Pro Landscaper August 2019

AUGUST 2019

PLAYING IN NATURE

KEW GARDENS & GROUND CONTROL

LET’S HEAR IT FROM

FUTURE PROJECTS

PLANT PROTECTION

MINDING THE GAP

Tony Richards, Graduate Landscapes

Resilient South City, San Francisco

Nick Coslett on taking biosecurity measures

Exploring landscape construction courses

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25/07/2019 16:04

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25/07/2019 09:33

WELCOME

W E LCO M E W

As always, we have a fabulous array of projects, people and educational features, and of particular interest to us is the Agenda on page 8. It seems the hottest topic in the industry currently is the emphasis on naturalistic gardens and play spaces, something which will be heavily-debated at FutureScape. Registration for free entry is now open via the website, so come along and have your say in the debate: futurescapeevent.com.

The new format for Pro Landscaper has settled in, and we’ve been surprised just how many people have picked up the phone or sent us a message with their thoughts on the magazine and its future direction. This all just reassures us that our readers care about how it looks, feels and the image it portrays of our industry – it’s also how we tailor it to be exactly what you want. Thank you from all of us, we’re looking forward continuing the journey and developing the magazine and events further in the future.

Have a great month,

JIM & LISA

MAKE SURE YOU’RE PART OF ONE OR MORE OF THESE EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITIES TO WAVE THE FLAG FOR THE LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN DESIGN INDUSTRY

©Sandstone

ith the busy show season now over, you may be looking for the next thing to add a bit of excitement and anticipation during the coming months, so what better time to consider entering our awards and initiatives?

Autumn is a really busy time for the Pro Landscaper team, as we gather entries for Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation, the small project BIG IMPACT Awards and the Pro Landscaper Business Awards. The award ceremonies for the first two events will be held at this year’s FutureScape on Tuesday 19 November, and the Pro Landscaper Business Awards will be taking place in February 2020.

All of these awards are industry-wide and not limited to association membership. So, if you do one thing this autumn, make sure you are part of one or more of these excellent opportunities to wave the flag for the landscape and garden design industry, and give yourself the kudos you deserve. You’ll find information on how to enter within the pages of this issue, or of course, we can always help if you give us a call.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Pro Landscaper / August 2019

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CONTENTS

INSPIRE

19

INFORM 08 10 15 16 19 27 28 30 31 35 4

Agenda Naturalistic gardens News Our monthly roundup of industry news News Extra Arbour Landscape Solutions Future Projects South City, San Francisco Let’s Hear It From Tony Richards View from the Top Marcus Watson Progress or Confusion?

Andrew Wilson Choose Your Customers Holly Youde Show, Don’t Tell Katja Griffiths Journey Through the Past Priory Park, Chichester

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41 44 48 52 54 56 58

Garden for a Chef Barbara Samitier Playing in Nature Ground Control & Kew Gardens Transforming While Preserving Sandstone Landscape Architect’s Journal Anna French Associates

63

Take It Outside Anji Connell

NURTURE

Interview Jack Nicholas Design Latest Products Garden Furniture

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63 67 69 71 72 74 77 79 81

Feature Garden Perennial Meadow, Cheshire Protecting Our Plants Nick Coslett Understanding Aftercare Chris Stone From Bark to Butterfly Allison Walters Inside Germinal Sensible Sourcing Genus Plant Sourcing Product DNA Boningale GreenSky SkyPlugs Nursery Focus Eden Project Latest Products Hedging

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/07/2019 15:03

CONTENTS

AU G U ST 2 01 9 E D U C AT E 85 86 87 89 90 93 97 98 101 104

I, Robot Angus Lindsay Stepping Up Your Software Skills Luke Mills Make a Splash Neil Parslow Battery Powered Kit Emissions-free solutions Excavators Compact choices Minding the Gap Exploring industry courses Hortability Making horticulture accessible Talasey Group Porcelain paving’s explosion Trashing Plastic Reducing plastic usage Stone Cladding London Stone

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118

PEOPLE 109 112 113 114 116 117 118 119 122

Out and About RHS Hampton Court Interview Dave Green

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Out and About RHS Tatton Park 30 Under 30 Ross Conquest AUGUST 2019

Love Horticulture Jilayne Rickards Ride Go Landscape September’s 600km cycle Look Out For Richard Moore Have Your Say Melissa Jolly Little Interviews Quick-fire questions with the individuals who make up our industry

PLAYING IN NATURE

KEW GARDENS & GROUND CONTROL

LET’S HEAR IT FROM

FUTURE PROJECTS

PLANT PROTECTION

MINDING THE GAP

Tony Richards, Graduate Landscapes

Resilient South City, San Francisco

Nick Coslett on taking biosecurity measures

Exploring landscape construction courses

Pro Landscaper / August 2019

5

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25/07/2019 09:36

CONTRIBUTORS

CO N T R I B U TO R S Katja Griffiths Katja concludes her three-part series on climate change with a piece which asks whether show gardens are as environmentally-friendly as they suggest, arguing that the creation of these gardens, and indeed our industry as a whole, could be a lot more environmentally-friendly. She reasons that we have the skill sets to make a real change.

P31

MARCUS WATSON P27

W W W.DESIGNBYK ATJA.COM @DESIGNBYK ATJA

Anji Connell

ANDREW WILSON P28

Whatever outdoor space you might be creating, from alfresco dining to relaxed seating areas, there are a variety of outdoor fabrics to suit.

Anji talks us through some of her top choices, demonstrating the array of colours, textures and patterns on offer, all of which are comfortable, stylish as well as practical.

P54

W W W.ANJICONNELLINTERIORDESIGN.COM @ANJICONNELL

HOLLY YOUDE P30

Nick Coslett This month we welcome Nick as he explains why it is so important for us to safeguard biosecurity and the measures we must take in order to do so. Nick explains some ways which we can be a lot safer with the traders we are using, as well as the origins of the plants we are purchasing.

P67

@MADABOUTPLANTS

Allison Walters

LUKE MILLS P86

In the last of a three-part series, Allison talks to us about a hedge lined, stonewalled property with enormous potential. The brownfield site’s native plants are set to improve biodiversity – Allison explains that awSCAPE always designs with nature in mind, and that native planting really does have a place in our urban gardens, urban spaces and urban developments.

CONTACT

P71

W W W.AWSCAPE.CO.UK @AWSCAPE

Eljays44 Ltd 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA Tel: 01903 777 570 EDITORIAL Editorial director – Lisa Wilkinson lisa.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 579 Head of content – Nina Mason nina.mason@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 593 Features writer – Rachael Forsyth rachael.forsyth@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 578 Features writer – Frankie Youd frankie.youd@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570 Equipment editor – Rachel Gordon proarbeditor@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570 Subeditor – Katrina Roy katrina.roy@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570 Subeditor – Sam Seaton sam.seaton@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 591

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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ANGUS LINDSAY P85

Design – Kara Thomas, Kirsty Turek ADVERTISING Business development manager – Jamie Wilkinson jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 585 Head of sales – Jessica McCabe jessica.mccabe@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 587 Horticulture Careers – Liam Colclough liam.colclough@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 446 076 Managing director – Jim Wilkinson jim.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 589 MARKETING AND CIRCULATION Tel: 01903 777 570 Subscription enquiries – Chris Anderson chris.anderson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570 Online content editor – Amy Fitz-Hugh amy.fitz-hugh@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 583

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

by Eljays44 Ltd. The 2019 subscription price is £95. Subscription records are maintained at Eljays44 Ltd, 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA, UK. Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Eljays44 Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, uncommissioned photographs or manuscripts.

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

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

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MANAGEMENT Managing Director Jim Wilkinson Director Lisa Wilkinson Business Development Manager Jamie Wilkinson Cover image ©Ground Control/ Kew Gardens

Pro Landscaper / August 2019

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25/07/2019 14:32

INFORM

AGENDA

SHOULD DESIGNERS BE ENCOURAGING CLIENTS TO HAVE MORE NATURALISTIC GARDENS? Michelle Brandon

David Dodd

Noemi Mercurelli

OWNER, MICHELLE BRANDON GARDEN & LANDSCAPE DESIGN

MANAGING DIRECTOR AND OWNER, THE OUTDOOR ROOM

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER, PC LANDSCAPES

If we didn’t know already, now that the earth is in trouble, we certainly do. As an industry where we encourage people to spend more time outdoors, we impart our experience and knowledge to advise about the best materials for that particular garden.

So yes, we should advise and encourage clients to choose gardens that are nature friendly, which create low impact on the environment. This starts from low landfill input, breaking down existing materials for hardcore, and keeping established plants to incorporate them within the new planting scheme.

No. I think garden design needs to be as broad as possible, with huge diversity in design and style. The benefits of naturalistic gardens can certainly be

Whether we want to accept it or not, we are in the midst of the sixth mass extinction and a severe climate emergency. The figures are irrefutable.

In the UK alone, we have destroyed well over half of our biodiversity since the Beatles broke up. The population of birds, butterflies and wildflowers that once made our landscapes so lively have been utterly devastated. We seem blind to the notion that nature, climate, food and our own wellness are all linked.

More naturalistic gardens (providing a wide range of habitats and food to wildlife), the avoidance of pesticides, and the promotion of wildflower meadows instead of sterile lawns, can all be part of the solution.

I AM VERY CONSCIOUS OF CREATING SPACES THAT ALLOW THE CLIENT PEACE AND TRANQUILITY We should be encouraging habitats for wildlife, such as planting shrubs, which will provide food for birds throughout the year.

As a horticultural therapist and garden designer, I am very conscious of creating spaces that allow the client peace and tranquility.

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ALL GARDENS SHOULD,

BY THEIR VERY NATURE, BE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AND SUSTAINABLE. IF NOT, THE DESIGNER HASN’T DONE A VERY GOOD JOB explained, but clients should get a design that suits their taste and lifestyle, and not that of the designers. It is also vital that the house or building should marry into the garden or landscape and not clash with it.

All gardens should, by their very nature, be environmentally friendly and sustainable. If not, the designer hasn’t done a very good job. Water features, clipped hedging and perennial planting in a contemporary garden can still be a haven for wildlife. It doesn’t always have to be wildflower meadows and bug hotels to be good for nature.

WE SEEM BLIND TO THE NOTION THAT NATURE, CLIMATE, FOOD AND OUR OWN WELLNESS ARE ALL LINKED We have the duty to educate ourselves and inform unaware clients, but also to respond professionally to those expecting sustainable solutions from us.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

24/07/2019 15:20

INFORM

David Keegan

Ruth Willmott

Ben West

OWNER, DAVID KEEGAN GARDEN DESIGN

OWNER, RUTH WILLMOTT ASSOCIATES

OWNER, LANDSCAPING SOLUTIONS

It’s an interesting idea and an interesting question, but then I find myself asking, what exactly does naturalistic planting mean? Is it softer, gentler, textural, less formal, mimicking nature, or is it something else? Perhaps it’s the balance between the hard and soft.

My own view is, and always has been, that it is all about the planting, stemming from the fact that far too many schemes seem to place plants as secondary, or of less importance. The right plants used in

According to research by the University of Sheffield, the BBC and the ONS’ estimates suggest that between 88% and 99.9% of the UK isn’t ‘developed’ or built on. Roughly, half of the UK is either pastures or land where crops are planted, a quarter is forest and other natural land (such as beaches or moors) and 11% is wetlands.

Agricultural land and forest practices can clearly make a big difference in supporting our nature and wildlife in the UK. So, what of our garden designer roles in the urban areas make up to 12% of the rest of UK? As designers we challenge ourselves to consider the percentage of hardscaping to planting in our designs. We look at our planting plans with nature in our lens and consciously choose (within the mix) beautiful trees, shrubs and plants that are also good for nature and wildlife. Our client brief is

For me, the question is not “should” but “how” do we encourage our clients to embrace naturalistic design.

As we continue to hear stories of insect population crashes and the associated ecological effects, we have a responsibility to spread the word about how important our client’s decisions are for the bigger picture. For me, the

IT IS ALL ABOUT THE PLANTING, STEMMING FROM THE FACT THAT FAR TOO MANY SCHEMES SEEM TO PLACE PLANTS AS SECONDARY, OR OF LESS IMPORTANCE the right way can provide structure and form in a way that no timber, block, or stone can as inanimate objects.

The drawbacks have got to be the potential of pushing a client in the direction of “more naturalistic planting” which they then don’t have the skill, or mindset, to look after so it ends up very quickly looking a mess.

Whilst my approach is always plant-centric, I would not necessarily encourage a client into a more naturalistic style of planting. I think it’s too narrow a pallete from which to fill a picture, and too restrictive a frame of reference. Rather, an approach to increase the use of plants that encourage and sustain biodiversity and wildlife, would seem a more appropriate call to the wild.

WE CAN AND SHOULD URGE CLIENTS TO CONSIDER GARDENS, WHICH FULFIL THEIR NEEDS, ARE SUSTAINABLE AND CONSIDER NATURE AND WILDLIFE TOO usually much broader than a purely naturalistic design, however we believe we can and should urge clients to consider gardens, which fulfil their needs, are sustainable and consider nature and wildlife too.

AS LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS, WE ARE WELL POSITIONED TO EXACT CHANGE AS WE ARE INVITED

BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO OFFER ADVICE AND GUIDANCE AS HOW BEST TO USE THEIR GARDENS problem is how to make this shift in consciousness more desirable?

As landscape professionals we are well positioned to exact change, as we are invited by the general public to offer advice and guidance about how best to use their gardens. I acknowledge that gardens are spaces for humans, but it is crucial (as the wider and wilder landscape is eaten up by development and intensive farming) that we recognise their significance for wildlife.

As young people around the world wake up to the need for practical action in addressing environmental degradation, we have a great opportunity to underline how instrumental our profession can be in influencing change in our client’s daily lives.

N E X T M O N T H : W H AT I S T H E B E ST F O R M AT FO R P R E S E N T I N G D E S I G N S TO C L I E N TS ?

H AV E YO U R S AY: C O N T E N T@ E L J AYS 4 4 .C O M

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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24/07/2019 15:22

INFORM

NEWS TIGHTER RESTRICTIONS ON OAK TREE IMPORTS TO COME INTO FORCE

S

trengthened measures on the import of most species of oak into England are to be introduced to protect native trees from the threat of the tree pest oak processionary moth (OPM).

The bolstered measures will only permit imports of certain oak trees, including:

BIOSECURITY IS ABSOLUTELY KEY TO EVERYTHING WE DO, AND WE MUST DO MORE TO STOP PESTS AND DISEASES those from OPM-free countries; those from designated pest-free areas including Protected Zones, an area of the European Union declared free of OPM, and those that have been grown under complete physical protection for all of their lifetime. This

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Statutory Instrument – which is due to be introduced in the UK Parliament shortly – builds on measures introduced in August last year. It will apply to all oak trees, except cork oak, over a certain size.

The restrictions will cover both imports from overseas and the movement of trees from areas of the country where OPM is already present, such as in London and surrounding counties.

“Biosecurity is absolutely key to everything we do, and we must do more to stop pests and diseases crossing continents and borders,” says biosecurity minister Lord Gardiner. “That is why as a country we have more Protected Zones than anywhere else in the EU. “It is essential that we further strengthen our import controls on oak trees. These new measures will ensure robust protections for our oak trees from pests such as the oak processionary moth.” www.forestresearch.gov.uk

I DVERD E ACQUI RES NORTH-WEST BASED ASSIST GROUP

I

dverde has acquired Assist Group, an established provider of grounds maintenance, arboriculture and highway services, principally in the North-West and Midlands area of England.

Assist Group has grown considerably over the past two years. Based in St Helens, the company has annual sales of £14m and 217 employees, delivering a number of high profile contracts. The acquisition of Assist strengthens idverde’s presence in the region, provides a complementary offer to existing clients in both companies, and further develops idverde’s extensive national coverage, delivered by more than 3,000 employees across the UK. “We are pleased to welcome our new colleagues from Assist into the idverde family,” comments Doug Graham, CEO of idverde UK. “The company shares many common values with those of idverde – it’s forward thinking and has enjoyed impressive growth in recent times. This has resulted in long-term contracts being secured with a number of key high profile clients.” www.idverde.co.uk

COUNTRYWIDE GROUNDS MAINTENANCE BOOSTS WORKFORCE BY MORE THAN A QUARTER

W

ith more than 3,000 sites to maintain for local residents and businesses across South Wales, Countrywide Grounds Maintenance has increased its workforce by more than a quarter in just one year.

Launched over 22 years ago, Countrywide South Wales, has taken on its 80th employee.

Headquartered in Port Talbot, Countrywide South

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/07/2019 14:43

INFORM

NURTURE LANDSCAPES NAMED AS INSPIRATIONAL BRITISH COMPANY

A

It also celebrates the contribution of the UK’s most dynamic and rapidly growing SMEs and the people working in them, while highlighting challenges SMEs face. Alongside the acquisition of fellow landscaping company Gavin Jones, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, Nurture’s operations have expanded considerably across the country, driven by its aptitude for consistent quality of service, strong customer relations and a focus on staff.

Peter Fane, managing director for the company, said: “It’s a privilege to be named on

CARIBBEAN BLINDS DIRECTOR RECEIVES TOP BUSINESS AWARD Stuart Dantzic, managing director of Suffolk-based Caribbean Blinds, has been named Young Business Person of the Year at the Suffolk Business Awards 2019. He was acknowledged for his ambition and forward-thinking approach, which have helped his company achieve staggering growth. www.cbsolarshading.co.uk

successful period of growth and development has resulted in grounds landscaping and maintenance specialist Nurture Landscapes being named as one of the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2019’. The annual list is compiled by the London Stock Exchange.

It factors a company’s size, turnover, and financial growth compared to other companies in different sectors, with those performing strongest being awarded a place on the list.

WE OWE A LOT OF OUR SUCCESS TO OUR TEAMS WORKING OUT IN THE FIELD AND AT OUR DEPOTS

NEWS IN BRIEF

BOWLES & WYER REVEALS REBRAND the list of ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2019’. Recent years have been some of the best in the history of Nurture Landscapes, and we owe a lot of our success to our teams working out in the field and at our depots.

“We always endeavour to deliver the best in quality, be a part of our local communities, and support our staff so that we can all continue inspiring one another.”

The company also offers all management and office staff the opportunity to own a stake in the business, ensuring they remain firmly at the heart of its operations, and approximately 15% of the company is owned by its employees. Last year, Nurture received two BALI awards, with three more being won by Gavin Jones. www.nurturelandscapes.co.uk

Bowles & Wyer has unveiled a new brand identity, created in collaboration with print maker: Andy Lovell. Its website has been overhauled as a result, with the addition of a new blog page to share its expertise. www.bowleswyer.co.uk

RECORD NUMBER OF SPACES RECEIVE GREEN FLAG AWARD Wales now has 25 teams operating from six different locations.

“When we started the business over 22 years ago, we never imagined growing to the size we are today,” say regional managers Ian Michael and Richard Ball. “Our employees are our most important asset, so it is essential to invest in their development to not only ensure longer tenure, but to create a positive work environment and culture.

“We pride ourselves on being a local business and being able to provide a boost to

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

News KR.indd 11

A prestigious Green Flag Award has been received by 1,970 parks and green spaces.

The international award, now in its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is well-maintained and has good visitor facilities. www.greenflagaward.org.uk

the local economy, as well as minimising our carbon footprint and limiting both transport costs and downtime. The future is really exciting – we are looking forward to continuing to deliver safe, well-maintained and attractive environments for our clients.” www.countrywidegrounds.com/ south-wales/

G EAT YA

O T ʼS E ETIA

ATE

AYS

Pro Landscaper / August 2019

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25/07/2019 14:18

INFORM

Online Exclusives

PLEA FOR RHS GARDEN BRIDGEWATER FUNDING

VIDEO: VIRTUAL VISION

©Tom Stuart-Smith

Following on from Luke Mills’ article in July’s issue, in which he explains how VR is transforming design proposals into 3D experiences, you can now see a video of is this in action. www.prolandscapermagazine.com/ video-virtual-vision

T LONDON PLANE TREE CONFERENCE Pro Landscaper attended the London Plane Tree Conference at City Hall on Wednesday 10 July. Read our summary of the key discussion that took place at the conference. www.prolandscapermagazine.com/ london-plane-tree-conference

he Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is calling for the public to help it raise the final £4.8m to open its fifth garden, RHS Garden Bridgewater, next summer.

It launched the fundraising appeal as it announced the creation of The Orchard Garden the largest of the 11 gardens within the 11-acre Weston Walled Garden. The traditional orchard garden will wrap around the original 1834 orchard and garden cottage.

The orchard will feature a mix of apple, pear, plum, cherry and damson trees. As well as soft fruits, echoing traditional orchards with trees grouped naturalistically around the garden rather than in regimented rows. The mixed

planting will encourage wildlife biodiversity and the old-fashioned rootstock selection will also add greatly to the lifespan of the trees.

It will include 37 varieties of heritage apple trees, keeping rare cultivars alive for future generations, achieving the status of the first ‘mother orchard’ for the north-west. The orchard will also include 14 varieties of heritage pear, first grown at Bridgewater over 170 years ago.

The Orchard Garden will be created within the Weston Walled Garden, a key part of the 154-acre RHS Garden Bridgewater, and donations to the garden will help to create hundreds of jobs. www.rhs.org.uk

KEW GUILD HONOURS TIM O’HARE RACHEL BAILEY SHARES HER TOP BUSINESS TIPS Having built up a successful career over the last five years, Rachel Bailey of Rachel Bailey Garden Design shares her advice to up-and-coming businesses. www.prolandscapermagazine.com/ rachel-bailey-shares-her-topbusiness-tips

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T

he Kew Guild – the association for alumni of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – is recognising the outstanding contribution to the environment of soil and landscape consultant, Tim O’Hare. He has been elected as an Honorary Fellow, an exclusive class of membership limited to just 25 at any one time, and bestowed for the lifetime of the recipient.

Tim qualified as a soil scientist more than 25 years ago, and since starting his own consultancy in 2006, Tim O’Hare Associates, he has been instrumental in the successful delivery of the some of the most iconic landscape projects in the UK and abroad, including the Queen Elizabeth

Olympic Park and the Oman Botanic Gardens.

He also regularly delivers talks and workshops across the country, and in 2016, instigated industry soils conference SoilsCon, which will be taking place again this year in September.

Commenting on his Honorary Fellowship, Tim says: “It is an incredible honour for me personally, but I also feel that the discipline of soil science and its vital role in landscaping and horticulture is being formally recognised by the Kew Guild, and for that, I am particularly proud and grateful.”

Tim will be presented with his Fellowship at the Kew Guild’s Annual Dinner in May 2020. www.timohare-associates.com

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/07/2019 14:22

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25/07/2019 28/06/2019 09:38 12:39

London 2019 o orro s r an S aces 17 October 2019 | London

rolandsca er aga ine co

t re landsca e

Seminar Programme

at The Future Landscape Conference London 2019 is a brand new conference for the commercial landscaping sector.

It will be hosted by Eljays44, the producers of FutureArc, Pro Landscaper and hosts of the industry-leading FutureScape events. The conference will explore current trends and prepare the sector for whatʼs ahead.

rrival registration co ee

8:30

tea

elco e

9:45

Jim Wilkinson, Eljays44

10:00

Peter Massini, Greater London Authority

e note s ea er introd ction

: r an esign lanning 10:30 – 11:30 Session Simon Ward, Atkins | Jaquelin Clay, JFA Environmental Planning : esigning o nal S aces 11:40 – 13:00 Session Dr Phil Askew, Peabody | Adrian Judd, PRP Architects Delegates will hear the views of top, trusted names from major companies in the world of planning, landscape architecture, property development, commercial landscape contracting and architecture. You will be able to enter the discussion, share views and learn about the future of the market. It is also a great opportunity to network with other professionals in the industry.

o Email laura.harris@eljays44.com, or call 01903 777570 to register your interest in this event. Alternatively, visit www.prolandscapermagazine.com/future-landscape for further info.

14:00 – 15:30 15:40 – 17:00

Session : evol tionising Soils Soils and so t landsca ing

ild to let

Landsca ing

Tim OʼHare, Tim OʼHare Associates

Session : Greening t e S ies

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Paul French, fabrik | Chris Churchman, Churchman Thornhill Finch | Chris Bridgman, Bridgman & Bridgman

17:00 – 17:30

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25/07/2019 14:13 10:31

INFORM

ARBOUR L A N D S CA P E S O LU T I O N S RICHARD BICKLER SPEAKS TO PRO LANDSCAPER ABOUT ARBOUR LANDSCAPE SOLUTIONS’ NEW WEBSITE, A ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR LANDSCAPERS TO PURCHASE A WIDE RANGE OF QUALITY PRODUCTS

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rbour Landscape Solutions’ new website provides a place for landscapers, garden designers, landscape architects, local authorities, builders and developers to order a variety of products as they come to market.

“We offer the very best competitive prices across a whole range of products. It is possible to buy practically anything a landscaper might need, online and in one place, making life easier and more convenient,” explains Richard Bickler, owner of Arbour Landscape Solutions. The website displays a whole host of products, with Arbour Landscape Solutions sourcing and suppling quality hard and soft landscaping materials throughout the UK and globally.

