Pro Landscaper January 2026

JANUARY 2026

LET'S HEAR IT FROM

HILLTOP

Paradise ALICE MEACHAM GARDENS WEST MARCHES

Adam Palmer Palmer Landscapes

2025 AUTUMN BUDGET

What you need to know

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL

Tackling plant blindness

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Welcome

I

t’s easy to feel weighed down by the pressures of everyday life – from work-related stress to personal admin – as everything seems to pile up as the months goes on. Yet, it’s often in these moments that our strengths reveal themselves. In the way we pause, take stock, and – in the words of one of my favourite Disney films – keep moving forward.

January is all about fresh starts and looking ahead to what the year will bring (p.10), and while that keeps us moving, it’s important to not forget those more challenging moments and learn from them.

With that in mind, as we welcome in the new year I’m choosing to carry those lessons forward, using them as reminders that progress doesn’t always look like giant leaps, and it certainly doesn’t look the same for everyone.

So, while I hope this year brings about positive and lasting change, I more so hope that everyone – myself included – takes more time for themselves.

Whether it's prioritising our wellbeing or dedicating more time to skill building, here’s to a fruitful 2026!

Bethany

Printed by Stephens and George Ltd 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 2026 subscription price is £128. Subscription records are maintained at Eljays44 Ltd, BizSpace, Courtwick Lane, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN17 7TL, 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.

©Kenny Wilding-Raybould

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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The Association of

Professional Landscapers

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Pro Landscaper | January 2026

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CONTENTS

BUSINESS

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Turning a New Leaf Elmtree Landscapes ushers in a new chapter with a fresh rebrand that exemplifies its growth and plans for the future

28

Leading with Purpose Whether it’s knowing when to step back or when to come forward – Neil Stead explores what leadership truly means

37

Let’s Hear It From...

Adam Palmer From environmental responsibility to staff training – Adam Palmer shares what sets Palmer Landscapes apart in the market

CONTENTS January 2026

INSPIRE

FEATURES

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12

45

20

Hilltop Paradise Traverse the rolling hilltop fields of Lyme Regis in this idyllic design from Alice Meacham Gardens

Wild Poolside Where the countryside and contemporary flare meet in this poolside garden from Raine Garden Design

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Pro Landscaper | January 2026

49

Sustainable Studies Pull up a bench and take note of Reimagine Works’ sustainable redesign at Imperial College London

What’s Winning Got to do with it?

Hear from past Pro Landscaper award winners on how their wins have positively impacted their businesses

Automated Growth Nick Ruddle explores the launch of his new AI-powered system tailored to helping landscape professionals unlock growth

54

Bold, Beautiful and Biodiverse Don’t settle for a pop of colour when you can have the whole rainbow. Kenny Wilding-Raybould looks at overcoming plant blindness

prolandscapermagazine.com

CONTENTS

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

JANUARY 2026

Cover image ©James Osmond Photography

26

Autumn Budget 2025 Carpenter Box take us through what the impending changes from the Autumn Budget mean for the industry LET'S HEAR IT FROM

32

Digital Drawing Board John Wood shares how to streamline early-stage modelling work with Topographic Surveys in SketchUp for iPad

HILLTOP

Paradise ALICE MEACHAM GARDENS

Adam Palmer Palmer Landscapes

2025 AUTUMN BUDGET

What you need to know

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL

Tackling plant blindness

WEST MARCHES

66

PEOPLE

45

Little Interviews Winners of the Pro Landscaper Business Awards take the hot seat to answer questions – from last year's challenges to industry hopes

37

23

Ask the Experts Rachel Bailey digs into how best to work with existing site conditions to create a garden that functions and thrives long term

30

A Fresh Start Andrew Duff is setting his sights on the year ahead and delving into how we can put our best foot forward for 2026

65

I Believe in Father Christmas Chris Churchman asks the question: Is it best to stick to what we know, or embrace new opportunities?

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49 Pro Landscaper | January 2026

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BUSINESS

T

he British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) crowned its Grand, Special and Principal winners of the National Landscape Awards 2025.

The award winners were celebrated at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London on Friday 5 December with over 1,000 industry members.

The Outdoor Room was presented with the Grand Award for its project Hawthorn House.

Mark Britton, managing director of the landscape design firm comments on receiving the accolade: “These awards represent the highest level of recognition in our industry. To be acknowledged by such experienced and knowledgeable judges is an honour, and achievements like this inspire and motivate our whole team, especially our younger members.” theoutdoorroom.co.uk

©alisterthorpe.co.uk

BALI AWARDS THE OUTDOOR ROOM WITH GRAND HONOUR

ROUNDUP

TONY BENGER HELPS BUILD DIY SOS PROJECT

Industry Updates

©Sies Kranen/Unsplash

NEW EXEMPTIONS TO BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN ANNOUNCED

T

he government has announced its intention to exempt smaller developments from biodiversity net gain (BNG) obligations.

Under the new rules, developments below 0.2 hectares — instead of the previously expected 0.5 — will be exempt from delivering the mandatory 10% uplift required for BNG. Many land-based professionals are taking to LinkedIn to voice their satisfaction over the reduced development size, accrediting the move

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Pro Landscaper | January 2026

to the large-scale lobbying that has been taking place over the recent months.

The Wildlife Trusts however warns that these exemptions could still result in at least an estimated 60% of all planning applications bypassing the legislation requirements.

The government also announced that it will be launching a consultation in the new year for the exemption of smaller residential developments on brownfield land. gov.uk

T

ony Benger has announced the design and build team have been helping on a DIY SOS project in Devon during the early days of November.

After Shane Featherstone, the design and build company’s landscape estimator, heard about the show’s project taking place in the local area of Devon, he put the team forward to volunteer.

From Wednesday 5 November until Wednesday 12 November, they worked as a team across all areas of the project.

Leanne Foster, marketing administrator from Tony Benger says, “it was a great opportunity to support a local cause and offer our skilled workers a chance to ensure a great finish for a very deserving young family”. tonybenger.com

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BUSINESS

FORMER GASWORKS RECEIVES GREENLIGHT FOR NEW CANALSIDE NEIGHBOURHOOD

Online exclusives

P

lans for the new Kensal canalside neighbourhood has been approved in Ladbroke Grove atop a 19-acre brownfield site, formerly used as a gasworks in west London.

Featuring a new flagship Sainsbury’s supermarket, the project is being developed in collaboration between Ballymore, FaulknerBrowns architects and Spacehub.

Spacehub’s landscape vision features over 3.6 hectares of public realm, including two new parks and a network of green streets.

From biodiverse plating and mosaic habitats, the plan intends to maintain nature-based sustainable urban drainage systems, rain gardens and biosolar roofs. spacehubdesign.com

DAVID BECKHAM JOINS RHS CHELSEA GARDEN TEAM

T

©RHS/Ollie Dixon

he Royal Horticultural Society and The King’s Foundation are creating a show garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026.

The RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden will be designed by horticulturalist and TV presenter, Frances Tophill.

Tophill’s Chelsea debut, she will joined

by King’s Foundation ambassador Sir David Beckham and RHS and Kings Foundation ambassador Alan Titchmarsh CBE to create the garden.

Intended to encourage the nation to get curious about gardening, the garden will explore this relationship between people and the planet. rhs.org.uk

prolandscapermagazine.com

Head to prolandscapermagazine.com

©Ballymore

MAKING THE INDUSTRY BETTER WITH THE NEXT GENERATION An industry that has been around for years and years, are there any areas that could be improved?

TYLER GRANGE DUO LAUNCHES NEW ADVICE PODCAST

L

aunched by The Growth Collective, The Gathering is a new monthly podcast dedicated to practical advice and ideas for personal growth joined by special guests.

A standalone entity created and delivered by Tyler Grange staff, The Growth Collective is a training platform, with the podcast launch coming as the first phase of its own launch.

The podcast will be hosted by co-founder and managing director of Tyler Grange, Jon Berry alongside the company’s people, pleased and purpose lead, Harry Madeley. tylergrange.co.uk

GEORGE TROTT LAUNCHES SOFTWARE TO CREATE NEW TREE COMMUNITY George Trott has recently launched My Tree Diary, an online app software for professionals and the public to record, share and track their favourite trees.

CHLOË WEBSTER ON ENTERING THIS “MAGICAL INDUSTRY” Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation award winner Chloë Webster talks about her journey into the industry.

Pro Landscaper | January 2026

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BUSINESS

COMMUNITY

Both images ©Paul Upward/Landscape Institute

ATTENDING THE LANDSCAPE INSTITUTE AWARDS The Pro Landscaper team had the honour of attending the Landscape Institute Awards 2025 with others across the industry. With more than 200 entries across 17 categories, the awards “reflected growth, ambition and innovation across the sector,” says the institute. The winners include projects from Grant Associates, HTA Design and The Royal Parks. The Urban Nature Project at the Natural History Museum, as featured in Pro Landscaper’s October issue, received the Excellence in Landscape Design Award which was presented to J&L Gibbons. Hosted by horticulturalist and presenter Frances Tophill, the awards “embody the creativity and technical excellence that define our profession at its best, and we congratulate all the finalists and winners,” says LI chief executive, Rob Hughes. This year’s theme, ‘connecting people, place and nature’, has been reflected in each winner.

Highlights GETTING TO KNOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

In an effort to bring our audience closer to the team, we’ve taken the time to introduce each member of the Pro Landscaper team. From meeting those in sales to editorial, marketing and design; it’s a chance for our readers to get to know us. Hearing from the likes of the content director Nina Mason to deputy editor Bethany Vann, we’ve highlighted the names behind the nuts and bolts of the publication. Discussing their hobbies and where you’ll find them outside of work, the team also explain what it is they do at Pro Landscaper.

Now in its ninth year, the Future Gardeners programme held a graduation ceremony for its 24th class at the Chelsea Physic Garden in London. With a 100% graduation rate, the 14 graduating students were joined by the Horticultural Trades Association’s Jennifer Pheasey and the National Garden Scheme’s Dr Richard Claxton. Run in London by Bankside Open Spaces Trust, the 10-week course is an environmental and volunteering charity working to develop outstanding green spaces and outdoor activities that enhance health and wellbeing. The course also celebrated three outstanding students, two of which are currently working on the Queen Elizabeth II memorial garden in Regent’s Park with Blakedown Landscapes, whilst the third has been working at Kew Gardens.

Reels

Taking place at the Glasshouse Collective in Chobham, Surrey, Garden House Design invited us to its event supported by Cubic Outdoor Kitchens and Renson. A space designed to showcase curated outdoor living products in an open outdoor space, the Glasshouse Collective becomes a dedicated showroom for used set pieces from shows such as RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Diving into discussions on trends in canopies, kitchens and styling for 2026, the event also gave our team a chance to catch up with the industry before the end of the year.

CELEBRATING WINNING PROJECTS AT THE BALI NATIONAL LANDSCAPE AWARDS 2025

FUTURE GARDENERS CELEBRATES 24TH GRADUATION

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

VISITING GARDEN HOUSE DESIGN AT GLASSHOUSE COLLECTIVE EVENT

GLOW WILD AT KEW, WAKEHURST Our Pro Landscaper team visited Kew Gardens, Wakehurst to check out this year’s Glow Wild celebrating 25 years of the Millennium Seed Bank.

On Friday 5 December, the team joined over 1,000 industry members in celebrating the winning projects of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) National Landscape Awards 2025.

Hosted by comedian Maisie Adam, the ceremony took place as JW Marriot Grosvenor House in London. From the Grand Award, which was given to The Outdoor Room, to Special Awards and Principal Awards, the event wasn’t short of applause.

CHATTING WITH BALI’S WAYNE GRILLS We caught up with Wayne Grills, CEO of BALI, for a few off-the-cuff questions and his thoughts on FutureScape 2025.

MARK GREGORY ON PRO LANDSCAPER INTERNATIONAL AWARDS Mark Gregory reflects on his experience in the industry and winning the Europe Heat of the Pro Landscaper International Awards.

Phone image ©Mynhear/Shutterstock.com

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Pro Landscaper | January 2026

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hile deciduous trees lose their leaves, winter reveals a magnificent landscape of new textures and colours.

It is at this time of the year when nature comes to rest and at the same time invites us to enjoy the silent beauty in its most simple essence. Feel inspired by the serenity of nature in winter, when developing your next project.

Feel welcome in our nursery and experience these images in real life.

Boom & Bonheur – because trees give life and bring happiness

Boom & Bonheur BV

boombonheur.com

BUSINESS

On the

HORIZON George Trott

Katerina Kantalis

G TROTT TREE CONSULTANCY

KATERINA KANTALIS GARDEN DESIGN

“Early 2026 marks the public launch of G Trott Tree Consultancy’s innovative suite of digital tree solutions, designed to make arboricultural knowledge accessible to everyone.

This includes the web apps “Right Tree Right Place,” providing species selection guidance, and “My Tree Diary,” a mapping and tracking tool for recording ancient specimens to beloved neighbourhood trees.

Additionally, “Canopy Courses” offers nature enthusiasts short, impactful learning modules designed to be completed during a lunch break.

The overarching goal for 2026 is to grow these platforms, building a strong community of passionate individuals dedicated to learning, planting and meticulously recording their favourite trees.”

“Looking ahead to 2026, my focus is on expanding the business and continuing to craft elegant, distinctive gardens for residential clients.

Building on a year of inspiring projects, I aim to attract clients who value originality and thoughtful design. I’m passionate about encouraging bold use of colour and introducing Mediterranean and Australian plants – ideal for creating resilient, characterful gardens as our climate shifts to warmer and drier conditions. My goals include deepening collaborations, refining my design approach, and broadening my portfolio with gardens that seamlessly blend beauty and functionality. I’m also excited to be working on a special project, with more details to share soon.”

