the compaction of the foundation and base is heavier than with UK procedures and that any water that percolates through the joints can readily disperse down into the layers below or

Unbound Porphyry Setts, Chester

run away laterally.

Proprietary joint topping materials such as Steintec’s tuffsand, are designed to sit on top of the regular jointing aggregate, just for the final 10 to 15mm or so. Their essential function is to stay in place and stop the jointing aggregate being removed, they provide no significant structural strength being somewhat pliable. New guidance will improve compaction, leaving the moisture question Pro Landscaper / October 2014 43

18/09/2014 11:00

TECHNICAL

Bound Setts, Clink Street, London

to the designer. Tough, igneous, free-draining bedding and jointing aggregates are essential.

Bound construction is, in some ways simpler.

Although it is possible to design an unbound base with a bound surface or vice versa, a fully bound surface is far less complicated and therefore there is less risk of failure. The concrete base has to be strong enough to carry the traffic loads, the setts or slabs must be set in place and the joints filled with a slurry grout.

The most onerous circumstances usually concern frequent buses. Failure is generally due to fatigue rather than point loads; streets are vibrated to death. Buses are exceptionally tiresome as they follow the exact same line every time so don’t spread the wear and tear across the whole street.

Very narrow streets, often artificially cause the same channelised effect. Severe turns add to the stresses. In the current standard, once a level of 200 sta is reached – about 70 buses a day is enough to do so, even without lorries – the allowed solution is setts, not more than 150mm wide and not less than 150mm deep (if 1000 sta then minimum 180mm deep).

Bound Porphyry Setts, Ipswich

The form of the setts is important. In bound construction, obtaining adhesion between the setts and the jointing mortar is crucial and it depends on having a clean surface to the setts. Washing the setts to remove any dust is essential. It is practical to get a really clean surface only if the sides of the 44

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Pro Landscaper / October 2014

setts are sawn; a sawn base is also beneficial for the same reason. Applying a primer to the setts further aids the adhesion process. With unbound construction, the sides of the setts should be cropped, providing a great many points where a physical key can be made between the sett and the jointing aggregate. Ideally, the base should be cropped too but a sawn base can function satisfactorily providing the thickness of the setts is varied throughout by +/- 10mm to avoid a plane of weakness where the setts meet the bedding layer.

Three different thicknesses mixed up thoroughly is prudent. When laid in roads, the setts should be touching each other in places.

Pedestrians If the surface is to be pedestrian friendly it needs to be sufficiently flat, whatever the sides are. A rough, cropped six sides, granite sett is not acceptable unless the sett is quite small, but then it is not strong enough to carry frequent heavy vehicles.

Generally, a sett with a sawn and textured surface is required, though sometimes stone types come with a riven surface that is fine.

Skid resistance requirements and wear rate Before getting into colour selection, the skid resistance requirements of the stone need to be determined in conjunction with the highway engineers responsible. Here we make use of the polished paver value (PPV), a test designed to assess how the stone will polish in service. The results are expressed as a number, the higher the better. The intent of the test is to produce results that are quite directly comparable with the numbers from the polished stone value test for aggregates (PSV). Some stones are better than others because the constituent minerals wear at differing rates, thus always leaving a surface that is not smooth, flat and polished.

However, to complicate the situation, the wear rate also needs to be low, which means that the stones that have constituents that are really quite weak and would give the best PPV values are not tough enough to stand the test of time. The best compromise is to find a stone that is tough overall, but with some variations in the rates of wear of its elements. In suitable granites, the highest PPV we found to date has been 59, many are between 50 and 55 but some colours are well under 50. Yellow granites are, in geological thinking, rotten – in the first stages of decomposition – and thus not particularly competent. Fine-grained uniform stones that also take a high gloss polish tend to have low PPV results.

Stone type We have concentrated on granites (including basalts which are generally lumped in with granites in the construction industry) as these have proved successful over many years, there are no frost issues and they tend to be economic. The Italian porphyry, but only if selected to be frost-resistant, is good and other stones such as Yorkstone, Caithness flag, and Purbeck limestone may be used in low traffic situations.

Support Remembering that setts only get their support from the one adjoining, it is critical that they are supported around the edges of the area. Within the layout, setts may be laid in lines or in arches or fans. If laid bound, all these provide the necessary strength but, if unbound, setts in arches are the strongest so may be laid with sizes a little smaller than if laid otherwise.

It is essential that unbound setts in rows are laid with a staggered bond, not in a grid. Rows at 45 degrees to the traffic are the optimum, rows at 90 degrees to the traffic are acceptable, rows parallel to the traffic are not. Bound setts benefit from being laid similarly.

The second and third articles will present the options in more detail for bound and unbound construction.

ABOUT MICHAEL HEAP Michael Heap is the founder and owner of CED Ltd and has been facilitating the supply, use of and advising on design when using natural stone for over 35 years. He is currently on the committee for the new BS 7533, as well as Chairman for CED and has been at the forefront of the use of stone in the public arena since CED’s conception.

www.ced.ltd.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

18/09/2014 11:01

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17/09/2014 09:47

TECHNICAL

Simplicity is the key to a successful small garden design. The devil is in the detail so don’t be tempted to cram it all in.

Lucy Summers offers her advice: start with making a wish list then edit strenuously. Then edit again... and again.

decking running in one direction along the garden and the paving in another to achieve a diverting juxtaposition.

So many town gardens are used at night to extend the indoor entertaining areas, so don’t forget to allow for lighting in your working plan and not add it as an after-thought. Addressed from the outset, you can plan all ground works

Working in a restricted space it’s easy to imagine that a small garden has to present itself in its entirety at first glance, when quite the opposite can work to great effect.

First off, try to keep your entertaining spaces as open as possible as this formula works like a charm in making a space seem larger than it is. Consider using beautifully executed visual devices such as pergolas or divisions to allow some parts of the garden to remain hidden.

You might consider sub-divisions created by using beautifully designed hardwood panels, bespoke iron and steel work or even level changes. Changes of level or the restrained use of different hard landscaping materials an add surprising visual interest as well as creating spatial awareness. So don’t be afraid to play with the angles of a space such as

TRY TO KEEP YOUR ENTERTAINING SPACES AS OPEN AS POSSIBLE AS THIS FORMULA WORKS LIKE A CHARM IN MAKING A SPACE SEEM LARGER THAN IT IS

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paths actually increase the speed at which we traverse a garden. Small bricks also serve to create a more informal style as seen widely in cottage and formal gardens. Just because your client lives in an urban environment doesn’t prohibit you creating a pastoral space should that be where their gardening desires lie. Basket weave, herringbone brick paths and cobbled areas help create a particular garden style.

However, should you be gunning for a sharpedged modern look, you’d do better to give traditional paving materials a miss altogether and go for a more contemporary choice.

Similarly, large pavers endow small garden areas with a sense of space and actually slow the pace through which the garden is travelled

to include your lighting ambitions and not find yourself in the unenviable position of having to take up newly laid slabbing to lay forgotten cabling. Frankly as garden designers we should be well aware of planting said proverbial cabbages twice! Clever lighting enhances a small space immeasurably so it’s worth taking the time to create a lighting scheme that adds a unique, sensory dimension.

It’s a proven fact that small pavers or brick www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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TECHNICAL

CONSIDER USING BEAUTIFULLY EXECUTED VISUAL DEVICES SUCH AS PERGOLAS OR DIVISIONS TO ALLOW SOME PARTS OF THE GARDEN TO REMAIN HIDDEN

and go a long way in creating ‘unity’ throughout the garden – rather like laying one colour carpet throughout a house.

Surprising elements can be created by altering the perspective; since the human brain perceives smaller objects as being further away, by introducing larger focal accents nearer the house, dupes the eye into believing the depth of field is actually greater than it is. The same goes for height; vertical focal points draw the eye upward giving the impression of a larger space. When space is at a premium it’s a no-brainer to maximise any vertical boundaries or upright accents to best advantage.

Blurring the boundaries is a contrivance used widely in Japanese gardens to great effect, so let’s borrow that concept. It’s a bit of trickery that is perfectly adopted in urbanaria since townies almost always have to embrace their neighbours’ planting choices. Planting small trees or shrubs on a boundary ensures structural planting is almost indistinguishable from adjoining plants in neighbouring gardens and therefore skilfully obscures the ‘real’ size of a small plot.

ABOUT LUCY SUMMERS Lucy Summers is a garden designer, writer and journalist. She has seen commercial success through a variety of business ventures that embrace landscape design, winning Gold and Silver medals at the renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

www.lucysummersliving.com

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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18/09/2014 10:57

TECHNICAL

DESIGNING ROOF GARDENS FINISHING TOUCHES

OSEN IS CH R TY OF E V E ATE E UNI M O WHAT Y ORN S L E E T V A I E S XCES LD CR IN T BE E SHOU O DENS N R D A N G A L ITH AL STYLE OST E AS W S THE M U S A I Y K BEC ES ION KY, TH ORAT C THE S E D T RTAN IMPO

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In this last in the present series about roof terrace design, Liz Ackerley talks about some of the ornamental features and bespoke items that can be incorporated into roof terrace schemes.

Maintenance and management needs of the scheme are also discussed Decorative features such as water features and sculpture, and structures such as pergolas, as well as lighting, storage and furniture require special consideration on a roof terrace. Whatever is chosen should create some unity of style and not be excessively ornate because as with all gardens in the sky, the sky is the most important decoration! The designer also needs to ensure that maintenance of hard and soft elements are thoroughly considered to keep the roof terrace looking good and that these considerations are discussed and agreed with the client at the design stage to ensure they are achievable. As I mentioned in previous articles, materials selection for durability and practicality is critical but this needs to go hand-in-hand with appropriate maintenance if the terrace is to stand the test of time.

Water features and sculpture Scale is critical if water is to play a key role on the roof terrace and not look like an afterthought.

Water features do not have to be large but they need to be sited in the most appropriate place if they are small, e.g. surrounded by plants. We have talked a lot about climatic conditions in this series and again wind is of relevance. Water features at height generally require being wind proof. I have found that those that allow the water to trickle and move across the surface of the feature work well. Most recently I have had a bespoke polished steel water wall installed on one of my schemes and this is very successful. Glass, steel and other metals do need to be sited with care to avoid any potential heat injury; our polished metal does not receive direct sunlight upon it. Increased evaporation is another consideration on roof terraces and it is important to ensure a big enough reservoir is incorporated and to ensure a practical solution to keeping it topped up. Hot tubs may be a consideration for www.prolandscapermagazine.com

15/09/2014 15:24

TECHNICAL

roof terraces but are expensive and require a structurally sound base and a prescriptive maintenance plan. In addition, building regulations require a minimum boundary height of 1100 mm so it would be necessary to site well away from the edge or implement alternative design solutions such as higher boundary or some sort of barrier between the tub and the outer boundary.

With sculpture, scale needs to be considered similarly to avoid too small a sculpture appearing almost meaningless. Sculpture comes in a range of materials including wood, stone, metal and concrete as well as fiberglass and plaster. Heavy materials need to be considered with care to ensure that the appropriate weight loading is adhered to (and will need to be checked with a structural engineer) whereas lighter materials may well need to be anchored in some way (or attached firmly if it is a wall sculpture).

Lighting The importance of effective lighting should not be underestimated on a roof terrace where views are focused on the outside space. A great deal of the client’s experience of the terrace maybe from inside the property looking out and lighting will clearly extend the viewing time and can create a different feel and look at night. Clients frequently mention that their favourite time to experience the completed terrace is at night with the stunning lighting effects of highlight and shadow, be it to up-light the riser of a step, or to highlight foliage and throw shadows from a particular plant.

the build of the terrace to ensure that all the wires are completely hidden underneath paving and decks and wires fed through into the side or bottom of the planters as required. Switching, whether remote, perhaps via a mobile phone or via wall switches also needs to be carefully considered.

Furniture and storage Both furniture and storage are critical considerations and are somewhat related. Whether the terrace is a tiny retreat or a larger space, furniture is likely to be required. Considerations include style, whether built-in or freestanding and their weather-resilience. I have used both freestanding wooden and manmade furniture (where it is important that they are heavy enough not to blow around) and bespoke built-in GRP and composite deck seating and metal and fiberglass tables (the built-in seating also doubled up as storage for small items including tools, hose etc). These elements are bolted to the frame of the deck or paving. Permanent furniture needs to be weatherproof. Roof gardens are even more susceptible to UV damage so high UV stable materials including soft furnishings such as cushions and exterior curtains are required. The cushion materials also need to be able to withstand the wet weather, such as treated oilcloth.

A further aspect to consider is storage: where will the furniture go if it is not completely weatherproof? My experience with retrofitting terraces is that there are limited opportunities for storage and there is rarely a place within the building, with access from the terrace to store things.

Maintenance considerations

The usual technical and aesthetic considerations important to lighting any outside space are relevant here, including weather ratings for external use and creating subtle effects with the lighting rather than overdoing it. As with a garden, lighting needs to be totally integrated into www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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In the context of maintaining the planting, the question of irrigation is always key. Dependent upon the scheme, automatic irrigation may be the best option, especially for dry periods and dependent numerous factors e.g. client lifestyle, water facilities. Incorporating water-retaining gel into the planting medium or using Root Refreshers could provide alternative solutions alongside leaky

hose systems in conjunction with collecting rainwater and using hog tanks wherever possible, assuming they can be hidden behind screen planting or similar.

We always provide clients with a maintenance schedule for both the hard and the soft elements so that they know what to do. For example with digital timers for their irrigation systems, how to keep their metal clean and free from marks etc., or their deck in good condition, as well as for the planting (it is critical to consider access for taking away garden debris for example). Although they are also provided with the manuals as appropriate, I find it always helpful for clients to have a summary sheet of what to do and when. This also enables you to record RAL colours and other details that may be of use.

The management company may actually ask for it because they are aware that all too often what has originally been implemented was woefully inadequate both in terms of the appropriateness of materials and subsequent maintenance advice.

I hope that these articles have provided a useful overview of some of the key considerations for designing and implementing roof terraces.