Travelling all over the UK and abroad, Arbour Landscape Solutions source top quality products, making sure they approve each one before they sell it on. Once customers have registered, they will be able to place orders at any time of the day or night, seven days a week.

As it is a trade website, some of the prices of products may also include a trade discount, another benefit of going through the new site.

Should you find the same product cheaper elsewhere, Arbour Landscape Solutions also vows to do its best to match it.

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Customer care priority A top priority for the company is customer service, and across the team at Arbour Landscape Solutions, there is a wealth of experience to help answer any queries you may have. There are even members on hand to offer

IT IS POSSIBLE TO BUY PRACTICALLY ANYTHING A LANDSCAPER MIGHT NEED, ONLINE AND IN ONE PLACE, MAKING LIFE EASIER AND MORE CONVENIENT advice on the correct products for projects and how to use them. “Should landscapers require advice or consultancy, we are available to guide and assist on any project,” Richard says.

“Customers will testify that our team are knowledgeable and dedicated to ensuring that they receive the goods and services they need, when they need them and where they need

them.” Should you not find the product you’re looking for on the website, the team will work with you to advise on an alternative. Arbour Landscape Solutions is also happy to work with landscapers to manufacture any bespoke products they require. Delivery is also incredibly prompt, as most goods are in stock – though this does vary depending on the product or supplier, and bespoke items are dealt with on a case by case basis.

With a wealth of information and knowledge, Richard explains that Arbour Landscape Solutions was a natural step for him, “I’ve never been one to stand still. I’ve got a lot of enthusiasm and experience that I want to share in order to help others, so this new venture was a natural progression.” www.arbourlandscapesolutions.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / August 2019 15

25/07/2019 10:31

INFORM

FUTURE PROJECTS S

Resilient South City San Francisco

HASSELL PRINCIPAL RICHARD MULLANE TALKS TO US ABOUT ITS RECENT DESIGN FOR SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO AS PART OF THE RESILIENT BY DESIGN BAY AREA CHALLENGE

outh San Francisco – better known Mullane. “Our proposal aims to make that to locals as South City – possible again, and engage people in the is a small, working-class longer-term discussion of protecting community undergoing the shoreline and adjacent airport a boom in housing development, against sea level rise.” a consequence of regional growth The initial challenge was a year around the San Francisco Bay Area. long, involving a bay-wide research San Francisco has a significant lack stage to select a site and community of open space for recreation, has to work with. This was followed by recurring flooding along the creek a design and engagement stage corridor, and the rail and freeway to develop the design proposal. corridors have severed access for Subsequent to this, HASSELL was local residents to the Bay shoreline. awarded a grant to develop the Creating a green corridor along adaptation proposals along Colma Colma Creek, from Orange Memorial Creek, through hydronic/hydraulic Park to a new public reserve on the and traffic modelling. The current OF THE STATE’S shoreline, Collect and Connect – work continues through to later this LAND DRAINS ITS WATER INTO THE Resilient South City aims to year with the aim of achieving grant SAN FRANCISCO BAY transform South City from its current funding to deliver this first phase industrialised look. The proposal aims of the project.

43 ACRES+ to reduce vulnerability to flooding and HASSELL set up a temporary rising sea level, restore native flora hub to enable elected officials, and fauna, improve access, and create community leaders, local residents R E C R E AT I O N A L healthy lifestyle opportunities within and students to have conversations PA R K S PAC E the region. about what was needed in the area.

HASSELL pulled together a team of “Our huge aerial photograph of The international and local experts, and City received hundreds of coloured CONTINUOUS was selected through an RFP process post-it notes from visiting members G R E E N ACC ESS that saw over 300 practices apply to of the public,” Richard tells us. This B IKE /PEDESTRIAN ACCESS take part in the project. "This was crucial for HASSELL as they community used to walk the length of the creek were able to identify the locations of years of and swim in the bay,” explains principal Richard flood events that had not been recorded by

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authorities for fear of impacting property prices. The public also recorded locations of birds and wildlife, public amenities that the community values, and areas where pedestrians can’t access or feel unsafe. These comments formed HASSELL’s areas of interest and its understanding of the design problem.

“The project identifies opportunity sites across the entire Colma Creek watershed to create a resilient network of green spaces, playgrounds and slow streets,” Richard explains.

In order to reduce the impact of flooding, HASSELL plans to widen the creek canal.

Restoration of some of the native plants on San Bruno Mountain and throughout the watershed will build biodiversity and reduce irrigation needs. HASSELL has also reimagined Orange Park as a sports and community hub.

The new South City Circle Bridge will become a continuous pathway for walking and cycling: “This is a bold statement of prioritised community access to the bay, acting as a gateway to South City for all transport modes,” Richard describes.

In order to improve the quality of the water flowing into Colma Creek and the Bay and slow the runoff from Highway 101, a native plants nursery will be creating green infrastructure just below this walkway. “The green infrastructure will be made up of resilient native plants and will filter stormwater runoff and remove trash as well as harmful contaminants, acting like a

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25/07/2019 14:46

INFORM

P R OJ ECT D E TA I L S Client Resilient by Design Bay Area Challenge Location San Francisco Expertise Urban Design Collaboration HASSELL+ (HASSELL, Deltares, Goudappel, Lotus Water, Civic Edge, Idyllist, Hatch, Page & Turnbull, Brown and Caldwell)

natural filter,” Richard says of the huge benefit planting will have on the area.

At the base of San Bruno Mountain, a new recharge reservoir will collect storm water runoff and create passive infiltration through the location's unique geology. “At the upgraded Water Quality Control Plant, an eco water park will provide opportunities for education, including a natural shoreline swimming pool,” Richard tells us.

A wetland collector area for habitat restoration and recreation will be created in the form of a new ‘living levee’ tidal barrier which will be able to detain storm water in a king tide scenario (the highest tide). In addition, local schools set on higher ground will be equipped with facilities for times of disaster, such as water treating equipment.

One of the greatest challenges for HASSELL will be governance. The many layers of siloed governance make multi-benefit projects very difficult to realise as grants are typically awarded on singular objectives. There is also a conservative culture in the Bay Area around public engagement and design visions.

HASSELL+ will continue to work with the local community to make this vision of resilience a reality in South San Francisco and San Mateo County.

Richard concludes: “We hope that this green corridor connects to the social heart of the community. We want it to be a space they can enjoy – a living place that reveals the gradual impacts of climate change, and inspires the community to come together to adapt in the decades to come.”

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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25/07/2019 12:11

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25/07/2019 09:39

INFORM

Let ’s Hear it From

TONY RICHARDS GRADUATE LANDSCAPES

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF GRADUATE LANDSCAPES, TONY RICHARDS, SHARES HIS EXCITING CAREER JOURNEY AND HOW HIS HIGH-END DESIGN AND LANDSCAPING COMPANY HAS DEVELOPED OVER THE LAST THREE DECADES

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hroughout nearly three decades, Graduate Landscapes has changed considerably. From a ‘one-man band’ grounds maintenance company, to building for housing developers and offering full landscape services to the elite, the Hampshire-based business has steadily grown and evolved with over 60 staff and a strong client base.

Needless to say, managing director Tony Richards, has come a long way for someone who admits he got into the industry by chance: “My dad was a market

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INFORM

gardener in Hesketh Bank, Lancashire,” says Tony. “He had a small holding, about two acres, with some polytunnels. He grew tomatoes and lettuce in a group of people.

“From here, they joined the European Economic Community (EEC) and the price of tomatoes went down, so my dad sold up for housing. But I had a taste of the nursery and really liked it. I really thought my dad had the perfect life.

THERE ARE SO MANY COMPANIES AROUND, BUT WHAT WE CAN DO WELL IS DESIGN OUR OWN WORK “So, I started growing vegetables to make a bit of money. I looked after a lot of pensioners’ gardens and asked whether I could grow vegetables as payment. I was actually making quite a tidy living selling vegetables at the age of 12.”

Tony went on to work at a nursery, picking tomatoes and cutting lettuce, before deciding to undertake a degree in horticulture from the University of Bath. Tony took on a four-year sandwich course but didn’t take it seriously at first, making him one of “the worst students”.

“I didn’t go to lectures and played football instead. They almost threw me out by the end of

2 the year, I had to do all the retakes. After that, I started taking it more seriously.”

He started working for a cut flower nursery, but after eight weeks he was eager to gain more experience – he wanted to travel to the West Indies where the nursery imported its product from. “They told me every student wanted to do that and there was no chance. So, I went to the general manager, who also said no.”

Unwilling to give up, though, Tony wrote to the director of the nursery. “I told him I was really enjoying working in the nursery but that he could get so much more out of me if I went to work in the West Indies for him. I even offered to pay for my flights. After a while, the director asked to see me. He told me he liked my

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enthusiasm, and as long as I was prepared to pay for my flights, he would send me out there.”

So, Tony went for six months, starting in Montserrat. It is now uninhabitable due to volcanic activity, but he says: “It was beautiful when I went there. I had a wonderful time. They had another nursery on St Lucia, too, so I ended up working there as well and wrote a great report for university. I graduated with a 2:1.”

After completing his degree, Tony started working for a chrysanthemum cutter called Equinox Plants, having turned down an enviable sales position. He stayed there for two years before being headhunted by a company on the outskirts of London that was looking to set up an interior houseplant company.

“For six months there was no business coming in, they couldn’t understand it,” says Tony. “They didn’t want to lose me though, so they offered me the position of assistant manager for the landscaping side of the company. I had no experience, but I said yes – I had a mortgage to pay.”

Hence how Tony fell into the industry by coincidence, and after two years he decided to leave and start up his own company in 1990: Graduate Landscapes. “I was basically cutting gardens. I went on my bike, knocking on lots of doors and factories and industrial sites. The very first job I did was an elderly woman’s garden, putting in an Escallonia hedge and some turf.

I was there from 6am until 9pm, but I made £500 that day.

“I spent a year trawling around and managed to secure a few hotel contracts, so I started to employ staff. I had a couple of guys working with me, and we were turning over around £200k.” Tony then had a big break in the form of a call from a major house builder that

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25/07/2019 09:31

INFORM

4

had previously rejected them being too small a company. They later called him, asking if he’d be able to fix a project in Weymouth.

“It was a four hour drive to work on a tiny garden and I made no money on it. I was asked to quote for another job in the New Forest worth £100K – I’d doubled my turnover overnight.”

WE HAVE TEAMS OF PEOPLE WHO ARE EXCELLENT, BACKED UP BY SOME GREAT MANAGERS WHO ARE ALWAYS STRIVING FOR PERFECTION A year later, Graduate Landscapes was turning over £800K with the new client. “They gave me all their work, and the company moved to about £2m turnover. But then 2007 came, a horrific year for the house building industry.”

To avert the risk of a financial crisis such as this happening again (and putting him out of business), Tony overhauled Graduate Landscapes’ client base, no longer focusing on

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property developers. “We decided we were going to target high-end earners, but it was quite a struggle turning the business from one that does basic building and maintenance work for housing developments, to focus on the elite instead, who want the best of the best. It’s been quite a painful journey, and we’re not quite there yet – but we’re getting there.

General manager and garden designer, Chris James, has been “instrumental”, Tony says, in building the private client side of the business.

“We have teams of people who are excellent, backed up by some great managers who are

always striving for perfection.

Graduate Landscapes continues to offer a grounds maintenance service, with around 20 people in the team currently, maintaining

1 David Harber garden sphere, designed/ built by GL, Surrey 2 Swimming Pool garden, designed/built by GL, Surrey 3 Swimming Pool garden, pleached trees pergola sitting area, designed/built by GL, Surrey 4 Alitex glass-house, round vegetable garden, designed/built by GL, Hampshire 5 Graduate Landscapes Team

5

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INFORM

6

“mostly high-end gardens, a lot of which we built”, says Tony.

Contracts now tend to be at least half a day’s work, though preferably a full day.

“We are getting sites now that require four or five team members a day. That’s where we want to be, really.”

Graduate also builds for prestigious designers, such as Tom Stuart-Smith and Philip Nixon, but predominantly offers its own in-house design service.

“It is such a fragmented industry. There are so many companies around today, but what we can do well is design our own work. Then, we are not competing against anybody. If you design your own work, you do it well, and you

get paid at the end of it, then you are probably going to do better than starting low end, where there is no fat in the job before you start.”

WE ARE GETTING SITES THAT REQUIRE FOUR OR FIVE TEAM MEMBERS A DAY. THAT’S WHERE WE WANT TO BE The company now employs around 50 people out on site, plus another 10 office-based staff. Graduate also employs six interns from

universities throughout Europe, chosen from 30 applicants, who will gain ROLO and CSCS accreditation whilst working at Graduate.

Tony is also eager to train people in his spare time, but in hockey rather than landscaping. After breaking his leg, the Everton FC fan was unable to play football, so he started helping out at his children’s local hockey club. “I volunteered and started to play. I’m now a Level 2 hockey coach, teaching under-14s in Hampshire. My little boy is really good, so we’re a bit of a hockey family.”

This, and Graduate Landscapes’ growth, show Tony is not one to give up – he will adapt to succeed. From origins in a love for gardening to the forward-thinking diversification of Graduate today, it’s no coincidence the company is where it is today.

6 Country garden in Surrey, maintenance

by Graduate Landscapes 7 Round vegetable garden in Hampshire, designed and built by Graduate Landscapes

C O N TA C T Graduate Landscapes, Lake House, Haslemere, Liphook, Hampshire, GU30 7LG Tel 01428 724080 Email info@graduatelandscapes.co.uk

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www.graduatelandscapes.co.uk

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25/07/2019 09:33

Arbour Landscape Solutions 8 Markham Close, Borehamwood, Herts,WD6 4PQ Tel 02089536177 Web www.arbourlandscapesolutions.co.uk Twitter @arbourlandsol Facebook @arbourlandsol Instagram @arbourlandsol

Arbour Landscape Solutions offers an extensive range of quality hard and soft landscaping products to customers throughout the United Kingdom & beyond.

Whether you require materials for a major development or for a smaller project, you will find that the team at Arbour Landscape Solutions are here to help.

If your landscaping project needs something bespoke/ unique - perhaps in terms of design, size or materials, you can trust your Landscape Industry Specialist to source them on your behalf.

Our new e-commerce website never closes and is available 24/7.

We also offer an excellent service to customers who value sound advice and the personal touch and the opportunity to place your order by phone or email.

So if you want to use one supplier for all your needs we are here for you.

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25/07/2019 09:41

INFORM

M A R C U S WATS O N VIEW FROM THE TOP

MARCUS WATSON OF GROUND CONTROL EXPLAINS WHY BUSINESSES FACING INCREASING COMPETITION MUST STILL HAVE THE CONFIDENCE TO TURN DOWN OPPORTUNITIES IN CERTAIN SCENARIOS – NOT ALL BUSINESS IS GOOD BUSINESS

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n July 2018, I wrote about diversifying and expanding your business and the perils of not properly considering the risks of diversification versus the rewards it can bring in terms of growth. Here, I turn our attention to the merits of turning down business as a good business practice.

As business leaders, the first question to ask is why would we turn down work? Surely, we win the work then figure out how to deliver it?

Nobody has ever made money on a contract they didn’t win, right? Secondly, even if this were true, what work should we turn down?

Well, I am sure many of us have experienced a poor contract or poor project, only to discover during the post-mortem that it was a high-risk project with pitfalls so great, that winning the work had become a source of regret. Worst of all is that the pitfalls were obvious at the time of tender, and not winning the work would have been better for the business.

Aside the obvious negative impact of making losses or not delivering to your usual exacting standards, the loss to your business can also be severe as talent (our most important resource in this market of full employment) is diverted in an attempt to save the doomed project rather than winning or servicing great contracts. So, your business loses twice.

Okay, we get turning down bad business is good but turning down good business is worse, right? Yes – and it is key to business success to be able to discriminate between the two. This holds true whether you are a small business owner or part of a larger organisation.

Here are some key aspects every business should consider before you spend time and

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effort on a tender, and most certainly before you submit it (by submitting a tender to a customer, you are very likely to have accepted the clients’ terms of contract, unless specifically stated). I call these the 5C’s for short.

THE LOSS TO YOUR BUSINESS CAN ALSO BE SEVERE AS TALENT IS DIVERTED IN AN ATTEMPT TO SAVE THE DOOMED PROJECT

• Core capability – know what you are good at and keep focused on it. If you want to diversify your offering, upskill first and then seek work.

• Capacity – do we have the management and operational resource to deliver the work? Can we flex resources in a way that is minimal risk?

• Customer fit – how good are you at serving this customer type? A business customer and a consumer are hugely different. Is this a new or existing customer? Do you want to be associated with them? Does their brand support yours? Are they credit worthy?

• Contract terms – is the contract onerous?

Read the small print, expensive risks can lurk in contracts that are sometimes designed to confuse. Don’t get caught out, seek advice.

• Commercial viability – will the winning price be sufficient to make the project worthwhile?

This is difficult to quantify, so knowing your comfortable minimum price is key.

Sometimes, these bid/no-bid decisions can be made by different people within your business, so it will be crucial for all relevant staff to be properly briefed on the type of business you want to win and the criteria for turning down work. A clear, simple document can often do the trick, for example within a strategy document or a business plan.

The good news is that most of the 5C’s can be answered before a tender is submitted and certainly before the project starts. Therefore, you can decide whether a particular project is one your business should take on.

Have the confidence to turn down business if it is in your best interests to do so, you – and the customer no doubt – will be happier for it. In the words of strategy guru Michael Porter: “The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.”

A B O U T M A R C U S W AT S O N Joining Ground Control in 2011, Marcus Watson champions outstanding customer service and innovation in the grounds maintenance, arboriculture and landscaping sectors. In 2016, Ground Control was recognised with a Queen’s Award for Innovation, celebrating the company’s application of technology.

www.ground-control.co.uk

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24/07/2019 10:31

INFORM

ANDREW WILSON PROGRESS OR CONFUSION?

ANDREW WILSON CONSIDERS THE DELIVERY OF INFORMATION BETWEEN THE DESIGNER AND THE LANDSCAPER AND ASKS FOR YOUR RESPONSES

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s my garden design students came up to graduation this year with their final projects, we had several discussions about the scale of working drawings and the sizing of those drawings for delivery to the landscaper.

It used to be so simple in a world before CAD when the designer delivered printed drawings.

Typically, drawings would have been A1 in size which would easily accommodate planting plans at 1:50, and several detailed construction sections at 1:10. These remain my preferred scale for the delivery of detail.

In our digital age, most design information is now delivered to the landscaper electronically.

In CAD systems, designers work at true scale on screen (1:1) which is undeliverable on paper.

Most systems work on paper sizing, allowing the scale to be identified once the drawings have been finalised. Somehow in this whole process we have become obsessed with A3 as the optimal size for information delivery, but firstly, I’m not sure how this came about, and secondly, I’m uncertain as to whether the landscaper prefers this.

What I do know is that my students end up battling to fit meaningful information at the above scales onto the A3 sheet size. It could be that it’s all my fault – I ask students to submit A3 design documents which would typically be presented to the client. This would be a table-top discussion and in the domestic scale this is easy and convenient to both read through and discuss. I think many students continue into the working drawing stage at A3 when A1 is likely a better sheet size.

My preference is for a series of A1 sheets in which details can be grouped. For example, all

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step details, or all wall details and so on.

If printed, this delivers fewer sheets on site but an easier system to reference and follow.

In a past discussion with Mark Gregory of Landform Consultants, he expressed a

SOMEHOW IN THIS WHOLE PROCESS WE HAVE BECOME OBSESSED WITH A3 AS THE OPTIMAL SIZE preference for A3 sheets. I was surprised as this potentially leads to many more individual drawings on site.

What I really would like to discover is what the landscaper prefers. So, in a way, this article may possibly form the basis of a little research.

In the pre-digital age, the landscaper always had drawings on site, printed to the correct scale and used as a reference point throughout the build process. Many would encapsulate the drawings to prolong their life on site. The

production of A1 drawings in this way either needs a larger format printer in the office or the use of a local printer, many of whom are now closing.

A chat with Richard Curle of Landscape Associates confirmed that this is his preference.

On the other hand, A3 production is much easier to accommodate within the office and therefore more reliable.

On a recent scheme, we had all sorts of issues with setting out on site because the landscape team was issued with tablets. These do not deliver an accurate drawing scale, so when it came to setting out plants we were faced with total confusion.

One answer for the construction detailing is to dimension everything so that the drawings can be read at any scale. However, this would still not really help with planting plans unless all were overlaid with a grid. Often, these drawings are already complex and additional information would be difficult to justify.

I would love to know what you all think or prefer. I would be grateful and I’m sure it would help clarify the issue for my students who, after all, will be the designers of the future. You can get in touch at: andrewwilson@lcgd.org.uk Pictured: Caught red handed – Andrew and Gavin using laminated A3’s at Chelsea 2014!

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

www.lcgd.org.uk

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24/07/2019 10:37

Jack Nicholas www.jackni ch o l as - des i gn.co.u k

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25/07/2019 17/07/2019 09:48 09:51

INFORM

H O L LY YO U D E CHOOSE YOUR CUSTOMERS

THIS MONTH, HOLLY YOUDE TALKS ABOUT HOW TO RECOGNISE THE RIGHT CUSTOMERS AND SHARES TIPS ON NAVIGATING THE SITUATION WHEN THINGS START TO GO AWRY

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ust as there are good and bad companies in the landscaping world, there are also good and bad customers. We are seeing a huge increase in a suing culture and high maintenance clients, and we are learning different ways to spot a potential ‘baddie’.

Many people struggle to actually say “no” to a customer – nobody wants to turn down work, but if it’s potentially detrimental to your business, then it has to be done.

Whilst building our business, we spent many years taking on too much work, not turning anything down, and we soon realised this was not the way forward. We had to start choosing the work that suited us best, and now have a clearer idea of the type of work we want and also the type of customer we want to work with.

We've learnt over time how to spot a customer who is to be avoided. Generally, high maintenance customers are impatient, so a straightforward way to let them down gently is to explain that you are booked up for the next six months. It’s bit of a cop out, but they probably won’t want to wait.

Another way is to explain that you are not taking on any more work at the moment, and

perhaps you can recommend some other local companies to try.

It’s perfectly acceptable, however, to let a customer go by saying you don’t think the company suits their needs, at least it's honest.

NOBODY WANTS TO TURN DOWN WORK, BUT IF IT’S POTENTIALLY DETRIMENTAL TO YOUR BUSINESS, THEN IT HAS TO BE DONE Remember, they asked you to work for them.

It’s your choice whether it’s right for you and your business. You may get backlash – they won’t like the fact you are refusing to work for them, but stay calm, they will go through a range of emotions, finally accept it and move on. Some, however, will respect your honesty and may even recommend you.

Looking back on the best projects we have delivered, there was a great relationship from

the start between us and the client; trust on both sides being a major factor. Another thing high on the agenda is the understanding of costs (and possible unforeseen costs).

If a client is immediately cost conscious, this could be the first warning sign, and maybe an appropriate time to test the water to see if they understand the implications and potential extra costs that may occur if it’s a tricky project. If you are not comfortable, then explain that you or your company are not prepared to take the risk on the project and walk away.

The earlier you can say no the better, so develop a way of gleaning as much information as you can prior to your visit. Ask lots of questions on the phone to get a feel for their mindset and whether you feel you can work with them. Is it the type of project you want to do? Does it fit your criteria budget and style?

Whilst you make your choice, just keep in the back of your mind – they wouldn’t think twice about saying no to you.

A B O U T H O L LY Y O U D E As joint director of Urban Landscape Design Ltd, Holly plays a fundamental role in the growth and diversification of Urban Landscape Design. Recent wins for the company include the Pro Landscaper Business Awards Landscape Company <£2m Turnover Award, Best Commercial Garden at the APL awards, Employer Excellence Award in the BALI Awards and the High Sheriff of Cheshire Award for Enterprise. This year, Holly has been listed as one of the Business Insiders 42 Under 42 entrepreneurs in the north-west.

www.urbanlandscapedesign.co.uk

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S H OW, D O N ’ T T E L L IN THE LAST OF A THREE-PART SERIES ON CLIMATE CHANGE, K ATJA GRIFFITHS QUESTIONS WHETHER SHOW GARDENS ARE AS ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AS THEIR CONCEPTS SUGGEST

T

his year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show tackled climate change with show gardens, promoting plant technology, clean air, sustainability, water conservation, recycling and waste reduction. The show addressed ways in which we can make an impact on climate change through our gardens. It is a high-profile event endorsed by celebrities, businesses, entrepreneurs – icons of the modern world, some of whom have a carbon footprint bigger than an entire village.

It is the minority of the world’s population who are not living within the boundaries of the finite system which is our planet. Chelsea is a prime example of an event which attracts the people that have high consumption, that have power, that have the money. We are, in effect, normalising this extreme lifestyle.

WITH EVERY PROJECT WE UNDERTAKE, WE SHOULD BE PUTTING CLIMATE CHANGE AT THE TOP OF OUR PERSONAL DESIGN BRIEF As leading climate activist Greta Thunberg states, we need to be brave enough to say and do things that do not increase our profits or popularity. Do we turn down our potential clients by refusing to design a garden with vast square metres of non-permeable surfaces?

