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WINNERS REVEALED This year's 30 under 30: The Next Generation

CLIMATE CRISIS UK parks respond to a changing climate

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Welcome W

e are so pleased to be able to announce and celebrate the 2026 cohort of 30 Under 30: The Next Generation in this issue. The idea for the initiative first came from a discussion at FutureScape, where the need to recognise rising stars and growing talent became apparent. Now in its 12th year, the awards look to spotlight the breadth of emerging voices across the entire industry. They’re one of my favourite things that we do at Pro Landscaper. Hearing about the passion, impressive achievements and bold ambitions of the next generation is inspiring. One thing is clear: there is a determination to not only make the industry an even better place, but to inspire the next generation just as they themselves have been inspired. This attitude is one that defines our industry. It continuously holds up a mirror and asks what more could it be doing – whether that’s about diversity, the skills gap or raising standards. There is optimism on that last note, with a tinge of concern. This month saw the government launch a new scheme to combat cowboy builders which, at the very least, will make customer’s question why the cheapest option isn’t always the best choice. There were also encouraging figures released this month which show 90% of young people would consider an apprenticeship over a university degree. This feels like a promising statistic for our industry, but it must continue to work hard to promote itself as a fulfilling career option. We’re looking forward to welcoming all of this year’s incredible 30 Under 30 winners and celebrating their success at an award ceremony at FutureScape, and we hope to see many of you at the show too. It took one discussion at FutureScape to launch an initiative that’s been running for over a decade, and there are many other collaborations and initiatives that have been launched by others following the event as well. So, what conversation might be had at this year’s FutureScape to spark something bigger? We can’t wait to find out!

Rachael

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Pro Landscaper | October 2026

CONTENTS

BUSINESS 12

Sustainability & Biodiversity Awards shortlist revealed The shortlist for the 2026 awards has been revealed

The Referral Gap Inkanoko founder explains why this is costing firms new work

31 Let’s Hear it From Katerina Kantalis shares how previous jobs have given her transferrable skills

CONTENTS October 2026

INSPIRE

FEATURES

Stylish Serenity This garden is designed to match the lifestyle of a couple yearning for a stylish escape

360° Landscape After renovating their property, the clients wanted a 360° landscape to match

31 4

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

A Flood Resilient Legacy Relocated RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden translates the concept at a a domestic scale

Pro Landscaper’s 30 under 30: The Next Generation Meet this year’s 30 under 30: The Next Generation

Clocking the Climate Crisis Public parks reveal how they're dealing with the UK's changing climate

Growing Skills What do businesses need to know if they’re looking to take on an apprentice? prolandscapermagazine.com

CONTENTS

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

OCTOBER 2026

Unbound Paving Systems With the changing climate making unbound paving more important, Gareth Wilson shares his installation tips

360° Landscape MEREHEATH LANE ROBERT HUGHES STUDIO

LET'S HEAR IT FROM Katerina Kantalis Gardens

WINNERS REVEALED This year's 30 under 30: The Next Generation

CLIMATE CRISIS

UK parks respond to a changing climate

Edible Landscaping Explore kitchen gardens becoming design features

PEOPLE

Five Minutes With... Harry Holding, former 30 Under 30 winner, shares his advice for the next class

92 What Nigel Dunnett taught the Next Generation Former mentee, Olivia Copley, shares which lessons Nigel taught the next generation

95 Decking Around Karl Harrison has been “decking around” for 23 Years and he says we’re finally getting somewhere

96 Comeback Kings Humaira Ikram explains what Hypericum can offer prolandscapermagazine.com

81 Pro Landscaper | October 2026

BUSINESS

BNG TO BECOME MANDATORY FOR NEW NATIONALLY SIGNIFICANT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS FROM NOVEMBER

rom 2 November 2026, biodiversity net gain (BNG) will become mandatory for new nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIP) in England. Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has published guidance setting out how BNG should be considered throughout the design and consenting process. The guidance builds on the final biodiversity gain statements and initial

guidance published earlier this year. The first phase of BNG reforms for smaller sites, including the 0.2-hectare exemption, came into force on 6 August 2026. Work is underway on the second phase of reforms which include an exemption for development whose primary objective is to conserve or enhance biodiversity and an exemption for development that enhances parks, playing fields and public gardens.

ROUNDUP Industry Updates

PLANS SUBMITTED FOR PICCADILLY GARDENS REGENERATION

©Virtual Planit

©York Central

PLANNING PERMISSION AWARDED FOR £2BN EXPANSION OF YORK CITY CENTRE

he first phase of development at York Central, an urban regeneration scheme, has received detailed planning approval from the City of York Council. As well as delivering 1,000 new homes, the scheme will create new public squares, an extensive public park and a network of courtyards, cycle ways and footpaths to connect this new quarter to the rest of the city.

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

Grant Associates has played a significant role in shaping the landscape and public realm strategy for the £2bn York Central regeneration. Set on a 45-hectare brownfield site by the station, York Central is being regarded as one of the UK’s most significant citycentre regeneration projects. Construction will start on site next year following extensive site investigation works, which will begin imminently.

full planning application has been submitted for the transformation of Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester. Plans include delivering a more colourful, vibrant, safer and more inviting Piccadilly Gardens, following public consultation that took place earlier this year. The Council and its partners, including Greater Manchester Police and Transport for Greater Manchester, recognise that creating a better Piccadilly Gardens cannot just be about physical improvements but will also require new ways of managing the space to ensure it is maintained as a safe and inviting space. Key elements of the proposal include additional green space and planting, a new event space, improving accessibility and refreshing the existing children’s play area.

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BUSINESS

illingley, a landscaping firm based in Chesterfield, has announced its plans to expand in response to its recent success and emerging opportunities around the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor. A successful 2025, Killingley’s recent accounts show its turnover of over £14m, in comparison to 2024 which was £12m. It also finished 2025 with an operating profit of over

TGA HIGHLIGHTS DROUGHT IMPACT ON UK TURF PRODUCTION

ince the government announced 71.3% of England is in drought, the Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA) warns of increasing pressure on growers. Prolonged lack of rainfall and extreme temperatures mean sharply higher irrigation costs, crop damage, increased waste, and lengthy recovery programmes. In one case, irrigation costs rose by 40%, and drought-related waste could double normal levels, despite extensive restoration work. These are significant costs where margins are under intense pressure. The TGA warns these pressures continue even after rain returns, affecting turf availability and lead times. Richard Owens, TGA chair, says, “a healthy domestic turf-growing sector is essential.”

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£1m, in comparison to £900k in 2024. The family business is looking for ambitious individuals to suit the expansion across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire. Gareth Dillon, managing director at Killingley, explains the importance of the plans: “The expansion is largely being driven by our existing clients who are asking us to deliver projects for them further afield. We’re expanding geographically because clients trust us and want to use Killingley elsewhere. That’s obviously a good position to be in.” The expansion will give clients a greater capacity to support their projects across a wider geography while maintaining the service, standards and relationship they already trust.

Online exclusives Head to prolandscapermagazine.com

©RHS/Ian Christopher

©Killingley

KILLINGLEY ANNOUNCES EXPANSION IN RESPONSE TO GROWING OPPORTUNITIES

WHO TO WATCH AFTER THIS YEAR’S RHS SHOWS

Another year of Royal Horticultural Society shows comes to an end. However, with every show, there have been a few names that have caught our eye.

LANDSCAPING INDUSTRY OUTPERFORMS 2025 FORECASTS, REPORT FINDS

ro Landscaper Premium Plus has published a new State of the Nation report which sets out to provide a temperature check on market mood and sentiment. The research looks to establish current demand and what impact wider geopolitical impacts are having on the sector. When looking at forecasts set out in last year’s survey, it’s positive to see that 2025 actuals outperformed those expectations. The results of the 2026 survey were presented at the Premium Plus Landscaping Leadership Forum which took place across two days at Old Thorns Hotel & Resort on 2-3 July 2026. The State of the Nation report brings together full analysis for the market plus breakdowns by commercial, residential and supply chain as well as industry commentary from the Landscaping Leadership Forum outlining key takeaways for the sector. To download the new report, The Pro Landscaper Premium Plus’s State Of The Nation Report:

THE BUZZ OF WAKEHURST: HOW VITAL RESEARCH IS HELPING LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT

Nature Unlocked launched in 2021 at Kew Wakehurst as a means of developing science-led solutions to climate change, nature recovery and biodiversity loss.

‘EUROPE IS ENTERING A NEW PHASE OF OUTDOOR LIVING AND HOME WELLNESS,’ SAYS BULLFROG SPAS

It has announced its integration into the European market. Kimmo Niininen explains just how important this is.

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

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BUSINESS

CLAMPDOWN ON

Cowboy Builders

The government has announced new measures which says it will clampdown on cowboy builders

he government has announced extra costs, losing an average of £750 and that a new clampdown on cowboy in 2024, people lost over £10.3bn on home builders, which it says will help and garden maintenance costs due to losses, “close loopholes that have let overpriced costs or unfair practices. unscrupulous operators fleece households and Prime minister Andy Burnham’s statement intimidate people already struggling reads,“cowboy builders don’t just rip with debt.” From September, people off. They leave families businesses can sign up to with months of stress, the Cowboy the Approved Code which disruption of unfinished builders demonstrates they work, and that horrible don’t just rip meet higher standards feeling of being taken people off. They of customer service, advantage of. Not only leave families with transparency and dispute that, but they give the months of stress, resolution. Another vast majority of decent, the disruption of aspect of these measures hardworking tradespeople unfinished is a new payment system a bad name. So, we’re work which links payments to “key putting the cowboys out of project milestones”. business. These changes mean The government says these you’ll now have the option to make measures have been put in place because sure your money is held safely and released “too many people are being ripped off”. It bit by bit as the work gets done. It’s the latest states that one-in-four UK adults who carried in our series of everyday fixes to give people out home improvements work in the past 18 room to breathe and make Britain fairer. We’ve months experienced problems. It further states taken on subscription traps, fake discounts, and that more than one-in-three of these faced now we’re coming for the cowboy builders.”

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds says, “we’re taking action to protect consumers, support reputable traders and make sure people can spend their money with greater confidence and security.” Setting standards Largely unregulated, the industry itself has been working to raise standards across the profession as well as educating the public about what good – and bad – practice looks like. At this year’s BBC Gardeners’ World Live, The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) looked to help the public identify the critical differences between a bad and a wellconstructed garden. The APL Landscape & Design Clinic Garden, designed by APL general manager, Phil Tremayne, was a story of two halves. One side demonstrated the common pitfalls of hiring unverified contractors, whilst the other side showed the impact of professional design, quality workmanship and expert plant choices. Tremayne said at the time: "We get contacted by the public after they’ve had

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BUSINESS

work completed by either inexperienced or unqualified landscapers. These are often cheap and cheerful builds that may look good when they’re first constructed but won't last and are bound to fail in just a few years. “This doesn’t happen with an APLaccredited professional, and we wanted to show the public that our members meet rigorous standards and produce quality work. The feature garden at the show included poorly laid decking, artificial grass, little planting, and paving that is not fit for purpose. The good quality side of the garden was built to British standards, going through the complete stages of proper planning, assessment and good planting to complement the hard landscaping.” Earlier this year, representatives from the APL, the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), the Landscape Institute (LI) and the Society of Garden and Landscape Designers (SGLD) came together to agree on the implementation of the new British Standards for paving, BS 7533-102. The focus was on developing a shared, practical approach to its implementation, from design and specification through to construction and delivery. Concerns about payments While there is a feeling of optimism that the government’s scheme is a step in the right direction, there are questions about how it will be implemented and who will deal with payment disputes. There are also questions about whether the payment system means businesses will have to fund customer's projects while they wait for stages to be approved. Generally, there’s concern that the payment system, and the whole scheme in general, is weighted more heavily in the customer's favour.

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TrustMark is looking to address the of poor installations in their homes is vital payment aspect with its new app-based to the delivery of trust in the sector. We’re service. Simon Ayers MBE, chief executive proud to be playing our part alongside Trusted officer of TrustMark, says: “The move by Payments in making that happen.” government was a welcome and clear signal Trusted Payments has been introduced of intent – to protect consumers, champion to protect and benefit both the business and reputable traders, and help people spend their the consumer. "That matters enormously in money with real confidence and security. landscaping," he adds. "Where projects Aftercare and resolution when can often run over several weeks, something goes wrong matters, involve staged work, and can Aftercare and but just as important, be vulnerable to delays resolution when and often less visible, is from weather or supply something goes what happens when issues," explains wrong matters, but everything goes right Ayers. This forms an just as important, and and its simply time to accessible bridge often less visible, is pay. That’s where a huge of communication amount of consumer between the two. what happens when and trade anxiety sits. "Homeowners get everything goes right Consumers pay up front the security of knowing and its simply time with no security in place funds are only released to pay or warranty protection, and against agreed milestones and tradespeople doing good work are completed work, while landscapers having to chase payment.” get the certainty of guaranteed payment Because of this, TrustMark launched and none of the chasing, admin or cash flow Trusted Payments. Features include automatic uncertainty that can be so damaging on longer, contracts, project payment plans, and multi-phase projects. If a dispute does arise, it automatic invoice chasing, plus access to goes to an independent Ombudsman, not to the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman for whoever shouts loudest. That fairness is exactly unresolved issues, including non-payment, what gives good landscaping businesses the snagging and the handover process. From confidence to take on bigger projects and keep October 2026, it will also automatically raise raising standards, while giving homeowners invoices into QuickBooks or Xero. real peace of mind." Ayers adds: "The best form of consumer While any initiative that looks to stop protection is getting the job right the first cowboy builders is good for both customers and time. Giving businesses a payment system the industry – as it strives to raise standards that’s simple to use, backed up by proper across the board and increase awareness of dispute management and workmanship accredited professionals – concerns around guarantees, means they can focus on what how the scheme will be implemented may they do best – quality technical installations. remain unanswered for now. However, Trusted Protecting consumers and supporting them Payments is striving to offer greater reassurance through the complaints process in the context and protection for both parties.

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

BUSINESS

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Pro Landscaper | October 2026

ADVICE

ASK THE EXPERTS Rachel Bailey Rachel Bailey Studio

How should professionals design for all climate extremes, not just drought?

J rea ©And

his year has brought home how rainwater and use stored water for irrigation, challenging our changing climate is particularly for trees. Captured water can also top for gardens and landscapes: extreme up ponds and provide drinking water for wildlife. heat combined with drought. But Trees planted today may be many years away climate change isn't simply making conditions from providing the canopy and shade we will hotter and drier. Extreme wet weather is part of increasingly need. Establishing them now, and the same picture. ensuring they have sufficient water while For plants, this creates a particular challenge. establishing, is an investment in the future of Our focus has been on selecting drought-tolerant the planet. plants, but drought isn't the only stressor. Extreme Topography can create different moisture on es heat adds physiological stress and can damage conditions within small spaces: higher, freephotosynthetic machinery. Increasingly erratic draining areas can support plants that dislike weather means plants adapted to dry summers wet roots, while lower areas can hold and absorb may also have to cope with exceptionally water. Together, planting and topography wet winters and, in some parts of the can create cooler refuges for plants, country, wet summers. wildlife and people. As landscape professionals, This is more meaningful As landscape we need to consider whether than simply compiling professionals, we need plants can cope with lists of drought-tolerant to consider whether combinations of stressors plants. We can design plants can cope and extremes, not just landscapes to buffer both with combinations drought. Research is hot, dry conditions and of stressors and examining how trees and wet, humid ones. The shrubs respond to drought and same interventions that extremes, not just heat, and recovery from these retain water during dry periods drought stresses. More research is needed, can help manage extreme rainfall but we don't have time to wait for all by slowing, storing and infiltrating it. the answers. Plant selection cannot be the Alongside adaptation, we must also silver bullet. decarbonise how we work and live. Heat and drought affect wildlife, soil and Adaptation makes landscapes more resilient, human health too. As temperatures rise, but reducing greenhouse gas emissions is vegetation becomes increasingly important fundamental to limiting long-term warming for cooling. It is also crucial during wet and associated extremes. weather extremes. For landscape professionals, this is both We need to consider the whole system. Water a responsibility and an opportunity. We aren't management and shade are central to climatesimply selecting plants that can survive the resilient landscape design. next drought. We are designing living systems Rather than allowing rainfall to run off that hold water, provide shade, support wildlife, rapidly, we can slow, store and infiltrate it. We can protect soils and make places more habitable for create areas that temporarily hold water, harvest people. This isn't a choice; it is a necessity.

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

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

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

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

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ADVICE

ON THE TOOLS Phil Jones explains why SME Leaders still need to jump back on the tools – and why it matters more than ever

n the landscaping sector, particularly that the work of running the business gets via the pages of this publication, pushed aside. The business becomes reactive we talk a lot about strategies and rather than proactive. Growth stalls. Systems business acumen. Every SME owner never fully embed. Recruitment remains and manager knows however, no matter how rushed. The leader becomes the bottleneck. well structured your business becomes, there The solution isn’t to avoid the tools will always be moments where you feel entirely – that's unrealistic in the need to jump back on the landscaping – but to create a tools. structure where stepping This isn’t necessarily in is the exception, not The moments a sign of poor planning. the norm. That means when leaders return It’s the reality of building capacity, to the tools often running a small, service training supervisors, reveal more about based operation in a laying down processes, the health of the sector where weather, and ensuring that the business than any labour shortages, client business can function spreadsheet expectations and site without you for at least conditions can change by part of the week. When the hour. When a project falls you do step in, it should be behind, a delivery arrives early, a purposeful, not habitual. subcontractor cancels or a team member Interestingly, the moments when phones in sick, the leader becomes the leaders return to the tools often reveal safety net. Strategy doesn’t remove that more about the health of the business than responsibility – but it can help you manage any spreadsheet. If you’re constantly filling it better. gaps, it’s a sign that something upstream There’s a perception that stepping back needs attention: staffing, scheduling, on the tools means stepping backwards. In client management, or workflow design. If reality, it is a demonstration of leadership you’re stepping in occasionally, with clear credibility. Teams respect leaders who boundaries and a clear reason, it’s a sign that understand the work, not just the numbers. your systems are working. However, the danger lies in becoming too The landscape industry, particularly the operational. Many SME owners fall into the commercial sector, is evolving constantly. trap of spending so much time on the tools Clients expect more professionalism.