Marc Murray

Tom Proudley

“Building on the strong foundations highlighted in our previous feature, Murray Landscapes is poised for significant progress in 2026.

With our infrastructure and core team in place, we’re focused on developing our workforce further by welcoming new staff and expanding our apprenticeship programme. A full HQ refit will create a welcoming space for clients and a modern hub for communication, training and daily operations. We will also enhance our systems and processes through the full implementation of a new digital platform.

Alongside our goal of achieving ISO 9001, these developments position us to grow faster and stronger than ever before.”

“Looking ahead to FutureScape 2026, our ambition will be to seamlessly transition the show to our new home; Farnborough International. We're going to provide more features and demonstrations than ever before, more networking opportunities and festivalise our outdoor exhibition space. We'll aim to showcase live outdoor kitchens, show garden features that will provide the inspiration our garden designer and landscaper delegates are looking for and finally, we will champion excellence in landscaping through hands-on training and demonstrations on an extensive range of products, tools and machinery – stay tuned for the next evolution of FutureScape; Farnborough International.”

MURRAY LANDSCAPES

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With big plans in motion, the industry looks ahead to what the coming months will bring

Pro Landscaper | January 2026

FUTURESCAPE

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BUSINESS

What’s Winning

GOT TO DO WITH IT?

Hear from past Pro Landscaper award winners on how their wins have positively impacted their business

I

Mark Gregory

all sorts of reasons. From industry wide

MANAGING DIRECTOR, LANDFORM CONSULTANTS

recognition and celebration, to unlocking

“The competition was really stiff with some

growth and understanding what makes

amazing gardens, and we were delighted to

Industry awards can be important for

your business tick.

Here at Pro Landscaper, and across the industry, awards can also be an opportunity for your team to network whilst celebrating your

WINNER PRO LANDSCAPER INTERNATIONAL AWARDS EUROPEAN HEAT: RESIDENTIAL PROJECT OVER £500,000

be a winner within our category for the European Heat of the Pro Landscaper International Awards.

It's a fantastic garden designed by Katherine

own achievements amongst other professionals.

McDonalds and built by Landform Consultants.

But don’t just take our word for it, hear

We’re delighted to take this garden forward to

it directly from Pro Landscaper’s past award

see how it gets on in Saudi Arabia for the finals.”

winners on the value of industry awards.

Saira Ali

TEAM LEADER LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND CONSERVATION, CITY OF BRADFORD WINNER PRO LANDSCAPER BUSINESS AWARDS 2024: DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STRATEGY

“To win the Pro Landscape Business

that prioritises inclusivity. It showcases our

Award in the Diversity and Inclusion

dedication to equitable practices, which

Strategy category is a significant recognition of our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.

For me personally, it validates our efforts to create a workplace where everybody feels valued and empowered.

It celebrates the unique

can attract talent, improve team

perspectives that diversity brings to our projects.

For the council, this award enhances our reputation as a progressive organisation

Peter Donegan FOUNDER AND OWNER, PETER DONEGAN GARDEN DESIGN

PRO LANDSCAPER INTERNATIONAL AWARDS EUROPEAN HEAT: CONCEPTUAL PROJECT

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Pro Landscaper | January 2026

collaboration, and ultimately

For me personally, it lead to better outcomes for validates our efforts to our community initiatives. create a workplace where I highly recommend everybody feels valued and entering the awards empowered. It celebrates the because it provides unique perspectives an opportunity to gain that diversity brings to recognition for your hard our projects work and achievements.

It also offers a platform to share best practice, learn from others in the industry, and inspire further advancements in diversity and inclusion."

“We entered a design that spoke very much from the heart. This project gave us the award. Isn’t it beautiful that something that never existed before, that came from your imagination, ends up on the big stage in lights and makes others smile.

Just go for it, you won’t be disappointed, I promise.”

prolandscapermagazine.com

BUSINESS

James Scott

MANAGING DIRECTOR AND PRINCIPAL DESIGNER, THE GARDEN COMPANY

it helps you attract the sort of discerning clients WINNER PRO LANDSCAPER BUSINESS AWARDS 2025: GARDEN DESIGN that we all want to work with.

COMPANY OVER £250,000 It also helps attract people who TURNOVER Being an awardmight want to work in your

“Winning the award was a great accolade for my company and my team and we had a great day. Time spent preparing is time well spent investing in

winning company, it sets you apart from other companies and it helps you attract the sort of discerning clients that we all want to work with

your business.

Being an award-winning company, it sets you apart from other companies and

business, so I'd really recommend entering the awards as it brings you recognition. I think it's one of the best ways to build a brand as a business and it helps attract quality people to your business.

So, if you've been wondering

about doing it and not getting around to it, I'd say get on, do it. Good luck and hopefully I will see you at the awards next year.”

PRO LANDSCAPER BUSINESS AWARDS 2025: TRADE NURSERY OF THE YEAR

Andrew Ryder

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, WRIGHT LANDSCAPES “I am proud to work for a company that invests so heavily into their future, business and employees.

Winning the awards in 2024 and 2025 has benchmarked our success and helped us maintain the trajectory and the journey that the business is on.

I'd highly recommend entering the PL Business Awards; it helps put you and your business on the map and gives you a chance to showcase what you're all about.”

Winning the awards in 2024 and 2025 has benchmarked our success and helped us maintain the trajectory and the journey that the business is on

WINNER PRO LANDSCAPER BUSINESS AWARDS 2025: LANDSCAPE COMPANY OVER £5M TURNOVER AND DESIGN AND BUILD COMPANY

Kersten Catella

SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR, WYEVALE NURSERIES “This award is a company win which reflects the excellent and dedicated work of each and every single person that works for Wyevale.

The award sets the standard expected from our customers and receiving it demonstrates

Dave Gallagher

PRO LANDSCAPER BUSINESS AWARDS 2025 WINNER: INDUSTRY COLLABORATION

that we achieved this, and we unreservedly celebrated this.

We would recommend entering the awards because it not only demonstrates to the

MANAGING DIRECTOR, HELMRIG

industry that you believe you meet and exceed

“I can honestly say it's been the most fantastic

the standards required but you show your

thing for the business. Obviously, there's a big

teams that their efforts are recognised.”

marketing opportunity which lends a lot of credibility to the business to have picked up a

Nina Mason, content director at 44Group [Pro

national award like that.

Landscaper] says it herself in the Building a

But the more valuable bit for me and, and almost more importantly is how it's allowed our team to really puff their chests out and be proud of what it is

Global Landscape Community podcast:

I can honestly say it's been the most fantastic thing for the business

that we do.

“We see really strong collaborations that are hugely proud of what they deliver.

being built at events,” for example the recognition

It's been really nice to get that sort of

of young talent within the industry with Pro

recognition and stick the trophy in front

Landscaper's 30 Under 30: The Next Generation

of them and say, ‘guys, this is what you've

Awards. “There is a need to attract new people to

delivered and please keep it up’.

the industry and recognise up and coming talent.”

I would say was that if you've got

Not only do these awards help companies set

I think we're an industry that often

a story to tell, I would wholeheartedly

a precedent to potential clients and the wider

downplays what it is that we contribute. The

encourage you to make an entry into the

industry, but it enables the industry to continue

guys work extremely hard for a living and I'm

Pro Landscaper Business Awards.

growing by highlighting and in result keeping emerging talent.

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Pro Landscaper | January 2026

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ENTER YOUR COMPANY NOW ENTRIES CLOSE

30 january 2026 NEED SOME HELP? DOWNLOAD OUR 2026 ENTRY GUIDE

Awards ceremony: friday 24 april 2026

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2026 CATEGORIES ARBORICULTURE COMPANY BUSINESS INVESTMENT OR ACQUISITION BUSINESS LEADER NEW COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE COMPANY DESIGN AND BUILD COMPANY EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR GARDEN DESIGN STUDIO GARDEN DESIGNER GROUNDS MAINTENANCE COMPANY INDUSTRY COLLABORATION LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE STUDIO LANDSCAPE COMPANY UNDER £750,000 TURNOVER LANDSCAPE COMPANY £750,000 - £2M TURNOVER LANDSCAPE COMPANY £2M - £5M TURNOVER LANDSCAPE COMPANY OVER £5M TURNOVER LANDSCAPING CHAMPION NEW NEW COMPANY (UNDER TWO YEARS OLD) SUPPLIER AND SERVICE PROVIDER SUSTAINABLE COMPANY OF THE YEAR TRADE NURSERY OF THE YEAR Contact Will to enter and for tickets 01903 959390 will.williams@eljays44.com

contact LUKE for partnership opportunities 01903 777582 luke.chaplin@eljays44.com Paving TRADE Superstore Super Brands at Super Prices

BUSINESS

TURNING A

New Leaf

Elmtree Landscapes steps into its next chapter after a fresh rebrand to define its focus whilst continuing to honour its decades-long history

A

Bristol-based landscaping company has been evolving base. Our structure, systems and expertise have all evolved since it was established in 1969 by reigning chairman, significantly, and the new branding brings our identity in line Keith Lynch, as Elmtree Garden Contractors Ltd. What with the business we have become.” began as a small domestic gardening company, Marking a natural step in the company’s progression, Elmtree has since expanded into carrying out landscaping its new name reflects the continuing professionalism works within the housebuilding sector and smalland increasing complexity of landscaping.

It positions us scale construction projects. Now known as Elmtree explains Lynch. strongly for future Landscapes Ltd, the recent rebrand reflects its A major part in Elmtree’s vision lies with the current direction of growth. growth of its grounds maintenance division. growth while Under the guidance of managing director Over the past three years, it has expanded from reinforcing the Paul Lynch, Elmtree “simply outgrew the term approximately £1.2m turnover to approaching values that have ‘garden’,” explains the founder’s son. £2m underneath the leadership of operations guided us for “The word ‘landscapes’ far better represents manager Toby Rodd. In recognition of a the scale, diversity, and technical capability of the demand in new-build housing, public realms, more than five work we deliver. It also reflects the direction we’re biodiversity-focused interventions and longdecades continuing to grow. The rebrand isn’t a change of term grounds maintenance; “we intend identity; it’s an accurate expression of who we are today.” to grow responsibility in these areas,” says Lynch.

Under Lynch’s leadership since 2010, alongside Marcus Bird A key focus for Elmtree is increasing the amount of acting as operations director since 2013, Elmtree has tripled in work secured based on trust, capability and company values, size and turnover. “We’ve invested in people, technology, and rather than purely on lowest-price competition. In 2024, dedicated facilities, such as our specialist grounds maintenance the company secured over £1m of new work outside competitive tendering.

However, an issue that Elmtree – as well as others across the industry – seems to be facing at the moment is a lack of laborious hands and where to find them. In a recent study conducted by the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), 29% of those taking part said recruitment was ‘very challenging’.

The Lay of the Land report by BALI finds that 55% of businesses find staffing costs challenging or very challenging,

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Pro Landscaper | January 2026

prolandscapermagazine.com

BUSINESS

whilst 41% feel staff training and skills are also challenging.

The word Industry members such as Marcellus Baz, chief executive and founder of young people ‘landscapes’ far mentoring and counselling programme better represents Switch Up and landscape architect Brian the scale, diversity, Hawtin, are advocating for avenues into and technical the sector who would otherwise find it difficult to enter. capability of the In an effort to close the labour and work we deliver skills gap, Central YMCA and BALI have been rolling out the Level 2 Horticulture Operative Apprenticeship around the country which covers essential skills for those entering the industry. BALI has also just launched a more senior Level 3 Horticulture Supervisor However, after a few months of communication, he has found that Apprenticeship qualification for apprentices who aspire to the employee’s English improves drastically. leadership roles with more responsibility.

As Lynch looks at the future of Elmtree, he intends to consistently In response to staffing issues, Elmtree has also been seeking provide value for money alongside competitive pricing. After seeing alternative means to bridge the gap, as Lynch shares how he has areas of the market where some contractors are buying work at been visiting refugee job fairs as a means of attracting labour unsustainable rates and then looking to recover margin by reducing down an avenue arguably less common than the norm. specification, as Lynch explains and argues “that affects quality and As Lynch acknowledges the language barriers refugees face risks undermining the reputation of the industry”. The company’s when coming to England, “that sometimes means being excluded focus is quite simply the opposite. From accurate specifications, from the traditional ways of applying for jobs”. Three employees consistent delivery, and long-term client relationships built on trust, out of 65-70 have been found at these job fairs, making up 5% of Elmtree remains transparent. the workforce. Ideally, Lynch explains, “by the early spring we could Lynch emphasises this rebrand comes as the company enters a potentially take it up to 10%”. new chapter, the clarification of its focus aligns with such expansion For example, a new employee plans. “It positions us strongly for future growth while reinforcing the from Ukraine who once values that have guided us for more than five decades”.

Projects are owned a landscape Balancing steady progression whilst honouring the values that has set larger, more construction company the company on its almost 60-year journey, Lynch looks towards a bright has joined Elmtree after future with Elmtree Landscapes. technical, and more meeting the team at a environmentally job fair in October. focused than ever With another job fair before. Our new name coming up in February, Lynch says he prepares aligns us with that for such language barriers trajectory by introducing translation apps as well as an earpiece.

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Pro Landscaper | January 2026

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E U N E NEW V WE HEARD

WE LISTENED

WE DELIVERED

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Nick Ruddle explores the launch of his new AI-powered system designed to help landscaping businesses unlock practical, achievable growth WORDS: BETHANY VANN

A

s AI becomes increasingly more sophisticated, we’re seeing more and more companies adopting it into their business practices; using it as a tool to improve efficiencies, optimise operations, and a lot more in-between as more models become available.