ABOUT LIZ ACKERLEY Liz Ackerley CMLI is an award-winning garden designer and landscape architect who trained at Capel Manor and Birmingham City University with experience in landscape management as well as landscape design. A chartered landscape architect, she owns and runs Poppyhead Consultancy, a landscape design practice based in the North West.

www.poppyheadconsultancy.com

Pro Landscaper / October 2014 49

15/09/2014 15:24

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15/09/2014 18/08/2014 09:50 15:03

INTERVIEW

Let’s Hear it From

FRANK CURRY Brambledown Landscape Services operate across the North of England, and it specialises in hard and soft landscaping, and groundwork operations. We caught up with Managing Director Frank Curry, keen to find out more about the creation of the company, and the secrets of its success.

When and how did you first get into the landscaping industry? Tell us about the creation of Brambledown Landscape Services?

The company was first incorporated in 1972 and formed by Colin Wood. Colin had trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in Horticulture. My own industry education was from Houghall Agricultural College in County Durham, being a farmer’s son this was to be my chosen career. In 1974 I bought a tractor and

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some cultivation equipment and started an agricultural contracting business.

Within my first year of business I was introduced to Colin by a mutual friend. Shortly after that meeting we were working together

constructing playing fields for councils and schools in the north east. After a short while we decided the better future for both companies was to join together; this we did in 1975 and I became a Director of Brambledown Landscape Services Limited. My involvement with the company released Colin to focus his passion on developing a garden centre on our operations depot. We expanded and developed the landscape and garden centre businesses over the following 11 years. In 1986 we agreed to amicably go our separate ways for the benefit of both companies.

Colin and I have remained friends to this day. I relocated the landscape company to a new site four miles from its roots, building our own office accommodation, machinery and vehicle sheds within 12 acres of farm land in Brandon, just to the west of Durham City. The available land was soon to be adapted into a commercial nursery, growing trees and shrubs for our own consumption within contracts. I was also

Pro Landscaper / October 2014 51

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INTERVIEW

fortunate enough to purchase a house on the boundary to the land. This is still my home in a very pleasant village. In 2003 I had the opportunity to buy the garden centre back due to Colin’s retirement and it is now part of the company again.

AT OPERATIVE LEVEL I BELIEVE THAT ON THE JOB TRAINING IS AS GOOD A WAY AS ANY TO DEVELOP THE SKILL REQUIREMENTS THAT ARE NECESSARY Did you undertake any training?

Yes, although it was from an agricultural base, the principles of machinery and soil husbandry are common to both agriculture and horticulture.

This foundation has served me well in my career.

Do you think it’s important for those coming into the industry to have college qualifications?

Yes, those coming into the industry with any ambition of management or supervision will need to demonstrate their capabilities through qualifications. At operative level I believe that on the job training is as good a way as any to develop the skill requirements that are necessary.

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Do you believe the industry is training its staff well enough?

Generally yes, the training opportunities are out there on a national basis, but on a regional level it is sometimes difficult to locate. The cynical side of me questions whether we (the industry) are training to improve quality of service or to satisfy the requirements for health and safety, and accessibility to main contractor’s sites.

What is your day-to-day job?

As I don’t have to travel to work, there is no excuse for being late. I am in the office for 7.45am and start with the emails. This will often continue until mid-morning, then I look for my first cup of coffee and call on some of my colleagues for an update on any work topics.

I prefer to be kept up to date on contract works and try to be available for discussion and decision making. By late morning the post has arrived, stamped in and on my desk for a quick first glance at incoming invoices and correspondence. If any action is required, I deal with it or pass it on. I try to arrange my meetings for late morning or early afternoon. I have an open door policy and this keeps me up to speed with most of the business issues.

My main role is to oversee the finances, formulate strategy and be available to help in whatever is required. Although I don’t always www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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INTERVIEW

achieve it, I like to visit our garden centre site and meet with the manager once a week. It is a nice place to visit and is therapeutic when having a bad contracting day. I leave the office between 6 and 7pm.

How would you define your business, how many staff do you employ, and how is the work structured?

We are predominantly commercial contractors, and one of the largest landscape companies in the North of England. We employ up to 100 personnel and regularly use agency workers to supplement our own labour in peak activity. We are also supported with a supply chain of sub-contractors for specialist work.

Contracts are managed through five contract managers. All new work is won by tender and is generally from the public purse. Our contract values range from a few hundred pounds to a million plus works. We cover all tasks within hard and soft landscapes, sports construction and light civil engineering.

Is most of your work in the same area or do you work nationally?

Most of our work is carried out in the North of England. This area is serviced from three working depots in County Durham, Tyne and Wear, and Yorkshire.

What is the company’s turnover?

Current turnover is circa £7 million (including retail sales.) Before the austerity measures of central and local government we were going at £11 million.

How has the business developed over the years?

Apart from the downturn of the last three years, we achieved a continuing expansion programme by reinvesting profits. Although the last three trading years have been very difficult for the industry as a whole we were fortunate not be carrying debt and servicing borrowings.

Which other landscape companies do you admire?

I admire all companies who survive in the industry for five years and more. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Let's Hear it From.indd 53

I HAVE AN OPEN DOOR POLICY AND THIS KEEPS ME UP TO SPEED WITH MOST OF THE BUSINESS ISSUES

How do you believe you set yourself apart from your competitors, what are you doing differently?

I don’t know if we are really doing anything very different, but we strive to give the best service possible to our clients who we hope will return with more opportunities for us.

Does your company take on apprentices? Do you think enough is being done across the industry as a whole to protect the future of the industry?

Yes, we do take on apprentices. I believe in giving young people the opportunity to learn skills in a structured manner. There is a government push on this subject at present and our industry will need to react to maintain the best possible workforce available for the future.

We understand you’re a family company – will there be another generation to come through?

Yes this is a first generation family business. As I am now viewing the horizons to retirement it is pleasing to see the succession planning coming through. I have a son and daughter employed within the business. Paul has recently taken on a directorship with the company and Caroline’s time will come in the future. I have another son Richard who worked as a Quantity Surveyor with the company for nine years; he recently decided to

1 Artificial sports pitch construction in Peterlee, County Durham.

2 Mature tree planting, Newcastle.

3 Play area construction and safety surfacing, Leeds.

4 Primary school external works, Northumberland.

5 Over 50 fleet vehicles.

6 Earthworks, block paving, and street furniture, Middlesbrough Schools.

7 Tree and shrub planting, pathways, and street lighting, Sheffield.

Pro Landscaper / October 2014 53

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INTERVIEW

I FEEL VERY PRIVILEGED TO HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK IN AN INDUSTRY THAT PREDOMINANTLY IS INVOLVED IN IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND LIVING SPACES FOR PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE emigrate to Australia. He is still involved in landscape as a commercial manager for a large landscape contracting company in Perth. The future may see him return and take up an active role with Brambledown.

What are your views on industry associations?

We have been active members of BALI since the early years of the association. We have had representation on the local committees for many of these years. We have been successful on many occasions with BALI National Landscape Awards, which we have used to showcase our skills. We are also members of SAPCA and the HTA. Memberships of these associations are important. They carry credibility and offer a professional line of advice in pertinent areas of business. They also offer the chance to network with similarly minded people and companies.

Do you have any unfulfilled career ambitions?

No, I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to work in an industry that predominantly is involved in improving the environmental and living spaces for people and wildlife. When I reflect on the many projects which we have been involved with I am proud of the company’s achievements. I still have passion to see this continue. I am pleased we have a strong management team in place to take the company forward in the future.

What are your future plans for your business?

I would like to see turnover return to pre recession levels.

What do you like to do to relax when you’re not working?

I enjoy most sports. I have been a season ticket holder at Roker Park, and then the Stadium of Light for 40 years watching Sunderland AFC. I am also a cricket supporter and am actively involved at Durham County Cricket Club, as a Director of the club. Golf is my participation sport and I try to get on the course once a week.

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1 Tree and shrub planting – Middlesbrough.

2 St James Boulevard block paving – Newcastle.

3 Grounds maintenance – Durham County Cricket Club.

ABOUT BRAMBLEDOWN Durham Head Office, Brandon Village, Durham DH7 8SU

Tel: 0191 378 2288 Email: info@brambledown.com Web: www.brambledown.com

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15/09/2014 15:55

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INTERNATIONAL SHOW GARDEN

SINGAPORE

HIGH STAKES

Andrew Wilson and Gavin McWilliam of Wilson McWilliam Studio review their success at the Singapore Garden Festival earlier this year, where they won both Gold and Best of Show for their garden Sacred Grove

W

hen the invitation to exhibit at the Singapore Garden Festival came last year Gavin and I leapt at the opportunity – a chance to design for a completely different climate in a show that’s attracting worldwide attention.

The design developed as we gained information from Singapore, the main thrust of which was that the garden would be in the open air, located on the Meadow, a circle of grass within Gardens by the Bay. (All previous shows have been indoors). The meadow is densely irrigated meaning that no dig was allowed and the garden had to rise.

In February 2014 we went to Singapore on a recce trip which gave us the chance to meet May Oh of Evershine who was our allocated partner

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contractor. We knew that the design was ambitious and innovative – as a precaution we had prepared an alternative. Both May and the National Parks team who organise the event enthused about the more adventurous design and so we continued with design detailing. The visit also delivered the zeitgeist of Singapore – a thriving city dominated by dense high rise development incorporating exciting green spaces at almost every level. The heat and humidity make the enjoyment of the garden quite a different experience. Shade and cooling breezes are valued, or alternatively green spaces are designed to be looked at from the comfort of an air conditioned interior.

Sacred Grove as a concept was an idea we had played with for some time in the studio – the sense that a combination of planting and built form

Gavin McWilliam and Andrew Wilson celebrate with partner contractor May Oh of Evershine at the awards ceremony in Singapore.

could be special, sacred or memorable as the ancient Greeks might recognise. As ideas started to flow, and the soil level began to rise, we considered the context of modern Singapore. The roof garden took shape creating an undercroft in which shade and a cooler atmosphere might Pro Landscaper / October 2014 57

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INTERNATIONAL SHOW GARDEN

create a more contemplative space.

The two levels were never designed to be connected physically but we did want to achieve a visual connection. The green roof slowed the percolation of water but we were aware of the heavy rains that fall almost daily in Singapore. We opened the centre of the roof partly to light the space and to give views up into the planted canopy or grove, but also to allow rain to interact with the space below.

A CHANCE TO DESIGN FOR A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT CLIMATE IN A SHOW THAT’S ATTRACTING WORLDWIDE ATTENTION Immediately below in the centre of the garden we designed a reflecting rain pool, still and mirror like in dry conditions but disturbed and rippling during rain. Rain water could also overflow into the pool with excess water collected for irrigation.

The reflections were spectacular but especially interesting as the rain slowed and unpredictable raindrop patterns mesmerised.

Polished concrete formed the floor of the garden contained by an aluminium edge that disguised lighting, creating the sensation of a floating construction. Rusted steel poles took the place of slender copper tubes which were our first choice – this was partly in response to the structural calculations. Although the uprights

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appear confused they relate to a controlling grid – some carrying excess water away from the roof or lighting cables.

The planting is dominated by Schizolobium parahyba to create the grove. The trunks are slender and vertical topped with delicate fern like fronds that created a soft texture and exciting reflections in the pool below. Beneath we planted a tropical meadow, randomising native and cultivated orchids into a mix of bamboo grass, Ophiopogon and soft ferns reminiscent of the random planting typical of the British meadow.

The exuberant meadow tumbled over the roof edges with asparagus fern and Stephanotis. The only connection between the two levels was made with the aerial roots of Cissus nodosa hanging down through the central opening like a curtain of fine hairs. Alongside, a large bowl of cloud white

Phalaenopsis orchids shared centre stage with Thomas Heatherwick’s Spun chair for quiet relaxation and contemplation.

ABOUT WILSON MCWILLIAM STUDIO Wilson McWilliam Studio is one of the country’s leading garden design practices, combining the talents of Andrew Wilson and Gavin McWilliam in the design of bespoke gardens and public landscapes. The studio is based in London, but as a practice they work across the South East and internationally at both garden and landscape scale. Sharply detailed construction, elegant spaces and inspirational planting design percolate through their unique design responses. Andrew and Gavin both trained as landscape architects but share a passion for garden design and experimentation with materials and plant associations. They are strong advocates for cross fertilisation between both disciplines. www.wmstudio.co.uk

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17/09/2014 09:16

INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIO

ENDLESS ENJOYMENT GRANT ASSOCIATES Grant Associates led the project to design and build the Far East Organization Children’s Garden, set within the award-winning Gardens by the Bay in Singapore

O

ur brief was to design a space which created play opportunities that are not found elsewhere in Singapore that connect children to nature via technology, art and horticulture. The Far East Organization Children’s Garden offers a one-hectare mix of play experiences for all ages, including water play, rainforest tree houses, ridge top trails and topiary pergola arches all in a special garden setting overlooking the Marina Reservoir.

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Water play experience The Water Play is the centrepiece of the Far East Organization Children’s Garden.

Modern water play technology, including Hydro Vaults, Water Splines and orchidshaped splash buckets, creates an everchanging interactive landscape of water tunnels, water mounds and waterspouts.

For the toddlers, there is the fish fountain with fish sculptures for the young to clamber over.

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INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIO

OUR BRIEF WAS TO DESIGN A SPACE THAT CONNECTS CHILDREN TO NATURE VIA TECHNOLOGY, ART AND HORTICULTURE The treehouses Two treehouses set within a thicket of rainforest trees including quick growing Ficus brings a sense of adventure and close contact with trees. Elevated platforms and shelters linked by ropewalks, steps, ramps and slides include devices for making sounds, telescopes, climbing nets and hammock seating.

Adventure trail The edge of the Far East Organization Children’s Garden follows a ridge of elevated ground that overlooks the Kingfisher Lake to the south and the Marina Reservoir to the north. A series of topiary pergola arches echo the parabola arch geometry of the ‘Hydro Vaults’ in the water play space. Beneath the pergola is a linked series of balancing, clambering, swinging and climbing elements to allow children the opportunity to enjoy a different type of forest trail.

Shade and an outdoor amphitheatre Shade is an important ingredient of the play area. A leaf-shaped canopy structure provides shelter from the rain and hot sun reaching over an outdoor amphitheatre formed by stepped granolithic finish concrete benches, which will serve as a venue for different garden functions and events.