How do we balance a low carbon footprint garden full of biodiversity and meet the client’s aspirations of a pristine contemporary design?

It’s challenging, but not impossible. Setting new design trends, adapting to new garden design styles, changing the frame of mind, with persuasion and conviction, one client at a time will make all the difference.

These large events are, of course, a platform to showcase sustainability, but have we weighed out the carbon footprint such shows generate?

Consider the sourcing and transporting of

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unusual and show stopping plants; the amount of energy, water, materials and waste in three weeks’ build for a fourday event; and the cost and environmental impact.

Throughout show garden builds, the air is one highly toxic cloud of diesel created solely and entirely by diesel generators in the construction – and that’s just touching the surface.

With every project we undertake, we should be putting sustainability and climate change at the top of our personal design brief. As an industry of highly skilled professionals, our combined understanding of ecology could be a huge force for good. Our industry could be encouraging a constant move away from the ever more destructive carbonbased economy we all now know is killing our planet, towards a constant creation of sustainable urban and rural ecosystems.

Tragically, the opposite is so often true.

Leading garden design publications carry full page adverts encouraging us to cover walls in plastic. We pour concrete rafts in urban gardens to support paving transported from thousands of miles across the planet, knowing (yes, knowing) that every kilo of cement poured will add exactly its equivalent weight in carbon.

Each one of our projects could be assessed primarily on a scale of active contribution for environmental good versus an aggressive addition to ecological harm. Right at the outset of a design, we should evaluate and measure the carbon footprint in the build of our designs.

I think one of the biggest issues is that architects and designers are challenged in having access to all the information and data they need to make informed decisions to reduce carbon footprint.

The UK’s pledge of net zero emissions by 2050, making Britain the first major economy to do so, sets the pace for other major economies to follow, even though campaigners warn this is far too slow. We may not yet have all the solutions – not that new technologies and markets will solve everything – but each of us in our industry needs to embrace their

role as a leader and take ownership of their actions. Extreme ownership generates dynamism – it pushes us to act and act we must. We are the role models. We are setting the standards.

A B O U T K ATJ A G R I F F I T H S Raised in Switzerland, Katja studied a Bachelor in Business Administration in Europe. In 2009 she formed Design by Katja, and relocated to the UK in 2014. The practice offers a deep understanding of the swimming pool industry and extensive horticultural and garden design knowledge. Katja’s experience of different cultures gives her a unique sense of place, in tune with her clients’ aspirations.

www.designbykatja.com

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INFORM

1

JOURNEY THROUGH the past

PRO LANDSCAPER VISITS CHICHESTER ON THE SOUTH COAST TO GET THE INSIDE STORY ON PRIORY PARK, ONE OF THE MOST HISTORIC GREEN SPACES IN THE UK AND RECENTLY NOMINATED FOR THE FIELDS IN TRUST UK’S BEST PARK AWARD

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C

hichester is one of the most charming and historic old market towns in the country. It is also, at least for the most part, rather pretty – something which is epitomised by the city’s cathedral. Not only is it a true exemplar of an early English Gothic church, but also doubles as the main tourist attraction.

As well as the architecture, Chichester also has other weapons in its arsenal when it comes to both bringing in visitors and keeping residents happy by possessing two extraordinary destination parks. The first of these is Priory Park – the main focus of this piece – whilst the other is the more sport-orientated Oaklands Park.

What the Romans did for us Situated on the south coast of England in the county of Sussex, Chichester was one of the main centres of commerce for the Roman Empire following its occupation of Britannia in 43AD. Indeed, the current city centre plan stretches back 2,000 years, with the north, south, east and west streets emanating out from the market cross – which itself is a remnant from medieval times.

Following the Romans came the Normans. The town was then gifted to the first Earl of Shrewsbury, Roger de Montgomery, in recognition of his courage at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. He subsequently built Chichester Castle, an important structure that defines an important era in Chichester’s storied past.

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Modern day relevance Bringing the story to the present day, modern Chichester is one of the foremost tourist destinations along the south coast, attracting ANDY HOWARD thousands of visitors annually. At the same time, it also benefited from nearby Goodwood as a centre for massively successful luxe events, such as the Festival of Speed, Revival and Glorious Goodwood.

3 According to Andy Howard, operations manager for Chichester District Council, Priory Park is not only an extraordinarily pleasant space, it also symbolises in microcosm the storied history of the city. This is apparent in the Roman walls which enclose the space.

“Priory Park is such a significant site as far as history is concerned, and really gives a snapshot of the city in terms of how it’s developed over the years,” says Andy.

“There are many levels to it from an archaeological perspective, which is one of the reasons why it’s so important. First, you have the Roman defensive walls which were

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2 built around 2,000 years ago, signifying that whatever occupied the site at the time, was important enough to be defended. We’ve done some archaeological digs recently and found evidence of Roman houses and a road running through the park, which obviously is incredibly exciting.”

Returning to the present day, situated towards the north of the site is the remnants of a motte-and-bailey castle, initially constructed during the Norman period. While in its current

WE VIEW IT AS A HISTORICAL SITE AS MUCH AS ANYTHING AND CONSIDER OURSELVES TO BE THE CUSTODIANS OF IT form it’s essentially just an enormous green mound situated next to a playground, in its heyday, the structure would’ve been just as strategically important as the city’s Roman walls.

Last on the list of Priory Park’s scheduled monuments, is the old Franciscan priory, dating back to the 13th century. Again, in its day this would’ve been one of the city’s most important buildings, but it now finds a more modest use as the guildhall.

A challenge they face is keeping these incredibly important features relevant to contemporary visitors, while at the same time retaining their essential character. Andy says: “Something like the Roman walls are relatively easy to position in terms of the life of the park.

The same can’t be said for something like the castle, which has seen changes over the years.”

Elaborating on this, he continues: “I came into the role in 2012. At that point, the motte had a tarmac path running around it, supported by a series of big concrete slabs. There were also railings surrounding the top of the space, which weren’t particularly attractive. It went against the original spirit of the feature because it was quite secluded, and started to attract a certain amount of antisocial behaviour.

“We took away the concrete, tarmac and railings, while at the same time re-profiling it, in order to get a more natural shape. We also put down new seed so that it resembled the grassy mound as it would’ve been back in Norman

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times. It’s currently far more in keeping with what it would have been like. Plus, now we have an interpretation panel giving an overview of its history.”

As well as keeping hold of the essential character, in recent years Chichester District Council has broadened Priory Park’s offering by renovating the aforementioned playground and adding a cafe. The bowling green and cricket pitch occupying the middle of the site make it a true hub for what you might call the more ‘genteel’ end of the sporting spectrum.

memorial to those who died during the conflict. Since then, it has been managed and maintained by the council.

Custodians of the site The modern history of Priory Park begins after the First World War, when the Duke of Richmond gifted the site to the city as a

Little has changed in terms of planting design over the years, as Andy explains: “We view it as a historical site as much as anything and consider ourselves to be the custodians of it. We might look at some parks and come up with new, ambitious schemes. Priory is basically dictated by the fact that it’s got three scheduled monuments in it – we let the heritage speak for itself.

“In terms of the planting and maintenance, we focus on looking after the trees which create a lovely promenade around the walls. They were planted during the Georgian period, so they’re quite mature. There’s also a lot of herbaceous plants around the site, rather than bedding which we’ve pretty much gotten rid of.”

According to Andy, the decision to move away from bedding was made one particularly hot and dry summer, during which the council was criticised for continuing to water its plants.

This in turn, occurred during a broader move towards sustainable planting, taking place across the grounds maintenance industry as a

5

IT REALLY GIVES A SNAPSHOT OF THE CITY IN TERMS OF HOW IT’S DEVELOPED OVER THE YEARS 6 whole. This made him question whether it was right to continue to introduce new specimens every year, only to rip them out again.

Needless to say, the ‘bedding free’ strategy is one which has also been adopted across the green spaces in the city. One notable exception is the Bishop’s Palace Gardens next to the Cathedral, which is intended to be even more eye-catching than its sibling across the city.

Andy summarises by explaining why Priory Park is so significant as a green space – not just because of its history, but for Chichester as a whole. “Where it’s positioned, it acts as a hub for people experiencing the various aspects of Chichester – which could be during shopping trips, or just finding somewhere tranquil to go at lunchtime. It’s somewhere everyone connected to the city knows and loves.”

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Priory Park in Chichester Cricket pitch in Priory Park Oaklands Park in Chichester View of the Norman Motte, one of the scheduled monuments 5 Bishops Palace Gardens in Chichester 6 View of Priory Park from the Roman Walls 7 Children’s play area and bowling green

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PROJECT D E TA I L S Project value £20k Build time 8 weeks Size of project 8 x 5 meters Awards Pro Landscaper small project BIG IMPACT 2018: Design under £20,000

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A G A R D E N FO R

A CHEF OU T D O O R K I TC H E N

BARBARA SAMITIER LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN DESIGN T H I S G A R D E N O V E R C A M E T I G H T D I M E N S I O N S T O F L O U R I S H A S A G R E AT S PA C E F O R T H O S E W I T H A L O V E F O R C O O K I N G , E N T E R TA I N I N G A N D E L E G A N C E

T

his very small garden was designed for a young couple with more than just a culinary interest, with one being a restaurant owner and chef passionate about entertaining and cooking outdoors. Both have a sharp-eye for design and wanted the garden to complement their very well-curated home.

The couple were keen to grow some herbs and vegetables, have enough space to invite a few to dine alfresco and have an outdoor kitchen. They were also wanting seating that would serve a purpose as well as being an

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inviting focal point. The clients also wanted some soft planting to create a feel-good factor and balance the hard landscaping. This all had to be achieved within an 8 x 5m plot. They wanted their garden to be an outdoor room, but not too stark, and with ample planting.

Design The planting scheme combines edibles and ornamental plants, resulting in a flavourful, scented and inviting garden with plenty of seasonal interest. The planting includes a multi-stemmed Cornus mas, a beautiful feature

with an elegant shape – very attractive bark and yellow flowers on bare stems in early spring.

It also produces berries that make a superb tangy chutney, along with herbs: fennel, sage, rosemary, creeping thyme and Perovskia, which are not only beautifully scented and look great, but can be used in cooking.

Mixed planting including Calamagrotis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’, Libertia chilensis, Saxifragia x urbium ‘London Pride’, Astrantia ‘Buckland’, Alchemilla mollis, Stipa tenuissima, Erigeron karvinskianus, Geranium ‘Orion’ and Luzula nivea.

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Background Barbara had previously designed her client’s next-door neighbours’ garden. The gardens were exactly the same size, but the brief was very different, as they are a retired couple. Barbara says that it was a very interesting exercise to respond to the same space and context in two different ways in order to meet the brief of clients with a very different lifestyle.

When Barbara first visited her clients, they were exploring fake lawn. After discussion, her clients agreed to go with the combination of gravel, black limestone and encaustic tiles with plenty of layered planting instead.

Initially, when Barbara told her clients that she would be incorporating a giant black board (made out of rendered plywood), an outdoor kitchen, a free standing hammock, a small tree, a large border, a small gravel garden, a dining and kitchen area, a raised path and raised vegetable bed, they were concerned it would look crammed and fussy – who wouldn’t? After

all, the space is a mere 8 x 5m. However, the hammock hangs above aromatic plants, such as thyme and rosemary. The existing fencing batons have been partially clad with mirror and black Perspex, while the dining area will sit six people comfortably and the garden completely works as an extension of their rear room.

Challenges One of the main challenges Barbara found when designing this garden was fitting an ambitious brief within such a minute space without cramping it. Barbara says she is particularly proud of this project as the brief was particularly complex.

Conclusion The new design offers a practical yet stunning space, with elements of fun. It ticks each of the boxes on the clients’ design brief, as well as

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reflecting their personality and lifestyle.

The garden looks and feels much bigger than it did when there was simply a patch of grass and a few plants. She and her clients

agreed that not only the brief was fully met within a very strict budget, but the result is stunning. The clients are delighted – the garden was a natural fit and looks as if is right at home with owners that can make the very most of it.

A B O U T BA R BA R A SA M I T I E R L A N D S CA P E AND GARDEN DESIGN Barbara Samitier Landscape and Garden Design is an award-winning garden design studio that covers London and its surrounding counties.

Barbara and her team create stunning gardens with atmosphere and a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’.

They don’t bring any preconceived ideas, but do approach each project with a fresh mind, and respond to the site and clients’ unique needs.

“We think gardens need to go beyond looking good – they also need to be sustainable, designed and built to last and evolve, and feel good too.”

www.barbarasamitiergardens.co.uk

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1 Tiled flooring and outdoor blackboard compliment a WWOO outdoor kitchen 2 Mirror strips glued onto existing fencing, batons painted black for contrast 3 Path to the kitchen area along a raised vegetable bed 4 Aromatic, edible and ornamental plants create a scrumptious border DURING WORKS

BEFORE

REFERENCES Design Barbara Samitier Landscape and Garden Design www.barbarasamitiergardens.co.uk

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Build Edward Davies Design www.edwarddaviesdesign.com Midnight Black limestone London Stone www.londonstone.co.uk Encaustic tiles Mosaic Factory www.cement-tiles.com BBQ grill Big Green Egg www.biggreenegg.co.uk

Photographs ŠAnna Batchelor

Concrete kitchen shelves WWOO www.wwoo.nl/en Feature tree New Wood Trees www.newwoodtrees.co.uk

VISUALISATION

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All other plants Provender Nurseries www.provendernurseries.co.uk

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P L AY I N G I N

NATURE P L AY G A R D E N

KEW GARDENS & GROUND CONTROL

PROJECT D E TA I L S Build time 16 months Size of project 10,000 m2

G R O U N D C O N T R O L A N D R O YA L B O TA N I C G A R D E N S , K E W C O L L A B O R AT E T O C R E AT E A P L AY G A R D E N F O R C H I L D R E N T O E X P L O R E A N D I N T E R A C T W I T H N AT U R E

O

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n 18 May, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew unveiled its newest attraction, the Children’s Garden, constructed by Ground Control.

The garden is themed around the question of ‘What do plants need to grow?’ and aims to develop children’s understanding of the natural environment.

The area covers 10,000m2 within Kew and is filled with thousands of plants and over 100 mature trees which provide an exciting, sensory space for children to explore. The garden is split into a number of different areas; Beach Tree Parade, Oak Tree Circle, Pine Tree Wilderness, and the Air, Earth, Sun and Water Gardens. The areas are each defined with their own unique features, whilst merging together seamlessly.

The planting was designed and installed by Kew and their team, while Ground Control developed the concept scheme: taking full design responsibility from RIBA WS 3-7, and installing the play, service and hard landscaping elements. The garden is designed to encourage

children to interact with nature, seeing not just the constructed play equipment as ‘play areas’.

The success of this project lies in the relationship created by the project team, which includes both the Ground Control and its client’s teams, collaborating seamlessly at every stage of the project to realise this unique garden.

This allowed Ground Control to fully appreciate and understand the existing elements and challenges of the project, and put together a well-planned, site-specific approach at every stage of the works.

Build Prior to development, the area was parkland with a small play area and some tipi tents for school lunches. Kew wanted to develop this area with a focus on natural play, creating a play garden as opposed to a conventional playground.

Working around the trees meant building up levels within existing root protection zones, and where unavoidable, hand digging through

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1 them. In addition, new semi-mature trees also had to be planted early on in the construction process, otherwise there would be difficulty in accessing the space.

Biosecurity was an integral factor.

Sustainably sourced timber brought in had to be de-barked because of the risk of bringing in any potential pests and diseases. This challenge was only compounded by the fact that soil was restricted too.

6 Garden zones When children enter the garden, they are greeted by tunnel hoops lined with star jasmine, which leads them to a stunning 200-year-old English 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Oak tree circle â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Windflowersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; made from steel and Robinia poles Perspex panels and oak batons create a seating area Timber play structures in the Pine Tree Wilderness Planting within the Air Garden Water Garden play Slides on the Earthworm Mounds Play huts within the Earth Garden

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DURING WORKS

10 Oak. Surrounding the Oak tree is a raised aerial walkway which stands 4m above the ground, allowing children to explore the garden from above and giving a feeling of being amongst a tree’s canopy.

The Earth Garden, targeted primarily for toddlers, is the first element themed space that children will encounter on their adventure. The space boasts slides, huts and a living bamboo jungle that children can journey through. Next on the adventure is the Air Garden complete with stunning ‘windflowers’, winding paths, vivid pollen spheres and hammocks to relax in.

Following on from the Air Garden comes the Sun Garden, this large open area provides children a space to run around and let imaginations take over as they run between sunflowers, candy floss grasses and apple trees.

The last of the themed gardens is the Water Garden, sponsored by Thames Water, that allows children to take control via the use of water pumps that control the flow of water into the pool. Stepping stones provide the little adventurers with a means across the water and allow them to learn and understand its importance in the life cycle.

Challenges A large amount of hand digging had to be carried out in order to ensure the safety and longevity of the existing trees, a number of which are listed on the Tree Register of the British Isles (TROBI), signifying their national importance.

The structures were designed in consideration of tree roots, meaning that large concrete foundations within the tree root protection zones were out of the question.

Instead, screw piles were used within the central area of the upright oak tree circle

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THE PREVIOUS PLAY AREA

structures. Another challenge was the logistics of getting vehicles into the site – both in terms of size restrictions that would reach the site and in coordinating with Kew during certain events. For example, placing of the five-tonne singing stone sculpture, subtly hidden within the conifers. This had to be craned in over the trees and placed straight into position.

The archaeological elements also proved to be challenging as there were buried old garden walls and a ha-ha. Ground Control had to bridge these elements in sections, working closely with the archaeologist at Kew to preserve these and facilitate the construction of the garden’s inspired transformation.

9 Oak tree circle 10 Tunnel net within Pine Tree Wilderness 11 Gum Tree Walk boardwalk 12 The Air Garden’s brightly coloured pollen spheres 13 Developed tipi seating area 14 Water Garden stepping stones 15 Hammock in use in the Air Garden

ABOUT GROUND CONTROL Established in 1973, award winning company, Ground Control, are one of the UK’s leading landscaping and external solutions providers.

Ground Control deliver a wide range of services tailored to each job, while keeping environmental conservation and customer satisfaction at the forefront of their minds.

www.ground-control.co.uk

REFERENCES Timber play structures Duncan & Grove www.duncanandgrove.com Hooped structures in sun garden Handspring Design www.handspringdesign.co.uk Composite decking Millboard www.millboard.co.uk Boulders Mid-Wales Stone www.midwalesstone.co.uk Flexipave footpath surfacing KBI www.kbiuk.co.uk Artificial grass Namgrass www.namgrass.co.uk Water service, installation and irrigation Watermatic www.watermaticltd.co.uk Benches and bins Woodscape www.woodscape.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / August 2019 47

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T RA N S FO R M I N G W HI L E

PRESERVING C O T TA G E G A R D E N SANDSTONE T H E 4 0 0 -Y E A R - O L D U P L A N D S C O T TA G E G A R D E N W A S T R A N S F O R M E D B Y S TA N D S T O N E A N D N O W C R E AT E S B O T H A R E L A X I N G A N D V I B R A N T ENVIRONMENT YEAR-ROUND

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3

T

2 1 Recycled stone walling and LED up-lighting 2 Rendered walling and buxus hedging used to solve the difference in levels 3 The L-shaped seating area with feature lighting, enhancing the Mediterranean feel

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he small, north-facing garden of this Feature plants were carefully chosen to 400-year-old, semi-detached cottage provide structure. The planting is anchored had proven to be a conundrum for the by a large specimen tree – an old, gnarled clients, who wanted to maximise their Olive – and clipped box hedging, backed by an living space and make the best of the espalier screen of Hornbeam trees. sun-exposure zones. It was important The fence is screened with wire PROJECT for the clients to have a bespoke trained star jasmine.

D E TA I L S seating area that would genuinely Perennial planting and grasses become an outdoor part of the house. create changing colour and height It was to be surrounded by to the garden throughout the Project value planting that would give the desired summer months. The client is a £27k relaxing Mediterranean feel – all the keen plantswoman who now enjoys Build time 3 months while being sympathetic to the age developing and changing the Size of project of the enclosed surroundings and perennial planting scheme to 150m2 sensitive to the environmental impact. keep it fresh and exciting.

Awards Careful consultation and • Winner – BALI Design and build interpretation of the clients’ wishes, Special Award Considerable access difficulties were and subsequent engagement from for Design & overcome, allowing the removal of Ali Dempster (Sandstone owner Build 2018 existing paving, walls and raised soil and designer) with the client • Winner – beds, thus opening the side of the throughout the design and build BALI National site and creating space for the process, has allowed the creation Landscape L-shaped seating area to be built. of a haven that can be used all Award 2018 The courtyard garden was year-round and at all times of day.

Domestic enhanced with lighting in the walls, Ali and his expert team worked Garden along with paving and up-lighting of tirelessly to create a beautiful Construction the feature plants and borders. This garden space that included – Under 30k links to a remote-control lighting bespoke, recycled stone walling, system, meaning individual areas can relaxing seating, a wooden screen, be subtly lit to create different moods within the a barbecue area, and wonderful lighting for garden. The paved area at the top of the garden night time impact. The client was proud of the was laid to take advantage of the evening sun, garden and put it forward as part of the local providing the clients with a perfect barbecue area.

Open Gardens’ scheme.

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Materials Being sympathetic to the age of the Grade II listed cottage in a conservation area, it was important to Sandstone to use recycled paving and existing sandstone in a way that tied together the old and new when creating the bespoke seating area.

Each of the paving slabs were individually cut to achieve random thicknesses, and stacked in a way that resembles dry stone walling, although they were all cemented in place. To ensure continuity, the existing walls were rendered and painted using a colour to match the stone walling.

It was a ‘labour of love’ that produced a practical and usable space for dining and entertaining.

Challenges The main difficulty was the location of the property’s garden. The access is up a narrow flight of stone steps, and along a narrow passageway, past the neighbour’s property. This meant all materials had to be carried on site by hand, instead of using wheelbarrows and machinery.

The skips were parked on a narrow, busy road at the front of the property, and all deliveries had to be managed efficiently, to not cause disruption to the local traffic or neighbours. The site manager organised the site’s logistical challenges while informing and updating neighbours with the project’s progress, keeping everyone happy.

4 4 The spacious barbeque area to capture the evening sun 5 Recycled slabs individually cut to resemble dry stone walls

5

REFERENCES Design and build Sandstone www.sandstonedesign.co.uk Natural sandstone paving in Mint from Strata Stone’s Whitchurch collection Corker Outdoor Living www.corker.co.uk DURING WORKS

BEFORE

Cultivated rysport turf Grasslands Ltd www.grasslands-turf.co.uk

ABOUT SANDSTONE Established in 1998, Sandstone provides a complete design and build service for residential and commercial sites of all sizes throughout Kent and Sussex. The experienced team provides workmanship of the highest quality in all areas of landscaping. As a BALI member and a winner of multiple RHS and BALI awards, Sandstone enjoys the reputation of creating gardens that exceed its clients’ expectations.

BEFORE

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www.sandstonedesign.co.uk

Plants and trees Provender Nurseries www.provendernurseries.co.uk Lighting systems Lighting For Gardens www.lightingforgardens.com General building materials Travis Perkins www.travisperkins.co.uk

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25/07/2019 11:48

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1

LANDSCAPE A R C H I T EC T ’S

ANNA FRENCH ASSOCIATES WAS FOUNDED WITH ECOLOGY AND PRACTICAL DESIGN WORK AT THE FOREFRONT. WE FIND OUT FROM ITS FOUNDER ANNA FRENCH WHY THIS IS PART OF THE COMPANY’S ETHOS AND HOW IT INCORPORATES THIS INTO ITS PROJECTS.

JOURNAL

A

nna French began freelancing whilst on maternity leave with her first daughter, and as work continually increased, Anna French Associates was born.

“We take a practical approach, my experience from the earliest time has been in designing projects to be built, rather than conceptual landscape design,” Anna explains. Most of the projects Anna French Associates works on are residential, ranging from large multi-residential to mixed-use schemes.

Design approach Whilst completing a project for Thurrock Council, Anna French Associates was able to demonstrate their expertise in combining both functional design aspects with recreational, whilst keeping a consistent aesthetic. The project involved the development of a landscape proposal for a 150-property residential development.

Thurrock Council wanted Anna French Associates to provide as much space for play as possible, and also accommodating swales for sustainable urban drainage – a new departure for the council which they hoped would ensure lower water consumption on site.

2

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Landscape Architects Journal Anna French KR.indd 52

Ecology The Echoes was a RIBA-winning housing scheme project, and was completed in collaboration with Bell Phillips. Anna French Associates installed a biodiverse woodland planting scheme using 9cm pots of native

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woodland species mixed with ornamental grasses and ferns. Flowers throughout the year will provide habitat for lots of different invertebrates, and therefore lots of food for birds in the area. It’s also a very low maintenance scheme as a few weeds here and there won’t affect the overall look of the project.

