Pro Landscaper September 2018

Concept to Delivery

DESIGN, BUILD AND MAINTAIN

Let’s Hear it From

September 2018

NEW PODIUM AWARDS

ROSEMARY COLDSTREAM

SWING STYLE ANJI CONNELL

Light &

space

Jewel in the heart of Sussex PARHAM HOUSE

ROBERT HUGHES GARDEN DESIGN

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WELCOME

Concept to Delivery DESIGN, BUILD AND MAINTAIN

September 2018 | Volume 8, Issue 9

September 2018

NEW

Let’s Hear it From

PODIUM AWARDS

ROSEMARY COLDSTREAM

Welcome to September 2018

SWING ST YL E ANJI CONNELL

Light & Happy September, readers! We hope you’ve had a great summer and are coping well with the new British climate. After hearing so many people speak about the positive effect the sunny weather has had on staycations and outdoor living, surely this will have a massive impact on our industry. For us at least, our garden has never been used more than it has been this year. It’s had four excellent months of use and, according to the Met Office, it looks set to continue into September (with the exception of chillier nights, which I’m sure nobody will complain about!).

The judging for our new small project BIG IMPACT Awards has now started, and we couldn’t possibly have foreseen how popular this new brand in our portfolio would be. From our point of view, this is a brilliant opportunity to bring more people into the Pro Landscaper community and raise the standards of the industry.

Eljays44 Ltd 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA Tel: 01903 777 570 EDITORIAL Editorial Director – Lisa Wilkinson lisa.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 579

These awards were designed to reward, recognise and share the excellent creativity and technical skill that’s at the core of garden design and landscaping.

As we write, the entries are making their way to the experienced judging panel and we will soon be able to share the shortlist with you, with the winners being announced at this years’ FutureScape event on Tuesday 20 November.

Whilst on the subject of FutureScape, the plans for this year’s event are now in full flow. We are really focused on ensuring FutureScape is an inspiring, educational and informative day that will offer excellent opportunities to network with like-minded industry colleagues.

For more information (including full details of the seminar programme and a list of over 200 exhibiting companies) please go to www. futurescapeevent.com.

This bumper September issue

ADVERTISING Business Development Manager – Jamie Wilkinson jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 585 Deputy Sales Manager – Jessica McCabe jessica.mccabe@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 587

Content Manager – Rachael Forsyth rachael.forsyth@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 578

Horticulture Careers – Laura Harris laura.harris@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 580

Editorial Assistant – Amy Fitz-Hugh amy.fitz-hugh@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 583

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

Editorial Assistant – April Waterston april.waterston@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 604

MARKETING AND CIRCULATION Tel: 01903 777 570

Subeditor – Kia Wilson kia.wilson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 597

Subscription enquiries – Chris Anderson chris.anderson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570 Design – Kara Thomas, Kirsty Turek

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Leader.indd 3

space

Jewel in the heart of Sussex

PARHAM HOUSE

ROBERT HUGHES GARDEN DESIGN Final cover.indd 3

21/08/2018 11:44

includes a supplement about CED Stone Group celebrating 40 years of trading – congratulations to Giles and his team! Also in this issue we hear from BALI design director and RHS Gold medallist Rosemary Coldstream on her career, Hampton Court and industry challenges; Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30 member Ross Conquest on his first foray into design at BBC Gardener’s World Live and we welcome new contributor Holly Youde of Urban Landscape Design, who talks about the sometimes sensitive issue (as we know only too well) of working with your life partner. We’ll be very interested to read that article!

There’s lots more inside so sit back, relax and enjoy the read.

@jimeljays

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

@lisaeljays

Pro Landscaper is proud to be an affiliate member of BALI

Pro Landscaper is published 12 times per year by Eljays44 Ltd. The 2018 subscription price is £95.

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

Whilst every effort has been made to maintain the integrity of our advertisers, we accept no responsibility for any problem, complaints, or subsequent litigation arising from readers’ responses to advertisements in the magazine. We also wish to emphasise that views expressed by editorial contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Reproduction of any part of this magazine is strictly forbidden.

Cover image ©Robert Hughes Garden Design

The Association of

Professional Landscapers

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

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

Pro Landscaper / September 2018

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CONTENTS

September 2018 INFORM

8

Agenda What could we do to reduce waste?

10

News Our monthly roundup of industry news

14

25

News Extra St. George’s rooftop garden

17

Association News The latest from plants@work, RHS, SGD, BALI, APL and Parks Alliance

21

Working Better Together Conquest Creative Spaces and Round Wood of Mayfield

22

30 Under 30 Noticeboard Updates from previous winners

23

Podium Awards Interview with Jim Wilkinson

25

Concept to Delivery

September 2018

DESIGN, BUILD AND MAINTAIN

Let’s Hear it From ROSEMARY COLDSTREAM

SWING STYLE ANJI CONNELL

Let’s Hear It From Rosemary Coldstream

30

Landscape Architect’s Journal BBUK

32

View From The Top Nick Temple-Heald

35

The Death of Creativity?

Andrew Wilson

36

What We Expect and What We Get Angus Lindsay

38

For Better For Worse Holly Youde

41

Parham House Phil Mason

4

Pro Landscaper / September 2018

Contents so far.indd 4

NEW PODIUM AWARDS

Light &

space

Jewel in the heart of Sussex PARHAM HOUSE

ROBERT HUGHES GARDEN DESIGN

Final cover.indd 3

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INSPIRE

47

60

Calm in the City Alexandra Steed Urban

50

External Elegance

62

54

Light and Space

65

Swing Is In The Air Anji Connell

Decorative Aggregates Three extraordinary projects

Robert Hughes Garden Design

60

Love Horticulture Lee Bestall

Farlam & Chandler

66

Fire Pits Latest products www.prolandscapermagazine.com

21/08/2018 12:51

CONTENTS

54 21

EDUCATE

91 Pro Landscaper

Business Awards Green-tech

93 Taking the Strain A Safe Way to Lift Sean Butler

94 Cohesive Partners Robert Webber

96 Understanding Relationships Jeff Stephenson

98 Play Equipment Three of the latest fixtures

101 Product DNA Bourne Amenity

50

103 Kit Feature GreenMech

104 Arb Kit The latest equipment

96

106 Book Reviews NURTURE

71

Nurture News An insight into the UK’s growing sector

72

Designer Plants

78 Start Small Grow Big Noel Kingsbury

81

Jamie Butterworth

83

Small Wonders Andy McIndoe

77

Viva Variegation Ian Drummond

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Contents so far.indd 5

84

Substrates for Green Roofs Four superior substrates

86

Tagging Creepers Nursery

107 What I’m Reading Alexandra Froggatt

108 What’s Your Role?

Mark Britton – The Outdoor Room

Hedging Getting to the root of four instant hedges

Peter Reader

74

Summer Holiday

We review four new landscaping and horticulture books

NEW

110 Arbordexperts Installer Awards 2018

We interview Arbordeck about its upcoming awards

114 Little Interview Quick-fire questions with the individuals who make up our industry Pro Landscaper / September 2018

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21/08/2018 12:51

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14/08/2018 15:57

INFORM

SPOTLIGHT ON

CONTRIBUTORS

Holly Youde

Noel Kingsbury

Andrew Wilson

Jamie Butterworth

Director/designer, Urban Landscape Design Ltd

Garden designer and writer

Garden designer and lecturer

Horticultural consultant, London Stone

This month, we welcome designer Holly Youde who reveals what it’s like working alongside her husband. Holly and her partner Mark Youde started Urban Landscape Design in 2005. In her first piece for Pro Landscaper magazine, Holly explains the pros and cons of combining a business and life partnership.

When it comes to planting, designer and writer Noel Kingsbury’s advice is to “keep ‘em small”. In this month’s issue, Noel weighs up the pros and cons of containerisation and semi-mature tree and shrub planting, and argues that starting small is the right way to go.

LCGD lecturer Andrew Wilson looks for graduates with a creative eye and thought-provoking ideas, and thinks employers should do the same. This month Andrew considers the impact of CAD on the design process and recruitment, and argues employers are too focused on CGI skills in recent graduates.

In his latest instalment, Jamie takes us to Alderney where he explores the coastlines in search of unusual fauna and flora which thrive, as opposed to merely surviving.

He picks out his top four plants and provides valuable insight into how they could be used at home.

www.urbanlandscapedesign.co.uk @UrbLandscapes

www.noelkingsbury.com @noelk57

www.lcgd.org.uk @AndrewWilsonii

www.jamiebutterworth.com @Gardener_jamie

INSPIRE

Other contributors Nick Temple-Heald Chairman, idverde UK

Andy McIndoe Leading horticulturist

Angus Lindsay Head of fleet, idverde

Ian Drummond Creative director, Indoor Garden Design

Anji Connell Interior architect and landscape designer

Sean Butler Director, Cube 1994

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Contributors.indd 7

Robert Webber Founder, Scenic Lighting Jeff Stephenson Head of horticulture and aftercare, Bowles & Wyer

Pro Landscaper / September 2018

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20/08/2018 09:21

INFORM

AGENDA AS AN INDUSTRY, WHAT COULD WE BE DOING TO REDUCE WASTE, PARTICULARLY PLASTICS?

With the plastic ban at the forefront of everyone’s mind, we ask what our industry could be doing to reduce waste

John Wyer CEO, Bowles and Wyer Although there are some aspects of this that are driven by legislation, such as waste management and the gradual ramping up of landfill tax over the last few years, we could do much more. The first area as an industry that we absolutely must tackle is single use plastic pots, most of which aren’t even (or can’t be) recycled. This needs a coordinated industry-wide initiative to make any progress. However, I think the biggest role in waste reduction is for designers to re-educate clients to work with what is on site as much as possible rather than automatically stripping out and replacing everything. Seeing Julie Bargmann of D.I.R.T Studio’s pioneering work in the USA in this respect at the last SGD conference was a revelation and shows just what is possible.

We need to up our game.

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Pro Landscaper / September 2018

David Keegan

James Kelly

Director, David Keegan Garden Design

COO, Countrywide Grounds Maintenance

If I was to go for the controversially cute answer I would suggest getting rid of show gardens (echo howls of protest in the aisles).

But seriously, I have become more and more convinced that the RHS one week show gardens is a flawed concept with too much time, effort and material spent on a one week installation. This needs a radical rethink with show gardens potentially being created for an entire season, which of course would mean moving the venue for all. When it comes to plastics in our industry the biggest offender has to be plant pots as so few are recycled, with nurseries refusing to accept returns.

We need a focus on the manufacturing of biodegradable alternative for smaller pots and biodegradable plant sacks for larger specimens that can be planted into the ground. In fact, I recently came across a new innovation in biodegradable plant sacks made of wool, and believe this may be the way forward.

Waste is a growing concern for every industry and it’s vital that we reduce how we handle it if we are to deliver environmental benefits.

Sometimes we are so occupied with the day-to-day running of our business that it is easy to forget waste management, but by doing regular review practices, you can identify where waste can be avoided or consider how it can be reduced, reused or recycled for a secondary purpose. Being a commercial grounds maintenance business with over 50 franchise locations across the UK, it is important for us to demonstrate our commitment to reducing environmental impact.

The ISO 14001 certification, coupled with a waste management strategy, allows us to prevent, reduce, reuse, recycle and dispose of waste that is produced by the franchisees.

We have also put some targets in place to help us reach these goals, and now consider all packaging when buying any new materials to minimise the impact on the environment. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

21/08/2018 11:08

INFORM

Robert Frier

Alasdair Cameron

Garden Designer, Charlesworth Design

Managing Director, Cameron Gardens

We live in a throwaway society and we want convenience. Only now are we slowly beginning to realise we have a problem. It’s great that the RHS is asking designers/builders of show gardens what they are doing to reduce wastage. Almost all the materials I have used on show gardens have ended up in either my garden or my clients’ gardens (lucky them).

Years ago, we were so much greener. At home our milk would arrive on the doorstep fresh and in a glass bottle which was returned and used again. It would even be delivered by an electric vehicle – how green is that? I still have delivered milk, and if you do too, I applaud you and raise a pint (of milk) to you. I try to re-use as much as possible on site. Broken brick/ concrete/stone/slate used constructively as backfill/foundations or re-used more artistically within a gabion wall for example. Most clients would welcome you giving them back (what is theirs anyway) wood left over – already that skip is looking less full.

It is really important that we look to minimise our impact on the environment wherever possible.

We should look to reduce waste by recycling and reusing old materials and pots when we can.

In addition, we can use biodegradable potting materials rather than plastic. The sourcing of home produced materials and UK grown plants will help to reduce transport, as does pooling orders for multiple jobs where possible. From a design perspective, we are constantly striving to use plants that are more suitable for our changing climate, and to increase soft areas over hard to allow surface water to filter back to the water table. In addition, the installation of rain water harvesting tanks should be promoted.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Agenda.indd 9

NEXT MONTH

Does entering and winning awards enhance your business?

Have your say: editor@pro-landscaper.co.uk Pro Landscaper / September 2018

9

21/08/2018 11:09

INFORM

NEWS Talasey Group named in 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain

The Parks Trust shares annual report and financial statements

Chris Whitlock, the newly appointed managing director of Talasey group, will focus on the strategic direction of the company.

Meanwhile, the company founder, Mark Wall, has now become the CEO and will concentrate his time Talasey Group has been named as one of the London Stock Exchange in the USA following the successful launch of Natural Paving USA Inc. Group’s 1,000 Companies to Over the past few years Talasey Inspire Britain. has grown and diversified as a To be included, companies brand, so the decision was made need to show consistent revenue to rebrand from Natural Paving growth over a minimum of three to Talasey Group. The name now years, significantly outperforming provides a suitable umbrella to their industry peers. Talasey is the company’s diverse array of thrilled to be recognised as a high landscaping product brands. performer within the landscaping www.talasey.co.uk and paving industry.

The Parks Trust has published its annual report and financial statements for 2017/18.

These show the charity has continued to make good progress towards its long-term financial sustainability target, due to the success of its commercial property and other investments and to the revenue generated from

Kate Gould wins Gold and Best Outdoor Lighting at the Singapore Garden Festival Kate Gould, along with Keith Chapman and Colin Evans, have built a show garden at the bi-annual Singapore Garden Festival. Kate teamed up with partner ISS Hydroculture to bring

her design to life with hard and soft landscaping.

Work began on 10 July and judging took place on 20 July.

Kate said: “I am so pleased at the chance given to be a part of the Singapore Garden Festival and

its green estate. This has enabled the Trust to continue to manage the parks, woodlands and lakes across the city to a high standard and to invest in new facilities in the parks.

The report was presented at The Parks Trust’s annual public meeting, attended by around 100 people.

Presentations during the meeting were made by David Foster, board member Gamiel Yafai and biodiversity officer Martin Kincaid.