1 Treehouse design by Grant Associates and Carve for the Far East Organization Children’s Garden at Gardens by the Bay. 2 Climbing frame fun on the Ridge Play Trail.

3 Water play is the centerpiece of the Far East Organization Children’s Garden at Gardens by the Bay. 4 Spider’s-web climbing net along the bank of the Ridge Play Trail.

5 Two slides spill out from the Treehouses.

6 Masterplan of the Far East Organization Children’s Garden.

7 Giant Orchid Splash Buckets pour water over children in the central water play area.

8 Rotating Water Splines.

Sourcing materials All planting was taken care of by the client, National Parks Singapore. For the wet play area Grant Associates looked at proprietary products and hard materials were chosen to fit with Gardens by the Bay. Dr. Kiat W. Tan, CEO, Gardens by the Bay said: “Words cannot express how pleased we are to offer children a special play area in Gardens by the Bay. This Children’s Garden is made possible by the strong support of Far East Organization, and cements our commitment to creating a People’s Garden with a green legacy for our future generations.”

ABOUT GRANT ASSOCIATES Grant Associates is a world-leading British landscape architecture consultancy specialising in creative, visionary design of both urban and rural environments worldwide, working with some of the world’s leading architects and designers. Inspired by the connection between people and nature Grant Associates fuses nature and technology in imaginative ways to create cutting edge design built around a concern for the social and environmental quality of life.

www.grant-associates.uk.com

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INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIO

MODERN WATER PLAY TECHNOLOGY, INCLUDING HYDRO VAULTS, WATER SPLINES AND ORCHID-SHAPED SPLASH BUCKETS, CREATES AN EVER-CHANGING INTERACTIVE LANDSCAPE

REFERENCES Led by

Main contractor

Grant Associates

Swee Hong

22 Milk Street, Bath BA1 1UT Tel: 01225 332 664 Email: info@grant-associates.uk.com Web: www.grant-associates.uk.com

Web: www.sweehong.sg

Project manager

Treehouses

PMLink

Carve

Web: www.cpgcorp.com.sg/index.php/ our-capabilities/project-management

Web: www.carve.nl

Play equipment PlayPoint Singapore Pte Ltd

Web: www.playpoint.asia

Original concepts for water play Quantity surveyor

Hรถweler + Yoon Architecture

Langdon & Seah Singapore Pte Ltd

Web: www.hyarchitecture.com

Web: www.langdonseah.com/en/ga Water play Lighting consultants

CT-Art Creation Pte Ltd

LPA Inc.

Web: www.ctart.com.sg

Web: www.lpainc.com Topiaries contractor Irrigation consultants

Candy Floriculture Pte Ltd

WET Pte Ltd

Web: www.candy.com.sg

Web: www.wet.com.sg

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PORTFOLIO

GARDEN OF ENGLAND I J Day Landscapes

A sloping garden situated in a small village in Kent, was transformed into a series of terraces using local Kentish materials

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PORTFOLIO

T

PROJECT DETAILS Project value £100,000 Build time 12 months (plus ongoing maintenance) Size of project 850m²

he garden was created for a private client relocating to a small village in Kent. She purchased a period property as a house and garden restoration project. The house was to be renovated using traditional methods and materials. The client very much wanted the garden to integrate and connect with the property, helped by the fact it is surrounded by an original red brick wall. This was achieved through the design and by using locally sourced landscape materials including; Kentish Ragstone, Kent peg tiles, Kent red bricks and Kentish chalk flints.

Design The client’s main objective was to transform the sloping, south facing site into a series of level terraces. These areas were to include: ● Seating areas on all levels, to include a pavilion ● Paved area for entertaining and dining ● Vegetable garden ● Water feature ● Lawn ● Utility area

The design splits the garden into three separate areas; courtyard, paved area and main garden. Within these spaces the different levels are used to form smaller rooms.

This was achieved by constructing a series of brick retaining walls. The concern was that with so much red brick surrounding the garden already, to add more brick might be excessive. This was overcome by keeping the walls to a minimum height and curving them, making them more aesthetically pleasing. Planting was used to complement and break up the red colour throughout.

The large paved area uses gentle elongated steps close to the house, to give the client an accessible space to use all year round.

A large single pergola running the entire width, partially screens the rest of the garden. Allowing framed views from the seating area and house.

The garden needed to be both decorative and functional, as the client is a keen gardener.

Design and installation was achieved with much consideration for ease of ongoing regular garden maintenance.

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The Build: Courtyard garden The courtyard garden includes a spitting lion water feature built on a flint panel, beneath a lean-to pergola together with a seating area.

From the entrance there are steps, one set leading down to the annex and the other up to the main house.

This area was challenging in the design as there are four different fixed levels, that all had to be reached within a very confined space.

Three large Ragstone steps, cut from single pieces of stone, lead from the gate to the door of the house. They have a pitched front edge and bush hammered finish, the largest measuring over 2m. This made it very difficult to quarry, cut and install on site.

At the entrance to the house is a feature step which is made from a large piece of Kentish Ragstone cut into a diamond. The shape is framed using round knapped Normandy cobbles, riven Sandstone detail and faced with Ragstone blocks.

The retaining walls / planters, are formed using cropped Ragstone blocks and random flint panels. A lot of stone had to be pitched on site due to the irregular size and nature of the material.

The lower level wall incorporates a cut in, bespoke oak bench built on a flint panel.

Main garden: Paved area Steps lead up from the courtyard through a curved single pergola with trellis screening, onto a brick path. The path was laid and extended using a mixture of the original paving bricks and those found buried in the garden.

1 View from the pavilion.

2 Garden pavillion.

3 Courtyard Ragstone steps and walling.

4 Paved feature panel.

5 Gothic Chilstone pot placed on an octagaonal surround.

6 Courtyard oak bench and flint panel.

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PORTFOLIO

ABOUT I J DAY LANDSCAPES I J Day Landscapes is a construction and maintenance company that has been designing, creating, constructing and maintaining gardens and grounds in Kent for the past two decades. It offers a full range of landscape and garden services including, consultations, landscape design, hard and soft landscaping and grounds maintenance. The company caters for private individuals, local government, schools and commercial clients, and is a member of the APL, HTA and also an expert installer for Jacksons fencing.

www.ijday.co.uk

ABOUT ALISON COXHEAD GARDEN SERVICES Alison Coxhead Garden Services is an innovative and professional garden design and maintenance company that design, create, construct and maintain gardens all over Kent. Established in 2005 and based near Canterbury. All the gardeners are trained in horticulture or have a qualification awarded by the RHS.

www.alisoncoxhead.co.uk

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The main paved area, used for entertaining and outside dining, is laid randomly with grey sandstone. It features a large gothic Chilstone pot, placed on a raised platform. The surround is octagon shaped constructed using bricks and Kent peg tiles.

Three sets of steps lead on through a large single pergola to further areas in the garden.

Level 1 Large central octagon shaped steps made from reclaimed paving bricks and sandstone, lead up through the pergola into the main garden. Diamond window trellis panels were made to the client’s specific requirements.

A large lawn, creating an open space in which to view the garden is accessed over a paved feature panel. It is decorated with a bespoke flower design. This picture was constructed from individually cut Kent peg tiles and sandstone paving to form the mosaic.

The steps to the left go up to the vegetable

garden edged with a line of espalier fruit trees. The plot contains a bespoke oak greenhouse and raised vegetable beds. The backdrop to this vegetable garden is a large Wisteria trained on vine wires along the existing wall. A small set of brick steps lead through the flower bed to the next level.

To the right the path takes you up shallow steps to the utility area under large established yews. This area houses the shed, compost bins and log stores edged with a Griselinia hedge.

Level 2 Wide pergola covered steps, set into the curve of the retaining brick wall lead up to the second level of the garden. The pergola is planted with Wisteria and flanked by large flower beds. Once established these planted beds will screen the higher level garden and encourage further exploration.

Level 3 Walking through the pergola you are directed left via a low lavender hedge at the foot of the wall, this leads to the final set of steps in line with the entrance to the bespoke oak pavilion on the top level. From the pavilion the entire garden and surrounding countryside can be viewed. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

18/09/2014 11:07

REFERENCES Main contractor

Compost / soil

I J Day Landscapes

Gardenscape Direct Ltd

Tel: 07976 637 068 Email: info@ijday.co.uk Web: www.ijday.co.uk

Tel: 01797 253 666 Web: www.gardenscapedirect.co.uk

Designer, planting and maintenance

Pergolas, trellis, landscape timbers, fruit tree supports, bin store etc

Alison Coxhead Garden Services

Jacksons Fencing

Tel: 07766 052 416 / 01227 730 988 Email: info@acgs.co.uk Web: www.alisoncoxhead.co.uk

Tel: 01233 750 393 Email: sales@jacksons-fencing.co.uk Web: www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk

3 The garden in spring.

Plants

Metal edging

4 View through the bespoke trellis.

Provender Nurseries Ltd

Everedge

Tel: 01322 662 315/01322 662 130 Web: www.provendernurseries.co.uk

Tel: 01453 731 717 Web: www.everedge.co.uk

Palmstead Nurseries Limited

Irrigation

Tel: 01233 813 340 Web: www.palmstead.co.uk

Landscapeplus

1 Plan of the main garden.

2 Steps under construction.

5 A view across the garden before work took place.

Planting The planting is of a traditional style in the upper part of the garden, using a lot of perennials with shrubs to add structure. This is a very sunny border with lots of spring and summer colour. Under an existing cherry tree shade tolerant and ground cover plants have been placed.

A large Magnolia Grandiflora, multi stemmed Betula Jacquemontii and three Cypresses have been placed at the back of the garden to form screening from overlooking houses.

The planting in the lower part of the garden is more formal using box hedges to line the beds. The entire existing boundary wall has had vine wire attached and been topped with trellis, on which various climbers are being trained. The soil was greatly improved before planting and an irrigation system installed throughout the entire garden.

Tel: 01666 577 577 Web: www.landscapeplus.com

Fruit trees Brogdale Collections

Aggregates

Tel: 01795 531 888 Web: www.brogdaleonline.co.uk

MBS Canterbury branch

Tel: 01227 455 565 Web: www.mbs.uk.com

Pot and water feature Chilstone

Paving

Tel: 01892 740 866 Web: www.chilstone.com

UK Stone Imports

Tel: 0845 603 69 09 / 01227 713 832 Web: www.ukstoneimports.com

Turf Grasslands

Bricks and cobbles

Tel: 0845 130 1330 Web: www.grasslands-turf.co.uk

Alden Reclamation

Tel: 01303 254 696 / 07860 379 472

Stonemason Essential Stone

Challenges Access was a big problem. Entry into the site was from a busy road through a narrow entrance gate and up a steep driveway. Initially deliveries were made with some difficulty over the rear boundary wall, however as the project progressed this was no longer practicable. All materials thereafter were placed on pallets at the drive entrance and wheeled manually into position.

Levels were particularly challenging. To make them work throughout the garden and around the house many things had to be taken into consideration. For example, existing doorways, permanent features, soil levels and marrying it all in with the surrounding boundary wall. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Tel: 01580 852 782

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COTTAGE GARDEN Cube 1994 Garden Design and Landscaping Services

RE

FO

BE

A young family’s garden which was completely overgrown and unusable was redesigned to generate more space and a bespoke play area for the children, while still complementing the age of the house

T

his was a large project and a real challenge as it was so overgrown; it involved a huge amount of earth moving, pond filling, retaining walls and unknowns. Cube 1994 was called in after a recommendation.

The brief was to come up with a solution to create more space for their young family, complement the listed building, and to use materials that fit in with the age of the home. The client particularly didn’t want any new looking bricks and specifically wanted bricks that would laminate so they looked aged immediately. A cottage style planting scheme was required and a log store.

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Outcome The garden was incredibly overgrown, to the extent that we could not see the scale of the space, therefore we advised the client to let us approach the project stage by stage. The client fully entrusted us to embark on this project without any full-scale plans as it was going to be on a design as you go basis.

Firstly we set about clearing the overgrown garden. We discovered a 4m x 4m gazebo, which led up to a pond 8m x 12m with a broken retaining wall supporting one side of the pond.

We cut back the overgrown boundary laurels to gain an extra 3.8m of garden on two sides. We emptied the pond slowly to see if any life was www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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PORTFOLIO

PROJECT DETAILS Project value £200,000 Build time 16 weeks Size of project 750m²

A SOLUTION TO CREATE MORE SPACE FOR THEIR YOUNG FAMILY, COMPLEMENT THE LISTED BUILDING, AND TO USE MATERIALS THAT FIT IN WITH THE AGE OF THE HOME still in it, thankfully there wasn’t.

We then came up with a solution to cut back the sloping garden, gain 13m more length and lose the dig out by filling in the pond. Retaining walls were required to hold back earth from the neighbouring gardens at 1m high while we cut into the bank on one side and 1.5m on the side joining this.

We came up with a solution that was harmonious with the listed building by creating retaining walls in new oak.

However, this was not to be a simple oak wall, we designed it to be a feature and built a bespoke oak fort on two levels and acted as a supporting wall to the higher www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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1 Children’s play area with bespoke oak fort, floating steps and sunken trampoline.

2 A very overgrown garden.

3 The first spring after completion.

4 The welcoming cottage garden in May.

CUBE1994 GARDEN DESIGN AND LANDSCAPING SERVICES Designer and creator of bespoke landscaped gardens, Sean Butler director of Cube 1994, has been specialising in this field for 20 years. 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. Sean is a member of the SGD and BALI. Award winners at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show 2014 and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2013 and 2012, Sean has built a prestigious reputation in the garden design industry and has had much media attention.

www.cube1994.com

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PORTFOLIO

ground. The fort was one of the main focal points from the house into the garden. The walls allowed for a slow transition level from the low level to the high level. A split-level was built in the fort with a Balau deck, fort door entrance with hand forged door furniture, crenulations along the upper fort level and a climbing wall on

all year. A sunken trampoline was also included and a slide for a multi functional play area with a dual purpose of retaining the embankment.