Anna’s husband and co-director is a qualified ecologist and arboriculturist, whilst

3 Anna studied a joint honours degree in landscape design and ecology at the University of Sheffield, ecology then has been part of the companies ethos from the beginning. “Our areas of expertise include green and brown roof design, wildflower meadows, woodlands, ponds and wetlands. We are really hoping to develop this side of the business more though, so we can employ an in-house ecologist.” Anna French Associates carry out Phase 1 habitat surveys, BREEAM reports and work with specialists who deal with protected species to provide advice.

Construction detailing Battersea Place is a high-end retirement village development near Battersea Park.

Anna French Associates detailed up the Bowles & Wyer designed scheme for construction, something the company is particularly strong at undertaking. This project was no different, as the company was then commissioned to design the walkway between Battersea Place and the neighbouring existing residential block owned

by Wandsworth Borough Council.

The aim was to create a much more accessible and open connection. Anna French Associates used mixed herbaceous planting, shrubs and grasses to provide a beautiful naturalistic planting scheme which is great for bees and other wildlife. “We always incorporate ecological planting design where we can, and recognise that even the smallest scheme can provide some benefit to wildlife,” Anna says. In this particular scheme, Anna French Associates retained and worked with existing raised planters to save money – understanding and working around budgets is something which the company excels at.

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Landscape Architects Journal Anna French KR.indd 53

Future plans Anna French Associates is currently developing its skills in ecology and arboriculture, with a view for the future to expand further in those areas. It believes that a holistic approach to design is going to become much more important. Anna French Associates is also going to be looking in more detail at the carbon footprint of its projects: “We are doing far too much damage as a profession. It’s time to reassess.”

For the company, this will almost certainly involve much more re-use of existing site materials and layout, preserving existing trees and using much less new materials where possible. The company is also going to be

WE ALWAYS INCORPORATE ECOLOGICAL PLANTING DESIGN WHERE WE CAN AND RECOGNISE THAT EVEN THE SMALLEST SCHEME CAN PROVIDE SOME BENEFIT TO WILDLIFE

4

accounts and pensions, saving up for an electric company car, and encouraging its landlord to switch to a renewable electricity supply, or else they’ll move to a different office that does use renewable energy. The company is also looking

5 to reduce its carbon footprint generally, and as its main cost is travel, this is the first thing they are looking to reduce.

Anna French Associates passion for the environment is evident. On 20 September, its office will be shutting for Earth Strike, a grassroots movement demanding immediate climate action from governments and corporations worldwide. It is Anna’s hope that others will join them: “The landscape industries have plenty to gain from there being a nationwide programme of tree planting, climate mitigation schemes and rewilding, and of course, there are no jobs on a dead planet.”

1 2 3 4 5 6

Joseph Lancaster The Echoes Battersea Place The Timberyard, Deptford Battersea Place St. Chad’s ©Kilian O’Sullivan

C O N TA C T 6 moving away from specifying especially damaging products like artificial turf, except in sports or play situations where it can be useful.

Anna French Associates is also working hard to become fossil fuel-free within five years. To do this, it is divesting its bank

Anna French Associates Room 12, The Stable Block Wrest Park, Silsoe Bedfordshire MK45 4HR Tel 01525 838796 Email info@annafrenchassociates.co.uk

www.annafrenchassociates.co.uk

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TA K E I T O U TS I D E

THIS MONTH, ANJI CONNELL INTRODUCES US TO SOME OF HER TOP CHOICES FOR OUTDOOR FABRIC, BALANCING COMFORT, PRACTICALITY AND STYLE

W

hether dining alfresco or simply relaxing outdoors, it’s incredibly easy to create a stylish and functional outdoor living space using luxury high performance outdoor fabrics.

Outdoor fabrics are available from a variety of suppliers and sources, each with their own unique selling points and offering a vast array of colours, textures and patterns.

Options range from embossed, sumptuous plain chenille’s with rich textures to glamorous metallic leathers and glow-in-the-dark fabrics.

Usually designed with comfort in mind, you do need to ensure you choose the correct fabric for its recommended use. An awning fabric will not be as comfortable to sit on as an upholstery fabric, for example.

It’s important to consider how the fabrics will be used throughout the year. The number one reason people avoid using any outdoor room in the summer months is a lack of shade – they can quickly become too hot and too bright. Outdoor fabrics offer shelter from all the elements, providing cool comfort from direct sun and heat. They also help to heat you up in the winter months as you snuggle on luxuriously cosy throws alongside a warming heat source. For those planning to entertain,

OUTDOOR FABRICS OFFER SHELTER FROM ALL THE ELEMENTS

UV PRO

54 Pro Landscaper / August 2019

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SUNBRELLA

easy-to-clean fabrics let you relax as you don’t need to worry about spillage. They are engineered to last, as well as being colourfast, durable and are water and stain resistant.

UV Pro UV Pro’s outdoor fabrics are functional and offer a sensory softness. Produced from solution-dyed acrylic fibres and specifically developed with the idea and intention to be strong, durable, and resilient, they are soft to the touch year after year.

The Inside Out range includes 99 woven designs with 100% solution-dyed acrylic yarns, and it offers a five-year limited warranty against fading from harmful UV rays. The colour pigment is injected into the acrylic polymer that penetrates to the core before spinning to ensure colourfastness. The All Out range is woven with 100% solution-dyed acrylic yarns, with a five-year

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limited warranty against fading from harmful UV rays. Vinout designs are made from ‘outdoor vinyl’, creating a beautiful leather look. The collection comes in a selection of summer colours and metallic shades.

All of their fabrics meet or exceed safety and quality standards in the international and European textile and clothing industry, discouraging the use of any dangerous processes, chemicals, or substances.

Extex Extex has a fabulously extensive range of fabrics to suit all tastes and uses. Wave (designed by Nigel Atkinson) is a sculptural acrylic textile with a dynamic three-dimensional surface pattern.

It is combined with an innovative hand-printing technique which has been skilfully adapted to meet the rigorous high-performance standards set by Extex Fabrics.

Also on offer is Solar, a pioneering printed fabric inspired by the ethereal nature of galaxies and star systems. Printed using an innovative glow-in-the-dark ink, the design appears subtly during the day and provides a unique luminescence at night. The ink contains photo-luminescent particles which utilise solar energy to absorb light. When exposed for as little as 30 minutes, this stored light is emitted over several hours when surroundings darken.

Designers Guild Designers Guild offers a stylish and practical range of timeless, practical indoor and outdoor designs featuring selected signature prints as well as gorgeously tactile textures and shaded plains in a variety of colours. The Palme Botanique Outdoor Fabrics is a range of beautifully printed textures and plains, and

EXTEX

Palasari Outdoor Fabrics is a collection that includes Designers Guild best-sellers as well as new textures and designs that all work together.

Sunbrella Fabrics Sunbrella Fabrics’ highly UV stable colour pigments are an integral part of the material as are their performance characteristics that resist the growth of mould and mildew. They are also

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BELLA DURA

UV PRO

SUNBRELLA

WAVE BY NIGEL ATKINSON FOR EXTEX

breathable, allowing the air to pass through also available in natural and neutral tones to them to enable quick drying. Dirt and debris can work with the colour options or alone to give be brushed off before it gets embedded in the a tranquil feel. fabric and bleach can be used to remove tough stains – they can even be pressure washed.

Bella-Dura Sunbrella’s fabrics work equally effectively for Bella-Dura is an award-winning, Americanupholstery, drapery, cushions, sun umbrellas or made technical fabric. Woven using a shade sails. proprietary polyolefin fibre that is solution While the acrylic dyed, durable, UV resistant, fade and microbe used by Sunbrella isn’t resistant, it is bleach an eco-friendly material, cleanable, recyclable it has made roads and highly resistant to into reducing its pilling. Bella-Dura environmental impact. fabrics are finished with It estimates a lifespan of a GreenShield stain guard. ten years, and Sunbrella The range offers creative has its own recycling designs, including the KVADRAT OUTDOOR TEXTILES program that transforms aquatic Sea Life, the used fabric into other abstract Cosmic industrial materials.

Expression and the Kvadrat Newly launched in January, Karina Nielsen Rios, a Copenhagenbased designer, developed a hard-wearing eco-friendly line of outdoor upholstery fabrics for Danish brand Kvadrat. The Patio range is made up of highly durable, specially developed Trevira CS yarn. They use one colour in the warp and one in the weft, offering a range of textures and contrasts.

The fabrics are finished with an environmentally focused coating that doesn’t contain fluorocarbon, often used to make textiles water, soil and oil repellent. The new finish is not only liquid repellent and fast drying, it is soft, resistant to chlorine and seawater, flame-retardant and works well in high humidity.

The fabric can be used for upholstery, screens, parasols, and umbrellas. The Patio fabrics are

summery Nantucket.

All in all, these high-performance fabrics soften and luxuriate our outdoor spaces adding warmth, texture, and interest, as they help extend the time we can comfortably spend outside.

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

www.anjiconnellinteriordesign.com

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PRO L ANDSCAPER SPE AKS TO JACK BANBURY, OWNER OF JACK NICHOL AS DESIGN, ABOUT HOW HE STARTED HIS COMPANY AS WELL AS FUTURE PL ANS AND UPCOMING PRODUCTS THAT ARE IN THE WORKS Can you tell us a bit more about the company?

I started my first company, JHJ Sheet Metal, when I was just 19 years old. JHJ manufactures metal work for a wide range of industries, from high-end stores to industrial assembly lines.

I was particularly interested in manufacturing furniture for the likes of Harrods, Google, Pret A Manger and other large companies, as well as smaller businesses like landscaping companies, that really heightened my creativity.

Whilst making the furniture, I would look at some of the products and think about how I could put some amazing ideas to use if only I had the opportunity. So, I decided to start creating my own designs and began to manufacture them in my own workshop – this was when Jack Nicholas was born. Three years down the line, I have 15 employees working for my business and it’s growing fast.

INTERVIEW

JACK NICHOL AS DESIGN What are the plans for company growth?

I want to carry on working with landscape companies but also work directly with clients as well. Not just landscape businesses, just individual people.

We are exhibiting at The London Design Fair this year in order to increase our brand’s awareness and have a few ideas up our sleeve for next year, but they aren’t set in stone yet.

TROUGH PLANTERS

different projects, from clocks to bed frames, or coffee tables to dining room tables.

BBQ

What sort of products do you make?

Our main outdoor furniture products include table sets, planters, BBQs, garden benches and sculptures. Jack Nicholas Design products are all bespoke and specially made for our customers’ needs. We work with a couple of landscape companies; we make their planters and they always get feedback that everything they receive has been great quality.

The process starts with customers explaining their specific needs, then the project is discussed and determined. After we’ve received their initial design brief and ideas, we work with them to design, create and develop their vision and bring it to life.

Although we specialise in garden furniture, we are constantly working on an array of

56 Pro Landscaper / August 2019

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What are the key features of the products?

Quality is key. All Jack Nicholas products are made with good quality material and are constructed with care, which is why we deliver such a high value-for-money purchase.

We work with aluminium, which is lightweight, rustproof and long-lasting, as well as stainless steel, which is the ideal corrosionresistant material.

We also use mild steel, copper and brass to make our products, along with beautiful oakwood for our wooden tables and benches.

PLANTERS

Are you working on any new products at the moment?

All of our new products are on our website, but we also offer to manufacture bespoke planters to fit clients’ gardens and create new sculptures and tables. So, keep an eye on our website, or follow us on our social media pages, to keep up to date with our latest projects.

Our products are available to order online, from planters to table sets to clocks. We have also opened our showroom, which is located in Letchworth Garden City.

C O N TA C T Tel 01462 674222 Email info@jacknicholas.co.uk TABLE AND BENCH SET

www.jacknicholas-design.co.uk

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25/07/2019 09:18

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GAZE BURVILL Product Splash Lounge Collection Dimensions (cm) Seat backs: 75 x 93 (lengths vary) Single seat: 68 wide Corner sofa unit: 184 wide (left or right-hand corner) Priced at (inc. VAT) Seat units from £3,450 and tables from £1,980 WWW.GAZEBURVILL.COM

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EXPORMIM Product Twins Sofa Dimensions (cm) 164 x 75 x 85 Priced at (inc. VAT) Available on request WWW.EXPORMIM.COM

COCO WOLF Product Nemi Bar Stool Dimensions (cm) 58.1 x 57.1 x 108 (Seat width/depth/height: 46.8 x 46.5 x 77) Priced at (inc. VAT) £1,695 WWW.COCOWOLF.CO.UK

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4 SEASONS OUTDOOR Product Modular Lounge Corner – Duke Dimensions (cm) 300 x 300 Priced at (inc. VAT) £4,455 SEASO SO T OO

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UNOPIU Product Hugo Collection Dimensions (cm) Sunlounger: 193 x 90 x 32, sofa: 257 x 94 x 70, armchair: 139 x 94 x 70 Priced at (inc. VAT) Sunlounger: €1,550, sofa: €2,900, armchair: €1,850

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JACK NICHOLAS DESIGN Product Stop Watch Table Set in white and orange Dimensions (cm) 1800 x 800 Priced at (inc. VAT) £1,599 A K I

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F E AT U R E GARDEN

NURTURE

THE

PERENNIAL MEADOW LO C AT E D I N C H E S H I R E , A TO W N H O U S E I N T H E V I L L AG E O F M A R P L E B R I D G E H A S U N D E R G O N E A S P EC TAC U L A R G A R D E N T R A N S FO R M AT I O N , C A R R I E D O U T A N D D E TA I L E D H E R E BY G A R D E N D E S I G N E R DAV I D K E E G A N

I

must confess, I have always been drawn to the idea that areas of a garden, or landscape, should offer an opportunity to sit enveloped within a sea of colour, scent, texture of foliage and flower. If I were to look to where the inspiration, or indeed, notion of this desire originates, it would have to be childhood summers spent running through the wildflower meadows on my grandparent’s farm.

I remember as a child dropping to the ground and looking up, all but invisible except to the blue skies overhead, masked in the rich scents of wildflowers and grasses alive with the busy buzzing of insects.

The perennial meadow actually came about by accident – it was an area of garden within a much larger project that I undertook at Goyt House, Marple Bridge, Cheshire, for clients: Warren and Ruth Dickinson. When I say by

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Feature garden David Keegan KR.indd 63

accident, they initially contacted me to deal with a very difficult slope to the front of Goyt House.

The house itself virtually sits mid-point within its own private little valley, sloping down from top to bottom to meet the River Goyt. It also has one of the most spectacular driveways I have yet come across, opening up to somewhat pastoral views across fields of sheep to the peaks beyond. Following a long discussion about the project, I had been asked to come and look at the front slope garden. Warren asked if I would like to see the rest of the gardens which lay to the rear of the house. The first area to the rear is a little more than a badly neglected, dark and overgrown steep slope – which made it feel very uninviting. Up some meandering steps, we made our way to the top of the plot and the only reasonably flat part of the site. I asked Warren what the plan was for this area, to which he

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replied: "Nothing really, as we never come up here". He explained that their son Jacob had used it when he was younger â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whilst his friends were over they would camp out for the night.

Now that he had grown up, it was not used for anything. My comment at the time was that "it seems a terrible waste of a valuable opportunity, as looking just beyond a boundary hedge, I glimpsed horses in an adjacent paddock."

As my eyes turned, they carried across those aforementioned pastoral fields of sheep and on to further views of the distant peaks.

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE A SERIES OF GARDENS WITH VERY SEPARATE AND DISTINCT AESTHETICS For the next six months, the top garden (now perennial meadow) was more or less forgotten as we focused on plans and the installation of the front sloped garden. During that process, a conversation ensued about the overgrown and severe mid-slope to the back of the house. Ruth mentioned she would like to see some colour there whilst looking through the kitchen window.

As we worked on clearing the area we started to find the remnants of what once would have formed stone terraces, and it became obvious the site had previously consisted of a set of planned and well-maintained gardens, now buried under years of overgrown neglect. In fact, Goyt House presented me, as a designer and plant-a-holic, a unique opportunity to create a series of gardens with separate and distinct aesthetics due to each area's unique aspect within the plot.

The front of the house dictated a fresh and contemporary response, whereas the back of the house (Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure Warren and Ruth will forgive me for the description), is pretty much plain and nondescript. The old steps and terracing in this area of the gardens lent a more traditional feel, with yorkstone threads, gravel paths and jutting pieces of stone.

Meanwhile the top garden, sitting as it did behind screening pine trees and rhododendron, offered a readier connection to a more rural and naturalistic approach. Rather than compromise the rest of the gardens, I felt this would enhance and add to the sense of adventure and discovery

64 Pro Landscaper / August 2019

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in the grounds as a whole. As we slogged away on the rear slope, slipping and sliding in mud as we attempted to fashion it into a plant filled haven, my thoughts continuously retuned to this unused top space.

Dropping hints a few times over the months about the wasted opportunity, Warren and Ruth eventually agreed this would be a separate project from the rest, and asked what our options were with the challenge and brief then set to create a sea of colour in year one. In designing a planting palette for this area, I also wanted to shun any idea of prairie planting â&#x20AC;&#x201C; instead, focusing on the colours and textures more often associated with an English meadow, albeit a perennial alternative. Over the coming weeks, I created mood boards of possible plants and shared my vision of using only perennial plants. My plan to form dense planting palettes around a platform, which although big enough to furnish, would envelope you in a sea of colour with plants tall enough to mimic the notion of being adrift in a tranquil meadow.

Turning over a new leaf Given that the ground had been left pretty much unused for an unknown number of years, a few digs and soil testing proved it to be in a pretty poor condition. In parts, it contained little more than a thin layer of soil sitting on a compacted clay base. To minimise further compaction following cultivation, the site was first levelled and cleared of vegetation. The platform and steps were installed prior to the soil being turned over with a digger, then hand dug with the addition of topsoil, peat-free compost, bagged spent mushroom compost (improving fertility), and a top dressing of blood, fish and bone meal.

Timber stepping pads, rather than a construed path or boardwalk, allowed me to create the experience of wandering through a field of flower, without the need to trample or damage the plants. A mixture of Geranium Rozanne ('Gerwat') along with Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet' framed the stepping pads. This planting combination also visually draws the eye towards the platform, whilst softening the timber work. To some extent, this pays homage to the discovery of covered parts of the original gardens lost over time to plants and nature.

From here, the idea was to provide as much textural context as colour contrast. It is also an evolutionary colour wheel, starting more or less with the slow opening of Allium aflatunense 'Purple Sensation' â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a wonderful allium that fills the garden with intense early summer colour as a tight ball of purple, before opening to a mass of

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individual pale pinkie spikelets that resemble sparklers.

Dotted throughout are tall spires of Digitalis purpurea 'Alba' – nodding vertical drifts of pure, white hairy racemes that quickly fill with nectar-hungry insects, all adding a real sense of drama and wild nature. Slowly, lacy fronds of Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum' and Stipa tenuissima 'Ponytails' evoke a softening of this wispy canvas into a picture meadow wonder.

Colour is further lifted above silvery greens by the addition of the unfurling, Papaver orientale 'Patty's Plum’, another flower of true beauty, (as well as a personal favourite) enhanced and lifted skyward by the strong carpet of lower mixed foliage. There's a vibrant red and black splash of Papaver orientale 'Beauty of Livermere' and Achillea 'Walther Funcke', graduating to a sea of dusky oranges of Achillea 'Terracotta' and Helenium 'Waltraut', complimented by caught glimpses of blood red tips of Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron'.

Soon, the cone flower of Echinacea purpurea 'Ruby Giant' will peer above the haze, adding a new dimension to the evolving picture, before cooling down to season's end with pure white petals and long-lasting flowers of Anemone hybrida 'Honorine Jobert'.

It’s all about the plants, it always is! The winter meadow that follows should create a scene no less enticing on a cold, clear day, with frost-covered seed heads and papery brown spent flower stems, before all is cut back to ground level in spring. Meanwhile, here’s to vintage Champagne sparkling in the summer sun in the perennial meadow.

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P R OT EC T I N G O U R P L A N TS

NURTURE

XYLELLA FASTIDIOSA INFESTED OLIVE TREES IN ITALY

NEW CONTRIBUTOR NICK COSLETT EXPLAINS THE MEASURES THE INDUSTRY MUST TAKE TO ENSURE BIOSECURITY AND WHY THESE ARE SO CRUCIAL

T

here is much conjecture about biosecurity within our industry.

This was the case at a recent Pro Landscaper LIVE event in Tunbridge Wells, where a lively panel of plant enthusiasts were united in their view that we have to increase our vigilance; protecting both our businesses and those of our customers and their clients. This was echoed the following day at a Landscape Institute CPD event at Kew, attended by some 150 delegates, and a further 150 via live broadcast.

Why, then, has this issue become so important? Our island has a limited number of native plants – some 1,500 compared to the 15,000 of North America.

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Nick Coslett KR.indd 67

The answer is the ecology that has evolved with these plants is certainly worth protecting, as it’s an integral part of our cultural heritage.

International plant trade increases the risk of introducing plant pests to new hosts, without the safety net of indigenous biological controls and predators. This means that new pests can run riot in their new hosts, causing irreversible damage.

A particular example of this is the plant pathogen: Xylella fastidiosa. This is a virulent bacterium which blocks a plant’s ‘water supply’ through the phloem and xylem cells, and is passed on by sap sucking insects – somewhat like malaria is by mosquitoes.

Xylella is now on DEFRA’s high-risk list.

Originating in South America, it arrived at the heel of Italy and has killed off ancient olive trees (with vast reserves of energy) in one season – demonstrating the enormous damage it can do.

THE ECOLOGY THAT HAS EVOLVED WITH THESE PLANTS IS WORTH PROTECTING It is also hosted on some 300+ genera and species, and so has the potential for creating devastating widespread damage.

Already found in Italy (southern Apulia), France (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Corsica), Spain (Balearic Islands and mainland), and Portugal, Xylella has also just been discovered in Israel.

An isolated case in a greenhouse in Germany (Saxony) has now cleared. Like most plant pests, it is likely to be spread across plants as part of plant trade, and even possibly, plant hunters’ holiday trophies. The problem is, Xylella can look like drought stress leaf scorch (so may not immediately

Pro Landscaper / August 2019 67

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be diagnosed), and a laboratory test for Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) by FERA Science Ltd can take over a week.

The European plant industry has evolved within the single market to meet immediate customer demand, and the UK is reliant on plant imports as UK grown plants constitute, at best, only 50-60% of demand. We need our EU partners, but growers need to maintain the highest standards of plant health.

WE NEED OUR EU PARTNERS, BUT GROWERS NEED TO MAINTAIN THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF PLANT HEALTH What can you do as a plant user?

• If you import plants from Europe direct to your nursery or site, you must be registered with APHA for a plant passport.

• Buy UK grown plants –those grown here for more than the minimum of three months, but 12 months is a better ‘quarantine’ period.

• Buy from a reputable UK nursery that has a plant passport (they’re likely to have the knowledge to quality-assure imported plants).

• Plan and commit to tree procurement in advance (up to a year if possible), as it is the large plants that could carry the most pests.

This probably means the commitment of some expenditure ‘up front’ but gives sufficient time for thorough plant inspection and quarantine, and treatment if necessary.

Remember to report Imported oaks, elms, sweet chestnuts, pines, cherries, planes and, since November, olives, need to be reported to APHA via their eDomero portal before their arrival in the UK. Ash is on the list too, but there is currently a movement ban on ash.

This reporting to APHA helps DEFRA and its plant inspectors to track the plant, and to check what they consider to be high-risk, as well as measure the size of imports to the UK – otherwise, they don’t fully know.

A plant’s origins can be tracked back through the chain of supply via the supplying nation state’s plant authorities. Sadly, this chain of supply is not transparent to plant purchasers and not immediately to APHA either.

The benefit of a plant passport is, therefore, an audit trail, not a concrete guarantee of a healthy plant. Plant passport registered growers will receive two or three visits a year from their plant inspectors to check both stock and plant health systems. However, this can take the form of either a focused inspection or a fairly superficial check, especially on large

XYLELLA FASTIDUOSA ON OLIVE CAN BE SIMILAR TO LEAF S O SY TO S A A ʼT E IG O E

nurseries. It is therefore important to buy plants from a reputable nursery.

One Dutch trader told me that the worst that could happen to them, if Xylella was found on their site, was that most of their glasshouse stock (grown by others and corralled there) would be destroyed. They would quickly restock and carry on trading. This seemingly nonchalant attitude presents a real risk of Xylella spreading further afield very quickly.

Are we protected from unscrupulous traders and just in time supply? No. Can we be safer, though? Yes. The UK nurseries and Horticultural Trades Association are working with APHA and DEFRA to roll out the Plant Healthy and Plant Health Assurance Scheme. The more scrupulous nurseries will be joining this and having their biosecurity systems and staff training checked as they pay to be audited and inspected. The message is: we must be vigilant and ensure that our trust is appropriately placed.

ABOUT NICK COSLETT Nick has spent his working life in landscape and horticulture. He initially trained as a landscape architect, then parks manager, and for the last 20 years, he has worked with Coblands and Palmstead nurseries, running the Soft Landscape Workshops which have become popular industry events. He’s been involved with BALI as national and regional chairs. Now retired, he is a BALI National Landscape Awards judge and Chalk Fund trustee, and has more time to follow his lifelong interest in the industry.