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

Regulations are tightening. Biodiversity net gain, sustainability requirements and complex hard landscaping specifications demand higher levels of technical competence. Leaders who can blend strategic thinking with practical capability have a distinct advantage. They can communicate with clients, collaborate with designers, and support teams. Ultimately, jumping back on the tools isn’t a weakness – it’s part of the working life of a small company. But it must be balanced with the discipline of stepping away, thinking ahead and building a business that doesn’t rely on heroics to function. And it shouldn’t be enjoyed so much that we do it constantly! The strongest leaders in our sector aren’t the ones who avoid the tools entirely. They’re the ones who know exactly when to pick them up – and when to put them down.

PHIL JONES Phil Jones is the founder of Apple Tree Bay Consultancy Ltd and brings long-standing director-level experience from the landscaping, grounds management and facilities services sectors. He now works with landscape businesses to strengthen strategic planning, refine operational systems, and support effective implementation. Email: phil@appletreebay.co.uk Instagram: apple_treebay linkedin.com/in/phil-jones-4197b5b5

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Drawing planting plans without losing the designer’s hand with John Wood

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. Digital drawing need not remove the spontaneity of designing by hand. Using Morpholio Trace on the iPad, I can work as freely as I would with tracing paper

Digital

DRAWING BOARD

From sketch to planting plan The process can then move into a conventional planting plan. Circles represent individual plants and connecting lines identify groups, just as they might on a traditional drawing board using tracing paper. Once a plant symbol has been drawn, however, it can be copied and pasted repeatedly and dragged into position. Plants can be moved, duplicated, FREEHAND COLOUR SKETCHING ALLOWS erased or resized almost instantaneously, PLANTING IDEAS TO DEVELOP SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE REMAINING CONNECTED TO AN allowing groups to be continually adjusted ACCURATELY SCALED PLAN as the design develops. and coloured pencils, while retaining Individual species can also be kept on the accuracy, speed and flexibility of separate layers, allowing them to be isolated, digital drawing. edited or temporarily hidden. None of this dictates how the planting should be Freehand planting design designed. The symbols can be Planting design can begin arranged as freely as marks at its most informal. It on tracing paper; the The symbols is simply stream-ofsoftware simply makes can be arranged as consciousness design: manipulating them freely as marks on scribbling with colour, considerably faster. tracing paper; the exploring combinations software simply makes and thinking about Bringing colour manipulating them how different areas of into the plan considerably planting might relate to Digital planting plans faster one another. need not remain purely The important difference technical drawings either. between this and sketching A photograph of a plant can be on a blank sheet of paper is what lies imported into Morpholio Trace and underneath. The drawing is being made over used as a colour reference. Colours can be an accurately scaled topographical survey. I sampled directly from the photograph can switch the survey layer off while I work, and used to shade the corresponding leaving what appears to be a blank canvas, planting symbol. but switch it back on at any point to check With a multicoloured flower, such as the my ideas against the precise dimensions Helenium in this illustration, this makes it of the site. possible to build a symbol using colours Digital layering allows the freedom sampled directly from the plant itself. of a sketchbook without disconnecting The result can be both informative and the creative process from the realities of expressive: the precision of a technical the garden. planting plan can sit alongside a much more

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COLOURS SAMPLED DIRECTLY FROM A REFERENCE PHOTOGRAPH CAN BE USED TO CREATE EXPRESSIVE PLANTING SYMBOLS THAT REFLECT THE PLANTS THEMSELVES

immediate impression of the colour and character of the planting. Digital drawing does not need to replace the familiar process of sketching, tracing and gradually refining a planting design. At its best, it preserves that freedom while adding scale, layers, copy and paste and instant editing. The technology should never dictate the planting design. It should simply get out of the way and let the designer draw.

TRADITIONAL PLANTING SYMBOLS CAN BE COPIED, POSITIONED AND ADJUSTED DIGITALLY, COMBINING THE FAMILIARITY OF HAND-DRAWN PLANTING PLANS WITH THE SPEED AND FLEXIBILITY OF MORPHOLIO TRACE

JOHN WOOD John Wood runs Create Visual, a CPD training platform for garden and landscape professional specialising in iPad-based digital workflows and presentation graphics. create-visual.co.uk

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

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UNBOUND PAVING SYSTEMS With the changing climate making unbound paving more important, Gareth Wilson shares his installation tips

ith the changing climate and the problems we are increasingly seeing with ground movement, I think unbound paving is going to become even more important within our industry. But, as with most paving, it is only as good as what is underneath it. Subgrade analysis Before we even think about bringing Type 1 onto site, we need to identify and assess the existing subgrade and establish its likely California Bearing Ratio (CBR). For traffic categories 3 and below where no structural design has been provided in accordance with BS 7533-101, Clause 4 of BS 7533102:2025 provides guidance on pavement construction, with Clause 4.4 specifically covering site assessment and investigation. Clause 5 covers the pre-construction phase for all traffic categories, with Clause 5.8 dealing with site investigation, particularly the boot test. Annex H also provides a simple

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

field method for identifying subgrade and Geogrids for further stability. materials and estimating likely CBR values, If a capping layer is required, recycled with Table H.1 giving guidance on subgrade material such as correctly specified, graded identification and associated CBR values. 6F2 may be suitable. But there is a big This assessment is important because difference between properly processed, the type of the subgrade graded recycled aggregate and a directly influences the load of crushed demolition foundation construction waste tipped into an With the changing required, and it is a part excavation. climate and the of the process that I For the main problems we are think is sometimes granular pavement increasingly seeing with overlooked. sub-base and base ground movement, The type of construction, use subgrade determines proper MOT Type 1. I think unbound paving what needs to go Never use questionable is going to become even above it. Depending on recycled material simply more important its strength and condition, because it’s cheaper. The the pavement may require foundation of the pavement additional foundation layers, is probably the worst place to potentially including a capping layer start saving money. as well as a sub-base and base layers. There The material then needs to be installed isn’t one size fits all foundation construction in suitable layers and properly compacted. build-up that works on every site. Let’s not The compaction equipment needs to be forget non-woven separation membranes suitable for the material, the layer thickness

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ADVICE and the pavement being constructed, see BS7533:102. Don’t forget the edge restraints Edge restraint needs to be properly bedded, restrained/haunched in concrete and on top of type 1 concrete with the addition of fibres or rebar in some instances. Importantly, edge restraints should provide a vertical face extending below the laying course. Otherwise, the laying-course material can migrate beneath the edge restraint, potentially resulting in settlement and loss of support around the perimeter. Personally, I would allow around seven days before installing and carrying out significant compaction of the paving against the restraint. There is little point constructing a good edge restraint and then plate vibrating or rolling against concrete that’s not sufficiently cured the following morning. Laying course Once the foundation and restraints are complete, the laying course can be prepared. Another overlooked, or simply a not known practice is a lightly compacted sand laying course then raked finish to give better interlock of the block pavers, as the sand travels up the joint when compacted. Many use a 6mm aggregate for the laying course. I understand why, especially in winter when sand in the builders merchants is like pea soup. However, I’ve seen several times the kiln dried sand wash through the 6mm and blocks loose interlock.

Plan aspect ratio tiny slithers of paving. Where necessary, use When laying paving slabs, the plan aspect inboard cuts or adjust the setting out so that ratio comes in to play here, in regard to sensible-sized pieces are used. their suitability and of course manufacturers specifications. Paving slabs laid unbound are Paving around channel drains generally equal too, or less than 600 mm x Block pavers adjacent to channel drains 600mm and 50 mm plus thick for a driveway. should be laid as a soldier course and on For a patio they can be 1200 x 300 x 50mm. a mortar bed with slurry primer applied A correctly graded sand as per to their underside. There should be BS7533:102, which has some a 10mm mortar joint between permeability and therefore the channel drains and the Unbound is less likely to saturate and block paving. Channel drains paving isn’t deform, is the preferred should also sit 3-6mm below complicated, option. the block paved surface. but every layer There is a minimum B-125 has a job String lines still matter classification for channel to do String lines might seem old drains driveways. fashioned, but they are still one of the simplest and best ways of Good paving looks planned controlling block paving. Use them regularly because it was planned across the pavement to monitor alignment, Select the appropriate paving pattern for the pattern and joint widths. traffic direction and category. For example, Don’t butt joint blocks or pavers. basket weave isn’t suitable for a driveway. Maintain a minimum joint of around 2mm Finally, use the correct compaction equipment and no more than 5mm. The joints are part for the paving being installed. Different of the pavement system. Once filled with paving units require different levels of the correct jointing sand and compacted, compactive effort, and the equipment needs they help create the interlock that allows the to be suitable for the block thickness, laying pavement to perform. Remember the knibs course and pavement construction. Regular of block pavers are to protect from damage sweeping, re-sanding, weed maintenance and in transport and are 1.4mm in width – don’t general repairs are essential. forget the minimum joint width is 2 mm. Unbound paving isn’t complicated, Setting out is equally important. Think but every layer has a job to do. Assess about where your cuts are going to finish the subgrade. Build the correct pavement before laying hundreds of blocks. We foundation layers. Compact it properly. shouldn’t be finishing against an edge Construct proper edge restraints. Use string restraint, drainage channel or wall with lines. Maintain the joints. Plan the cuts. Compact and joint the paving correctly. Plan ongoing maintenance. Get all those things right and there is absolutely no reason why an unbound pavement shouldn’t still be performing decades from now.

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GARETH WILSON Wilson is a paving installation expert. He's won 14 RHS Gold medals, including five Best in Show and six Best Construction awards. He provides technical advice to companies, and mentors contractors and garden designers in landscape construction and show garden logistics. gkwilsonlandscaping.co.uk paving.site

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Pro Landscaper | October 2026

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THE EDI CHARTER:

WHAT IT ACTUALLY

Asks of Businesses

Gamiel Yafai emphasises the importance of looking into the EDI Charter

wo articles ago, I promised to return to the formal EDI Charter. It's one of the first things I was shown when I started in this sector, and it deserves a proper look, because the specifics are where a charter either becomes useful or wallpaper. The Charter commits signatories to five things: create an inclusive culture and measure engagement and representation; support the industry's development from an EDI perspective, regardless of specialism, by sharing work and good practice; recognise and monitor EDI across the industry using a set benchmarking format; provide access to resources for educating and upskilling colleagues; and promote the industry as fully inclusive and accessible, with opportunities for lifelong careers. Underpinning all five, signatories agree to work openly and respectfully with other chartered members as the

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industry breaks down barriers together. they're perceived and more on the job itself. It carries real weight behind it: the RHS, Performance improves when decisions draw the Arboricultural Association, BALI, the APL, on wider perspectives, not the same narrow the SGLD, the Garden Media Guild, the HTA, group every time. Profitability follows both, YPHA, the Landscape Institute, the Chartered alongside the plain reality that a sector short Institute of Horticulture, Perennial, on skills can't keep drawing from Pro Landscaper, British the same shallow pool. Florist Association, Garden The businesses furthest The businesses Industry Suppliers, Garden ahead aren't the ones with that will be furthest Centre Association the most polished policy along in three years are and FutureScape all documents. They're the the ones picking up the support it. This isn't one ones using the checklist Charter's checklist organisation's initiative the Charter gives them. this month, not the dressed up as a standard, None of this is ones waiting for it's a shared one. a one-year project. a better moment None of those five Culture, representation to begin commitments deliver and benchmarking take themselves. They depend on sustained years to shift, not a single leaders using what they hold. I use a campaign. But a long horizon is exactly simple frame for this: four ways leaders why the starting point matters: the businesses include others, power, networks, opportunities, that will be furthest along in three years are and knowledge, pictured as a key with four the ones picking up the Charter's checklist teeth, useless if even one is missing. this month, not the ones waiting for a better Power sets priorities and holds moment to begin. Long-term and immediate people accountable. Networks open aren't in tension here. The long term is built doors others can't reach alone. from what starts now. Opportunities are the stretch projects and introductions handed out, We’re inviting everyone working often informally. Knowledge is the unwritten in the industry to take part in an understanding of how things get decided. employee survey. This doesn't need a large business. A The survey takes five-person firm has as much power, network, around five minutes to complete, and every opportunity and knowledge relative to its own response matters. team as a national contractor does, just at a different scale. A sole director still chooses who meets a client, who gets first refusal, GAMIEL YAFAI who's let in on pricing decisions. The Charter's Gamiel Yafai is CEO and founder commitments scale the same way, as they're of Diversity Marketplace, helping about how you use influence, not budget. organisations along their EDI Included teams are more productive, journey. He was recently awarded spending less energy managing how an MBE for services to diversity and inclusion.

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

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GOOD PROMPTS,

Better Results A

I can offer brilliant support in marketing, tenders, images, policies, HR documents, health and safety paperwork and social media. It can also produce absolute rubbish. But here’s the thing: the difference is usually not the technology. It’s the instruction. Many businesses try AI once or twice, get a bland answer, and decide it is not for them. "Write me a LinkedIn post about grounds maintenance" will usually produce something generic. It’ll be technically correct but will sound like hundreds of other posts online. The same applies to AI-generated images, posters, website copy and emails. If the prompt is lazy, the output will be lazy. This is one of the biggest lessons contractors need to understand: AI works best when it is given context. Instead of asking for a generic LinkedIn post, a contractor could say, "Write a LinkedIn post for a family-owned grounds maintenance contractor working with housing associations in the North West. The post should explain

ADVICE

Steven Higginbottom explains how contractors can stop producing generic AI content

why early season communication with that looks like it came from the same digital residents helps reduce complaints. Keep the sausage machine. tone professional but friendly. Make it sound The tools can also help with written practical and experienced. Oh, and avoid business materials: job adverts, HR letters, emojis.” That’s a very different prompt, and onboarding checklists, absence procedures, it’ll create a very different result. complaints processes, toolbox talks, risk The same applies to images and design. assessments and method statements. It AI can help create branded social can help improve wording, structure media graphics, report visuals, documents and make information presentation images, clearer. But it must be used recruitment graphics and with judgement. AI is a Used badly, it promotional material. It support tool, not an creates noise. Used can also work alongside employment lawyer properly, it saves tools such as Canva to or health and safety time, improves quality, improve layouts, simplify consultant. and helps us present messages or tidy up Tendering is another the business more designs. But again, we still area where balance need to direct it. matters. AI can break professionally If everyone asks AI to down questions, structure "make a summer fair poster” responses, improve grammar, (you’ll have seen this up and down and get us past the blank page. It the UK this last few weeks), everyone gets won't magically win us a major contract. the same kind of output: too much text, too Strong bids still need evidence, experience, many icons, generic graphics and a design pricing strategy, operational understanding and proper client insight. The real advantage is that AI helps us move faster: first draft, better structure, clearer message, professional finish. It's a lift for the business owner who has the knowledge but not the time or writing confidence. And yet the human still has to lead. Because the best of us won't use AI to sound like everyone else. We'll use it to sound more like ourselves, only clearer, sharper and more consistent. Used badly, it creates noise. Used properly, it saves time, improves quality, and helps us present the business more professionally. That’s where the opportunity lies.

STEVEN HIGGINBOTTOM

*Image made using AI

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Steven Higginbottom, founder of Morada, built one of the UK’s leading grounds maintenance businesses. Today he helps contractors grow smarter. linkedin.com/in/dlodoctor

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

ADVICE

THE REFERRAL GAP Lloyd Davis explains why the referral gap is costing landscaping firms new work

eferral leads should be the easiest business a landscaping or garden design firm ever wins. The trust is already there before the phone rings. But across the businesses we work with, referral leads often convert worse than paid enquiries. Not because the lead is weaker, but because it gets treated more casually from the moment it arrives. A past client mentions your name to a neighbour. A landscaper you've subcontracted for recommends you to a homeowner. These enquiries rarely land the way a website form or a paid ad click does. They come in as a text message, a name passed on at the end of a call, a "give them The fix isn't complicated. Referral a ring, they're expecting you." Because they leads need the same discipline as any feel personal rather than transactional, they other enquiry: logged the same day they often get handled informally, and informally arrive, followed up within a set window, usually means slowly. and owned by a specific person rather than We regularly see referral leads whoever happened to take the call. sit for days longer than None of this requires new paid enquiries before tools. It requires deciding Referral leads anyone follows up. The that a name passed on by need the same same urgency doesn't a happy client gets the discipline as any other automatically apply. same next-day follow-up enquiry: logged the Referral leads rarely as a quote request from same day they arrive, enter the same system the website. followed up within a set as everything else. It Pull the last 10 to 15 window, and owned sits in a text thread or referral leads and check by a specific a voicemail, waiting for two things: how long after person whoever received it to have a the introduction the first spare hour. There's also a social proper follow-up happened, hesitation at play. Following and how many actually converted up quickly on a referral can feel like compared with paid enquiries over the same chasing a favour rather than doing business, period. Most businesses have never looked so it gets deprioritised. The irony is that at referral leads as a distinct category, so the referral leads are usually the realest gap, when it's there, is usually easy to see business available. once someone looks.