Additional retaining walls built with reinforcing and concrete filled block walls were incorporated to the rear of the cottage to increase the available space around the rear. A land drain was built behind the retaining walls to prevent backpressure. This allowed us to double the patio space in this area. A feature log store was also built and logs from the felled tress used to create a feature wall on one end.

To comply with the new SuDS regulations, a CEDEC gravel drive system was incorporated

its side. You can also access the upper level of the fort by way of going through the door and up a stepladder. The whole area was surrounded in rubber chippings to keep it clean

to the front. Retaining walls were also required here to hold back the narrow public footpath and attain as much new space as possible to the frontage. A very complementary

THE GARDEN BECAME A CHILD-FRIENDLY PLACE, IN KEEPING WITH THE COTTAGE STYLE OF THE HOME

path leading from the drive was built with access to the rear garden through a bespoke built pergola and gate. A white picket fence was also incorporated to typify the standard cottage garden.

The final result was a great success, the garden became a child-friendly place, in keeping with the cottage style of the home.

1 Before starting this was the only lawn space available.

2 Stage 1 – after initial clearance of all vegetation.

3 The bespoke fort starts to take shape.

4 Bespoke log store, created from the trees that were cut down in the garden.

5 Front garden looking through pergola with reclaimed brick path, white picket fence and cottage style planting.

REFERENCES Design and build

CEDEC drive

Log store materials

Cube1994 Garden Design and Landscaping Services

CED

Jewson

Email: sales@ced.ltd.uk Web: www.ced.ltd.uk

Web: www.jewson.co.uk

Tel: 01245 227 148 Web: www.cube1994.com

Concrete for foundations Grass and soil

Brett concrete

Reclaimed bricks and blocks

Rolawn

Web: www.brett.co.uk

Natural Stone, Tiptree

Drainage

Sandstone

Tel: 01904 608 661 Email: info@rolawn.co.uk Web: www.rolawn.co.uk

Natural Stone, Tiptree (ethically sourced)

Planting

Jewson

Web: www.jewson.co.uk Premier Plants

Muckaway RJB Grab Hire

(from sustainable sourced oak in France)

Tel: 01245 422 525 Email: info@premierplantsuk.com Web: www.premierplantsuk.com

Rubber chippings

Trampoline

Playscape (made from recycled tyres)

Capital Play

Tel: 01229 463 514 Web: www.playscapesolutions.co.uk

Tel: 01276 855 600 Web: www.capitalplay.co.uk

Red brick, paving and oak sleepers

Oak sleepers Natural Stone, Tiptree

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Tel: 07836 611 633 Web: www.rjbgrabhire.co.uk

J Purdy and Sons

Tel: 01621 893322

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/09/2014 09:42

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NURSERY

NURSERY NEWS The Provender Nurseries Garden Design Competition Now in its second year, Provender Nurseries is pleased to announce the winners of the Provender Nurseries Garden Design Competition at Capel Manor, Enfield. The winning design this year is a result of a joint effort from garden design students Vanessa Hoch and Rachel Pocock.

Judging took place in early July at Provender Nurseries with Sophie Guinness – lecturer in Planting Design, Liz Hughes – Marketing Organiser at Provender Nurseries, and Richard McKenna

– Director of Provender Nurseries.

The judges were looking for the following attributes from the designs: form and function, a wide range of plants showing seasonal interest, plant association and a pleasing design to suit the client’s brief.

Vanessa and Rachel’s design stood out for the strong winter

interest and plant structure, great form – particularly in the choice and use of hedges as structural barriers at different heights and great accent planting. The design had given some obvious thought to plant choice and soil association and some impressive colour association from the foliage plants with the occasional flower to punctuate the overall colour palette. All plants selected for the garden design were selected from the Provender Nurseries website. www.provendernurseries.co.uk

Palmstead Soft Landscape Workshop Around 300 delegates attended the 7th Palmstead workshop entitled ‘Design for Maintenance’ in Ashford on 17 September, the day Palmstead also launched its new website with the aim of making ordering and delivery more efficient for its many customers.

Dr Noel Kingsbury; a plant designer, writer, researcher and consultant, talked about the need to learn about long-term performance of plants and how they function ecologically. He highlighted the differences between perennial plant groups including short lived perennials. He looked at how the groups perform in planting schemes with each type having its own particular benefits. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Nursery News.indd 71

Next to speak was Colin Crosbie, Curator of RHS Wisley for 17 years, who talked about tending the borders at the gardens. He compared the 128x6m mixed borders, which are staked, fed and watered in the traditional way throughout the summer season to the 147x11m Piet Ouldorf glasshouse borders which are completely self-sustained and not staked. Colin advised that you should understand how your borders are expected to perform and choose the right plants for the right situation. He finished by quoting the words of Piet Ouldorf that we should be well aware that there is ‘no such thing as no maintenance’.

Also during the morning Andrew

Kauffman from Quadron Services, and Richard Sneesby, a Falmouth based landscape architect, spoke to delegates.

During the afternoon session, Noel Farrer, landscape architect and President of the Landscape Institute spoke about making our cities beautiful places in which to live, and following him Phil Askew, Project Leader for Parklands and Public Realm at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park talked about the future of the park and said that from the outset there was always a vision about how it would look for years to come. A 10 year management and maintenance plan was put together from the beginning. www.palmstead.co.uk

NURSERY NOTES

With the start of bare-root season just around the corner, the past few weeks have been spent prepping the nursery for the upcoming November rush.

We’ve recently (September) launched our brand new website at www.colesnurseries.co.uk.

The new website’s features include the ability to submit enquiries and place orders online, as well as up to date availability and prices for over 6,000 stock lines; this makes it ideal for use as a reference tool or for checking commercial availability. Also on the site are new ‘Meet the Team’ and ‘See the Sites’ pages, giving visitors a bit of background information on the staff, facilities and scale of Coles Nurseries.

The site was launched alongside the new Coles 2014/15 catalogue; which contains over 6,000 stock lines, all listed in accordance with the NPS. Both the website and catalogue contain the new Coles branding, artwork and logo, updated and refreshed for the 2014/15 season and moving away from the Centenary styling. Looking ahead we’ll be exhibiting at LandscapeLive this month at Headingley, as well as FutureScape in Surrey next month. We look forward to seeing you there! www.colesnurseries.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / October 2014 71

18/09/2014 14:10

NURSERY

PLANTSMAN’S PLOT A round-up of trees and plants available at some of the country’s best nurseries To appear in Plantsman’s Plot, please send your plant of the month, details and image to editor@pro-landscaper.co.uk

Prunus serrula Tibetica Tibetan Cherry was introduced from Western China in 1908 by Ernest Wilson and is surely one of the best trees available for bark interest. Available as single stemmed or multi-stemmed this wonderfully dramatic tree

can provide great contrast within a garden or urban environment. Its many horticultural honours culminated in the Award of Garden Merit in 2002. A fast growing, but small tree of rounded form; it has really shiny, mahogany-brown bark that just keeps on getting better and more sensational with age which makes it worth growing for this reason alone. It has narrow, willow-like leaves and small, white flowers, which are produced in April. Like most cherries it thrives best on free draining soils. www.barcham.co.uk

Fagus sylvatica Asplenifolia (cut leaf beech) is a medium sized tree (10-15m) which develops a broad spreading crown with maturity. It is a stunning specimen and the perfect choice for a parkland or feature tree. The foliage is deeply cut, soft and fern like; dark glossy green in summer and turning a sumptuous golden yellow in autumn. It also retains the silky smooth grey bark and exquisite form, attractive of this species. This tree will grow in most soils except very heavy clay. Under-planting is not recommended as it develops a shallow root system. www.deepdale-trees.co.uk

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An outstanding tree for nearly any situation, Sorbus ‘Joseph Rock’ will grow on most reasonable soils in either full sun or partial shade. This particular variety of mountain ash is great for wildlife and gives a fantastic range of interest all year round, beginning with small white clusters of flowers produced in spring, attracting all manner of insects. These are followed by vibrant yellow berries which appear in late summer and can last through to winter, giving a stunning contrast to the crimson autumn foliage, assuming the birds leave them on the tree long enough! www.colesnurseries.co.uk Stipa tenuissima is an easy plant choice for interest all year round and not just for the month of October.

It is the embodiment of poetry in motion in the autumn months when windy days really bring out the charm of this arching graceful plant. In the spring months the graceful clumps of bright green foliage emerge and are topped in the late summer with silvery plumes that age to a

buff colour above the almost wheat coloured foliage in the early autumn months. The plumes are extremely light and catch even the slightest breeze, therefore they are commonly planted in large drifts. Texture, movement, changing leaf colour, graceful flower plumes and elegant foliage – you just have to have one! www.provendernurseries.co.uk

Ligustrum jonandrum, also known as Ligustrum delavayanum, is rapidly becoming the plant of choice for topiary. This evergreen shrub with small, dark green leaves may sometimes be mistaken in appearance for Buxus, but being much faster growing and tolerating frequent pruning, lends itself to being trained into a myriad of shapes. Thriving in pretty much any soil, in sun or partial shade, this plant may lose some leaves in a hard frost but these will re-appear in spring. If not pruned too heavily, white flowers appear in spring followed by blue-black berries in autumn. www.theplantationnursery.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/09/2014 10:07

OUT AND ABOUT FESTIVAL DES JARDINS

NURSERY

Every year since 1992, the gardens of chateau Chaumont-sur-Loire, situated on the banks of the River Loire play host to the annual ‘Festival des Jardins’, a garden festival with up to 30 gardens. France’s answer to the Chelsea Flower Show, these gardens are created by different landscape architects, designers and artists around a theme, which changes every year. The festival stimulates the art of garden design by presenting new species and innovative materials, as well as inventive

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Jonathan Ward.indd 73

ideas and creative approaches to gardening.

The theme for the 2014 gardens is the seven deadly sins, and unlike Chelsea, the festival runs from April until the beginning of November so you have just a few weeks left to visit. For more information visit the website at www.domaine-chaumont.fr Images supplied by Jonathan Ward

Pro Landscaper / October 2014 73

18/09/2014 11:56

A unique British nursery, turning your landscape concept into reality

Creating pes landsca

Extensive range of plants and essential sundries Speed of service that’s second to none Delivery within 5 working days Accredited to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 Truly a one stop shop!

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1921 – 2011

For our FrEE cATAlOguE of amenity plants call 01423 330234 or email sales@nurserymen.co.uk www.nurserymen.co.uk

15/09/2014 15:37

NURSERY

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We specialise in the production of both air-pot container and field grown semi mature trees and shrubs. We have a strong reputation for supplying large plants of exceptional quality and providing our clients with highest possible standard of service.

Delivery is possible Europe wide, selecting from over 140 acres of UK production and an extensive supply network.

DEEPDALE TREES

Magnolia loebneri ‘Merrill’- Pleached

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TOP 5 BESTSELLERS Amelanchier lamarckii

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Pyrus call. ‘Chanticleer’

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Carpinus betulus

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Taxus baccata

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Platanus x acerifolia

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Best sell

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CLIENTS We work with a broad range of clients including commercial landscapers, landscape architects, garden designers and local authorities.

“Working with Deepdale is an absolute pleasure; Matthias relishes each project we work on together and always comes up with brilliant solutions.”

Tom – Garden Designer

“I just wanted to say thank you for arranging yesterday’s visit. It was extremely refreshing to go on a visit where it was obvious that although the order is small the guys were still interested in ensuring that the experience was positive. From the moment we arrived the level of service was first class, the nursery looked superb and above all the stock was top drawer.”

Rick – Commercial Landscaper

“Deepdale Trees are always a pleasure to deal with. Any enquiry, small or large, is given the same wonderful care and attention. I am completely confident in the stock supplied and their knowledge is superb. Customer care is faultless from finding unusual shapes and sizes or showing clients the possibilities in the nursery. Their professionalism has helped me to grow as a business and be confident that I will have satisfied customers.”

Rosemary – Garden Designer

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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We are located 45 minutes north of London, between Bedford and Cambridge, and are within easy reach of the A1, M1 and A14.

CONTACT Deepdale Trees, Tithe Farm, Hatley Road, Potton, SG19 2DX Tel: 01767 262 636 Fax: 01767 262 288 Web: www.deepdale-trees.co.uk Email: mail@deepdale-trees.co.uk Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

Pro Landscaper / October 2014 75

17/09/2014 09:24

INDUSTRY CHARITIES Perennial, Thrive, Greenfingers, and Gardening Leave are four charities who do important and very different work for or with those in the horticulture and landscaping industry.

They each explain what they do, their current campaigns, and how you can get involved

PERENNIAL Perennial is the UK’s only occupational charity dedicated to helping all those who work in horticulture, among whom landscapers are one of the main categories. Perennial offers wide ranging benevolent services from help with financial and debt problems to support for those affected by illness, disability, bereavement, redundancy and old age. This support, regularly described by clients simply as a ‘lifeline’, also extends to spouses, partners and dependent children and all help is free, confidential and continues for as long as it is needed.

The charity is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year and has pledged to raise an extra £175,000 to help even more horticulturists and their families during times of crisis. Perennial’s work depends entirely on voluntary donations from the industry and the garden-loving public and without this financial support, the long-term continuation of these services is threatened.

Current campaigns Perennial ran its annual HortAid campaign during the first two weeks of September when people across the industry got involved with their own fundraising efforts. From a Kickathon at SALTEX, to dressing as gnomes and a 100km cycle ride, all sorts of wacky and wonderful events took place. Plans are already underway to make HortAid 2015 bigger and better than ever including an intrepid team rowing across the Channel to raise money.

Anita Bates, Director of Marketing and Development, said; “HortAid is a chance for everyone to get involved and help us support more people in our industry than ever before. Thank you to everyone who has helped so far and it’s not too late to make your pledge toward our anniversary target.”

How can you help?

Start thinking about how you can get involved with HortAid 2015 or show your support by becoming a Perennial Partner. Speak to the team to find out more about supporting Perennial.

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CONTACT Tel: 0800 093 8510 Email: info@perennial.org.uk Web: www.perennial.org.uk www.hortaid.org.uk Twitter: @PerennialGRBS

THRIVE Thrive is the leading charity in the UK that uses gardening to bring about positive changes in the lives of people who are living with disabilities or ill health, or are isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable. This is known as Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) which is the process of using plants and gardens to improve physical and mental health, as well as communication and thinking skills. Thrive uses the garden as a safe and secure place to develop someone’s ability to mix socially, make friends, and learn practical skills that will help them to be more independent.