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24/07/2019 13:56

U N D E R STA N D I N G

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AFTERCARE CHRIS STONE REVIEWS HOW DESIGNER-CLIENT DISCUSSIONS OF AFTERCARE COULD BE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GROUNDS MAINTENANCE COMPANIES TO GROW

S

ince asking last month why some designers do not discuss the subject of aftercare and the associated costs with clients, I have been questioning why. We all know that everyone wants a low maintenance garden that looks like ‘that one’ from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. But are designers completely honest about the ongoing aftercare work required from the outset? At what point do the designers broach the question of aftercare regimes? Is it when they hand over a garden?

Do designers explain the pitfalls of not caring for what the client has just taken delivery of?

It’s very easy to criticise, and as mentioned previously, designers may be worried that they would scare off a client with talk of spending yet more money after a garden has been considered completed. But is the reason for their reluctance to discuss it deeper than this alone?

I wonder if designers are cautious of talking up aftercare as they don’t feel they can back up their demands with great people to carry out the work. The fault for this could lie at the feet of those whose business model is maintenance only, not aftercare as well.

As is always the case with business, if you can understand someone’s pain and come up with a way to ease it, you could find yourself

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Chris Stone KR.indd 69

being very busy. Maybe garden maintenance companies have not kept pace with the industry’s modern, forward-looking approach.

This, coupled with a potential lack of fresh blood, means we are doing the unthinkable: accepting the norm.

“It’s done this way because that’s the way it has always been done” is an attitude many could be accused of, but is that justified?

Designers cannot offer what does not exist; perhaps those of us who do offer aftercare are not collaborating with designers enough?

IT IS UP TO US TO EDUCATE CLIENTS AND EXPLAIN WHY AFTERCARE IS INTEGRAL TO THE GARDEN’S DEVELOPMENT As for the clients, many do not understand gardening. It is up to us to educate them and explain why aftercare is integral to the garden’s development. But what is it that designers are looking for? And what do they, and the client, need from us?

Surely, they need companies that understand it’s more than just keeping a garden tidy. They need us to understand their vision.

This stretches beyond the plants, because as guardians of newly created gardens, we also need to understand the hard landscape materials as well. This ranges from what can be pressure washed or cleaned by hand, what should be oiled, what should be left to age naturally, and even, how the irrigation works.

All of these are important practicalities and should form the very basis of our knowledge.

Therefore, it should allow each garden to reach maturity in the way the designers planned and the way the client is expecting. I find it frustrating and think it’s typical of our apparent reticence to move with the times, the garden maintenance side of the industry could do more to help itself.

There will be those that already offer all of this and don’t see it as a big deal, but you should do – surely you are missing a trick if you don’t.

Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t just a rebranding exercise, you don’t become a ‘specialist’ by having it written on your van or business card. There needs to be sound knowledge, skill and attention to detail for it to be a specialist field.

I don’t think the industry has ever been less ‘one size fits all’ and there is a huge business opportunity here. A skilled aftercare company could be invaluable to designers in the same way hard landscapers are.

If they felt more supported and more confident about their options, then perhaps designers would feel more able to champion garden aftercare and be honest with clients from the outset.

ABOUT CHRIS STONE Chris Stone is founder and managing director of Bushy Business Ltd; an RHS and APL awardwinning company, which carries out garden design, hard and soft landscaping, maintenance and aftercare in domestic gardens throughout the south-east of England.

www.bushybusiness.com

Pro Landscaper / August 2019 69

24/07/2019 10:42

ENTER YOURSELF OR A COLLEAGUE Who?

The rules are simple, you can nominate yourself or a colleague as long as the nominee was aged 30 or under on 1 January 2019 and currently works within the horticulture, arboriculture, garden design or landscape sector. Entrants must have worked in the industry for at least one year.

Why?

120 winners so far

93 male 27 female 37 landscapers 27 grounds maintenance contractors 24 garden designers 16 suppliers 9 landscape architects 4 arborists 1 interior landscaper 1 head gardener 1 soil scientist

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

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

Fill out the form to the best of your ability, picking out key moments from your career and showcasing some of your best work. Email the form back to 30u30@eljays44.com along with a high-resolution head shot by 30 August 2019.

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CONTACT DETAILS

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

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25/07/2019 19/06/2019 10:09 10:51

NURTURE

F R O M BA R K TO B U T T E R F LY

North

285.

500

1No Malus 1No Quercus sylvestris robur 1No Betula pendula

285.000

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1No Prunus avium

2No Crataegus monogyna

1No Sorbus aucuparia 1No Crataegus monogyna

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PROPOSED HOUSE TYPE B FFL = 284.700 RIDGE = 291.460

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285.500

insititia 'Shropshire Prune'

EXISTING BARN REFURBISHED INTO LIVING ACCOMMODATION FFL = 284.120 RIDGE = 288.890

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1No Amelanchier ballerina

282.000

1No Malus sylvestris

PROPOSED LINK EXTENSION FFL = 284.120

+284.00

285550

Borders to be planted with bulb mixture of: Narcissus pseudonarcissus 'lobularis' Convallaria majalis Fritillaria meleagris

500

282.

1No Amelanchier ballerina

PROPOSED GARAGE FFL = 285.000 RIDGE = 290.774

+284.00

Boundary hedge to be laid and supplementary planted LPG

ibil vis

.000

285

4.

PROPOSED HOUSE TYPE A FFL = 284.270 RIDGE = 290.464

50

0

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28

1No Prunus domestica insititia 'Shropshire Prune'

43m

Borders to be planted with bulb mixture of: Convallaria majalis Fritillaria meleagris

+284.00

284.000

283.000

3No Sorbus aucuparia

283.500

1No Malus sylvestris +284.00

Boundary hedge to be laid and supplementary planted +284.00

existing

1No Quercus robur culvert

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1No prunus avium

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284.000

283.500

Planting doesn’t have to be perfectly spaced or neat. Boundaries between gardens were designed with native hedgerows, and all-existing hedgerows were ideal for laying and supplementary planting – a technique I am particularly fond of in the right location.

It was important to ensure that trees on site would be best suited for their location.

I always choose native to boundaries, as I feel this is what assimilates a site with its surroundings and gives nature a voice.

I often use them within the site too, but I prefer choosing species of maximum value to either the residents (generally fruit trees) or for wildlife.

I really mixed-up the planting on this site. Although still in the planning system, the client and myself are thrilled with the results, and can’t wait for it to be planted out. Native species were interspersed with non-native planting around buildings and boundaries, including: Deschampsia cespitosa, Viburnum opulus, Ajuga reptans (one of my all-time favourites), Campanula glomerata, and a bee spectacular, Digitalis purpurea.

BINS

PROPOSED GARAGE FFL = 284.420 RIDGE = 289.674

ity

3No Sambucus nigra

PROPOSED GARAGE FFL = 285.000 RIDGE = 290.624

ay

2No Prunus avium 'Sunburst' The HaHa boundary landscape between garden and field beyond

Wildflower lawn to be planted with bulb mixture of: Narcissus pseudonarcissus 'lobularis' Fritillaria meleagris

spl

.000

WITH A BIT MORE THOUGHT AND CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, NATIVE PLANTS TRULY HAVE A PLACE

2No Crataegus monogyna Alboplena

EXISTING FARMHOUSE EXTENDED AND REFERBISHED RIDGE = 290.630

283

estled in the picturesque Staffordshire Moorlands’ countryside, is a hedge-lined, stone-walled site with a pretty stone house and lovely views. But, this is surrounded by a mass of concrete with a bite in its tail – disused kennels where the dogs had the best view.

The site is home to barns, blockwork buildings, metalwork and an incinerator – with lawns, a few trees and a culverted stream hidden from view. The only things that are attractive are the stone house, the entrance and the hedgerows.

The brownfield site, set in green belt land, abruptly ends on the edge of a field with no boundary. The views in from surrounding dwellings and countryside are particularly harsh, so there was a huge opportunity to create something new. Working alongside ctd architects (who designed the buildings), awSCAPE was appointed to design the landscape. Inspired by the local stone cottages and its proximity to Biddulph Moor, the landscape palette blended rural with urban, and was designed to tempt nature back into the space, creating a site rich in wildlife.

As the gardens overlooked the adjoining field, it seemed pertinent to design a ‘ha-ha’ type boundary, to maximise the view and create a soft edge – a much more pleasant aspect for those looking in. A shared courtyard greets you as you enter the site, but often, these are devoid of planting and become barren lands.

I saw this as an opportunity to give nature a helping hand.

Nature knows best and finds its way into all the nooks and crannies; so the edges were designed with a mix of native and non-native plants, such as: bugle, campanula and Vinca minor, with native daffodil, fritillary, and lily of the valley, all mixed-up to find their own balance and preferable spot.

282.0

N

ALLISON WALTERS TALKS US THROUGH THE SCHEME FOR A BROWNFIELD SITE WHERE NATIVE PL ANTS ARE SET TO IMPROVE BIODIVERSIT Y

2No Prunus accolade

1No Sorbus aria Lutescens

TRENT HEAD FARM PLAN

Much of the grassland will also be improved for meadow, and new lawns of a flowering lawn mix to maximise biodiversity.

Seeing the clients’ enthusiasm has been really rewarding. With thought and careful consideration, native plants truly have a place in our urban gardens, spaces and developments.

We can design beautiful spaces with nature in mind, and that is what awSCAPE does.

A B O U T A L L I S O N W A LT E R S After earning a degree in environmental biology, Allison joined Glendale as a contract supervisor in its grounds maintenance department. After overcoming a cancer diagnosis, Allison says her calling to ecology resurfaced. She studied parttime at BCU, graduating as a landscape architect and working at Wardell Armstrong for 10 years, where she became chartered. In 2018, Allison set up awSCAPE, focusing on her passion for bringing nature into projects and rewilding landscapes.

www.awscape.co.uk

LILY OF THE VALLEY

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NURTURE

INSIDE

GERMINAL P R O L A N D S C A P E R L E A R N S M O R E A B O U T G E R M I N A L A N D H OW I TS L E N GT H Y C A R E E R H A S M A D E I T A N A M E N I T Y A N D AG R I C U LT U R A L G R A S S S E E D I N N OVATO R How was Germinal founded?

Germinal Holdings Ltd was founded in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1825. Since then, the company has spearheaded some of the most ground-breaking work in seed development and has led the way in major contributions to the farming and amenity industries. It is now the

IT IS NOW THE LARGEST FAMILY-OWNED BRITISH AND IRISH FORAGE AND AMENITY SEED COMPANY largest family-owned British and Irish forage and amenity seed company. Direct descendants of the original founder, Samuel McCausland, still manage Germinal today.

Where is Germinal now based?

Germinal’s global headquarters is still located in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, but the company’s GB agriculture and amenity functions operate at Witham St. Hughs, Lincolnshire. It also has offices in Republic of Ireland and New Zealand.

Number of staff?

Germinal’s GB agriculture and amenity teams currently number more than 30 people, five of whom are amenity sector specialists.

Product range?

Germinal’s amenity specific range of products includes a wide selection of grass seed and turf

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care products, from bespoke grass seed mixtures to specialist fertilisers and wildflower seed mixtures.

Lead times?

Germinal prides itself on being able to offer a very rapid turnaround on all products, and offering free next day delivery on orders placed before midday.

Do you offer trade discount and what are the company’s standard trading terms?

Germinal’s approach of working directly with customers enables them to form long-standing relationships which, in turn, allows them to work with customers to provide a consistent level of service as well as form trading partnerships which are beneficial to all parties.

What kind of technical support is offered?

Germinal’s technical sales representatives are all FACTS qualified and boast a wealth of relevant industry experience. The website features a product selector tool, designed to make it as easy and simple as possible to find the appropriate products for each project’s specific needs. A range of CPD resources and seminars is also available, allowing landscape architects to get in contact with a local Germinal technical specialist.

What is your customer service policy?

• Delivery charges: all prices include a charge for delivery.

• Next working day delivery: all orders are dispatched same day, with next day delivery when they are placed before 12 midday.

• Returns: unopened orders can be returned within 28 days of purchase. It’s the customer’s responsibility to pay for return shipping costs.

Awards Germinal has been recognised for its achievements within the amenity and agricultural industries. The performance and quality of its grass and wildflower seeds has earned them, amongst others, The National Institute of Agricultural Botany Variety Cup 2015 and British Grassland Society Innovation Award 2011.

C O N TA C T Germinal Holdings Ltd Tel 01522 868714 Email expert@germinalamenity.com Twitter @GerminalAmenity Linkedin Germinal Holdings Ltd www.germinalamenity.com

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25/07/2019 10:05

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25/07/2019 14:51

NURTURE

S E N S I B L E SOURCING S A L E S M A N AG E R P I P H A I N E S E X P L A I N S H OW G E N U S P L A N T S O U R C I N G C A N H E L P C U STO M E R S FULFIL THEIR PLANTING SCHEMES

W

hilst working as a landscaper, Matt Coles struggled to order the exact varieties for planting schemes. It usually involved driving around for hours trying to source the right plants or having to order substitutes when the sought-after varieties were sold out.

Spotting a gap in the market for a company (which could do the running around for landscapers and garden designers), Matt founded Genus Plant Sourcing in 2002.

“The idea is to save people the time and hassle of sourcing plants,” says Pip Haines, sales manager at Genus. “People can come to one reliable nursery – us – and we can go through the hassle instead, bringing everything together for one delivery.”

Sourcing fresh stock from more than 50 trustworthy growers, Gloucestershire-based Genus is a “one-stop-shop” for plant lists, delivering nationwide to its client base. This includes landscapers, garden designers, landscape architects and local authorities, as well as head gardeners from large country estates.

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“Clients will send us a list of plants,” says Pip, who along with sales, is also responsible for helping customers pull together planting designs as well as the logistics of the business.

“On that list, there is typically a huge range, such as aquatic plants and huge trees and climbers. If they put everything on the list that they require to fulfil the design, then we will look to our suppliers to see where we can source the plants from and provide a quotation for that list.”

PLANTS ARE MORE ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE THROUGH GENUS, AND THE ADVICE AND SUPPORT IS HERE Over the past 17 years, Genus has forged strong relationships with nurseries across the UK and abroad to be able to fulfil its orders.

“There are some wonderful companies growing plants, but there are also a lot of nurseries putting in crazy substitute plants in orders.

We think it’s important to get everybody exactly what they have asked for without substitutes,

THE TEAM

and if we can’t get something, we will discuss an alternative with the customer.”

If one nursery is out of stock of a plant, though, Genus can turn to another, and will typically respond to an enquiry within 48 hours with a quote. “The majority of the time we can fulfil the whole order as we’re not ordering from one nursery’s stock.

“Customers could go to the same nurseries as we do, and get roughly the same price, but we can take away the hassle for a little bit extra.”

Genus buys in bulk, though, so it is competitively priced and can also offer advice on planting schemes, though the company’s main emphasis is on sell and supply. “Plants are more accessible to people through Genus, and the advice and support is here.”

The business has grown considerably over the past ten years too, says Pip, this year installing a twin span polytunnel and irrigation system for the fresh stock arriving on site. This winter, the team is also looking to build a large shed for storing bareroot plants, and next year Genus will start to increase the amount of plants grown on its premises, though Pip says Genus’ focus will remain on gathering fresh plants together from various nurseries to complete orders. It’s a service which helps to save clients time, and in turn helps their clients to receive the planting scheme they’ve been promised.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

24/07/2019 16:51

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NURTURE

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2 Quality growing medium This growing medium is designed to let roots grow into harsh green roof substrates. The strong root ball allows the plant to grow quickly, meaning faster establishment and fewer replacement costs. SkyPlugs are grown in a peat-free growing medium and substrate that mimics the conditions they will be planted into.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS • Volume: 65cc • Depth: 62mm • Dimensions of tapered cell: 35x47mm • Grown in free-draining, lower nutrition growing medium: peat-free, air-filled porosity 17.2%, plant available N 186mg/l, plant available P 88mg/l, plant available K 372mg/l • Quantities: 100 plants per tray • Tray: single use, semi rigid • Hardened off: yes

5 Sensible packaging Boningale GreenSky’s plugs are delivered in individual, stackable cardboard boxes (25 to a pallet), that ensure the plants arrive in great condition. The boxes are also easy to recycle.

6 Range of species 3 Inoculated with beneficial micro-organisms Backed by research conducted in partnership with the University of Sheffield, SkyPlugs are inoculated with beneficial micro-organisms, designed to improve plant health and improve the plugs’ resistance to disease. Boningale GreenSky uses a range of carefully audited “Species rich diversity” (SRD) products, which redress the imbalance in the sterile green roof substrate after planting.

Boningale GreenSky has a wellresearched range of species, including sedums and succulents, for low maintenance roofs, wildflowers for biodiverse roofs, and long-flowering drought-tolerant alpines for low maintenance and year-round interest.

• Weaned of irrigation and nutrition: yes

7 We’re keen to pass on

• Don’t leave for more than 2 days before planting

C O N TAC T B O N I N G A L E G R E E N S K Y Boningale Nurseries, Holyhead Rd, Albrighton, Wolverhampton. WV7 3AT Tel 01902 376500 Email enquiries@boningale.co.uk Web www.boningale-greensky.co.uk Twitter @boningaleroofs Facebook BoningaleGreenSky

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Product DNA Boningale KR.indd 77

4 Efficient growing methods Quantities of 100 single species are an efficient way to cover large areas.

Boningale GreenSky recommends a planting density of 30 per m2.

our knowledge CPDs, presentations and nursery tours are available to any customers or designers new to green roofing.

Boningale GreenSky also has a range of helpful online resources and web tools.

Pro Landscaper / August 2019 77

25/07/2019 10:57

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NURTURE

N U R S E RY

FO C U S P R O L A N D S C A P E R TA L K S TO J U L I E K E N DA L L , H O R T I C U LT U R E T E A M L E A D AT T H E E D E N P R OJ E C T , A B O U T H E R M O ST R EC E N T I N VO LV E M E N T W I T H N E W P R OJ E C TS A N D T H E N U R S E R Y ’ S H I STO RY O F S U P P LY I N G S H OW G A R D E N S

A LUPINS

ARENA PLANTING

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Nursery Focus Eden Project Kr.indd 79

few miles along the road from the Eden Project in Cornwall, sits the Watering Lane nursery – the hub for propagating, cultivating and quarantining 30,000 plants per year. The Eden Project contains over 6,000 plant species in its three diverse climate areas as well as fruit, salads and vegetables for their on-site cafes.

Julie Kendall is the horticulture team leader at the Eden Project, a role that focuses on the on the temperate garden but, she works closely with the nursery that grow on plants for all areas of the garden. She says: “It’s a really wide range.

Outdoors, we grow everything from crops, vegetables, herbs, fruit, carnivorous plants and ethno botanical collections, so we look at natural dyes, pharmaceuticals, fibre, oils. “We also have geographical zones, so we have a prairie based on Midwestern America, a Japanese area and the Wild Cornwall exhibit. We also have blue borders, white borders and hot beds. There’s something for all.”

With five staff manning the nursery, the team work around the clock to ensure every seed, plant and tree is looked after and ready for display at Eden. Julie says, the nursery has flood benches installed to make watering the thousands of plants slightly easier.

The team at Eden have also worked together to combine a mixture of mining waste, domestic green waste and composted bark to create their own soil.

The introduction of this soil had allowed the transformation of the area, from a former clay pit, to a vibrant, sustainable landscape for plants to thrive.

The nursery recently nurtured and raised approximately 10,000 plants to create a breath-taking wall of colour on the curved slope apposite the iconic biomes. Planting includes lupins, agapanthus, salvia, buddleia and campanula to create a particularly stunning blue backdrop.

Back in 2014, the area underwent a slip, resulting in the whole area becoming waterlogged. Julie and

Pro Landscaper / August 2019 79

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NURTURE

her team had to re-landscape the entire area as well as install gabions, structure drainage, and seek advice from contractors who have previous experience dealing with ex-clay mine locations.

Julie spoke about her involvement with this project: “The area was re-landscaped to reduce the gradient and create a pleasing arc. I’d been given the brief of ‘blue,’ so I was looking at blue plants. We planted them up, potted them into 9cm liners in a day; the nursery then grew them on for about two months. Delivered straight to the site – it took us three days to lay them out.”

The nursery is also home to the People and Gardens Project, a support and therapy scheme for individuals with learning disabilities.

Individuals are able to learn various skills and information about different areas of horticulture, such as sowing seeds, planting and harvesting to produce their own veg bag scheme. Apprentices at Eden also get involved with the nursery – they work in every zone daily, and can specialise in certain areas in their second year of the course.

Although the majority of the plants raised in the nursery are used within displays at Eden, some are also used at RHS shows, such as Chelsea and Hampton Court. “Our nursery is predominately for Eden, however, we’re just about to take some plants up to Hampton Court.

Show gardens are something we’ve always done. If something comes up, we do them. Sometimes the idea comes from other people, and we become involved.”

Due to thousands of plants being grown within the nursery, some

AGA A T

S

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Nursery Focus Eden Project Kr.indd 80

CORNWALL HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE FOREFRONT OF HORTICULTURE. EDEN IS THE NEWEST OF A LONG HISTORY OF BIG GARDENS AND NEW INTRODUCTIONS LIE KE

ALL

IT

E

OT

OKE S

species come from various locations world wide (this involves a quarantine procedure). The nursery has two quarantine areas, one for temperate plants, and one for biome specific species. “Everything that comes into the garden goes into quarantine for at least a month. If it shows sign of any pest and diseases, it stays there as long as it needs to. For the biomes, they’ve got to stay in at least three months.”

Each new member of staff joining Eden learns all about the quarantine process as they undergo a welcome week, where they not only learn about their section of work, but the rest of the project as well. “They go around every department, get introduced and see how Eden works while learning about the ethos.”

Julie is currently working with the Korea National Arboretum to develop a Korean garden which will open next Easter, as well as future plans to develop a South African veld at Eden. Julie added: “We’re the newcomers with such a long horticultural history. Cornwall has always been the forefront of horticulture.

Eden is the latest in a long history of big gardens and new introductions.”

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/07/2019 10:14

NURTURE

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I,

O B T O R

EDUCATE

ANGUS LINDSAY E XPLORES THE EMERGENCE OF GPS TECHNOLOGY AND HOW THEIR APPLICATION TO L ANDSCAPING COULD HAVE A BIG IMPACT

P

reviously, I’ve mentioned the increasing use of GPS-linked robotic controls within agriculture, and how this is now becoming an accepted practice; so much so that GPS systems are now being targeted by thieves from tractors, sprayers and combines. You solve one problem and another one comes along!

The use of unmanned autonomous equipment took a huge leap forward last year with the Hands Free Hectare project, set up by students at Harper Adams Agricultural College.

As the name suggests, they grew a crop of cereals using totally unmanned equipment.

A 38hp tractor was used to cultivate, drill, spray

and collect harvested grain from a 2m combine, all controlled by technology and watched over by a drone, with a small robotic vehicle regularly taking soil samples. At the end they harvested an impressive 4.5t of barley.

It’s true that robotic steering systems make perfect sense in large fields where there are few obstructions and no passers-by wandering

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Angus Lindsay.indd 85

about. But, there have also been cases where tractors fitted with auto-steer systems have collided with pylons and poles as the driver has been momentarily distracted and too reliant on the technology – it’s by no means foolproof.

Having seen one of these systems adapted to undertake mowing and line marking operations, I can see the potential within our industry, with the savings coming from more accurate and timely operations.

I CAN SEE THE POTENTIAL WITHIN OUR INDUSTRY, WITH THE SAVINGS COMING FROM MORE ACCURATE AND TIMELY OPERATIONS The quick-attach system fitted to a midrange compact tractor comprised a GPS receiver, electronic box of tricks, and a simple steering control unit all controlled via an iPad. At £20k, it takes a leap of faith to commit and realise the benefits. That said, when you see it operating the benefits very quickly show themselves. The initial installation wasn’t the prettiest, and getting the system set up took a couple of hours thanks to 3G/4G. But, a 400m eight lane running track could be marked within an hour, a third of the time it normally takes, and with minimal driver input. Best of all, the information is stored for life for that site, so no setting out headaches in the future.

But what if white lines don’t do it for you?

There are potentially bigger savings to be had just from minimising overlaps and driving in a straight line. By setting the system to the width of the implement being towed or operated from

an A-B reference line, overlaps are no longer an issue. It’s not just when you’re cutting grass; consider spraying, fertilizing or overseeding – the potential to save time, fuel, chemicals, fertilizers, seed, and money are significant.

Even the most competent tractor driver will leave an overlap of anything from 5-10%, but what if you could reduce this to 2%? This would reduce the number of passes and the amount of fuel burnt, as well as finish the job faster.

One operation I hadn’t considered was turf cutting. Commercial turf growers cut miles upon miles of turf every year. What if they could do this so accurately that they could save that thin sliver of turf left by the harvester every time it harvests a roll? One grower estimated that this equates to four arctic loads per annum. All of a sudden, £20k seems cheap!