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

Aren't referral leads naturally higher converting anyway, so does the follow-up speed really matter? They start with an advantage, but that advantage erodes the longer a lead waits. A referred customer who hears nothing for a week starts wondering if you're too busy to take the job, the same as anyone else would. We don't want to make referrals feel like a sales process, isn't that off-putting to the person who referred us? There's a difference between a sales pitch and simply calling someone back promptly. A fast, professional response is more likely to make the person who referred you look good, not less personal. How would we even know if referral leads are underperforming? Most businesses don't track referrals as a separate source at all, so there's usually no visibility until someone tags them specifically and compares the numbers. How does Inkanoko help with this specifically? The audit maps how every enquiry type moves through the business, referral leads included, and shows exactly where the follow-up gap is costing you work that should have been easy to win.

LLOYD DAVIS Lloyd Davis is founder of Inkanoko, a revenue operations consultancy working with independent landscaping and garden design businesses in the UK and Finland. inkanoko.com

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THE

GARDEN After Dark Neil Parslow explains why landscape lighting is not an accessory to the garden, but the design of the garden after dark

garden changes after dark. Paths The detailed written proposal established recede, trees become structure, the design vision for the front gardens, now reflections appear and familiar nearing completion. Detailed infrastructure planting can lose its depth plans addressed the installation requirements. completely. Yet landscape lighting is still often The composition was developed progressively approached as a schedule of fittings or an through focused after-dark mock-ups, judging electrical package added towards the end of a direction, output, glare and brightness project, rather than as the design of a second relationships within the actual landscape. landscape experience. Planning established the intent; working on Considering cables and approximate site allowed it to be tested and refined. fixture positions early is extremely Much of my detailed design work valuable, but it is not the same takes place on site after dark, as designing the garden where individual lighting The nighttime after dark. The nighttime effects are developed, composition still composition still requires balanced and judged requires decisions about as part of the whole decisions about what what should lead, should lead, what should composition. The extent of what should support support and what should mock-up work should suit remain dark. Visual the project’s scope, budget and what should hierarchy, contrast, restraint and location. Every project, remain dark and the relationships between however small, must include brightness levels determine how time and budget for after-dark the eye moves through the space and aiming, shielding where needed, and how comfortably that space is experienced, balancing of the installed lighting. This is part both outdoors and from inside buildings. of completing the design, not an optional extra. At Foxholes Care Home, the lighting for The viewer should experience the garden, not the formal garden, fern garden and wider the light sources. front gardens was developed as individual Some of the projects I enjoy most are compositions. Together, they had to create one smaller gardens with scope for highly detailed cohesive nighttime space while retaining their lighting. The size of a space matters less individual character, drawing residents and than the opportunity to compose it carefully. visitors through the landscape towards the Allowing sufficient time for aiming, balancing main stone portico entrance. and refinement lets trees, shrubs, hedges and

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Lighting design and photography: Neil Parslow

pathways contribute to a coherent nighttime environment, with every element considered in relation to the whole. In practice, a successful composition can require more carefully positioned sources operating at far lower outputs. Trees, sculpture and layered planting provide threedimensional form and vertical structure, helping us read the garden’s depth and spatial relationships. Judging source positions, aiming directions and relative outputs reveals form and texture while preserving shadow and contrast. The aim is controlled brightness relationships, composing with light and darkness rather than simply illuminating the ground plane. For landscape professionals, involving a specialist does not mean relinquishing the original garden design. Good collaboration allows the daytime and nighttime intentions to develop together, while leaving room for the qualities that can only be judged in the living landscape after dark. Landscape lighting is not an accessory to the garden – it is the design of the garden after dark.

NEIL PARSLOW Neil Parslow is a landscape lighting designer with over 20 years’ experience. He works with light and shadow to sculpt gardens and shape how people feel within them after dark. neilparslow.com

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

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BUSINESS

“PREVIOUS CAREERS HAVE HELPED ME TO WHERE I AM NOW. DESIGN IS AROUND 30% OF THE JOB. MUCH OF THE REST COMPRISES CLIENT MANAGEMENT, PEOPLE RELATIONS, AND GUIDING A PROJECT” WORDS: RACHAEL FORSYTH

Katerina Kantalis sometimes wishes she had found garden design sooner, but her previous jobs have given her invaluable transferrable skills which have helped to propel her career

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©Kate Hollingsworth

Background image ©Rachel Oates Photography

ike many of us, the pandemic made Katerina Kantalis pause and reassess. A period of upheaval at the university where she worked prompted Kantalis to ask, what’s next? “I gave myself six months to see where the world would take me – it took me to garden design.” She had been volunteering for English Heritage, pursuing a love she had for working outside, when she learnt that garden design could be a career. Finding that the British Academy of Garden Design gave her the flexibility to work alongside studying, next Kantalis explored whether that hands-on experience could be undertaken at a local design and build company. She wasn’t sure she’d have the experience they needed – but it turns out she had exactly the right skill set. Prior to retraining, Kantalis spent 20 years in both the UK and Australia working in fundraising across the health, education and charity sectors. Managing various fundraising programmes, from community initiatives to major gifts, trusts and foundations, she was used to overseeing large portfolios and managing a variety of people. “I was juggling a lot at the time, so I’m comfortable working that way. I was organising multiple work streams, which in many ways isn’t too dissimilar to managing a garden project. I also had to nurture donor relationships, just like you do with client relationships.” Kantalis had

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

BUSINESS horticulture to a completely different level. "It opened my eyes to how vast this career really is – how did I not know about this? I've always had this unusual mix of creative and scientific skills. If I'd known back at school that a degree in landscape architecture was even an option, If I'd known I think I would have pursued back at school it. The beauty of garden that a degree design is the scope it gives you: it’s not only about in landscape designing, but also planting, architecture was even project management, and an option, I think using creativity through I would have scale, shape and colour.” pursued it In many ways, looking back now, Kantalis feels the circuitous path that led her to garden design was exactly the right one for her.“It’s been well worth it – I absolutely love what I do.”

©Rachel Oates Photography

also completed a PhD in Biochemistry which sharpened her ability to plan, problem solve and think several steps ahead. “Both of my previous careers have helped me to where I am now. Pure design is around 30% of the job. Much of the rest comprises client management, people relations – from the landscapers to the suppliers, logistics, sourcing, and guiding a project from concept to completion.” Learning on the job After joining the initial design and build company Kantalis was handed her first project within months. While she had the project management skills, she soaked up every bit of information she could garner on site.“I

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

really love construction. Now, I'm always on site working with the landscapers. Being part of the whole team helps me design better. Plus, I love working with all my landscapers as we problem solve in order to deliver the best garden that we can.” Meanwhile, she was still volunteering in an English Heritage garden where there was more to soak up.“We all love to garden but working alongside a head gardener provides you with so much horticultural knowledge you usually don’t get access to. I learnt so much,” Kantalis gushes.“I learnt about seasonal cycles, aspect and what type of plants work in what type of soil. I learnt about borders, trees, shrubs, perennials... and weeds! That knowledge showed how you can take gardening and

Setting up a business as a career changer Kantalis flourished at the design and build company and knew it was a career that perfectly tied together her strengths and passions. But that doesn’t mean starting up her own business was easy. Launching her own studio in south-east London in late 2021 was both exhilarating and daunting.“Suddenly, you’re responsible for everything – budgets, procurement, contractors and timelines.” Project management was where she excelled, and today there are very few projects that she won’t manage from start to finish. “I enjoy it, and the clients appreciate it too. Sometimes I feel it delivers a better outcome." Today, she manages most projects from first sketch to final planting, working closely with trusted landscapers to carry her intended design vision through to completion. Katerina Kantalis Garden Design evolved through word of mouth and slowly Kantalis was getting more portfolios she could add to her website and targeted advertising that helped build momentum.“Google has been very good to me because it has helped drive a lot of interest and business.” Still, her business wasn’t built overnight. “It’s a lot of hard work, and you learn a huge amount along the way. In the first few years I questioned, how do people do this? Am I heading in the right direction? As a small business owner, you’re constantly building your portfolio, refining your design approach and attracting clients. You’re doing everything – marketing, sourcing and managing projects – just to keep driving that momentum and

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BUSINESS

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gone on to win an RHS Gold medal, Best Get Started Garden and Best Construction for her Mediterraneo garden at the 2024 RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, as well as Gold and Best in Show for Balcony and Container Garden for the A Little Garden of Shared Knowledge garden at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Most recently, Kantalis joined the judging panel at BBC Gardeners’ World Live in 2025. “It was so fascinating being on the other side,” she says.“Watching how someone responds to a brief and interacts with the judges gives you a completely different perspective. When

©Rachel Oates Photography

Show gardens: A turning point One big milestone for Kantalis was show gardens. The first for Kantalis was at BBC Gardeners’ World Live in 2023.“I didn't think I could be part of the show garden world. But stepping into it opened an entirely new network: designers, landscapers, suppliers, much as possible, rather than simply raising judges, as well as the public. You go from your profile, completely changes the designer working alone at home to realising there’s a mindset. Everybody wants the elusive gold, but whole inter-linked and vibrant community you never truly know if it will happen. out there. For Kantalis, their value lies elsewhere.“I “I understand now why people love believe show gardens are there to teach you – doing the shows because the camaraderie is to help you translate a message, to learn from amazing. I found the confidence to approach your planting and landscaping mistakes, and people and share my increasing knowledge. most importantly, she adds, to educate the But you also get the chance to make many public and get them engaged in gardening.” friendships within the sector. It’s so great that “If we can achieve all of that through a there are networks like APL and SGLD, which show garden, then it helps you evolve – and echo that community feeling, helping and ultimately become a better designer.” learning from each other.” Since that first show garden, Kantalis has The garden received a silver medal, which at the time was a disappointment. But one that ultimately reshaped both her approach to show gardens and her wider design practice. “It was the first time my work had been publicly critiqued and, to be honest, I was devastated,” Going into she expresses.“But I learnt show gardens so much. Now I look back with the goal of and completely agree learning as with the assessment. It much as possible... changed how I worked completely changes and how I also ran my the designer business. My designs mindset began to improve because of that feedback. On top of that, it made me even more determined to achieve a Gold at my next show garden.” When asked whether others should take on show gardens, Kantalis is clear.“I always say you need to understand why you want to do it and what you hope to get out of it. Going into show gardens with the goal of learning as

©Kate Hollingsworth

moving the business forward. On top of that, you need to earn enough to know when it is the right time to reinvest.” For Kantalis, that moment came after four years, when she felt ready to invest in a full rebrand and create a visual identity that truly reflected her design approach. She believes career changers in particular, need more structured support as they start to build networks and establish themselves.“Even now, I’m doing well, but sometimes feel that a business mentor – someone who can help me move to that next level – would be beneficial.”

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

BUSINESS a garden is presented, we want to understand became a true passion project, informed by the passion behind it, how that is being her experience of living in the UK since the communicated. There is also the question late 1990s and witnessing how the changing of whether the designer has stayed true to climate is reshaping British gardens. that brief.” “The traditional cottage garden in the UK Judging also sharpened her own is evolving with our changing climate,” she understanding of the brief itself.“For the first says.“So how do we become more water-wise time, I truly understood the value of the in the way we create our gardens? brief, not only for show gardens, Mediterraneo was about exploring but for client projects too. A which principles work and The traditional strong design brief helps how Mediterranean and cottage garden in the clients visualise what they Australian ideas can UK is evolving with want and to understand be adapted for UK our changing climate... more clearly how you’ll landscapes.” help them to achieve Kantalis believes So how do we become their dream garden. It’s deeply in the role outdoor more water-wise in the our job to use the brief to space plays in daily life way we create explain that design vision and seeks to create strong our gardens? with clarity. Just as with a connections between a house show garden, the client brief is and a garden.“I owe a lot to my essential. I now make mine much parents who taught me so much. more detailed than when I first started.” They brought a slice of Greece to a South The experience proved invaluable when Australian suburban garden. My dad was the preparing her own show garden for the 2026 king of tomatoes, while my mum nurtured RHS Chelsea Flower Show.“Each day I’d run everything else – vegetables, fruit, bees, through the judging criteria and make sure I’d chickens. Without realising it as a kid, that ticked every box. If I hadn’t, I refined it until I foundation sparked my passion for gardening. had so the garden delivered on every detail.” “Over the past five to ten years, and especially since the pandemic, people A design philosophy have begun to understand the value of Kantalis’ work is fundamentally shaped by their outdoor space much more. As they her shared Greek–Australian heritage and the rethink their homes through extensions and outdoor lifestyle she grew up with in Adelaide. renovations, the old 70s single door that shut Her RHS Hampton Court garden, Mediterraneo, off the garden is being replaced by floor-towas a defining moment: a climate-resilient ceiling bifold doors. Suddenly, people are landscape of terracotta, limestone, permeable looking out onto a space they want to improve surfaces and drought-tolerant plants. It – and are receptive to how they want to use it.”

©Rachel Oates Photography

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

Her design approach centres on creating practical, functional and beautiful gardens, informed by principles from Australia and the Mediterranean in both planting and lifestyle.“That doesn’t mean every UK garden I design is filled with Mediterranean notes,” she explains,“it’s about applying those principles thoughtfully, listening carefully to the client’s brief, and using my design knowledge to create something special that can be enjoyed for years to come.” This is also where the role of the designer becomes essential.“How do we teach and educate? We can’t say no to everything, but we also can’t say yes to everything. Of course you want to deliver what your clients want, but you also need to challenge them a little – there’s a reason they’ve chosen to work with you. What I’m finding is that more people are listening, and they’re far more environmentally minded.” After three years of show gardens, Kantalis is turning her attention back to her Crystal Palace-based business and its next phase of growth.“Show gardens are wonderful and I love being part of them, but they also take time away from the business. I would never turn down the right opportunity, but sometimes you need to pause, step back and focus on what you are building in the long term.” She also wants to continue working closely with residential clients, helping them shape gardens that become their own passion projects.“More clients are now coming to me because of the work I have done, which makes all the effort, all the hours worthwhile. The projects I enjoy most are those where I help people find real joy in their gardens.”

©Rachel Oates Photography

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PORTFOLIO

STYLISH

Serenity RAINE GARDEN DESIGN

THE CONTEMPORARY LIFESTYLE GARDEN

PROJECT DETAILS Build time 7 months Size of project 390m2 Project value Undisclosed Awards APL Awards 2024 Best in Category and Designer of the Year

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Pro Landscaper | October 2026

PORTFOLIO REFERENCES Landscape contractor Bushy Business bushybusiness.com Trees Griffin Nurseries griffinnurseries.co.uk Olive tree Villaggio Verde villaggioverde.co.uk Plants North Hill Nurseries northhillnurseries.co.uk Van Arnhem Nurseries vanarnhem-nursery.co.uk Roses David Austin Roses davidaustinroses.co.uk Planters Urbis Design urbisdesign.co.uk Furniture Cane-line Outdoor Furniture cane-line.co.uk Porcelain paving stone Mandarin Stone mandarinstone.com Wall copings London Stone londonstone.co.uk

Pro Landscaper | Ocotber 2026

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PORTFOLIO BEFORE

PLANTING • Ancient olive tree (Character and gnarliness) • Pittosporum 'Golf balls' (Evergreen structure) •V ariety of scented David Austin roses (Pollinating properties and scent)

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mbedded into a typical new build plot, the Contemporary Lifestyle Garden is designed to match the lifestyle of a professional couple yearning for a stylish escape. A space established across two levels, hosting a preexisting small patio and Leylandii trees, the garden was transformed by Raine Garden Design and built by Bushy Business. Tasked with a contemporary brief, the designers were asked by the clients to create a smart, modern garden featuring an impressive outdoor kitchen and an abundance of pollinator-friendly planting. The lower level has been extended, incorporating an outdoor kitchen and dining area, fit for hosting guests, with a BBQ area, pizza oven, four-person bar and fridge. Framed by a bespoke cedar roof which blends into the outdoor wooden bar, the area is finished with a downstand porcelain capping and step treads. Neighbouring this area, an al fresco dining spot has been imagined, capable of

hosting up to 10 people. Central to the entire patio area is an ancient olive tree, chosen for its character and gnarliness. Garden design The overall design of the garden is tidy, stylish and contemporary, reflective of the clients and their home. The garden needed to be private and safe for the children and dogs, but it also needed to be the perfect portrait framed by the home's windows. A couple of challenges arose in the lead up to this goal. There was an existing tired and unloved evergreen hedge which dominated the boundary and encroached into the already disproportionate and shallow garden, which caused another constraint in itself. To overcome this, wide elegant steps from the top level of the garden lead towards a large lawn area to deceive the eyes, creating a diversion from the fact that the garden is shallow. The lawn, which once hosted a sunken trampoline, is now a wide-open space intended to be both aesthetic and used.

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

PORTFOLIO

The lawn is lined with a tidy and pollinatorfriendly planting scheme, hosting a variety of scented David Austin roses, Agapanthus ‘Northern Star’, Erigeron karvinskianus, Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’, Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ and Cenolophium denudatum. These pollinator, nectar-rich plants play a big part in the creation of biodiversity within the new garden. A bespoke water feature was also designed for the contemporary garden, situated to be visible from inside the home. On top of this, the entire garden has been decorated with carefully considered lighting; from warm wall fixtures to standalone

lanterns and spotlights, the garden creates a cosy atmosphere as the sun sets. Front garden At the front of the house, the clients requested a warm welcome into their home, framed by two bay trees. Adorned with planting matching the purple and greens scattered in the back garden, the space also features a widened entrance path, wide steps and the removal of existing grass. Well received by the clients, the final project is an elegant take on a private, yet stylish garden that truly buzzes with life and energy.

