Issuu

DECEMBER 2025

EDEN A Vibrant

STUART CHARLES TOWNER

SPECTRE

LET’S HEAR IT FROM Joe Perkins, Joe Perkins Design

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Who has left their mark on 2025?

YOUNG VOICES, BIG VISIONS

How the industry continues to evolve

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Welcome

December is without a doubt my favourite month – not just because it’s my birthday month, or because it’s Christmas, though both make it a top contender. It’s the approaching turn of the year that puts December top of the list.

Whilst we can all make changes at any point in the year, there is something definite about an end-of-year refresh

– whether it’s starting a new chapter better than the last, or it’s closing the door on a challenging 12 months.

This year has been a busy one for us at Pro Landscaper, but all those efforts have been wholly worthwhile for the results (p.8).

I’m excited for what 2026 will bring us, both as a brand and as a team – we're all looking forward to the months ahead.

2026 is shaping up to be a good one – filled with change and opportunity. In the first few months alone, we’ll be holding our prestigious Pro Landscaper Business Awards in London; entries for which are now open.

Then looking ahead to FutureScape in October, we'll be heading to a new location – Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, where we’ll continue to bring you the best and latest the industry has to offer.

But as we celebrate in the successes of this year (p.16) and look ahead to the next, it’s worth remembering that the festive season can be a difficult time for many – it’s arguably more important in December to check in with loved ones, and to utilise your local support networks where you can.

From everyone here at Pro Landscaper, we wish you all the best for this festive season, and we look forward to seeing you all again in the new year!

Bethany

BUSINESS

Blooming Success

From growing their teams to winning major projects, companies across the industry reflect on their successes of year

Let’s Hear It From...Joe Perkins

Blending construction know-how with ecological insight – Joe Perkins shares his approach to purpose-driven landscape design

In Conversation with Ben Hennessy Först’s head of brand shares the vision behind the company’s move into the landscaping industry with its latest product launch

33 A Vibrant Eden

Traverse the rolling fields of Winchester in this triple APL Awardwinning garden by Stuart Charles Towner

Timeless Elegance

See how Chiltern Garden Design transformed this former stable block into a family space infused with timeless elegance

47 A Tea Party’s Tribute

Jump down the rabbit hole and immerse yourself in Wonderland with this sensory playground by DK Garden Design

2025 News Roundup

Look back on some of the biggest news stories of the year – from anniversaries and launches to major investments

Looking Drought-full

As rainfall quantity drops and temperatures rise, England faces another year in fear of drought – are we prepared?

55 Keeping It Reel

In a digital world where things are constantly evolving and content is a revolving door; how do you stand out?

Movers and Shakers of the Year

From winning awards to climbing the career ladder – see who’s leaving their mark on 2025

Pursuit of Excellence

Hear from the team that brought the APL's The Pursuit of Excellence Garden to life at this year’s BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair

Ten Minutes with Becky Pullinger

The head of land use planning at the Wildlife Trusts explores how the Planning and Infrastructure Bill can benefit both nature and developers

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Race to the Bottom Part 2

A fence around standards would stop the cowboys from roaming free across the market, says Gareth Wilson

Digital Drawing Board

John Wood returns this month with his advice on using Morpholio Board – the ideal moodboard and presentation creator

Race to Replant

As the climate continues to shift and we find new ways to tackle our evolving ecosystems, Lewis Normand considers what we should be planting in preparation

RHS CROWNS DUMFRIES HOUSE ESTATE PARTNER GARDEN OF THE YEAR 2025

ROUNDUP Industry Updates

CAMDEN CELEBRATES NEW CREATIVE

STREETSCAPE

Camden High Street has opened a new civic square hosting new planting, inclusive seating, artwork and sustainable materials.

The installation of SubSTRATUM won the Square Camden High Street Design Competition, a partnership between the London Festival of Architecture (LFA) and the London Borough of Camden.

Entered as a collaboration between public realm improvers Edgy Collective

and planting design specialist LINDA, the streetscape will be open to the public until autumn 2026. Featuring biodiverse planting, illuminated buoy sculptures and recycled materials, the design will contribute to the trial pedestrianisation of the area as a temporary public realm improvement, with the potential to contribute towards a future permanent scheme. londonfestivalofarchitecture.org

In a nationwide vote organised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), Dumfries House Estate in Ayrshire, Scotland, has been crowned RHS Partner Garden of the Year 2025.

Both RHS members and the public were asked to vote for the garden that brought them the most joy during the visit within this annual competition.

Praised for its beauty, tranquillity and inclusive spirit, Dumfries House Estate also reveals that this is its first award for the garden. rhs.org.uk

FORM PLANTS TAKES OVER JACKSONS NURSERY

Surrey-based nursery Form Plants has announced it has taken over wholesale plant nursery Jacksons of Chobham.

Form Plants has retained existing Jackson staff since taking over all operations on 1 November 2025.

Jamie Butterworth, Form Plants managing director says, “we are incredibly excited to be doubling Form’s footprint, and to be able to supply our customers with homegrown perennials as part of our offering”.

With two sites now six miles apart, Form Plats’ Row Town showroom and specimen nursery will continue showcasing trees and topiary, whilst the Chobham site will specialise in perennials grown sustainability and peat-free. formplants.com

©Nathan

Piccio

NATION IN FAVOUR OF NATURE-INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENTS, FINDS REPORT

New data released this week shows that a majority of Britons support politicians who advocate for nature-integrated developments.

The All Under One Roof report carried out by More in Common for the RSPB reveals that two-thirds (67%) of

SUSTAINABILITY DEMAND WEAKENS, FINDS RICS REPORT

Anew report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) reveals a slowdown in the global demand for sustainable buildings due to a lack of strong policy interventions and skills development. The report is based on input from more than 3,500 real estate and construction professionals across 36 countries. The RICS 2025 Sustainability Report also finds that despite the continued need for green and resilient real estate, demand growth has notably weakened, particularly across the Americas, but also across Europe and Asia-Pacific. Initial high costs and uncertainty about returns remain the biggest deterrents to investment, finds the research, even while investors continue to value green certifications and climate-resilient assets. rics.org

Keep up to date with the @ProLandscaper team over on Instagram!

British people think politicians are ‘out of touch’ with their nature values.

While 43% say they are more likely to vote for a party that prioritises nature conservation, compared to the 10% who say they’re likely to vote for one prioritising housebuilding.

Results also showed that over 70% of the public think more positively of politicians who advocate for natureintegrated developments. rspb.org.uk

SALFORD £1.3BN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PLAN RECEIVES GREEN LIGHT

Salford City Council has approved plans for the £1.3bn Regent Park development in Salford set to deliver a new green and sustainable neighbourhood. Consisting of 10 buildings, the mixed-use masterplan by Matt Brook Architects will deliver the new urban quarter in two phases. Permission has been secured by Henley Investment Management.

The approved plans will retain retail space and transform 130,000ft2 at Regent Retail Park, into a new retail, residential and community neighbourhood. salford.gov.uk

During a trip to Barcelona, the team joined Husqvarna for its 11th Living City Event studying sustainability and biodiversity.

Online exclusives

Head to prolandscapermagazine.com

WHERE IS THE OUTDOOR LIVING MARKET HEADED?

As the world of outdoor living continues to grow, Pro Landscaper asks five market leaders where they see it going in the next five years.

RUNNING SHORT: HOW TO CLOSE THE SKILLS GAP

Brian Hawtin and Marcellus Baz discuss the importance of an inclusive and accessible industry to attract and maintain young people from all backgrounds.

Q&A WITH SAM GRAYSON AND JAKE CATLING FROM HYPHAE LEARNING

The pair behind Hyphae Learning talk about their relationship, the nuts and bolts of Hyphae and why landscapers need to be using it.

DEEP LUNCH

Perennial’s Dig Deep Fundraising Lunch will be at The Cumberland in London, celebrating those who help in horticulture by raising money for the charity.

Cardinal Place in Victoria, London.