The presenters reflected on the achievements of the last year and also spoke about the importance of community, diversity and biodiversity. www.theparkstrust.com

to be able do justice to the show. We are lucky to have worked with such an amazing group of people. They have made our experience so pleasant and have helped bring the garden to life in such a short period of time.” www.kategouldgardens.com

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21/08/2018 11:36

INFORM

Contract renewal creates new roles at Glendale Green service provider Glendale has had its contract to maintain the Progress Housing Group renewed.

The three-year extension has resulted in the appointment of two apprentices.

The apprentices will gain valuable experience as part of a team of 10 grounds management specialists. They will carry out grass cutting, weed killing, shrub and hedge maintenance at sites.

Lancashire-based Progress Housing Group provides housing, independent living and supported

housing for disabled people.

They also offer employment, training support and Technology Enabled Care across the North West.

Paul Woodward, contract supervisor at Glendale, said: “It’s a pleasure to be continuing our partnership with Progress Housing Group. Committed to providing employment opportunities, Glendale works hard to offer apprenticeships. They offer a chance to learn skills through hands-on experience while working

NEWS IN BRIEF 15 Green Flags for Lewisham parks and green spaces

towards a valuable qualification.

Tammy Bradley, operations director at Progress Housing Group, said: “The renewal of this contract provides the opportunity to develop a service that meets our tenants’ expectations. I would like to thank all those involved, especially our customers who will help us to track performance and standards.” www.glendale-services.co.uk

RHS London shows to relocate to RHS Gardens to grow audiences From 2019, three of the current five London Shows held in the Royal Horticultural Halls will move to RHS Gardens in a bid to attract larger audiences, be enjoyed by more people and deliver greater results for nurseries and exhibitors.

The move follows the RHS continuing to look at how to increase the success and popularity of its London shows.

All five of the London shows currently attract only 12,000 visitors in total throughout the year. In

contrast, individual RHS Flower Shows at the RHS Gardens attract over 45,000 people at Wisley, 26,000 at Hyde Hall, and in its first year, Rosemoor Flower Show attracted over 9,000 visitors.

RHS Director General Sue Biggs said: “We have tried to increase the success of these shows in London, but we cannot avoid the reality. After careful consideration, we have decided to move the majority of these shows, where we are confident they will

attract a larger audience.”

Sue finishes: “We are sorry that some members will be disappointed at this decision, but we hope they understand that these shows are no longer sustainable.

“We are extremely grateful for their long-standing support and hope they will continue to support our charitable work and enjoy the many other benefits that being an RHS member brings.” www.rhs.org.uk

SANDOWN PARK RACECOURSE, ESHER, SURRY, KT10 9AJ

National green services provider Glendale has helped the London Borough of Lewisham secure 15 Green Flag Awards for its parks and green spaces for the fourth consecutive year. www.glendale-services.co.uk

Top landscape architect joins Clandon Park restoration team

Landscape architect, Robert Myers Associates (RMA) has been appointed by the National Trust to join the restoration team at Clandon Park in Surrey, after a fire devastated the 18th-century Palladian house in 2015. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Simon Tullett obituary 1948 – 2018

Pro Landscaper is sad to report that Simon Tullett, founder of STM Co Ltd of Warwickshire, has passed away. Simon is greatly respected for the company he developed and his involvement in the ground care industry. He leaves behind his wife Jayne and daughter Olivia.

20 NOVEMBER 2018

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN | WWW.FUTURESCAPEEVENT.COM News.indd 11

21/08/2018 11:36

INFORM www.prolandscapermagazine.com

NEW

What the hottest summer on record means for plant nurseries

ON THE

website

Eight examples of perfect symmetry in nature

With the UK on the brink of setting a record for the hottest summer in over 40 years, paired with significantly below average rainfall, plant resilience is being tested. Pro Landscaper speaks with Palmstead Nurseries and Provender Nurseries to discover the affect this heat is having on the upkeep of plants, and how nurseries are economising water usage.

Top nine drought tolerant plants

If a client is asking for advice regarding drought tolerant plants, a selection of the plants listed within this article may be worth considering.

DIARY

OF A CHARTERED LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

Laura Welborn-Baker

I

t’s definitely summer at the University of York. Last week we had graduation and it was amazing to see all the students, parents and visitors using the campus and enjoying the weather – the Pimms tent proved very popular!

Despite the extreme weather our 500 acre Parkland campus was awarded the Green Flag for the sixth year in a row. This recognises the hard work our team do to provide a beautiful

12

News.indd 12

and sustainably managed green space.

Due to the weather, it was a real struggle to get the campus looking good for graduation. Central Hall was particularly desert-like.

The area outside Central Hall is a busy thoroughfare in the heart of Campus West and needs to hold large numbers of people at events.

Addressing the current movement and circulation, as well as the planting, is a big challenge for future

Pro Landscaper / September 2018

Symmetry is seldom seen in nature as environmental and evolutionary factors often cause imbalance. Pro Landscaper has decided to herald the few fabulous plants where the beauty of symmetry is often seen.

Standing out from the crowd using marketing with Steve Clarke

Differentiate your business without driving down profits using marketing. Steve Clarke explains why it is essential to do something different to attract attention and how a mesmerising display could be just the thing to draw people in.

Chartered landscape architect Laura Welborn-Baker, one of Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30 in 2016, provides us with a quarterly update on the University of York’s £500m, 20-year campus masterplan as it goes into its first phase, along with a number of other projects across the university

design of the space. Seeing these events on campus provides a real insight into how the space is used for large numbers. This is important to take into account when considering how we can improve the public realm.

Implementation of the signage project is well underway.

Wayfinding and the experience of moving around campus will be considered through our emerging masterplan, including a new cycling strategy and upgrade of existing pedestrian routes.

I am currently Chair of the Landscape Institute Yorkshire and Humber Branch (LIYHB).

I’ve been a member of the LIYHB Committee since I was a student.

It’s a fantastic way to meet people, get involved with the future of the profession and help to promote the great industry in which we work. We’re always on the lookout for interesting ideas for events and speakers, so if you have any thoughts, please do get in touch. laura.welborn-baker@york.ac.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

21/08/2018 11:37

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14/08/2018 15:59

INFORM

ACCESSIBILITY AND INSPIRATION

St. George’s rooftop garden Pro Landscaper speaks with Tony Woods, director of Garden Club London, and Laura King, chair of the John King Brain Tumour Foundation, to discover more about a new roof garden at St George’s Hospital.

S

t George’s Hospital in Tooting, London has welcomed an oasis of green in the form of a rooftop garden.

Thanks to the John King Brain Tumour Foundation and Garden Club London, the gardens are now providing much needed respite and relaxation for patients, friends and family of the McKissock Neurosurgery Ward.

The design The garden’s second floor rooftop location means it is subjected to different weather conditions to those experienced by grounded work, and therefore it requires more detailed horticultural considerations. Tony tells us: “This roof is actually quite sheltered compared to a lot of roof gardens that we design, as it has a protective glass screen around it. This does cause temperatures to soar, especially as the garden is south facing, so the plants selected 14

Pro Landscaper / September 2018

News Extra Tony Woods.indd 14

are all sun lovers and an irrigation system has been installed to keep them sufficiently watered.

We wanted some areas of the garden to provide shade from the sun, so for this we used a pergola and plants to add a calming, scented effect to these areas.”

With many patients’ suffering from ailments that make them less mobile, the design had to ensure accessibility would not be an issue for those wanting to enjoy the garden. “To address the issue of accessibility, we made sure the garden is all on one level, and the areas between the planters and pergolas is wide enough to allow for wheelchair access all the way around.”

The design itself was not without its challenges, Tony explains: “We had to work around the hospital staff and patients to minimise inconvenience and gain approval from the hospital trust and facilities management.

Although, getting materials to the roof was by far the biggest challenge.”

The inspiration Recently, Laura, wife to the late John King whom the charity is named after, spoke with the neuro surgeon that operated on her husband, Tim Jones, while he was escorting an elderly gentleman around the new garden.

“The elderly man was recovering from major surgery and he told Tim that it was the first

time he had been out all summer. This moved Tim to tears.” When asked about how they envisaged the garden, Laura tells us: “We wanted to transform the garden into a beautiful haven for patients to recover, often following major surgery, and this was certainly accomplished.”

WE WANTED TO TRANSFORM THE GARDEN INTO A BEAUTIFUL HAVEN FOR PATIENTS TO RECOVER, OFTEN FOLLOWING MAJOR SURGERY, AND THIS WAS CERTAINLY ACCOMPLISHED The story “It’s medically proven that a garden environment will improve and speed up recovery, so the garden is perfect,” Laura continues.

“The John King Brain Tumour Foundation can never thank Tony and Garden Club London enough for what they have achieved. The transformation of the garden is fantastic and is appreciated by so many people. The garden also provides a recreational space that the staff love. The first night it was finished the staff ordered food and celebrated the new garden.

Tony would also like to thank sponsors Adezz, Namgrass and Forest garden products. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

16/08/2018 11:40

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NEWS

plants@work outline about the benefits of plants, as well as a plant giveaway.

During the week we used our website to publish case studies of members’ installations and social media to promote what we were doing during the week. Our website carries a three-part review of the week, including plant giveaways by members, Urban Planters, Enterprise Plants, Indoor Garden Design, Green Team Interiors, Ambius and Tivoli Services.

National plants@work Week In July, we celebrated our 6th successive annual National Plants@Work Week campaign with a pop-up office cum library and the launch of a new book.

The pop-up was facilitated by plants@work ambassador Ian Drummond, Creative Director at Indoor Garden Design who built the pop-up at the Blue Fin Building in London. Invited press and bloggers came along and Book launch the occupants of the building were treated to lots of information Our second book, Plants for

much as possible.

The book also contains guest articles from two American plantscapers, Joe Zazzera and Jim Mumford and researcher Dr Ronald Wood from Australia. It also includes two interviews, one from biophilic architect and designer, Oliver Heath and from Dr Craig Knight, Director of Psychology at Exeter University and founder of Identity Realization.

The book is intended for our members to use or pass onto clients, so it will not be available on general release. www.plantsatwork.org.uk

Ian Drummond, plants@work Ambassador manning the pop-up office

Wellbeing was also launched at the pop-up with complimentary copies for the attending press.

The book attempts to cover 30 years of research into the many benefits of plants. We can’t claim that everything is covered but we have tried to cover as

BALI briefing in January 2019. If you are a BALI member and have any questions, please email: darren.taylor@bali.org.uk BALI support Coles Nurseries’ Open Day On 13 September, BALI will attend Coles Nurseries’ Open Day at Market Deeping Nursery in support of both Perennial and HOPE Leicester charities.

BALI website development underway BALI has commissioned a new website which is due to go live

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Preparations underway for BALI designer seminar Following a successful 2017 event BALI is returning to the Landscape Show on 18 and 19 September. For 2018, BALI will be hosting its own professional seminar, Setting up a Design Practice. BALI will also be promoting its latest contractor trade campaign to entice non-members to join the association as registered

members. There is also over £3,000 worth of landscaping prizes to be won. Visit BALI’s stand A21 during show hours for details.

Record number of entries for BALI Awards 2018 BALI has announced the highest number of entries to the BALI National Landscape Awards for nine years, following the news earlier this year that the organisation would be brought back in house after partnering with Horticulture Week for a number of years. Anchor and sports journalist Dan Walker will

Dan Walker

be entertaining BALI members and industry guests and presenting members with their prestigious awards during the ceremony at Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London, on Friday 7 December 2018.

Tickets are now available via the BALI Awards website at: www.bali.org.uk

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RHS report

RHS Malvern Autumn Show, Malvern, 29 - 30 September The Malvern Autumn Show returns for a weekend of home-grown family fun. Showgoers have the opportunity to browse top exhibits and purchase quality plants from these award-winning nurseries.

Hear from horticultural experts, watch demonstrations and take part in workshops with some of the country’s top florists and growers. The UK National Giant Vegetable Championship promises to return bigger and better than ever before with a

Malvern Flower Show

broad variety of oversized vegetables. Nostalgia and retro fans can discover hidden gems in the Vintage Village with an array of eclectic finds.

RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show, Surrey, 4 - 9 September Bringing the summer season to a close, this RHS Show will offer more than 50 specialist nurseries, including RHS Chelsea and Hampton Court Palace Flower Show medal winners. The National

Dahlia Society Annual Show, showcasing the very best in dahlia cultivation. Marvel at floral displays from Surrey NAFAS, visit Jonathan Moseley’s Flower Bus and view a gallery of floral art by Anita Nowinska in the Glasshouse.

Autumn Festival, RHS Garden Harlow Carr, 28 - 30 September This festival celebrates everything Autumn, with a chance to learn traditional wood crafts, such as whittling and willow weaving, as well as chainsaw sculpting demonstrations. Plus, enjoy a guided walk and talk through Harlow Carr’s Arboretum collections.

The Taste of Autumn Artisan Food Fair, RHS Garden Rosemoor, 14 - 16 September New to this year’s garden events, Rosemoor’s Garden Room will play host to more than 30 of the UK’s top artisan food producers. There will be stalls selling local artisan produce including cheeses, jams, heritage apples and wild mushrooms, as well as fruit and vegetables grown on site. www.rhs.org.uk

RHS Harlow Carr

APL update APL Autumn Seminar “It’s Time to Plant” 25 September We have paved, built walls and even faked it, but now for the finishing touches, It’s time to plant!

The seminar will explore the following topics:

Kate Gould

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The design process Kate Gould will cover how to interpret a brief, the process and considerations to take when designing a planting scheme and the role of the designer with the contractor.

Soil - Tim O’Hare will talk about soil types, problems and solutions. He will look at the recent issues with compaction in new builds and

Tim O’Hare

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Mark Gregory

the soil that is left by builders.

It’s Just an Illusion Mark Gregory and Kate Gould discuss some of their fantastic planting schemes at the shows both here and abroad. They will observe the difference between this and normal builds.

Getting mature... planting and handling - A look at handling large mature stock.

What machinery, tools and kit are required, what pits should be dug and anchoring and irrigation.

Mark Gregory will explain the logistics of a Jamie Butterworth

project with mature trees and shrubs.

A session on planting combinations will be discussed by Jamie Butterworth. He will cover, ‘right place right plant’ and talk about combinations against stone and other surfaces.

With many more speakers yet to be announced, it promises to be an educational and inspirational day for all who attend. Prices are £65 + VAT for APL members and £70 + VAT for non-members.

If you have any queries please contact us on 0333 003 3550 or events@hta.org.uk www.landscaper.org.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

20/08/2018 14:14

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Parks Alliance matters

Charter for Parks The Parks Alliance is delighted to be a signed up supporter of Charter for Parks, which calls for parks to be protected, well resourced and community focussed.