Current campaigns Thrive is currently raising funds to complete its garden surrounding the new centre in Battersea Park.

The charity is seeking funding and gifts of plants, or even a lawn. Can you help? We regularly hold team building / corporate (CSR) days at our gardens in Reading, London, Birmingham and Gateshead. We also hold a charity golf day every year. Please get in touch if you’d like to know more.

Lynne Watson, mum of Tom Watson who at 18 suffered a brain injury following a car accident said: “Thrive took a frail and damaged young man, nurtured and green-housed him to enable him to grow and blossom into a quite remarkable, kind, funny and sensitive young man who is much respected by those around him. You certainly disproved the psychologist at the neuro rehab unit who said that he would never work, plan, problem solve or be independent. I would urge anyone to support Thrive; they really do care and gave my son a life.”

Kathryn Rossiter, Thrive CEO says: “The majority of disabled people want to work and to be a contributing member of their community and it is at the core of Thrive to support these ambitions and aspirations. It is clear to us that working in a public park, such as the ones in Battersea, Birmingham and Gateshead, developing CONTACT gardens and making real changes to Tel: 0118 988 5688 create public amenities have a profound Email: info@thrive.org.uk impact on people.”

Web: www.thrive.org.uk Twitter: @thrivecharity www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/09/2014 14:40

CHARITIES

GREENFINGERS

Greenfingers is a small national charity dedicated to supporting the children who spend time in hospices around the UK, along with their families, by creating inspiring gardens for them to relax in and benefit from. The charity is dedicated to creating beautiful, well-designed outdoor spaces for children to enjoy whether through play and fun, or therapeutic rest and relaxation. To date Greenfingers has created 43 inspiring gardens in children’s hospices around the country, and has a further waiting list of hospices that need help.

Greenfingers chairman, Matthew Wilson, says of their work: “We are unashamedly ambitious in our aim to provide wonderful outdoor spaces for as many children as possible being cared for at hospices all around the UK. We truly believe that having access to specially designed, stimulating garden spaces can bring vital benefits for children with life-limiting conditions. For these children the chance to spend time together outdoors and away from the bedside is precious. We rely on the fantastic support we receive from across the horticulture and landscaping industries.”

Current campaigns Greenfingers’ 44th garden is currently underway at Little Havens Hospice in Essex where an inspiring ‘grow your own’ garden is being created which will allow the children who use the hospice to plant, cultivate and harvest their own crops. This is the second garden under the umbrella of our ambitious Rosy Cheeks Appeal.

There are always more hospices awaiting help from Greenfingers – in the autumn work will begin at Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice in Yorkshire where the new garden will include a ‘super sensory space’ designed to stimulate children who have communication issues. If fundraising targets can be met Greenfingers also hope to start work soon on gardens at hospices in Kent, Berkshire, Sunderland and Barnet.

How can you help?

Greenfingers relies heavily on support from the industry – from fundraising to donations of products and services – without this kind of help these gardens simply wouldn’t happen. If you think you CONTACT can help with Greenfingers’ Tel: 01494 674 749 work in any way please do Email: info@greenfingerscharity.org.uk get in touch.

Web: www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk Twitter: @greenfingerscha

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GARDENING LEAVE Gardening Leave tends to the invisible wounds of conflict using horticultural therapy. Around 20 per cent of Armed Forces veterans carry mental wounds and these need as much healing as any physical ones.

Gardening Leave helps veterans find peace, strength and recovery in the garden with professionally conducted, individual, goal-orientated treatment sessions within a safe horticultural environment. Gardening Leave’s projects all need to be high maintenance and are run along traditional lines, so veterans can experience the full range of horticultural therapy tasks and the plots are as productive as possible.

The charity has projects at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, Ayr and Glasgow, and an outreach site in East Acton. A new site will open on an unused bowling green in Dundee later this year.

Gardening Leave works closely with many horticultural companies such as Scotts Miracle-Gro and ISS Facility Services Landscaping and welcomes sponsorship and support from other suppliers or individuals. £50 pays for a half-day horticultural therapy session for a veteran.

Honesty mental health campaign Gardening Leave launched its Honesty campaign in May 2014 to tackle stigma around Armed Forces veterans with mental health issues, at its new-look horticultural therapy garden at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, refurbished extensively by ISS Facility Services Landscaping. The garden now boasts bespoke raised beds, designed to make gardening easier for veterans with balance problems or in wheelchairs, and a custom-built shed where therapists can work with veterans out of the rain. The charity wants to be able to show the veterans it works with, and others, that civilians are committed to them, and so will ask individuals to make a pledge to be honest about veterans’ mental health.

Chief Executive Heather Budge Reid said: “Our work with troubled veterans is gentle but effective. Growing vegetables and herbs is a positive activity, which for many veterans is the first positive result of their lives for some years. Learning to grow and cook your own food also has a long-term influence on health and mental wellbeing.”

For modern design tips for creating a horticultural therapy garden or other information on the charity go to www.gardeningleave.org

CONTACT Tel: 01292 521 444 Email: admin@gardeningleave.org Web: www.gardeningleave.org Twitter: @Gardening_Leave Facebook: GardeningLeave Pro Landscaper / October 2014 77

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WE ONLY SUPPLY TO THE TRADE 100,000 sqm IN STOCK

TREES & SHRUBS For UK commercial planting schemes

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The Nurseries, Uppingham Road, Thurnby, Leicester LE7 9QB T: 0116 241 2115 F: 0116 243 2311 E: info@colesnurseries.co.uk Twitter: @Colesnurseries Facebook: coles.nurseries

www.deepdale-trees.co.uk T: 01767-262 636

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16/09/2014 14:16

not long now...

IN A

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• free parking • free seminars • great exhibitors

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REGISTER AT www.landscapelive.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Landscape Live pages.indd 89

Pro Landscaper / October 2014 89

18/09/2014 11:33

The Detail is in the Design

Five leading designers will debate industry topics, take questions from the audience and offer an insight into what makes them tick. This is an exciting event, insightful, thought provoking and fun.

Mark Gregory Landform Consultants

Belinda Belt Greenbelt Landscapes

View from the Top

A Newsnight style debate with a host, panel of experts and an audience of leading ďŹ gures within the industry. All will have a chance to direct questions to the panel and put their own views across. Invite only.

Justin Paxman Paxman Landscapes Andrew Wilson Wilson McWilliam Studio

Liz Ackerley BA Hons Dip GD MSGD Poppyhead Consultancy

Lee Bestall Bsc MSGD Inspired Garden Design Ltd

Lizzie Tulip Lizzie Tulip Garden Design

Tracy Foster BSc Dip GD(Inst GD) MSGD

Landscape Live pages.indd 90

James Bird James Bird Landscapes Ltd

Richard Kay Green-tech Ltd

Andy Corcoran LLB MBA Glendale Managed Services Paul Butler Butler Landscapes

The Beauty is in the Build

We are delighted to bring together a panel of ďŹ ve landscapers who will reveal how they became successful and share their experiences as well as answer any questions put to them by the audience.

Phil Jones ISS Facility Services Landscaping Graham Buck, Hultons Landscapes Ltd and Hultons Fencing Ltd Andrew Wilson Wilson McWilliam Studio

Mark Gregory Landform Consultants

18/09/2014 11:38

COME AND MEET THE LANDSCAPELIVE TEAM EXHIBITORS

STAND

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CED Exterior Decking Smart Direct Platipus Anchors Inturf M&M Timber Vitax Q Lawns Long Rake Spar Harrod Horticultural Makita Johnsons of Whixley Landscapeplus Vectorworks Training Melcourt Industries Lindum Turf Toro Tamata James Coles & Sons BALI Green-tech APL Majestic Trees Wykeham Mature Plants Green Mile Trees

REGISTER AT www.landscapelive.co.uk Landscape Live pages.indd 91

18/09/2014 11:36

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TOPSOIL British Sugar TOPSOIL www.bstopsoil.co.uk

How are your soils produced?

British Sugar TOPSOIL is simply produced by recycling the topsoil that is received with the beets which are delivered to our

Bourne Amenity

www.bourneamenity.co.uk How are your soils produced?

We predominantly offer blended topsoils at our three facilities.

Good as dug soils in large quantities are hard to obtain and with the need to match everevolving soil parameters we blend

Boughton Loam

www.boughton.co.uk

How are your soils produced?

Boughton Loam make and supply screened topsoil from 3mm to 10mm specifications, through modern topsoil screening equipment which removes all large

Green-tree topsoil

www.green-tree.co.uk How are your soils produced?

Green-tree’s topsoil is manufactured at 15 production sites across the UK from a combination of by-products of the recycling industry. The

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factories. Each year we receive approx. 300,000t of topsoil.

What is the USP of your company?

British Sugar TOPSOIL comes from a single known source – the factory settlement ponds – we are able to offer a topsoil that is consistent in quality year round. the majority of our soils to specification using sands, single source loams and a variety of composts depending on nutrient requirements.

What is the USP of your company?

Consistency, delivery and transparency. Operating our own fleet of vehicles along with a sophisticated bagging facility

stones and other deleterious materials.

Why is it important for landscapers to invest in the right topsoil?

Best seller?

Landscape20, which is fully-analysed and compliant to BS3882:2007. This fertile sandy loam is widely used in winter games pitch construction and landscaping projects.

gives us complete autonomy and control of the project from material conception to delivery. We test our various topsoils, tree sands and washed sands regularly to ensure consistency.

Best seller?

Our BS3882:2007 multi-purpose topsoil is the most commonly specified product and therefore would be classed the best seller.

What is the USP of your company?

Boughton are one of the few topsoil producers that only use natural ‘As Dug’ topsoil for all of their products.

In addition, their experience and understanding of landscaping and horticultural applications sets them apart from competition.

Best seller?

Boughton’s most popular soil ‘As Dug’ is a certified soil that has been supplied to the construction and landscaping sector of the market for over 30 years. The soil can be supplied with an independent soil analysis backed up with certification confirming conformity with all current environmental agency and NHBC legislation.

manufacturing process is certified to British Standards 3882:2007 guaranteeing a consistent, organic-rich soil with excellent structure and water holding properties.

construction industries. Our soil is manufactured to a strict specification, guaranteeing the same high quality topsoil no matter where you are in the country or how many tonnes are used.

What is the USP of your company?

Green-tree topsoil has a 10 year heritage, supplying manufactured soil to the landscape and

Best seller?

Green-tree topsoil is our best selling product, as it is a brand leader and long-established within the landscape industry.

“Topsoil is the foundation to all good landscaping schemes.

If the wrong or a poor quality topsoil is used then the growth of the plants, seed or turf in the scheme will be poor. A full analysis certificate should always be requested from the topsoil supplier to ensure it meets the specification set by the client.”

British Sugar TOPSOIL

“The implications of installing the wrong type of topsoil can have consequences that won’t become apparent for a few seasons and although topsoil may look contaminant free and good enough to eat, there are soils on the market that can do more harm than good…the growing medium is as important to the aesthetics of the project as anything else.”

Bourne Amenity

“As the foundation to any garden, landscapers should invest in quality topsoil to ensure a reliable and consistent result to any project. Contaminated topsoil can damage the growth of any plants, trees or grass that is planted within it.”

Boughton Loam

“Topsoil is normally installed early on in a project, it affects the aesthetics and planting therefore it is important to use a topsoil that will not only maintain the overall look and feel of the development but also provide a great start for your planting scheme.”

Green-tree topsoil

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

18/09/2014 14:27

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PAVING Moleanos Blue Limestone Paving is extremely popular with designers, architects and landscapers looking to create contemporary outdoor spaces. Moleanos Blue was recently used by Peter Reader and Living Landscapes in their Hampton Court Silver-gilt medal winning garden. Sawn and flamed like Moleanos Beige Limestone, it too has a slight sparkle, while the small amount of veining adds a very subtle blue/grey colour. Available in 900x600, 600x600 and 600x400x25mm sized pavers and a matching 2000mm bullnose step tread.

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Esterno from Millboard gives your project style and elegance, allowing you to sit back and enjoy your new hassle-free paved area without the ongoing maintenance that lower grade paving requires. Perfect for a multitude of applications, Esterno can be used in residential projects including terraces, patios, gardens and balconies as well as public spaces such as restaurants

and bars, swimming pools and driveways. Available in a wide variety of colours and finishes, Esterno is the perfect external flooring solution for your next project.

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Ebony Cloud Paving is available from CED Ltd and has a truly unique appearance.

With beautiful tones of grey-greens and blacks along with some vivid light coloured, almost white, detail provides a stunning cloud effect.

This attractive paving is a quartz-rich schist, the surface has been sawn and textured and is ideally suited to stylish and contemporary designs.

At 30mm thick, it is a durable and long lasting paving product.

WWW.CED.LTD.UK StoneMaster is a stylish and contemporary long aspect paver, which is designed to create the illusion of more space in a garden. The sleek design is available in three buff shades to replicate natural sandstone and grey shades for an authentic natural granite look. It is also pre-coated with Bradstone Surface Protection for easy removal of stains such as oil, grease and moss, which lasts up to six years. StoneMaster boasts excellent sustainability credentials, made with up to 53 per cent recycled and reclaimed materials. The design is also available in block paving to provide a matching driveway solution.

WWW.AGGREGATE.COM/BRADSTONE

The Serenity range is a tranquil and elegant stone, perfect for a contemporary design. It delivers an almost seamless appearance, ideal for creating a very natural, yet modern look.

The Global Stone Serenity range comes in several colours, including Monsoon, Sandalwood, York Green and Buff Brown. The fine textured surface of the Serenity copings complement the paving, creating a modern and sleek finish to steps, ponds, and swimming pools. This paving provides a luxurious style, a design classic for contemporary schemes.

WWW.GLOBALSTONEPAVING.CO.UK

Tobermore offers a stunning range of landscaping products including the popular Historic Flag which embodies a rustic, timeless quality. The fabulous flag showcases a durable surface, providing the look and feel of traditional natural stone while the fettled edges and riven face add warmth and charm, making it ideal for both old and new properties. Already available in the soft, mellow tones of Bracken and Slate, a rich new colour, ‘Harvest Gold’ is now available to order.