PERENNIAL DIG

A TOUR OF CARDINAL PLACE

During BD landscape architects' autumn social, the team were taken on a tour of the firm’s recent completed public realm project;

HUSQVARNA LIVING CITY EVENT IN BARCELONA

©Henley Investment Management

COMMUNITY Highlights

FIRST ISSUE OF PRO LANDSCAPER INTERNATIONAL LAUNCHES

The debut issue of Pro Landscaper International was published in April 2025, taking the brand to a global audience. Projects from across five continents are featured throughout the publication, all of which were nominated for the FutureScape Global Awards which took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 28-29 April. Since, Pro Landscaper International has seen two more issues for autumn and winter.

2025

SWINGING VICTORY AT THE PRO LANDSCAPER AND FUTURESCAPE GOLF CHALLENGE

Pro Landscaper and FutureScape hosted its Golf Challenge 2025 at Goodwood Estate on Thursday 12 June with Wildflower Turf driving it home and picking up first place. The day was a great opportunity for industry professionals to network over a shared love for golf and a healthy dose of friendly competition.

It’s been a busy year for the Pro Landscaper team, from international trips to award launches, take a look at our highlights of the year

PRO LANDSCAPER HOSTS AN EDITORIAL WORKSHOPPING DAY

Full of big ideas and exciting plans, Pro Landscaper’s editorial day consisted of workshops, reflections and predictions. From the website to the magazine, the team discussed how Pro Landscaper can continue to grow in line with the industry.

PRO LANDSCAPER ON TOUR HITS THE ROAD AGAIN WITH BOOM AND BONHEUR

In September, Pro Landscaper hosted its second trip on tour, this time with Boom & Bonheur for a behind the scenes journey across its tree nurseries in Germany and The Netherlands. A cohort of select landscapes and garden designers accompanied the team to learn about the nursery’s 1,500 varieties of trees, its machinery and its background.

INSIDE THE GREEN ROOM GOES LIVE WITH PRO LANDSCAPER’S CONTENT DIRECTOR

Content director Nina Mason joined Marc Lane and Justin Himpson on Inside The Green Room’s Instagram live in September. Discussing all things landscaping awards, Mason explained how entering your company into landscaping awards is more than just a trophy – it can be pivotal for your brand and team.

THE TEAM VISITS RHS SHOWS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

As another year of Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) shows passes, the Pro Landscaper team joined hundreds of keen garden lovers across the country on some of the biggest horticultural stages. From RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May, to RHS Malvern Spring Festival earlier the same month, to RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival in June and RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse later in July, 2025 we saw a wide range of original designs. From feature gardens to borders, each show celebrated its designers and landscapers after months of hard work.

THE TEAM JOINS INDUSTRY MEMBERS FOR HUSQVARNA’S 11TH LIVING CITY EVENT

On 16-17 October, Husqvarna hosted its 11th Living City Event, this year inviting clients and collaborators from across Europe to the green Spanish city of Barcelona. From sangrias to tapas, Husqvarna had more than just Spanish cuisine to keep the guests happy. Under the autumn sun, 120 guests from 23 countries gathered at La Lltja de Mar, a 14th century building fit with a courtyard readying to hear from inspirational voices across the industry. Highlights included speeches from Liverpool Football Club on its sustainability achievements, a dive into Barcelona’s nature plan and Husqvarna’s new product launches.

PRO LANDSCAPER CELEBRATES ONE ANOTHER AT BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH

On a sunny Friday afternoon in August, the Pro Landscaper team swapped meetings for mimosas alongside a delicious brunch in Arundel. From editorial and sales, to design and marketing, the team gathered for some time off in celebration of the year’s achievements.

USE OF EMERGENCY PESTICIDE DENIED FOR FIRST TIME IN FIVE YEARS

The government denied an emergency application for the use of a pesticide known to be toxic to bees. A ban on the use of neonicotinoid pesticide for sugar beet in England has been in place since 2018, but for the last five years the government has approved its emergency usage.

JANUARY

News roundup

NEW DIRECTOR OF HORTICULTURE JOINS EDEN PROJECT FROM RHS

The Eden Project has appointed Peter Jones as the new director of horticulture to lead its 50-strong team. He joins from the Royal Horticultural Society, where he worked for the last 19 years.

MARSHALLS ANNOUNCES NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR LANDSCAPING DIVISION

Nick Platt has been announced as the new managing director for landscaping at Marshalls in a series of senior leadership appointments for the division and at group level. Platt was previously sales and marketing director at Baxi, and before that he held roles at Haier Europe and Buy It Direct.

FEBRUARY

UK LAUNCHES NEW NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN

The UK outlines its commitment to protect nature by publishing its National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan (NBSAP) revealing how the nation will be taking a collaborative approach to achieve its global targets set out in the UN COP15 biodiversity framework.

THE ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPERS CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

This year the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of recognition and accreditation since being founded in 1995 by independent gardens consultant Alan Sargent.

ENGLAND TO GET FIRST NEW NATIONAL FOREST IN 30 YEARS

England’s first national forest in three decades will see 20 million trees planted across the Western region. The new 2.5k hectare Western Forest will be planted across Bristol, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset over the coming decades.

GOVERNMENT PROPOSES PEATLAND BURNING BAN

MARCH

In an effort to protect England’s natural capital, the government has put forward a proposal to ban heather burning on peatlands in the uplands. Known for their ability to capture and store carbon, peatlands are also home to some of the richest habitats of insect species in the country.

AIDAN BELL JOINS IDVERDE UK AS NEW CEO

idverde UK appoints Aidan Bell as its new CEO, taking over from Terry Woodhouse in May. With leadership experience in building services, facilities management and outsourcing, Bell most recently acted as chief operating officer at ISS Facilities Services.

APRIL

M SQUARED MOVES TO STRENGTHEN GROWTH PLANS WITH LATEST INVESTMENT

M Squared completes seven figure acquisition of Glasgow based repair and maintenance specialist, EBS Construction. This latest investment represents an “important development” in M Squareds’ “in-house capabilities”, says founder and managing director Kerr McEwan.

2025

NEW CEO TO JOIN LANTRA THIS SUMMER

Nick Juba has been appointed as Lantra’s new CEO following the retirement of Marcus Potter. Dr David Llewellyn, chair of the board of trustees, says Potter has “made an enormous contribution” to the awarding body for land-based industries and its partners over the last decade.

From fresh introductions to waving goodbye, it’s clear this year has seen its fair share of change. Let’s take a trip down memory lane with some of 2025’s milestone moments

WRIGHT LANDSCAPES ACQUIRES URBAN LANDSCAPE DESIGN

RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW 2025: GOLD MEDALS ANNOUNCED

RHS Chelsea Flower Show returns this year with 14 Gold medals across all categories. Twelve Silver-gilt medals were awarded, with three Silver medals and one Bronze.

MAY

LANDFORM CONSULTANTS LAUNCH THE GLASSHOUSE COLLECTIVE

JUNE

LANDSCAPE INSTITUTE

DEVELOPS NEW CORPORATE STRATEGY AND ANNOUNCES NEXT PRESIDENT

The Landscape Institute (LI) has launched Connecting People, Place and Nature: Corporate Strategy 2025-30, a new five-year corporate strategy focused on supporting landscaping professionals to deliver value for people, place and nature.

Additionally. Bradford Metropolitan District Council’s Saira Ali, who leads the Landscape Design and Conservation team, will be the new president-elect from 1 July.

Wright Landscapes has announced its acquisition of Chester based company, Urban Landscape Design. The two companies worked together at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show to bring designer Tom Bannister’s The British Red Cross ‘Here for Humanity’ Garden to life.

NEW DESIGNS UNVEILED FOR THE BARBICAN RENEWAL

The Barbican Centre has unveiled new images of how some of its iconic areas might look once the first phase of its transformation project is complete. The historic building will see its Conservatory, Lakeside and Foyers undergo a complete overhaul as part of the Barbican Renewal programme.

FOSTER + PARTNERS WINS QUEEN ELIZABETH MEMORIAL DESIGN COMPETITION

Foster + Partners’ winning design for the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II will be situated in St James’ Park featuring a Prince Philip gate, new gardens and a translucent bridge inspired by the shape of the late Queen’s wedding tiara.

URBAN&CIVIC ACQUIRES TODDS NURSERY

Developers of large-scale strategic sites, Urban&Civic has completed the acquisition of family-run tree supplier, Todds Nursery Limited to bring tree cultivation in-houseand improve control over species and stock resilience to advance the company’s sustainability goals.