The charter, which has been co-ordinated by the National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces calls on all politicians to take action to protect green spaces. It asks them to: • Celebrate the central role well run parks play in our

neighbourhoods for all sections of our community • Recognise the right of every citizen to have access within walking distance to a good quality public green space • Endorse a legal duty for all public green space to be managed to a good standard • Embed effective protection from inappropriate development or use, or loss of any part of our parks • Ensure adequate longterm resources for ongoing maintenance, management

the challenges facing parks.

These issues and the role parks should play in delivering the Government’s 25-year Environment Plan, will be actively raised with the Minister when he meets with TPA and the other members of the Parks Action Group in the autumn.

Closer to the front line, as our Parks begin to recover from one of the hottest and driest summers on record, and our thoughts turn to preparing for the autumn and winter, we can’t help but become increasingly concerned that the future is not looking well for many of our existing open spaces! www.theparksalliance.org

and improvements • Encourage and enable community involvement and empowerment of local people and park users Responding to the Charter, Parks minister Rishi Sunak said he would look to address the Charter’s key proposal for a legal duty to manage public green space to a good standard, but advised that government policy was to not: “impose excessive central reporting burdens on local government”.

At a time when our local authorities are struggling to set their budgets, TPA is lobbying for Parks Action Group to be given more resources to help to address at least some of

SGD bulletin Speakers Announced For SGD Autumn Conference Five world-class speakers from the UK, Brazil, Australia and Italy have been announced for the SGD Autumn Conference, ‘Geometry: new angles on gardens and landscape’, on Saturday 17 November 2018 at London’s Royal Geographical Society.

From the UK, Christopher Bradley-Hole FSGD, one of the world’s most influential landscape designers

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– whose work has had a far-reaching impact on the way contemporary design has developed – and landscape architect and garden designer Ian Kitson FSGD, will give an insight into their distinctive use of geometry demonstrated through examples of their work.

From Australia, Kate Cullity, an internationally recognised landscape architect and environmental artist – with particular skills in the integration of public art with landscape and urban design – will share insights from some of her award-winning projects including The Australian Garden and the National

Arboretum in Canberra.

Italian garden designer Cristina Mazzuchelli, whose projects are based on a rigorous geometric approach inspired by nature, will discuss how she combines her knowledge of plant physiology with the desire to link architecture to the natural world.

From Brazil, landscaper

Alex Hanazaki, famous for his architectural, minimalist designs, will discuss the clearcut geometry of his worldrenowned gardens.

Discounted ‘Early Bird’ tickets are available until 22 October 2018. Visit the SGD website to book online. www.sgd.org.uk

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Working better together Conquest Creative Spaces and Round Wood of Mayfield collaborated to create a People’s Choice Award winning garden at this year’s BBC Gardeners’ World Live This year, Conquest Creative Spaces was awarded Silver Gilt and the coveted People’s Choice Award for its APL Avenue garden ‘Across the Board’ at Gardeners’ World Live.

Making its debut at the show, Conquest worked with several renowned suppliers to create an example of an ideal outside space for a professional, retired couple with grandchildren, which visitors could consider in their own spaces.

“We wanted to create a garden that was inspirational and would be an investment to the property – something you know homeowners would struggle to do themselves, hence wanting to use a professional,” says Ross Conquest, director of Conquest Creative Spaces. “Our industry can be so undervalued, and I believe this is what show gardens in these categories should be all about.”

Conquest chose Round Wood of Mayfield as the wood supplier, as they sought a quality variety of real hardwood products, with innovative solutions such as the hidden clip

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systems, and Ross also favoured the staff’s joinery experience which provides invaluable insight and helps with last-minute challenges.

Round Wood of Mayfield supplied a number of products from their range, including eco friendly thermo-treated cladding and decking.

They also supplied a striking oak pergola and children’s swing from their oak framed building workshop, and a Corten steel planter – which Jason Frost, director at Round Wood of Mayfield explains were particularly well suited to the contemporary theme of the garden.

The multi-functional, low maintenance garden space “ideally suited to a professional couple who’ve embarked upon early retirement with grown-up children that have fledged the family nest” also included an outdoor kitchen, boardwalk and lawn.

Jason tells us: “It was great to be able help Ross and the team win the award. I know how hard Conquest Creative Spaces worked and it was thoroughly deserved. It also represented a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our

products in a stand out setting.

Conquest are always a pleasure to work with – they have a real appreciation for our products and the benefits they offer, so are always coming up with ingenious ways to work with them.”

On winning the People’s Choice Award, Ross says: “It’s incredibly rewarding. We really pushed ourselves with the detailing on this garden, and being my debut show garden as a designer, it’s given me a confidence boost and I’m looking forward to the future.

“The only pre-fabrication was the construction of the benches which I built in our workshop. There were challenges, with only three team members building the garden while the others completed a project in Sussex, so it was nice to prove to ourselves that our small team can do it!

“It’s all with thanks to the rest of the team: Cal, Luke, Jack, Simon, Tim and Tom.”

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30 UNDER 30

noticeboard

LUKE MILLS

JOSHUA NOAKES

Director, The Landscape Service

Landscape Architecture graduate

The Landscape Service have recently been contracted for a new 182 bedroom Hampton by Hilton development in London. This involves working on the project from planning through to creative design and technical detailing. The scheme includes public spaces, green roofs and green wall designs.

Other projects they are currently working on include a new development in the New Forest National Park and a contemporary development in the centre of Poole. Luke Mills and The Landscape Service will be working closely with the clients and architects to deliver a landscape for these unique projects. The Landscape Service have also recently launched a new design and detailing service for industry professionals.

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Joshua Noakes has graduated from the University of Sheffield with a first-class honours degree in Landscape Architecture. Prior to university he spent time working as a commercial contractor and spent time abroad on the Study Abroad exchange in Sydney.

Joshua says his time abroad gave him “a new sustainable perspective on the industry and helped me realise how much of a global profession horticulture and landscape really is.

I would recommend a career in landscape architecture to anyone, it really is such a

TOM MASSEY Landscape and Garden Design

diverse subject.”

Since graduating Joshua has also started a new role with a commercial based Landscape Architecture practice where he is working towards his pathway to chartership. Joshua told us how his overall aim is to become a fully chartered landscape architect, “I am looking forward to this new chapter and I’m excited for what the future holds!”

Tom Massey’s show garden ‘Precious Land’ appeared at the 2018 Singapore Garden Festival, a biennial event where top designers from around the world are invited to participate. The garden was in the Fantasy Garden category, where the exhibits are displayed inside a blacked out tent. Tom’s garden was awarded a Gold medal and an additional prize for the best indoor lighting design. The garden was designed to raise awareness of the threat of rising sea levels and climate change to Singapore. It displayed a vulnerable island filled with diverse tropical vegetation, including rare Singaporean plants and a beautiful mature tree surrounded by dark foreboding water. A brilliant sun lit the garden from behind, bathing it in a vivid glow.

20/08/2018 09:27

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NEW

PODIUM AWARDS Pro Landscaper is launching Podium Awards, an exciting new awards scheme celebrating the designers, landscape architects, landscapers and products behind podium landscapes. Podiums are green spaces built on top of a structure, and with their increasing popularity, Pro Landscaper felt it was time to celebrate them. Podium Awards will highlight, recognise and share the excellent work that is currently – or has been – at the forefront of the UK podium sector. Speaking to our very own managing director Jim Wilkinson we find out more about the Podium Awards

Can you tell us more about what the Podium Awards are?

Everywhere you look, especially in urban areas, there is more and more emphasis on podium landscapes, both in commercial and domestic environments. There are many benefits that podium landscapes offer – they give people in built up areas open air and space to sit, they’re great for the environment and they allow the opportunity to have outstanding spaces in an unusual environment.

We feel that it is a sector in the landscaping industry that has previously been overlooked and we want to bring it to the forefront and celebrate podium landscapes.

The awards will focus on the ability to showcase excellent core skills, meet the client’s brief, effective use of products and plants and innovative use of logistics.

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Where did the inspiration come from to launch these awards?

Our inspiration for these awards came from walking around Kings Cross and seeing the For the UK’s domestic and commercial rooftop projects unbelievable developments happening on top of the office buildings. It’s a shame that more people don’t get to see them – the technique, ability When will the winners be announced? and quality of the design is phenomenal.

Entry into the awards will close on 1 December We believe that it’s Pro Landscaper’s duty 2018 with the shortlist being announced in the to share what is happening in both domestic February issue of Pro Landscaper. The winners and commercial environments, and highlight will be announced at our new event Futurescape the creativity and quality of the design and Spring held in March 2019. construction of these landscapes.

The winners will receive recognition from Pro Landscaper, allowing them to showcase Who can enter the awards? their fantastic projects. We will be creating a The awards are aimed at landscape supplement with all the winner’s designs, architects, landscapers and designers construction plans and pictures to celebrate whose projects have been completed by their achievements.

1 October 2018. The awards are split into five main categories: commercial design, domestic Who is the headline sponsor? design, commercial build, domestic build and Our headline sponsor for Podium Awards is outstanding podium products. The fifth category Bourne Amenity, who we are really excited to have is for a product or service that has helped on board. They share our vision of how important revolutionise or solve a problem for the podium this sector is, and they are already developing landscape sector. products and working with landscape architects, Currently we don’t know who the judges will landscapers and designers on building podiums. be, but we will have a wide variety of judges from people in construction, garden designers, For more information about Podium Awards landscape architects and property developers. please email: amber.bernabe@eljays44.com

AWARDS

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Let’s Hear it From

ROSEMARY COLDSTREAM Garden designer Rosemary Coldstream shares her experiences of working within the profession, her plans for expansion and some of the many challenges that currently face our industry You’ve been established as a garden design practice for 12 years, but how did it all start for you?

I originally trained as a fashion designer, but I’d always had a thing about plants and gardens and eventually decided to take the plunge, retraining at Capel Manor College. It was the best decision I ever made.

Do you have a design team, or do you prefer to work on your own?

I work with a small team, including two design assistants and a small group of key specialists with visual and technical skills.

How do you choose the landscapers you work with, or do you have your own team attached to the business?

I have developed close relationships with a select number of landscapers over the years. Usually it is a case of pairing the right landscaping team www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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with the right project, in a way that plays to their particular strengths and expertise. They are usually contracted independently by the client, or on occasion by the main building contractor.

Is your work purely within the UK domestic market or do you do commercial and international projects too?

Predominantly domestic, but I recently designed the gardens for a boutique Bedfordshire hotel and a golf course clubhouse in Hertfordshire, and would like to expand further into this area.

On the international market, I recently consulted on a garden in Tasmania. It was great fun – I’m open to more offers.

Would you say you have a particular design style or preference?

I lean towards the modern, but am always led by the client and the site. Often it is a case of fusing classical and contemporary influences Pro Landscaper / September 2018 25

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to strike the right balance, but I am always reaching for a sense of spaciousness.

Last September you were voted onto the BALI board of directors, what do you hope to achieve during your time in the position?

To encourage new members, keep the bar high for professional standards, and help members develop professionally through workshops and training opportunities. I also felt it was time there were a few more women represented in senior industry positions!

How do you think we can encourage more people to take up a career in the landscape industry, whether that be in design, architecture or landscape contracting?

They need to be able to see that it is a career

that can take you from entry level through to management. It does pay good salaries if you work hard and keep up to date with new developments. It is also very rewarding, but that is secondary to earning a living especially when you are younger.

Many congratulations on your recent Gold medal at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. How did you find designing a garden for the show, and working with the GOLandscape apprentices to build it?

It was huge fun, hard work, and very rewarding. The students and apprentices were brilliant – they all pitched in, worked hard, and learned new skills. And all of us made lots of new friends.

OFTEN IT IS A CASE OF FUSING CLASSICAL AND CONTEMPORARY INFLUENCES TO STRIKE THE RIGHT BALANCE, BUT I AM ALWAYS REACHING FOR A SENSE OF SPACIOUSNESS Do you find industry events such as FutureScape helpful for networking and building your knowledge of products and systems? How do you think it could be improved?

It is a great event as you can meet new suppliers, connect with current ones and hear great speakers.

The best panel sessions have professionals in the industry being open and sharing on the topics everyone wants to hear about.

What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to build their profile in the landscape industry?

Work hard, first and foremost – the best connections come through projects worked on together, and the best way to build a reputation is

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to consistently deliver on clients’ briefs. Once you get some momentum, awards and show gardens are a great way to showcase your skills and attract public attention.

What do you think will be the major challenges for the industry moving forward, and how can we tackle them?

Plant biosecurity is a large issue that we are all aware of. We don’t have the available land in the UK to grow all the plants used in the landscaping industry so we have to be tight on plant supply, and biosecurity measures to ensure we import healthy plants.

Secondly, there will be challenges over the availability of materials. There is a limit to how much stone can be quarried and recycling stone is extremely difficult and currently not cost effective. Using procelains or new composite materials and recycling stone aggregate could be the future. From my knowledge, the latter hasn’t been developed much and it tends to www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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be when there is a crisis looming that people get inventive.

Thirdly, with increasingly extreme weather variations we will need to design and plant with both wet and dry conditions in mind. Right plant, right place is still the mantra – plus allowing for excellent drainage is essential.

When you’re not working, what do you like to do to relax?

I relish the chance to spend quality time in my own (sorely neglected) garden – there’s nothing like tackling some weeding to unwind and de-stress. Also, spending time with my teenage children, walking my dog, and workiing on improving my drawing skills. There’s never enough time for the latter.

1 Tea in GoLandscape ‘Best of Both Worlds’ 2C ountry Garden, Great Kimble 3C ontemporary Camden Garden 4C ontemporary Camden Garden 5 Woodland planting in Country Garden, Great Kimble 6 ‘Best of Both Worlds’ (traditional half) 7 ‘Best of Both Worlds’ (contemporary half)

CONTACT Rosemary Coldstream Garden Design Ltd 3 St Marys Walk St Albans AL4 9PD Tel: 01727 860092 info@rosemarycoldstream.com www.rosemarycoldstream.com

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20/08/2018 15:30

Abode, Cambridge

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Abode, Cambridge

Abode, Cambridge

LANDSCAPE

King William Street roof garden detail

ARCHITECT’S JOURNAL

BBUK’s founder, Harriet Bourne, talks through some of the practice’s current and completed projects

H

arriet Bourne studied Landscape Architecture at the University of Greenwich as a mature student, while working part time for The Landscape Partnership where she gained invaluable industry experience. She then completed a full-time diploma before going on to work for Tibbalds, and then setting up BBUK a few years later in 2002.

Since its inception, BBUK has worked on a plethora of landscape architect projects ranging from streetscape design guidance, public parks and open spaces through to private gardens for domestic and commercial clients.