WWW.TOBERMORE.CO.UK

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/09/2014 09:51

Pro-Landscaper DS advert.qxp_Pro-Landscaper DS Advert 15/09/2014 16:43 Page 1

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this year at the award wiNning venue: Sandown Park Racecourse

OVER 20 seminars & special events

Cafe be inspired at the industry’s leading event

don’t forget t o r 90

Tweet us @FuturescapeUK to fiPro nd out about the/event and2014 Landscaper October reconnect after it’s all over

FutureScape Suppliment.indd 90

To keep up to date with what’s happening, check out our FutureScape Facebook page and give us a ‘like’

www.futuresc a www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/09/2014 16:53

tuesday18 November 2014 TH

9am to 5pm / sandown park racecourse

AN ACTION PACKED DAY - BE INSPIRED, EDUCATED, NETWORK & HAVE FUN don’t miss out on...

OVER 150 exhibitors MEET NEW SUPPLIERS

check out the websit e for more informatio n

touch and feel products talk to the experts wide range of different products network with industry colleagues

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FutureScape Suppliment.indd 91

For For anyany queries about the the event queries about event or travel, please don’t hesitate to to or travel, please don’t hesitate email Lewis.Dan@eljays44.com email Lewis.Dan@eljays44.com

To keep up toany dateinformation with what’scall Justine For happening, check out our FutureScape Richardson on 01903 777 570 Pro Landscaper / October 2014 91 Facebook page and give us a ‘like’

17/09/2014 16:54

COMING SOON

The exclusive premier of the new Ransomes MP Series.

Years in the making, and ready to redefine the municipal mowing industry.

www.makingtheMP.com

PL/MP2/Aug14

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17/09/2014 10:55 29/07/2014 10:17

EQUIPMENT

EQUIPMENT NEWS Makita expands twin 18V tools range for grounds care performance

CS100 wood chipper

Makita has introduced more tools for groundscare and horticultural operations that are powered by twin 18V lithium-ion batteries designed to deliver 36V performance. Many grounds maintenance professionals and landscapers already have a number of Makita 18V li-ion batteries with their Makita power tools and as they are compatible they can be used to generate 36V energy. Until now adaptor plates have been available to facilitate two batteries but the new machines now have the machine bodies designed to directly accommodate the twin 18V batteries as a standard feature.

Newly released products benefiting from the new Makita twin battery range include a 300mm chainsaw, leaf blower, 550mm hedge trimmer, brush cutter, linetrimmer and 380mm lawn mower. The battery

warning indicators show capacity levels, and when this drops below a pre-set level the machine stops and indicates which battery requires replacement.

The Makita twin 18V battery concept offers an expanding range of machines that utilise the established 18V lithium-ion battery capacity to deliver high power 36V performance whilst offering an economic purchase solution for existing Makita tool owners. The twin 18V (36V) system also complements the already popular Makita 18V garden range of products launched last year, which has proved to be popular with the lower maintenance gardening applications. www.makitauk.com

Chews

Welcome to the equipment pages of Pro Landscaper, where we will be looking at new products and developments in the market.

If you have any stories, please email them to joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com or tweet me @ProLanKit

New Iseki SF450 launched in UK by Ransomes Jacobsen Ransomes Jacobsen, the UK distributor of Iseki mowers and compact tractors, has introduced the Iseki SF450 out front cut and collect mower with an impressive 1,300 litre collector.

Its high mow speed, permanent four-wheel drive, wide mower deck and a larger capacity collector ensures the SF450 is more efficient than its competitors, increasing productivity and reducing operating costs over the life of the machine.

The energy-efficient 48hp diesel engine, the most powerful unit in this product segment, is renowned for its reliability and high torque at low rpm. Its location lowdown in the chassis results in a low centre of gravity, which aids mowing on slopes and banks.

Like all other Iseki mowers and

it up and spits it out Wood chipping is not only environmentally friendly, but eye pleasing too! l 16hp or 18hp B&S Vanguard V-Twin petrol engine l 100mm chipping capacity l Twin reversible chipping blades l Adjustable discharge chute l Optional dedicated trailer l 760mm width enables access to tight spaces l Easy to maintain and simple to operate l From 195kg weight

Powerful, effective

and value for money

Equipment News.indd 91

tractors, the operator platform has been ergonomically designed with all controls and switches placed for comfortable operation. The foot controls on the left-hand side of the operator’s platform include the brake, diff lock and cruise control pedals. On the right are two separate HST pedals for forward and reverse. Cruise control keeps a constant working speed without the need to push the HST pedal, increasing operator comfort. The height and angle of steering column are adjustable to suit each operator contributing to improve efficiency and reduced operator fatigue. www.ransomesjacobsen.com

Tel: 01789 400044

www.greenmech.co.uk

17/09/2014 10:11

EQUIPMENT

Gianni Ferrari launches new diesel turbo Z mower Gianni Ferrari sales in the UK are reaching new levels in the face of difficult financial constraints across the markets – not least in the public sector. Feedback from customers has been particularly interesting and, in response to requests from dealers and end-users, Gianni Ferrari is delighted to announce the launch of the new Turbo Z 322 Diesel – and a re-styled version of the extremely popular Turbo 4.

The Turbo 4 (known as the T4) is a professional mower collector and represents the top of the range

of Gianni Ferrari – always delivering a superb performance and finish.

The four-wheel drive, 36hp model has a working width of 150cm coupled with a high-capacity, high-dump 1,300L hopper. The

STIHL announces official sponsorship of Leicester Tigers Last month, STIHL staff and local dealers gathered at the Leicester Tigers Rugby Club’s Welford Road Stadium to announce the major outdoor power tool company’s signing as an Official Sponsor for a three-year deal. The Leicester Tigers are among the biggest clubs in European Rugby, and will now have an extra roar behind them thanks to the multiple strands of the STIHL sponsorship.

SCHILLER3.pdf

1

Commenting on the sponsorship, STIHL GB Head of Marketing, Simon Hewitt said: “Leicester Tigers are highly respected and considered one of

15/09/2014

contrary-rotation (RCA) collecting deck controls the distribution of cuttings to the collector avoiding clogging and unnecessary downtime.

All-in-all Gianni Ferrari have taken on board customer observations and integrated them with their on-going research and development programme. The result is new and improved models that ensure an efficient, economic and professional finish every time. www.gianniferrari.com

England’s most successful clubs.

Their success comes from an enduring commitment to excellence and teamwork plus a serious focus on performance. That makes them a perfect match for our own brand as we share those same values both in our business practice and ultimately in our tools.”

The general consensus and overall feeling from STIHL’s official sponsorship announcement was very positive, and to us it is clear that they are excited for their time associated with the Leicester Tigers. www.stihl.co.uk

Avant celebrates anniversary with launch of topping machine

Avant Tecno (UK) is celebrating 20 years of trading in the UK with the launch of the 760i compact tool carrier which becomes the company’s largest and most powerful machine.

The new 760i model offers outstanding performance for its size and is able to work hard even with its engine set at low rpm because maximum torque is on tap from almost the idle position. It is still a compact unit, measuring just 3,080mm in length and 1,400 mm in width, and is powered by a new Kohler KDI engine developing 42kW (57hp) at 2,200rpm meeting the latest Tier 4 Final emission regulations. www.avant.co.uk

09:43

d an St

A reciprocating arrangement

PL0914

Equipment News.indd 92

Schiller Grounds Care 0800 840 0888 info@classen.uk.com www.classen.uk.com

70 M

The Classen RA21 reciprocating aerator is designed to punch cleaner holes in tough soil without additional weights. Core tines reciprocate at 450 revolutions per minute and cover up to 26,000 sq.ft. per hour.

Simplicity is built in. It doesn’t use hydraulics to drive the tines, so the operator controls are simple. An open design allows clear access to the engine. It’s easy to use, easy to maintain and – thanks to its cost-effective price, even easier to purchase.

It all adds up to an arrangement we believe you will really like.

Built To Use and Designed To Last

17/09/2014 10:14

EQUIPMENT

SALTEX

NEW KIT ON SHOW

T

he annual SALTEX exhibition took place from the 2 September for its usual three day residence at Windsor Racecourse.

This was the last SALTEX to take place here, with the show now moving to the NEC Birmingham in November as of 2015. This year saw the launch of many new products, as Joe Wilkinson explains.

SALTEX 2014 was the ‘year off’ for many of the usual exhibitors, but that didn’t stop the likes of John Deere and Ransomes Jacobsen from launching new products on their respective dealer’s stands.

Ransomes Jacobsen debuted their new MP493 mower on the TH White stand. The MP493 is a wide area rotary mower powered by a 49hp Kubota diesel engine and featuring three all new rotary decks – one out-front and two wing decks.

With a cutting width of up to 3.2m and height of cut ranging from 25-120mm, this new mower has a transport width of just 1.65m with the wing decks folded, making it highly manoeuvrable in tight spaces and readily transportable. The lightest mower in its class due to its ground up design and use of high strength steel, the MP493 will benefit from significant fuel savings as a result of its reduced weight. The series is set to redefine the municipal moving industry.

John Deere also showed a machine for the

first time, unveiling its new 1500 Series TerrainCut commercial front mower range on the Farol dealership stand. Equipped with powerful, high-torque, three-cylinder diesel engines, four-wheel drive, high-capacity rotary mower decks and a new optional grass and leaf collection system, the 1500 Series can mow and collect thick grass at high speeds and still produce a quality cut.

Lawnflite unveiled a new high speed addition to its Pro range this year. The new high speed roller mower, 553HRS-PROHS, features everything you would expect from a Lawnflite Pro machine such as a shaft driven gear box, heavy duty alloy deck, sealed roller bearings and strong handles. However, the 553HRS-PROHS also sports a high speed gear, making it 13 per cent faster than the standard models 553HRS and 553HRS-PRO. Cub Cadet revealed a brand new professional ride-on mower, the new versatile Cub Cadet

Z-Force S48, which offers users a superior performance, excellent mulching, traction on hills and fast mowing speeds, making light work of tough jobs. The innovative SynchroSteer Technology™ provides true zero-turn manoeuvrability with steering wheel control, making tight, restricted areas manageable. It also www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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THIS YEAR SAW THE LAUNCH OF MANY NEW PRODUCTS features dual hydrostatic transmission and a heavy-gauge, welded steel cutting deck which ensures unsurpassed airflow, blade overlap and a superb quality of cut.

PSD Groundscare announced the launch of a new Overseeder from ELIET. The patented operating principle of the DZC 600 ensures ideal conditions for the introduction of seed. The cutting blades at the front of the machine cut open 10-15mm (0.4-0.6in) deep grooves in the

soil of the lawn in preparation for the grass seed.

The blades rotate over the top and cast the soil in an arch to the rear of the machine so that it does not fall into the newly cut grooves. A clever and compact seed distribution system, Helix Seed DuctTM, carries the seed under the projected excess soil into small funnels leading to discharge channels precisely located above the clean grooves.

Many other companies also launched new machines, which I’m sure you will be able to see shortly. For a full range of products launched this year, visit www.iog-saltex.com Pro Landscaper / October 2014 93

18/09/2014 11:22

EQUIPMENT

AUTUMN CLEAN UP EQUIPMENT Bosch’s new leaf blower is also its most powerful yet – thanks to the 36V lithium-ion battery. This will allow you to enjoy cordless freedom when clearing a lawn, patio or driveway.

Still lightweight, the leaf blower ensures high performance with a speed control button enabling you to shift sticky, wet leaves or

When it comes to property clean up, Billy Goat’s MV650 push vacuum is the solution for all residential and commercial requirements. Useable on hard surfaces and turf, the hand propelled MV650 can pick up anything from cans and bottles to grass clippings, litter and other debris. The combination of its 6.5hp Honda engine, 29in working width and 150 litre bag help the MV650 to wolf down any rubbish that crosses its path. Low weight composite housing, that is more abrasion resistant than steel, contributes to the vacuum’s reliability and confirms Billy Goat machines are built to last.

WWW.BILLYGOAT.CO.UK

Once autumn leaves start to fall there always seems to be only a narrow window of opportunity to clean up. BroomEx sweepers get the job done swiftly. If you want one machine to do all, look to the PS, PT and PH model designations and you have power brooms that will take on all the clear-up jobs with ease. The BroomEx PH models offer hydro-static all-wheel drive and the power to work in the harshest conditions.

These are built-for-life hydraulic

The Cobra BV2600 electric blower vacuum, removes leaves and debris with the greatest of ease. With a 270 km/h airspeed, the BV2600 puts the power in your hands and has a quick exchange lever for an instant change

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Pro Landscaper / October 2014

Autumn products LK.indd 94

from blower to vacuum functions.

Weighing just 4kg,

sweep driveways without spreading the gravel far and wide.

The ergonomic design and low weight enable comfortable working and the easily adjusted speed control dial delivers power

only when you need it. No petrol, no cable, full power.

WWW.BOSCH-GARDEN.COM

The wheeled Force Blowers Series from Billy Goat has something to help clear properties of all sizes.

The powerful F9 blower, with either a 262cc Honda engine or a 265cc Subaru engine, is ideal for large or commercial properties. With a 200mph air flow, the F9 has 3.8 times the air volume of a backpack blower. Weighing 60kg, it is 30 per cent lighter than comparable steel units and is also among the sweeping machines available in 100cm and 120cm working widths, ideal for professionals who need a broom that will take the punishment.

WWW.WESSEXINTL.COM

the lightweight blower vacuum is ergonomic and has a front roller wheel to increase manoeuvrability. It has a 45 litre collection bag capacity, 2600W of power and a built in mulching system.

WWW.COBRAGARDEN.CO.UK

quietest blowers on the market.

Force Blowers from Billy Goat feature Aim N Shoot™ fingertip control and optional forward discharge, along with 16 blade advanced fan technology.

WWW.BILLYGOAT.CO.UK

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/09/2014 10:09

View our new website

www.popuppower.co.uk

Retractable Service Unit at Wembley Arena Square

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Chemsol (Global) Ltd are pleased to announce...