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

Pro Landscaper | Ocotber 2026

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www.poolcourt.co.uk info@poolcourt.co.uk

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PORTFOLIO

PROJECT DETAILS Build time 10 weeks Size of project 410m2 Project value £97,600 Awards Pro Landscaper Project Awards 2026 Design £50,000 - £100,000

360° LANDSCAPE ROBERT HUGHES STUDIO MEREHEATH LANE

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Pro Landscaper | October 2026

PORTFOLIO

aving newly renovated their 70s urban detached property, these clients wanted a 360° landscape to match, seamlessly transitioning indoor and outdoor. At the front, the space needed to provide a simple, sophisticated, and low-maintenance kerb appeal. The side and rear gardens required dynamic, interconnected zones for relaxation, entertainment, yoga, and quiet healing in a cool, calm environment.

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

Robert Hughes Studio drew on Japanese Zen gardens as well as modern architectural influences for the design. It utilises bold lines, dynamic level changes, and textural contrasts. A palette of dark tones and stone greys is used to establish a moody, soothing atmosphere while vertical structure and screening work to define distinct areas and frame key interior vistas. The bold hardscape is softened by lush, textural planting and subtle lighting.

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PORTFOLIO

BEFORE

The garden journey The journey begins with a gravel driveway framed by clay pavers. A large porcelain step leads to the front door, while textured pavers wrap around the property, creating a cool, moody route to the private zones. In the side garden, a timber pergola sits above porcelain slabs cut into planks to define an intimate dining area. Nearby, a bespoke Corten screen acts as a strong architectural divide between the side and rear. To the rear, plank paving continues into an outdoor living room set against a black

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rendered wall framed in weathered steel. Here, a bespoke water chute sits flush with a crisp 5mm shadow gap, creating a focal point as water spills gently into one of three Corten troughs. Further around the rear elevation, four small terraces cater to different moments of the day – a stack-bond clay paver terrace for morning coffee; a raised deck for yoga; an outdoor living room terrace with garden sofas; and a shadier, sunken gravel terrace retained with steel for gathering around a warm fire in the evening.

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

PORTFOLIO REFERENCES Contractor Base Squared basesquared.co.uk Clay pavers Vande Moortel vandemoortel.co.uk Porcelain London Stone londonstone.co.uk Yellow balau Southgate Timber southgatetimber.co.uk Water troughs Adezz adezz.com/uk-en Water feature and lighting Landscapeplus landscapeplus.com Corton steel partition screen and water chute Allweld engineering allweldltd.co.uk Plants Viridis viridisplants.co.uk Ladybrook Nursery ladybrooknursery.com

Challenges encountered This project had a significant footprint but not necessarily a budget to match this size. What’s more, the builders carrying out the property renovation had contaminated and compacted the soil. Because of this,

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

compromises had to be made. These mainly affected preferred choices on paving, furniture and the pergola, with the team instead opting for surface treatments such as gravel and planting, allowing the budget to be used on key design elements such as the Corten screen and water feature. This ensured the team were able to keep the project within the £100k budget. Sustainability was integral to the finish, focusing on longevity through the use of high-quality timber and enduring weathering steel. This robust structural framework is balanced by a rich planting palette that invites biodiversity back into the space.

ABOUT Robert Hughes Studio is an award-winning garden design studio curating high-end contemporary gardens and bespoke buildings. It provides a tailored service from concept to completion, handling materials, planting, styling and contractors. Creating detailed, immersive spaces for modern outdoor living, it designs everything from city courtyards, luxury developments to country estates across the UK and internationally. roberthughes.studio

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All images ©Robert Hughes

Soft landscaping Enveloped within a protective foil of tall hedging, deep, lush borders balance and soften the landscape. A contemporary, predominantly herbaceous scheme introduces subtle Japanese influences. Beside a large picture window in the side garden, a specimen Acer 'Seiryu' emerges from a sweeping mass of Hakonechloa. To the rear, a complementary palette utilises the structural silhouettes of multistem Carpinus, Parrotia, and additional Acer varieties. Textural grasses form a natural matrix, with perennials filling the spaces in between to offer year-round interest and rich seasonal shifts. As spring arrives, a simple yet luxurious selection of deep purple/black tulips and pure white Narcissus marks the beginning of the garden’s annual rhythm.

In conversation with...

BRUCE READ PAVING SUPERSTORE After a busy year for Paving Superstore, the supplier explores what that growth has looked like and what visitors can expect at this year’s FutureScape

How has this year been for Paving Superstore? It has been busy! Trade has probably been the biggest story for us. We knew there was a big opportunity there and we'd invested heavily in our trade offering, but if we're being completely truthful, it took off rather faster than we expected. Obviously, that's a nice problem to have, but it did catch us on the hop a little. We never want growth to come at the expense of service, so we've recruited additional staff and brought in a dedicated customer service manager to work closely with our trade customers. For us, it's about staying ahead of that growth now. We want to offer exceptional service all the time, whether someone's ordering a couple of packs of paving or coordinating materials for a major landscaping project.

Stock and shipping have been causing a few headaches across the industry too, haven't they? That's probably putting it mildly! Global shipping has been pretty challenging this year. There are a few things going on at once. Changes to US tariffs Has keeping that personal approach become harder have led to American businesses bringing in much more as you've grown? stock than usual, which has tied up huge numbers It's something we're very conscious of. We've got of containers and taken up space on ships. At We've spent years a huge range and access to stock all over the the same time, the situation in the Middle East country, but sometimes you just need to pick means many vessels are avoiding their usual building relationships up the phone and speak to someone who routes and taking much longer journeys. with suppliers across the knows what they're talking about. The result is that freight prices have shot industry, which gives us That's especially true for trade up. On some routes from India into Europe, access to huge amounts customers. They might need help matching we've seen costs rise by well over 60%. At of stock. If one supplier something, sourcing an unusual product, those levels, some suppliers are holding has a problem, there's a working out quantities or finding an back shipments rather than bringing stock in good chance we can find alternative at short notice. You can't always at very high prices and having to pass those another route solve that with an online checkout. increases on. Price obviously matters too, particularly for So yes, it can mean certain products take longer trade, and because of the volumes we buy and the to arrive or come back into stock. supplier relationships we've built, we're able to offer some of the most competitive pricing in the industry. But we don't want How do you deal with something largely outside competitive pricing to mean compromising on service. your control? The sweet spot for us is having the choice and buying power of a Thankfully, this is where our size and supplier relationships really large national supplier, without losing that feeling that there's a real help. We're not tied to one manufacturer or importer. We've spent person at the other end of the phone who wants to help. years building relationships with suppliers across the industry,

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

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Q&A which gives us access to huge amounts of stock. If one supplier has a problem, there's a good chance we can find another route. We're constantly talking to suppliers about what's arriving, what's getting low and what's happening next. We can't do much about a ship taking the long way around the world, unfortunately, but we can make sure we've got as many options as possible. You're doing quite a bit now that people might not expect from somewhere called Paving Superstore. We are – the name doesn't quite tell the whole story anymore. One area we're particularly excited about is bespoke architectural metalwork. That can be anything from made-tomeasure planters and decorative screens to architectural features and completely unique, one-off sculptures. A designer might come to us with a sketch or an idea for something that simply doesn't exist yet, and we can work with them and our specialist manufacturers to turn it into something real. We can work with aluminium, Corten steel and all sorts of powdercoated finishes, so there's a lot of creative freedom. Our masonry service is a similar idea – if you can't buy what you need off the shelf, talk to us. We can help with bespoke paving and stonework, custom sizes and shapes, special finishes and individually fabricated pieces. That's a side of the business we really enjoy because the conversation starts with, “I've got an idea…” rather than, “Have you got this in stock?” Those are often the most interesting projects. So where does trade fit into the bigger picture now? It's a huge part of where we're going. We're seeing more landscapers

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and contractors using us as a supply partner rather than just somewhere to buy paving. They might start with paving and then realise we can also help with composite decking, bespoke masonry, architectural metalwork and other parts of the project. We'd much rather somebody tell us what they're trying to achieve than simply ask us what we've got to sell them. It gives us the chance to find the right solution rather than just the nearest product. Will we be seeing this at FutureScape? We will, and we're really excited about it. We're incredibly proud to be headline sponsor this year and you'll find us on Stand E30. We've tried to make the stand somewhere people can actually come and spend some time rather than just walk past and pick up a brochure. We'll have experts from Marshalls, Marcrist and Ecogrid joining us, alongside our own paving and composite decking specialists. If you've got a technical question, a tricky project coming up or you simply want to see what's new, come over and have a chat. And we've got free hot drinks from our own barista service, which is an added bonus. FutureScape is one of those rare opportunities where customers, suppliers, manufacturers, designers and landscapers are all under one roof. We spend most of the year speaking to people by phone and email, so it's great to put faces to names. We're really proud of how much Paving Superstore has grown, but we're even more excited about where it's going next. So come and find us on E30 – whether you want to talk about your next project, pick the brains of one of our experts, or just fancy a decent coffee, you’ll be very welcome!

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

PORTFOLIO

A FLOOD RESILIENT

Legacy

PROJECT DETAILS Size of project 240m2 Project value Undisclosed Awards RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 Silver Medal (awarded to the original Flood Re: The Flood Resilient Garden)

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THE ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN STUDIO LTD (TEDS) FLOOD RE: THE FLOOD RESILIENT GARDEN – HOWBERY PARK

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

PORTFOLIO

t RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2024, Naomi Slade and Dr Ed Barsley created the Flood Re: The Flood Resilient Garden, with Belderbos Landscapes bringing the design to life. The garden was designed to help reduce flood risk and recover quickly after periods of heavy rainfall. Now, Belderbos Landscapes, in collaboration with Dr Ed Barsley/The Environmental Design Studio, has brought the principles of that show garden to a permanent setting at Howbery Business Park in Oxfordshire, creating a free-to-visit public demonstration garden.

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

Flood Re wanted the original show garden to have a meaningful long-term legacy – a permanent landscape that would show how ordinary outdoor spaces can reduce flood risk, recover after heavy rainfall and remain beautiful and useful throughout changing weather conditions. Howbery Business Park is owned and run by HR Wallingford, which aims to help people live and work sustainably with water. The park itself provides office space for a wide range of businesses. In an area between the Manor Cafe and a later office extension, on land once associated with a Victorian conservatory or orangery, is where the garden now sits.

Here, the principles of the show garden have been reimagined on a larger, public scale. The permanent garden needed to slow, store, convey and reuse water. It needed to support wildlife, improve the cafe setting, provide a calm place for visitors and staff, and operate as an accessible educational demonstration. The design also had to respond carefully to the Grade II-listed Manor House, the mature, protected tree, existing office and cafe services, changes in level and the need for safe routes through a landscape that is intentionally designed to hold water. The team also sought to retain and repurpose as many elements from the original garden as possible.

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PORTFOLIO A journey of water Before the project, the immediate area comprised a cracked tiled patio, a grassed slope, a damaged perimeter path and a mature tree. There was also no direct level access from the cafe to its western patio. Today, the garden follows the journey of water. Rain is captured from the cafe and office roofs and from the new steel trellis/pergola. Integrated gutters feed rain chains, which make water visible and audible as it drops into a sequence of reclaimed galvanised tanks. These tanks operate as ornamental pools and practical storage. One incorporates smart technology that allows water to be released

remotely ahead of forecast rainfall, so capacity is available when it is most needed. When the storage fills, water overflows through connected pools into a planted swale. The swale slows and filters the flow and directs it across rocks and pebbles. It terminates at the main pond, which doubles as a sump and soakaway, allowing water to collect and drain gradually. The public realm and cafe functions are fully integrated. The former step at the cafe was removed to create a wheelchair-friendly threshold, and a gently sloping estate-gravel path provides an accessible route through the garden. Reclaimed steps and stepping

stones offer an alternative lower route to the pondside terrace. Seating beneath the pergola frames views across the water garden and the wider park. Materials and features from the Chelsea garden have been given a second life wherever possible. Oak from the show garden's bridge, deck and fence became a stepped bench, tables, seating and facade elements. Galvanised tanks and rain chains were reused, while reclaimed stone was incorporated into the patio, steps and routes. The permanent pergola was redesigned to align with the cafe frontage and office mullions. Edible plants and herbs are raised

REFERENCES Landscape contractor Belderbos Landscapes belderbos.co.uk Water features, rain chains and hydraulic integration Water Artisans waterartisans.com Smart rainwater tank system Our Rainwater ourrainwater.com Fabrication of the pergola, rainwater harvesting tanks and site signage Baxter Architectural Design baxdesign.co.uk

PLANTING • Cydonia oblonga (Tolerates temporary wet conditions and drought) •C ornus 'Midwinter Fire' (Screening and vivid winter stem colour) •B aldellia ranunculoides (Tolerates fluctuating water levels and animates the wettest zones)

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Pro Landscaper | October 2026

PORTFOLIO above potentially contaminated floodwater, and heavy, water-resistant furniture can tolerate short periods of inundation. Planting zones Planting responds to the different conditions created by changes in level, aspect and water movement, creating a mosaic of environments rather than a single planting scheme. This allows it to remain lush and coherent while using plants suited to wet feet, intermittent inundation, shade or free-draining soil. Cydonia oblonga is the principal tree; its substantial root system gives anchorage and helps it tolerate temporary wet conditions and drought. Its canopy intercepts rainfall while providing shade and cooling. Pollarded Salix is used in damp ground, while plants such as Baldellia ranunculoides, Caltha palustris and Juncus ensifolius were selected to tolerate fluctuating water levels and animate the wettest zones. Robust shrubs Cornus 'Midwinter Fire', Cornus sericea 'Flaviramea' and Cornus alba 'Kesselringii' offer screening and vivid winter

stem colour, as well as being water tolerant. Lavandula 'Grosso', Salvia 'Caradonna', Nepeta faassenii and Geranium sanguineum offer a brighter, pollinator-rich palette for the sunny, well-drained upper bank. Climbers such as Trachelospermum jasminoides, Hydrangea petiolaris and Parthenocissus henryana are trained over the trellis and cables to add vertical habitat, shade and a soft planted connection to the cafe elevations. Sustainability and biodiversity Water is treated as a resource. Roof runoff is disconnected from the conventional drainage route, stored in tanks, used by the landscape and released slowly through the swale, pond and soil. Permeable stone and gravel, extensive soft landscape and minimal hard standing reduce runoff and allow rainfall to infiltrate close to where it falls. The reuse of materials from the Chelsea garden reduces waste and helps preserve embodied carbon. Reclaimed stone, salvaged oak, existing tanks, post-industrial metal and other long-life materials have been

incorporated into the permanent landscape. Other materials and furniture were selected to tolerate wetting and short-term inundation, reducing the likelihood of disposal and replacement after a flood. The planting is peat-free in its show garden origins and follows a no-dig, organic mulch approach, supporting soil carbon, water retention and lower maintenance. A reduced lawn and resilient planting reduce reliance on carbon-intensive mowing, replacement planting, artificial fertilisers and irrigation. The garden has dense, species-rich planting which supplies nectar, seed, cover and nesting opportunities, while aquatic and marginal habitats support amphibians, invertebrates and other wetland species. A raked log pile acts as habitat and a wildlife escape route from rising water, while raised planters, pond edges and permeable routes create fine-grained niches without compromising public use. The project translates the Flood Re: Flood Resilient Garden from Chelsea 2024 into a durable public demonstration garden which is open to all and free to visit.

ABOUT Dr Ed Barsley is an environmental designer, author and founder of The Environmental Design Studio (TEDS). Drawing on more than 20 years' experience and a PhD from Cambridge, he leads award-winning work in climate adaptation, flood resilience and risk communication, translating complex challenges into practical, beautiful and engaging design solutions. t-e-d-s.com

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

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TRENDS

EDIBLE

Landscaping James Scott explores what happens when kitchen gardens become design features and shares his observations

itchen gardens are undergoing a quiet but significant transformation. Once relegated to a hidden corner, such spaces are increasingly becoming integral to an overall garden design. Homeowners are seeking gardens that do more than look beautiful: they want landscapes that support wellbeing, sustainability, seasonal engagement – and the pleasure of growing food at home. As a result, edible landscaping has moved firmly into the mainstream of contemporary garden design. Why the shift? Historically, kitchen gardens were utilitarian spaces. In larger homes they were often staffed, with wheelbarrows of produce delivered to the house while the owner had little involvement in the growing itself. In smaller homes, vegetable patches tended to be placed “out the back”, valued for productivity rather than aesthetics. Over the past few years, I have noticed that our clients view their gardens very

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differently. Outdoor space is now considered an extension of the home, and people want productive areas to be accessible, attractive and enjoyable to spend time in. The wellbeing benefits of growing food – mindfulness, seasonal engagement and the satisfaction of harvesting something you’ve nurtured yourself – are widely recognised. If we were inventing the kitchen garden from scratch today, we wouldn’t hide it away. This shift is driving demand for edible landscapes: gardens where fruit, vegetables and herbs sit comfortably alongside ornamental planting. Many of our clients still want dedicated growing space, but they also want it to feel connected to the wider garden and close enough to the house that cutting some fresh herbs for dinner is the norm.

The two can sit well together, serving different purposes. An edible garden may frame a dining terrace or sit adjacent to an outdoor kitchen, but its primary function is horticultural. Influence of the French potager Traditionally, a potager combines ornamental and edible planting within a structured, often geometric layout. Raised beds, fruit trees, herbs, flowers and

Edible gardens vs outdoor kitchens This article focuses on edible gardens and productive planting, not outdoor cooking spaces. It’s worth distinguishing between edible gardens and outdoor kitchens: • Edible gardens are designed for growing food • Outdoor kitchens are designed for cooking and eating outdoors, often with grills, pizza ovens, preparation areas and normally a dining space.