Harriet explains that Landscape Architecture ‘just felt right’. She had an interest in gardening but didn’t want to pursue garden design as a career, and landscape architecture felt like a good way to connect with landscape in a wider context.

BBUK was originally set up with two partners. During the recession the practice was split, and Harriet kept the name and one member of staff, Jenia Kalugina, who is now associate director. Together the pair have rebuilt the studio and now have 10 staff running 30

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current projects, primarily in south east England, but spanning nationwide and occasionally through Europe.

DESIGN INSPIRATION Harriet takes a lot of inspiration from nature and is influenced by landscape designers of the 18th century, such as William Kent and Humphry Repton. More recent works by people such as Roberto Burle Marx, Russell Page, Geoffrey Jellicoe and Luis Barragan are also inspirational, and Harriet explains that she currently enjoys the works of Peter Latz and James Corner, and the planting schemes of Piet Oudolf and Sarah Price.

STANDING OUT Harriet tells us that what makes BBUK stand out from the crowd is its ability to create a bespoke solution for everybody, delivering on time and producing good packages of work at all stages of a project. The team understands the needs of clients and can interpret the architectural proposals so that the landscape

and architecture work as one. Their approach to landscape architecture is to provide sustainable solutions that work long term for both the landscape and the clients’ needs.

In terms of projects, the one which stands out most is BBUK’s first housing project, the Adobe development in Cambridge, which won numerous awards, including the best overall Civic Trust Award and a RIBA National Award. Working closely with Proctor Matthews Architects, the Adobe development was BBUK’s first big housing project working for Countryside Properties, from whom they have since had a lot of repeat work, and who Harriet describes as ‘very good clients’.

Another stand out project in BBUK’s portfolio is the award winning North London Hospice, which won two Civic Trust Awards and the Civic Trust Special Award for Sustainability and was mid-listed for the Stirling Prize in 2013. Working with AHMM architects on the new day centre hospice in Enfield, North London, Harriet and the team created two courtyard gardens; one to the north of the building and one to the south.

The King William Street roof garden, which was completed in 2016, is another of the www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Ruskin square roof garden

Goldsmith Street illustrative plan

company’s exceptional projects. Conceived as ‘a city square in the sky’, the design incorporates paving, benches and walls using stone, and native planting to provide year round interest.

CURRENT PROJECTS Currently, BBUK are working on a plethora of exciting projects across the UK, including stage two of the Newhall project in Harlow, which includes four architectural practices working on 900 new units of housing.

In addition, the team will soon start work on the Alder Hey Centre in Liverpool, a specialist centre to help anyone affected by the loss of a child. BBUK will be working for the NHS, working as sub-consultants for AHMM architects. The project has a budget of £1m and was won through an open competition.

Alder Hey illustrative

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Nearing completion is Goldsmith Street in Norwich, a collaboration with Mikhail Riches Architects, this will be the largest passivhaus social housing scheme in the country.

SUSTAINABILITY A key part of BBUK’s approach to landscape architecture is sustainability, and Harriet explains that it’s essential in all aspects of their work; from increasing the biodiversity of a site to ensuring appropriate planting schemes for long term health of all trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. She tells us that sustainable urban drainage is expected on every scheme as standard now to ensure that all surface water is dealt with onsite rather than draining into the local drainage system.

INDUSTRY CHALLENGES When considering the challenges faced by the landscaping industry, Harriet tells us that Brexit is a concern for her, partly because 50% of BBUK’s employees are European, from Italy, Poland and Sweden

North London Hospice ©Tim Soar

and even if they are entitled to work here she wants them to feel welcome so they want to stay.

With that, the effect that Brexit will have on business is difficult to predict. Harriet explains that she doesn’t think it will affect the housing industry, which covers a lot of their current projects, because there’s still a shortage of housing. She does, however feel that it might affect commercial projects.

LOOKING AHEAD Harriet explains that she’s happy with where the business currently sits; being big enough to take on large projects, but small enough that she can be involved in each one.

Her words to up and coming landscape architects would be that while it’s not a terribly glamorous or well paid industry, it’s immensely satisfying working with large design teams to solve problems and make better, more sustainable and beautiful places.

CONTACT BBUK Tel: 020 7485 4649 Email: info@bbukstudio.com Twitter: @bbukstudio www.bbukstudio.com

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VIEW FROM THE TOP NICK TEMPLE-HEALD

Nick Temple-Heald asserts that the worst decision is no decision when it comes to business, and encourages taking a controlled risk in order to move forward So, there I was, writing June’s View from the Top in a deluge, predicting a wet summer. I got that completely wrong (although by the time this is published in September, it might well be snowing). So far it has not rained for six weeks and it’s 35oC outside, presenting all of us with our own challenges. My record of 30-plus seasons with not one being the same continues. Of course, those who know me will testify that being wrong is a state that does not sit comfortably with me. So, let’s just say that my prediction was less than optimal.

THE IMPORTANT THING IN A DYNAMIC GROWING BUSINESS IS THE SPEED OF DECISION-MAKING In business of course, you don’t have to be right all the time; I assert that you just have to get it right more than most. Right or wrong, the important thing in a dynamic growing business is the speed of decision-making. Maybe it’s me, but increasingly it seems that one comes up against the frustration of people, in both the business and private environment, who are simply incapable of making a decision. I think this is more to do with the organisation they work in than the individuals themselves.

Creating a culture in a business whereby people are criticised or blamed when a decision proves less than optimal, can lead to stagnation and hesitation.

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overrides the innate desire amongst most employees to do a great job and to improve the product, the service, or the efficiency of the organisation. The easy way to avoid getting something wrong and therefore not get the blame, is to avoid taking any risks at all.

An organisation where your prospects for promotion depend largely on a lack of failure as opposed to generating success, and where not screwing up is synonymous with success will, no doubt, be exactly the same in ten years’ time as it is today.

In my early career, one of my business mentors at Fisons, used to say: “When faced with the need to make a decision just make it.

If you get 51% right you are a success!”

I am not sure I agree completely with the 51% rule. However, we see this lack of ability to assess risk everywhere, resulting in a belt and braces solution every time. It is particularly prevalent in the legal and financial sectors. It drives me mad every time I have to deal with these people. You have to jump through hoops backwards to prove you are not an international money launderer. They call it KYC, which I thought was something to do with chicken, but apparently it stands for Know Your Customer. They quote the Money Laundering Regulations, saying that they require you to demonstrate that you know your father’s inside leg measurement before you can transfer £50 from one account to another. No, they don’t, the regulations specifically require institutions to: “take a risk-based approach so as to not inconvenience clients unnecessarily”.

The best example of this a few years back was when buying our current house. The conversation went a bit like this: Lawyer: “Can you send copies of your passport, a utility bill, and driving license.” Me: “Why?”, Lawyer: “It’s required so that the practice can demonstrate that we know who you are.” Me: “But Diane, you are my sister!”

Assessment of risk and taking measures to control that risk in this and many instances is interpreted as taking zero risk, even where such risk is extremely low or non-existent.

Those of us in operational roles do this all the time; we identify hazards, assess the risk those hazards present and take necessary steps to mitigate those risks. Sometimes these are in the form of formal Risk Assessments and Method Statements, but actually everyone does this all the time, otherwise we wouldn’t leave the house. And yet, when it comes to other types of decision in business, the fear of failure engendered by the organisation’s culture often takes over.

So, my View from the Top this month is this: Let’s encourage everyone in our businesses to take that controlled risk – if everyone else isn’t doing that it will give you the edge.

ABOUT NICK TEMPLE-HEALD Nick Temple-Heald is chairman of idverde in the UK and a member of idverde’s group board in France.

Together, idverde employs some 5,000 people in France, England and Scotland and it is the largest landscapes business in Europe.

www.idverde.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

21/08/2018 10:58

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THE DEATH OF CREATIVITY? Andrew Wilson considers the impact of CAD on the design process and on recruitment. What do we really want from our graduates?

Looking back to when I interviewed for landscape architectural assistants I was on the lookout for a creative or inventive eye, thoughtprovoking ideas distilled into a clear visual communication. This was of course in the days before the computer took over our world and everything came from the pen or pencil in hand.

I looked for the ability to translate ideas into construction and planting too; desirable capabilities for the jobs in question.

Now, as I talk to prospective students and prepare for a new academic year, I of course discuss the fact that we teach Sketchup and Vectorworks skills on our programme. But, I remind students that the first question an employer will ask is: “do you have the skills to use these two packages?” We are preparing students for the workplace, but where I wonder has the interest in their creativity and design capability gone?

It was brought home to me this year especially as we started to receive requests from designers for suitable graduates. Every email message listed the skills required but nobody it seems was looking for a creative mind. Perhaps then I should re-design the course aimed at the

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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production of the CAD monkey rather than the garden designer.

Approximately 20% of the course deals with CAD communication leaving 80% or so looking at design process – problem solving, creative thinking, concepts, design detailing, spatial awareness, place making and so on. But where are these qualities on our list of priorities?

Of course, some designers might say that they are the design thinkers in their practice, that they have the creative skills and simply need an extra pair of hands in the delivery of their workload, but I would say this is a narrowminded view.

A MORE OPEN-MINDED APPROACH CAN HELP BOTH PARTIES TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL TOGETHER When Gavin and I were recruiting it was never simply a case of CGI skills that swayed our thinking. We looked for people who could take part in our design conversations, offer solutions of their own and feel that they were included in the design process. Perhaps this is the teacher in me, nurturing a design career from college through into the workplace, but actually I was doing this in the 1980s with my landscape architectural assistants before my teaching career took off. Perhaps for some designers there is a fear that their assistants may be more capable than they are, but what is there to lose?

A more open-minded approach can

©Britt Willoughby-Dyer

ANDREW WILSON

help both parties to be more successful together.

There also has to be an understanding that graduates worth their salt will want to move on, so a sense of ambition is not a threat and should be welcomed.

When Gavin and I employed Tom Massey after graduating from LCGD we expected about two years of association before anticipating that Tom would fly the nest. He was and remains ambitious, thirsty for knowledge not just of design practice but also professional practice in the workplace and yes, his CAD skills were extremely useful to us although we remain committed to hand drawn presentations.

Now that he has moved on it gives me great pleasure to see him flourish at Hampton Court, Chelsea and in Singapore and I know he has an expanding portfolio of private clients. It is good to have been part of that, not just as a tutor but as a design partner, seeing him through the early years of experience. I trust that when Tom in turn is looking for studio support he will remember that experience and consider the creative skills first rather than those of the CAD monkey.

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

www.lcgd.org.uk

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20/08/2018 14:04

INFORM

TAKE CARE OF THE CUSTOMER ANGUS LINDSAY

Customer satisfaction is the foundation of repeat business, overlook it at your peril warns Angus Lindsay In a world where we are constantly looking to increase performance, control and cut costs, and strive for more efficient and effective ways of working, we sometimes seem to lose our way when it comes to delivering a usable end product to the customer. It used to be that when a vehicle or machine was delivered it had been through a rigorous pre-delivery inspection (PDI) and installed in such a way as to ensure customer satisfaction. Those days, it seems, are frustratingly slipping away.

In recent experience, where a large quantity of equipment was delivered from several suppliers, the customer care element seems to have gone missing from the salesman’s handbook – leaking oil, loose steering joints, engines that continue to run despite the key being removed, vehicle radio aerials missing – to name just a few issues. “Happy to take your order and yes, the equipment will be delivered on time,” then it arrives and it’s: “Oh I don’t understand how that has happened, or why that’s missing. The PDI sheet has been signed, so everything has been done correctly, it must have loosened off on the journey here.”

Machinery is a major investment that needs to work reliably from day one

To me, the problem is that people are forgetting the basics. They seem too keen to get the order and take the turnover, that they forget that how they support the sale is the foundation for their next order. Get that wrong and your customer will go elsewhere. Any supplier or manufacturer complacent enough to think they have a customer’s longterm supply all wrapped up is living in an ethereal world; selling the machine is the easy bit, the trick is supporting it.

If you bought a £50,000 car you would expect all the bells and whistles to work first time and for it to run trouble free for at least the first few thousand miles. Why then, when you spend £50,000 on something a bit more industrial, does it leak like a sieve, bits come loose and things don’t work?

Of course, things do loosen off as they bed-in and paint wears off components, that’s part of what the 50 hour service is for and why it, above all other services, is crucial. To send out a machine on which six of the seven cylinders turn forward and the seventh turns in reverse is unacceptable.

Now you might think that I’m being a bit harsh on suppliers who have it as tough as the rest of us Dealer P.D.I. an important first step in the machine’s life and no doubt I’ll get a barrage of

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complaints, but I have a huge respect for the machinery suppliers in our industry who in many cases will go the extra mile to make things happen and help when things get tough, or when unforeseen circumstances require a bit of friendly assistance.

The problem is, for one reason or another, standards are slipping. We never used to get these problems, so where is it going wrong?

I’ve mentioned before the drain on skills we are all facing, but it seems to be getting worse, with the void between the showroom and the field becoming greater.

ANY SUPPLIER OR MANUFACTURER COMPLACENT ENOUGH TO THINK THEY HAVE A CUSTOMER’S LONGTERM SUPPLY ALL WRAPPED UP IS LIVING IN AN ETHEREAL WORLD I think we all buy our vehicles and equipment in good faith, to do a job which in our industry, like agriculture, is very much dictated by the weather. Things need to work when the pressure is on, especially if for whatever reason you are having to play catch-up: the last thing you need are your steering wheels pointing in opposite directions!

ABOUT ANGUS LINDSAY Angus spent several years working on arable farms in Scotland before joining VSO in Egypt, implementing a mechanisation programme, managing field operations for a commercial cotton plantation in Nigeria and working as a contract instructor for Massey Ferguson in Yemen.

He gained an MSc in agricultural engineering and mechanisation management at Silsoe, joining Glendale as machinery manager in 1994, and then idverde UK in 2009 as group head of assets and fleet.

Contact: angus.lindsay@idverde.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

20/08/2018 09:02

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14/08/2018 06/08/2018 16:01 10:17

INFORM

FOR BETTER FOR WORSE HOLLY YOUDE

Is working with your partner a good idea?

Holly Youde weighs up the pros and cons of being in business with the other half They do say never work with children and animals… but what about husbands? Most people would probably say no way – but is that the truth? Is there a formula to making it work? Anyone knows that being in business can be stressful enough, but what happens when you add your other half to the equation?

THE FACT THAT WE ARE ALREADY A HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM IS A HUGE BENEFIT TO THE BUSINESS AS WE CAN BRING OUR COMPATIBILITY INTO THE DIRECTOR-DIRECTOR RELATIONSHIP I’ve been lucky enough to meet some great couples in the industry who manage to work closely together at work and at home, juggling kids, households and the demands and strains that running a growing business puts on a relationship, so I do know it’s possible.