ONE SOLUTION TO DRAINAGE PROBLEMS Clear Standing Water in Minutes with Ease Dont be this Person

When PortaPump & PortaPump Junior can make you this person!

Following the success of the PortaPump, PortaPump Junior has been developed for smaller jobs and household use.

The PortaPump Junior is a commercial grade pump that will fit on to any brand of string trimmer or brushcutter. Made with a cast aluminum housing and impeller, the PortaPump Junior quickly transforms any string trimmer into a high speed water pump. The upper sleeve fits over the shaft of the trimmer and is screwed securely in place then all that is required for use is attaching a discharge hose.

• Up to 114 Litres depending on engine size • Powered by a self-priming 4-stroke 35cc Honda Engine • Clears water from as low as 3mm with ease from bunkers, fairways, sports fields, pathways, ponds etc.

• Self-priming • Weight = 2kg • Discharge Size = 4cm

• Weighing only 9kg, PortaPump is easy to transport, carry & use • Flow capacity of 135 litres/minute

Tel: 0113 3220048 E-mail: sales@chemsolglobal.com www.chemsolglobal.com Chemsol (Global) Ltd Matrix House, Goodman Street, Hunslet, Leeds LS10 1NZ

AdsTemplate.indd 4

15/09/2014 15:15

The professional choice

CAMON C8 Rotavator Don’t miss out on your opportunity to purchase the industry leading CAMON C8 Rotavator for just £1,657.50+VAT - that’s an unmissable 15% discount. This offer is only available until the end of October so call our sales team today and have your new rotavator delivered by your nearest CAMON authorised dealer.

www.tracmaster.co.uk

Call 01444 247689 to order your CAMON C8 Rotavator.

Get on

track in 2010 2014 in

Swing Out Control Station

When you need a compact stump cutter with the go-anywhere traction and flotation that only tracks can provide, the Trac Jr is your solution. This all-new design from RAYCO raises the bar for compact stump cutters by offering a small machine that is truly full-featured. Rubber tracks provide excellent traction and ground pressure of less than 4psi. Huge, 47-inch cutting width tackles big stumps, and a hydraulic backfill blade makes easy work of clean-up.

A RAYCO-exclusive swing out control station provides excellent visibility of the cutting action while swinging forward www.raycomfg.com to travel through gates. Powered by a 35hp Vanguard gasoline engine. Available with a custom trailer.

Westcon Equipment (UK) Limited, Unit 2 Bridge Street, Bailie Gate Industrial Estate, Sturminster: Marshall, Dorset. www.raycomfg.com 800.392.2686 WestconorEquipment for further details: Contact RAYCO your Authorized Dealer for details.

BH21 4DB. Tel: (01258) 859100 Fax: (01258) 858434 Email: sales@westconuk.co.uk www.westconuk.co.uk

Westcon.indd 1

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06/11/2013 09:18

15/09/2014 14:50

EQUIPMENT

GENERAL LATEST KIT Using your tractor, the Timberwolf PTO/150H gives the best value hydraulic chipping performance. The chipper fits onto any compact tractor that has 6-spline 540rpm power-takeoff shaft, category 1, three point linkage and 12 volt

Aspen Oil is pleased to announce the launch of the Aspen 2 with Full Range Technology™. It is already proven that Aspen is great for machines and health, so this new development is even better news for users. Aspen 2 Full Range Technology™ protects engines better; from machines with high combustion temperatures, to those running at a lower temperature, and every engine in-between.

WWW.AAOIL.CO.UK

The ECHO SRM-420TES has a powerful 41.5cc two stroke engine and an output of 1.78kW. But what makes this machine really special is its unique high torque gearbox.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

General LK.indd 97

The John Deere 997 Z-Trak zero-turn mower is equipped with a direct injection three cylinder 31hp Yanmar diesel engine. A shaft-driven mower deck, hydraulic PTO clutch, singlebody dual-unitised pump and a strong chassis are the key elements for proving long life and durability. The unique and padded grip control levers incorporate switches to raise or lower the mower deck and to disengage the mower blades in order to provide easier

With a 1:2.07 gear reduction ratio, the cutting head spins at one-and-a-quarter times per engine cycle. This brushcutter generates outstanding levels of torque. The SRM-420TES is

electric supply. Unlike some PTO chippers, this chipper is completely self-contained with the Timberwolf Auto Feed Control and its own hydraulic oil tank. The TW PTO/150H is ideally suited to tractors from 25hp to 60hp.

WWW.TIMBERWOLF-UK.COM

control of the key mowing functions.

It also features a one piece, wide and deep high-back deep cushioned seat with adjustable armrests.

WWW.DEERE.CO.UK

The Toro Dingo offers a unique combination of power and versatility in a machine small enough to fit through a gate. One machine that can carry out dozens of job efficiently – with more than 35 available attachments, operators can lift, carry, dig, trench, cultivate, till, grade, level, mix, demolish, fill, auger, rake, sweep and more. Attachments are simple and quick to change without heavy lifting. Narrow track, wide track or wheeled base unit models are offered with a choice of petrol or diesel engines.

WWW.TORO.CO.UK/DINGO

equally at home clearing tall grass on a verge or, by fitting an optional metal blade, cutting easily through wood and thicker material.

WWW.ECHO-TOOLS.CO.UK

Pro Landscaper / October 2014 97

18/09/2014 11:17

EQUIPMENT

GENERAL LATEST KIT

Specifically designed for municipal and commercial contract applications, the Parkway 3 can tackle the toughest jobs. Its 33.5hp Kubota® diesel engine together with Magna cylinders gives it the power to cut large grassed areas with ease. The traction control system combines an automatic limited slip differential with on-demand four-wheel drive for hill climbing and there’s an optional TST stability system for safe operation. With an unprecedented 2.15m (84.6in) width of cut coupled with an impressive quality of cut. The Ransomes Jacobsen Parkway 3 Meteor mower is designed for the municipal and landscape contract market. The individual cutting heads float like a cylinder, and there is no clumping in wet conditions.

WWW.RANSOMESJACOBSEN.COM

The EGO range delivers the most powerful cordless range of garden equipment. The 4.0Ah battery, when used with the lawnmower, has an average operating time of 45 minutes,

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Pro Landscaper / October 2014

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Makita has introduced four new versions of their mains powered chainsaws. The new machines feature 1,570 watt and 1,800 watt motors with 35cm and 40cm bar lengths carrying 3/8in chain that run at 14.5 metres per second.

The models feature the new easier-to-use single lever tool-less

chain adjustment system.

Coupled with the improved automatic chain oiling system, where the new pump delivers a constant flow of protection oil whatever the temperature or oil viscosity, reliability and cutting performance are enhanced.

WWW.MAKITAUK.COM

From mowing and landscaping to heavy duty front loader work, Kubota’s sub compact tractors are meticulously engineered for long hours of demanding, continuous use. Rugged and

versatile, these tractors boast the power and performance for heavy duty applications whilst their compact size ensures unparalleled manoeuvrability and agility. The BX2350 Powered by Kubota’s 23hp, three-cylinder indirect injected, liquid cooled diesel engine, the rugged, extremely versatile BX2350 makes light work of the most demanding of jobs.

WWW.KUBOTA.CO.UK

enough time to cover 800m², and is fully recharged from empty in just 30 minutes. With two batteries – one in use and the other on charge – EGO offers limitless and effortless gardening. The same battery and charger powers all the products in the entire EGO range.

WWW.EGOPOWERPLUS.COM

The BCS 738 from Tracmaster is a versatile two wheel tractor with a useful differential and the ability to fit almost all the implements. As the BCS 738 has larger wheels, a more powerful engine, and extra

working speeds it is able to operate a wider range of implements than the smaller 728. Whilst the 738 is physically larger than the 728, it has features to ensure it is easy to use including larger wheels and a differential that can be locked to help with manoeuvrability when working on uneven terrain and unlocked to assist with on the spot turning.

WWW.TRACMASTER.CO.UK

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

18/09/2014 11:18

PLANTS LIMITED Landscapers’ “Take Away”

We specialise in assembling whole planting orders to your specifications Established over 25 years 3L Shrubs to Large Specimens Architectural Plants and Topiary Mature trees Evergreen and native hedging Delivery to site on our own Lorries

Contact Us Today tel: 01276 855855 fax: 01276 855055 Sales@plants.co.uk www.plants.co.uk

Woodcock Lane, Chobham, Woking, Surrey GU24 8TS

TOUGH ON ROUGH AS901 Flail Mower

• Powerful flail mower for grass • Twin drive wheels for extra and brush traction, even on slopes • Generous 90cm cutting width with more efficiency

• Steering brakes for greater control

To request more product information, locate your nearest dealer or arrange a machine demonstration please contact PSD Groundscare:

08450 773 773 sales@psdgroundscare.com www.psdgroundscare.com

www.as-motor.com PSD4942 - PSD AS Motor adverts 05.indd 3 P99_PLANTLTD/PLANTWORKS/GGM.indd 1

04/08/2014 16:44 16/09/2014 14:55

PEOPLE

WORK

I had a client once who was a top graphic designer, he challenged my design decisions constantly and if I couldn’t give a good reason

little in the way of ‘traditional’ flowers.

Having good relationships with contractors is very

(either practical or aesthetic) why something was included it had to

important to me; while I like to specify everything to the nth

come out – it was the best learning curve I’ve ever had, and his

degree, I also think the best results come out of a

voice saying “what is the purpose of this” has stayed with me

three-way collaboration between client,

since. It was a lesson in paring a design, or thought, or concept, down to its essence where it becomes so much stronger as a result.

I love creating show gardens because it’s the closest I can get to painting in a garden in its immediacy and transience. I like that you can push the boundaries but think the obsession for getting a Gold medal (which seems to be driven by sponsors) has made designers too cautious, and we’re

designer and contractor. I think it’s best for this reason to try to persuade clients to go with a preferred contractor from the start so we all build on it together.

I’ve recently moved office to a High Street location in Storrington having moved to Sussex two years ago and work is going from strength to strength.

not seeing the innovation or risk-taking that we saw 10 years ago – it’s

Whether it’s the move or the end of

a shame, but I hope things change with the new RHS judging.

the recession, I’m now picking up work

I’m working on a really exciting project at the moment with PAD

in some wonderful locations with

Studios architects for a two acre site in the New Forest. The

challenging and interesting briefs. I’m also

house, currently under construction, will be clad in burnt wood, and

doing some garden tours, following on

it’s styled with polished concrete internally so there is a lot of

from tours I’ve designed and led for the

emphasis on tone and texture which I’ve followed through with the

First Lady of Ohio. I’m offering a tour of

landscape design. The planting, which I have yet to design, will be

Tuscan gardens next spring which is a

very naturalistic with large swathes of textural planting with very

really exciting new venture for me.

INSPIRATION

Nature is my biggest inspiration, especially the sea which I get to as often as I can. Kimmeridge is my favourite English coastal location, it’s not exactly pretty but it has an extraordinary atmosphere with deep ledges of weathered shale on which you can walk out to sea. Now I’ve moved to Sussex I’ve discovered Pagham Harbour, which is equally moody in its own way, with flat planes of water and reeds giving light and tonal contrasts.

It may sound strange but I’m not particularly fond of the colour green, I prefer the more muted shades of winter, or the evenings when the light is cooler just after sunset and there’s more blue. I do like the early spring green but I find it a heavy, light-absorbing presence in the summer so I usually try to find ways to make it more acceptable! I find landscape more inspiring than gardens and so I like gardens that draw on landscape, with naturalistic or pseudo-naturalistic planting, especially when combined with a really strong, modern architectural aesthetic. Bernard Trainor’s work in California is the epitome of this style and he is my total hero. I’m really inspired by natural light; it’s what interests me to explore in painting and drawing, and what I like to try to capture in my gardens.

100 Pro Landscaper / October 2014

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LIFE/STYLE Amanda Patton

Amanda Patton founded her landscape and garden design business in 2000 following 20 years as an illustrator. She likes to be brave with design by pushing boundaries, and finds inspiration whilst travelling, as well as through her love of light, texture and the muted winter colours which inspire her work www.prolandscapermagazine.com

18/09/2014 11:14

I LOVE CREATING SHOW GARDENS BECAUSE IT’S THE CLOSEST I CAN GET TO PAINTING IN A GARDEN IN ITS IMMEDIACY AND TRANSIENCE

PEOPLE

PERSONAL Now my daughters have left home, I’ve got back into painting (in oils) and have a studio in the garden. I want to paint abstracted landscapes, to try to capture light and atmosphere but at the moment they are still more literal than I’d like – too many years of being an illustrator and having to draw to very exacting specifications has made it difficult to free up, though I am getting better!

I love my clothes! I buy a lot online from Wrap London and Poetry; both are a bit quirky in lovely linens, silks and soft wool mixes, with some beautifully detailed elements. I’m lost every time a new catalogue appears. My degree was in textile design and we were continually told to “touch it!” which has instilled in me a real appreciation of how materials feel so I guess I’m a bit of a snob about fabrics, I don’t like to wear or sleep under anything with polyester in it!

I have a large oak-framed glass kitchen bounded on two sides by my garden; I love to cook and this is a great room for entertaining. I like nothing better than getting the whole family together, all mucking in to create a feast with plenty of wine and fast conversation – my grandfather was an author and my family are all quick witted so there’s always a lot of laughter. I don’t have the money to be an art collector, but I do buy original paintings or artworks when I can. My favourite is by Dorset artist Mike Jackson which I bought at an open studio event; it’s an abstracted portrayal of the Clavell tower at Kimmeridge.

TRAVEL

E

From the age of about 13 until they left home, I took my daughters travelling each summer.

We had a road trip across California, spending a night in Death Valley and watching the sun rise at the Grand Canyon but the high spot was Mono Lake, a highly saline lake with tufa columns, nesting osprey and the most hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.

However, my very favourite place is Montenegro. I remember flying into Dubrovnik for a holiday in Croatia, looking south to layer upon layer of blue mountains and thinking, “we should be going that way.” So a year later we did, and it didn’t disappoint. Also in Montegregro is the modern mausoleum at Lovcen, perched on a narrow crest of land at Cetinje, breath-taking for its architecture and its location.