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

angus.lindsay@idverde.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / August 2019 85

24/07/2019 14:03

EDUCATE

ST E P P I N G U P YO U R

SO F T WA R E S K I L LS LUK E MILLS E XPL AINS HOW LE ARNING BASIC DESIGN SOFT WARE CAN BE BENEFICIAL IN THE LONG-RUN

W

e all know that pen and pencil is the best starting point when beginning a new project and is often the most important part of the design process.

Sketching ideas by hand offers the creative freedom of initial mark making that design software doesn’t necessarily allow.

Developing designs further into software to produce digital plans provides the next step in creative and detailed options that are not possible or limited when drawing by hand.

It allows for instant changes and accurate detailing, along with the ability to digitally share files with clients and professionals – this is invaluable, especially when working to BIM (Building Information Modelling) models.

Getting started with design software can be a steep learning curve – I certainly found it very daunting. A lot of different types of software are available for a lot of different needs, whether you require it for 2D plans, 3D modelling, rendering, planting plans, construction detailing or VR (virtual reality).

There can be a lot to consider when choosing design software; the learning curve,

86 Pro Landscaper / August 2019

Luke Mills.indd 86

system updates, library resources, rendering time – and more. It can also be expensive to set up, not only with purchasing the software, but also any upgrades in your hardware to meet system requirements, such as a graphics card, storage space or operating system. However, this is a short-term cost for long-term profit.

LEARNING THE BASICS CAN FEEL LABORIOUS AT TIMES, BUT IT’S WORTH IT Over the years, I have experimented with a variety of software, including Vectorworks, SketchUp, Lumion, AutoCAD and Rhino.

In depth research and reading reviews are a must before purchasing software – most providers even offer free trials, which is typically an offer worth taking up.

SketchUp is a good starting point for beginners if you are new to design software.

It is free to download and use, but has it limits.

Vectorworks Landmark is tailored to the landscape industry and is much more advanced. Using Lumion, which is a rendering software in collaboration with Vectorworks 3D modelling capabilities, works well and can seriously reduce your time spent due to the simplicity and quick rendering. Before purchasing a new software, I always ask myself: “How much time will this save me?”

More IT skills and technical issues should also be considered, from setting up templates and automatic backup files (in case of crashing

software), to adjusting internet download speed (which will affect your updates and software downloads). It’s not just the software that will require learning but everything that works with it. Always be on the lookout for new software, upgrades and anything that can save you time while still producing high quality work.

Learning the basics can feel laborious at times, but it is worth it. Showing clients design proposals in 3D – and VR especially – is a great experience and can instantly bring a space to life. They can also be used on your website and marketing, but most importantly, it will save you time and money.

If you would like to experience a VR project before taking the plunge, feel free to get in touch and see what the virtual world is capable of.

ABOUT LUKE MILLS Landscape and garden designer, Luke Mills, is director of The Landscape Service. Based in Dorset, The Landscape Service provides landscape and garden design, landscape planning and consultancy services on a variety of private residential and commercial projects across the south, producing landscapes that reflect architecture and nature.

www.thelandscapeservice.com

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

24/07/2019 10:28

EDUCATE

MAKE A SPLASH N E I L PA R S L O W D O L E S O U T A DV I C E FO R AVO I D I N G T H E P I T FA L L S O F L I G H T I N G WAT E R F E AT U R E S

W

aterfalls, fountains, pools and ponds, lakes, streams and rills all benefit from lighting when it comes to designing an exterior scheme, and there are several methods in which each can be illuminated.

During the design stage, however, there are a few factors which need to be taken into account. We all know that water has the ability to refract light, and this can have a negative effect on the overall lighting scheme if not planned for in advance. Each type of water feature displays the water in different ways, from calm flat reflective water in pools and ponds, to turbulent aerated water in waterfalls and fountains.

ONE OF THE FIRST DECISIONS TO BE MADE IS WHETHER THE FIXTURES SHOULD BE PLACED IN OR OUT OF THE WATER

One of the first decisions to be made is whether the fixtures should be placed in or out of the water, and this is when discussions need to take place with the client regarding fixture location for the desired effect.

Clients also need to be made aware of the maintenance commitment

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Neil Parslow.indd 87

associated with submersible luminaires.

Submersible fitting installations will generally be more expensive than, for example, downlighting the water feature from a tree, mostly due to the cost of higher quality products which use robust corrosion resistant materials in their construction. Submersible fixtures should also be supplied with a suitable length of cable to ensure all cable joints are exterior to the water, ensuring longevity of the product and simplify maintenance.

For permanent submersion, an IP rating (ingress protection) of IP68 is a must.

Also, look for quality in the product design construction, even if this means budgeting more for the light fittings underwater rather than the light fittings that will be seen around the garden.

Any submersible lighting within bodies of water which are home to aquatic plants and animals need careful consideration in the initial planning stage. Plants and fish require a daily amount of darkness to ensure their health is maintained. When designing the lighting, leave an area of the water free of light as this will enable fish and amphibious creatures to escape to a darker zone for rest periods.

Lighting from above the water line can produce dramatic effects and will add interest, like dancing reflections on surrounding surfaces from moving water. Some bodies of water are best left in darkness if there is surrounding landscape lighting in place of nearby trees and structures. Leaving water in darkness will

almost double the effect of the lighting on land with the calm flat body of water producing a mirror effect. This same design will provide a unique effect of distortion on the water if there is wind present. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Shore scrapingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is a relatively unused technique due to the complexity and costs involved of using pole mounted light fittings anchored into the bed of a lake or pond. The pole acts as a means of elevating the light source above the water line. This type of lighting is used to provide a wash of light back towards the shoreline of the lake or pond and acts as a visual connection. This method of lighting can produce stunning results, but also comes with the drawback of potentially difficult access for maintenance of the light fittings and periodic cleaning of lenses.

A B O U T N E I L PA R S L O W Neil is the founder and lead designer at Light Visuals, a London-based landscape and architectural lighting manufacturer.

Neil trained as an electrical designer before his passion for lighting and landscapes transferred to the design and installation of landscape lighting. This passion also extends to the design engineering and manufacturing of high-quality British-made lighting products. www.lightvisuals.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / August 2019 87

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EDUCATE

HUSQVARNA Launched this year, the Husqvarna 525iB is a 36v professional battery blower, which is well-balanced with an ergonomic handle and is comfortable to wear or carry. The blower is easily started by a tap on the keyboard. It also offers cruise control, making it effortless to blow away leaves and debris via the advanced electric motor fan design.

A further feature is the boost power mode, which can be switched on as required. It can be used with the standard battery that fits across the range and comes with a Husqvarna standard diagonal harness. www.husqvarna.com/uk

EGO Newly launched as part of the brand’s professional range, the Power+ STX3800 is the commercial line trimmer and brush cutter, offering comfort, durability and high performance. It proves effective on the roughest ground and is used with the range of Ego batteries from the 1P 2.5Ah battery through to the commercial backpack battery, to power the 2kW motor. This is channelled through the light yet strong carbon fibre

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shaft. Unlike alloy shafts, this does not bend and lose its shape over time but keeps vibration levels to a minimum.

When using the BAX1500 backpack battery, the trimmer runs for up to 300 minutes or up to 420 minutes when being used in the brush cutting mode, which represents a full day’s work without the need to recharge. www.egopowerplus.co.uk

Pruning reaches a new level with the DUP361Z 18v LXT shears.

L A N D S C A P E R S LO O K I N G TO P R OV E T H E I R Providing 36v of power, they feature E N V I R O N M E N TA L C R E D E N T I A L S C A N N OW a two-stage opening adjustment, AC C E S S A C O M P R E H E N S I V E S U I T E O F which varies according to the size of the branch. The shear has a maximum P R O D U C TS T H AT O F F E R P OW E R F U L cutting capacity of 33mm and the blade can E M I S S I O N S - F R E E S O LU T I O N S open to 54mm. The blade can be interlocked with the trigger providing smooth blade movement, similar to using a hand pruner. It is provided with a backpack harness, arm band and cord holder. Power is supplied by two Makita 18v Lithium-ion batteries, which are housed in the water resistant harness and fit into the small of the back. Other features The German brand is well-known for its include an electronic current limiter for overload protection, a motor domestic products, but its Park & City Solutions protection circuit and a battery fuel gauge positioned on the switch. range is aimed at professionals. The ST 400 Bp is a www.makitauk.com handy strimmer. It is lightweight and manoeuvrable at only 3.9kg and so well suited to areas that are difficult to access such as around benches and kerb edges as well as allowing swift removal of weeds. The 50v Lithium-ion battery can be used with other models in the range and it offers vibration-free handling with an adjustable two-handed grip for fatigue free operation. Kärcher also emphasises that the use of such battery tools provides up to 90% saving in overall costs compared to petrol equivalents. www.kaercher.com/uk

KÄERCHER

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EXCAVATORS C O M PAC T I S K I N G A S L E A D I N G M A N U FAC T U R E R S FO C U S O N T H E S M A L L E R E N D O F T H E M A R K E T

CATERPILLAR Caterpillar has expanded its mini hydraulic excavator range with the launch of six new models, ranging from 7t to 10t.

A selection of basic configurations allows customers to choose the machine that works most efficiently in their preferred application.

All feature heavy duty main structures, fuel efficient engines, load sensing hydraulics, spacious cabs, and Caterpillar’s stick steer system. The models are: • 307.5 – standard tail swing model with fixed boom • 308 CR – a compact radius model with a swing boom • 308 CR VAB – features variable angle (two-piece) swing boom • 309 CR – features compact radius, swing boom, and high flow auxiliary hydraulics • 309 CR VAB – expands the 309 CR's capability with variable angle boom • 310 – fixed boom, standard tail swing and twin blade cylinders for handling heavy duty dozing chores.

They range in maximum operating weight from 8,233 to 10,182kg and in standard dig depths from 4,107 to 5,174mm. The 307.5, 308

CR, and 309 CR are all available with a long-stick option that increases dig depth by 560mm. The variable angle boom, available with the 308 CR VAB and 309 CR VAB, enhances digging capability in congested work areas. Powering the 307.5 is the Cat C2.4 turbo diesel engine – rated at 41.7 net kW (55.9 net hp) – while the five larger models use the Cat C3.3 diesel engine, rated at 52.4 net kW (70.3 net hp). All options meet Stage V emission standards.

Cabs are sealed and pressurised for comfort and safety, providing a clean environment. They also feature a redesigned heating/ ventilating/air conditioning system that ensures all-weather climate control. Suspension seats, with retractable seatbelt are standard and operating consoles feature adjustable wrist rests. The machine security system is available as key with pass code or push-tostart with fob. The machine can also be Bluetooth enabled

through the radio. Automatic two-speed travel is standard, as is a cruise control system. Halogen boom lights help illuminate the work area, and optional LED lights further enhance visibility.

The excavators use an efficient, fuel-saving, load-sensing hydraulic system with the capacity to generate increased travel performance, and higher digging and lifting forces and handle powered attachments. www.cat.com/en_GB

JCB The JCB 15C-1 weighs in at 1.5t and has the same advanced development as the larger mini and midi excavators in the line-up.

Benefits include a cab or canopy available to suit all markets, with flat glazing and a proven and powerful 11.7kW diesel engine with reliable hydraulics.

It uses a shorter fixed undercarriage, with single speed tracking, long pitch tracks and mechanical track tensioners. Despite its compact dimensions, the excavator benefits

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from a cab with 24% greater internal space than previous machines. It comes with 10 tie-down points, making it easier to transport the machine without risk of damage to rubber tracks.

The 15C-1 completes a comprehensive range of 14 mini and midi excavators from JCB, including seven conventional tail swing models, from the 15C-1 to the 10t 100C-1, along with two reduced tail swing models and five zero tail swing excavators, suiting every sector. www.jcb.com

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COMPACT WITH CL AWS

W H E T H E R H I R I N G O R OW N I N G , US I N G A N E XCAVATO R P R OV I D ES T H E FO R C E TO CA R RY O U T T R A N S FO R M AT I V E WO R K

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hen levelling large areas of ground, constructing a pond or demolishing hard landscaping, tools are simply not enough.

Excavators can be essential, and one company which benefits from ownership is Specialised Groundcare, based in Loughborough, Leicestershire. The business owns a small fleet of Bobcat excavators obtained from Butler Reynolds, a local construction machine dealer.

Specialised Groundcare offers a range of services, including land clearing and site preparation for commercial and private developments. Director Max Pickerill comments: “As well as providing easier access to restricted sites, our fleet of compact equipment often surprises people with the amount of work we can do with these machines.

“I launched the business in 1994 as a sole trader and we have always used Bobcat equipment right from the start. We hired for a few years before we decided to buy our first

machine, a second-hand 341 excavator, which we replaced with a new 341 a year later.

“We have swapped between different Bobcat excavators ever since, including a Bobcat E10 micro-excavator – currently we have an E62 6t model. We run a wide range of attachments for use on the E62, including a tilt-rotator, grading beams, land rakes, root rippers and a tree shear. Our specialist equipment ensures we can offer a highly efficient and productive service.”

Bobcat’s compact models Bobcat offers two compact excavators in the 6 to 8t weight range – the E62 6t and E85 8t.

The E62 is powered by the Stage III A compliant 36.2kW liquid cooled Yanmar 4TNV94L diesel engine. Electronic injection together with automatic idle ensures optimum fuel efficiency.

The E85 model is powered by the Yanmar 4TNV98C-VDB8 Stage III B compliant diesel engine, providing 44.3kW of power at 2100rpm.

Both feature upgraded hydraulic systems, boom and arm load holding valves and an overload warning device as standard. The cab offers low noise levels, high capacity heating and air conditioning system as standard.

EXCAVATOR DO’S AND DON’TS Do your research It can be a difficult balancing act to find an excavator with the right features, accessibility and power. If you work primarily in built-up areas and where narrow gates are often the only access, a micro excavator may be the best bet.

Do consider an operator Hire shops provide basic training and then allow you to get on with it. But excavators with an operator can be hired – often from local providers. While operating is not difficult, it can take a few hours to start working effectively.

An operator means a higher outlay but can result in savings if the work is done faster.

Do look out for offers The hire market is competitive, and offers come and go – there can be big savings for booking online if you get the timing right.

Don’t just take the price at face value The advertised price may also be subject to extras such as delivery and insurance, while some also request a deposit.

Don’t skimp on insurance Know where you stand on insurance in terms of accidents, damage and theft. Issues could include damage to a client’s property, or if the excavator receives damage, or if someone was injured. Check if you have ‘hired in plant and machinery’ within public liability cover. An employee must be insured to use the excavator.

Don’t avoid questions There are many attachments and you may not be clear on which are right for the job. Ask for guidance from the hirer or dealer and to get the most out of an excavator, read the manual.

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Capel Manor College Your route to a brighter future

Enfield Brooks Farm Regent’s Park Gunnersbury Park

Crystal Palace Park

We are London’s leading specialist land-based further and higher education provider, offering a variety of full and part-time courses across the capital.

Capel Manor College has an outstanding reputation in garden design, horticulture and landscaping, and partners with leading industry associations including the Royal Horticultural Society, British Association of Landscape Industries and the Society of Garden Designers.

Whether you’re considering a career change or would like to learn something new, you can gain industry renowned qualifications valued by land-based employers across the world. We invite you to visit our website and explore courses starting this September.

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MINDING THE GAP W I T H T H E S K I L L S S H O R TAG E R E M A I N I N G A H OT TO P I C I N T H E I N D U ST RY, S O M E O F T H E TO P C O L L EG E S I N T H E U K TO O F F E R L A N D S C A P E C O N S T R U C T I O N C O U R S E S T E L L U S H OW T H E Y ’ R E A D D R E S S I N G T H E I S S U E A N D F I G H T I N G T H E ST I G M A A R O U N D L A N D S C A P I N G E D U C AT I O N

I

“ WE HAVE MORE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES THAN YOUNG PEOPLE COMING INTO THE INDUSTRY”

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t’s one of the most talked about topics within the industry. Rarely is there an event where the conversation doesn’t turn to the widening skills gap, with plenty of jobs available and very few people to fill the roles.

Looking at ways to address this, the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) has commissioned Pye Tait Consulting to carry out a survey that will hopefully determine what employers are looking for in prospective employees. From here, the aim is to create a valid skills strategy, with the potential to be lobbied to the Government. So far, more than 300 businesses have contributed to the research.

The survey follows a report recently published by Oxford Economics, which revealed the value of the UK’s ornamental horticulture industries to be worth a whopping £24.2bn in 2017, creating 568,700 jobs. Of these, over half (53%) were specifically in the landscaping

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sector, which alone contributed £6.8bn to UK GDP that year. The Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group (OHRG), which commissioned the survey, is now calling on the government to “support the development of a skills road map, to ensure a pipeline of talent to meet current and future workforce needs”.

With this report showcasing the financial worth of the industry, and BALI’s survey set to highlight where the gaps are, there is evidence to suggest a change is coming, and talk is turning into action. But, what is currently on offer for those looking to learn landscape construction? Are these meeting the needs of prospective employers? And what other challenges are land-based colleges facing?

Last year, a new course was introduced to the fold. Through its GoLandscape initiative, which aims to draw people into the industry, BALI worked with London-based Capel Manor College to create the Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Landscape Construction. The modules were developed following feedback BALI compiled on – where employers felt the skills gaps were and

what training opportunities were missing from existing courses.

“The purpose of the course is to upskill those already working as landscapers, perhaps those who have joined the industry as labourers without formal qualifications,” says Zephaniah Lindo, a horticulture and landscaping lecturer at Capel Manor who helped to develop the diploma. “It’s an advanced landscape construction course, meaning they gain a wide range of landscape construction experience and training, but we have also introduced more up-to-date areas to cover, such as living walls, SuDS and soft landscaping elements. By the end of the course, students should be able to run their own business or go to work as a foreman or construction manager.”

There are 13 units in total, covering: the construction elements, business practice, project management, landscape surveying and drawing techniques. As well as being expected to complete 150 hours of work experience, students also have an opportunity to gain show garden experience. “The students have to

“FOR SO LONG, THE INDUSTRY HAS BEEN SEEN AS A MAN IN A VAN WITH A WHEELBARROW AND A SHOVEL , WHO GAINS WORK BY OFFERING THE CHEAPEST PRICE”

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create a show garden from start to finish – organising it, quantifying the materials and building it at the show,” says Tee Robertson, team leader of the horticulture department at Capel Manor. “Last year, they built a garden at the Hatfield House Garden Show, but it could also be at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show or BBC Gardeners’ World Live.”

By the end of the diploma, students will have gained a qualification which is the equivalent of three A Levels. The course can be completed either full-time, with three days a week spent at college over one year, or part-time, requiring one day a week at college over a two-year period. The success rate for these after only one year is a staggeringly positive 85% for full-time students, and 100% so far for part-time students.

It’s not exclusive to Capel Manor, though.

The course is provided by awarding body Gateway Qualifications and a certificate level (equivalent to one A Level) will be trialled at Plumpton College in East Sussex in the next academic year, with a view to offering the diploma later.

“It’s really practical based, with a great understanding of the business side and different units for students to choose from,” says Rachel Owen, curriculum manager for horticulture, forestry and arboriculture at Plumpton.

“We’ve had quite a lot of interest from garden designers looking to learn the practical side, and people already in the industry looking to learn the hard landscaping and business side, too. It is also a way of attracting career changers, and means there is now a progression route for the Level 2 students.”

These Level 2 students gain a Hard Landscaping qualification at Plumpton, awarded through City & Guilds, which introduces them to areas such as fencing, turf, machinery use and maintenance, planting, and site surveying. Students also need to complete a work experience placement, something

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Plumpton encourages students to arrange before starting the course.

Landscape construction is also part of Level 1, 2 and 3 courses in horticulture, which according to Andy Taaffe, head of Greenspace and Creative Design at Myerscough College, allows students to “get a taste of different programmes so they can decide which area they want to specialise in – whether it’s production horticulture, landscape construction, or amenity and sports turf.”

For students who would rather join the workforce early on, apprenticeship routes are available. Plumpton offers the landscape operative apprenticeship scheme, and Rachel says there has been a rise in the number of applicants thanks to the Apprenticeship Levy introduced two years ago in a bid to create three million apprenticeships in the UK by 2020.

To keep these routes up to date, the government is switching from frameworks to standards, that will be designed by an employer group by 2020, with end-point assessments.

“The new apprenticeship route is quite exciting because it’s been built by employers,” says Robin Jackson, industry manager (land-based and utilities) at City & Guilds.

“As someone described to me, the new apprenticeship standard is more focused on producing an ‘oven ready turkey’. By the time the apprentice is finished, they will effectively be an employee who can carry out the job. There’s a lot more on, for instance, sustainability, partly because that’s what the industry is demanding, but also because customers are looking for sustainable alternatives, so it’s really key that new entrants know what’s available.”

Talk around sustainability is also increasing on college-based courses. “It’s built into the curriculum,” says Adam Blunt, team leader at Hadlow College in Kent. “We talk about both the environmental impact and the ethical sourcing of materials. As an industry, we have done a lot to raise standards in this area, such as stamping out child labour from being used to create cheap paving slabs. We also look at how many miles materials are travelling and how sustainable they are.”

Improving areas like sustainability and ethical sourcing, and changing the way courses are evaluated, could help change the perception of landscaping to the public into that of a more professional trade. Though colleges have a duty to ensure students are work-ready, there’s a debate over whether they are achieving this.

Urban Landscape Design is taking matters into its own hands. The design and build

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“BY THE END OF THE COURSE , STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO RUN THEIR OWN BUSINESS OR GO TO WORK AS A FOREMAN OR CONSTRUCTION MANAGER”

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company is opening its own landscape training academy later this year, working closely with BALI and the APL to provide both one and two-day courses, with the hope of introducing week-long courses later on.

The academy is looking to work alongside colleges, offering additional training which they are not always able to provide. For instance, the site was used ahead of this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show for APL apprentices from Myerscough College to help landscape contractor Ross Conquest work on his Perennial Lifeline Garden and learn the process.

The college seemed keen for its students to visit the academy regularly, says Mark Youde, managing director of Urban Landscape Design.

“Students are not leaving college workready,” explains Mark. “The industry is moving forward at such a phenomenal rate. One of the reasons we started the academy was to ensure that if a material we’d never used before was specified by a designer, we could get that product on our site prior to starting the job and train ourselves to install it, so we’ll know the pitfalls beforehand. In the long term, it will cost us less money than getting it wrong on site.”

He adds that the government apprenticeship programme, though meeting a certain standard, does not train the apprentice to be an autonomous employee, and one day a week in college is not enough. The APL apprenticeship, on the other hand, is different.

“It’s based on the same principle as the government apprenticeship, but the APL apprenticeship offers a boot camp scenario,” says Mark. “Over an 18-month period of working within the industry, the apprentice will go on to do a week’s boot camp at Myerscough College at the end of every three months.”

Mark, who is an APL mentor and GoLandscape ambassador, says working with trade associations and having industry experts from reputable companies mentoring students is important. The new Level 3 Diploma, with its links to BALI, has huge potential. Last year at Capel Manor, BALI spoke to students about becoming members and registered landscapers – and suppliers came in to do masterclasses.

“The whole point of this course is to ensure students are working either towards or at industry standard and raising the standards as well,” says Zephaniah. “For so long, the industry has been seen as a man in a van with a wheelbarrow and a shovel, but the purpose of this course is to make sure workers are seen as professionals and technicians.”

Not only is there a challenge in ensuring students leave ‘work-ready’, but also in filling the

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“THE PUBLIC NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT WHAT WE DO IS VERY SKILLED, AND THIS IS A VALUABLE INDUSTRY”

spaces on these courses in the first place.

“Attracting students is our biggest challenge,” says Andy of Myerscough. “We have more employment opportunities than young people coming into the industry. There’s a preconception in school that if you’re a bright 16-year-old you need to go on to do A Levels, but they could also have a fantastic career ahead of them if they did a vocational course.

“There’s also a preconception that as long as you can dig a hole or know the name of a plant you can pass horticulture courses. But students have to sit a synoptic exam in March, where they’re tested on everything they’ve learnt up until that point. After this, they have a series of practical examinations where they have to prove they are practically capable.

It’s an academically rigorous programme.”

To change these preconceptions, Myerscough has started running events with schools where young pupils can learn about the technicalities of horticulture and landscaping, such as quantity surveying and knowledge of soils, plants and biology. “The numbers of applicants had been dropping, but this year we’re actually seeing a rise,” says Andy. “Our recruitment for September is probably the highest it’s been for the past six years.”

Whilst getting people to sign up to the courses might not be an issue, Zephaniah admits improving diversity remains a challenge.

This year’s student diversity was “not as good as it could have been”, though not through lack of trying.

“This year, we had mostly white male students who were either already working in the industry, or had relevant experience in

construction and were looking to move into the landscaping sector. We’re trying to attract more female students to the course. For example, we’re arranging for a couple of female brick layers to come in and do a masterclass session, to be inspirational figures for our students.”

It’s not just a gender imbalance, though.

It is also a struggle attracting ethnic minority students, says Zephaniah, who hopes to encourage more diversity amongst applicants.

“Construction is manual labour, and we find most of our students from ethnic minorities are looking to go into more theoretical and academic studies.”