One such emerging technology has come from business coach, Nick Ruddle with the launch of his new company and software, Landscape Business AI Systems Ltd – a first of its kind – AI-powered system built and tailored specifically to support landscapers across all areas of their back-office processes.

With over 20 years' experience coaching landscaping businesses across the UK, and as

If you've got everything documented, then your team can literally get whatever answer they need in, in literally a split second

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Pro Landscaper | January 2026

a judge for the Pro Landscaper Business Awards, Ruddle has tailored the system specifically to meet the needs of the industry. He jests that it’s “basically like having a digital me in your pocket.”

Built from scratch, there are three parts to the custom membership GPT system as Ruddle explains.

Landscape Business AI Systems Ltd Developed using Ruddle’s own knowledge and experiences, the AI Assistant is trained to support businesses on pricing, sales, operations, recruitment and leadership – “It’s got templates, models and strategy lists to name a few,” adds Ruddle.

Noting that the software has been designed to provide feedback and solutions across all areas of a project, as well as aiding in recruitment – “it's got our whole recruitment process built in, from the right adverts for all different positions in the business, to the whole induction process and all the steps that you do in that period.”

The Assistant can also be used to help improve a business’s conversion rate from quotes to accepted projects, with a builtin calculator that can outline how many projects at what price companies will need to complete to achieve their desired profit.

One of the system’s most immediate benefits is the speed at which it can create professional quotes and proposals, reducing a process that can traditionally take hours down to just minutes. This delivers significant time savings not only for business owners, but for office-based teams across sales and estimating, marketing, HR, finance, project management and design, allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks rather than administration.

Custom GPT Built into the software is a private GPT system, branded towards individual companies and their processes, as Ruddle explains: “It's like having your own intranet for the company and all the people who work within it. If you've got everything documented, then your team can literally get whatever answer they need, in literally a split second.”

Ruddle adds that the Custom GPT is a private and secure system for companies to use, and its built-in automation of handling

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BUSINESS

day-to-day workload can support companies in streamlining their processes to free-up time.

“Everything is tailored to landscaping. So, once you've got it up-and-running to your business, then it's going to give all your teams the right information – such as creating four-week programmes with milestones and update points across all sorts of operations. It can also write a job description for HR or create interview questions for a site supervisor. It's literally every question that anyone has in any role within a company already loaded into the AI system, so they've got access to the solutions to every painful question they may have in whatever area of your business.”

Ruddle notes that now is the perfect time to launch as companies are gearing up for the year ahead and setting their business plans in motion, which he says this system can help with. “It knows you and everything that it provides is with you and your goals in mind.

It can create a 12-month plan to achieve those goals, as well as how many teams do you have, to what point in the year you could afford to get that extra van.”

Users of the system will also be able to tailor the AI’s responses through real-time feedback – “every time it creates something, there's a thumbs-up or a thumbs-down button you can use, and it gets really intuitive with knowing you and your company.”

It's literally every question that anyone has in any role within a company already loaded into the AI system

Implementation and Coaching Geared towards largerscale companies, Ruddle is also introducing a new

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12-month coaching programme that combines live group coaching with no more than 10 people per cohort.

“We will be covering a different subject every single month, with step-by-step guides on all those areas.

And then they've got homework with all the step-by-step information and guides that they need to go away in that month to do all the things they need to do to achieve the growth they want.”

Ruddle admits he understands people's hesitation to jump on board the AI train but argues that it is the latest digital revolution and can be used as a tool to grow your business – “I'm really excited about [the launch], because I can help so many people with this software. Once you start using it, you're just never going to stop.”

FURTHER INFORMATION To find out more, visit: landscapebusinessmastery.com

Pro Landscaper | January 2026

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ASK THE EXPERTS with Rachel Bailey PhD MSGLD MAPL

How do you work with the existing site conditions, such as the soil type, sunlight levels, and topography, rather than working against them?

W

orking with the nature of a the soil – its type and texture, the depth of site is essential to creating a topsoil, the presence of worms and other garden that functions and microfauna, and indicator plants that reveal thrives long term. Every underlying conditions. garden is different – from its aspect and soil You can identify compaction, assess type to its history and relationship with the moisture levels, and take soil samples surrounding landscape. Understanding for assessment of pH, nutrients, and these nuances shapes the design, physical characteristics. Studying reduces waste, avoids unnecessary the levels also reveals how water A detailed costs and minimises moves through the garden, understanding environmental impact. highlights drainage issues, of the site offers A detailed understanding and identifies opportunities early clues about of the site offers early clues to minimise excavation. how to approach about how to approach the Sun paths can be mapped the layout layout. A topographical survey across seasons, existing provides the basic framework: the vegetation recorded, and any garden’s dimensions, its relationship with remedial care noted. You can identify the house and outbuildings, the position current and potential habitats, consider of services and manholes, the location of how wildlife uses the garden, and assess existing trees and planting, the heights connectivity to the wider landscape. It’s also of sills, eaves and roofs, and, crucially, the valuable to note any materials already onsite site levels. that could be repurposed.

Interpreting the survey on the ground is Bringing all the data together creates a equally important. Time onsite allows you clear picture of how the garden works – or to observe microclimates and get a feel for why it may not be working well. It helps

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define which areas are best suited to dining and seating spaces, vegetable beds, ponds or wetland habitats.

Working with, rather than against, the topography is more sustainable. Minimising excavation reduces waste sent to landfill, avoids unnecessary cost, protects soil ecology, and helps keep carbon locked in the ground.

It can also inspire creative design solutions.

On a sloping site, for example, a level seating area might be nestled into a gentle gradient rather than built through extensive terracing.

Where soil must be excavated, keep it to a minimum and reuse it onsite to create varied topography and microhabitats. This will become increasingly important in a changing climate, as varied landforms can offer cooler, north-facing slopes and damper pockets that provide refuge from high temperatures.

Conversely, raised areas can supply the sharp drainage needed by plants that struggle in prolonged wet conditions.

Water should also be managed in a way that works with the site. Rather than adding to an already burdened drainage system,

Pro Landscaper | January 2026

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The panel RACHEL BAILEY Rachel Bailey runs an

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Pro Landscaper | January 2026

award-winning SGLD registered design

o aJ ©Andre

the goal should be to slow the flow and retain hardscape materials must be chosen for their water on site. Rainfall from roofs can be captured performance in specific conditions. Pale in water butts or rain planters and finally directed paving may brighten a shaded area but be into swales or ponds. On sloping sites, water can uncomfortably bright in full sun. In shaded, be intercepted uphill in a swale where it slowly damp locations, considerations such as porosity, infiltrates the soil or is directed via a gulley into a slip resistance, and durability become essential lower pond or wetland. for long-term functionality.

On poorly drained sites where Gravel beneath trees rarely lasts; soakaways are ineffective, creating instead, bark mulch with natural Material choices a wetland habitat with raised stone stepping stones offers a should also respond walkways allows excess water to more durable solution. Timber to the site. Just as be managed naturally. Plants use is a versatile material but plants must suit their water during respiration and selecting the right timber environment, hardscape photosynthesis for example, matters: modified timbers materials must be improve soil infiltration, and such as Accoya provide far chosen for their create an immersive, beautiful greater durability in contact performance in space while maintaining access with the ground than larch specific conditions for people. or oak.

Understanding the site’s above- and Taken together, working with the below-ground conditions is also crucial for plant nature of the site creates a strong foundation selection. Microclimate, aspect, soil characteristics, for a garden that meets the client’s needs while drainage patterns, exposure and altitude all building ecological resilience. It ensures that guide the choice of plants that will thrive. This each design decision – from the placement of knowledge supports designing plant communities features to the choice of materials and plants that are resilient and ecologically connected.

– is grounded in an understanding of how It also helps anticipate how the planting will landscape, climate, soil and water interact. evolve with time and what future editing may By responding thoughtfully to these be required. conditions, the garden becomes not just a Material choices should also respond to the designed space, but a thriving system capable site. Just as plants must suit their environment, of adapting to future change.

practice creating

ne s

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 award-winning 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.

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Landscape must be at the heart of the placemaking ambition that is being set out, if the vision is to be realised and what is created has the societal benefit intended.

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SPEAKERS CONFIRMED INCLUDE Phil Mayall, Managing director, Muse Andrew Taylor, Group planning director, Vistry Group Lee Webster, Managing director, Wrights Landscape Meg Carter, Regional director local government, AtkinsRealis Simone Wilding, Chief planner, Bristol City Council Joel Wildgoose, Principal design manager, Domis Construction Prof Samer Bagaeen, Vice President (Elect), Royal Town Planning Institute

Paul Lynch, Managing director, Elmtree Landscapes Ltd Andy Roberts, Urban design director, Planit-ie Wayne Grills, Chief executive, British Association of Landscape Industries Simeon Shtebunaev, Senior researcher, Social Life Gareth Dillon, Managing director, NT Killingley Sue Riddlestone, Chief executive and co-founder, Bioregional Chris Blaisdale, Business Development Director, Wrights Landscapes

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AUTUMN BUDGET

2025 What the key changes mean for landscaping businesses, with Carpenter Box

F

ollowing the Autumn Budget, several upcoming tax and regulatory changes could affect the way landscaping businesses plan, price and manage their operations. Here’s a clear breakdown of the main updates announced in the budget.

Employment updates affecting your workforce Landscaping businesses often rely heavily on a mix of skilled labour, seasonal workers and younger employees, so the changes to wage rates are particularly important.

From April 2026, the National Living Wage (for workers aged 21+) will rise from £12.21 to £12.71 per hour. The National Minimum Wage for 18 to 20 year-olds will also increase from £10 to £10.85. These increases will raise labour costs and should be reflected in future pricing and budgets.

From April 2029, the National Insurance savings available through pension salary sacrifice arrangements will be capped at £2k of contributions per employee per year.

Businesses using salary sacrifice may see reduced

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Pro Landscaper | January 2026

efficiencies and should review their schemes. Additionally, from April 2026, employees will no longer be able to claim tax relief on homeworking expenses. This change applies only to employees, not business owners. Employers will still be able to reimburse eligible homeworking costs on a tax and NI-free basis for staff who work from home occasionally.

Landscaping businesses often rely heavily on a mix of skilled labour, seasonal workers and younger employees, so the changes to wage rates are particularly important

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Personal tax updates rising to £7,500 depending on value. relevant to business owners ISA changes will also apply from April Several budget measures impact owner2027, with individuals under 65 limited to managed landscaping businesses, including £12k in cash ISA contributions. The total directors who pay themselves through ISA limit remains at £20k. a combination of salary and dividends.

From April 2026, dividend tax rates will Key business tax changes increase to 10.75% (basic rate) and 35.75% for 2026 and beyond (higher rate), with the additional rate Several updates will influence how remaining unchanged at 39.35%. From landscaping businesses invest in April 2027, income tax rates on property equipment such as vans, mowers, and savings income will rise by 2% across diggers and machinery. all bands.

From April 2026, the main writing The freezing of income tax bands down allowance for plant and machinery and the personal allowance will reduce from 18% to 14%, until 2030/31 means slowing the rate at which you more individuals will can claim tax relief on gradually pay higher new kit. However, Several updates tax as earnings a new 40% first-year will influence increase. allowance will how landscaping Inheritance apply to qualifying businesses invest tax planning gets main pool a boost, with expenditure not in equipment such Business Property eligible for Annual as vans, mowers, Relief (BPR) Investment diggers and and Agricultural Allowance or full machinery Property Relief (APR) expensing, which becoming transferable remain unchanged. between spouses and civil Corporation tax penalties partners – useful for landscaping for late returns will double from business owners passing assets to family.

April 2026, making timely submission From April 2028, a new annual property even more important. tax will apply to residential Changes to Employee Ownership properties worth more than Trusts (EOTs) take immediate effect: £2m, starting at £2,500 and only 50% of gains on a sale to an EOT will

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now be exempt, with the rest taxed at standard CGT rates.

High-growth landscaping businesses looking to expand may benefit from increased scheme thresholds. From April 2026: • Enterprise Management Incentive limits rise to 500 employees, £120m gross assets, and £6m of options.

• Enterprise Investment Scheme/Venture Capital Trusts limits rise to £24m for lifetime investment and £30m gross assets, although VCT income tax relief drops to 20%.

Finally, all businesses incorporating will now need to explicitly claim incorporation relief on their tax return to prevent a taxable gain coming into charge.

STUART NOAKES Stuart Noakes is head of tax services at Carpenter Box. At Carpenter Box, we’re helping clients recalibrate their tax strategies to stay compliant and efficient. We can review your financial affairs to ensure you’re not overpaying tax and assess whether existing structures remain suitable.

If you would like more detailed one-to-one advice for navigating these changes, get in touch with our tax team.

Tel 01903 234094 Email info@carpenterbox.com carpenterbox.com

Pro Landscaper | January 2026

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LEADING with PURPOSE

What good leadership really looks like In the landscaping sector, leadership isn’t about job titles, years in the industry, or who shouts the loudest on site. Good leadership is about creating direction, enabling others to perform at their best, and building a business that people want to be part of.

While the industry often talks about ‘management’ – project managers, operations managers, site managers – leadership is something different. It sits above the day–to–day. It shapes the way the business thinks, behaves, and moves forward.

This article follows on naturally from the topic of developing team members into management roles. Once you have capable managers in place, the questions become: What does leadership look like from here?

And what separates a solid manager from a genuinely effective leader?