Personally, I have found there are positives and negatives. For example, we end up talking shop far too much. We have to consciously refrain from discussing work issues when we

should be enjoying our own time to relax and unwind – rather than winding each other up!

The home/work life boundary has become more blurred for us too.

We also have to be mindful and try to refrain from reminding each other what needs to be done (better known as nagging). Noone likes being told what to do in a relationship, we have our respective areas of responsibility in the business and we can often chase each other to do things… so tread carefully is all I can say.

I wonder sometimes what the rest of the team think, as we can ‘have our moments’ in the office and tension can be impossible to hide.

I suspect they are used to it, however we do have a great team around us who read us well and know not to worry.

Over the years, we have learnt a lot about each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Both of us are control freaks and perfectionists in our own way – some things complement each other and some clash. Don’t get me wrong, we can irritate each other – regularly, but overall it works if you make it work. If both of you are prepared to compromise and you can accept criticism from each other (that bit is NOT easy).

Personally, I think the fact that we are already a husband and wife team is a huge benefit to the business as we can bring our compatibility into the director-director relationship. I’ve seen so many company partnerships break down

through disagreements, differences in vision or lack of respect, but when you’re living together it’s easier to work out a compromise, simply because you have to.

Over the past few years we have both come across different opportunities through people we meet throughout the wider industry. We are able to support and encourage each other to grow which I don’t think you would necessarily have if you weren’t in a relationship with a business partner.

Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if we worked in different places – maybe it would be a nice surprise to hear about how each other’s day went. But, honestly, I wouldn’t change the fact that we are on this rollercoaster journey together, supporting each other in a thriving, friendly and hugely diverse industry, with new and exciting opportunities to explore around every corner. It’s great to be able to share the journey with someone.

ABOUT HOLLY YOUDE Holly is joint director of North West based Urban Landscape Design Ltd and has a fundamental role in the growth and diversification of the business.

Urban has recently won Best Commercial Garden at the APL Awards and this year the business won the High Sheriff of Cheshire Award for Enterprise. www.urbanlandscapedesign.co.uk

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www.prolandscapermagazine.com

15/08/2018 16:14

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23/03/2018 14/08/2018 11:46 16:02

INFORM

S

ituated in the county of West Sussex just north of Chichester, Parham House and Gardens is one of the true jewels of the south of England – not to mention the whole of the UK. The site itself dates back around a thousand years, and is mentioned in the Domesday Book – according to one of their four gardeners Henry Macaulay. The first stone of the house meanwhile, was laid in 1577 and the property has since been passed between a grand total of three families in the last 500 years. Its current custodians, as of 1993, are Lady Emma Barnard and her husband James, who run the site as a charitable trust alongside The Parham Park Trust.

Alongside the house – which is extraordinarily beautiful, in a way that only Elizabethan houses tend to be – there is also a four-acre walled garden, containing a variety of immaculately tended horticultural environments, including a vegetable garden, an orchard as well as herbaceous borders.

The extensive pleasure grounds which lay beyond that meanwhile are a veritable idyll consisting of spring flowers (succeeded by wild orchids in the summer), a wide variety of specimen trees and a lake.

Mucking in and mulching The four gardeners are overseen by Reese Toogood, Garden Foreman and Head Gardener, Tom Brown. The aforementioned Henry is just one of several people tasked with the job of keeping Parham Gardens in top www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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A jewel in the heart of Sussex Pro Landscaper pays a visit to the idyllic Parham House and Gardens to discuss the impact of the recent hot weather on this most fabulous of sites

condition, all of whom are allotted their respective areas across the site. Such is his respect for his colleagues, Henry is deemed the best person to speak to Pro Landscaper however, because of his level of experience within the role.

Going into greater depth about Parham Gardens, he says: “We all have our own areas of responsibility – I manage the herbaceous borders, Max does the cut flowers for the house and the vegetables, Laura is responsible for the glass house and herb garden, and Sam takes care of the pleasure ground areas. We also have our head gardener, Tom. “At the same time, we don’t all work individually all of the time, because there are sometimes problem areas which need to be tackled collectively or larger tasks which need

to be handled in specific seasons. For instance, pruning the roses – particularly the rambling roses – in January, or all mucking in during mulching season.”

According to Henry, as old as the site is, its evolution into its current form has taken place over a relatively short space of time, beginning in the 20th century when the emphasis was on productivity of fruit, flowers and vegetables during the Second World War. It was subsequently landscaped in the 1980s by Peter Coats and Lanning Roper, who imposed the current layout across the gardens, with it then being overlain with herbaceous borders in the 1990s.

Speaking of the overall landscaping style, Henry says: “The pleasure grounds have been restored to more native planting, putting in Pro Landscaper / September 2018 41

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heather, gorse and so Long, hot summer on. There will always Pro Landscaper carried out be the temptation the interview with Henry in to put exotic trees July, in the middle of one and shrubs in, but of the hottest summers in at the same time a generation. Indeed, we want to balance on the day we spoke, having that out with more obviously marked the date in traditional plants, and his diary, he pointed out that there Henry Macaulay the seven acres around the had been no rain in that part of the walled garden are meant to be world since the end of May. a link to the wilder landscape.”

This is just one issue however, suggesting that He continues: “One particularly interesting the upkeep of Parham Gardens might not aspect of the landscaping is a series of clay necessarily be as straightforward as it first pipes connected to dipping ponds across appears. Speaking of the impact of the hot the property. When they were working – which weather in particular, he says: “The lack of unfortunately, they don’t anymore because regular rainfall has really affected us in the sense they’ve corroded – the pipes meant that the that we’ve had to get out there and keep things gardeners always had water available to them.” watered ourselves. Of course, it won’t be truly Regarding the most recent changes, catastrophic unless the authorities make the Henry has just assisted with the replanting of decision to turn the water off, but it does add the ‘blue border’, a process which has involved another element of pressure. We’ve just come something like 4,000 perennials over the course out of the longest, coldest, wettest, winter of two years. The ‘gold border’ meanwhile for years and now we’re getting the longest, has also been replanted in a contemporary driest summer.” meadow style.

He continues: “With that in mind, there are The gardens have also started experimenting clearly plants which we need to pay particular with annual climber trials, for instance trying attention to when it becomes as dry as it has out numerous types of sunflowers, alliums been, such as anything in pots in our nursery, and so on. These, needless to say, put on as well as the 150-odd climbers which we’ve “a fantastic show.” started to trial. Something like the herbaceous

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borders, which I manage, need less attention but you still have to make sure that they establish properly and don’t keel over in the heat.

“The good thing is, lots of plants aren’t actually trying to grow too much right now.

They’ve recognised that it’s incredibly hot for one thing, and because we’re heading into the late summer, most of their growth is already out there anyway.”

THERE WILL ALWAYS BE THE TEMPTATION TO PUT EXOTIC TREES AND SHRUBS IN, BUT AT THE SAME TIME WE WANT TO BALANCE THAT OUT WITH MORE TRADITIONAL PLANTS, AND THE SEVEN ACRES AROUND THE WALLED GARDEN ARE MEANT TO BE A LINK TO THE WILDER LANDSCAPE According to Henry, as time consuming as these extra watering duties are, there are also benefits to them in that during the driest periods, there’s no other choice for him and his colleagues than to slow down if they want to do the job properly. This, somewhat paradoxically, has also seemingly helped them cope with the heat at one of the busiest times of the year.

Alongside the heat, another complication – although that might be putting things a bit strongly – specifically in relation to the design of the garden itself, is the continual need for Parham House to maintain the sense of its own identity, while at the same time changing its offer according to the needs of the market.

In recent years, this desire to evolve has manifested in the aforementioned dalliance with different varieties of climbing plants, as well as an apple festival which they’re running for the first time this year.

Speaking of this tension, Henry says: “The sticking point ultimately is how ambitious you want to be in relation to how people already interact with the site, and how they want to interact with it. You can create new areas, and obviously that’s fantastic because it enhances www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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the visitor experience, but at the same time we’re all very aware that people come to Parham for a reason.

“The core of the vision is essentially to continue to make Parham a really special, unique place to visit. We get around 35,000 visitors a year, which is very small compared to most National Trust-type places but that’s fine for us because people know that they’re not going to be surrounded by crowds.”

He continues: “When we do change things, it always has to be a collective decision made in particular on the part of the family, the charitable trust, and the head gardener. There’s also our garden director Todd Longstaff-Gowan, who, amongst many other things, is the president of the London Parks and Gardens Trust.

“In terms of actually changing what we do, we’ve already toyed with public events, for instance during Halloween last year. But the purpose of that, as much as anything else, was to celebrate the fact that we have a very productive garden.

“Regarding the apple festival, we see it as a way of engaging people, so we’re giving them the opportunity to bring their own apples along, have them tested to see what type they are, and even get them juiced if they want. Because of the wonderful spring we’ve had, it should be a stonking crop this year.

“Parham House is a truly extraordinary place to be involved with, and it’s a privilege to work here as part of such an amazing group of people.” www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Parham House and Gardens is a genuinely wonderful environment in which to spend an afternoon communing with nature, as well as enjoying some well-earned rest and relaxation.

We’re in no doubt that – under the guidance of Henry and his team – any changes made going forward will not only benefit the thousands of people who visit on a yearly basis, but the ongoing legacy of this grand old site.

1 The entrance border ©Trevor Sims 2P arham House exterior ©Nick McCann 3T he vegetable garden ©Elizabeth Zeschin 4 Inside

the glasshouse ©Trevor Sims 5P arham planting trials ©Trevor Sims 6B lue border ©Trevor Sims Pro Landscaper / September 2018 43

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ALEXANDRA STEED URBAN Over 80,000 plants transform this city campus

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PORTFOLIO

PROJECT DETAILS Build time 2015–2017 Size of project 5ha

CALM IN THE CITY ALEXANDRA STEED URBAN Sky’s mixed-use campus in West London has been transformed into a calm, leafy and inspirational work space

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ky UK has transformed its headquarters by undertaking extensive redevelopment works on their campus in Isleworth, West London. The broadcaster undertook the project to consolidate the company’s operations and host up to 12,000 personnel. The landscape design began in April 2015, moving through concept to detailed design, and soon after construction began. The campus opened in August 2016, but all final phases of landscape construction were completed in February 2017.

Brief and design The five-hectare site is adjacent to the M4 and close to Heathrow, it’s also recognisable from the air due to the identifiable wind turbine at Sky Studios. The mixed-use campus is a community in its own right and includes office space, studios and production facilities, alongside research and development zones. Designed to give Sky employees a calm, inspiring place to work, the grounds

1 The yorkstone cafe terrace seamlessly connects with the great lawn. The Health and Fitness Centre and HUB buildings in the background.

2 View from within the perennial garden towards Sky Central www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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PORTFOLIO

knit the site together and offer a pleasant and leafy campus environment. Alexandra Steed Urban developed the project closely with Sky and considered the landscape in many layers, including routes, zones, character and planting areas, trees, surface types, furniture and features.

Planting Around 80,000 perennial plants are surrounded by 10,000m2 of formal lawns and 300 semi-mature trees.

The large oak on the bank opposite Sky Central was craned in over the building during construction. The meadow planting at the back of Sky Central and the areas heading out towards The Health and Fitness Centre are populated by wildflower which is controlled and monitored to encourage biodiversity through the site, such as pollinating insects and, as a result, birds and other wildlife to the area.

The gardens are an eclectic mix of native and cultivated plants which require constant care and attention. The arrangement of landscape character areas complements the adjacent building uses and zones and are defined by their composition and selection of plant species. A perennial garden, meadow, great lawn with single oak, woodland, and wetland are all featured and in each of these spaces, planting was selected to provide seasonal beauty and interest. While the project was conceived with specific programmes in mind, it allows for flexibility, and for the people using the site to create their own patterns.

3 Bird’s eye view of the main entry, through the perennial garden to Sky Central 4 The upper walk, at the south end of the site, towards the multi-storey car park 5 Staff approaching the Sky Central main entry, through the perennial garden 6 The great lawn, terracing down from the perennial garden and framed by the woodland is an open, sunny lunchtime spot

ABOUT ALEXANDRA STEED URBAN Alexandra Steed founded URBAN in 2013. By synthesising her background in art, landscape and sustainability, she transforms urban spaces to places of art and beauty.

Alexandra is a chartered landscape architect in the UK and has also worked for a number of years in Canada, where she trained. In the last 15 years, Alexandra’s work includes projects in the UK, Russia, Asia, The Americas and The Middle East. www.alexandrasteedurban.com

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www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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PORTFOLIO

7 The Sky Street approach, on Sky Central’s west side, is framed by an alley of Honey locust trees 8 The striking wind turbine at Sky Studios

REFERENCES Landscape Architects

Meadow Supplier

Alexandra Steed Urban Ltd

Pictorial Meadows

Landscape Contractor

Turf Supplier

www.alexandrasteedurban.com Carey’s

Tillers Turf

www.careysplc.co.uk

www.tillersturf.co.uk

Landscape Contractor Specialists

3D Visualisers

Gavin Jones

Cityscape Digital

Lighting Designer

Bespoke Cycle Shelter Manufacturer

www.gavinjones.co.uk

www.cityscapedigital.co.uk

Arup

www.arup.com

Aura Custom Canopies

www.auracanopies.com

Natural Stone and Gravel Suppliers

Bespoke Benches

CED

Woodscape

BBS Granite Concepts

www.woodscape.co.uk

www.bbsnaturalstone.com Marshalls

www.marshalls.co.uk CCE Surfacing

Photographs 1-7 ©Edward Denison

www.cedstone.co.uk

DURING BUILD

www.pictorialmeadows.co.uk

Bespoke Timber Gates Warefence

www.warefence.co.uk

www.cce-surfacing.co.uk Plants and Trees Supplier Hillier Nurseries Ltd

www.hillier.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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PORTFOLIO

EXTERNAL ELEGANCE FARLAM & CHANDLER The newly designed garden of a Beckenham residence cleverly reflects the home’s contemporary interior to extend family living

T

he garden attached to an elegant new build in Beckenham south London provided a completely blank canvas for Farlam & Chandler.

The existing pond, swimming pool and summer house had to remain, and some beautiful mature Acer trees needed to be carefully incorporated into the design.