Robin agrees, saying the industry is “not coming through in terms of proportional representation”, and this is only adding to the stigma. “It’s diversity we need to celebrate as an industry and which is more likely to attract new people,” says Robin.

New courses, initiatives, efforts to engage students and an industry-wide interest in closing the skills gap all go to show that a lot is being done to address the shortage and begin to change the perception of horticulture and landscaping to the wider public.

“The public need to understand that what we do is very skilled, and this is a valuable industry,” says Mark of Urban Landscape Design. “If we can make that the public perception, then there’s a better chance of making the younger generation understand that as well.” With all of these steps to change the public view of landscaping education, there is a growing opportunity for the conversation around the skills shortage in the industry to turn a positive corner.

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MAKING H O RT I CU LT U R E

AC CESSIBL E

R O B I R O N M O N G E R , A P P R E N T I C E S H I P T U TO R AT Y M C A T R A I N I N G – PA R T O F C E N T R A L Y M C A , E X P L A I N S H OW N E W P R O G R A M M E H O R TA B I L I T Y C A N H E L P T H O S E W I T H D I S A B I L I T I E S G A I N E M P LOY M E N T I N T H E I N D U ST RY who apply and help them to gain a job in the horticulture industry.

“There’s a gap in the industry for people with disabilities, whether those are physical or mental disabilities,” says Rob Ironmonger, an apprenticeship tutor at YMCA Training who has been coordinating Hortability. “There are not many people within the horticultural sector working with people with disabilities at present.”

Providing a person with a disability is over the age of 18, is unemployed, is able to complete a pre-course assessment, and, of course, has a passion for horticulture, then they are welcome to apply. Those enrolled on the

THERE’S A GAP IN THE INDUSTRY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, WHETHER THOSE ARE PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITIES 10-week Hortability course will need to attend one day per week and, subject to the type of disability, will be expected to undertake a work placement.

“We’ll look to cater for their needs and design the course around them,” says Rob. “We want to find them something which they enjoy doing. If they are wheelchair bound, for instance, they will need raised planters.

If someone has a disability where only one side of their body is working, then we wouldn’t be able to do mowing or strimming, for instance, so we adapt the course by focusing on plant

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HORTICULTURE TUTOR ANDREW HARWOOD, WHO HAS A DISABILITY, WITH ONE OF HIS STUDENTS

©Amaya Roman

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ore than 20% of the UK population is disabled. That’s 13.9 million people, according to a Family Resources Survey for 2016/17 by the Department of Work & Pensions.

These numbers don’t just include physical disabilities, either: 24% of this total reported a mental health impairment, up 4% within only two years.

But how many of those who reported a disability are in employment? According to a report produced by the House of Commons Library, 3.9 million people with reported disabilities and of working age (16 to 64) were employed in the UK between January and March this year. This may be on the rise – up 180,000 from the previous year – but it’s still a long way off the government’s target to have 4.5 million people with disabilities in employment by 2027.

Attempting to help change this is YMCA Training. Working with the Monday Charitable Trust, the organisation is offering a horticultural course for those with disabilities. Launching on 23 August, the Hortability course will help tailor the City & Guilds Level 1 Practical Horticulture qualification to the individual needs of those

and weed identification, applying fertilisers, and hanging basket preparation.”

The Salford-based programme accepts a maximum of 10 students on each course, with a mentor working alongside the tutor to ensure each student has the necessary support.

Though the usual course will run from 9am to 5pm, this may be shortened if requested.

Upon completion, YMCA Training aims to help students to gain employment, having built relationships with a variety of local companies, authorities, as well as with Job Centre Plus in Salford. It might only be ten people each time, but by helping those with disabilities to get jobs within the horticulture sector step by step, Hortability is contributing to the government’s target. From here, the number of those in employment will hopefully continue to rise.

To apply for the course running from either 23 August or 8 November: Call 0161 737 6699 Email dawn.brannigan@ymca.co.uk robert.ironmonger@ymca.co.uk Apply online ymca.co.uk/hortability

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T H E E X P LO S I O N O F

PORCELAIN PAVING FOLLOWING TAL ASE Y GROUP'S 15-YE AR ANNIVERSARY THIS JUNE, WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE EMERGING DOMINANCE OF PORCEL AIN, HOW BEST TO WORK WITH IT AND HIGH QUALIT Y SOLUTIONS

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alasey Group has witnessed first-hand the explosion of porcelain over the past 18 months. It now reports that many of its customers who traditionally worked with Natural Paving now hold Vitripiazza as a new second option as it is as easy to install. It is also a great domestic solution as it is highly durable, resistant to attack from mould, pesticides and salt, non-absorbent, frost proof and easy to clean.

With Vitripiazza, homeowners can rely on lasting aesthetics and minimal maintenance. Talasey Group’s marketing manager Rebecca Hughes commented: “One of our landscapers now refuses work if the client insists on anything other than porcelain paving.”

For those who have not yet ‘discovered’ porcelain and worry about how to work with it – don’t! It’s easy to install, much like natural stone, and only requires a little bit of upskilling. Talasey has a few simple tips to get people started.

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Tempesta and Nuvola, Di Pietra

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For hands-on training, Talasey Group offers a dedicated City & Guilds accredited course at its Talasey Training Academy (TTA). This educates delegates on the installation and how to get the most from the material, as well as practical elements. This includes preparing the site and cutting the porcelain, amongst other things.

ONE OF OUR LANDSCAPERS NOW REFUSES WORK IF THE CLIENT INSISTS ON ANYTHING OTHER THAN PORCELAIN PAVING As the popularity of porcelain increases, so does the number of new suppliers with competitive pricing to attract sales. Beware, however, as not all options present the same level of quality. Thankfully, you can trust in the Vitripiazza range, as all products are made from high quality, vitrified, full bodied, Italian porcelain in comparison to cheaper options, which are often made from vitrified ceramics. Not only does Vitripiazza offer the highest quality products, it also boasts quantity in the breadth and depth of its range.

In a recent BMBI meeting, the panel regarded porcelain as the ‘clear customer choice’ – something that Malcolm Gough, group sales and marketing director at Talasey, agreed with, stating that the popularity of the material was only predicted to grow in the coming years.

To satisfy this demand for porcelain paving, Talasey Group has introduced an additional 12 ranges to the Vitripiazza brand this year. There are now 17 different options and 58 colours with a variety of finishes, size formats and thicknesses (10mm to 30mm). This variety enables landscapers to create seamless designs across all areas of indoor-outdoor living, including driveways, walling, patios, paths and indoor areas.

The range also caters for all budgets, with entry-level options; Almare, Bellezza, Stile and Anno, through to high-end products including large format Collosso, Dellacava, with Guidare suitable for driveways, plus three wall-cladding ranges – Nerali, Rok and Mattoni.

Talasey Group now offers a ‘made to order service’ for bespoke size formats, edgings and etchings so landscaping professionals can offer a personalised design to their customers.

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Talasey Group is proud to offer a full kit service, direct to site providing the right amount of installation and accessory products required, including priming slurry and choice of jointing product (Pavetuf mortar, compound or new grout).

Athos, Colosso

Talasey Group is one of the UK’s leading landscaping suppliers, for more information visit www.talasey.co.uk or call 0330 333 8030

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THE PERFECT COMBINATION FOR ALL

PORCELAIN

PAVING An ultra-high polymer and fibre modified flexible waterproofing, high performance priming slurry enables paving to be laid on sand and cement bedding

A flexible, high performance paving grout. Anti-mould growth technology with added silicone to limit mould growth. Repells water from the surface whilst allowing vapour to pass through.

For more information about our range of products, please visit our website or call 01937 858000

www.nexuspavingsystems.co.uk GA R D E N

Family owned and run since 1973, built on great service and value for money Please visit our website for all the latest news, information, second-hand machines for sale; and special offers in the showroom.

Porcelain • Natural stone • Aggregates • Edging • Walling • Setts • Driveway paving • Decking • Sleepers • Fencing

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EDUCATE

TRASHING P L ASTIC

W I T H T H E F I G H T AG A I N ST U N N EC E S S A RY P L A ST I C S H OW I N G N O S I G N S O F S LOW I N G D OW N , W E A S K E D S O M E O F T H E I N D U ST R Y ’ S L E A D I N G S U P P L I E R S W H AT M E A S U R E S T H E Y ’ R E TA K I N G TO R E D U C E T H E I R OW N P L A ST I C U S AG E

has actually been easy once we focused on it.

We’ve banned the purchase and use of single-use cups, spoons and stirrers across the business with the exception of the odd takeaway coffee for clients visiting our trade counter.

Water coolers are provided in all sites, so our team members don’t need to buy bottled water.

We’ve massively reduced the use of PE foam packaging by changing the way we pack our bespoke and sealed products. We now pack back-to-back and face-to-face and use as many foam off-cuts as we can. We accept this isn’t quite as neat as our previous packing method, but we believe our clients are happy to accept this small compromise in the interest of reducing the amount of plastic we use.

Many plastics are recyclable and the more we recycle the plastics, the less chance they will end up in landfills. We go to great lengths to ensure as much of what can be recycled at London Stone is recycled. Every site, office and showroom is provided with recycling bins and our teams are trained and engaged in the importance of recycling. There is much more we

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Trex “We often discuss the aesthetics of decking and highlight the low-maintenance and durability of Trex as a key brand benefit. What many don’t realise is that Trex composite decking is made from 95% recycled timber and plastic. Trex has been manufacturing decking from these materials for over 20 years and is one of the largest plastics recyclers in the USA. The recycled plastics in Trex come from several sources: plastic wrapping on paper towels; dry cleaner bags; sandwich bags; newspaper sleeves; and shopping bags.

A 500ft2 Trex deck contains 140,000 recycled plastic bags. Trex also uses reclaimed sawdust for the core of its decking boards – it’s part of what makes them breathable and

MORE THAN

8 MILLION

TONS OF PLASTIC ENTERS OCEANS EVERY YEAR

14%

O F P L A S T I C PA C K A G I N G WA S T E I S C O L L E C T E D F O R R E C YC L I N G

A 500FT2 TREX DECK CONTAINS 140,000 RECYCLED PLASTIC BAGS durable. It also means that Trex hasn’t felled a single tree in the manufacture of its decking products. In total, Trex manages to save over 300,000t of plastic and timber waste from landfill annually.” www.arbordeck.co.uk

8.3

BILLION

TONS

REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF PLASTIC WE USE HAS ACTUALLY BEEN EASY ONCE WE FOCUSED ON IT

can do as a business, so reducing our use of plastic is a work in progress. London Stone is committed to reducing its impact on the environment year on year.” www.londonstone.co.uk

ONLY

London Stone “We all go to lots of effort at home to reduce our use of plastics by sorting through our recyclables, but do we take the same approach in our businesses? At London Stone we try and take exactly the same approach.

Like most businesses, the use of plastic has quietly crept into our organisation under the radar, but reducing the amount of plastic we use

OF PL ASTIC HAVE BEEN PRODUCED SINCE 1950.

H A L F O F T H I S WA S M A N U FA C T U R E D W I T H I N T H E PA S T 15 YEARS AND 6 . 3 B N T O N S H AV E B E E N T H R O W N AWAY

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Pro Landscaper / August 2019 101

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blockchain system, the origins of the plastic will be documented with the precise location and collector. It will then be possible to trace its journey all the way from a beach to the end purchaser. In this way, a direct contribution is made to the global clean-up, while at the same time making it possible to manufacture unique and valuable objects.” www.vestre.com Green-tech “Green-tech takes its environmental impact very seriously, ensuring every element of the business is aware of plastic reduction both internally and externally. Significant developments by Green-tech include the Treebio biodegradable tree planting range, including spirals, pegs and mulch mats.

The new range is part of Green-tech’s long-term plan to assist landscape contractors

DEVELOPMENTS BY GREEN-TECH INCLUDE THE TREEBIO BIODEGRADABLE TREE PLANTING RANGE

Vestre “Vestre has recently joined forces with other Norwegian businesses to establish the project ‘From beach to boardroom’ as a tangible means of addressing the problem of stray plastic.

Through improved producer and consumer responsibility, less plastic is going astray.

However, ‘From beach to boardroom’ intends to

IT HAS ALREADY BEEN PROVEN THAT THE PLASTIC IS FUNCTIONALLY SUITABLE FOR FUTURE USE harness unwanted plastic and re-purpose it into Norwegian design objects that can be utilised in both buildings and public spaces.

It has already been proven that the plastic is functionally suitable for future use, so through a

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and the industry as a whole with their own green credentials. Green-tech has purchased two pallet wrapping machines this financial year, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce wastage, resulting in a 60% reduction of wrapping film used over the past six months.

Green-tech has worked within the ISO 14001 Environmental Management framework for the past nine years, too. The accreditation specifies the maintenance of an environmental management system. This helps to control environmental aspects of the business, reduce impacts and ensure legal compliance.” www.green-tech.co.uk Millboard “Unlike other composite decking boards that are made from melted plastics, the structural core of Millboard decking is a blend of natural minerals bonded in a polyurethane resin.

Polyurethane is inert, safe and extremely versatile, and its production process uses less than 0.1% of oil consumed worldwide, saving 14.5t of CO2 in Europe each year. This is the equivalent to one year’s worth of electricity use in two million homes. Our Plas-Pro decking support components are also made from 100%

THE FIRST PREMIUM OUTDOOR FLOORING COMPANY TO HAVE ITS CARBON FOOTPRINT INDEPENDENTLY VERIFIED recycled plastic, further contributing to our mission to enhance outdoor spaces without damaging the planet.

As a company, Millboard has always been extremely environmentally conscious. In fact, Millboard is the world’s only manufacturer of hand-moulded polyurethane decking, and the first premium outdoor flooring company to have its carbon footprint independently verified and UKAS accredited.

We don’t believe that clients should make ethical compromises when designing their outdoor spaces and that’s why we don’t use plastic in our products.” www.millboard.co.uk Landscapeplus “When we started Landscapeplus nearly twenty years ago, one of our founding mantras was that all our packaging had to be re-useable, recyclable or compostable. So, at that point we committed to using cardboard packaging and paper tape.

Over the years, we’ve experimented with a variety of biodegradable box fillers, ranging

WE’VE EXPERIMENTED WITH A VARIETY OF BIODEGRADABLE BOX FILLERS from shredded cardboard made from old packaging to puffed corn starch. At the time, we didn’t make this decision to be fashionable, we did it because we knew it is the right way to run a business. There are always areas where we can improve, so we’re currently reviewing Landscapeplus’s carbon footprint in order to make direct improvements to the business or to identify opportunities to apply pressure to our suppliers on how they choose their packaging.

Running a business is all about reviewing and improving wherever you can, and packaging is one of those key areas for us.” www.landscapeplus.com

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25/07/2019 12:47

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25/07/2019 15:54

MULTI SLATE CLADDING

BY POSITIVE GARDEN LTD

EDUCATE

I

S T E V E N WA L L E Y O F LONDON STONE W I T N E S S E S STO N E CLADDING USE ON SITE AND SHARES TIPS FOR F U T U R E P R OJ E C TS

look back fondly on my days as a young landscaper, building gardens in the Midlands, but it was a far cry from today’s landscaping industry. Back then, the materials palette was Indian stone, lap arched fencing and reclaimed railway sleepers.

The selection of hard landscaping materials available in 2019 is, by contrast, staggering.

We have an array of porcelain and natural stone paving, walling in every shape and size, and, of course, vertical cladding systems all on offer.

While not a new phenomenon, the use of cladding is in sharp ascendancy. A recent day

CLADDING’S CATC H I N G O N

pressing the pieces of cladding into place. It was really positive to see skills being passed on to the next generation.

The last call of the day was to a large property development. I was delighted to see Steel Dark DesignClad being used to clad a hefty retaining wall. I was pleased to hear that spent visiting clients opened my eyes to the the contractor had found the product easy to now seemingly compulsory inclusion of work with, but it was impossible not to notice cladding in UK gardens. the slithers of material used for cuts. What is Our first stop was meeting Brett and Sally worse is that this could have easily been Penny of Limebok Landscaping. Arriving on site, avoided with better design. Such a plethora of what caught my eye was the raised planters. cladding materials will always be accompanied Brett had used standard by an equally bewildering porcelain paving to clad number of installation the blockwork planters to a methods. It’s impossible to very high standard. Brett is cover all these in one article, but obviously a highly competent there are some universal truths landscaper, but undoubtedly to cladding installation. the task was made Good design is essential for significantly easier through the smooth installation of the availability of 20mm cladding systems. Avoid rectified porcelain and unsightly slither cuts. Design high-performance your cladded walls around the INTERLOCKING exterior adhesives. dimensions of the products you CORNER FINISH BY Our next destination will be using and don’t forget to HABITAT LANDSCAPES saw us meet up with Lee factor in jointing gaps if required.

Goulding, director at Habitat If in doubt, pick up the phone Landscapes. Entering the site, we were greeted and get in touch with your supplier to talk

by Habitat Landscapes foreman, Cameron, through your ideas with them. schooling Joel the apprentice on the installation Accurately installed cladding requires of Z format stone cladding. Cameron patiently accurate blockwork. The smallest lips in guided Joel through the process of buttering blockwork can throw out a piece of cladding, the blockwork with adhesive before carefully especially when using a precise product like

THE USE OF CLADDING IS IN SHARP ASCENDANCY

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DesignClad. Before cladding, it’s essential to clean the blockwork of any protruding mortar.

Returns can be tricky. In an ideal world, corners would be mitred. But, with a material like Z profile stone cladding, for example, mitred corners are virtually impossible, so you need to either overlap or interlock the corners.

Never compromise on cutting equipment, and always remember, you get what you pay for.

Quality diamond blades will enable quicker cutting and reduced spalling, especially on porcelain products.

Unless using a soft porous cladding (where a grey adhesive could leach through) always try and use a grey adhesive, as grey will blend-in much better with the cladding material if there are small gaps in the cladding.

Cladding is only growing in popularity, so expect to see more new systems making their way onto the market as suppliers continue to innovate. For designers and contractors not familiar with designing or installing cladding I would strongly advise that you give it a try – you will not regret it.

A B O U T ST E V E N WA L L E Y Steven Walley is the managing director and one of the founders of hard landscaping materials supplier London Stone. Steven has been involved in the landscaping industry, first as an installer and now as a supplier, for more than 20 years.

www.londonstone.co.uk

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24/07/2019 14:09

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HIGGINS CLADDING LTD P R I VAT E G A R D E N A client contacted Higgins Cladding in May, seeking a lightweight alternative to natural stone to clad a raised Koi pond. The supplier suggested using its range of external precast: cement-based split face panels in Lakina Graphite.

After receiving a sample pack, the client opted to purchase the panels for the pond. Higgins Cladding product specialists provided expert guidance on how to install the panels, as well as the best sundry products to use, allowing the client to install the cladding with ease. The Lakina Graphite panels bring a contemporary feel, and provide a cost-effective solution to projects where heavy materials are not suitable. www.higginscladding.co.uk

ROUND WOOD OF MAYFIELD S H OW G A R D E N

CLADDING P R OJ EC TS

PRO LANDSCAPER SHARES S O M E N OTA B L E S U C C E S S STO R I E S F R O M I N D U ST RY- L E A D I N G C L A D D I N G C O M PA N I E S

Round Wood of Mayfield supported one of its regular customers to triumph in the People’s Choice Award at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2018. Visitors voted Conquest Creative Spaces’ APL Avenue ‘Across the Board’ garden as Most Popular in Show, for creativity whilst being “easy to maintain”.

The garden featured several striking elements supplied by Round Wood – the stand had a contemporary edge with eco-friendly thermotreated cladding, and they also supplied a striking oak pergola and children’s swing from their workshop. Commenting on Round Wood’s help in winning the People’s Choice award, Ross Conquest of Conquest Creative Spaces said: “Round Wood is a landscaper’s hidden gem for creating something a little special in the garden.” www.roundwood.com

LONDON STONE S H OW G A R D E N , R H S C H E L S E A F L OW E R S H OW

©McWilliam Studios Design

Designed by McWilliam Studio for the 2017 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, London Stone’s DesignClad Steel Dark was used on the Gold Medal-winning ‘Breaking Ground’ garden.

The specially ordered sheets were supplied in a 3000 x 1000mm dimension and are manufactured from porcelain, making them hard-wearing as well as stylish. Students from the UK and China were asked to handwrite their thoughts about the future, and these were engraved in-house by London Stone’s CNC machine onto the panels. The garden was a standout feature at the show and gained plaudits from across the industry.

London Stone offers DesignClad off-the-shelf in eight colours, in a 1500 x 1000 x 5mm dimension. www.londonstone.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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24/07/2019 16:47

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PEOPLE

OUT & ABOUT

RHS HAMPTON COURT PALACE GARDEN FESTIVAL 2019

ET ATTO T E RESISTANT GARDEN

©RHS/Joanna Kossak

©RHS/Joanna Kossak

T H E S U N WA S F I N A L LY S H I N I N G W H E N T H E R H S H A M P T O N C O U R T PA L AC E G A R D E N F E S T I VA L O P E N E D I TS D O O R S O N 2 J U LY. A M O N G ST I M P R E S S I V E S H O W G A R D E N S W E R E T H E U N J U D G E D F E AT U R E G A R D E N S , S U C H A S T H E R E LO C AT E D R H S B AC K TO N AT U R E G A R D E N A N D A G A R D E N D E D I C AT E D TO B E T H C H AT TO, W H O WA S N A M E D 2 0 1 9 ’ S I C O N I C H O R T I C U LT U R A L H E R O – R EC E I V I N G A N AWA R D F R O M R H S D I R E C TO R G E N E R A L S U E B I G G S . TA K E A LO O K AT T H E G O L D M E DA L G A R D E N S OV E R L E A F. . .

O G T

Designer David Ward Contractor David Ward and Beth Chatto Gardens staff

THE RHS BACK TO NATURE GARDEN Designer HRH The Duchess of Cambridge with Andrée Davies and Adam White Contractor The Landscaping Consultants

FEATURE GARDENS UNJUDGED

BBC SPRINGWATCH GARDEN

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Out and About Hampton Court KR.indd 109

RHS SANCTUARY GARDEN Designer Ula Maria Contractor Mark Whyman Landscapes

©RHS/Joanna Kossak

©RHS/Joanna Kossak

Designer Jo Thompson Contractor Bespoke Outdoor Spaces

Pro Landscaper / August 2019 109

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PEOPLE

SHOW GARDENS

©RHS/Neil Hepworth

Best Show Garden

SMART METER GARDEN Designer Matthew Childs Contractor Belderbos Landscapes

G O L D M E DA L WINNERS

Best Global Impact and Lifestyle Garden

Best Construction Award

©RHS/Tim Sandall

(Global Impact and Lifestyle Garden)

STOP AND PAUSE GARDEN

LIFESTYLE GARDENS 110 Pro Landscaper / August 2019

Out and About Hampton Court KR.indd 110

Designer Dave Green Contractor PC Landscapes

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25/07/2019 12:25

PEOPLE

ALL OTHER MEDAL WINNERS SILVER-GILT MEDALS

©RHS/Neil Hepworth

Show Gardens • Calm Amidst Chaos Designer Joe Francis Contractor Josh Jupp Landscapes

THE THAMES WATER FLOURISHING FUTURE GARDEN

Lifestyle Gardens • The Urban Pollinator Garden Designer Caitlin McLaughlin Contractor Conway Landscapes • The Lower Barn Farm Outdoor Living Garden Designer Robert Grimstead Contractor Lower Barn Farm Global Impact Gardens • Believe in Tomorrow Designer Seonaid Royall Contractor Highgrove Landscaping

Designer Tony Woods Contractor Garden Club London

SILVER MEDALS Show Gardens • Year of Green Action Designer Helen J Rosevear and Jane Stoneham Contractor Cotswold Estates and Gardens Ltd

©RHS/Neil Hepworth

• Through Your Eyes Designer Lawrence Roberts and William Roobrouck Contractor Elements Garden Design and Shrub and Stone

THE VIKING CRUISES LAGOM GARDEN Designer Will Williams Contractor Burnham Landscaping

Best Construction Award

• Crest Nicholson Livewell Garden Designer Aleksandra Bartczak Contractor Bespoke Outdoor Spaces and Writtle University College • The Dream of the Indianos Designer Rose McMonigall Contractor Laurence Ward • APL: A Place to Meet Designer Cherry Carmen Contractor Kebur Landscape Division

(Show Garden)

©RHS/Neil Hepworth

Lifestyle Gardens • The Naturecraft Garden Designer Pollyanna Wilkinson Contractor Burnham Landscaping

THE CANCER RESEARCH UK PLEDGE PATHWAY TO PROGRESS Designer Tom Simpson Contractor Rosebank Landscaping

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Out and About Hampton Court KR.indd 111

BRONZE MEDALS Global Impact Gardens • The Forest Will See You Now Designer Michelle Brandon Contractor Landscaping Solutions Ltd • On the Brink Designer Julian Carter and Lucy Vail Contractor Plastic Oceans

Pro Landscaper / August 2019 111

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PEOPLE

INTERVIEW DAVE GREEN THIS YE AR'S RHS HAMPTON COURT GARDEN FESTIVAL SAW GARDEN DESIGNER DAVE GREEN RECEIVE THREE AWARDS FOR HIS ‘STOP AND PAUSE’ GARDEN. PRO L ANDSCAPER CAUGHT UP WITH HIM TO DISCUSS HIS RECENT WINS, FUTURE PL ANS AND HIS ROUTE INTO GARDEN DESIGN How did it feel to win a Gold Medal, Best in Category and Best Construction?