Landform Consultants launches its new Glasshouse Collective in Chobham with set pieces many will recognise from the main stage at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The collection is designed to showcase curated outdoor living products in an open outdoor space, featuring products from the likes of David Harber and Boom & Bonheur.

©RHS/Ollie Dixon

©Kin Creatives for Allies and Morrison and Asif Khan Studio

©Foster + Partners

UK BIOSECURITY TO GET MULTI-MILLION BOOST WITH NEW DISEASE PREVENTION CENTRE

Laing O’Rourke has been awarded two contracts with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to deliver two new Science Hub buildings. Totalling an estimated value of over £900m, the new hubs are part of the wider National Biosecurity Centre at Weybridge programme.

JULY

2025 News roundup

NEW CARBON GARDEN OPENS AT KEW

The new Carbon Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG), Kew officially opened to the public in London; raising awareness of the role carbon plays in sustaining life on Earth, as well as bringing to attention the scale of the climate crisis.

TYLER GRANGE CELEBRATES 15TH BIRTHDAY

B Corporation Tyler Grange celebrated its 15th anniversary at its Summer Solstice party last month. The environmental consultancy invited clients and collaborators for a day of Q&A discussions, food and music.

EVERGREEN SECURES

PLANTLIFE PARTNERSHIP FOR BIODIVERSITY BOOST

Ground Control’s Evergreen Fund has secured Conservation Covenant (ConCov) approval with wildlife charity Plantlife acting as the responsible body for the sale of biodiversity net gain (BNG) unit sales at Wildfell Habitat Bank in Essex.

BELOVED PLANTSMAN JOHN HILLIER PASSES AWAY

Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres announced the passing of the eldest son of Sir Harold Hillier John Hillier at the age of 90.

AUGUST

EDEN PROJECT CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF TACKLING BIODIVERSITY LOSS

The Eden Project’s National Wildflower Centre (NWC) launched a UK-wide photo competition in partnership with the Canary Wharf Group to commemorate its 25th anniversary.

GOVERNMENT AMENDS PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE BILL TO SAFEGUARD NATURE

The UK government has tabled amendments to add nature safeguards to Part 3 of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill informed by Office for Environmental Protection recommendations, including strengthening legal tests that Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs) will have to pass.

SARAH EBERLE “EXCITED” TO END CHELSEA RETIREMENT NEXT YEAR

The most decorated designer at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is coming out of her show garden retirement to celebrate the centenary of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE). Sarah Eberle last took to the show ground in 2022, winning her 20th Gold medal for the MEDITE SMARTPLY Building the Future Garden

PM APPOINTS EMMA

REYNOLDS AS NEW ENVIRONMENTAL SECRETARY

Amidst the cabinet reshuffle, prime minister Sir Keir Starmer appoints Emma Reynolds as the new secretary of state for the department of environment food and rural affairs (Defra).

SEPTEMBER

GLOBAL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

KONGJIAN YU TRAGICALLY PASSES AWAY

Landscape architect Kongjian Yu tragically passed away in a plane crash that occurred late on Tuesday in Brazil, says Brazilian authorities. He was a global champion of the ‘sponge cities’ concept and advocate for addressing the effects of climate change.

GROUND

CONTROL JOINS UNIVERSAL STUDIOS INVESTMENT PROJECT

Ground Control has announced that its highways infrastructure team will be joining the Universal Studios UK investment project for a vegetation management contract on the £5bn scheme.

LAWSONS WELCOMES

NEW CEO

Timber, building, fencing and landscaping merchant, Lawsons Group has appointed Allun Pittingale as its new chief executive officer (CEO). He joins Lawsons after five years acting as chief operating officer at Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG).

RHS WISLEY OPENS NEW GREEN SKILLS GARDEN

The Greener Skills Garden officially opens at RHS Wisley, Woking. Designed by Dave Green as a living classroom, the garden aims to encourage sustainable green skill learning.

BIODIVERSITY PLANS TO BECOME MANDATORY UNDER NEW SCOTTISH LAW

In a move that is being called a ‘big step forward’, a new Scottish law is set to see biodiversity improvement plans mandatory for large landowners. Under the Land Reform Bill, owners of landholdings over 1,000 hectares will need to show how they are boosting biodiversity, as well as adapting to climate breakdown across their sites.

ELMTREE REBRANDS TO FIT LANDSCAPING GROWTH

Elmtree Garden Contractors announces that after 55 years, it has transformed into Elmtree Landscapes, marking a new chapter for the company.

NOVEMBER

OCTOBER

INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS COLLABORATE TO UTILISE PAVING STANDARD

The British Association of Landscape Institutes, the Landscape Institute, the Association of Professional Landscapers and the Society of Garden + Landscape Designers mark the collaborative efforts to utilise the paving British Standard across the industry at FutureScape.

Scan to check out more news on the Pro Landscaper website:

©Barrett Doherty, The Cultural Landscape Foundation

Blooming

SUCCESS

THE OUTDOOR ROOM

“The Outdoor Room has had quite a momentous year. Not only have we just celebrated our 30th anniversary with a party including close industry friends and family, we also launched our brand-new website, showcasing all of the great work our teams have done this year and in the past.

“We are looking forward to attending the BALI National Awards in a couple of weeks' time where we will pick up a Principal Award for the “Domestic Projects Over £750K” category and of course the most amazing results at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show – Best Small Show Garden, Best Construction, and a Gold medal for the Addleshaw Goddard garden –PLUS a Gold medal and Best Construction for the Avanade sponsored Large Show Garden! Amazing!”

Mark Britton, The Outdoor Room

The industry takes a celebratory look back at the last 12 months , sharing their biggest successes of the year

RACHEL PLATT GARDEN DESIGN

“This year has been a defining one for me as a designer. Being asked to design the RHS “Teenage Dirt Park” garden at Wentworth Woodhouse for the RHS’s newest show was a true career milestone, celebrating youth, nature and playful rebellion.

“A major highlight was receiving the final photography from Julie Skelton for my natural swimming pool project in collaboration with Silva Landscapes and Ellicar Natural Pools. I was also thrilled to complete a significant project in Beaconsfield with Gadsden Gardens, bringing a refined, structural landscape to life. It was also super fun being part of a panel at this year's FutureScape.”

Rachel Platt, Rachel Platt Garden Design

“2025 has been a year of steady growth and continued confidence for Blakedown Landscapes, supported by a strong pipeline of public and heritage projects. We were appointed Principal Contractor by The Royal Parks for the new garden in The Regent’s Park to commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth II, and for the £7m Canterbury Story Gardens project within the Connected Canterbury Levelling Up Fund initiative.

“Other highlights include the Horniman Museum and Gardens, the first Greener Skills Garden at RHS Garden Wisley, two national BALI Awards, shortlisting in Pro Landscaper’s Biodiversity and Sustainability Awards, and Andy Harris’s promotion to contracts director to strengthen our leadership structure.” Chris Wellbelove, Blakedown Landscapes

Chris Wellbelove

BLAKEDOWN LANDSCAPES

Rachel Platt

Mark Britton

©HTA Design media release

©Sam McQueen

©Alister Thorpe Photography Ltd

©Sam

McQueen

“2025 has been a truly special year. A standout moment was creating the Gold medal winning London Square Chelsea Pensioners Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show – and then in the months following the show, seeing it come to life again at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, where it was enjoyed by the Pensioners throughout the rest of the summer. The enthusiasm and appreciation for the project made it an extremely special project to be part of.

“In the autumn, the Greener Skills Garden opened at RHS Wisley, signalling a new approach to involvement in horticulture careers and sparking fresh excitement around planet-friendly gardening. Throughout the year, I’ve focused on designing uplifting, biodiverse spaces that boost wellbeing and connect people with nature and with several new projects already taking shape for 2026 – I can’t wait for what's next.”

Dave Green, Dave Green Gardens

“2025 has been a year of growth and evolution. The studio has expanded its talented team; welcoming new members whose creativity and expertise bring fresh energy to every project.

“Improved systems and streamlined operations have strengthened client communication, ensuring an efficient and personal experience from concept to completion. Beyond professional achievements, one of our team celebrated a precious milestone – the arrival of a new baby.

“Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to creating inspiring outdoor spaces that connect people with nature, to continually evolve and raise our own bar, continually developing our approach to raise standards across design, delivery, and client care.”

Karen McClure, Karen McClure Garden Design

“I stepped back from designing gardens for television and, took a brief hiatus from show gardens this year and swapped that for speaking at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, hosting the APL Awards alongside the legendary Phil Tremayne – that has to be up there, right?

“Follow that on with winning an award for the Australian Veterans garden with the APLD (USA) and then, my school garden design wins the Europe Heat for Conceptual Project at the Pro Landscaper International Awards. Not bad at all and never a dull moment in this beautiful industry with the very best by my side always. Let’s see what 2026 has in store!”

Peter Donegan, Peter Donegan Garden Design & Landscaping

Dave Green

Peter Donegan

DAVE GREEN GARDENS

KAREN M c CLURE GARDEN DESIGN

PETER DONEGAN GARDEN DESIGN & LANDSCAPING

Karen McClure

©Peter Donegan Garden Design &

©Paul Wilkinson Photography Ltd

©Karen McClure Garden Design

JAMES ALDRIDGE SAIRA ALI

JAMES ALDRIDGE LANDSCAPE + GARDEN DESIGN

Back in May, garden designer and horticulturist, James Aldrige was appointed garden design diploma course leader at the London College of Garden Design. After graduating with a degree in horticulture, Aldridge has gone on to work for The Prince of Wales at Highgrove before setting up his own garden design practice, covering projects across the UK and beyond. Now, with 16 years of teaching experience at the college under his belt, he steps into his new role to train up the next generation.

AIDAN BELL

iDVERDE UK

Career changer Aidan Bell stepped into his new role as CEO at idverde UK this year, marking a new chapter rooted in people, purpose, and the power of green careers. When speaking to Pro Landscaper in August, he emphasised the importance of championing green career benefits to bridge the skills gap. He looks to leverage idverde’s long standing heritage as a way to secure its continuing presence in the industry.

ALAN WILLIAMS

LANDFORM CONSULTANTS

One of the driving forces behind the Glasshouse Collective, Alan Williams worked closely with Mark Gregory to create the business to business purposed space. The hub showcases reclaimed objects from previous projects – many of which visitors will recognise from past Chelsea shows, while facilitating partnerships between key supplies, organisations and companies. The idea is to host exclusive gatherings for clients to visit, network and explore a range of products.

BRADFORD METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COUNCIL

During the summer, Saira Ali was voted onto the Landscape Institute (LI) board as the new president-elect. Set to take over from current president Carolin Göhler next July, Ali comes in with a priority to ensure LI members are empowered, celebrated and heard. Since the news came out, Ali has been involved in several award ceremonies as a judge, including the Europe Heat of the Pro Landscaper International Awards and Pro Landscaper’s Sustainability & Biodiversity Awards, in association with Hortus Loci Landscapes.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

year

Who is leaving their mark on 2025 ?

LUKE COLEMAN GARDENS

A year of awards for Luke Coleman; he was awarded with both a Gold medal and Best Construction at RHS Wentworth Woodhouse for his debut Drakkar’s Drift garden. Coleman then scooped the RHS Young Designer of the Year, an accolade tailored for young contractors under 30 years old. Coleman also picked up a Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation, in association with Green-tech, award which he collected during FutureScape in October alongside this year’s cohort, including younger brother Joe Coleman.

THE CHILDREN’S GARDENING COACH

Formerly the Skinny Jean Gardener, Lee Connelly rebranded this year as The Children’s Gardening Coach – a fitting move given his growing impact. In May, he visited 15 schools during National Children’s Gardening Week, aiming to get 10,000 children gardening. Next year he’ll launch a new partnership with his brother, Dale, starting with a return to Japan to redevelop a theme park attraction they previously worked on. He will also debut a new live show, The Magic of Gardening, in 2026.

LEE CONNELLY

LUKE COLEMAN

SARAH EBERLE

Coming out of show retirement, Sarah Eberle announced in October that she would be returning to RHS Chelsea Flower Show next year to celebrate the centenary of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE). Earlier this year, Eberle won the SGD’s Garden of the Year Award in February – later rebranded to the SGLD. Her Anglo-Japanese Strolling Garden in Oxfordshire scooped both the Large Residential Garden Award and the Planting Design Award before collected the ultimate prize of the night.

EMMA

An asset to Ground Control, Emma Hindle’s passion for nature is clear. Now business development director for landscape, design, energy and biodiversity net gain, she has quickly progressed, moving from manager to director in May, with her role recently refocused on landscaping and design. She also works closely with Ground Control’s Evergreen Fund, which dedicates 5% of annual net profits to environmental initiatives. Hindle spoke at this year’s FutureScape on a panel of former 30 Under 30 winners, discussing her career, the industry and future predictions.

JOE PERKINS

Owner and founder of Joe Perkins Design, Joe Perkins received an SGLD Fellowship in October. As one of six recipients, Perkins was celebrated in recognition of his contribution to the profession and to the wider landscape and horticultural industry. Perkins also picked up a Gold medal for his The King’s Trust Garden: Seeding Success Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Perkins has also designed the Garden for the Future at Sheffield Park and Garden in East Sussex as a means to observe how new and old species respond together in their new environment.

LUCY FISHER

idverde's operations director, Lucy Fisher, champions sustainability across her career, and understands the importance of nurturing emerging talent within the industry. Whilst chatting to Pro Landscaper for its Green Issue in March, Fisher explains: “I see myself as an advocate for integrating sustainability into idverde's day-to-day operations.” In recognition of her efforts, Fisher was voted Sustainability Leader at Pro Landscaper’s Sustainability & Biodiversity Awards in October.

BEN WALKER CHLOË WEBSTER

An expansion as part of Walker Landscape & Design, Ben Walker’s outdoor living part of the business has continued to grow since its founding in 2022. Most recently, Walker has opened a Millboard Experience Centre at his showroom in Cheshire; the second of its kind. He also partnered with Roostr Kitchens in becoming the UK’s only distributor this year.. During this year's FutureScape event, Walker also launched the Walker Collective. An outdoor living community, Walker has created a space that is free for professionals with access to advice, events and training sessions.

JAMIE BUTTERWORTH

From TV hosting to publishing a book – not to mention creating a show garden – it's been a busy year for Jamie Butterworth. In May, he joined Monty Don to bring the RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden to life at Chelsea, marking Don’s debut at the show. Those that tuned into the BBC’s coverage will have also seen Butterworth as he guided viewers through other gardens as a first-time presenter for the show. In September, he added author to his repertoire with the launch of his new book, What Grows Together: Fail-safe Plant Combinations for Every Garden.

At 29-years-old, Chloë has shifted her career and is already seeing success as a garden designer. Once upon a time, she worked in film, but with a passion for the planet and sustainability, she moved over to horticulture. Webster achieved the BALI Chalk Fund Top Student of the Year in October, during the same month she also picked up a Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation Award. Very much a rising star, Webster is also working on the Eden Project: Bring Me Sunshine RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden for 2026 with Harry Holding Studio.

Wright Landscapes introduced W Outdoor Living as a means of expanding its expertise into the growing sector of exterior kitchens, canopies and wellness spaces. Based at Pickmere Nursery, Holly Youde leads the new development as director. Youde says the growth comes as “outdoor living spaces have gained significantly greater importance, intertwining with a growing focus on wellbeing and mental health.” A speaker at FutureScape, Youde shared her advice as well as predictions for the next few years alongside other names in the outdoor living market.

JOE PERKINS DESIGN

WALKER LANDSCAPE & DESIGN

HARRY

HOLLY YOUDE

HINDLE

After a drop in rainfall and a spike in temperature, England faces another year in fear of drought alongside climate change concerns

DROUGHT-FULLooking

WORDS: HOLLY CHAPMAN

After a record dry spring, a continued run of heatwaves and dry weather throughout the summer, England fears an increase in drought concerns if current water levels fail to recover by next spring. It makes you question, how prepared is the country in terms of monitoring and reporting drought risk? On top of this, the effects of climate change could potentially influence the frequency and type of severity of future droughts.