Check out Neil Stead’s Tools to Team Leaders article in the October 2025 edition of Pro Landscaper

Neil Stead delves into what leadership truly means – whether it’s knowing when to step aside so others can shine or when to step forward and take the lead

In the world of small businesses, leadership needs to be practical, authentic and visible.

It has to work in an environment where resources are tight, responsibilities overlap, and the culture of the business can shift based on the leader’s behaviour every day.

Leadership is not just a step up – it’s a step away One of the hardest shifts for business owners and senior managers is stepping away from being the person who solves every issue.

In many small companies, the leader ends up being the answer to everything: client questions, team concerns, operational snags, even last-minute equipment decisions.

But true leadership starts when you step back from doing and step into enabling. Leaders

create clarity. They set direction and support others to take responsibility.

A good leader: •F ocuses on the future, not just today •T hinks about opportunities as well as problems •M akes decisions based on long-term goals, not convenience

In the world of small businesses, leadership needs to be practical, authentic, and visible

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Pro Landscaper | January 2026

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• Creates space for managers and teams to step up Without this shift, the business stays reactive – and everyone becomes overly reliant on the person at the top.

People leadership People leadership is at the heart of effective leadership in every small business. Your influence shapes culture every day. It means: •L istening and communicating clearly •E ncouraging input and valuing different perspectives •C reating an environment where people feel supported to grow

Leadership built on four pillars When I work with business owners, I use a simple Business Management Framework that focuses on four core pillars: Strategic, Customer, Operations and People. It’s a practical way of understanding how a business What good leadership really functions – and it also looks like Leadership is works brilliantly as a guide Good leadership has about direction, for effective leadership. a particular feel in Looking at your role small companies clarity, consistency through these four lenses – it’s close-knit, and trust. It’s about helps you decide where visible and stepping back from to focus your attention grounded. Some the day-to-day so and how best to support of the key traits you can focus the business. include: • Visible and on the bigger Strategic leadership approachable picture This is your anchor point.

Your team sees you, hears As the leader, you’re responsible for from you, and feels able to setting the direction. Strategic leadership means: speak to you. Presence matters.

• Being clear about where • Consistent

and fair the business is heading Your expectations match your actions.

• Making decisions that support You follow through. You set the tone long-term goals others mirror.

• Communicating the “why” so the team • Supportive understands the bigger picture You don’t overshadow managers – you help them step into their roles confidently.

Customer leadership •C ollaborative in style Every decision ultimately touches the You involve people in thinking, planning customer experience. Customer leadership means: and problem-solving. Not because you • Setting the tone for the quality can’t lead alone – but because better and consistency you expect decisions come from shared insight, • Helping the team think about and people commit more strongly to outcomes, not just tasks what they help shape.

• Modelling the behaviours you want to see •D ecisive when it matters in communication and professionalism Collaboration doesn’t mean indecision.

Strong leaders take input, then make Operational leadership clear decisions and explain why.

Operational leadership isn’t about doing •G rounded and in touch the work – it’s about creating the structure that You understand the realities of the work enables others to do it well. It involves: without being drawn back into doing it all • Putting systems in place that yourself. This balance builds credibility reduce firefighting and trust.

• Setting clear expectations so managers can take ownership The business impact • Supporting people to make When leadership is strong, clear and decisions and build confidence grounded, businesses see real differences:

• Managers feel empowered instead of overwhelmed • Teams work more autonomously and confidently • Communication improves across projects • Client experience becomes more consistent • The owner can finally step out of firefighting mode and focus on growth Leadership unlocks the potential you’ve worked hard to develop in your managers. Without it, even the strongest management layer will hit a ceiling.

Final thoughts Moving from manager to leader – or from owner-operator to true leader – is one of the biggest shifts a small business can make. But it’s also one of the most transformative.

Leadership is about direction, clarity, consistency and trust. It’s about stepping back from the day-to-day so you can focus on the bigger picture. When you lead well, you don’t just run a business. You build BOOSTING OPERATIONAL a team that can run it with youEFFICIENCY – and IN YOUR BUSINESS perhaps even without you!

Look to encourage operational feedback from your team, as involved in executing the daily tasks. Regularly review your p open to new methods or systems that can improve your effic satisfaction.

Conclusion NEIL STEAD

Improving the operational management of your business re combination of strategic planning, technology integration, a

teams.

By mapping out your core processes, investing in the Neil Stead is an accomplished delegating responsibilities, and focusing on continuous imp create a more streamlined, efficient operation that allows yo Business Consultant & Coach maintaining high standards of service. with three decades of experience The key is to start with small, manageable changes and con ways to improve your business’s processes. at one of the UK's most respected brands.

In 2021, he established Steady Consulting to partner with Stead Bio small business owners, helping themNeil build stronger, Neil is an accomplished Business Consultant & Coach with t more sustainable businesses – benefiting their experience at one of the UK's most respected and trusted br customers, employees, and aligning Inwith their 2021, he established Steady Consulting to partner with sm owners, guiding them in building stronger, more sustainable benefiting not only their customers and employees, but also personal aspirations. Stead focuses his expertise own personal aspirations. on the horticulture and landscaping industry – Neil focuses his expertise on the horticulture and landscapi delivering tailored, hands-on guidance, strategic advice, an providing tailored, hands–on guidance, strategic support to nurture the growth of each business he serves. advice, and dedicated support. He also brought his To book a FREE DISCOVERY SESSION with Neil simply scan expertise to the Pro Landscaper Business Awards as a judge. To book a free discovery session, scan the QR code. steadyconsulting.co.uk

Article by Neil Stead, Business Consultant & Coach at Steady Consulting, for Pro La 2025)

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Pro Landscaper | January 2026

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ADVICE

A FRESH

Start

From early planning to bold design experiments, Andrew Duff is setting his sights on the year ahead

of decisions rather than isolated jobs makes every garden feel more considered and cohesive.

Just as important, is giving yourself space to play. The fresh start mindset isn’t only about ticking boxes – it’s about possibility.

Sketch, experiment and imagine without worrying about deadlines. Revisit geometry, play with new plant palettes or explore

J

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textures and light. January is the perfect month to let your imagination wander in ways that set you up for inspired designs all year.

And don’t forget to talk it through. Early chats with clients, contractors and collaborators can make all the difference. Setting expectations and sharing ideas upfront avoids headaches later and gives everyone confidence in the project direction.

At the end of the day, the new year is an invitation to reflect, plan, create and communicate. It’s a chance to step back from Sketch, the daily grind and think about gardens and experiment and the work behind them with fresh eyes. Embrace imagine without the fresh start mindset, and every project worrying about becomes not just a garden, but a thoughtful, deadlines inspired journey for the year ahead.

aje ne M rus ian

ANDREW DUFF

©M ar

anuary always feels a bit like a reset button, a moment to take a breath, look back, and figure out what’s coming next. For us garden designers, it’s more than just symbolic.

It’s the perfect time to set the tone for the year ahead, to think about projects, creativity and clients with fresh eyes.

First up: Reflection. Before you open SketchUp or pick up the sketchbook, it’s worth taking a moment to look back over the last year – which projects really worked? Which ones were tricky, and what could have been done differently?

Understanding what went well and what didn’t helps us make smarter choices moving forward.

Next, planning. I’m not a fan of the phrase “strategic planning", Treating the but January year as a connected is ideal for series of decisions figuring out rather than both the isolated jobs makes shortevery garden feel term and more considered long-term and cohesive stuff. Think about your workflow, your client schedule, and what the seasons demand. Which projects need early ordering of plants or materials? Where could you bring in new ideas, sustainable practices or more creative planting schemes? Treating the year as a connected series

An internationally recognised dargen designer, Andre Duff MSGLD has been designing gardens for over 30 years. In addition to running his practice, he is managing director of the world reowned Inchbald School of Design and is Chair of the society of Garden + Landscape Designers, sgld.org.uk

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W

Digital DRAWING

elcome to this regular 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.

One of the most useful capabilities in SketchUp for iPad is its ability to read topographic survey PDFs with surprising accuracy. This allows garden and landscape designers to bring survey data directly into mobile three-dimensional workspace, speeding up early modelling work without sacrificing precision. This article outlines the becomes a dependable anchor from essential steps and the practical benefits of which to generate accurate threeusing a surveyor’s PDF as the foundation dimensional geometry. This means of a SketchUp model. that any model created – whether for SketchUp for iPad imports PDF surveys concept design, exploratory massing quickly, and the clarity of the resulting image or early technical thinking – is is typically excellent. Once the PDF is placed grounded in the exact dimensions on the canvas, it functions as an exact visual provided by the surveyor. reference – clean, legible and ready to be Working this way on an iPad also scaled. From this point, you can begin removes the traditional limitations of building your model directly over the location. Because the full survey survey information. The process and model can be carried is immediate, straightforward with you, design The greatest and mirrors the method development becomes benefit of this many designers already truly flexible. You can workflow is that use on desktop software, begin modelling on site, but with the advantage continue refining ideas the professional of full mobility. on a train or in a cafe, survey remains The greatest benefit and return to more present throughout of this workflow is that detailed work later the modelling the professional survey without any loss of stage remains present throughout accuracy or continuity. This the modelling stage. Rather than mobility significantly extends relying on memory or approximate our productivity as designers, redrawing, you work directly over a precise, allowing work to progress in short sessions measured document. Every contour line, and in varied environments. spot level, boundary, step or building line Despite the smaller screen, there is no

BOARD

SURVEY PDFS IMPORT DIRECTLY INTO SKETCHUP FOR IPAD TO SCALE

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Pro Landscaper | January 2026

compromise in precision.

SketchUp for iPad allows controlled zooming to any detail in the survey, letting you model from the PDF with the same accuracy expected from desktop software. The combination of the Apple Pencil, SketchUp’s modelling tools, and the clarity of the original survey makes the process reliable and efficient for both simple layouts and more complex terrain.

John Wood on working with Topographic Surveys in SketchUp for iPad

3D MODELLING WITH THE UNDERLYING SURVEY PDF AS OUR CONSTANT REFERENCE

For those who would like to see the process in practice, click the QR code to see the first of three videos (the second and third videos can be viewed by visiting the Create Visual YouTube channel @create_visual_ipad).

These demonstrate the full workflow from importing a survey PDF into SketchUp for iPad to beginning the threedimensional modelling directly from that reference. Used consistently, this method provides designers with a fast, accurate, and mobile way to begin high-quality 3D work based on professional survey data.

JOHN WOOD 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

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Pro Landscaper Ad March 25.indd 1

01/10/2025 09:51

In conversation with...

PAUL HICKS Stihl’s marketing and product manager looks back on 100 years of innovation while outlining the company’s vision for the future

What can you tell me about Stihl’s founding?

Stihl was founded in 1926 by engineer Andreas Stihl, who set out to make forestry and land-based work safer, faster and less physically demanding. His first chainsaw was designed to reduce the strain of manual timber work, a principle that still resonates with today’s landscaping professionals. From day one, the focus was on engineering tools that improve productivity in real working environments, a mindset that continues to shape Stihl’s approach to professional landscaping and grounds maintenance equipment.

How has the company evolved over the last 100 years, regarding ethos and products?

Over the last century, Stihl has evolved alongside the changing demands of the landscaping industry. While early innovation focused on petrol-powered equipment, today the company offers a broad portfolio spanning petrol and battery solutions.

Throughout that evolution, the ethos has remained the same –

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deliver professional-grade performance, durability and reliability. For landscapers, this now includes quieter, low-vibration and loweremission tools designed for urban, residential and noisesensitive environments.

A century of working closely with professionals has reinforced the importance of designing equipment around real-world use

What are some of the major moments in Stihl’s history?

Key milestones include the introduction of the first one-person chainsaw, which revolutionised tree work, and the development of professional battery systems capable to meet the needs of the most demanding tasks. For landscaping professionals, the expansion of Stihl’s battery ranges has been particularly significant, enabling quieter operation, reduced emissions and improved ergonomics on site. Remaining a family-owned business throughout its history has also allowed Stihl to invest long-term in innovation, manufacturing quality and professional support.

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Q&A

tools that match or exceed petrol performance, while offering the benefits of reduced noise and lower operating emissions. Alongside product innovation, Stihl is investing in dealer expertise, training and aftersales support, ensuring landscaping professionals can transition to new technologies with confidence.

How will what you’ve learnt over the years influence the company moving forward?

For landscapers, that means tools that are robust, intuitive and capable of performing consistently across long working days.

Lessons learnt around balance, vibration reduction and serviceability are now applied equally to battery and petrol products. Moving forward, Stihl will continue developing solutions that support productivity while helping contractors adapt to changing regulations and expectations.

Stihl will continue expanding its professional battery systems, with a strong focus on landscaping and grounds maintenance application

Do you have any closing comments?

For Stihl, 100 years represents a platform for continued innovation. The landscaping sector is evolving rapidly, driven by environmental considerations, urban working conditions and client expectations. Stihl’s role is to support professionals through that change with reliable equipment, strong dealer partnerships and practical solutions that work on site. The company remains committed to helping landscapers work more efficiently, safely and sustainably for years to come.

For more information, visit stihl.co.uk

Can you share anything around what’s on the horizon for Stihl?

Stihl will continue expanding its professional battery systems, with a strong focus on landscaping and grounds maintenance applications. Future development is centred on delivering battery

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Tree anchoring for every planting situation

Pre-installed anchor points

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Photo credit: Optigrün international AG

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Bringing together expertise in ecology, conservation, sustainability, landscaping and grounds maintenance, we deliver integrated solutions that create real ecological value. From strategic planning and design through to implementation and long-term management, our products and services support biodiversity improvements across a wide range of sectors, industries and spaces.