Brief The brief from the clients was to create a garden which reflected the style of the house 50

Pro Landscaper / September 2018

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and offered an outdoor living experience to be used for both day and night throughout the year. The garden was to seamlessly flow from the inside out, flexible areas for the whole family were to be created, providing outdoor ‘rooms’ softened with lots of planting. For the soft landscaping, the client wanted Farlam & Chandler to create a contemporary formal scheme, with hints of a traditional English garden and year-round interest, reflecting the changing seasons. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

20/08/2018 13:52

PORTFOLIO

PROJECT DETAILS Build time 12 months Size of project 1,500m2

1 The whole garden 2 Lawn swing seat 3 Terrace furniture 4 The main lawns 5 Relaxing terrace 6 Kitchen terrace

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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PORTFOLIO

Design and build The architecture of the house was transferred directly to the outdoor space, informing the structure or ‘bones’ of the garden. Farlam & Chandler created a series of connecting green spaces and two generous terraces now flow from the inside out to create separate spaces for both dining and relaxing close to the house. The pool garden, framed with architectural grasses, was linked with a calm and contemplative lawn garden, lined with pleached trees to allow for privacy while still making the spaces feel open. The sophisticated layers and play of light created in this garden also carry through at night, when the spaces come alive with carefully lit trees.

The materials were selected to reflect the colour palette of the house. A buff sandstone paving and cedar decking harmonise with the buff render and yellow brick of the house façade. The fences were painted dark grey to contrast with the light paving materials and connect to the modern anthracite grey window and door frames.

The programme meant that the garden was to be built alongside the new house, which created logistical difficulties at some point. Great team work and communication throughout the build was really important in making the garden successful.

Planting Yew hedges provided the primary structure through the whole garden, connecting each area and creating a crisp backdrop for the perennials and grasses.

Clipped Yew topiary columns, beech cubes, bay balls and beech pleached trees anchored and defined different spaces in the garden, giving each area its own character and sense of structure.

ABOUT FARLAM & CHANDLER Farlam & Chandler is a creative collaboration between Harriet Farlam and Ben Chandler. Together they have over 25 years of experience within the garden design and construction industry. Working on varied projects worldwide, from coastal gardens to country estates and landscapes in the UK and USA. www.farlamandchandler.com

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www.prolandscapermagazine.com

20/08/2018 13:53

PORTFOLIO As well as in the grasses and herbaceous borders, the change in seasons is still reflected in these formal elements; the Beech cubes turning golden in the autumn and through the winter, contrasting with the dark green Yew hedges behind.

Surrounding the pool garden, ornamental grasses such as Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ were planted in strong lines, mirroring the Yew but in a softer, more tactile way. These catch the light and keep their structure through the winter months.

Long flowering and reliable flowers such as geraniums, Erigeron and anemone were selected for their prolific flowering. Perennials such as Achillea and Veronicastrum and shrubs such as hydrangeas were chosen not only for the flowers through the summer, but also for their valuable winter seedheads.

BEFORE

Kitchen

Pizza Oven

Water Feature

Deck

Pond

Lawn

Seat

Stepping Stones

DURING Formal Lawn

Another important layer of the planting scheme are the bulbs. Alliums, tulips, daffodils, snowdrops planted en masse in both the borders and the pots allow the garden to come alive at the very start of the year.

Pool Bench

Games Area

RAMP

RAMP

Gravel Drive

Stone walkway

PLAN www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Portfolio 2 Farlam and Chandler.indd 53

REFERENCES Design

Lawn

Dinning Terrace

7 Long borders 8 Statement pots with seasonal planting

Gravel Drive

Special requirements The client was keen to dress the terraces in a similar way to the internal rooms. Farlam & Chandler carefully selected beautiful furniture and cushions, each with its own character for each area of the garden. These finishing elements make the garden feel welcoming and remain outside all year round to give an extended sense of outdoor living. Handmade pots were also selected, bringing a sculptural element to the spaces.

Planted up with seasonal plants, they extend the flowering season and create carefully positioned focal points.

Farlam & Chandler

www.farlamandchandler.com Paving supplier CED Stone Group

www.cedstone.co.uk Hard landscaping contractor Outdoor Creations

www.outdoor-creations.co.uk Plants supply How Green Nursery

www.howgreennursery.co.uk Pot supply Atelier Vierkant

www.ateliervierkant.com Furniture supply expormim

www.expormim.com

Pro Landscaper / September 2018 53

20/08/2018 13:54

PORTFOLIO

E C A P S D N LIGHT A EN DESIGN

GHES GARD ROBERT HU

to a bright ansformed in tr is en rd ga rraced family living A traditional te with modern e lin in e ac oor sp and airy outd

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PORTFOLIO

PROJECT DETAILS Project value £45,000 Build time 10 weeks Size of project 85m²

T

his terraced garden was dark and dated with retaining walls which closed in on the house leaving very little space and light. Designer Robert Hughes was asked to transform the space to match the newly built property. The clients and their young family needed a space they could all enjoy together which was low maintenance and practical, with robust materials that could withstand the odd crayon and spilt drop of ketchup. A connection with the interior of the property and a natural flow from inside to out was important, as well as a space to barbecue and dine whilst the children play.

Design and build The scheme was very much determined by the topography and form of the existing garden and the available budget. Concentrating the budget on the key areas and using high-quality materials, www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Portfolio 3 Robert Hughes.indd 55

Robert transformed the garden into a chic, luxurious family space. The concept was to create a simple, geometric space with bold lines and few materials to keep the aesthetic minimalist and elegant. In order to make the most of what little room there was available, Robert decided it made sense to push the retaining walls back and install a built-in bench to maximise on the space.

The client already had a beautifully planted garden which was well looked after by her gardener. Although they had to lose a few plants

1 Cedar clad water feature 2 A view from the upper terrace 3C ustom designed/built cedar table and benches 4S pace to dine 5B uilt-in barbecue and wall hung fire Pro Landscaper / September 2018 55

17/08/2018 11:31

PORTFOLIO

when Robert reduced the size of the borders, Robert was able to recycle and replant many of the existing perennials, shrubs and grasses.

A major excavation took place in the first week or two of the project, removing all the earth and some bedrock up to the top level, around the side of the house and all the way around and down to the front. A tight and exhausting challenge for the landscapers.

A new retaining wall as well as a new staircase were built, immediately opening up the garden and creating a more useable space.

The floating bench was key to saving as much space as possible whilst remaining uncluttered. To create the effect and retain the structural integrity, steel angles were cantilevered into the wall and fixed to a

concrete anchor behind the blockwork.

A timber frame was fixed to the steel and the bench was dressed in 20mm cedar boards.

To avoid unsightly storage boxes or an ugly shed, a small cedar clad shed was created in a difficult covered area with chalk board doors to encourage the children to draw on them instead of the rendered walls.

Challenges The major challenge, apart from the valiant effort to remove the sheer volumes of waste from an awkward site, was working with such limited space and imposing existing features and using them to their advantage.

ABOUT ROBERT HUGHES GARDEN DESIGN

Materials The materials were all sourced from a range of reputable suppliers including Millboard for the ground level decking and Greensquares for the porcelain paving. The Pot company supplied the striking black wall hung fire, whilst Silva Timber supplied the cedar which was used to create the table, benches and the cladding which was cleverly bent around the existing curved retaining wall.

Robert has been creating gardens for more than 10 years. Inuenced by the natural landscape as well as modern architecture and design, Robert uses contrasting traditional and contemporary materials in bold and simple ways to create his award-winning gardens. www.roberthughesgardendesign.co.uk

BEFORE REFERENCES Design

Hedging

Robert Hughes Garden Design

Ready Hedge

www.roberthughesgardendesign.co.uk

www.readyhedgeltd.com

Contractor

Lighting

Walmsley Shaw

Castlegate lights

www.walmsleyshaw.co.uk Decking Millboard

www.millboard.co.uk Paving Greensquares

www.greensquares.co.uk

www.castlegatelights.co.uk Fire The Pot Company

www.thepotco.com Water Feature Water-garden

www.water-garden.co.uk

Timber Vastern Timber

www.vastern.co.uk

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www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/08/2018 11:31

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INSPIRE

Suspended in the air, swaying in the breeze, summer living is easy in a swing seat; Anji Connell gets the hang of it with some spectacular models

SWING IS IN THE AIR

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”

George Bernard Shaw Suspend reality just for a while and ‘hang’ out in one of these swing seats and chill pods. The perfect way to encourage lounging, reading and relaxing, while gently swaying to and fro in the summer breeze. A stylish hanging seat beats the humble hammock hands down, so why not hang out in style?

Choose a classic rattan swing seat that looks fresh and feminine, particularly when swirled into lace-like designs, a modern sleek version, or something in between – they are especially lovely placed overlooking or suspended above water.

Studio Stirling’s hanging chairs and daybeds, designed by Joanina Pastoll are a testament to South African ingenuity and craftsmanship.

Made by hand from Studio Stirling steel they are not Nest egg only strong but each piece’s pattern detailing is individual and unique.

Models include the nest egg, recliner, and the basket, and they look gorgeous on a deck, patio, or hanging from the branch of a tree. The open fretwork means the light spills through, and they cast a captivating shadow.

Ontwerpduo is a collaboration between Tineke Beunders and Nathan Wierink, now an established name in Dutch design. Tineke likes to imagine things just a little bit differently to the 60

Pro Landscaper / September 2018

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Paola Lenti Rocking Sofa

way they are by fantasising new functions for them, largely ignoring any practical or technical restrictions. A superb example is the swinging birdcage in which you can swing freely while dreaming away the day.

Cageling offers peace and quiet whilst hanging from a branch or on a porch, and is an absolute eye-catcher, available in any colour you wish.

Fable hanging seating uses a contemporary interpretation of the traditional swing with acrylic fabric cushions suspended on synthetic leather straps, with a lacquered stainless steel structure and copper plated details.

The Swing Table from Duffy London adds a whole lot more pleasure to eating al fresco.

The Geo lampshade and the hanging chairs

are suspended from the four-poster frame around them, and their Swing Bar is an adult playground, making sitting at the bar even more of a fun and exciting experience. This playful design delights in both residential and commercial settings. Both are made by local artisans and in-house craftsmen, using ethically sourced materials.

The Spanish company Expormim’s Nautica chair, designed by Mut Design, pays homage to one of their first pieces created in the Seventies and can be hung from a tree, ceiling, or suspended freely from its own self-supporting structure. Despite its visual lightness, it is notable for its sturdiness and resistance. Its design recreates a subtle play of shadows, evocative of the reflection of the sunlight falling on the ocean waves.

Duffy Swing Table

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

16/08/2018 15:25

INSPIRE

Duffy Swing Bar Carousel

Cageling by Ontwerpduo

Monobloc rocking chair

by Bert Loeschner

Studio Stirling Leaf

Fable Swing Sofa

Studio Stirling

Hunter & Company upcycled ski seat

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Anji Connell.indd 61

A fun option by Hunter & Company interiors is an upcycled ski seat created for a house in a ski resort.

Swing comes in a one and two-seat version, and is made of curved sassafras wood treated with hydro-waterproof protection. A seat cushion and support pillows with removable cover in Luz and Rope T fabric for outdoor are available from Dutch designer Edward van Vliet for Paola Lenti.

Monobloc, the rocking chair by Bert Loeschner, is a polypropylene chair and polypropylene string transformed using heat, from his hands-on project the ‘infamous garden chair’ and its role in design culture.

Studio Stirling

For a visual spectacle and a bit of fun try the gorgeous Swing Necklace by Johanna Richter.

It may not be the most comfortable, but it adds a sculptural and decorative element, it’s jewellery for the outdoors.

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

www.anjiconnellinteriordesign.com

Pro Landscaper / September 2018 61

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INSPIRE

Why I...

#lovehorticulture For award-winning garden designer Lee Bestall there are so many reasons why he loves his industry, not least because of the enduring friendships he has made and the ongoing exchange of knowledge

H

LEE BESTALL MANAGING DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER, BESTALL & CO

orticulture encompasses many elements and is such a diverse industry but yet, when you really engage with it, so small at the same time. I love that I’ve made so many great friends and work colleagues who I can call for advice and who are happy to share information. I’ve found that the more established we become as a company, the more open others in the field have become – probably because I’ve gained more confidence in asking and have also become more involved! I love the fact there’s always something new to learn and it thrills me when I get the opportunity to share the knowledge or spread the passion I feel for our great industry.

As a garden designer, the majority of my time is spent educating others, be that my own staff, our contractors, gardeners and in particular our clients. I love being helpful and sharing my knowledge through online videos, tutorials and blogs, and gain a great deal of satisfaction when a ‘non-gardening client’ sends me a photograph of their new tree flowering.

I love our resourcefulness, relentless drive for improvement and passion to do the right thing.

Caring for and nurturing living plants gives me a great deal of I LOVE THAT I’VE MADE SO MANY satisfaction, and making people GREAT FRIENDS AND WORK happy by sharing my skill for creating visually appealing spaces COLLEAGUES WHO I CAN CALL FOR makes me whole. I love the ADVICE AND WHO ARE HAPPY TO fact we’re planting for future SHARE INFORMATION generations and always looking forward to the next season with hope and anticipation.

I love how we encourage others to engage with our industry, for example the RHS outreach programs. But most of all, I love how horticulture unites people and gives them a common purpose, and when you’re getting paid to surround yourself and others with plants, well what could be better than that?

Tweet us @ProLandscaperJW and tell us why you love horticulture using the hashtag #LoveHorticulture

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INSPIRE

ADDAGRIP

BOWLAND STONE

Addagrip STARPATH Lighting the Way – The Greenway Cycle Path, Shenzhen

Bowland Stone Chard Flint and Henham Pebbles Warmley Residential Garden This stunning beach style themed garden was created in Warmley, Bristol by Complete Garden Makeover Specialists, predominantly using Bowland Stone Chard Flint and Henham Pebbles. The brief was to transform this residential 40m2 outdoor space into a low maintenance, beach style themed garden. Complete Garden Makeover Specialists created a stunning border of decorative aggregates and rockery stones interspersed with potted plants and bits of timber. Blending Chard Flint, an angular chipping, with the rounded Henham Pebbles achieved the colour and texture of a natural seaside look.

Location: Warmley, Bristol Size of area: 40m2 WWW.BOWLANDSTONE.COM

STARPATH photoluminescent material and aggregate has created a decorative surface with lighting for a walkway/cycle path in Shenzhen City, China. More than 900m2 of low maintenance resin bound surfacing was installed using the Addagrip Terraco Resin and locally sourced grey stone. The STARPATH technology allows the surface to harness UV light by day and emit an ambient glow in the dark.

Location: China Size of area: 900m2 WWW.ADDAGRIP.CO.UK

DECORATIVE AGGREGATES CED STONE GROUP Silver Grey Granite Aggregate Secured by Design This contemporary garden features 16 crime prevention features.

Designers Lucy Glover and Jacqueline Poll used CED Stone Landscape’s Silver Grey Granite Aggregate along with matching paving and plank paving in the same material. The different textures of the hard-landscaping blend perfectly to produce a smart aesthetic.