Explored by the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee, drought preparedness in England is the focus of the committee’s newest inquiry. “With the risk of drought increasing, it is a crucial time to take stock of the evidence on future drought risk, the government’s drought response processes, and evaluate the plans to mitigate the impacts of drought in the future,” explains Baroness Sheehan, the committee chair.

Drought can be defined across three main types; agricultural drought, environmental drought and water supply drought. Whilst

Types of drought

AGRICULTURAL DROUGHT

When there isn’t enough rainfall and moisture in soils to support crop production or farming practices such as spray irrigation.

ENVIRONMENTAL DROUGHT

When a lack of rainfall has a detrimental impact on the environment and ecology.

WATER SUPPLY DROUGHT

When a lack of rainfall leads to concerns from water companies about supplies for their customers.

they may occur separately or together, the Environment Agency (EA) monitors various indicators, such as rainfall, river flows and groundwater levels, before deciding the level of drought the country is in.

With the risk of drought increasing, it is a crucial time to take stock of the evidence on future drought risk

Baroness Sheehan, committee chair, House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee

The most notable droughts suffered in England include 1989-92, 1995-96 and more recently 2018, 2022 and 2025. In August of this year, the National Drought Group declared a “nationally significant water shortfall” in England. Additionally, this past summer was the hottest since records began in 1884, with four

heatwaves and the country seeing below average rainfall eight out of ten months of the year so far.

Professor Jason Lowe, head of climate services at the Met Office says “our climate models show we can expect an increase in drought in the UK,” adding:

“One study that I personally was involved in looked at two degrees of global warming and found roughly an 86% increase in droughts like that in 2010. It also looked at a higher scenario of four degrees of warming and found an approximately 150% increase.”

Due to recent weather patterns, most of England will experience a drought with widespread impacts felt by consumers, farmers, businesses and nature “unless we get sustained rainfall through the winter” warns director of water at the EA, Helen Wakeham.

Water usage

In general, the UK is arguably defined as a wet country. Moreover, the country is at a high level of household demand within the public water system, according to Baroness Brown of Cambridge, chair of the Adaptation Committee: “We are still at a high level of household demand, at about 140 litres per person, per day. Very little has happened to reduce that.”

When addressing leakages in the water system, Richard Millar, head of adaptation within the Climate Change Committee recommends using water more efficiently in the home. Most of the UK’s homes use drinking-quality water to flush the toilet and have showers.

“It is still not that prevalent for people to really be able to understand how they are using water in their homes, what makes a difference, and therefore appropriately to modify their behaviour to both save themselves money off their bills and help with how we use water overall.”

impacts on rivers, ponds and wet areas, she highlights “our terrestrial habitats, our coastal habitats, and some of the areas that we're most concerned about in terms of vulnerability to know all about are things like peatlands drying out because they're incredibly important carbon stores”.

We must improve the resilience of the natural environment by making it more diverse and well connected

Kathryn Brown, director of climate change, The Wildlife Trusts

Valuable habitats, particularly peatlands and chalk streams, are being lost due to drought. Brown says in order to reduce the severity of the environmental impact of drought, “we must improve the resilience of the natural environment by making it more diverse and well connected”. For example,

Stages of drought

PROLONGED DRY WEATHER

Characterised by a period of dry weather that is impacting on river flows, groundwater levels and water levels in lakes and reservoirs.

DROUGHT

Characterised by further deterioration to the environment and impacting agriculture, people and businesses.

SEVERE DROUGHT

Our climate models show we can expect an increase in drought in the UK

In a bid to reduce water usage and improve the UK’s resilience to drought, Baroness Brown pleas: “We need much better engagement with the public on how we use water, because 60% to 80% of the deficit needs to be addressed by using less and sorting out leaks. It does need the public to be really engaged”.

Professor Jason Lowe, head of climate services at the Met Office

With the rolling out of water smart meters, the committee hopes to reduce the per-person water consumption rates.

Drought on the environment

The EA and water companies have a responsibility to prepare for drought in the UK. Combining policy, planning, investment and public engagement, there has been notable progress in creating plans to manage water demand and supply, improving monitoring networks and investing in new reservoirs for the first time in decades.

Kathryn Brown, director of climate change at The Wildlife Trusts explains that whilst immediate drought concerns lead to

Resulting in extensive, lasting effects on the environment, farming, people, communities, and the economy. The lack of water leads to serious water shortages and widespread impacts across sectors. It’s when the lack of water begins to disrupt daily life and the environment in major ways.

RECOVERING FROM DROUGHT

Drought impacts reducing and returning towards normal ranges for the time of year.

managing water by rewetting peatlands or managing land to hold more water by slowing down rivers.

Within the urban environment, Yetunde Abdul, director of industry transformation at the UK Green Building Council mentions overheating and what we call the ‘urban heat island effect’.

As vegetation cools down the urban temperatures, a lack thereof would cause temperatures to rise. Delivering naturebased solutions, such as green roofs and green walls, would mitigate this concern, as well as the potential damage to infrastructure caused by high temperatures, such as cracked buildings and roads.

The impact of climate change

How to be water smart in the garden

• Install a water butt

• Swap hoses for a watering can

• Disconnect hoses to avoid leakage

• Re-use grey water

Unfortunately, the implementation of plans by government bodies and other companies could be seen as too slow compared

to the rate of which we’re seeing the effects of climate change impact our ecosystems and weather conditions.

In recognition of several uncertainties about the implications of climate change on the severity and frequency of drought, Lowe has “high confidence” in the fact that temperatures will rise, just as the hydrological cycle will become more intense. Whilst he predicts warmer summers and wetter winters, this in turn increases levels of evaporation.

In combination, this model could lead to stronger drought conditions in the future. By next May, the committee plans to publish the next climate change risk assessment as part of its advice to the government.

It perhaps feels odd to hope for a wetter winter, but as explained by the Climate Change Committee and the EA; it is necessary to improve the ground’s conditions ahead of next spring.

AS K THE EXPERTS With Claire Belderbos

What should designers and contractors look out for during a site visit that could impact a project's budget?

When visiting a new site, there are many factors that designers and contractors need to be aware of that could impact a project’s budget:

Health and safety is a priority when visiting a new site. As part of CDM (Client Design Management), designers and contractors need to assess any potential risks. One example; falls are a common risk on site that could occur during the build, once the build is complete, or during future maintenance. A fall can be mitigated through the installation of temporary or permanent barriers. All these considerations could have an impact on budget.

make a difference to the project budget. The project could take longer and therefore more costly if access into the garden is restricted in any way, such as narrow walkways or up and down lots of steps.

If the landscaping of the garden coincides with other trades on site, such as the main contractor, the project could take longer and will thus impact budget. Different trades all need space to work, and each one will be working towards their own deadlines.

It is important to note the journey from curb side into the garden

Access can be particularly challenging in urban up areas. It is good to be aware if the garden is located on a red route or if there is a bus lane that could make deliveries and waste removal difficult.

It is important to note the journey from curb side into the garden. If the access is only via the house with no side access, this could restrict the size of machinery available to use, so the work could take longer to carry out if done by hand and therefore cost more.

Alternatively, if the client is willing to use a crane to transport materials over the house into the garden, this will be more effective and not restrict size of trees installed but will

Environmental factors such as Root Protection Zones could result in a more costly design if proximity to trees needs to be taken into account. In addition, initial exploratory work may be required prior to the start of the build to ascertain if roots are present in the area to be excavated.

This is particularly important where there are TPOs and in conservation areas. Other environmental considerations that could impact budget include, nesting birds, extreme damp areas where more extensive drainage needs to be provisioned and proximity to water courses.

Keep an eye out for signs of previous structures, such as foundations of old sheds or buildings. These are likely to require additional excavation work that will add to the project cost. If these are later discovered during the build and were impossible to foresee prior to

The panel

RACHEL BAILEY

Rachel Bailey runs an award-winning SGLD registered design practice creating immersive, plant-filled gardens that enrich lives, support biodiversity, benefit the environment, and draw on her biology and permaculture expertise.