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Immediate functional habitat Replicates natural cavity nesting Supports pollinators Customisable

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office@niche-environmental.co.uk

BUSINESS

“WHAT SETS US APART IS HOW WE TREAT OUR STAFF AS INDIVIDUALS. WE’RE COMMITTED TO THEIR PERSONAL GROWTH, HEALTH AND WELLBEING” From environmental responsibility to staff training and retention – Adam Palmer shares what sets Palmer Landscapes apart in a challenging market WORDS: BETHANY VANN

A

t age 15 Adam Palmer left school with only a few GCSEs to his name – like many others, his aptitudes instead lay in physical ability: “I always enjoyed manual labour and worked a milk round whilst at school”, shares Palmer.

So, when his father, Steve Palmer – founder of Palmer Landscapes – offered him a job at the company, alongside a relocation to Leeds in 1998, Palmer self-admittedly jumped at the opportunity for a fresh start pursuing a career in an industry that would nurture and encourage his skillset.

“I started at the very bottom working in maintenance”, says Palmer – but by age 21 he had worked his way up through the ranks, running project installations on the company’s large-scale construction sites, and had obtained his machine tickets and supervisors accreditation, validating his skillset in training and overseeing others in the field, preparing him for when he would eventually take over from his father.

In 2008, the financial crisis – also known as the global financial crisis – hit, sending the UK into its deepest recession since the second World War. Companies across the nation were feeling the effects, with unemployment rising and GDP falling.

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BUSINESS company’s ethos, as he explains: “We have seen every market peak and trough in our time, gone without wages and not been able to afford to replace broken machinery. Having a good work ethic, great supplier and main contractor relationships due to my father have helped massively, but our strongest asset by far is our people!”

A key figure within the leadership structure is Ryan Horsman, head of estimating at Palmer Landscapes, who plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s commercial succes.

When delving into the company standards, Palmer says it comes down to two main areas: great culture and good disciplines.“We ask a lot of our employees, but in return we provide a place that we genuinely feel is a market leader.

We are a living wage foundation member, and every employee gets a profit share each year.”

Going on to explain that he and the company are continually committed to training their team to exceed industry standards – both out in the field and in a back-office capacity – offering qualifications such as CSCS, CPCS, NPORS, NEBOSH, and more, while supporting their career

development throughout.“We focus on developing our senior leadership team, preparing them to be the next generation of management”, shares Palmer.

“A great example is Abi Fairbrother, our accounts manager. She joined us without formal qualifications, but with our support is now working through her Association of Accountancy Technicians qualification while managing our accounts, cash flow and payments.

Similarly, Sam Isles joined us as a 16-year -old apprentice and after 23 years, is now a contracts manager. With our support, Sam is furthering his career by enrolling in a Chartered Management Degree at Leeds University. His journey highlights the benefit of investing in employee growth, both for the individual and the company.”

Palmer notes that this dedication to training not only ensures the team are skilled, supported and confident in their roles – which ultimately results in higher quality deliverables – it also contributes to the company’s low staff turnover.

“What sets us apart is how we treat our staff as individuals. We’re committed to their personal growth, health and wellbeing, creating a workplace where people feel valued and

We focus on developing our senior leadership team, preparing them to be the next generation of management

One such company that came under financial strain was Palmer Landscapes, as Palmer explains: “After the financial crisis in 2008, I was asked to move into the office to help steady the ship as the company found itself in financial difficulties.”

Not long after the company regained its footing in the aftermath of the crisis, Palmer and his cousin, Ben, took over running the business in 2013 – which they eventually bought out from both their parents in 2022.

The lessons learned by Palmer and the team as a result of the crisis continue to shape

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BUSINESS

supported. We believe when our people thrive, Palmer Landscapes thrives.”

Speaking of wellbeing, Palmer Landscapes has also recently rolled out its handsup@ palmerlandscapes initiative,“where our people can contact our own mental health nurse at any time and set up meetings”, explains Palmer.

Mental health and wellbeing continue to be poignant topics across manual labour industries and landscaping is no exception. A minimum of one in six people experience mental health issues every year1, contributing to the rising need for initiative like handsup in the workplace.

Alongside its long-standing commitment to its employees, Palmer Landscapes continues to advance its pursuit of sustainability.

Since its founding in 1970, the company has been vocal in its efficient, safe and eco-friendly

delivery, advocating for the success of the environment.

In its pursuit to send zero waste to landfill, the business is actively exploring innovations around the recycling and processing of green waste.

“We are on track to recycle all elements of our landscape waste, whether it be plastic, soil, wood and stone. We also collect green waste from local companies and communities and turn it into biomass, through our sister company Palmer Nurseries.”

Palmer goes on to add that the company has completed the purchase of a concrete and mortar batching plant that uses recycled water from the wash-outs to process the mixes, resulting in zero wastewater making its way into the drainage systems.

By creating a circular economy, we’re reducing waste and reusing materials wherever possible – for the good of the environment and our business

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From strength to strength, there are certainly more sustainable solutions on the horizon for Palmer Landscapes, as he quips: “Advancing our biomass operation to make wood pellets for boilers would be great, but I think our team have had enough of my new ideas for now.”

When asked why the continued pursuit of sustainability was important for Palmer, he is steadfast in his response, saying: “I think we all have a responsibility to how our daily lives have an impact on the Earth and its climate.

Companies should be doing everything they can to make the impact of their business as small as possible to the environment.”

He notes that the company’s dedication to sustainability is clear, with an aim to reuse and recycle 100% of materials: “Plant pots and

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composted at our licensed facility. We’ve also invested in electric vehicles and equipment”, adding: “By creating a circular economy, we’re reducing waste and reusing materials wherever possible – for the good of the environment and our business.”

In parallel to the wellbeing of its team and protection of the environment, the company’s longevity is also being safeguarded through the diversification of its offerings.

Unfortunately, not too dissimilar to the financial crisis of 2008, the UK’s cost of living continued to remain elevated throughout 2025 as inflation hovered around 3-4%. As a result, many companies up and down the nation have been working to develop solutions to mitigate the impact, with Palmer Landscapes being one such example.

“We have been conscious to offer our landscaping services closer to home these days, with a smaller area but larger services mindset”, says Palmer. “With the cost of running a business only going up, we have seen giving a great service within our region help with overheads but also see us becoming one of the ‘go-to’ landscaping contractors in Yorkshire.”

But, as he said earlier, Palmer’s passions lie in great culture and good disciplines, and both of those he says are paramount to a company looking to strengthen their offering: “I think the best advice I could give would be making sure that everyone within your business understands the values of

Our commitment to delivering an honest, reliable, and highquality service has positioned us as one of the leading commercial your business and landscapers in delivers them the region consistently. From how

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your employees answer the phone, to branding, time it takes to return tenders or emails, even down to your attitude when dealing with a difficult problem!”

He goes on to explain how Palmer Landscapes actively cultivates strong and long-lasting relationships with main contractors, local authorities and developers across Yorkshire that have contributed to its current position in the market. “Our commitment to delivering an honest, reliable, and high-quality service has positioned us as one of the leading commercial landscapers in the region – at the core of our operations is the principle of consistency.”

These commitments to fostering a positive workplace environment, investing in staff skillsets, sustainable innovation, and strong market positioning that led Palmer Landscapes to take home the win for the Landscape Company £1m–£5m Turnover category at the Pro Landscaper Business Awards 2025, in association with Caribbean Blinds.

From coming onboard in an office capacity during an arguably difficult time for the company – a result of the financial crisis – to where it is now, Palmers’ time at the

Picking

FAVOURITES Question: What has been your favourite project to date?

Palmer: “Aire Park has been a huge success for us, making it to the finals of the BALI National Landscape Awards in 2025 in the Repurposed Development category. It sees the old Tetley brewery, one of the largest of its kind in the world, turned to a large intercity park.

But my favourite contract we have is maintaining large parts of Leeds for Equans. Many of these areas have high rise flats and houses with very small gardens, so communal green spaces are very important to the residents, especially the children. We have also implemented kitchen gardens to the flats, and this has been a great success.”

helm of the business and the continued overseeing and strengthening of its commitment to the four pillars of ESG – environmental responsibility, social impact, governance, and economic performance – have played a defining role in shaping a stable, responsible, and forward-looking business.

References 1 Kawasaki Engines https://www.kawasaki-engines. eu/en/news/2023/05/12/living-the-life-of-alandscaper-the-physical-and-mentalconsiderations/#:~:text=A%20minimum%20of%20 one%20in,the%20course%20of%20their%20lifetimes.

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PROJECT DETAILS Project value £97k Build time 5 months

Size of project 1,000m2 Awards Pro Landscaper Project Awards 2024 Design £50,000 to £100,000 shortlist

HILLTOP ALICE MEACHAM GARDENS WEST MARCHES

O

Paradise

n the edge of Lyme Regis, the house sits atop a steep plot nestled into the hillside overlooking the sea. As a new build, the site’s existing landscaping was limited and left much to be desired – giving designer Alice Meacham the opportunity to create an entirely new garden from scratch. From maximising views and utilising the site’s steep topography, to ensuring private spaces and interesting low maintenance planting, the client listed their necessities that Meacham proudly executed.

With the house spanning three-stories and the garden being accessible via the ground and first floors, facilitating accessibility through both was a key consideration. To ensure ease of navigation around the steeply sloped site, Meacham installed paths, steps and level areas with additional spaces of privacy.

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PLANTING • Stipa tenuissima • Yucca filamentosa • Miscanthus sinesis • Hakonecloa macra • Muehlenbeckia complexa • Himalayan birch • Prunus serrula

The use of arches, planting and terracing enables the garden to operate on multiple levels and angles, providing new views, unexpected focal points, and a sense of journey through a series of ‘outdoor rooms’, explains Meacham. While some of the new elements introduced draw the eye out to the far-reaching sea views, others offer a more intimate and enclosed atmosphere.

In the future, the ground floor is intended to be used as a self-contained apartment for potential rental. For this reason, both the client and Meacham wanted to design the garden to absorb both the privacy and garden needs of both sets of users.

Adorning the rose arch lie trachelospermum jasminoides which, in time, will create a sense of enclosure and separation so that users of the two areas will not feel overlooked by each other.

Where the west side of the house soaks up the sun, the east takes advantage of a sea view – Meacham uses this to her advantage through the creation of a sheltered area – underneath the sun, as a seated area overlooking the waves of the Lyme Regis coastline lies the other side.

The southwest patio borders are the most densely planted, located beside the main living area windows, where they can be enjoyed from both inside and outside of the house.

Grasses and Mediterranean plants such as stipa tenuissima, yucca filamentosa, miscanthus sinesis, rosemary and lavender not only complement the rustic stone and gravel but provide year-round interest whilst being least palatable to the local deer that graze regularly. Attractive to pollinators, these seeding and flowering plants ensure biodiversity net gain uplift.

Down on the lower-north side has an existing boundary hedge of copper beech which has been extended up the slope and on three sides of the smaller patio.

One of the unexpected pleasures of the project has been the evolution of the pond, and a great example to how it’s possible to have a formal pond that’s also attractive to wildlife

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Prior to construction, existing mature trees were identified by Arb Report for retaining or felling due to disease or end of lifespan. In response, a planned pruning and strimming renovation scheme is being implemented on the upper bank to return the fruit trees back to their former glory, and to reduce the brambles while maintaining the annual sea of bluebells.

In the less formal areas of the garden, mixed grasses, trees and woodland shrub borders are planted to blend in with the existing woodland landscape. The lower bank has been planted with ornamental trees to re-balance the tree population of the garden, and to provide seasonal interest.

1 Looking down through the orchard 2 T he ground floor patio 3 S teps to the main door 4 V iew along first terrace 5 M ain south-west patio 6 A erial view of south west terrace

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CLIENT FEEDBACK “At the start, I listed 16 key requirements of my new garden. Amazingly, [Meacham] has managed to achieve it all!

My previous high maintenance garden left me daunted by outstanding tasks, so I rarely relaxed in it. Without exception, I have wonderful comments from all visitors.

It really is an extension of the house, supporting our lifestyle in so many ways.”

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REFERENCES Contractor Northcott Building Contractors nbcontractors.co.uk Plants Rainbow Plants rainbowplants.co.uk Lighting Landscapeplus landscapeplus.com Within the main terrace, a pond sinks into the landscape. “One of the unexpected pleasures of the project has been the evolution of the pond, and a great example to how it’s possible to have a formal pond that’s also attractive to wildlife,” says Meacham. “Almost without fail, anyone who passes the pond ends up sitting on the edge of it and

Sandstone riven paving Talasey talasey.co.uk Stone wall facing Broadhayes Stone broadhayesstone.com

watching the fish, dragonflies and newts go about their business.”

In keeping with the rustic watery environment, the shadier area around the pond has been planted with ferns Hakonecloa macra and muehlenbeckia complexa to create a lush grotto.

With a paradise sat atop a hill overlooking the Lyme Regis coastline, the homeowners welcome friends to their new oasis. Garnished with feature lighting, the space provides an intimate space for socialising and entertaining aside the pond which provides a soothing backdrop.

7 Rustic steps to second terrace 8 Pond and planting 9 Viewing seat on the top terrace Photographs ©James Osmond Photography

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ABOUT Alice Meacham Gardens designs lasting, practical, and beautiful gardens for clients across the West Country and beyond.