Location: RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2018 Size of area: 16m2 to a depth of 50mm WWW.CEDSTONE.CO.UK

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PETER READER

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Mondrian style influences a functional family garden

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A selection of the best flowering trees for small spaces

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NURTURE

NURTURE NEWS European Commission document targets high risk plants Public consultation is open on a draft European Commission document. This sets out a list of high-risk plants, plant products and other objects which may be temporarily prohibited from crossing into the EU. This applies to imports from third-world countries until a risk assessment has been carried out.

The move stems from a wider recognition that certain plants brought into the EU host pests that have a major impact on plant species. These are of major economic, social or environmental importance to union member countries. The list is extensive and reflects the wide range of plants which currently pass between third-world countries and Europe.

The proposed risk assessment system by the legislation would be undertaken by the third-world country wishing to export to the EU. This assessment will go to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), who will gauge the threat posed and make recommendations to the commission. At present it is not known how long this risk assessment will take. www.ec.europa.eu

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Heatwave brings rare tree to flower for only the fourth time in 90 years Emmenopterys henryi, a deciduous tree that’s native to central and south-western China, planted in 1928 at Borde Hill in Haywards Heath, burst into a mass of bloom thanks to an exceptionally cold winter followed by this great heatwave across the UK. Described by the great Edwardian plant-hunter EH Wilson as “one of the most strikingly beautiful trees of Chinese forests”, the Emmenopterys, was introduced to the UK in 1907.

It is notoriously shy to flower in the west and has only flowered four times in the country on record to date.

Borde Hill’s largest specimen celebrates its 90th birthday this year and was grown from seed collected by eminent plant hunter George Forrest on an expedition in southern China.

Forrest’s prize Emmenopterys tree is strikingly beautiful with reddish-

purple young shoots and red leaves in spring, which mature to a glossy green, producing a shock of small white flowers. www.bordehill.co.uk

Ash dieback found on new species of tree

The Forestry Commission is urging the industry to be vigilant for signs of ash dieback on new tree and shrub species and report suspected sightings through its Tree Alert reporting system. The call comes after three new tree and shrub species in the same family as ash (Oleaceae) tested positive for ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) infection at the Westonbirt

Arboretum, Gloucestershire.

The findings are unlikely to have a significant impact on the environment as the newly infected species are ornamental and are not widespread or native to the UK. The infection was identified by staff at the arboretum on mock privet, narrow-leaved mock privet and white fringetree – ornamental trees and shrubs from the Mediterranean and North America. The species were found in close proximity to infected ash trees.

Forest Research, Great Britain’s principal organisation for

forestry and tree related research, is conducting further tests on the nature of the infection. This includes monitoring other species in the Oleaceae family for susceptibility to H. fraxineus infection. A number of these species have already been tested, including Osmanthus and Lilac, but were found to be negative. www.forestry.gov.uk

SEND US YOUR

NURTURE NEWS! editor@pro-landscaper.co.uk

01903 777 570

Pro Landscaper / September 2018 71

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A magnificent gnarled olive tree

NURTURE

Striking perennials

Blocks of planting taking shape

Raised planters

Designer PLANTS Peter Reader designed this family garden with bright colours and Mondrian influence in mind

The garden of this Victorian house in Chiswick extends into the fork of two adjoining roads.

The garden had an existing structure of a central lawn with an avenue of four spherical clipped Acer trees on each side, along with side paths and beds. The planting was tired and lacked interest, colour or structure.

The clients were already modifying the end of the garden to include a summer house with a patio. They have small children, and so there was a trampoline and a play tower positioned in an unsightly manner in the middle of the lawn.

The design brief was to maintain the play structures and the large lawn for the 72

Pro Landscaper / September 2018

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children, but to integrate the former into the design so they were less visible.

The clients like bright colours and love the Mondrian style of art – with its strong rectilinear structure and blocks of bright colours, particularly reds – and wanted to see this reflected in the garden design. They requested more evergreen and wanted to remove the Acers as they had become too big and they disliked them being deciduous.

Some simple reshaping and repaving of the paths and beds provided a better visual balance to the garden. Similarly, clever use of relatively hidden areas beside the new summer house provided space for the trampoline and play tower that did not detract from the integrity of the new garden design.

With the removal of the Acers it was important to reinstate height in a space that was otherwise very flat. This was achieved

using a repositioned avenue of Quercus Ilex ‘lollipop clipped’ which give evergreen height and structure, but do not occupy much air-space.

These were echoed in planters at the entrance to the garden from the basement open-plan living area, by a pair of large matching standard Arbutus unedo, clipped into large ball heads.

Structural underplanting to these Arbutus was created by the re-use of the clients existing Buxus balls, supplemented with tulips, alliums, Agapanthus and Festuca Intense Blue.

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16/08/2018 15:00

NURTURE

Structural buxus cubes

The garden before

Slate water feature

Helenium ‘Rubinzwerg’

This blend of a strong evergreen structure with softening spring and summer planting is repeated throughout the garden. Large Buxus cubes were scattered throughout the main flower beds, complemented by other structural evergreens such as Pittosporum Tobira ‘Nanum’ and Hebe ‘Red Edge’. These form a framework within which Mondrain squares and rectangles of perennials deliver blocks of strong colour throughout the seasons.

Starting with hellebores and blocks of tulips in spring and moving on to alliums and perennials like Iris sibirica and Astrantia, together with long flowering perennials such as Geranium Rozanne and Anemone ‘Ruffled Swan’ and ending with Heleniums, Rudbeckia and Japanese anemones in the autumn.

In shadier areas plants such as Heuchera, Euphorbia and Ferns take over. Further away from the house is a spherical water feature www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Designer plants.indd 73

which features a looser style of planting, using many of the same varieties, but with some more relaxed editions such as Molinia ‘Heidebraut’ (which is upright, but doesn’t get too large).

Finally, the clients’ love of olive trees was satiated with the inclusion of two magnificently ancient specimens, one at each main entrance to the garden as you arrive at the house, and others in large pots around the car parking area.

ABOUT PETER READER Based in North London and the South East, Peter Reader is an ex-doctor turned garden designer with a Diploma from KLC School of Design. With both RHS and Houzz Awards, Peter is passionate about designing spaces for clients that deliver inspiration and relaxation and fit perfectly into their lifestyles.

www.readerlandscapes.com

Plant list • Agapanthus Headbourne hybrids • Amelanchier ‘Ballerina’ • Anemone ‘Wild Swan’ • Anemone x hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’ • Arbutus unedo • Astrantia ‘Abbey Road’ • Buxus sempervirens clipped ball • Buxus sempervirens clipped cube • Campanula poscharskyana ‘Nana Alba’ • Campanula poscharskyana ‘Stella’ • Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis ‘Yankee Point’ • Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ • Dryopteris erythrosora • Dryopteris filix-mas • Erigeron karvinskianus • Euphorbia amygdaloides ‘Purpurea’ • Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ • Geranium Rozanne • Hebe ‘Red Edge’ • Hedera helix ‘Oro di Bogliasco’ • Helenium ‘Rubinzwerg’ • Helleborus niger ‘HGC Josef Lemper’ • Heuchera villosa ‘Palace Purple’ • Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ • Iris sibirica ‘Perry’s Blue’ • Iris sibirica ‘White Swirl’ • Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea ‘Heidebraut’ • Olea europaea • Pittosporum ‘Garnettii’ • Pittosporum tobira ‘Nanum’ • Quercus ilex • Rosmarinus officinalis • Rosmarinus corsicus ‘Prostratus’ • Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ • Sarcococca confusa • Stipa tenuissima • Trachelospermum jasminoides • Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ Pro Landscaper / September 2018 73

16/08/2018 15:01

NURTURE

Small flowering trees add visual interest and an instant sense of maturity to a limited outdoor space; Andy McIndoe lists some of the best

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s gardens get smaller it becomes more challenging to find trees that will add height without dominating and stealing all the light and rainfall.

In small spaces every plant needs to work hard to earn its keep, and a display of flowers in that upper layer of the planting picture, an area that is normally reserved for foliage interest is a bonus. Small flowering trees are also invaluable when it comes to adding height in mixed beds and borders. They are an excellent way of adding almost instant maturity to a planting scheme, whether planted individually or in small groups.

Here are a few of the best small flowering trees. Sizes quoted are in 10 years, based on experience in average conditions; the ultimate heights given by many sources are often unrealistic in average conditions and even in a lifetime.

Cercis siliquastrum ‘Bodnant’

Cercis siliquastrum ‘Bodnant’ A superb variety of the Judas tree with purple-pink pea flowers in profusion in spring as the heart shaped leaves unfurl; these are followed by reddish seed pods which persist throughout the season. Characterised by a wonderfully sculptural shape and dark stems, it is a good choice for dry, sunny situations and succeeds on acid and alkaline soils. (4m, 13ft)

Crataegus ‘Paul’s Scarlet’

Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ An elegant hawthorn with clusters of double crimson flowers in late spring. For fruit and autumn colour plant the ordinary common hawthorn Crataegus monogyna. Both can be pruned to control size and spread, grow on any soil and are good screening trees. (5m, 16ft) 74

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SMALL WONDERS Andy McIndoe

Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ Produces starry mauve-pink flowers in spring and grows happily on any reasonable soil. It can be trained as a standard or a multi-stem and is a good choice in both traditional and more minimalist contemporary schemes. (4m, 13ft) Eucryphia x Magnolia loebneri nymansensis ‘Leonard Messel’ ‘Nymansay’ One of the hardiest and easiest of these evergreens, forms a column of dark green, attractive foliage. The silky white blooms filled with stamens appear amongst the leaves in midsummer. It does need neutral to acid reasonably moist soil. It can be difficult to source as a larger specimen, but grows fairly quickly. (4m, 13ft)

Laburnum x watereri ‘Vossii’ In full bloom Laburnum displays hanging chains of golden pea flowers against green foliage and stems. It grows with upright and then arching branches and responds to pruning and training after flowering. It can be grown over an arch or restricted for the smallest space. ‘Vossii’ does not produce toxic seeds. (4m, 13ft)

Laburnum x warereri ‘vossii’

Malus ‘Directeur Moerlands’ A malus is the most reliable choice when it comes to a tree for spring blossom. This one has wine-red flowers, burgundy tinged foliage and dark twigs. The open, spreading habit takes a little more space, but shade lovers grow happily beneath the canopy. The small deep purple fruits are insignificant but are appreciated by birds. (6m, 20ft).

Malus ‘Directeur Moerlands’

Eucryphia nymansensis ‘Nymansay’

Amelanchier lamarckii This is readily available and relatively inexpensive. Good on most soils, it is not at its best in dry conditions. A mass of starry white flowers in early spring are followed by red fruits that are soon taken by birds. In moist conditions the autumn colour can be spectacular. It is successful in large containers and raised beds, making it ideal for courtyard planting. Selective pruning of multi-stemmed plants to create an open structure gives the most pleasing results.

(4m, 13ft)

Amelanchier lamarckii

ABOUT ANDY MCINDOE Andy McIndoe is a practical horticulturist with more than 30 years’ experience in ornamental horticulture.

He has designed and advised on gardens of all sizes and has been responsible for 25 Gold medal winning exhibits at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Twitter: @AndyMcIndoe

www.andymcindoe.com

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20/08/2018 08:53

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16/08/2018 10:34

NURTURE

Variegated plants with their striking patterns and colour contrasts are making a comeback, Ian Drummond welcomes the return of this much maligned variety

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here was a time in the not-too-distant past when variegated plants were considered to be suboptimal – not exactly bad taste, but a little bit too close for comfort. Not that they were even openly discussed, these poor non-plants weren’t really on anyone’s radar. Their dual-tones were often seen as too fussy, or too insipid – and so at once they were too much and not enough – the worst of all worlds. They couldn’t win if they wanted to because they weren’t even in the game.

WE ARE ALL OVER THE COLOUR CONTRAST NOW – WHO WANTS JUST GREEN WHEN YOU CAN ADD IN OTHER COLOURS TOO – WHITE, CREAM, PALER GREEN, GOLD, PINK, EVEN PURPLE? Well, behind the scenes, while we were all busy ignoring them in favour of their bolder, single-colour counterparts, something has been happening. A plant-fashion spin-doctor has been at work and an image revamp has taken place, and now we see what’s been there all along. Variegated plants are beautiful – why did we not appreciate this before? We are all over the colour contrast now – who wants just green when you can add in other colours too – white, cream, paler green, gold, pink, even purple?

Who needs flowers?

With variegated plants, you have it all.

Spin-doctoring aside, there’s a good reason for their resurgence.

Plants have never been as popular as they are today and Variegated aspidistra

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VIVA VARIEGATION Ian Drummond

popularity firstly creates demand, followed by a more discerning demand. We want plants, but we want different plants, we’re bored by what everyone else has, we want plants we haven’t seen before. Then we want to show our plants off, we want people to look at them and say how gorgeous they are, how interesting, surprising. They need to be instagrammable too – and variegated plants, beautiful, freakish, photogenic specimens that they are, have a very strong Instagram game and even their own hashtag, #variegated, with (at the time of writing) 63.4K posts.

Display it prominently and people will stop and look.

Aspidistra. A classic houseplant associated with the Victorian period, but now wonderfully updated.

Have a look at Aspidistra elatior ‘Milky Way’ which bears a beautiful creamy pattern speckled across its leaves.

Or Aspidistra elatior ‘Asahi’ for stronger variegation with classic deep green Variegated leaves, bleaching out at the ends in a monstera fashionable ombre-style to the palest cream.

Fittonia. These small plants bear exquisite lace-like patterns on their leaves. Look out for cultivars Fittonia albivenis, Fittonia pearcei and Fittonia verschaffeltii. Their tiny stature alongside their striking leaf markings and range of tones makes them miniature perfection and ideal for terrariums.

A PLANT-FASHION SPINDOCTOR HAS BEEN AT WORK AND AN IMAGE REVAMP HAS TAKEN PLACE Here are three of the best variegated plants appearing on a feed near you right now: Monstera deliciosa ‘Variegated’. This plant is king, all the other variegated plants should just step aside now and bow before their sovereign. Not only has the green version just been named Plant of the Year, but the variegated type takes it to a new level. The patterns of variegation can be bizarre, in a good way – it’s a statement piece like no other.

Fittonia ©flowercouncil.co.uk

ABOUT INDOOR GARDEN DESIGN Established in 1975, Indoor Garden Design is a multi-award winning company at the forefront of contemporary interior and exterior horticultural design, transforming workspaces, offices, hotels and restaurants, and bringing events to life.

Ian Drummond is Creative Director.

www.indoorgardendesign.com

Pro Landscaper / September 2018 77

16/08/2018 14:34

NURTURE

Patience pays off when planting says Noel Kingsbury who explains why starting small can lead to bigger and better results in the long term

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hat size plants do you use when you plant up a job?

Do you go for small and cheap or try to create a bit more of an impact with larger size plants?

Or are you under pressure from a client who wants an instant landscape and is prepared to pay for the privilege?