It's sort of unbelievable – you never really expect it. It's amazing to win and it really means a lot to be recognised at the end of all those hours, days, weeks and months of hard work.

I’m really thrilled to have received so many different awards! I think you always try to do your best, so it’s nice when other people assess it to be good as well. It means a lot.

How was the overall Hampton Court experience this year?

No matter how you do, I think the accomplishment of getting to the show and being able to stage the garden is an achievement on its own.

I was in the Lifestyle category which was full of new designers, people who are just getting going – it was a nice opportunity. It was a great experience and something that people often don’t get a chance to do, so I feel very lucky.

Did you encounter any challenges?

I worked with PC Landscapes, and managing director, Paul Cowell, recommended that we started the build a couple of months before we got to the show. It was a challenge with the archway because I had two pieces of steel

112 Pro Landscaper / August 2019

Dave Green interview KRss.indd 112

rolled. The rolling process for steel isn’t very precise, so the steel we were working with wasn’t completely square. We had to re-clad it

DURING THE BUILD

a couple of times just to make sure everything lined up. I also decided to increase the size of the trees and order larger ones just around one week before they were coming.

I spoke to Majestic Trees and they were brilliant, they helped me to find some slightly bigger trees that would have the impact I was hoping for.

How did you get into the garden design route?

I worked in gardening and horticulture for quite a long time. I trained at RHS Garden Wisley and was also in the RHS Shows team, but always felt like I wanted to be more involved with the gardens. I finished my MA in Landscape Architecture last year, and this gave me the confidence to design landscape and garden spaces.

Is the garden being relocated?

It’s being donated to Solihull Hospital, something I’ve been working on with Jason Grubb Landscaping. The trees went in at the end of last week and we just finished the plants today. It’s nice for everything to be kept together, for it to be kept as a whole. We’ve done two archways for the hospital, and it’s also all on one level at the hospital for wheelchair access.

Are there any plans for future show gardens?

I'd like to do some more show gardens. It's hard, but really enjoyable. I think the main thing for me is the fact that it's a chance to show the industry that you can produce work to a very high level. That was the main reason I wanted to do it. It would be nice in the future to continue to show that I can produce high-level work and that it wasn’t just a one-off.

THE RELOCATED GARDEN AT SOLIHULL HOSPITAL

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24/07/2019 16:26

PEOPLE

OUT & ABOUT

RHS FLOWER SHOW TATTON PARK 2019 ©RHS/Tim Sandall

THE ART AND NATURE OF A PORT SUNLIGHT GARDEN Designer Liam English

Best Back to Back Garden

Silver-gilt Medal

View the full list of winners on our website

T

he highlight of RHS Flower Show Tatton Park is its showcase of up-and-coming talent within the industry. At this year’s show, held between 17-21 July at Tatton Park in Cheshire, the prestigious RHS Young Designer of the Year competition was won by Kristian Reay, a 27-year-old landscape architect who debuted in the Long Border competition at RHS Chatsworth last year. His work: The Phytosanctuary Garden at Tatton Park, emphasises the growing threat of Xylella fastidiosa.

©RHS/Neil Hepworth

©RHS/Neil Hepworth

LETʼS GO FLY A KITE! Designer Jane Bingham and Penny Hearn Contractor Base Squared Ltd

Gold Medal

Best Construction RHS Young Designer of the Year

Silver Medal

THE PHYTOSANCTUARY GARDEN Designer Kristian Reay Contractor Steven Foxcroft Landscapes

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Out and About tatton park KR.indd 113

©RHS/Tim Sandall

Pro Landscaper / August 2019 113

25/07/2019 11:56

ROOTS OF FINLAND KYRÖ GARDEN

PEOPLE

RIDINGS GARDEN

PERENNIAL APL APPRENTICE DAY: CHELSEA TRAINING

DECKING AND LIGHTING

TRADITIONAL GARDEN

BBC GARDENER'S WORLD LIVE Photographs ©Ginger Horticulture

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

ROSS CONQUEST WE SPE AKS TO ROSS CONQUEST ABOUT HIS COMPANY’S RECENT SUCCESS AT THIS YE AR'S CHELSE A FLOWER SHOW, BBC GARDENER’S WORLD LIVE AND HIS UPCOMING JUDGING ROLE AT PRO L ANDSCAPER'S SMALL PROJECT BIG IMPACT AWARDS

S

etting up his own business back when he was only eighteen, 30 Under 30 winner Ross Conquest has gone from strength-to-strength, with this year seeing him and his company constructing not one, but two Chelsea gardens.

This year marked a special occasion at Chelsea, with the first ever Finnish garden being included, designed by a Finnish designer.

The Roots in Finland Kyrö Garden received a Silver-Gilt medal, which Ross and his team were very proud of.

“First Finnish designer, first Finnish garden, it was great to be a part of the history. The sponsors were happy, and want to do it again.

The designer is over the moon – she wants to come back and do another one. It received phenomenal exposure, so really pleased about that outcome.”

Ross is already planning ahead for more show gardens in the future. Talks with garden designers are already underway: “We have already got talks with a couple of garden designers, so it's looking pretty good. It is all

114 Pro Landscaper / August 2019

30 Under 30 Ross Conquest KR.indd 114

about the journey, the experience and also the message that you are trying to achieve.”

Following Chelsea, Ross and his team were also successful at last year's BBC Gardener’s World Live show, with their garden winning the

FIRST FINNISH DESIGNER, FIRST FINNISH GARDEN – IT WAS GREAT TO BE A PART OF THE HISTORY People's Choice award. Ross said: “It was epic – we really enjoyed it. This was the first time I've ever designed at a show, so it felt like quite a big hurdle.” Designing on RHS gardens will be a gradual build up. If the sponsor is there, we're ready to go.

Ross has also been selected to be one of the judges at this year's small project BIG IMPACT

Awards. These awards recognise the hard work individuals within the industry achieve, which often goes unnoticed. When asked about his upcoming role regarding the event, Ross said he was looking forward to judging the projects.

“It's going to be fun. The awards inspired a lot of small businesses and people who are stepping in to showcase some of their proudest work, with often challenging budgets. I think it's a good thing, a real test of landscaping.”

Reflecting on his 30 Under 30 win back in 2016, Ross said he felt humbled to be recognised for the work he had achieved in his career.

“I think it was fantastic to be recognised, and I think I am pretty lucky, really. Pro Landscaper has always been really well respected in my mind, so for me to be accepted into the Pro Landscaper family was really humbling. It certainly has helped me to receive great exposure in the industry over the years."

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

24/07/2019 09:55

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25/07/2019 14:59

PEOPLE

WHY I...

# LOV E H O RT I C U LT U R E JILAYNE RICKARDS OW N E R O F J I L AY N E R I C K A R DS C O N T E M P O R A RY G A R D E N D ES I G N

O

ne of the things I really enjoy about being a garden designer is the ability to effect change without anyone knowing much about it, although that does sound quite sneaky. We have the power to advise clients on what to include in their garden.

We can specify stone that is ethically sourced and avoids the environmental issue of importing. We can recommend accessories that support the smaller, independent business.

Planting schemes can benefit wildlife and the environment, which many may find beautiful without awareness of its positive impact.

We have the power to influence on a larger scale too. By creating a show garden at Chelsea we can reach millions with a strong message, and by engaging with media we can highlight the topics we feel should be thought about and discussed.

All of these messages are generally well received because we are using plants as a backdrop for our dialogue – people love plants. Let’s not forget the benefit to human health that being involved with plants bring. Increasingly in an urban environment, we are losing touch with nature. By creating a naturalistic garden for a client, it allows for a reconnection, bringing joy and calmness to an often hectic lifestyle.

To be within a growing amount of successful female garden designers who are inspiring the next generation of young women into garden design and demonstrating that this can be a completely brilliant career, is hugely satisfying.

So, to be able to make a positive environmental difference, effect change by supporting ethical companies and reach thousands about a topic I feel passionate about is really important to me. To also inspire others into the profession whilst simply enjoying the medium I work with is pure enjoyment. Who wouldn’t want to be a garden designer?

BY CREATING A SHOW GARDEN AT CHELSEA WE CAN REACH MILLIONS WITH A STRONG MESSAGE

T W E E T U S @ P R O L A N D S C A P E R U K A N D T E L L U S W H Y Y O U L O V E H O R T I C U LT U R E U S I N G T H E H A S H TA G # L O V E H O R T I C U LT U R E

116 Pro Landscaper / August 2019

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www.prolandscapermagazine.com

24/07/2019 10:40

THE R

OUTE

PEOPLE

2019 STA RT

G E T R E A DY TO R I D E A N D G O AT T H I S Y E A R ’S 6 0 0 K M G O L A N D S CA P E C H A L L E N G E , F R O M 1 5 - 2 0 S E PT E M B E R

DAy one MYERSCOUGH COLLEGE TO BINGLEY

DAy two BINGLEY TO SHEFFIELD

DAy three SHEFFIELD TO CANNOCK

DAy Four

Myerscough College The riders’ route starts at Myerscough College’s main campus in Preston, Lancashire.

The college, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, is where the APL runs its apprenticeship programme.

From here, the team will head to Garstang and onwards to Hawthornthwaite Fell and Blaze Moss.

MYERSCOUGH COLLEGE, S T M I C H A E L’ S R O A D, B I S B O R R O W, P R E S T O N , PR3 0RY

CANNOCK TO CHAPEL BRAMPTON

DAy five CHAPEL BRAMPTON TO ENFIELD

FINISH

Capel Manor College London-based Capel Manor College is one of the leading training providers in the UK for horticultural courses. It recently worked with BALI’s GoLandscape initiative to develop a new course – a Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Landscape Construction – to address the skills shortage in the industry. The Ride GoLandscape team will be finishing its 600km-journey at the college’s campus in Enfield.

CAPEL MANOR COLLEGE, BULLSMOOR LANE, ENFIELD, MIDDLESEX, EN1 4RQ

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The Ride GoLandscape team will be raising money for the BALI Chalk Fund and raising awareness of BALI’s GoLandscape initiative, which the fund supports. In between Myerscough and Capel Manor, the riders will be visiting other land-based colleges, too. If you are interested in taking part, there are still places available on the ride. For more information and to register, visit https://www.pieevents.co.uk/ events/ride-go-landscape-15th-to-20th-september-2019 or email ridegolandscape@gmail.com

Pro Landscaper / August 2019 117

25/07/2019 14:07

PEOPLE

LOOK OUT FOR ...

RICHARD MOORE

R I C H A R D M O O R E , B OTA N I C A L H O R T I C U LT U R A L I ST AT K E W GARDENS, SPEAKS ABOUT HIS R EC E N T AWA R D FO R YO U N G H O R T I C U LT U R I ST O F T H E Y E A R , F U T U R E P L A N S A N D H O W H E STA R T E D H I S J O U R N E Y I N TO T H E I N D U ST RY

How did you get into the industry?

It was sort of by accident. Originally, I went to a music college as I’m a drummer. I still enjoy drumming, but by the time I’d finished music college I felt like I didn’t want to be in the music industry. I always knew that I enjoyed being outside – I used to do gardening with my mum, and I was always out in the garden. I completed a horticulture degree at Pershore College.

I really dove in at the deep end and did the degree, which was pretty frightening at first.

How did you get involved with Kew? After graduating from university, I moved down to London and started working for a small landscaping company, working for private clients. I then went on to do a course to get my certificate to use CAD, because I thought it would help me get a job in an industry role.

I had always wanted to come to Kew, but I headed towards design initially because I didn’t think I’d have a chance to work there.

So, when I was offered the job, I couldn't say no!

How did it feel to win Young Horticulturist of the Year?

It still feels strange. I still can’t really believe that I won. I absolutely didn't think I would win on the first try, if ever at all. I just thought I’ll go for it this year and see how it is. When I entered the competition, I wasn't really focused on winning, but just focused on getting the most out of the experience and challenging myself.

I’m incredibly proud to have won it.

What is your favourite thing about your role?

Being in such a rich environment, surrounded by so many incredibly knowledgeable people, and being able to work with one of the largest plant collections in the world.

One of my favourite parts of my job is being able to work with students and volunteers as well. They’re all so eager and passionate about what they do. I feel very humbled to be able to pass on what I’ve learnt so far.

118 Pro Landscaper / August 2019

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I FEEL VERY HUMBLED TO BE ABLE TO PASS ON WHAT I’VE LEARNT SO FAR What are you currently working on?

The area I look after at Kew Gardens is the medicinal herb garden and the area surrounding Kew Palace. I also look after the director’s garden at Kew. My main interest, in terms of gardening, is in Japanese gardens. My wife is Japanese, so I am heavily influenced by that. I am currently trying to set up a community gardening event in a park near my home to try and get people involved in horticulture.

What are your future plans?

Short term, I’m always trying to take advantage of every opportunity that comes by in terms of what will be good for my career. Kew is fantastic in that sense because they provide so many training opportunities for us; I am focused on progression of my horticultural knowledge really.

In the long term, the thing I’m most passionate about is trying to encourage young people to get into horticulture. I feel so lucky to be here and to have been shown that horticulture was a career choice.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

24/07/2019 10:48

PEOPLE

H AV E YO U R S AY Melissa Jolly LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN DESIGN

I

was so disheartened to read the article

by Nick Temple-Heald in July’s edition of Pro Landscaper. There is a current shift in the way people are thinking about landscapes and the environment with a huge amount of concern, not only for the climate crisis but also the mass decline of our insect species across Europe.

The issues surrounding glyphosate and the commercial products that contain it are central to many ongoing debates. There is much concern over their long-lasting effects to water and soil health and the neurological impact to insects and fish – an area of research that is often overlooked when testing chemicals for commercial use.

WE NEED TO LET GO OF THE MANICURED AND OVERMAINTAINED LOOK OF OUR URBAN LANDSCAPES AND LEARN TO LIVE SIDE BY SIDE WITH NATURE, NOT IN A CONSTANT BATTLE WITH IT The use of glyphosate and glyphosateresistant crops has led to a decline in the understanding of the caretakers of our landscapes. Now, you can just follow the instructions on bottles and seed packets without a deeper understanding of the way the complex cycle of nature works. There is a huge body of evidence to suggest that a more ecological approach to maintaining landscapes gives you a healthier soil, increases biodiversity and yield.

Also, it is cheaper to maintain in terms of

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another probable carcinogen, is missing the point. Each individual can choose whether they eat known carcinogens, but the use of chemicals in the industry is a choice made by those in

reduced or zero pesticide, herbicide and fertiliser use, as well as reduced labour costs.

Someone like Nick who works for the largest landscaping business in Europe is in a perfect position to drive forward the education in our industry and change the way people perceive good landscape management. He talks of seeing a landscape “festooned with weeds”, but from a different perspective you can see these plants not as weeds but as native plants. They are perfectly placed to provide habitats and food for wildlife, requiring no chemicals, little labour and restoring the earth by improving soil structure and reducing soil erosion. With this in mind, they become beautiful – not messy.

We need to let go of the manicured and over-maintained look of our urban landscapes and learn to live side by side with nature, not in a constant battle with it. Recently I have read the book The Soil Will Save Us by Kristin Ohlson, and I think it should be a must read for anyone in the landscaping industry. It provides such a clear and measured approach to how we should be looking after our landscapes, with scientific and economic research backing up a more restorative and ecological approach.

This doesn’t even touch on the suspected fact of glyphosate being carcinogenic – and to liken this to Nick’s approach to eating bacon,

OUR INDUSTRY IS SO WELL PLACED TO LEAD THE WAY WITH RESPONSIBLE CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT, AND WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO USE THIS INFLUENCE WISELY control of that landscape, not us and the living organisms it will effect. Our industry is so well placed to lead the way with responsible care of the environment, and we have a responsibility to use this influence wisely.

Are you interested in having your say?

Get in touch via content@eljays44.com.

We’d love to hear from you.

A B O U T M E L I S S A J O L LY Melissa is an award-winning designer who set up her own practice in 2010. Garden design combined her lifelong love of nature and the outdoors with a passion for creativity and property development. After training at the Oxford College of Garden Design, she went on to design three RHS show gardens which culminated in winning a Gold medal for her conceptual garden, Picturesque, at Hampton Court in 2011. www.melissajolly.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / August 2019 119

24/07/2019 15:06

JOBS

For full details on all jobs, please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk Call 01903 446 076 or email liam.colclough@eljays44.com with your vacancy

HARD LANDSCAPER

LANDSCAPING TEAM LEADER

WILLARDS LANDSCAPES Location: Cambridgeshire

COLE & YATES RECRUITMENT Location: Wiltshire

Willards Landscapes is an established company operating from South Cambridgeshire, with most of its work in Cambridge. It specialises in the design and construction of bespoke residential gardens. A lot of its work includes unique designs which often incorporate specialist materials and features. The person appointed will be responsible for a variety of hard landscaping tasks where a high standard is essential. Candidates must have excellent practical skills and five years’ experience in all areas of hard and soft landscaping – with a good eye for detail and strong work ethic.

Experienced landscaping team leaders are required in the Wiltshire area, to work alongside a team of landscapers installing the soft landscaping on new house build sites. Daily tasks will include: ground preparation, turfing, planting, some hard landscaping and ensuring the quality of both your and your team’s work.

This is a full-time, permanent position, with a basic wage of up to £27,000 per year and plenty of overtime. You will also receive four weeks holiday, all public holidays and a pension scheme. You will need soft landscaping experience, a full UK driving licence and experience leading a landscaping team.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

SALES CONSULTANT

OPERATIONS MANAGER

RUSSELL PLAY Location: London

PB FORESTRY & LANDSCAPING Location: Warwickshire

Russell Play are looking for a new core member of it’s client team. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in winning and delivering work in this sector, taking responsibility for identifying and delivering project opportunities.

Liaising with key decision makers within local authorities, architect practices, the construction industry and private sector organisations will be a crucial role.

It is looking for someone with an established network, understanding of the market and presence in the industry to proactively develop business within Greater London.

PB Forestry & Landscaping offer an array of large-scale commercial services. It is an innovative and expanding firm with a strong team culture. It actively invests in its people and is committed to providing training and support to enable its staff to achieve their full potential. It is currently seeking to appoint an operations manager to strengthen the team. A valid driving licence is essential for this role.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for planning, personnel development, quality control, customer relations and business development. They must have also have knowledge of arboriculture, landscaping and horticultural practices.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

GARDENER/LANDSCAPER (PART TIME)

Horticulture CAREERS

IAN EADIE GARDEN SOLUTIONS LTD Location: Surrey

Ian Eadie Garden Solutions Ltd is seeking a gardener/landscaper to work initially on a zero-hour contract within the Croydon area. The successful candidate will work alongside the company owner on a mixture of private client and block garden maintenance jobs. The successful candidate will need to be self-motivated, reliable and punctual, with good interpersonal skills. A formal qualification in horticulture is not essential. The candidate should be physically fit and have some experience working in a similar role in a professional environment.

STREET TREE CARE Location: North West London

Street Tree Care are arboriculture and landscape contractors. It predominantly plants and cares for trees in the public highway, however, as an approved arboriculture association contractor, it also requires a person with arboriculture knowledge to provide tree pruning works for domestic clients. Duties include: supervising ground operatives, ensuring work is completed to required standards, assisting the operations manager in planning and organizing work, ensuring that sufficient resources and materials are available, and carrying out large scale tree planting schemes, including excavating in the highway.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

SKILLED GARDENER – PART TIME (FOUR-DAY WEEK)

TEAM LEADER (ARBORIST)

Horticulture CAREERS

HORTICULTURE CAREERS Location: Kent

There is an opportunity for a skilled gardener to join a small team, assisting with the maintenance of a large commercial business site. The site is an 80,000ft2 office environment set within 50 acres of landscaped gardens, woodland, agricultural land, meadow fields, roof gardens and greenhouse. The role covers three residential properties and a smaller office. Key responsibilities include assisting the senior horticulturalist, nurturing the gardens and ensuring they’re in keeping with the original concept.

ARBORIST/TREE SURGEON GREENFIELDS GARDENING SERVICES LTD Location: Greenfields Gardening Services Ltd

Greenfields Gardening Services Ltd are looking for an arborist/tree surgeon to join their team. The successful candidate will need to be a lead climber/foreman with a minimum of five years’ experience, and must have experience in all aspects of tree surgery and organising a team/work load. This role offers a competitive salary, plus bonus and vehicle for the right candidate. For this role a driving licence is essential.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

120 Pro Landscaper / August 2019

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25/07/2019 10:43

PEOPLE

T H E L I T T L E I N T E RV I E W

PRO LANDSCAPER ASKS QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS TO GAIN A SMALL INSIGHT INTO THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE UP OUR INDUSTRY. TO TAKE PART, EMAIL CONTENT@ EL JAYS44.COM

122 Pro Landscaper / August 2019

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ADAM RICHARDS

JA N E F I N L AY

Head of project, Camden Highline

Garden and landscape designer, Jane Finlay Design

www.camdenhighline.com

www.janefinlay.london

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

I almost ended up being an architect.

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

I’d still be managing a stable of 8 food photographers.

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

The U.S, because of the scale and variety.

What would you blow your budget on?

Personally, Arsenal F.C. Professionally, the Camden Highline, of course! We are transforming a disused railway to create a sustainable green space.

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

Not the same industry, but I would have loved to have met Robert Venturi.

One thing that you think would make the industry better?

The weather.

Best piece of trivia you know?

For each £1 spent by local authorities and their partners on public green space, Londoners enjoy at least £27 in value.

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

Robert Redford!

What three things would you take to a desert island?

Good health, sun cream and lots of fizzy water.

Your favourite joke?

Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Karaoke song of choice?

Wonderwall by Oasis.

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

My childhood roots; Zimbabwe, South Africa and Ireland. Polar opposites with a commonality.

What would you blow your budget on?

Detailed finishes and bespoke materials along with quality trees and plants.

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

James van Sweden of OvS. One thing that you think would make the industry better?

More trained professional gardeners and collaborative relationships with them.

Best piece of trivia you know?

In 1915, Babe Ruth hit his first career home run against the New York Yankees.

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

The biography is yet to be written, but I think Meryl Streep.

What three things would you take to a desert island?

My Welsh Terrier, Bebe, and a fresh water supply for her, a camera (all those plants to ID after rescue!) and a fishing rod.

Karaoke song of choice?

If you really twisted my arm, it would probably be something by Tina Turner.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/07/2019 12:29

PEOPLE

D R M A R C U S WATS O N

A N G E L A PA L M E RTO N

Managing director, Ground Control

CEO and founder, Lady Penelope Gardens

www.ground-control.co.uk

www.ladypenelopegardens.com

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

Love people. Love service businesses.

So, I’d be working in a people-centred service business.

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

Ecologist or paramedic.

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

France, especially its vineyards and lavender fields.

What would you blow your budget on?

A natural swimming pool. Eco-friendly, human friendly, pure luxury.

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

Lancelot Brown.

One thing that you think would make the industry better?

A cultural shift where green spaces in all developments are seen as an essential part of wellbeing.

Best piece of trivia you know?

Adolphe Sax was the inventor of the Saxophone.

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

Simon Pegg.

What three things would you take to a desert island?

Water purification tablets, matches and either Swiss army knife or a Leatherman multi-tool.

Karaoke song of choice?

Don’t You (Forget About Me)

by Simple Minds.

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J O N AT H A N W H I T T E M O R E Head of production and procurement, Johnsons of Whixley Ltd. www.nurserymen.co.uk If you weren’t in the horticulture industry, what would you be doing?

Architecture.

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

Antarctica, but there’s not many plants there!

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

The French Alps.

What would you blow your budget on?

A trip to Antarctica and Switzerland!

What would you blow your budget on?

A bike.

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

Piet Oudolf.

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

There is no one person; I continue to be surprised and inspired by the people in the industry that I meet every day.

One thing that you think would make the industry better?

Collaboration.

Best piece of trivia you know?

Pigeons are slow to move in the road because they see at hundreds of frames per second, whereas we see at most 150 frames per second. The way we perceive things, like a TV set playing at 30 FPS, would be like a slideshow to them!

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe from Friends).

What three things would you take to a desert island?

Boat, professional guide and chocolate.

One thing that you think would make the industry better?

More entrepreneurial spirit.

Best piece of trivia you know?

If you are drinking beer and whisky, always drink the whisky first. You are less likely to be ill, this is down to the way the lining of the stomach is affected by each drink.

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

Ewan McGregor.

What three things would you take to a desert island?

My wife and our two kids.

Your favourite joke?

Waiter, my dessert looks like a monkey!

“It’s a merangue-utan”.

Your favourite joke?

What’s brown and sticky? … A stick.

Karaoke song of choice?

Summer Of ’69 by Bryan Adams.

Karaoke song of choice?

Karaoke? Never!

Pro Landscaper / August 2019 123

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