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

TRENDS productive crops are arranged with as much Structures and products emphasis on beauty as on yield. As edible gardens become more design The appeal for modern homeowners led, demand for premium structures and is clear: a potager is productive, but it is products is rising. Ornamental greenhouses also a destination space - somewhere to and glasshouses are increasingly specified sit, wander, enjoy and engage with the as architectural features rather than garden. Strong geometry ensures the space purely functional additions. Victorian remains visually coherent even style glasshouses, contemporary when crops are harvested aluminium designs and or beds are temporarily sustainable timber For our bare. For designers, this framed options all industry, the structure provides a offer opportunities to commercial reliable framework that create visually striking opportunity lies in accommodates the growing spaces. developing edible ephemeral nature of Raised beds, planters gardens that combine edible planting. and edging systems are reliable productivity Modern also evolving. Materials with strong visual interpretations range from such as corten steel, appeal traditional formal layouts natural stone, timber and to contemporary schemes that metal detailing help define blend into wider garden designs. In productive areas while keeping them larger gardens, we often place dining visually connected to the wider garden. tables within the potager itself, creating a Fruit growing infrastructure – espalier special connection. supports, arches, obelisks, pergolas and decorative plant supports – are becoming Design principles: balancing beauty more important too, as designers incorporate and function trained fruit trees and climbing crops into In my experience, designing an edible their schemes. garden requires careful consideration of Alongside these structural elements, both horticultural needs and aesthetic a second category of products underpins impact. Key principles include: the practical and sustainable management • Setting and conditions: Good light, of edible gardens. Peat free composts, workable soil and access to water organic soil improvers, efficient irrigation are essential. and rainwater harvesting systems and • Geometry and layout: Productive spaces heritage seed varieties all support should align with the overall design productive horticulture while reinforcing language of the garden. Strong geometry the responsible choices long embedded in helps edible areas remain visually professional practice. appealing year round. • Practicality: Raised beds should be easy Looking ahead to work and not be too high. Paths Edible landscaping is becoming a standard must allow comfortable movement and element of garden design and the trend wheelbarrow access. shows no sign of slowing. For our industry, • Protection: Boundaries may be needed the commercial opportunity lies in to deter rabbits or deer; these can be developing edible gardens that combine solid fences or planted structures with reliable productivity with strong visual rabbit netting in the centre. Raspberry appeal, creating spaces that feel integral to canes, trained fruit or hedging (normally modern outdoor living. hornbeam or similar) are all options. JAMES SCOTT • Plant selection: Some edibles integrate beautifully into ornamental schemes James Scott FSGLD MBALI is managing director and (rosemary, sage, chives, asparagus, principal designer at The Garden raspberries). Others - like potatoes – are Company. He is an Accreditor for best kept in dedicated beds. the Society of Garden and Landscape Designers • Seasonality: Designers must embrace the and Head Judge for the SGLD Design Awards. He ephemeral nature of edible planting and also serves on the judging panel for Pro Landscaper ensure the structure of the space carries Project Awards. the design even when crops are removed. thegardenco.co.uk

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

Product ALITEX 'ICKWORTH' GLASSHOUSE Price: £55,600 (inclusive of VAT, but not the brick base) Dimensions: 2.9m x 7.1m, with extended feature lobby on either side Designed in a distinctive cruciform shape, this Alitex glasshouse creates a generous, light-filled space for both growing and entertaining. Its dual extended lobbies add versatility, offering room for everything from productive planting to relaxed gatherings. Handcrafted in Britain, Alitex has been creating beautiful Victorian-inspired aluminium glasshouses for over 70 years. alitex.co.uk

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Bespoke planters and seating | Saughton Park, Edinburgh

Sustainable landscaping made simple Raised Planters | Garden Furniture | Free Design Versatile modular timber solutions that are quick to install, easy to work with and adaptable to any design.

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PROMOTION

INSIDE THE NURSERY

Creepers Nursery Creepers Nursery explains why young talent, sustainability and Plant Healthy are all key parts of its growth

alk onto the grounds of RHS Chelsea Flower Show during build-up and you’ll likely see a Creepers Nursery delivery van. The wholesale nursery has become synonymous with designers such as Catherine MacDonald and Baz Grainger and this year alone it supplied three show gardens, two prominent trade stands and Range Rover’s installation. But while Chelsea is a crucial date in the nursery's diary, it is just a small part of what Creepers does. Established for quality assurance The business began its life as a florist, but it soon moved into the world of landscaping, specialising in soft landscaping. With high-

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

profile clients on the books, “Across all our sites, that ethos it was the need to control the that saw us launch a nursery quality of stock going into these remains,” explains Michael Buck, projects that drove the business head of horticulture.“We hold to establish a nursery. stock to control the quality of A former Christmas tree what our clients are receiving. farm, the first site Creepers The 40-year span of floristry, commandeered for plants landscaping to soft landscaping is the same site its and in-house design has headquarters sits brought us to where The 40-year on today. The we are today. But span of floristry, nursery, based we're always landscaping to soft in Addlestone, looking forward, landscaping and inSurrey, has we're always house design has grown over looking to brought us to where the years. improve.” Sam we are today. But we're always looking This site Botham, sales forward now sits at five manager, adds: “The acres, with the family is so open to business encompassing a change and want to keep wholesale outlet in Wandsworth, asking, how can we do things London and a five-acre nursery better? How can we do things to of herbaceous and small shrubs better the industry?” in The New Forest, Hampshire. Creepers strives to be a

one-stop shop for its clients, but it also specialises in bespoke orders.“We’ll send out the inquiry to our network of suppliers for bespoke orders,” says Botham, “if needed, we’ll get Michael involved – especially for sourcing the weird and wonderful stuff – as he’s often travelling around Europe checking in with our suppliers.” Their expertise comes from their awareness of what’s commercially available, bolstered by their connections to these European nurseries. The roots Founded by Jim and June Ryall, the business remains familyrun. Their sons, John and Robert joined the business in 1998, having developed a passion for plants. Later, their sister Camille and her husband

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PROMOTION Defra, because our imports are so high – we have an open-door policy with Defra for that very reason,” explains Buck.“We are investing heavily in biosecurity and Plant Healthy is part of that. Internally, we have to do a lot of checks to satisfy the Plant Healthy audit process – which we just passed – and we have had to make investments. But that Plant Healthy badge is a reassurance to our clients.” That work goes beyond just Creepers, too.“Part of our commitment to being Plant Mark joined to head up the New Healthy is doing due diligence Forest operation. with suppliers,” Buck explains. Keen to drive the business “I’ll travel the UK and Europe forward, the family see that asking a lot of specific targeted this lies in the next generation. questions. We are happy in “They’re very focused on the knowledge we are doing bringing things forward,” explains absolutely everything possible to Buck,“and that means people make sure that the end user is like Abbey Prichard, our safe in what they're buying.” nursery manager. We Olea europaea is a It’s hard for understand there is good example of the nursery team a skills shortage this. Seen as high because you’re – I don’t think risk to Defra constantly having that’s ever going and the RHS, to adapt – you have away, especially Creepers are to try and stay one with the rise vigilant about step ahead of of AI – but what which nurseries the weather the company does they purchase it so well is look after the from, and Buck checks people that they've got and push them in person regularly.“I them forward.” understand why there's so much “I came in with no plant alert around Olea europaea, and knowledge, but I had a lot of rightly so. But we do everything passion,” Prichard expresses. in our power to make sure we “Creepers recognised the passion are sourcing responsibly. The way and knew they could teach me that importation works at this the rest on the job. And that’s moment in time, there are four what I’ve done every day. They steps that involve physical checks. put faith in me that I had the There are four sets of eyes from potential for growth, that I four different companies looking wanted to learn and they backed at these plants to make sure they me. To have someone believe in are biosecure. In our final check, me was just incredible.” we go a few steps more. We’ve got processes in place to be able Plant Healthy to react immediately if we do Another big part of growth was have notifiables.” becoming Plant Healthy. The voluntary certification scheme Sustainable future is to show that plant health risks Progress also must be sustainable, are being managed responsibly. and Creepers is putting things “We are a high-risk nursery to in place all the time.“We're

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always open to making those 1% incremental changes, because 1% compounded is a massive change,” Buck says. The nursery recently found a company that can recycle black single-use pots, is trialling peat-free compost and is assessing how it can reduce the number of lorries on the road by buying bigger batches. A summer of drought It’s hard to talk about the realities of running a nursery without touching on the weather. This year has seen at least five major heatwaves across the UK, which are undoubtedly going to affect a living product.“A lot of plants have been struggling,” Prichard says.“We’ve been giving them liquid seaweed to help, and we've noticed a lot of those plants that did defoliate have come back now. We also have shade tunnels we can move the plants to.” Botham adds,“It’s hard for the nursery team because you’re constantly having to adapt – you have to try and stay one step ahead of the weather. It was hot this summer, but last winter we were dealing with completely different problems.” Creepers is solutions-based, though, says Buck.“That’s our job. Whether it is a lorry that's stuck or a tree that’s turned up the wrong size or shape, we have to find that solution, and quickly. As soon as someone comes to us and puts an order in, we become part of their team.”

Meet the team WHICH PLANT BEST MATCHES YOUR PERSONALITY AND WHY?

MICHAEL BUCK

Head of horticulture I'd choose an Oak tree. Quercus are known for being dependable and ever present within the landscape. My 20 years plus in the industry feels like that at times!

ABBEY PRICHARD Nursery manager

I’d pick a Monkey Puzzle. It’s distinctive, resilient and dependable, with plenty of character. It stands strong in challenging conditions, reflecting my positive, hands-on approach.

SAM BOTHAM Sales manager

I’d go for Parrotia persica. It’s tough, adaptable and stubbornly difficult to move once established. It also gets better looking with age, which is my only hope!

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

PRODUCTS

HANDLE With Care Hear from decking companies on how to look after their products during the winter months

CHAMPION TIMBER

MILLBOARD

KERAMA SOLERA DECKING

MILLBOARD ENHANCED GRAIN DECKING

The latest, fourth-generation advanced polymer decking

Millboard Enhanced Grain decking is hand-moulded from

– Kerama Solera Decking is a high-end deck board,

selected oak masters and hand-tinted, giving authentic grain

conveniently fixed with clips or using Kerama screws and

and colour variation in a wood-free resin mineral composite.

colour coded caps. Featuring a scratch resistant surface, the

It won't rot, warp or splinter, and the Lastane® surface stays

decking is ideal for domestic or commercial projects, with a

exceptionally slip-resistant, even when wet. Durafix® screws

30-year warranty. Resistant to mould, Kerama Solera Decking

are concealed by the flexible surface. Winter care is minimal:

needs to be cleaned with soapy water and a soft brush

clear leaves and debris, white salt for ice and snow, wash

during the winter months.

with soapy water. No sanding, staining or oiling required.

championtimber.com

millboard.com

PRICE: APPROX. £41- 43 PER 3.6M LENGTH

PRICE: £165/SQM

KEBONY KEBONY CLEAR BOARDS Kebony Clear Decking with Side Slits is a hidden fixing decking option. The sustainable, durable wood turns silver-grey when exposed to the elements. Due to Kebony’s great dimensional stability it requires minimal maintenance. During winter, keep the deck free from leaves, dirt, and standing water to prevent moisture build-up and reduce the risk of slipping. Regular sweeping and occasional cleaning with a soft brush will help maintain its appearance and ensure good drainage in winter.

kebony.com

PRICE: 21X144MM KEBONY CLEAR WITH SIDE SLITS DECKING @ £13.95 PER LINEAR METRE (+ VAT)

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

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Boom & Bonheur: Trees with character

ooking for a true statement piece? Welcome to Boom & Bonheur. Our expansive nursery offers a striking selection of distinctive trees and plants, bringing instant maturity and atmosphere to your outdoor space. Take the stunning Tilia henryana: a perfect blend of beauty and biodiversity. This tree stands out with its unique, finely toothed foliage, while its late, fragrant blossoms make it an absolute favourite for bees. Want to explore our inspiring collection? Get in touch and pay us a visit! Boom & Bonheur – because trees give life and bring happiness

Boom & Bonheur BV

boombonheur.com

PRODUCTS

FIRESIDE Glow As days get shorter and temperatures begin to drop, take a look at these fire pits set to bring the heat to your garden

FIREBLOOM

GLOWBUS UK

FRESCO PLUS

DEWDROP GLOWBUS

Five top tips on considerations for location:

Handcrafted in Belgium

1. The right foundation – firm, non-combustible surface

from architectural-grade

(i.e., paving slabs, concrete, purpose-built platform).

Corten steel, every Glowbus

Avoid placing on grass, timber, decking, or other

is an individually signed

combustible materials.

sculptural fire – where

2. Allow space – position with at least 1.5 metres of

contemporary design meets

clearance from fences, garden furniture, gazebos, etc.

exceptional craftsmanship.

3. Consider wind direction and smoke – position the stove

More than a fire pit, it is a

where prevailing winds will carry smoke away from

permanent statement that

seating areas, neighbouring properties, doors, windows,

evolves beautifully with time,

and washing lines. A comfortable outdoor fire area should

developing a unique natural

allow guests to enjoy the warmth and ambience of the

patina. By day, sculpture. By

Fresco without smoke nuisance.

night, mesmerising flame.

4. Ensure plenty of open space above – locate the stove

Designed to bring warmth,

away from low tree branches, parasols, and any

atmosphere and timeless

combustible overhanging features. We do specifically

character to the finest

advise siting the Fresco in a well-ventilated open area

outdoor spaces.

and considering height clearances when installed near

glowbus.co.uk

pergolas or roofed structures. 5. Create a safe social area – allow sufficient space around

STARTING FROM £3,600

the Fresco+ for people to move freely without coming into contact with hot surfaces. Position it where it can become a focal point for seating while ensuring children, pets, and general foot traffic can be kept at a safe distance. Overall, position the Fresco Plus so that it can be enjoyed from the main seating area while also allowing easy access for refuelling and ash removal. A location with good ventilation and year-round accessibility will provide the best user experience.

firebloomoutdoor.co.uk

LUUME LUXURY FIRE FEATURES GATSBY BY LUUME Design with no limits, LUUME is a designer’s dream. Its bespoke fire pits, bowls and tables are created to become the centrepiece of exceptional spaces, providing a natural gathering point around the open flame. Available in mains natural gas, LPG, wood-fired and bioethanol. Each feature is tailored to your specification. Configure the perfect fire feature for your project.

lummefires.com

PRICE: £1,399

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

STARTING FROM £9,850

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e Se -

26 20 er ob ct O

PROMOTION

MILLBOARD

and Beyond

Fresh from its wins in Pro Landscaper's Most Influential Decking Suppliers awards, Millboard's CEO Harvey Douglass talks family business, British manufacturing and what comes next for decking and cladding What was your journey to a single machine. Today we working at Millboard? manufacture on multiple I grew up around it. My family lines at our Warwickshire have been in the landscaping, manufacturing headquarters, horticulture and outdoor hold ISO 9001 and 14001 living industry for accreditation, export four generations. worldwide and have Starting with our teams in the UK, The industry and our customers grandfather US, France and now expect the same who had a Germany. Since design quality outside Nursery growing then, we have as they do inside, trees, shrubs added the and that raises and plants for DuoSpan and the bar for all the landscape DuoLift sub-frame of us industry, to our systems, the firefather manufacturing rated Envello cladding and selling cast paving in the range and our design-led 1970s-90s and moving into Modello decking collection. lightweight stone-look planters What has not changed is the in the late nineties. I joined process itself. We still handthe business in 2005 and mould from natural oak, still spent my early years across hand-colour every board. The manufacturing, R&D and scale has grown, the craft has operations before moving into not been diluted. the management of the business. We are committed to the Any business tips, whether growth and continual for managing staff, growing development of this business, a business or engaging supporting our industry. with clients? Main things: be clear about your How have you seen the vision and your values and then company grow over actually use them, because they those years? only count when they are alive Dramatically, but not in the business. Our vision is accidentally. The first Millboard to enable people to Live. Life. board entered the UK market Outside and our values are in 2007 after four years of empowerment, performance, development, produced on integrity and care. These shape

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

our daily decisions and help us decide who we work with as much as how we work. Second, we believe in empowering our team, giving people authority to match their responsibility. Our teams are trusted to take ownership, and that is why they take pride in what they create. Equally important, customer first: treat listening as a discipline rather than a courtesy. We have invested in dedicated in-house client relations and insight resources because feedback from our resellers, installers, designers and homeowners is the most valuable data we hold. It has already reshaped a number of internal processes and products

we offer. Growth follows when you build around real customer needs instead of assumptions. What keeps you excited about Millboard's products, and the industry more broadly?

prolandscapermagazine.com

PROMOTION Seeing our products being used in many different environments, from small urban courtyards to country manor houses, zoos, theme parks and luxury hotels. Watching a board come out of the mould with the grain of a hundred-year-old oak timber in it, then seeing it in a finished scheme, never gets old. Enabling people to Live. Life. Outside. and watching their visions come to life through our products. The industry and our customers now expect the same design quality outside as they do inside, and that raises the bar for all of us. What do you enjoy doing outside work? I enjoy spending my time with family and friends, mostly travelling and pursuing outdoor activities. Outside of Millboard, I also get involved in supporting

prolandscapermagazine.com

other businesses in their growth journey. You recently won a number of awards in Pro Landscaper's Most Influential Decking Suppliers. What set Millboard apart? It was a real honour to receive this recognition, particularly because it came from the industry we serve and the professionals who work with our products every day. That makes it especially meaningful to us. For me, what really sets Millboard apart is our people – the passion they have for our products, our customers and the relationships we build. Our Approved and Advanced Installer Schemes are a great example of that. Each installer receives personalised, hands-

on training with a Millboard what our customers and specialist, followed by ongoing the wider industry needs. support from our team. We see Millboard has a strong pipeline our installers as an extension of new products and AI tools of the Millboard team, and that will help the industry we want them to continue to progress. feel supported Outdoor spaces and proud to Where will are increasingly work with our your focus be? becoming an integral products. Our focus is part of the living space clear – keep of people’s homes, What are raising the driving the need the next big standard. for new products innovations on We’ll continue and designs the horizon for developing our decking? EPIC team as well Outdoor spaces are as investing in innovation increasingly becoming an and British manufacturing. We integral part of the living space want to create products and of people’s homes, driving the experiences that make Millboard need for new products and the first choice for customers designs. We’re investing heavily around the world, helping in product innovation and AI to them realise their dreams and make sure we continue to raise inspiring more people to Live. the standard and respond to Life. Outside.