Meacham specialises in rural and coastal sites, working with the natural character of each setting – whether it’s shaped by sea breezes, woodland edges, or wide-open fields – to create unique spaces that sit comfortably in the wider landscape. alicemeacham.co.uk

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PORTFOLIO

PROJECT DETAILS

WILD

Po ols id e

Build time 7 months Size of project 1,089m2 Project value £300k Awards APL Awards 2025 APL Designer Over £75,000 Silver

RAINE GARDEN DESIGN

THE MODERN COUNTRY GARDEN

O

nce tired and timeworn, this country poolside garden has been entirely reimagined into a contemporary retreat that feels both relaxed and refined. Softly layered planting now drifts around the pool, blurring the line between garden and landscape, while clean lines and carefully chosen materials bring a fresh

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sense of modern ease – designed for slow afternoons, long summer evenings, and effortless outdoor living.

The existing pool area was adorned by a spattering of unkempt conifers and shrubs, creating a sense of overcrowding and isolation, cutting the area off from the rest of the garden.

While the original plan was to

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establish connection between all the pre-existing areas of the garden, budget constraints instead led to the team focusing their efforts on solely renovating the poolside area, which brought about one of the biggest challenges; to ensure the new poolside area complemented with the old style feel of the remaining garden and created the right connection.

A high volume of the existing greenery was subsequently removed – unless otherwise retainable – to encourage that connection. As a way to open up the space around the pool, while still blending it with the remainder of the garden views and retaining privacy, a row of Carpinus betulus pleached trees were established – the multi-stems were carefully positioned and specifically chosen for their natural ability to frame areas.

The multi stems were included and chosen for their ability to frame specific areas and not only could the remainder of the formal lawns be seen from the new pool

terrace, but privacy was also present at the same time.

Underpinned by a high volume of soft scented perennials such as Cenolophium denudatum, Eryngium, and Salvias – all brought together with a curation of wildflower turf which now borders the area to seamlessly connect the space with the surrounding idyllic countryside, while encouraging and supporting a whole host of pollinators and invaluable insects.

Costs were also reduced through the retention of the existing boulders to complete the base of the wildflower slope, again tying the new and old together and enhancing the wildflower.

As a way to extend the gardens yearround use a new African inspired breeze house was built. While its overall shape lends itself to the soft lines of planting, its positioning towards the pool required the use of sandstone setts to connect the area with the main terrace.

A planted border featuring two wondrous

PLANTING •A cer palmatum • Carpinus betulus • Cenolophium denudatum • Eryngium • Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low' • Parrotia persica • Salvias

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ABOUT Raine Garden Design offers a comprehensive garden design consultancy to clients seeking a beautiful and functional outside space. From small courtyards to rambling estates, we offer a range of services across the southeast including garden design, construction management and detailed planting. rainegardendesign.co.uk

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REFERENCES Contractor Bushy Business bushybusiness.com Porcelain paving

multi-stem Parrotia persica trees was also established, further softening the boundary between the main terrace and creating an impressive view upon entering the new terrace.

Nestled amongst all the new trees and wildflowers resides an outdoor seating area brought together with a central firepit – a perfect spot to soak up the last of the evening sun – all framed by a mature multi stem Acer palmatum.

Ultimately, the project stands as a testament to how thoughtful design can make a budget work harder. By carefully prioritising the poolside area and reusing existing materials and planting where possible, the investment was channelled into elements that deliver the greatest visual and experiential impact. The result is a transformed retreat that feels generous, cohesive and timeless amongst the countryside.

London Stone londonstone.co.uk Sandstone setts Kebur Garden Materials kebur.co.uk Rondavel Breeze House breezehouse.co.uk Planting and trees North Hill Nurseries northhillnurseries.co.uk Griffin Nurseries griffinnurseries.co.uk Van Arnhem Nurseries vanarnhem-nursery.co.uk

Photography by ©Ross Phillips of Forest Eyes Photography

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PORTFOLIO

Su sta in ab le STUDIES

PROJECT DETAILS Build time 6 weeks

Size of project 500m2 Project value Undisclosed

J&L GIBBONS | REIMAGINE WORKS

© Sarah Blee J&L Gibbons

IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON – SOUTH KENSINGTON CAMPUS GREENING

I

n 1907, the Royal College of Science, the Royal School of Mines, and the City and Guilds of London Institute merged to form the Imperial College London. Today, Imperial is made up of four faculties: Engineering, Medicine, Business, and Natural Sciences.

Guided by a mission to achieve excellence in research and education in science, engineering, medicine and business for the benefit of society,

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it centres on the importance of sustainable advancement – with a commitment to achieving net-zero across its campuses by 2040.

As part of this ethos, Imperial has also committed to advancing its research and approach to sustainability, including safeguarding and conserving of natural ecosystems throughout its estate, and responding to their students' call for a greener campus, led by Student Union President Camille

Boutrolle. J&L Gibbons Landscape Architects’ transformative designs of Beit Quadrangle – home to one of the college’s most historic buildings – was the first step in the college’s Grey to Green Strategy, and were expertly brought to life by Reimagine Works.

With a brief to challenge a culture that overlooks the natural environment in urban spaces, the once sterile lawn has been transformed into a “suggestion of radical

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PORTFOLIO © Rimvydas Ivoškis

nature,” says Imperial – going on to note that “it is an expression of its context.”

Home to the college's Student Union, Beit Quadrangle provides accommodation to over 300 students and serves as a study area, music venue, and a place for students to socialise – marking it as one of Imperial's most popular areas among its students.

De-paving areas of the quadrangle was a fundamental step in the project's grey to green strategy. The central pathway has been reduced in width, bringing it in alignment with Sir Aston Webb’s – the original designer of the buildings in 1910 – central archway, which has been lined with a variety of

fruiting trees (Prunus cerasifera) to further soften the hardscape.

The lifted paving was recycled and reused on-site to create porous grass-jointed edging to frame and anchor the newly established timber benches, as well as reinforcing the grass against the high volume of footfall experienced in the space.

In honour of the buildings’ historic architecture, the arcs echo the brick structural arches, tying the two periods of time together to create a seamless blend – all the cutting and polishing of the recycled paving slabs was undertaken on site by Reimagine Works.

In place of the paving slabs, new turf has been laid to extend the site's greenery, and further blend the garden, hardscaping and surroundings together.

De-paving around the existing mature Robinias in the Union Bar Terrace has also provided additional gaseous exchange to surface roots, while recycled corten steeledging define new enlarged tree pits – planted with Ilex crenata – as a means to replace the paving previously deformed by root growth.

PLANTING

© Sarah Blee J&L Gibbons

•C orylus maxima 'Purpurea' • Cynara cardunculus • Helichrysum italicum ‘Dartington’ • Laurus nobilis • Mespilus germanica • Prunus cerasifera • Salvia

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PORTFOLIO © Rimvydas Ivoškis

© Sarah Blee J&L Gibbons

ABOUT Reimagine Works is a London-based specialist in the delivery of urban gardens, public landscapes and special projects. The team provides a full design-andbuild service for clients or works seamlessly alongside designers and architects to bring their vision to life.

Known for open communication, practical problemsolving and dependable delivery, they manage complexity without fuss or ego. The result is places that are lasting, magical and loved. reimagineworks.com

DESIGNER FEEDBACK

© Sarah Blee J&L Gibbons

"It is rare to find a contractor with an eye for and a belief in craft, and who finds pleasure in the process.

Reimagine Works have been all these things while being proactive given a challenging programme in full view of the entire student body. Their intelligent approach has been refreshing and we are delighted with the transformation, as is the client."

Johanna Gibbons, J&L Gibbons

The team worked closely with the WCC Tree Officers to ensure the trees were equipped with enough room to flourish, whilst still allowing them to connect and become part of the garden.

Reflecting on the collaborative nature of the project, Ben Stein, managing director at Reimagine Works, says: “It was a privilege to work alongside Jo and her team at J&L Gibbons.

Their level of detail, strength of vision and commitment to excellence offered an invaluable opportunity to learn from some of the most respected voices in the industry.”

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Central to the project was a bespoke curvilinear timber bench, based on design intent by J&L Gibbons and fabricated by Jan Hendzel Studio, which is inspired by the site's long history – with one of two bandstands surrounded by seating of the Royal Botanical Gardens having existed in the location of the quad.“J&L Gibbons' design means that the benches re-envisage not looking out but looking in, framing the new garden in keeping with its geometry. Crafted from felled Douglas Fir and salvaged Oak sourced from London and Herefordshire, the former makes up the seating components, while the legs are made from the latter.

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CLIENT FEEDBACK “We couldn’t be more delighted with our first Grey to Green project. ..It’s been great to create quality space like this where they can come and relax outdoors in nature. Ben and his team have done an amazing job at executing Jo’s vision.”

Jane Hay, deputy chief property officer at Imperial College

REFERENCES Landscape architect J&L Gibbons jlg-london.com Bench Jan Hendzel Studio janhendzel.com Aggregates © Sarah Blee J&L Gibbons

MCM Ltd Plants Palmstead Nurseries palmstead.co.uk

The benches’ profile was designed to encourage rainwater runoff and reduce moisture retention, whilst ensuring it was still a comfortable spot for students to visit.

Additionally, ground screws were used to secure the bench to avoid the need for a concrete foundation – as part of Imperial's commitment to sustainable design.

The existing Photinia hedge was diversified, with sections carefully removed, root-balled, and transplanted nearby to the South Kensington Campus, and replaced with fruiting Prunus cerasifera (sour cherry), and Laurus nobilis (bay) planted in their place.

Each of the newly established hardy perennial, shrub, and bulb species were chosen for their Mediterranean origins, with drought-tolerant varieties chosen for their

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suitability to London’s warming climate.

The new multi-stemmed Corylus maxima ‘Purpurea’ and Mespilus germanica trees provide dapple shade – a necessity for the warmer months in the city – as well as important new habitats for urban pollinators.

Referencing a physic-garden typology, species like Echinacea purpurea, Cynara cardunculus, Salvia, and Helichrysum italicum ‘Dartington’ have been chosen for their ability to connect people with their ecological roots in-between busy schedules, as well as enhancing cover, improving soil, foraging and urban wildlife.

From a former sterile lawn to a now flourishing green space where students can relax, study and connect with one another

and nature. The delivery of this biodiverse and sustainable space is likely to be the first of many in Imperial's Grey to Green project, as a means to encourage inner city greenery and mitigate the effects of a changing climate.

© Rimvydas Ivoškis

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Join us on the 18th / 19th Feburary 2026 for our

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businesses. In 2026, we will proudly celebrate 35 years since we first opened our doors.

IRRIGATION

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TRENDS

Bold, Beautiful, and Biodiverse Why settle for just a pop, when you can have the whole colour wheel?

Kenny Wilding-Raybould shares his thoughts on creating brilliantly bright landscapes

T

his year we’ll be looking back at know that dreaded feeling of being excited 2025 and thinking, “What worked, about something just to find it collecting dust, what didn’t and what’s next?” replaced by yet another perfectly boring The answer: Lots of colours – Pantone shade. I’m so bored of it. we are bored of toned-down landscapes!

My first 2026 trend, let’s get excited about As I finalise plant numbers and colours colour. Colour in gardens has been steadily in my own job role, I put thought to trend growing with jewel tones really making predictions and I find myself taking a comeback. People are tired of the a deep breath. Why? Because, relentless grey creeping into let’s face it, many magazines their lives as the world feels We’re talking seem to cycle through the darker by the minute. about plants that latest tomato variety or There’s a real desire for create moments garden tool that’s life to be bright, lush destined for the corner and joyful again. of spectacular of the shed. We all Colour is making a disruption in the magnificent comeback! space, shaking As the director of things up with bold, horticulture for Covent solid colours Garden, I always put thought into what we are telling the world with our planting and how we’re setting the trend here in Central London, and make no mistake, it’s no small feat.

The public love engaging with our spaces, and their comments are all about bright colours, organised bursts of colour that simply wow. Think of vibrant shades, such as sunshine yellow that practically screams "Good morning!" and what I affectionately dub "Full-volume pink" and why not throw in electric blues for good measure?

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We’re talking about plants that create moments of spectacular disruption in the space, shaking things up with bold, solid colours instead of those fussy antique tones.

Sure, they have their charm, but they aren’t always the best for growth.

And here’s where we tackle the challenge of plant blindness. We’ve all seen those public landscapes grey and uninspired, drowning in imported granite and sad ornamental grasses.

Luckily, the public is reacting.

prolandscapermagazine.com

TRENDS

The great British public are craving the vibrant gardens of their childhoods, but with a twist of biodiversity. What’s different this time? People are seeking greater diversity in their plant choices, aiming for more richness and joy in their greenery.

and natural vibrancy.

But I can’t talk about trends without throwing in a timely plant recommendation.

The verdant landscape Enter the Hibiscus!

Now, let’s discuss my favourite word of the Now, hold on before year: verdant! It’s a delightful term that rolls you roll your eyes off the tongue, and I find myself using it and picture the more frequently to describe the projects tired old shrubs we’re working on. While gardens have flanking every dabbled in wild, meadow-like aesthetics for suburban front a while, I’ve noticed a significant shift towards yard, let’s get specific. I’m talking about the landscapes that embody the lushness of perennial hibiscus, the fabulous ones with my home in Devon and Cornwall. blossoms the size of your head! Seriously, size Perhaps I’m biased, but these matters when it comes to florals. My regions are currently personal favourite? Hibiscus Design with inspiring some truly 'Carousel Pink Candy’, otherwise stunning designs. known as "Rose Mallow". your heart, draw We’ve had great success inspiration from growing these beauties at others, but never Covent Garden since 2017. But lose touch with let’s be clear: this plant is a diva that needs sunshine to shine your unique literally!

It craves warmth and style a good drink of water. Think of it as a future star for wetter soils – maybe this is why I have fallen in love with it in the west country as well.

Just this year, I spotted these stunning perennials adorning the borders at Wisley, brightening up the landscape like jewels.