CHRIS WELLBELOVE

As managing director of Blakedown Landscapes, an awardwinning landscape and civil engineering specialist, Chris Wellbelove leads the company’s strategic direction, centred on quality, collaboration and long-term value.

CLAIRE BELDERBOS

Claire Belderbos runs Belderbos Landscapes with her husband, Ed. The London-based design and build company became employee owned after celebrating its 20-year anniversary last year.

work starting, this could be an additional cost to be communicated to the client. Noise restrictions: Working hours could be restricted if the site is adjacent to neighbours that are more sensitive to construction noise, such as schools and/ or nursing homes. If the project takes longer due to restricted working hours, this may have a bearing on the landscaping cost.

This highlights just a few considerations that could impact a project’s budget – you may think of more. It is a team effort between the designer and landscaper to ensure all factors are considered prior to starting on site and to ensure the project success.

Race

TO THE BOTTOM PART 2

By putting a fence around standards, the industry could stop cowboys from roaming free across the market, says Gareth Wilson

Following on from last month's article regarding race to the bottom landscapers, I decided to share my thoughts on how I see a landscaping future if there were regulations.

As mentioned previously, this article is more for the landscapers in the middle who get caught in price wars, competing with contractors who cut corners.

Firstly, I view regulation in a similar manner to that in Australia, which places some accountability on clients to conduct their own due diligence, ensuring that the contractors they employ are qualified, certified, and competent. A FENSA-type arrangement would mean that clients would have void insurance and could have problems selling their properties, should they choose a non-certified contractor, and issues arise.

A higher barrier to entry at the landscaping level will deter TikTok landscapertype influencers

We all know there would be a massive backlash from many; however, those contractors that consistently do good work, don’t cut corners, and constantly look to adapt to new and better practices, will find the transition a walk in the park and won’t bat an eyelid.

A higher barrier to entry at the landscaping level will deter TikTok landscapertype influencers and chancers looking to make a quick buck, thereby encouraging only dedicated individuals to enter the trade.

Once we get all contractors on a more level playing field, with fewer cowboys – I say fewer, as we all know you will never eradicate them all –this will mean there will be far less price competition, with the race to the bottom brigade far less prevalent. Contractors will be able to charge a fairer price and not be in position where clients will barter them down in cost, therefore stabilising costs.

We all know that for many, work is scarce at the moment, with a budget looming, the after-effects of Brexit still being felt, and the dreaded winter

now upon us. However, with less competition in the market, I see good contractors being booked well in advance. I also see clients not able to apply the same pressures regarding start dates, with the threat of going elsewhere should inclement weather or standard hold-ups on projects cause delays.

The industry will get better recognition, which is precisely what it deserves, as being a landscaper in 2025 is not a simple task. In short:

Im proving

THE INDUSTRY

• Stabilised prices

• Fewer cowboys

• Better industry reputation

• Stronger demand and more work available with less competition

• Clearer standards

• More professional recognition

• More time building high-quality projects

To finish on a positive note, I've been asked to get involved in several very exciting RHS show gardens next year, up and down the country, so watch this space.

GARETH

WILSON

Gareth Wilson is a leading paving installation expert in the UK. He has won 14 RHS Gold medals and five Best in Show & six Best Construction Awards, and he is a member of multiple professional bodies. He provides technical advice to large companies, and he mentors and trains contractors and garden designers in landscape construction and on show garden logistics. He also provides on-site training, expert witness reports and mediation services. He is a B/507 modular paving committee member, BS7533:102 panellist, and an industry awards judge.

gkwilsonlandscaping.co.uk paving.site

Welcome to this monthly column, where I share practical, iPad-based digital workflows, tools, and drawing techniques to help make your landscaping and design work easier, faster, and more efficient – whether you’re out on site or back at the desk.

Morpholio Board is the ideal mood board creation platform for iPad and forms part of the Morpholio family developed by the same architects behind Morpholio Trace. For garden designers and landscape professionals, it’s the perfect adjunct to Trace – particularly when it comes to client presentation and visual storytelling.

DRAWING BOARD Digital

John Wood on Morpholio Board –the ideal mood board and presentation document creator for iPad

boards remarkably fast and seamless.

MORPHOLIO BOARD HAS A REMARKABLE FEATURE OF INTEGRATING PINTEREST INTO ITS SYSTEM, ALLOWING US TO DRAG AND DROP DIRECTLY FROM OUR PINTEREST COLLECTIONS

At its simplest, think of Morpholio Board as a far more sophisticated version of PowerPoint. It allows you to arrange, annotate, and present visual material fluidly, but with far greater control over layout, image quality, and interactivity.

Crucially, it supports the creation of personalised image libraries, all housed within the app, so you can build a bespoke collection of plants, materials, and products that reflect your own design language.

One of its most impressive features is its direct integration with Pinterest. Many of us curate Pinterest boards for inspiration or client reference, and Morpholio Board allows you to access your personal Pinterest account directly within its interface.

You can simply drag and drop images straight into your working document without ever leaving the page. This makes the process of assembling presentation

When preparing visual material, the background removal tool is another significant time-saver. It performs exceptionally well at isolating objects from photographs, letting you cleanly cut out features such as furniture, pots, or plants to compose clear, professional-looking visuals.

The creation of your own plant graphic library – demonstrated in the accompanying video – is as simple as drag and drop.

Morpholio Board also includes preset templates for social media. Anyone who’s had an Instagram story cropped awkwardly will appreciate this: images created within Morpholio Board can be perfectly sized for social formats, ensuring nothing essential is lost when posting online.

Text entry is equally well thought out. You can add captions, notes, or titles directly onto your board, and because the app supports voice to text dictation, it frees us from the need to type.

MULTIPLE PAGE DOCUMENTS CAN BE CREATED AND CONVERTED DIRECTLY TO PDFS MAKING THIS THE GO-TO TOOL FOR PRESENTATION DOCUMENT CREATION

Perhaps most powerfully, Morpholio Board can generate multi-page PDFs, meaning you can create entire presentation documents directly on your iPad. These can be exported,

emailed to clients, or sent to print without ever leaving the device.

The result is a fast, mobile, and highly professional workflow that frees you from the desk without the slightest compromise to quality. Although Morpholio Board was originally aimed at architects and interior designers, it can be easily customised for landscape use. With your own image libraries and a little organisation, it becomes an excellent environment for creating presentation-ready layouts, mood boards, and client documents – all with the same polish and speed that Morpholio Trace users will already know well.

ALTHOUGH AT FIRST GLANCE MORPHOLIO BOARD MIGHT APPEAR BETTER SUITED TO INTERIOR DESIGN, IT'S A VERY QUICK AND EASY PROCESS TO CREATE ONE'S OWN PLANTING LIBRARIES WHICH LIVE PERMANENTLY WITHIN THE SYSTEM, MAKING IT ENTIRELY BESPOKE TO ONE'S OWN NEEDS

Scan the QR code to watch this month’s accompanying tutorial video

John Wood runs Create Visual, a CPD training platform for garden and landscape professionals, specialising in digital drawing and 3D modelling workflows using iPad-based tools. He delivers training both independently and for the Society of Garden and Landscape Designers, and also offers a professional visualisation service for designers and landscape architects, transforming 2D plans and sketches into 3D renders and photorealistic fly-throughs. Drawing on over two decades of experience in garden design, he helps professionals work more creatively, efficiently, and with confidence in their presentations. create-visual.co.uk

JOHN WOOD

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Your guide to our range of trees. Showing their form and size over 15, 25 and 50 years, plus helpful information on suggested usage for a variety of projects and locations.

Scan this QR code to download your copy today!

“THAT IS THE DRIVER FOR ME IN TERMS OF WHY I WANT TO FURTHER MY SKILLS IN PLANTING DESIGN, BECAUSE I SEE IT AS OUR OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A

DIFFERENCE”

In the face of a changing climate, Joe Perkins shares his approach to resilient landscape design

WORDS: BETHANY VANN

From winning Gold at this year’s Chelsea with a garden inspired by the pioneering potential of plants, to unveiling a new public landscape rooted in horticultural innovation for the future, designer Joe Perkins has spent the year immersed in ecological adaption – experimenting with purpose-driven plant palettes and encouraging people to rethink their relationship with the living world. Today, Perkins is recognised for his work creating nature enriched spaces that look to promote the restorative effects of the outside environment, often focusing on the ecological functions of plants and their place in our ecosystem.