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

PRODUCTS

PLANTING TREES Advice for tree planting after a summer full of drought and a winter which is expected to be wet and stormy

PROVENDER NURSERIES

CREEPERS NURSERY

HEPTACODIUM MICONIOIDES

CARPINUS BETULUS

Always plant a tree using

planted trees may be drought-

mycorrhizal fungi, making

stressed, so check soil moisture

sure it has contact with the

regularly and water deeply

tree roots. The fungi colonises

during dry spells. As wetter,

the plant roots and reaches far

stormier weather approaches,

into the open soil increasing

ensure drainage is adequate,

the surface area in contact

mulch is replenished, and

with the soil, thus increasing

stakes and ties are secure but

the trees uptake of water and

not tight. Inspect after storms,

essential nutrients. Your tree

remove damaged growth, and

will establish much quicker.

replace failed trees promptly.

After the hot summer, newly

provendernurseries.co.uk

creepersnursery.co.uk

CROWDERS NURSERIES

NEW WOOD TREES

Fagus sylvatica (European

CRATAEGUS PERSIMILIS 'PRUNIFOLIA'

beech) topiary beehives bring

A newly planted tree needs

structure, elegance and year-

plenty of water during the first

round interest to the garden.

summer as the roots have not

After a hot summer, give

been able to grow sufficiently

newly planted trees plenty

to be able to find water in the

of water and keep the soil

surrounding ground. Soak

damp while they establish.

the rootball area two to three

As autumn and winter bring

times per week and allow it

wetter, stormier weather,

to dry out in between; this

good drainage is essential to

is very important in order to

avoid waterlogged conditions.

force the roots to grow out.

FAGUS SYLVATICA

newwoodtrees.co.uk

crowdersnurseries.co.uk

ORIGIN GREEN-TECH Origin Green-tech offers a wide range of tree protection, with solutions to suit different species, sites and environmental requirements. Following a hot summer, careful establishment is essential for newly planted trees. Ensure trees are thoroughly watered before planting and during dry periods, while avoiding waterlogged conditions. Good staking and sheltering will also help protect young trees from strong winds and wet winter weather, supporting healthy root development and establishment.

green-tech.co.uk

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

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A PRETTY PLOT “A pretty plot, well chosen to build upon!” So wrote a local playwright, and whilst it’s unlikely he was referring to this particular plot, he might as well have been. Just outside his native Stratford-upon-Avon, this ‘pretty plot’ backs onto the Avon itself. An immaculate, steeply sloping lawn rises to a patio and a traditionally constructed solid-oak pergola, the whole scene bathed in dappled sunlight filtering through the stately boughs of a vast cedar. One can think of few better places to spend a long evening with friends, food and fire – somewhere “a summer’s day will seem an hour but short”. Project and photos by Bidford Landscapes.

Taking the pain out of outdoor kitchen design and build. grilloliving.com/trade

See us at 13 - 14 October 2026

30 UNDER 30

In association with

Class of 2026

ack in 2015, we recognised a need for more recognition people to take up a career in this industry and a generosity of for emerging talent and subsequently launched Pro knowledge sharing with anyone who might need it. Just as they have Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation awards. been inspired and mentored by colleagues and experts throughout The initiative is dedicated to recognising people from their careers, these 30 Under 30s are now using their experience across the industry aged 30 or under for their impressive to inspire, support and shape the next generation. achievements and bold ambition. This year feels extra special, too, as Pro Now in its 12th year, we've already celebrated Landscaper celebrates its 15th anniversary. One theme rung 330 exceptional young individuals from across Connecting with fresh faces across the industry true within each the industry. Many have gone on to achieve is something we're passionate about, and how application: a desire remarkable success – from company founders lucky are we that we get to the meet emerging to inspire people to Harry Holding and Christina Cobb, whose voices who are making a difference every year take up a career in this designs have been showcased on RHS through this wonderful initiative. Over the industry and a generosity showgrounds, to All England Lawn Tennis years, it has been a pleasure watching each of knowledge sharing Club's Sean Ryan and Ground Control's winner grow further into the industry, scaling with anyone who Emma Hindle, on top of many others who have new heights. We're already excited to see what might need it achieved incredible feats of success. the class of 2026 gets up to next. Now that mantel of greatness is being passed onto We’re looking forward to welcoming all of this this year’s winners. The class of 2026 is already shaping the year’s incredible winners and celebrating their success in future of the industry. Some are delivering talks at RHS flower shows, the award ceremony at FutureScape. others are playing key roles on committees, picking up awards and launching and growing businesses. One theme rung true within each application: a desire to inspire

The Pro Landscaper Team

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Pro Landscaper | October 2026

30 UNDER 30 GRACE ALLMAN

Age

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, BRAINTREE DISTRICT COUNCIL A passion for the relationship between people and place, Grace found herself gravitating towards landscape architecture from a young age. Intent on helping people experience the built environment which improves their everyday lives, she ensures the voices of children and young people are embedded within the way public space is designed, planned and managed. Also a scout leader, she is constantly inspired by the creativity, intuition and insight that young people bring when given the opportunity to participate. In the hopes of creating accessible and inclusive spaces for all, she looks toward a future where spaces stimulate positive changes.

Age

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

Age

SALES EXECUTIVE, PROVENDER NURSERIES LTD As a houseplant specialist, Imogen has shared her knowledge through articles for trade magazines, podcasts and at trade shows on panels. Having been inspired by so many industry leaders, Imogen hopes to continue to share her growing knowledge and inspire others. She enjoys speaking to schools about her “non-traditional” career and recently delivered a talk at RHS Malvern Spring Festival which encouraged the audience to think about the unseen effort that goes into their plants. Her dedication was recognised by the RHS recently as Imogen was featured in “The Future of Horticulture” in a display at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Age

ASSISTANT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, NICHOLSONS Landscape architecture is a career where he doesn't stop learning, says Jack, while making a practical difference at the same time. With a particular interest in mental health, he has explored how public spaces can support people experiencing low mood and anxiety, which included designing spaces to pause, move, connect with others, and engage with planting, water, and seasonal change. While working at Nicholsons, he is also working towards a Master's degree in Landscape Architecture. As he continues to grow in his career, he aspires to become a landscape architect who is constantly understanding the meaning behind a place.

IMOGEN BELL

CAMERON BEETON

GROUNDS FOREMAN, IPM FACILITIES LTD Cameron never intended to build a career in landscaping. When a colleague introduced him to ideas around regenerative landscaping and permaculture, it changed the way he thought about the profession, and now Cameron has a passion for soil health. While he has excelled in his role at IPM, recently taking on the responsibility of managing a team at one of the UK's leading science campuses, Cameron goes the extra mile and has also won awards for it within IPM. He recently completed LANTRA Biodiversity and Beekeeping training and an ACAS Difficult Conversations course and is completing his Level 2 Horticulture qualification.

JACK AUSTIN

Age

YUWEI CHEN

LICENTIATE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, EPD LANDSCAPE Yuwei’s passion for landscape architecture stems from a childhood spent outdoors, travelling and observing how different cultures, communities, and natural environments intertwine. This passion has seen him win a World Landscape Architecture (WLA) Award, a MUSE Design Award, a NY Architectural Design Award and a IFLA Europe Youth Competition Award. Beyond the awards, within his work Yuwei strives to create more than just visually appealing spaces. He sees an opportunity to solve pressing ecological issues, enhance biodiversity, and diversify the public realm for multi-cultural communities. Throughout his career, he strives to leave his mark by continuing to champion international, cross-disciplinary design methods.

prolandscapermagazine.com

Age

TAMZIN CHRISTIE

MANAGING DIRECTOR, GROUNDUP LANDSCAPES LTD Following in her father’s footsteps, Tamzin has a passion for the landscaping industry. In particular, she enjoys creating new green spaces for communities that leave a lasting, positive impact. Building GroundUp Landscapes from the ground up, Tamzin aims to create environments that improve people's quality of life while supporting biodiversity and enhancing the built environment. She is passionate about supporting the next generation and in particular takes pride in encouraging more women into landscaping. Today, 50% of GroundUp Landscapes’ workforce, both on site and in the office, is female.

HENRY COLLYER-KNIGHT

Age

HEAD OF LANDSCAPE PLANNING, BRINDLE & GREEN Landscape architecture just clicked for Henry, and now he couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Early in his career at Brindle and Green, he got married and became a father. This saw him juggling his own studies, helping others through their landscape courses as a BCU studio assistant, and newborn baby – he admits he became an expert in reading whilst rocking a baby – but the late nights paid off. Recently, Henry’s work has seen him tendering to secure the landscape architecture framework for a range of schools coming forward under the new ‘Technical Advisory Service (TAS)25 scheme.

JASMINE DANIEL

CHARTERED LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, ATKINSRÉALIS Jasmine’s passion for landscape architecture stems from a belief that thoughtful, wellcrafted design can meaningfully improve everyday life. Her journal article, “How might we utilise the concept of botanic gardens in urban contexts to challenge plant blindness?” published in Biodiversity and Conservation (2023) explores how urban design can counteract plant blindness and improve ecological literacy. Jasmine is also a trained mental health first aider, and involved in STEM outreach, delivering talks, contributing to CPD initiatives,and encouraging young people and those underrepresented in the profession.

Age

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JAIDEN DIAN

30 UNDER 30

RYAN CROUCH

GARDENER, ALL ENGLAND LAWN AND TENNIS CLUB Introduced to the industry by his grandfather, Ryan sees horticulture as a constantly evolving industry with fresh opportunities to improve sustainability, increase biodiversity and embrace innovation. At AELTC, he recognised opportunity to extract greater value from recorded chemical usage. Ryan independently developed systems to monitor chemical usage using active ingredient totals rather than product volume. He has been able to identify trends, improve planning and explore new opportunities to reduce our reliance on chemical applications. He recently introduced a spray calendar to decrease reactive spraying practices and encourage strategic planning. This helped reduce insecticide usage by 38.8% between 2024-2025.

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DIRECTOR, LUUME LUXURY FIRE FEATURES Defined by creativity, innovation and relationship-building, Jaiden built LUUME from the ground up. It was a difficult decision to leave the security of his career, but today the bespoke fire features have appeared on Channel 4’s Building Britain’s Superhomes and Building Superhomes Monaco, Netflix’s At Home with the Furys, and were selected for the England FA during UEFA Euro 2024 and the FIFA World Cup 2026 player facilities. He has also secured a retail partnership with Blue Diamond Garden Centres. His long-term goal is continuing to develop bespoke products that combine craftsmanship with intelligent technology.

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

30 UNDER 30 FRASER DUNLOP

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CONTRACTS MANAGER, P1 CONTRACTORS LTD Fraser went to university intending to pursue a career in engineering. Although he enjoyed the technical side, he realised he wanted a career where he could be involved in creating something tangible. As lead foreman on the Dunfermline Learning Campus, Fraser played a key role in delivering one of P1 Contractors’ most significant projects – the highest-value project completed by the company at that time. But his proudest achievement is his contribution to developing others. Fraser has trained apprentices, school leavers, college students and new operatives, helping them build confidence and progress within the industry. Already holding a CSCS Gold Card and other qualifications, he is now working towards the CSCS Black Card.

MAISEY HAMMOND

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MARKETING OFFICER, ARBORICULTURAL ASSOCIATION Up until three years ago, Masiey knew very little about arboriculture. Now, she has developed a plethora of knowledge, forming a true passion. She spends her time improving how the profession communicates, creating resources to inspire future arborists and developing systems that make technical work more efficient. Most notably, she has developed educational content explaining careers in arboriculture, created materials used by Arboricultural Association Ambassadors in schools, and produced the "What is Arboriculture?" video, which continues to be used by professionals across the UK and internationally to inspire the next generation.

KATHERINE HARRISON

SENIOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, JACOBS Katherine's motivation stems from knowing the places she helps to design will be used and enjoyed for generations. Her role at Jacobs spans the full project lifecycle, from initial concept and design through to construction, giving her a strong understanding of how successful landscapes are delivered. She also recognises that the best outcomes are achieved through collaboration with other professionals. She has a particular focus on creating safe public space for women and girls, which she promotes through presentations both globally and across the UK.

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Pro Landscaper | October 2026

DYLAN GRANTHAM

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, GROUND CONTROL LTD Not realising landscape architecture was a career, Dylan stumbled upon it when studying construction at college. He felt inspired to take this discovery and pursue it at Writtle University College, where he developed a much deeper understanding of the profession. He joined Ground Control in 2020, where he also spent time completing a Master's in Landscape Architecture, too. He has a keen passion for sustainable urban drainage systems and has worked on a number of projects where these schemes are built. He hopes to one day achieve landscape architecture chartership, while looking towards opportunities to work on larger-scale public realm projects.

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CAMELLIA HAYES

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DIRECTOR AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, CAMELLIA COLLECTIVE During the first year of her landscape architecture conversion course, Camellia founded her company, Camellia Collective, with an urge to test the ideas she was learning about. Largely inspired by the late Nigel Dunnett's lectures, she grew an interest in learning about plant communities and rain gardens. So much so, that her RHS show border in 2022 and RHS show garden in 2023, where she was a RHS Young Designer of the Year finalist, were based off these ideas. She also works as a landscape architect at Planit, where she is the main planting designer for the Royal Albert Docks and Chavasse Park projects.

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30 UNDER 30 KIERAN HUNTER

GARDEN DESIGNER, ARNE MAYNARD GARDEN DESIGN Kieran's journey into the industry began when his dad, who worked as a landscaper and gardener, introduced him to the profession. Working alongside his dad, he realised the skill and dedication that goes into creating and maintaining small spaces and features within a garden. Holding an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in Landscape Architecture, Kieran now finds himself managing largescale sites as a garden designer at Arne Maynard Garden Design. One day, he hopes to have his own garden design business.

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REUBEN JAMES

HEAD OF MAINTENANCE AND SOFT WORKS, JACQ AND WILLS LANDSCAPES At age five, Reuben attended a school trip to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, where the scale of gardens and planting blew him away. Years later, he found himself in the midst of horticulture while taking up a weekend job cleaning vans for Jacq and Wills Landscapes at age 14. Eventually, this role developed into a full-time summer position assisting on largescale garden projects and maintenance. He tried the traditional academic route, but found landscaping was much more up his street. Now, he leads the maintenance team and works to maintain strong client relationships.

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FARINOOSH HADIAN JAZY

PROJECT CONSULTANT / LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, LDA DESIGN Landscape architecture brings together design, ecology, culture, technology and human expertise, says Farinoosh, and that's why she was attracted to the profession. As a chartered landscape architect at LDA Design, she contributes to the design and delivery of landscape projects across a range of sectors and scales. On top of this, she also works to mentor and support colleagues at different stages of their careers. She looks towards a future of innovation and technology-assisted processes that benefits the built environment.

OLIVER LOOMES

SENIOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, URBAN WILDERNESS Oliver says he chose landscape architecture as a profession because he believes the spaces between buildings can have the greatest impact on how people live, move and meet. His passion lies in creating sustainable, peoplefocused places that enhance wellbeing and strengthen communities. Over the years, he has worked closely with Leeds Beckett University where he leads students across initial advice to developing skills and portfolios. In the future, Oliver hopes to lead a landscape architecture firm as director, while continuing to create meaningful spaces.

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HENRY MATTHEWS

MANAGING DIRECTOR, PROLAND SKILLS ACADEMY & CONSULTANCY LTD ProLand Skills Academy & Consultancy Ltd is a specialist training and consultancy provider supporting parish councils, grounds maintenance teams, businesses and organisations across the UK founded by Henry. He hopes to see others succeed with the help of his business. He has a passion for attracting a wider range of talent into the industry. He has also founded Tactical Ground Care, a grounds maintenance company serving Oxfordshire and the surrounding areas.

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27 Pro Landscaper | October 2026

30 UNDER 30 HAVANYA MOODLEY

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, PEHRSSON SCOTT LANDSCAPE & GARDEN DESIGN Havanya enjoys not only shaping people's experience and connection to a space, but also the process of visualising something that is yet to exist. As a landscape architect, she manages a small design team while supporting junior designers in their development.

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29 ABBEY PRICHARD

NURSERY MANAGER, CREEPERS LTD Growing up with a grandparent who would build polytunnels to propagate plants themselves, it is no wonder that Abbey has found herself within horticulture. Since working at Creepers, she has found a real passion in growing her plant knowledge. She is fascinated by the intentions behind gardens and landscapes, and how plants play their part. She also recognises her space as a woman in a typically male-dominated field and hopes to contribute positively to the future of horticulture by inspiring the next generation.

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Pro Landscaper | October 2026

CASEY OLDFIELD

LANDSCAPER / NATURAL POOL BUILDER, ELLICAR GARDENS Growing up, Casey admits sitting in a classroom was never for him. Instead, he preferred spending time outdoors and being hands-on, which eventually landed him a career in landscaping. Working with Ellicar, he finds every day is different. From brickwork to fencing, he views landscaping as a trade where hard work, creativity and attention detail all come together. In total, he has helped to build 16 natural swimming pools, on top of taking on extra responsibilities such as planning, building and overall supervision.