A word to the wise, think about its North American origins, then you will crack growing this charming bloom.

As we look toward 2026, let’s not forget to be unapologetically ourselves. Design with your heart, draw inspiration from others, but never lose touch with your unique style. Celebrating diversity in our gardens, using vibrant colours, People want more than just a pretty and embracing verdant landscapes will not view; they want to feel integrated into the only beautify our spaces but create connections ecosystem. It’s no longer about curated with our memories of the past thoughtfully gardens meant for a single viewpoint – those infused with the biodiversity of the future. days of the “old-style” garden are changing.

Instead, the new want is to design spaces KENNY WILDINGthat can be experienced from within, much RAYBOULD like stepping into a rainforest. That means flora that adapts to the owners' tastes and Kenny Wilding-Raybould is the innovative director of horticulture lifestyles. This booming desire for verdant at Covent Garden London, Raybould landscapes is spurred, in part, by the influx Wild Ltd and founder of Stoke in Bloom. With of designers relocating from the southeast to a passion for urban greening, Agri-tech, and floral the southwest of England and west coast of design, he celebrates nature's quirks, transforming Wales and Scotland, including yours truly! green spaces into vibrant, engaging experiences that connect people with the beauty of the landscape.

It’s a collective need for more space, greenery

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Colourful

BLOOMS

Scleranthus biflorus Green buns of joy, technically a perennial and not moss bun, this little green gem brings buns of joy to every verdant space.

Lantana 'Calippo Tutti Frutti' Technically an annual in UK climates, this ombre comedian brings sunshine yellow, dramatic orange and complex pink into the border.

Hibiscus 'Carousel Pink Candy' Pink to the make the boys wink as they say, bold, brassy and full of sass.

Pro Landscaper | January 2026

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In conversation with...

COLIN STIRLING AND GINTAUTAS MORKUNAS TAPAPP

Tapapp’s CEO and CTO on how the digital workforce tool is changing the way companies manage their time and resources

Can you explain what the Tapapp is, and why you felt there was a need for it in the market?

Tapapp is a simple workforce management tool for grounds and FM contractors. It brings reporting, attendance, scheduling and equipment checks into one system, so teams can work with COLIN STIRLING less admin and managers can see what’s happening across all sites in real time. We built Tapapp after working closely with grounds teams who were still using paper, spreadsheets, WhatsApp photos and separate tools for tasks that should sit together.

This created errors, delays and unnecessary costs. Contractors needed a tool that is easy to GINTAUTAS use, quick to set up and maintain and built MORKUNAS around how they work every day.

What are the benefits of switching to a digital tool like Tapapp?

Digital tools help contractors do more with less. Operatives record work, photos, and checks on site in seconds.

Managers and clients see live information and don’t have to chase updates. Companies cut admin, maintain consistent standards, and keep costs under control.

Tapapp gives contractors reliable evidence of the work they deliver, which clients now expect as standard.

How can Tapapp help contractors stay competitive in tenders and renewals?

Clients want evidence and instant access to information – Tapapp gives contractors exactly that. You can show real-time reporting, GPS

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You can show real-time reporting, GPS attendance, site history, equipment checks, and consistent attendance, site history, equipment workflows

checks and consistent workflows.

Contractors who use digital tools demonstrate better organisation, transparency and accountability. This gives them a strong advantage and helps them retender and retain contracts with confidence.

What separates Tapapp from other software on the market?

Tapapp is built for operatives first – if the team on the ground can’t use the software easily, nothing else matters. Tapapp works on day one with minimal training, which removes the fear many companies have about switching to digital tools.

Tapapp is flexible. Contractors can start small, on a module-bymodule basis, and scale without changing systems. Everything sits in one place – reporting, attendance, schedules, equipment checks, photos and documents – making daily work simpler for both managers and operatives.

prolandscapermagazine.com

Q&A

How can the software streamline project delivery?

Tapapp reduces wasted time. Operatives record tasks, inspections and issues quickly on site. Managers see progress live, plan work more accurately, and respond sooner when something needs attention.

Customer time on-site is reduced through online • Staff onboarding and training records access to daily work reports • Centralised job, site and document storage with visual evidence of work • Real-time dashboard for managers and clients completed to schedule.

These tools reduce admin and help contractors Tapapp sends run consistent operations every day. instant email alerts to both management and clients, based Many Do you have any closing moments to add? on bespoke preset criteria that require contractors still Many contractors still think digital tools immediate notification. think digital tools are too complicated, difficult to administer or Real-time access to information improves only for larger organisations. Tapapp proves communication and reduces paperwork. are too complicated, this isn’t the case. With a simple setup, Jobs move faster, teams stay organised and difficult to administer managed onboarding, and tools designed managers spend more time supervising or only for larger for real site work, going digital is far easier rather than working through admin. organisations. Tapapp than most expect. Companies adopting proves this isn’t these tools are preparing for future client What are some of the the case demands and staying competitive in key features of Tapapp? a changing industry.

•O n-site reporting with photos and timestamps •G PS-based attendance tracking •W eekly, seasonal, and ad-hoc scheduling •E quipment and vehicle checks • Compliance tracking (i.e. ISO, H&S, CQC and other)

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Scan for more information:

Pro Landscaper | January 2026

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PROMOTION

BAE SYSTEMS GLASGOW

Create & CONSTRUCT Hard landscaping made easy with Tobermore

W

hether you’re shaping the concept or managing the build, hard landscaping projects are rarely simple to deliver. To help, Tobermore has launched Create & Construct, the most comprehensive hard landscaping support hub on the market.

Here, Lisa Gow, head of specification at Tobermore, looks at recent projects to see how landscape designers, architects, contractors and local authorities have used different elements of the service to overcome design, specification and construction challenges.

CORTEN HOUSE

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Hard landscaping design made simple A multimillion-pound building needs a hard landscaping scheme to match, and that was certainly the case for BAE Systems' cutting -edge £12m training facility in Glasgow.

Multi-disciplinary design consultancy Arch Henderson LLP had a vision for the hard landscaping to create a dynamic and engaging environment that would seamlessly integrate with the contemporary architecture of the site.

To simplify the decision-making process, they turned to Tobermore’s ‘2D & 3D Design

service’ – previously called the ‘Hard Landscape Proposal’. The service forms part of the Create & Construct approach and translates the architect’s vision into polished, project-ready drawings.

As a result, Arch Henderson received tailored design advice and innovative laying patterns that helped define and enhance the distinct outdoor areas.

The 2D & 3D Design service ensured that the paving not only complemented the modern architecture, but also provided a practical, durable solution suited to the high-traffic environment. Braemar block paving was carefully selected in colours Innis Black, Jura Grey, Alto Silver, and Arran Stone to create contrast and visual interest. The result is a well-structured, cohesive space that meets both functional and design objectives.

prolandscapermagazine.com

PROMOTION Using laying patterns to enhance community spaces The days of drab, grey paving being the norm in public spaces are long gone. Creative laying patterns can be used to create vibrant public realm spaces with zones for different uses.

A great example of this was the plaza outside of Lidl on High Street Mall in Portadown.

The client wanted the retail project to have a public realm feel that the community could enjoy. As well as a 2D & 3D Design service, Tobermore provided design engineers, SDS (Structural Design Solutions) Ltd, and contractor, JH Turkington, with unique laying patterns, which also form part of its Create & Construct approach.

The paving design featured ‘pockets of space’ where coffee docks and pop-up markets could be situated. Fusion in Oat and a small proportion of Mid Grey were used to zone ‘public’ areas like the courtyard. The walkways feature Fusion in Silver and Mid Grey with a low percentage of Oat in the blend. Bands of Fusion were used as buffer strips to create a clear distinction of where people can walk into and out of the Lidl store.

“High Street Mall is an outstanding location serving a busy local community.

Not only can shoppers enjoy an expanded, state-of-the-art store, but its outstanding location within a newly transformed precinct provides a superior shopping experience” Nicola Fullen, high street mall store manager, Lidl Northern Ireland

LIDL, HIGH STREET MALL, PORTADOWN

prolandscapermagazine.com

Retaining walls that double as planters and seating On many sites, retaining walls are required to stabilise slopes or prevent soil erosion.

As Durham County Council’s Corten House office development shows, as well as being a practical solution for a difficult site, retaining walls can also be multi-functional.

LAWRENCE ROAD, SEVEN SISTERS, LONDON Durham County Council enlisted Tobermore’s expertise to select cost-effective hard approach: “We received excellent support landscaping solutions for the Corten House from conception to completion, including project. They utilised Tobermore's Create & expert guidance on SuDS. The ‘Virtual Sample Studio’ was invaluable in reducing the number of physical samples we had to order – a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach.

The process was inspiring, project-focused, and gave us complete confidence in specifying their products.”

As a result, Tobermore’s Hydropave Braemar & Hydropave Fusion products Construct approach for the retaining wall. were selected for their aesthetic and Tobermore’s team developed a preliminary performance characteristics. design using Secura Grand Slate walling Create & Construct is free to use and and copings. This was supported by combines 20 different services to support site-specific drawings to assist in the every stage of your project. It encompasses specification and planning process. everything from easy-to-use online tools, Dean Henderson, architect at Durham such as product design assets, to access County Council, said Tobermore’s team to Tobermore’s in-house design and exceeded expectations. He adds: “Their technical teams. professionalism, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to quality truly transformed the area."

The result speaks for itself. Not only did the Secura Grand mortarless retaining wall provide essential support, but it also doubled as an integrated seating area and planter, blending practicality with visual appeal.

Specifying permeable paving for a SuDS scheme Climate crisis has increased the intensity and frequency of rainfall in the UK, so to mitigate the risk, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) should be utilised on housing and public realm schemes where possible. Architect and developer firm, Vabel, chose permeable paving for the residential development in Lawrence Road, Seven Sisters, London.

Senior architect at Vabel, Tommy Devine, explains how the project benefitted from elements of Tobermore’s Create & Construct

To use the service, simply visit Create & Construct and move the slider to identify the services you need based on the stage of your project.

Pro Landscaper | January 2026

59

PRODUCTS

MAKITA CE004G 40VMax XGT Disc Cutter Price: £399 (Body only)

With a 305mm blade diameter, the CE004G is a versatile disc cutter that offers a maximum cutting depth of 121mm at 5,000rpm.

Designed to be extremely lightweight, this compact XGT disc cutter provides the power to tackle any application with ease and comfort.

• 305mm diameter cutting disc • Max depth of cut – 121mm • Compatible with water supply kit • Lock-off button prevents accidental startup • Active Feedback sensing Technology (AFT) – stops motor if kick-back occurs makitauk.com

ELECTRIC EDGE Quiet, clean, and increasingly powerful – battery powered tools are reshaping the day-to-day operations of landscape professionals

STIHL SGA 30 – STIHL Cordless Sprayer Price: £149

Stihl has expanded its sprayer offering with the launch of the SGA 30, a sprayer designed to combine operator comfort with consistently precise liquid application.

Purpose-built for groundskeepers, landscapers and gardeners, the new model eliminates the need for manual pumping, ensuring steady pressure delivery that makes light work of spraying tasks.

• Delivers a working pressure of 1.5-2.5 bars and 5-litre tank capacity • Enables users to tailor output depending on the application • Automatic shut-off conserves energy and extends battery service life • Weighing just 7.1 kg with liquid and battery in place • Straightforward pressure controls and an intuitive ON/OFF switch stihl.co.uk

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Pro Landscaper | January 2026

STIHL Cordless Pump Head Price: £74

Designed for efficient and precise application, Stihl has launched the PKA 30 battery-powered pump head, delivering automatic and constant pressure for even spraying and pumping of water, without the need for manual pumping, saving users time and boosting productivity.

The PKA 30 can be fitted to the SG 31 manual sprayer and water-tank for cut-off machines.

• Provides a consistent pressure range between 1.5-2.5 bars • Easily adjusted to suit a range of applications • Automatic shut-off conserves energy and extends battery service life • Includes variable pressure adjustments and easy-to-use on/off switch • Weighs just 0.9 kg (without battery) for a lightweight, portable solution stihl.co.uk

prolandscapermagazine.com

PRODUCTS

M18 FUEL™ Extended Pole Hedge Trimmer 216cm Price: £375.00 (Body only)

The Milwaukee® Tools M18 FUEL™ Extended Pole Hedge Trimmer offers a 216cm reach for effortless overhead trimming. Its 25mm blade gap has the power to cut up to 22mm hardwood, enhanced by Jam-Clear Technology and a 270-degree rotating head.

• 216cm overall length allows for manoeuvrable overhead applications • 60cm cutting length with double-sharpened and dual-actuating blades for clean cuts • 25mm blade gap can cut up to 22mm hardwood branches • 13 operating positions offering a 270-degree rotating blade set • Rotating handle reduces fatigue on upper body in application uk.milwaukeetool.eu

STIHL Cordless Pressurised Water Container Price: £229

Stihl has introduced the WSA 40, a compact battery-powered pressurised water container engineered to provide a reliable, hassle-free water feed for cutoff machines. By removing the need for manual pumping, the WSA 40 helps professionals work faster and with less effort on site.

• Consistent pressure of 1.5-2.5 bars for steady water flow • Delivers seven full tanks of water continuously with one AS battery • Offers 10-litre capacity designed to handle demanding applications with ease • Automatic shut-off conserves energy and extends battery service life • 3kg container is lightweight to carry and simple to manoeuvre stihl.co.uk

prolandscapermagazine.com

MILWAUKEE® TOOLS

M18 FUEL™ Dual Battery Self-Propelled Lawn Mower 53cm Price: £1,399.00

The Milwaukee® Tools M18 FUEL™ self-propelled mower uses dual 18V batteries for outstanding power and instant start in tall grass. Its 53cm steel deck and blade design delivers best-in-class cut quality, and the mower comes with x2 M18™ FORGE™ 12.0 Ah batteries and an M18™ dual bay super charger.