Those practical skills are something that have stayed with me through the rest of my career

And though his journey into the industry – working as a maintenance gardener and learning about construction seem like worlds apart from his niche now, for Perkins it all makes sense.“I liked making things, and in retrospect arranging spaces but in a very practical way," says Perkins as he reflects on his decision to go back to school and retrain at the Oxford College of Garden

Design.“Those practical skills are something that have stayed with me through the rest of my career, and that ability to understand how things are constructed and to be able to talk to people on the same level has been a real strength for me. It wasn't something that I'd necessarily planned, but it has worked out really well that way.”

In 2004 he joined the ranks of Hillier Landscapes, where he met and worked with then design director, Sarah Eberle: “I worked as a designer with Sarah for four years, and that really was my big education into planting and planting design – she's a fantastic plants woman – and also my introduction into Chelsea.”

[Going back to landscape architecture] really opened my eyes to how you can specialise within the world of design

At the 2007 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Perkins worked with Eberle to create the 600 Days with Bradstone garden – more commonly referred to as the Mars Garden – inspired by the prospect of human settlement on the Red Planet. The project earned a Gold medal and the coveted Best in Show award, marking Perkins’ first Gold win but far from his last.

After a period of working independently, the 2009 financial crisis saw Perkins, as he describes it,“ultimately running out of work.” During that time, he connected with David Dodd, founder of The Outdoor Room, who initially brought him on for a six-month project – one that evolved into a decade-long role as the company’s manager.

But if working full-time and having three kids under the age of five wasn’t enough to manage, Perkins went back to school a third time to earn his Master's in landscape architecture – the decision to do so, he says is attributed to two main reasons: “Being able to work in Europe because having a degree in landscape architecture is a more recognised qualification, not necessarily that it should be over garden

design, but it just is. And being able to design gardens or spaces for more than one person –[going back to landscape architecture] really opened my eyes to how you can specialise within the world of design.” Bringing his construction work and planting experience together full circle.

Since founding his own practice – Joe Perkins Design – in 2018, Perkins has gone on to establish himself within the world of ecological design, specialising in creating forward-thinking gardens and landscapes that respond to the architecture and local landscape in a way that looks to connect people with the space.

A year after launching the practice, Perkins debuted at RHS Chelsea with The Facebook Garden: Beyond the Screen, and was awarded a Gold medal, Best in Category and Best Construction. In 2022, he returned to Chelsea on Main Avenue with the The Meta Garden: Growing the Future, built by The Landscaping Consultants. This was designed to emphasise the connection between plants and fungi in woodland ecosystems, showcasing nature-based solutions such as tree, plant and forest management as a way to tackle climate change.

The naturalistic garden went on to earn Perkins another Gold medal. It was later relocated to The National Forest, as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy tree-planting campaign for the Platinum Jubilee.

“The Meta Garden was 100% without concrete. It was one of the first gardens that was built with no cement, and so [relocating it] was easy, because it became a modular build, and it was so quick to disassemble and then obviously reassemble.”

When creating the garden, Perkins says he drew on his construction background, as he does with many of his projects: “From a sustainability point of view, having a really good understanding of construction and materials allows you to then make choices about what materials you use and how you use them [...] And from a planting point of view, the planting design for me now is my main area of interest, because I see it as an opportunity for designers.”

PLANTING for success

Perkins also won Gold at this year’s Chelsea show for his garden, The King’s Trust Garden: Seeding Success – also built by The Landscaping Consultants – inspired by pioneer plants, as well as the need for climate adaption and resilience.

Perkin’s garden – one of the largest on Main Avenue – took inspiration from hostile landscapes where plants have evolved over time to develop strategies to grow and set seed successfully.

Referring to the relatively new push to get land-based professionals – be they landscapers, designers or landscape architects – involved earlier on in the development process, will help tackle the effects of climate change and create lasting spaces that leverage nature-based solutions.

“We've got a real opportunity now to be able to have authority from the point of view of adding value for projects in terms of plant choices, climate resilience, air quality, flood mitigation – all of those things that we are all talking about. That's our opportunity as designers and as landscape professionals

generally to add specialist value to projects.” Adding that for the first time that in the 20 years he’s been in the industry, people are now looking deeper into what horticulture has to offer – opposed to only being seen as aesthetic dressing around the edges.

“That is the driver for me in terms of why I want to further my skills in planting design, because I see it as our opportunity to make a difference.” But that’s not to say Perkins doesn’t also enjoy the challenge of planting design – “you will never learn everything there is to know about plants, of course – it's an ongoing challenge [...] The whole concept of planting design generally, has evolved so quickly in the last 20 years [...] to now being something that is much more structurally integrated into our environment.”

The whole concept of planting design generally, has evolved so quickly in the last 20 years

Horticulture has arguably risen in recognition in recent years – not just as Perkins notes, outside the realm of aesthetics, but as the country and the rest of the world continue to feel the rising effects of climate change –from droughts and floods, to extreme weather events – more attention is being paid to the benefits nature and green infrastructure can bring.

“It's lovely to be able to – not in a patronising way – educate people outside of our profession that what we do has real value. It also helps to explain to people how much skill is needed to work in the field that we work in, because it's probably one of the broadest professional fields [...] We're dealing with living material, we're dealing with construction, we're dealing with environment pressures, and we're dealing with time.”

With that education comes the expectations, as Perkins explains: “It’s really important to set expectations for people and say, you know, we are experimenting in this field.” As our ecosystems shift, we’re seeing

1 Gravel garden area of Sussex garden ©Will Scott

2 The Meta Garden, RHS Chelsea ©Natalia Perkins

3 Gold medal for the Meta Garden, 2022

4 The King’s Trust Garden: Seeding Success ©Clive Nichols

5 With King Charles at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 ©Oliver Dixon

OF THE PLANTS Fellowship

Q AQuestion: How do you feel after being recognised by the SGLD with a Fellowship this year?

Perkins: Really honoured. Because I know having worked in the industry for a long time, and to be recognised alongside some of those people is amazing.

But also having seen the growth of the SGLD, or SGD as it was, over the last 25 years, and what they contribute to the industry, and the amount of knowledge they push out for all of us, and the way they support us, to then be recognised by them is really lovely.

harsher weather conditions and, in some areas, conditions are fluctuating at such a pace that knowing what to plant and where has become a popular topic of discussion: “None of us are saying that we've got all the answers. There are a lot of people, particularly in Germany and the Netherlands, who have been doing this work for a lot longer than we have been in the UK, but in many ways, we're catching up with it.”

When speaking with Perkins, it would be remiss not to discuss one of his latest projects; the Garden for the Future at Sheffield Park and Garden was unveiled earlier this year, marking the Grade-I listed National Trust site’s first ‘major’ land-based regeneration in over 70 years.

With the purpose of influencing future design adaptions in the surrounding 120-acre garden, which has resided in the Trust’s care since 1954, data from the garden will be tracked over the coming years to observe how new and old species respond together in their new environment.

It's lovely to be able to –not in a patronising way – educate people outside of our profession that what we do has real value

Earlier this year, Perkins also announced another collaboration, this time with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), to redevelop the Medjez-El-Bab war cemetery in Tunisia into a climate resilient, biodiverse and sustainable driven space.

“We're going to be monitoring the ecological value of introducing, for example, southern hemisphere plants into a specific area. And what that does for, I would say, probably more generalist pollinators.”

Experimental data will also be collected to determine which species are doing well, which will feed into what is planted in the future, with what Perkins calls “appropriate risk” in regard to species' lifespan and their level of tolerance. The data will also feed into the research being conducted up and down the UK, which is exploring how the fluctuation in our weather conditions and seasons is impacting future planting choices, and what will survive decades down the road.

“I think one of the nice things about it is that, then you end up collaborating with all kinds of other disciplines. And that idea of cross collaboration is such a strength for [the industry].”

Check out Garden for the Future at the National Trust’s Sheffield Park and Garden in Pro Landscaper’s Winter 2025 Public Spaces Special

The project – which is the inaugural site in the CWGC’s pioneer sites initiative – represents a shift in adapting cemeteries to climate challenges while upholding their memory and remaining sensitive to their important heritage.