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SASHA PETTY

BUSINESS AND DESIGN SUPPORT MANAGER, JACQ AND WILLS LANDSCAPES In 2020, Covid-19 hit and Sasha's parents' company, Jacq and Wills Landscapes, needed some help as the country went into lockdown. What started temporary quickly blossomed into a passion to help grow the family business as a whole. Since then, Sasha has worked from starting as an assistant to making real change within the company. She has introduced new systems and modernised the business through its use of social media. Outside of work, she was invited to join a panel for the Ambitious Women in Essex event after being shortlisted as one of the top three nominees for Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the Uttlesford Business Awards.

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NATHAN PAXMAN

LANDSCAPE MANAGER, J PAXMAN LANDSCAPES LTD As the second generation at J Paxman, Nathan has been surrounded by landscaping his whole life. Working in the profession for seven years, he has worked his way up from landscape operative to landscape manager. Beyond day-to-day operations, he aspires to evolve the business by creating new revenue opportunities and support future growth. He is also involved in APL show gardens, networking events, recruitment faits and other industry organisations. A notable career highlight includes working with David Domoney on ITV's This Morning for the transformation of a garden in a live production environment.

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30 UNDER 30 CONNOR STEELE

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DIRECTOR, JJ GROUNDWORKS AND EASY SCREEDY Eight years ago, Connor began working with his dad which kicked off his career in landscaping. Since, he has cemented his position in the family business, on top of building his own company, Easy Screedy. The tool, designed to help with laying porcelain, has generated hundreds of thousands of pounds in sales, backed by a huge social media following. Looking towards the future, Connor hopes to grow the family business further, on top of helping landscapers by create genuinely helpful products.

ABBEY-JANE TATE-GRIMES

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GENERAL MANAGER, TRANSFORM LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION LTD At 15 years old, Abbey-Jane explored a week's work experience with Transform, where she realised her future career would be working with gardens. She pursued a Bachelor's degree in Computer Aided Design, while working with Transform's office team learning the systems. Eventually, she joined the team fulltime, where she worked to make a difference across the company. Now, Abbey-Jane works across numerous avenues in the company. Holding various responsibilities, from CAD to HR and marketing and redesigning the uniform, she intends to continue learning and growing within the business.

CARA WINTER

SENIOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, PWP DESIGN What started with a degree in geography, Cara's career was founded by her studies in sustainability, climate-resilient design and sociology, creating a unique perspective in landscape architecture. After completing a conversation course in landscape architecture, she joined PWP Design where she supports clients on development and regeneration projects. A key project has been a large 20-acre park in the centre of a new 3,000 home, mixed-use development. She contributes to mentoring junior team members, promoting sustainability initiatives and leading social value activities.

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MARKO YAU

CHARLOTTE WATTS

SALES EXECUTIVE, DEEPDALE TREES As a sales executive at Deepdale Trees, Charlotte often finds herself taking clients around the large nursery, because there is nothing quite like seeing the trees in person, on top of visiting client offices and project sites. She also manages the nursery's social media accounts, taking them from 2,000 followers on Instagram to just under 15,000. Since working at Deepdale, she has been involved in projects, including Battersea Power Station and the Natural History Museum. Charlotte looks forward to developing both personally and professionally, constantly expanding her knowledge and understanding of trees, planting and horticulture in general.

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GRADUATE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, WSP After completing a nine-month work placement at WSP using his studies in 2023, Marko returned to the company in 2025 as a graduate landscape architect. At work, he supports both landscape design and planning work, ranging from large scale ecological restoration to detailed planting design. Outside of his job, Marko is constantly pursuing awareness of his profession. On top of posting on social media, he also volunteers in community projects in his spare time which landed him an outstanding volunteer award for his contributions to the Green Estate in Sheffield. He also worked on several RHS gardens and been a part of judging panels across the UK and globally.

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

30 UNDER 30

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS What would make the industry better, more inclusive and diverse? This year’s 30 under 30 winners share their insights on the changes that could make this industry thrive

ABBEY-JANE TATE-GRIMES

JASMINE DANIEL

Encouraging people that wouldn’t traditionally see themselves working in the landscaping industry. I am 5ft 3, rather petite and regularly get mistaken for a teenager. Yet I know how to operate a digger, drive company trucks and work with people twice my age who listen to me, while I learn from them. People need the opportunity to discover whether the career is right for them. This could be in the form of open days or taster days, encourage work experience beyond the local shop.

CAMELLIA HAYES There are not enough people from disadvantaged and/or BAME backgrounds in landscape architecture. Consequently, their voices are underrepresented in our public landscapes and spaces are not catering for them fairly. To combat this, I would: a) introduce all school children to landscape architecture as a career option earlier; b) encourage more landscape architecture firms to support the apprenticeship route, enabling people who can’t afford university to still be landscape architects; c) lobby the LI to increase landscape architecture salaries through increasing fees.

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

Young professionals increasingly seek workplaces that value wellbeing, support growth, and foster purposedriven work. The landscape industry already has a strong foundation in these areas, but promoting them more visibly would make the profession even more attractive. This includes encouraging healthy workplace cultures, embedding mental health support, providing structured CPD, and creating transparent progression routes. Celebrating the positive impact landscape professionals have on people, nature, and climate can reinforce the industry’s sense of purpose. By demonstrating that landscape careers offer both meaningful work and supportive environments, we can make the sector a destination for top emerging talent.

RYAN CROUCH Horticulture would benefit from being more welcoming and supportive to those with different needs and backgrounds. As someone who is hard of hearing and with ADHD, I understand the importance of awareness and adaptability in the workplace. Small adjustments in communication and approach can make a significant difference in how people perform. A traffic light wellbeing system has been introduced by a colleague at the AELTC whereby individuals record and flag any potential mental health difficulties, thus creating an environment of acceptance and support.

OLIVER LOOMES A stronger relationship between education and practice would make the industry more attractive and better prepare students for employment. Structured split learning, such as part of the year at university and part in practice, would give students early experience of real projects, office life, site work, client communication, technical design and project delivery. This would build confidence, improve retention and create graduates who can make an immediate contribution.

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30 UNDER 30

RUEBEN JAMES

HAVANYA MOODLEY

Better support and guidance for smaller businesses. Small businesses are a huge part of the landscaping industry, but it can sometimes be difficult to access clear, affordable and practical support, especially around areas such as health and safety. A lot of the information available can feel complicated and written in a way that is difficult to understand or apply in a real working environment. Having clearer guidance, with practical examples and advice designed specifically for smaller businesses, would help companies better protect their teams, understand their responsibilities and continue to grow. Support should be accessible to everyone, not just larger organisations with dedicated resources.

Havanya enjoys not only shaping people's experience and connection to a space, but also the process of visualising something that is yet to exist. As a landscape architect, she manages a small design team while supporting junior designers in their development.

CARA WINTER The traditional route into landscape architecture can appear daunting, often requiring several years of study followed by additional years of professional development before achieving chartership. While this route provides valuable knowledge and experience and should not be diminished, alternative pathways such as apprenticeships, conversion courses and work-based learning opportunities should continue to be expanded and promoted. These routes can make the profession more accessible to people from different backgrounds and demographics, broaden the talent pool, creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

HENRY COLLYERKNIGHT We should create TV and radio adverts for careers. We often get bombarded with adverts for new toothpaste or skincare, but why don’t we have adverts that talk about career opportunities. From my university course, about 50% came from a previous career and I think a lot of people choose a career path when they’re younger and then feel like they can’t move. I think more awareness of conversion courses and part-time study would be beneficial but not in the sense of “come to this university" more “this is the job and you could do it too”.

SASHA PETTY Showcasing the wide range of opportunities within the industry. One of the things I love most about this industry is how many different opportunities it offers. There are so many career paths beyond building gardens, from design, project management and horticulture to working with suppliers, writing for magazines, garden photography, teaching and supporting accredited organisations. The industry has so much to offer, and I think sharing more of these opportunities would encourage people to see landscaping as a creative, long-term and exciting careers.

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CHARLOTTE WATTS The horticultural industry could benefit from rethinking traditional ideas of professionalism and qualification requirements. Many individuals possess extensive practical knowledge and handson experience with plants, trees, and landscaping despite lacking formal qualifications. By reducing unnecessary degree requirements and placing greater value on practical expertise, the industry could become more accessible to a wider range of people.

TAMZIN CHRISTIE Encouraging greater diversity, particularly increasing female representation. The industry has historically been viewed as male-dominated, which can create barriers for women considering a career in landscaping. We need to actively challenge these perceptions by promoting successful women within the industry, creating supportive working environments and ensuring opportunities are based on ability and ambition. Having more women represented across all levels, from site teams to senior management, will help create a more balanced and inclusive industry.

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

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FEATURE

CLOCKING THE

Climate Crisis

As the dust begins to settle after the hottest summer on record, public parks reveal how they are dealing with the UK's changing climate WORDS: HOLLY CHAPMAN

ven the most dedicated sun lovers are breathing a sigh of relief as the UK recovers from its hottest summer on record – but it's not just people that were suffering. The extreme weather has taken a toll on the country's historic parks and gardens too. To combat this, Historic England collaborated with The National Lottery Heritage Fund on a report which examines how these spaces are responding to climate change and, perhaps more importantly, how they need to adapt.

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There are around 2,800 historic parks, gardens, cemeteries and other designed landscapes across the UK, and climate change is already having an impact on them. Parks are facing changes or damages to planting, structures, infrastructure and maintenance. We were aware of the pressures created thanks to climate change, and we realised there are things we need to be thinking about in terms of planning for the future," says Historic England’s Erika Diaz Petersen, who led the recent report alongside the

Heritage Fund’s Drew Bennellik. Heading straight for stakeholders, the pair researched just what issues they were experiencing, what they were already doing to mitigate these and what they still need. "Part of our role is giving technical advice and trying to help people understand how to look after these really important, historical sites. In order for us to do that, we needed evidence. So, we had to underpin our advice with evidence." Historic sites such as The Royal Parks and Chiswick House Gardens and Estate

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

FEATURE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM 'HISTORIC PARKS, GARDENS AND CEMETERIES: SUPPORTING ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE'

Impacts of climate change are already being felt

Few sites have climate change risk assessments but found they would benefit from them

Managers worry about balancing a site’s heritage and a site’s response to climate change, especially surrounding visitor expectations

Adaptation and resilience are possible, which can be relayed to visitors for educational purposes

Getting an understanding of the impacts already felt, where the opportunities are and how they can help other sites and people to take the next steps

We need to start acting now

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

were enthusiastic to take part in interviews the shift in the climate. "It all adds up to: for the report. From these, the team found what do we do now in these moments of that managers are seeing impacts on the desperation?" especially when the site is ground and describe the effects as a daily "a place people really rely on as their local management challenge, characterised green space." by unpredictable and extreme weather, Fyles and her team have been making which can cause extensive damage decisions in the face of a changing to planting, structures climate for a while now, which and infrastructure and began before she joined four We have to contributes to rising and a half years ago. "We make choices about pressures, for example, are doing at least 95% of plants based on a from pests and diseases. our planting in autumn number of factors now. rather than spring, Whereas 10-15 years ago, Protecting history and the only place the historic precedent Rosie Fyles, head of we're really breaking would have outweighed gardens at Grade I-listed that rule is where we everything else Chiswick House Gardens have two kitchen gardens and Estate in London, for productive crops. We says, "We're known as the have also built a brand-new birthplace of the English landscape learning space, which heads up our movement in the 18th century. We also have community programme, and that building is a 17th century kitchen garden, and we have harvesting water for us now, so we've added some 19th century formal gardens as well, around 50% to our ability to water harvest in including a rose garden. Across each area, the last year." its plant choices reflect those centuries, and While making these changes, the I think that makes it quite an interesting team are still aware of the importance challenge because actually we do have quite of Chiswick's history. "We have to make a lot of plant diversity." choices about plants based on a number Open 365 days a year, welcoming of factors now. Whereas 10-15 years ago, the between 85,000 to one million visitors historic precedent would have outweighed annually, the historic gardens have begun everything else, now it's much more about to feel the immense pressure underneath understanding how they are predicted to do in the current climate," Fyles explains. With that, though, comes the need for a shift in perception. "We're having to make choices about what has a historic look, feel, character, but will live and thrive. And that's broadly accepted now, whereas maybe even five years ago, that was quite controversial to suggest." The public's opinion is also important, but "gardens, even buildings, are going to need a different type of support and care going forward than perhaps they have had previously," she explains. "And that does involve changing the idea of what accurate restoration might mean because actually we are all driven by environmental performance and sustainability. Sometimes, those things are going to conflict, and the general public are much more attuned to concepts of sustainability and environmental performance than they have been in the past." She and her colleagues have felt a real shift in how the public understands the garden and its changes. "This summer has taught us that if you're a climate denier,

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FEATURE

you're really going to question whether planting. Trying to relieve the compaction you're right to retain that opinion because of and get more organic matter in the soil is the extremity of it, and the impacts people something that we've been doing over the have experienced personally." last couple of years. That's as simple as piling The Royal Parks charity is also facing the organic matter around the base of some of same concerns, as an organisation which our larger trees to allow nature to take that cares for London's eight Royal Parks. organic matter into the soil. This "We have been starting to think means when we do get the about climate resilience for rain, it can hold it for longer, This summer the past five or six years helping the ground for really. The problem is, it when we don't get rain." has taught us that if takes quite a long time you're a climate denier, to see those differences," Threats of El Niño you're really going to says director of parks El Niño is already question whether Darren Share. "We've making its presence you're right to retain started to do things in a felt, and the Met Office is that opinion structured way rather than predicting that UK weather knee-jerk reactions and panic is likely to be affected as we and to make large changes. head into autumn and winter. We're trying to do it in a logical A naturally occurring phenomenon thought-out process." that happens over the Pacific Ocean roughly Instead, the team have been starting with every two years, El Niño pushes up global basics. "We have tens of millions of people temperatures, meaning 2027 could be the visit the parks each year, which means our world's hottest year on record. In the past, compaction is really tough, which creates areas such as India have seen below-average issues for our shrubs and our trees and our monsoon rainfall, while the southern US

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states faces a higher chance of heavy rain and flooding during El Niño. In the UK, El Niño’s impact often goes unnoticed, especially in the summer, but as we head into autumn, much wetter and colder months are predicted. "Autumn and winter are going to be really difficult to predict because we don't have a rule book to follow for trees and shrubs that have been put through a summer like this and then put through high winds and heavy rains,” says Fyles. As a small independent trust, Chiswick has looked at its tree safety management. Some are already vulnerable after the recordbreaking hot summer, which causes a safety concern for the public as wind and rain picks up. "We've already dropped our closure wind speed. It used to be 45mph, but we've now dropped it to 40mph. We've also invested in a set of signage to go on all of our seven gates should there be wind gusts or speeds up to 30mph asking people to take care when underneath trees." On top of this, it has upped its tree surveying to focus more on the high usage

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

FEATURE areas. “Also, we've allocated time in the diary for our tree safety survey to have a monitoring in winter as well. Previously, the survey would be spring or summer and we'd alternate," Fyles adds. In the expectation of wetter weather, Share says his team has been reviewing areas of the parks, such as ditches, where they can try to capture that water when it does come down. “We can then keep it for as long as we can and slow down the compaction process." This works particularly well in hilly parks like Richmond Park, where teams have been able to preserve the water table instead of watching the water run away. On top of this, The Royal Parks host over 170,000 trees across its network, meaning the risk of pest and disease is another issue the teams must face in the climate crisis, on top of general safety concerns. "We're ensuring that we get our regular pruning completed, while looking after our veteran trees. We're fencing off some of them in particular to prevent people getting too close. Having very rigorous arboricultural checks and keeping

an eye out for pests and diseases has been one thing that we've been doing throughout the summer."

“There's a different scale across the UK and I think it is really important that as an industry we all come together to share our experiences.” agrees Share. Moving forward In light of the report being The recently published report published, the network of parks from Historic England and and historic sites can only There's a The National Lottery develop, says Petersen. Heritage Fund is not only "This has provided us different scale across a space for support, but with a starting point the UK and I think it also acts as a form of to continue to develop it is really important validation. "Everybody the advice that we can that as an industry admitted that the provide to people." we all come together impacts of climate As we enter a "new to share our change on their site have realm," as described by experiences been a real challenge. I'm Fyles, a strong community hoping this report becomes a can only be a positive. Over place that brings people together the next few months, as the rain for their benefit," says Petersen. That begins to fall, people across the industry support translates into a safe network might be facing difficult conversations and for parks. decisions. Next year's weather might be just "It's really important that we're all as unpredictable, so it seems essential for talking," says Fyles. "This is so you know that public parks to remain safe and accessible, people are writing about it and raising the while retaining their important history – but issues we're all facing." compromises will have to be made.