• 53cm steel deck and blade design provides best-in-class cut quality • Instant start in tall grass, with outstanding peak power • Three in one grass management to mulch, bag, or rear side discharge • Automatic blade speed adjustment to the required power for greater efficiency • Seven-position single-point cutting height adjustment (from 2.5–10 cm) uk.milwaukeetool.eu

M18 FUEL™ Dual Battery Chainsaw 50cm Price: £1,051.14

The Milwaukee® Tools M18 FUEL™ Dual Battery Chainsaw delivers outstanding speed of cut in hardwood compared to 60cc petrol chainsaws.

The chainsaw has peak torque levels of 9.5 Nm that maintains the chain speed through tough applications and prevents bog downs.

• Excellent speed of cut in hardwood compared to 60cc petrol chainsaws • 50cm cutting system and 5.8 HP peak power for demanding applications • Full throttle achieved in under one second through FUEL™ technology • High visibility felling sights to ensure precision and accuracy • Dual metal bucking spikes for increased leverage uk.milwaukeetool.eu

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r e n e e r A G CALLING

OPINION

Lewis Normand reflects on his journey in the world of horticulture and the benefits to pursuing a green career

I

recently attended the Grow Careers Event at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and was inspired by the talks, especially those from recent graduates and career starters.

We worry a lot about who will join the landscape industry – with our myriad of problems, from low pay to gender and racial inequality especially in leadership roles, among a great many other issues.

These, of course are shameful, and do need to be tackled and overcome; but I think we are also forgetting why people including ourselves joined the industry. We may have lost sight of some of the beauty and brilliance that we bring to the planet.

My career path has not been linear, and I now believe that thinking of a career in

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Pro Landscaper | January 2026

a linear and progressive way is probably As such, I looked at my options and as counterproductive. I see my future as having someone who was gardening for several as many different potentials as it did when local houses and working weekends in I decided that I didn’t want to be a a garden centre, I felt that horticulture or scientist and that a creative subject more specifically, garden design, was where my heart lay, all the was a pathway that suited We may way back at 17 years old. my vision of the future. have lost sight Not a great many people I studied graphic design know this, but I had two and illustration for a year, of some of the unconditional offers to then a degree in garden beauty and study laser engineering design, where I set up my brilliance that and optoelectronics – own consultancy, worked in we bring to the perhaps more broadly an amazing retail nursery; planet called photonics – at Coolings – where I learned university. But in a moment of so much from excellent sudden realisation – not long before horticulturists and grew professionally.

I was due to leave for university – I couldn’t Despite a degree and having practised as visualise myself spending my life in a lab coat. a designer in the UK, Europe and Middle

prolandscapermagazine.com

OPINION

East, I really feel I am more of The other reason, as I see it, a horticulturist. I have lots of interests in is the hugely varied array the field and although my employment of career paths that is in nursery sales, I don’t see that as having can be travelled by to be the last thing I do in the industry. someone working I have been a lecturer, designer, in landscape and consultant, gardener, nurseryman, horticulture. eCommerce leader, B2B and B2C sales There are leader and in my spare time I lead easily over 100 a national charity in the third sector. different jobs – I don’t have a plan for my next role, and growing – wherever or whenever one may or may not that make up appear and increasingly, I feel this is a good our industry and strategy for newer entrants. I encourage wherever you are in your career, they them to be open to possibilities, engage all contribute positively to our planet. with the industry, join professional bodies, Landscape is an amazing industry attend events and do good work. to be in, and having seen some All of that will open doors of the next generation of and opportunities for you professionals at the There are and take you to places Grow Careers Event, easily over 100 you may never have I can say with different jobs – and imagined your career confidence that growing – that make could go. we are in up our industry and We work in good hands. landscape because we Whether wherever you are in know it is a wonderful they become your career, they all area to contribute agronomists, zoo contribute positively towards. Our green habitat designers to our planet spaces do so much for the or anything in-between, people, animals and plants there will always be other that inhabit and use them. roles they can relatively easily We contribute positively to the segue into – with the right attitude environment with almost everything we do! and some training.

There are very few professionals and almost Someone commented recently to me that no other industries that can legitimately horticulture is ‘full of old people’ and it got claim the benefits to local and wider me thinking about this. environments that we can. Aside from Yes, there are a lot of older people patting ourselves on the back for this, we working in horticulture! That is not a bad must also remember that this thing, unless it is preventing younger entrants is why many people from having opportunities. I can think of two want to work in the reasons as to why this claim of lots of older landscape industry. people may be true;

prolandscapermagazine.com

1. Why would you want to leave the industry? It’s great!

2. You live longer working with plants and greenspace, which is why we have forest bathing, gardening and green prescribing increasingly being used to support good mental health, health and wellbeing.

Yes, I may well be one of the old people – I don’t think I am yet, but to a 16 year old, it is hard to deny – but I believe that the industry will continue to grow in size and I will push for increased pay, supporting diversity at all levels and fighting for the industry through lobbying, which I do at both Holyrood and Westminster to give these brilliant career entrants the opportunity to thrive and take their work in any direction they want to.

LEWIS NORMAND Lewis Normand has worked in a wide variety of roles within horticulture over a 20-year career. He has lectured on garden design and horticulture, and designed gardens in the UK, Europe and the Middle East.

Since 2011, he has focused on nursery sales, now working as sales manager at Bernhard’s Nurseries, and has helped to launch a number of new plants into the UK plant market. He is a specialist supplier to show gardens, supplying more than 100 gardens at major shows.

Pro Landscaper | January 2026

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Tackling plant blindness

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OPINION

I BELIEVE IN

Father Christmas Stick to what we know or embrace new opportunities? That is the question Chris Churchman is asking as he reflects on a particularly challenging year

I

started 2025 with a mission; each quarter I would reflect on the way government policies might impact our industry.

If we take ourselves back a year, things started pretty badly.

The November 2024 Budget was a very bitter pill for employers and employees alike.

Many will have been saddled with higher wage bills and higher National Insurance payments, while the landscape sector – particularly the delivery end – remains low skill and low pay, so for many this will have been particularly brutal, and I sympathise.

By the time we got to Easter, we were already in drought across many areas and so keeping stock alive must have been almost impossible, particularly on hard-to-reach sites – a situation that did not improve until late autumn.

The summer brought the government’s spending review, and although it was suspected that DEFRA’s budget might be hit hard, it was not. Nevertheless, for those in the private sector, a lack of confidence amongst manufacturers and the general public in our economic future meant many projects would and will have stalled.

I delayed writing this last piece until after the November 2025 Budget, as I think we all expected more dramatically bad news.

Whilst the changes in taxation were not intended to give a feel-good factor, in the end, the dollop of medicine was not quite as awful as we all expected.

So, on face value, not a brilliant year. But hold on, for those looking for a glimmer of hope for 2026, the signs are definitely there if you choose to look for them. Be prepared for four pieces of legislation, all of which should be very good for the sector indeed.

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill, much maligned by the nature sector, is aimed at unlocking growth and delivering lots more building – clearly for anyone associated with the wave of development this has to be good news.

Next, the Environmental Improvement Plan just released. This commits all sections of policy and the entire economy to nature recovery. Taken at face value, this has to be a monumental leap forward for everyone in our sector.

Still to come in 2026, we have a Land Use Framework and a relaunch of the Sustainable Farming Incentive. Put together these four pieces of legislation could transform the nation’s landscape and the industry that delivers it.

I have read the criticisms of the sceptics and the doom sayers, and I for one refuse to subscribe to their negativity. I am Father Christmas, not the Grinch, and I believe we have all just been given a very big present – so come on, let's be grateful.

My only word of warning is that the industry may need to adapt, because delivery is unlikely to be focused on development. There will still be new nature associated with new buildings, but the lion's share will come through areas not containing building, even if the investment is leveraged from the building sector.

So, it is for the industry to decide which sector of this new landscape world it wants to commit to – does it stick with the construction projects that have sustained it for the last 50 years, or does it embrace new fields and forests of opportunity? That, my friends, is for you to decide.

It is for the industry to decide which sector of this new landscape world it wants to commit to

prolandscapermagazine.com

CHRIS CHURCHMAN Chris Churchman is the founder of cquester, a notfor-profit venture seeking to raise awareness of the value of nature in addressing climate change. cquester.co.uk

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Little INTERVIEWS Pro Landscaper asks quick-fire questions to gain a small insight into the people who make up our industry. To take part, email content@eljays44.com.

WINNER PRO LANDSCAPER BUSINESS AWARDS 2025: LANDSCAPE COMPANY £1M - £2.5M TURNOVER

What do you hope to see for the industry in 2026?

to those at the start of their working lives.

I’d like to see more young people viewing landscaping as a serious, long-term career—not just something they happen to fall

ROB DOREY Director, E Williams Landscapes

into. There isn’t enough

For us, the biggest thing was

clear information about the breadth

66

What did you gain from the Pro Landscaper Business Awards?

What were the biggest challenges of 2025?

which helped ensure a steady

of skills

flow of work.

involved

2025 was unusual in that the

We also used the quieter

or the

reassurance. When

It meant a lot to the team as well.

Most of what they do isn’t seen outside the business, so for their work to be recognised publicly gave everyone a real lift

you’re in the middle of running a business, you don’t always get the chance to

market never gathered the

period to strengthen the

pathways

momentum we typically see.

structure of the business. We

available,

Instead of building through

refined systems, improved

and that can

the year, it remained quieter

processes, and positioned

limit how people

than expected. Recognising

ourselves to take on a broader

see the profession. Landscaping

right direction. Having industry

that, we focused on what we

range of opportunities as the

blends design thinking,

experts look at what we’re doing

could control; maintaining

market began to lift. What

technical construction, material

and essentially say they agree

strong relationships with

could have been a difficult year

behaviour, problem-solving and

with the way we see the future

designers, contractors, and

instead became a foundation for

environmental awareness, but

of landscaping gives us a huge

long-standing collaborators,

long-term resilience.

that depth isn’t always obvious

amount of confidence.

Pro Landscaper | January 2026

step back and check whether the decisions you’re

making are leading in the

prolandscapermagazine.com

LAST WORD

KAREN TATLOW

ANDREW RYDER

Garden designer, Karen Tatlow Garden Design

Associate director of business development, Wright Landscapes What were the biggest challenges of 2025?

closer partnerships would

for the industry in 2026?

We’ve all come away from

Clients, developers and

to make the construction

challenge for

the starkly contemporary

contractors committing to

industry better.

me was

modern garden and we

start dates and pushing

working

went the other way towards

programmes back

with a

a wildly natural look. I would

has been a big

What were the biggest challenges of 2025?

The biggest WINNER PRO LANDSCAPER BUSINESS AWARDS 2025: GARDEN DESIGN COMPANY UNDER £150,000 TURNOVER

What do you hope to see

business

like to see something in

challenge

coach to

between to recognise that

for us. We

take my

you can have something in

have shown

business to the

between that is still fabulous

resilience and

for wildlife.

adapted to the

next level. When you're a sole trader, having to

be beneficial for all parties

What business strategies do WINNER PRO you implement LANDSCAPER BUSINESS AWARDS 2025: to stay at the LANDSCAPE COMPANY forefront?

OVER £5M TURNOVER AND DESIGN AND BUILD COMPANY

way we forecast

Forward-thinking approach, staying one step ahead of

and approach new projects.

staying focused.

Industry-wise, I’d say we’ve

What business strategies do you implement to stay at the forefront?

struggled with recruiting. The

One that has surprised me from

What are you most looking forward to in the new year?

Would you recommend entering Pro Landscaper Business Awards?

personal. What I've

We have seen a lot of

Yes, the Pro Landscaper

done is create a

levelling up in funding new

Business Awards creates

business strategy

developments come through

a stage for you to show the

that hones who

planning and increased

country what your business

my ideal client is

activity in the

and making sure

region. I am

that everything

looking

I do in my business is

forward

work on your business as well as in your business is hard.

contractors I work with

the coaching is the focus on

are having issues with finding people on the tools and keeping them.

The other thing is making

staying small and being

Personally, I'm looking forward to benefiting from all the work that I've done this year on the business and reaping the rewards

sustainability the affordable option. I don't

targeted to that client.

to seeing our hard

think we're going to win the

Would you recommend entering Pro Landscaper Business Awards?

work

Absolutely, yes. The process is

into fruition

What are you most looking forward to in 2026?

extremely beneficial, because

in the new

you can't guarantee you're

year.

Benefiting from all the work

going to be shortlisted, and

that I've done this year and

you certainly can't guarantee

reaping the rewards. I have

you're going to win. But even

already seen the benefits of

sustainability argument until the sustainable product is the cheaper product.

from 2025 come

the competition and

is capable of and sets a benchmark of

The Pro Landscaper Business Awards creates a stage for you to show the country what your business is capable of and sets a benchmark of success for the industry

success for the industry.

What did you gain from the Pro Landscaper Business Awards?

We gained a lot of recognition from people and businesses

just the process of entering,

What’s one thing that could make the industry better?

consciously booking time in

and if you do it properly with

Increased collaboration

gained valuable contacts; and

the diary to work on the

genuine intention, that process

between the main contractor

have formed good working

business, not just in it.

is weirdly very beneficial.

and the supply chain – forming

relationships.

prolandscapermagazine.com

who we have never dealt with in the industry; we

Pro Landscaper | January 2026

67

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