As part of the project – which Perkins calls an honour and a privilege – over 75% of the site’s existing turf will be replaced with drought-tolerant planting, as well as the gravel pathways which will be replaced with high-maintenance grass between the headstones – olive and almond trees will also be planted as a symbol of peace and regional identity.

Perkins’ work continues to bring together the practical skills, planting knowledge and collaborative approach he has championed throughout his career. As the industry continues to respond to environmental pressures, his focus remains on understanding how landscapes can adapt to changing conditions and what role planting design can play in that process, safeguarding our natural environment for the years to come.

6 Garden for the Future at Sheffield Park and Garden ©Natalia Perkins

EDEN A Vibrant

STUART CHARLES TOWNER SPECTRE

Ablank canvas, laid mainly to grass with a steep patch of poorly planted foliage – made up for by the sweeping views of the rolling fields of Winchester Golf Course. That is what designer Stuart Charles Towner began with, before transforming this residential garden into an award-winning, family-friendly and vibrant space. Towner was entrusted with preserving the picturesque views of the surrounding landscape, while introducing structure that unifies the various areas of the garden and balances the prominence of the large bank by giving equal emphasis to all parts of the space.

PROJECT DETAILS

£65,000-£80,000

By introducing a wider variety of plants, Towner was able to create a soft landscaping scheme across the garden’s multiple levels that brought structural depth to the space, while still softening the boundary lines of the garden and increasing the site’s biodiversity.

“The bold structural feature plants and blocks of clipped topiary form the backbone of the garden”, says Towner, “giving much needed height, shade and textural contrast to an overlaid planting scheme that is softer, grass and shrub based, echoing the wider landscape, helping to bring the wider landscape into the garden.

The garden’s palette now offers pops of purple, yellow and white hues amongst a lush sea of greenery that frame the different zones.

PLANTING

• Rhus typhina

• Amelanchier lamarckii

• Digitalis ferruginea

• Sesleria autumnalis

• Phlomis russeliana

One such space is the main entertaining space off the back of the kitchen terrace, which was raised to bring it in line with the internal floor and create a seamless flow from inside to outside, and reduce the need for excavation and export of soil off-site.

Gently framed by industrial steel beams adorned with climbing plants, the terrace has been designed to create a sense of enclosure and privacy and is equipped with light wood and slick black metal toned outdoor seating, tying the pieces together with the planting palette and wire framing.

Off to one side, a smaller, more intimate space has been added, created in part with the connecting pathway and grants access to the side gate. The secondary terrace houses

a matching dining area, framed by lower lined planting that gives way to the wider view.

Descending from the side terrace are a set of new feature steps – framed again by hues of purple and white – that grant year-round access to the side gate, as well as helping to soften the gradient of the nearby bank and break it up.

1 Looking across the feature steps

2 Achillea moonshine & Salvia x sylvestris ‘Mainacht'

3 Dining terrace looking west across the steps

4 Framed views from the main terrace

5 View of garden and borrowed landscape

6 Pots, planting and stepping stones

7 Ariel view of the dining terrace and steps

The large level lawn has been retained as a space for the client’s children to play and enjoy outdoor activities. Its open character provides a visual counterpoint to the more densely planted garden beds surrounding it, ensuring both functionality and balance within the overall design.

Tucked away at the rear of the garden, secluded by planting and only accessible via a bark mulch path, is a quiet, cosy corner for the clients to enjoy. Adding to the serenity is

convenient in-built seating and additional space given over for a fire pit.

From a blank canvas, this award-winning garden is now alive with harmonious colours and comforting character, offering flexible entertaining spaces for the whole family to enjoy.

8 Feature steps surrounded by planting

9 Main terrace looking west across the garden Photographs ©Stuart Charles Towner

ABOUT

Stuart Charles Towner MSGLD is a freelance multi-award-winning garden designer and consultant living in the UK. His designs are a meeting point of the old and the new, using traditional materials with a contemporary and modern eye for the creation of spaces that sit in perfect harmony with their surroundings. stuartcharlestowner.co.uk

REFERENCES

Contractor Landscapes 4 Living landscapes4living.co.uk

Porcelain paving London Stone londonstone.co.uk

Steps Schellevis schellevis.nl

Plants

Provender Nurseries provendernurseries.co.uk

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In conversation with...

FÖRST BEN HENNESSY

With a solid reputation already rooted in the arboriculture sector, Först’s head of brand shares the vision behind its latest launch

Can you tell us a bit about Först and what your role entails?

Först builds professional woodchippers used by arborists, landscapers and grounds teams across the UK, Europe and North America. We design and build everything in Hampshire and now supply machines into more than 25 countries.

The brand has grown quickly – it started in a barn with a small team who wanted to build a better chipper for professionals. That mindset is still the backbone of the company today, with performance, reliability and a very hands-on customer approach at the centre of what we do.

My role focuses on the brand and the full customer experience. That includes how we present ourselves, how we communicate and how we bring people closer to the company so they can see what we’re about.

It’s about making sure every interaction feels consistent, considered and positive, and about getting it right for the customer from the first conversation through to how the machine performs on site.

Rather than push an arborist machine into the space, we wanted to build something around their needs. That’s why the Cadet 6 exists

Först has built a strong reputation in the arboriculture industry. What led to the decision to expand your focus to include landscaping as well?

Landscapers have been asking for this for a long time. We’ve seen more crossover between the two sectors, with landscapers handling larger volumes of green waste and looking for a dependable machine that isn’t oversized for their workload.

Rather than push an arborist machine into the space, we wanted to build something around their needs. That’s why the Cadet 6 exists. It’s the first machine we’ve designed specifically for landscapers, taking everything we know about performance and reliability and shaping it for a different working pattern.

With Först introducing its first machine developed specifically for landscapers, the Cadet 6, can you share more about this? The Cadet 6 uses the same chipping chamber as our ST6P, one of the best-selling six-inch machines in the arb world, but packages it in a lighter, more efficient build tailored for landscapers. It delivers proven performance with a smaller engine and lower running costs,

and it’s built to handle the materials landscapers actually face. Traditional chippers often struggle with green or tangly waste like conifer, which clogs chambers or wraps around feed rollers. The Cadet 6 avoids all of that, using our open-top Först flywheel to clear wet material without blocking and the FörstGrip feed roller system to pull in everything from vine and blackthorn to full six-inch timber.

What sets the Cadet 6 apart in the market?

It’s purpose-built, not repurposed. Landscapers often end up choosing between an underpowered shredder or a full arborist chipper that’s more than they need. The Cadet 6 sits right in the middle. It handles everything from wet hedge trimmings to larger timber up to six inches.

Because it’s built with our usual approach – strong construction, easy access for maintenance and simple controls – it feels like a proper professional tool rather than a compromise.

What insights have fed into the creation of the Cadet 6?

A mix of customer feedback and wider market behaviour. Landscapers told us they needed a machine that could deal with varied material without clogging, didn’t require constant use to justify the investment and wasn’t intimidating in terms of size or engine.

FÖRST

We also saw a shift in the industry towards handling waste more efficiently on site. Those insights shaped everything, from the shared ST6P chipping chamber to the smaller engine choice and the focus on easy servicing.

Can we expect more moves into the landscaping industry from Först, and if so, can you share any teasers?

Yes, absolutely. The Cadet 6 is our first step, not a one-off. We already have a tracked version about to hit the production line which will be available next year. This will suit teams working on uneven ground or sites where access is tight.

Beyond that, we’re developing a broader product range that will serve both landscapers and arborists, focusing on the kind of practical, durable kit that makes a real difference on site. We can’t share specifics just yet, but the goal is clear – bring the same level of performance and reliability we’re known for in arb into a wider set of applications.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Landscapers deserve purposebuilt equipment, not hand-medowns from other sectors

Only that landscapers deserve purpose-built equipment, not hand-me-downs from other sectors. The Cadet 6 is designed to make their work easier, quicker and more professional, and we’re excited to support an industry that’s growing fast and doing brilliant work.

THE NEW TRACKED VERSION OF THE CADET 6

CADET 6 LAUNCH EVENT

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