I’d really like to visit Iceland, I know I will be completely inspired by the rugged, dramatic landscape. I’ve also travelled quite a bit to Transylvania (I’m trying to find a sponsor to make a Transylvanian garden at Chelsea); it’s an unspoilt gem with mile upon mile of meadows full of garden-worthy plants, ancient villages with fortified churches and some really interesting history.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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18/09/2014 11:14

PEOPLE

HTA CAREERS ADVICE BESPOKE TRAINING AND LEARNING Penny Evans joined the Horticultural Trades Association in 2011 with two key remits: firstly, to provide an effective training service for HTA members, and secondly to promote the career opportunities within the membership base.

Training service Upon joining the HTA I conducted a thorough review of the training service, tackling cost saving opportunities, learning quality, delivery approach, marketing and promotion. This led to cost efficiencies and better promotion of the training service offered in 2012 with the first issue of the HTA Training and Business Development Events brochure. The service changed in 2013 to a more personalised on-demand service, enabling members to discuss with the training team their particular needs, rather than offering generic training courses. This has benefited members in providing a more bespoke training offer to meet their particular needs.

The future of training will be a blend of online and practical delivery, to reduce costs further and make training more accessible

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for members. The HTA invested in a learning management system and has begun developing e-learning for members – this approach will continue in the future, extending the training service to members who have not engaged in training previously. The focus for training will remain on developing learning that makes a difference, whether this is technical or business/ people knowledge and skills etc. The development of the training service will identify collaborative opportunities across the industry to share materials, jointly develop, share delivery resources, where possible.

Promoting careers The development and publication of the Horticulture Matters report in May 2014 focused the industry on how to jointly tackle the growing skills crisis. The HTA has

continued to actively contribute to the industry promises during the last year and is setting in place services to help members to promote careers opportunities.

Key industry promises included the encouragement of apprentices into the industry.

2015 will develop a Landscaper Apprenticeship Programme for the Association of Professional Landscapers, encouraging landscapers to recruit and develop young talent. This will strengthen further the success of the 2014 WorldSkills competition (APL, Organising Partner), driving more apprentices to ‘aim high’ and compete on a national and international level.

A second key promise was to improve the perception of horticulture. The HTA Pathfinders Steering Group seeks support from members who will promote jobs and career opportunities within the horticulture production, retail, landscaping and suppliers businesses, with the ultimate aim of attracting entrants into the industry. The group are currently identifying specific projects on

behalf of members, with a remit to bring industry, schools and colleges closer together, providing a clear transition into horticulture.

The Pathfinders Steering Group will focus on what and how to promote the job and career opportunities available, whilst understanding how the work supports the industry initiatives, such as Horticulture

THE SERVICE CHANGED TO A MORE PERSONALISED ON-DEMAND SERVICE, ENABLING MEMBERS TO DISCUSS THEIR PARTICULAR NEEDS, RATHER THAN OFFERING GENERIC TRAINING COURSES Matters. The group includes Jonathan Whittemore, Johnsons of Whixley, Darran Major, Burstons Garden Centre, Charmay Prout, Lovania Nurseries and James Buffoni, Hortipak, Penny Evans and Sian Stiles, HTA Learning and Careers team. The Group is encouraging HTA and APL members to join the Pathfinders community to get involved, sharing ideas, case studies, work experiences and informally validating projects. If you have something to say, we want to hear from you, so please get in touch.

2015 looks to be an exciting year for the HTA Training and Careers team, developing new ways to promote and encourage talent into the industry alongside providing a training service that supports progression. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/09/2014 10:05

PEOPLE

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE? STUART DARBYSHIRE

Job Title: Commercial Director Company Name: Glendale Managed Services Where are you based? Glendale’s Head Office, Duxbury Park Golf Course How long have you been in the role? Commercial Director for five years, although I have been with Glendale for 17 years Who do you report to? Andy Corcoran, Managing Director of Glendale Web: www.glendale-services.co.uk Twitter: @SDarbyshireCD

Overview of Glendale Glendale is the UK’s leading supplier of specialist green services solutions for the management and maintenance of the green environment. We deliver an unparalleled portfolio of nine specialist green services including grounds management, arboriculture, supply of plants and semi-mature trees, woodland and estate management, vegetation control, landscaping, cleansing services and golf management. If it’s a green service, we deliver – even our vans are green!

I’D ARGUE THAT EVERYTHING I DO HAS A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE PROFITABILITY OF THE BUSINESS; HOWEVER THE FLEET AND MACHINERY ELEMENTS ARE BY FAR THE MOST CRUCIAL ASPECTS OF THE ROLE

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Day in the Life.indd 103

The role of the commercial director The role of commercial director involves controlling and reducing major costs to the business. I am responsible for the vehicle fleet, the national supply agreements for products and services, the property portfolio, company insurance, mobile communications and the engineering department. This brings with it an interesting set of daily challenges, including engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, where no two days are ever the same.

I’d argue that everything I do has a positive impact on the profitability of the business; however the fleet and machinery elements are by far the most crucial aspects of the role. Combined, these make up Glendale’s second largest cost with only our employees costing more as a category.

There are numerous things that I enjoy about the role, but I guess this is already highlighted by my length of service! The first, is the people, both within Glendale and the wider industry, it’s genuinely a great environment to work in. Our board of directors has a combined Glendale service of 133 years. This board stability combined with strong relationships developed over a number of years has led to a culture of support and shared responsibility.

One of the most rewarding aspects is working with professional suppliers forming national supply agreements. This is where we agree partnership arrangements that are sustainable for both companies, which in-turn provides the operational

teams with an improved price, quality and service package. It’s a great feeling to receive a phone call from one of our contract managers that praises a supplier you’ve selected for going that extra mile.

I also enjoy purchasing the machinery and vehicles as I relish a complex challenge. The process of combining all the elements of specification, price negotiation and delivery scheduling to get the right product to the right place for the right date is a significant test of organisation. It provides a fantastic sense of achievement when it comes together during that two week window in early spring.

Some elements of the role give me less satisfaction, this includes dealing with some of the more unscrupulous landlords on various property issues. I find myself particularly frustrated by fraudulent insurance claims. It’s often difficult to separate your emotions from the role when you read through some of the claims made against Glendale.

As an industry, it’s important that we defend as many of these claims as possible and provide a united front against people who think they can use the system to make an easy pound.

Current market trends in the industry revolve around improvements in technology and the subsequent management of information and client visibility. We’re leading the market with products such as Glendale Live; a cloud-based work programming system that’s been developed in-house and provides instant access for Glendale employees to update their work schedules. Our biggest challenge however, will be to maintain our momentum and stay ahead of the curve.

In the future I’ll continue to negotiate with our communications providers, machinery manufacturers and key suppliers to develop, improve and implement new technology as it becomes available. I want Glendale to be seen as the ‘go to’ company within the green services market, to assist with product development and industry benchmarking.

It’s going to be an interesting period, and I’m relishing the challenge. Here’s to another 17 years!

Pro Landscaper / October 2014 103

17/09/2014 16:22

PEOPLE

LOOK OUT FOR...

SAM OVENS Cornishman Sam Ovens was the winner of the RHS Young Designer of the Year 2014 for his design, The Sky’s The Limit. We caught up with him to find out how he got into garden design and what he plans to do in the future

What inspired you to follow a career in garden design?

I have always had a passion for design, and loved making things, I initially started studying a product design degree at Cardiff University, but during my second year I decided this was not where I wanted to be, I got fed up with designing mundane objects that would be thrown away after a few years and wanted to design something that would last, something that can get better and stand the test of time.

Growing up on a working farm in Cornwall, surrounded by plants and animals, I have always had a love for the outdoors. So combining this interest with a passion for design, led me to change degrees and study garden design at Falmouth University instead.

Is it purely residential work or do you get involved in commercial design also?

Both, I love larger commercial and public spaces that have high numbers of people involved as I think this often makes for a more interesting and challenging brief. I currently work for a company alongside my own designing natural play environments for schools, but equally I love private

104 Pro Landscaper / October 2014

Look Out For.indd 104

gardens, where you can make something unique and personal to one individual or family.

What made you decide to enter the RHS Young Designer of the Year competition? Tell us the story behind the garden and where it will be relocated to after RHS Tatton.

After graduating from Falmouth in 2012, I took a year out to travel, and returning home to Cornwall in July 2013. I then decided to set up my own landscape and garden design practice, Sam Ovens Landscapes.

I have always been aware of the RHS young designer competition, as two former Falmouth students Hugo Bugg and Daniella Coray have also entered and done very well in it. So I thought it would be a great opportunity to launch the new business. The theme for the RHS YD garden this year was ‘Avant-Gardening’, I decided to look at new ways of overcoming common problems I think are affecting the industry.

For me lack of outdoor space, and how to maximise it was really important. During the time I was designing there were a lot of issues with flooding all over the country, and this is often said to be worsened by the paving and concreting over of outdoor space. This led me to the idea of creating a garden that required no hard landscaping, and allowed for 100 per cent planting without limiting the amount of usable space there was for people.

So I came up with the idea of making a garden where the people are lifted off the ground and float above the planting. I think up until now, the solution to this problem has been green walls where plants are taken off the ground but I wanted to flip this, taking the people up off the ground instead. I also wanted to show that you could create a wildlife friendly garden that is still contemporary.

Following the show, all the plants were relocated to St Luke’s Hospice in Plymouth, where they have

been used to create a place for recuperation and contemplation for both patients and their loved ones; somewhere for them to go and get away from it all, a place to escape to, a tranquil and private space offering a place of refuge during a stressful time in their lives.

How would you inspire other young people to choose a career in horticulture/ landscaping and garden design?

I think just give it a go, I think there is a lot more support and encouragement now for young people to enter the industry, so now is a great time to get involved.

What are the future plans for your business?

The business is currently in its infancy I just hope that during the next year, it will continue to build.

Although based in Cornwall I am hoping to extend my work throughout the UK and overseas and hopefully the RHS YD will have given me the launch pad I need to make this happen.

CONTACT Sam Ovens Tel: 07757 591 977 Email: sam@samovens.co.uk Web: www.samovens.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/09/2014 09:55

JOBS

For full details on all jobs, please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

Call 01903 777 587 or email ellie.downes@eljays44.com with your vacancy.

LANDSCAPER

EXPERIENCED SKILLED LANDSCAPER

Architectural Plants is a well-established company, based in West Sussex, with over 25 years’ experience in garden design and landscaping. A rare opportunity has arisen to work within the soft-landscaping team. We require a well-presented, self-motivated person who will work well with others and on their own. Opportunities exist to progress in leading your own team. The ideal candidate should have excellent plant knowledge and experience working on high-end domestic and commercial properties. Horticultural qualifications would be an asset.

Oakley Landscapes are an award-winning company with over 15 years’ experience in the domestic market.We are looking for a skilled landscaper who is self-motivated and keen to join our friendly team. Skills that are required: laying and cutting paving, decking, fencing, turfing, and soft landscaping. Eventually we would hope that you could run your own team. Applicants should be able to travel directly to site.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

LANDSCAPE & COUNTRYSIDE SUPERVISOR

REGIONAL MANAGER

To supervise the Landscape & Countryside teams, identifying and organising the work to be carried out by the Service, with the aim of ensuring the city’s parks, sports facilities and open spaces provide safe, well-maintained and pleasant environments for the public. To act as the main point of contact for the users of parks, and to encourage the greater use of the city’s open spaces for all and to promote healthy lifestyle. To work with community groups, friends of parks groups, sports teams and the public to encourage the use of the city’s open spaces and sports facilities and promote healthy lifestyles.

Large grounds maintenance and Construction Company is now seeking an experienced senior manager for their business covering the south, you must be a senior manager with a landscape construction background, experience of running junior contracts managers on three to four sites, budgets to £4 million.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

GROUNDS PERSON

HEAD GARDENER

Bartlett Tree Experts is a privately owned Arboricultural Company in the UK and Ireland and leaders in the tree care industry with contracting offices nationwide. Our services are not limited to tree surgery but extend to soil management, pest and disease control, mature tree planting, research and development, diagnostic services, and consultancy.

Applicants must have relevant NPTC qualifications and HGV license. Further in house and industry based training is provided.

An amazing opportunity has arisen for a qualified and dedicated horticulturist with management experience and organisational ability. Based in West Sussex, our client has a newly planted garden that is being re-developed in areas and nurtured in others. The emphasis is on colour and presentation with ongoing development of many untouched areas. The gardens are for the pleasure of the family and as such consultation with the owner on a regular basis will be an essential part of the process. It is also important that a solid plan, man-management skills and good organisational ability can be demonstrated.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

CONTRACTS MANAGER (HARD LANDSCAPING)

EXPERIENCED HARD AND SOFT LANDSCAPER

ARCHITECTURAL PLANTS LTD Nuthurst, Horsham

OXFORD CITY COUNCIL Oxford, Cutteslowe Park and across the city

BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS Sevenoaks, Kent

WHITING LANDSCAPE LTD Bromsgrove, Worcestershire Whiting Landscape Ltd are looking to recruit an experienced Contracts Manager with a bias towards hard landscaping.You will be required to plan and manage the installation of soft and particularly hard landscaping projects and assist other managers with the practical issues of hard landscape installation. A significant level of technical knowledge of hard landscape practices will be required.You must be able to interpret hard landscaping drawings, advise designers on practical changes and be able to ensure that the design covers all relevant aspects of the build.

You must be able to deal with clients, suppliers and the workforce in a professional manner and have a good working knowledge of machinery used on landscaping sites.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Jobs oct.indd 105

OAKLEY LANDSCAPES London

TAYLOR2RECRUITMENT LTD South

ANDERSPLUS West Sussex

OUTDOOR CREATIONS (LONDON SW) London

Applicants should ideally have two to four years’ experience in a similar position. Ideally able to demonstrate some skills in interpreting plans and drawings and marking out sites, but most importantly must be able to build hard landscaping features (paving, brickwork, decking etc.) of good quality. The successful applicant will ideally be able to help supervise a small team of landscapers on site (support, assistance and training if required will be provided) and also be able to form good day to day working relationships with clients.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

Pro Landscaper / October 2014 105

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