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

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FEATURE

GROWING SKILLS A growing appreciation for apprenticeships is positive for the industry, but what do businesses need to know if they’re looking to take on an apprentice? WORDS: RACHAEL FORSYTH

arlier this year, the government announced an overhaul of the apprenticeship system. A £1bn investment was announced to support 50,000 more young people into apprenticeships and high-quality training over the next three years. New pathways have since been opened to provide 14-yearolds with early access to technical skills, work experience and connections with local employers. The appetite is certainly there for alternative routes. More than 90% of young people would consider an apprenticeship over a university degree, according to a new survey from the skills charity Enginuity. 71% of parents would encourage them to do so. Enginuity states this rise is due to the cost-of-living crisis, with many now querying

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

whether the debt incurred from a university Jonathan Pettit, head of skills, careers and degree, without a guarantee of a job, is certification at BALI agrees that the news is viable. Whatever the reason, the growing positive, for all industries. “There's been a appreciation of apprenticeships as a credible lot of damage done because we've had this choice – one that combines affordability, emphasis on university as the way forward practical skills, and progression into a career for young people to progress their careers – – is good news for the industry. the UK has lagged behind a lot of European “These figures are really encouraging, countries for many years in how it values especially considering the skills shortage vocational qualifications.” the industry faces,” says Phil Tremayne, general manager of the How does it work? Association of Professional Once a business decides it There's been Landscapers. The industry would like to take on an a lot of still needs to promote apprentice, it must find damage done itself more effectively a training provider. because we've had so that a large portion If this is a college, this emphasis on choose landscaping, Pauline Clarke, business university as the as the though. relationship manager apprenticeships/ way forward for young work experience at people to progress Capel Manor College, says their careers the next step is a training needs analysis. This ensures the business fits the programme, and which programme best fits them. Next, the college would raise an advert making sure that legally it complies in terms of it meeting minimum wage, making sure that the hours are reasonable, and that they recognise they have to pay the candidate while they are studying. Funding is available, and businesses can find out more at gov.uk/employingan-apprentice/get-funding. Businesses must also create a digital apprenticeship account. Here, the business will outline they are UK taxpayers and go through their compliance. The process before a business even gets to the stage of taking on an apprentice can be time-consuming for the first time, Ranner explains. “If you’re a two-man band and you don’t have admin support, it can be

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FEATURE tricky the first time. The vast majority outside of the business. If staff are on of people we speak to are positive a progression pathway to becoming about taking on apprentices, they just a supervisor or manager, there are don’t have lots of capacity.” higher level apprenticeships Timing can also be off. they can undertake “A college will start that might be worth The vast in September but considering over the typically June, July, more traditional majority of August is the busy qualifications. people we speak period for this to are positive industry,” says The benefits of about taking on Pettit. “They don’t an apprentice apprentices, they have a lot of time Jacq and Wills just don’t have lots on their hands to go Landscapes first of capacity through the process took on an apprentice of formally registering in 2019. Since then, the and looking at how you business has taken on an recruit an apprentice. Central YMCA apprentice every two years. “We find is helpful in this case as they deliver hiring people difficult because many on a rolling basis.” want cash work,” Sasha Petty, business BALI is also set to launch and design support manager, explains. an industry-wide jobs and “People who have come in through apprenticeship board. Pettit explains, the apprenticeship have contacted us “We want GoLandscape to be the because it's something that they're site an apprentice can go to for a really passionate about it – and have comprehensive list of businesses been from a young age. That made it offering apprenticeships. If businesses much easier for us because they enjoy are offering apprentices, they can it and want to carry on with us.” advertise for free. The disconnect While Tremayne stresses that between these two is difficult to bring hiring an apprentice will not instantly together, so that’s what we’re looking benefit the business, and business to solve.” owners will need to invest time in It’s important to note that that individual. But apprenticeships don’t have this is time well to just be about spent. “Having recruiting from the ability to

Top tips PHIL TREMAYNE

Treat and develop them as a valuable investment and part of your team. Try to find someone in your team who is willing and able to mentor the young person. It’s also best to be honest with the client and explain that you have a new apprentice. Most clients will welcome the fact that you are giving someone the opportunity to enter their career, but they will also be mindful when they see someone teaching on site.

SASHA PETTY

Make sure you pick the right centre for your business – they will each have their strengths. If somebody's starting in September, get them to work the summer with you first on a zero-hour contract – especially if they’re younger. They can get used to the hours and make sure it’s something they want to do. We start them on a day a week and gradually build that up.

PAULINE CLARKE

Capel Manor College has just secured the contract of London Talent Pathway where organisations can flag current staff members that need upskilling so we can support them. Soon, we will be running a series of level one and level two boot camps, identifying candidates who are either young or career changers who want to have a career in horticulture. To find out more, businesses can email employer. engagement@capel.ac.uk or pauline. clarke@capel.ac.uk.

CHERYL RANNER

Don’t give them the same job all the time. Get them to do lots of different things so they feel that they’re learning more and getting more out of the apprenticeship. You don’t necessarily have to have a job offer at the end of an apprenticeship, but you’ve got to think about how you’re going to progress an apprentice after the apprenticeship is finished.

JONATHAN PETTIT

Don’t be afraid to enrich the apprentice's experience. If there are other things they want to do, or another business they want to visit, don’t be afraid to support that. That’s part of the process and how you get people to really love the industry – by showing them all the opportunities available.

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Pro Landscaper | October 2026

FEATURE LANTRA’S 10 STEPS TO TAKING ON AN APPRENTICE the job role and decide what 1 Identify kind of apprentice you need. and select an approved training provider. 2 Research Register and create your account the Apprenticeship Service: gov. 3 with uk/sign-in-apprenticeship-serviceaccount.

the salary (you must pay your apprentice at least the National 4 Decide Minimum wage) and advertise your apprenticeship.

applicants and interview your candidates, ensuring they have the 5 Shortlist legal right to work in the UK. diligence: • If this is your first employee, you 6 Due must register as an employer with

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and get a PAYE reference number and login for the PAYE online. • You must have employers’ liability insurance as soon as you become an employer. • Check if you need to automatically enrol your apprentice into a workplace pension scheme.

your apprentice with an employment contract for the duration 7 Provide of the apprenticeship.

mould someone into your business There is a potential they won’t by teaching them your skills, stay, but companies shouldn’t be techniques, and qualities is a benefit. afraid to provide training and time, If the apprentice has the right explains Tremayne. “Young people attitude, that investment could pay will undoubtedly move on eventually. dividends in future years.” This should be welcomed, because This was certainly the if treated well and adequately case at Jacq and Wills rewarded, a business can Landscapes, “Every reap the rewards for Every apprentice apprentice we’ve several years.” we’ve taken on taken on so far The journey has stayed to taking on so far has stayed with with us. an apprentice us. They're all now They're all might not working within now working be quick and our business in within our simple, but key roles, and our business in then neither business wouldn't be key roles, and is hiring an what it is now our business employee if without them wouldn't be what it the skills gap is is now without them. anything to go by. As We also find that it’s good young people increasingly for our team to be able look towards apprenticeships, to train younger apprentices and the government funds these because it solidifies their skills. opportunities, now might be The benefit of hiring apprentices the right time to explore this is in four to five years' time, you will avenue – whether that’s bringing have a really great team behind in young talent or upskilling you who you trained from the the talent that a business ground up.” already has.

with your training provider to 8 Work draft an Apprenticeship Agreement, which must be signed by you and the apprentice at the start of the apprenticeship.

training provider will work with you to draft an Apprenticeship Training 9 The Plan. This must be signed by you, the apprentice and the training provider.

the apprentice with a supportive environment that 10 Provide encourages their growth and development.

Scan to read more advice from Lantra

Read an overview from the government on employing an apprentice here:

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

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OPINION

WHAT NIGEL DUNNETT TAUGHT

the next generation

Former mentee of Nigel Dunnett, Olivia Copley explores what he taught the next generation of landscape designers

t began not with a plan, but with Over the months that followed, he music, pastels and permission to forget mentored me through the early stages of the rules. the project. Our one-to-one meetings often In third year, our ecology module became conversations about purpose: was based at The Hepworth Wakefield, and what a garden could hold, what it could one week Nigel Dunnett led one of his wellcommunicate, and what kind of designer I known flow workshops. He played a range of wanted to be. music, handed out coloured pastels and asked Nigel was never precious about giving a us to draw the landscape not as we would definitive answer. He asked questions instead. normally plan it, but as it felt. He pushed back gently. He allowed me to Nigel had a rare ability to make arrive at my own thinking rather than you loosen your grip on a site handing me his. That, I think, before you tried to control is rare in a teacher. He did His words it. He encouraged us to not just teach students were not wasted. listen first to atmosphere, how to design landscapes; They have taken root ecology, memory and he taught us how to feeling before reaching trust our own way of in the students he too quickly for design seeing them. taught, the projects solutions. For a student The mesothelioma he encouraged, and still working out what garden was originally the landscapes kind of designer I wanted intended for 2025, but still to come to become, that lesson was funding fell through shortly quietly transformative. before we could build it. That Around the same time, Nigel same year, I visited Nigel’s own contacted me out of the blue with an garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Shortly opportunity. A mesothelioma research centre afterwards, I began a nine-month placement was looking to collaborate with a student on at Exterior Architecture in London, which I a show garden, and he had thought of me. It completed just two days before Nigel died. was not a small gesture. He did not have to The timing has been difficult to recommend me, or follow it up, but he did. comprehend. To lose someone who had

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

shaped my thinking at such an early stage in my career feels deeply personal, but I know I am only one of many students, designers and colleagues who carry something of his words with them. I am now hoping to take the mesothelioma garden forward next year in the Young Designer category at RHS Tatton Park, working with the same research centre Nigel first connected me to. In many ways, it feels like the clearest tribute I can offer. By carrying forward the approach he taught me: to begin by listening, to work with the natural rhythms of a site, and to understand that gardens can hold grief, resilience, beauty and hope all at once. Nigel’s influence on landscape and planting design is immense, but for those of us who were taught by him, his legacy is also found in smaller, quieter moments. His words were not wasted. They have taken root in the students he taught, the projects he encouraged, and the landscapes still to come. Now it is for the next generation to keep growing them.

OLIVIA COPLEY Olivia Copley is a Master of Landscape Architecture student at the University of Sheffield, with particular interest in planting design, ecology and relationship between people and landscape. She has hands-on experience in horticulture, garden design and RHS show gardens. Instagram @oliviarosegardens

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OPINION

Decking AROUND

Karl Harrison has been ‘decking around’ for 23 years and he says we’re finally getting somewhere

wenty-three years is a long time to spend talking about decking. Long enough to remember when almost every deck was green, grooved and built with the confidence of a man who had recently bought a cordless drill; long enough to watch hardwood become fashionable, composite arrive under suspicion, grey take over the country and then, eventually, colour begin to creep back in. I have watched decking be fashionable, unfashionable, misunderstood, over-sold, under-specified, blamed for things that were not really its fault and occasionally installed in places where even I have wondered whether paving might have been easier. I have loved most of it, not because every year has brought some extraordinary revolution, but because decking has always attracted interesting people, strong opinions and a surprising amount of debate. For a long time, decking seemed to need an explanation. Mention it to some designers and you could almost hear the intake of breath. Mention softwood and somebody would talk about slippery grooves. Mention composite and somebody else would tell you that it was “plastic”. Mention hardwood and the conversation would rapidly move towards sustainability. Over the years I have stood at exhibitions,

seminars, supplier events and building The conversations are better too. We can sites having the same apparently simple argue about texture, colour, sustainability, conversation in a hundred different forms: service life, design language, embodied why decking, why this material, why here, carbon, maintenance, repairability and why not paving, why not stone, why not where the next generation of materials something else entirely? might take us, rather than simply asking The answer has never really been that whether the boards should run left-to-right decking is better than everything or right-to-left. else. It is that, in the right And yes, we still disagree. place, it does something Quite a lot, actually. But After 23 years other materials cannot disagreement is usually of decking around, do quite as elegantly. a sign that an industry I am not excited It can float over has developed enough because we have finally awkward ground, confidence to have arrived. I am excited bridge level changes, opinions. After 23 years, because, at last, it feels as soften architecture, I think that is what though we know where wrap around planting, makes me optimistic. create height without Decking has stopped we are going heaviness and turn an being the slightly awkward unusable edge of a garden into relative of the landscape somewhere people actually want industry and started becoming a to sit. That has always been enough for me. proper part of the conversation. What feels different now is confidence. There will be new materials, new Decking no longer seems to spend quite mistakes, new fashions and almost certainly so much time apologising for itself. There another colour that everybody suddenly is a stronger community around it, more decides they cannot live without. This is specialist knowledge, more debate, more good and I would be disappointed if it manufacturers genuinely engaged with the became boring now. people using their products and, importantly, After 23 years of decking around, I am more designers prepared to use decking not excited because we have finally arrived. I because it is the right material rather than am excited because, at last, it feels as though because the client has asked for it. we know where we are going.

KARL HARRISON Karl Harrison is a professional landscaper and that “decking guy in the hat”, designing and building decks across the UK since 2003. Known for his straight-talking approach, he specialises in timber and composite decking, complex details and real-world performance. Find the Decking Network at the FutureScape Decking Hub 2026 karlharrison.design

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Pro Landscaper | October 2026

OPINION

Comeback KINGS

A victim of its own success, Humaira Ikram explains what Hypericum can offer and why it shouldn’t be overlooked

live near the Thames towpath. I walk and photograph it through the seasons, finding moments of joy – that could be easily ignored or overlooked. In October, when the garden is winding down, one plant is absolutely glowing; jewel-like berries in red, copper and deepest black, all on the same spray, catching the low autumn light. That is Hypericum. Or as most people know it: St John's Wort. Hypericum has been the victim of its own success, planted everywhere, in every difficult spot, clipped into submission and generally taken for granted. But, if the species forms do their own thing, what you get is genuinely beautiful, ecologically-rich and as tough as anything in cultivation. The genus Hypericum is vast. Over 400 species can be found across almost every temperate region of the world, from the

Pro Landscaper | October 2026

draining soil. This ecological flexibility is exactly what makes it so relevant as our gardens face more unpredictable conditions and after this summer – will anything survive? The species to seek out are several steps above the clipped Hypericum of the 1980s schemes. Hypericum androsaemum ‘Autumn Blaze’, which has a starburst of stamens and are native to Britain, produce cheerful yellow flowers through summer, followed by extraordinary berries that move from red/wine/black as autumn deepens. The flowers are generous with pollen, which draws in flies, butterflies and bees, though it’s difficult to ascertain how much or little nectar they actually have. The berries are ornamental only and should not be eaten. Hypericum x hidcoteense 'Hidcote' is the classic large-flowered semi-evergreen form, reliable and generous with flowers from July to October. For something a little more marmite – and I’m not sure if even I can get on board with this much variegation – you could try Hypericum x moserianum 'Tricolor', whose leaves are edged in pink and cream and give you something to look at even when it is not in flower. For companions, think of Hypericum in the wild. In light shade, try it with ferns – Dryopteris and Polystichum – and with Geranium macrorrhizum and Ajuga reptans at ground level. In sunnier spots, try it with Amsonia tabernaemontana for its extraordinary butteryellow autumn foliage, Sesleria autumnalis and the faded copper seedheads of Phlomis russeliana, all of which peak at exactly the same moment as the berries. This is October at its best. Next time you pass one on a towpath or hedgerow, stop and look at the flowers earlier on in the year and the berries now. They really are jewels. It is time we used this plant a little more thoughtfully?

HUMAIRA IKRAM Humaira Ikram is a professional garden designer with over 10 years’ experience at Studio Ikram. She runs the Garden Design Diploma at the KLC School w of Design, advises RHS Hyde Hall, and serves as a Mo ntgomerie judge and panel member for the RHS. She is co-curator of thehub.earth and an award-winning broadcaster who has contributed to BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time and various gardening publications. studioikram.com thehub.earth

e dr ©An

Mediterranean to the Himalayas, the mountains of China to the hedgerows of Devon. The name is Greek: hyper (above) and eikon (image), a reference to hanging the plant above religious images to ward off evil spirits – one reason I love writing these articles is because I also learn so much in research! The common name, St John's Wort, is connected to the midsummer feast of St John. It has been known in the UK since at least the Hoxnian interglacial era, which is 400,000 – 300,000 years ago. In the wild, Hypericums grow on open woodland edges, rocky slopes, hedgerows and stream margins; the same kind of inbetween habitat you find along a towpath. It copes with sun or dappled shade, periods of drought and does well on a poor, free-

If the species forms do their own thing, what you get is genuinely beautiful, ecologically-rich and as tough as anything in cultivation

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LAST WORD

Five minutes with

HARRY HOLDING Former 30 under 30 Harry Holding shares advice for the next class of winners and explores why he got into garden design Why did you choose to go into garden design? Nature and wildlife have been a constant for me since I was a child, and I have always been a keen gardener. What changed in my early twenties was understanding quite how pivotal a role gardens and landscapes play in the bigger picture, in climate, in biodiversity, in how people live. That was a real penny-drop moment. It made me want to put my time and energy into this industry properly rather than treating it as a side interest, so I retrained in garden design and built the business from there.

down the path. Just as valuable was the network. It put me alongside a group of like-minded people at a similar stage, and a couple of them from my cohort are good friends to this day. What advice would you give the next class of winners? Stay open, stay adaptable, and put everything you have into the opportunities that come your way. The next few decades are going to be interesting and probably fairly turbulent, and our role as an industry is to help bridge society and the natural world. Adaptability is the skill that makes that possible.

What's coming up at Harry Holding Studio? We are opening a studio in Hay-on-Wye, alongside our London hub. London remains the core base, but a smaller team in the Welsh The next few Marches makes sense as we take on more work across decades are going the country and more to be interesting and probably fairly turbulent, rural projects.

Why is it important to introduce young people to nature? Because it changes the decisions they make for the rest of their lives. Getting the next and our role as an generation outside and What is your industry is to help genuinely engaged with highlight of 2026 bridge society and the the natural world is one so far? natural world of the most powerful things Working with the Eden we can do, not just for them Project and the wider team but for the communities and on The Eden Project Bring Me landscapes around them. It shapes how Sunshine Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower they think about food, about land, about Show was a joy, and collaborating with their own wellbeing and about what they people of that calibre, including Landscape are willing to accept in the places they live. Associates, pushes you as a designer. The part that will stay with me is seeing the What have you gained from picking up community groups and young people we a Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next had worked with come to RHS Chelsea and Generation award? experience the garden themselves. The It gave me the confidence to keep going garden is now being reimagined at around

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30-times the size in Morecambe at the new Eden Project. Is technology offering new opportunities for the industry? Absolutely, and I think we have to embrace it. It is a certainty that tomorrow will be more technological than today. My hope is that we adopt it on our own terms and in sensitive ways, keeping our expert lens on how plants, soils and ecosystems actually work. If our industry does not carry that knowledge forward, the efficiencies that new tools will create may risk horticulture being encroached on by big tech.

Pro Landscaper | October 2026