This has always been a crucial issue, but one that is very much a modern one. Our landscaping ancestors would not have usually had the choice. Think of all the planting that created the historic gardens and landscapes of the 18th and 19th centuries. That was nearly all done with small plants, with most of the trees and shrubs going in as little more than whips.

Clients took the long view – they had to – and planted for their grandchildren. In the days before containerisation or root-balling, plant material would have been dug out of nursery

CONTAINERISATION CHANGED EVERYTHING, BUT IT HAS NOT NECESSARILY MADE IT EASIER FOR THE PLANTS beds as young as possible. Perennials would often have gone in as raw divisions. There would have been great advantages to this, as young plants would immediately have to fend for themselves and get their roots into the soil. As a result, they would rapidly adapt themselves to the new environment. Planting would have to be done in autumn or winter so as to allow some root growth before spring.

Containerisation changed everything, but it has not necessarily made it easier for the plants. With the exception of those (relatively rare) species that show extreme sensitivity to being transplanted, containerised plants are always slower to establish themselves in their new environment, as their roots have to go beyond the cosy, well-fertilised, home of their scientifically-designed potting mix. I am sure we are all familiar with the problem of tree or shrub roots that go round and round rather than straight out into new soil. The larger the plant the slower the transition will be.

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START SMALL GROW BIG Noel Kingsbury

As you might have gathered by now, I am not a great fan of semi-mature tree and shrub planting. When this first became a growing part of the industry back in the 1990s, there were many of us who muttered that if we planted a whip next to an expensively-imported semi-mature tree, the whip would eventually catch up. We have largely been proved right.

In those days, most of this larger size material

was imported, a surprising amount from Italy.

Now it is far more likely to be home-grown, and a great deal of research has been done into how to grow and establish these trees as well as possible.

Nevertheless, I reckon most of us can tell when trees in particular have been planted out as semi-mature for many years afterwards.

They just don’t seem to want to grow, or somehow just don’t look as if they are in the right place. The cost implications of specifying larger size stock to satisfy client impatience are enormous, but the long-term outcome is rarely as satisfactory as being old-fashioned and starting small.

With perennials, the use of 2L pots greatly increases costs, of transport as much as anything, and of course that’s all a sustainability cost too. Perennials in particular establish so quickly that a 9cm pot usually does the job.

The only exceptions are those slower-toestablish genera like Hemerocallis, or Hosta, where larger size plants need a head start in dense planting schemes. I’m interested to see that some American suppliers are now promoting perennial plantings using large plugs; they go in quickly (saving time and money), more densely (for good ground coverage) and take off more quickly. Keep ‘em small, I say, it’s much better in the long run.

ABOUT NOEL KINGSBURY Noel Kingsbury has been involved in the horticulture industry since the mid Eighties as a nurseryman, garden designer and writer, with features appearing in The Garden, The Daily Telegraph and Gardens Illustrated. Since the mid Nineties he has played a major role in introducing the British gardening public and the horticulture profession to naturalistic planting with a series of books, four of which he has written with Dutch designer Piet Oudolf.

www.noelkingsbury.com

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21/08/2018 11:04

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NURTURE

During a break to Alderney, Jamie Butterworth finds four notable coastal plants that thrive on this tranquil island

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veryone deserves a holiday from time to time, and it just so happens I am writing this whilst on mine.

I am away on a short trip to Alderney, the third largest of the Channel Islands, sitting just eight miles away from France. Being a very small island, 3.5 miles at its longest point, it is very exposed to the elements. While I’m here I can’t help but explore the coastlines in search of some exciting and unusual plants to write about.

Crambe maritima

An island of just over 1,600 people (just 600 more than attend the BALI awards each year), it is a tranquil retreat away from the stresses of life. Before you ask, no, this isn’t a tourism advert for ‘Visit Alderney’, instead just an opportunity for me to write about something slightly different, that hopefully helps to inspire you in your designs and planting.

Intriguingly, Alderney has more plant species recorded per acre (of which it only

INTRIGUINGLY, ALDERNEY HAS MORE PLANT SPECIES RECORDED PER ACRE, THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN BRITAIN

Eryngium maritimum

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SUMMER

HOLIDAY Jamie Butterworth

has 2,000), than anywhere else in Britain. From plants we would recognise at home, through to Mediterranean plants, orchids and much more.

Below are four of the plants that are not only surviving, but thriving in these testing conditions.

Crambe maritima Sea kale, a relation to our commercially grown kale, is a much more elegant version. Grown in full sun, with good drainage, it will reward you with beautiful silver-grey foliage supporting large, creamy-white flowers. It would adore being grown in a gravel garden, but bear in mind that it can take up large amount of space and would easily smother its neighbours.

The stems are edible of course.

Eryngium maritimum Sea holly is a stunning little blue gem with glaucous foliage that grows in the protection of the sand dunes, allowing it to send its root deep down and stabilise itself. This plant was one we grew for Hugo Buggs’ 2016 RBC garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show. It proved difficult to cultivate out of its natural environment, so perhaps one to enjoy rather than grow yourself.

Foeniculum vulgare Fennel is a plant that seems to grow just about anywhere there is access to full sun and good

Foeniculum vulgare

drainage. This really is the Buddleja of the island, growing as a weed along the majority of the coastline. But what a beautiful weed it is, growing up to 6ft tall with bright yellow umbels that the wildlife adore – it also tastes great with freshly caught fish or in a salad.

Crithmum maritimum Rock samphire, or sea fennel as it is commonly called, is a great plant for foragers due to its unique and beautiful flavour. It grows in the large pebbles and cobbles, with ever so slightly blue-green stems and foliage that can be used in cooking or for garnishes.

It loves full sun, great drainage, and cracks to grow in, and displays creamy-white umbels that form a mount shape when mature. It is a good

Crithmum maritimum

option for growing in a wall, in an exposed site where nothing else will thrive.

Whilst I did mention this wasn’t an advert for Alderney, I would recommend a visit, even if just to see the amazing fauna and flora of this tranquil, hidden secret of the English Channel.

ABOUT JAMIE BUTTERWORTH Graduating from RHS Garden Wisley with a Distinction in summer 2015, avid plantsman and RHS Ambassador Jamie now works as a horticultural consultant for London Stone, having spent the last two years growing plants for the world’s top designers at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show with Hortus Loci.

jamiebutterworth@londonstone.co.uk www.londonstone.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / September 2018 81

20/08/2018 09:57

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NURTURE

Wykeham Mature Plants Instant (Premium) Laurel Hedge Blocks Price: From £50+VAT per laurel block (excluding delivery) Each one grown from a single plant, these heavy Laurel hedge blocks have been trimmed twice per year for many years, making them so dense that they cannot be pushed through. This offers instant privacy and maximum security. These blocks are field grown in North Yorkshire, so they are guaranteed to be hardy, thick, dense, and free from any imported diseases.

Wykeham Instant Laurel Hedge Blocks are available in a range of sizes from 150-175cm tall (plant at 90cm spacing for instant density) to over 3m tall (plant at 150cm spacing for instant density – mechanical handling essential).

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Mobilane Mobilane Green Screen Price: From £90 (1.8m height x 1.2m wide, Hedera helix ‘Woerner’) The original pre-cultivated green screen option, Mobilane Green Screen is an instant and natural privacy and security boundary available direct from the grower. This ready-made green perimeter solution is made from a steel grid and densely woven with climbing plants in a variety of foliage and berry colours, grown and supplied in a coconut fibre biodegradable container. Just prepare the soil, plant the hedge directly in the ground and anchor with poles and brackets.

A low-maintenance instant green option that helps improve air quality by removing harmful pollutants.

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Hedging Pro Landscaper gets to the root of these four instant hedges

Hedged In Mixed Plants Green Wall 1x1m Price: £69.99 inc VAT This beautiful artificial mixed plant panel combines a selection of ferns, grass plants, ivy leaf and colourful foliage. Designed for larger projects, the mixed plants artificial hedge panels are perfect for bright green wall art and vertical feature designs. The 1x1m panels are easy to install and will transform dull, bleak spaces into vibrant features.

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Practicality Brown Practical Instant Hedge™ Price: between £86 and £162 (+VAT) (This varies with volume and species) Using our 20 years of experience in developing, maintaining and planting instant hedging, we are now producing our own Practical Instant Hedge™. This instant hedge is easy to handle and it can be planted all year round.

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Pro Landscaper / September 2018 83

20/08/2018 15:18

NURTURE

Substrates for green roofs

Pro Landscaper seeks out a selection of superior substrates

Lightweight Subsoil

Shire Ultralite

Bourne Amenity

Earth Cycle

Price: POA

Price: Typically, £5.67 + VAT per 33L Bag

Bourne Amenity’s Lightweight Subsoil has been specifically blended to fill larger planters as a response to the increased popularity of semi mature trees and large shrub planting.

A balance of weight, drainage and structure is the key to providing the stability required for larger planting projects, as architects look to push the boundaries of rooftop design.

First installed back in 2012, the lightweight subsoil is now prevalent across many prestigious London projects.

Lightweight subsoil is BS8601:2013 compliant and available in loose loads and 1.2m³ bulk bag units.

Ultralite is manufactured and marketed for Shire Green Roof Substrates Ltd. Shire Ultralite is made entirely from sustainable aggregates, such as expanded clay and crushed aircrete blocks, mixed with Earth Cycle’s PAS100 compost. It is a general purpose substrate for green roofs that is lightweight and suitable for both commercial and domestic roofs and particularly for growing sedum mats.

Available in 33L or 750L bags for nationwide delivery.

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Green-tree Roof Garden Extensive Substrate

10mm screened BS3882 Certified Topsoil

Green-tree

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Ideal for expansive green roof projects that require very little maintenance. Lightweight in texture, Green-tree Extensive Roof Garden Substrate has a balanced nutrient content, ensuring quick plant establishment in harsh rooftop environments. This substrate is designed to meet the criteria designed within the GRO green roof code, to provide plants and trees with the best start in an urban environment.

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Eurogreen Environmental’s topsoil is sourced from the local construction and gardening sector and recycled in our fully licensed plant. The BS3882 Topsoil is the ideal general purpose topsoil screened to 10mm and blended using a selection of recycled soils and organic compost. It is suitable for a wide range of landscaping projects. If your garden needs levelling or you need a base for turf, our affordable general purpose topsoil is a good choice.

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21/08/2018 12:45

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Bourne Amenity and SuDS New demands on planning for housing and commercial developments led to the publication of a revised 2015 Ciria SuDS Manual.

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For more information on our range of SuDS materials, please visit our new website www.bourneamenity.co.uk or call into the office on 01797 252299 to discuss your options. @Bourne_Amenity ID 001502

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16/08/2018 10:36

NURTURE

TAGGING

www.creepersnursery.co.uk 01932 821626

WITH CREEPERS Kicking off the first of a new feature, we visit Creepers in Surrey to pick out 10 popular products on the nursery

ACER PALMATUM ‘DISSECTUM TAMUKEYAMA’

CAMELLIA JAPONICA ‘ROSSA’

This small, spreading Japanese Maple has purple-red burgundy lacy leaves, and gives splendid colour lasting from spring to autumn.

This multi-stemmed variety of the popular evergreen tree or shrub flowers between January and March. It boasts simple, ovate, glossy, leathery leaves and showy flowers.

Height & spread: 2.5 x 4m Preferred conditions: moist, well drained soil in sheltered position

Height & spread: 4-8m Preferred conditions: moist, well drained soil in sheltered position in partial or full shade

CARPINUS BETULUS

CATALPA BIGNONIOIDES ‘NANA’

This deciduous native tree has dark green leaves that turn yellow and orange in autumn. Some of the golden-brown foliage stays through winter, but as new leaves appear in spring they will fall off.

This plant has a dense, widespreading crown with large, pale green heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow before falling in autumn.

Height & spread: cube 160 x 110 x 110cm Preferred conditions: moist, well drained soil in sun or partial shade

Height & spread: 5 x 5m Preferred conditions: full sun to partial shade, any good well drained soil

CORNUS KOUSA VAR. CHINENSIS ‘CHINA GIRL’

FAGUS SYLVATICA

Produces a mass of creamy yellow tinted bracts in June. The oval foliage is dark-green, turning orange and red in the autumn. Bears small pink fruits in autumn.

Height & spread: 4 x 3m Preferred conditions: well drained soil in a sunny position

OSMANTHUS AQUIFOLIUM ‘UMBRELLA’ Evergreen plant Osmanthus has large holly-like green leaves and unmissable branches laden with scented white flowers through autumn and winter.

Height & spread: 2.5–4m Preferred conditions: sand, clay, chalk or loam soil in full sun or partial shade

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Fagus are deciduous trees with smooth grey bark, ovate leaves colouring well in autumn, and inconspicuous flowers usually followed by spiny fruits. This option, a more architectural type, is shaped into a ball.

Height & spread: This option is a 100-120cm ball variety. Preferred conditions: moist, well drained soil in a full sun or partial shade

PINUS SYLVESTRIS ‘WATERERI’ ‘Watereri’ is quite a rare, semi dwarf tree with very dense short bluish needles, which grow into a bonsai-like dome on twisted branches. It will eventually grow quite large at maturity.

Height & spread: 2.5–4m Preferred conditions: well drained, light soil in full sun or partial shade

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

20/08/2018 11:03

Raaft External Surface Support Structure System

Simple to specify, simple to install Designed to work together as one complete system, with an uncomplicated ‘clip and twist’ installation method and height adjustable pedestals, the Raaft system makes building magnificent terraces and podium landscapes easy.

Talk to us to about the Raaft Support Structure System kinley.co.uk t: +44 (0)1580 830 688 e: sales@kinley.co.uk

Hundreds of products.

One supplier. www.milesstone.co.uk

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16/08/2018 10:37

201 8

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EUROPE’S LARGEST ANNUAL EVENT FOR GROUNDSCARE PROFESSIONALS • Discover the latest product innovations • Connect with industry suppliers • Network with groundscare professionals • Receive 1-2-1 advice on your specific turf challenges • Update your knowledge on the latest trends • Progress your career with expert guidance • Celebrate achievements at the IOG Industry Awards

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15/06/2018 16:08 10:58 14/08/2018

ROBERT WEBBER

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The importance of reliable partnerships

PLAY EQUIPMENT PRODUCTS

98

Bespoke play areas for green spaces

PRODUCT DNA

101

BOURNE AMENITY Exploring the benefits of Bioretention soils

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE MARK BRITTON

108

Juggling priorities as a sites and shows manager

EDUCATE

COHESIVE PARTNERS

PLUS...

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PRO LANDSCAPER BUSINESS AWARDS (P91) SEAN BUTLER (P93) JEFF STEPHENSON (P96) TOWING LIMITS (P103) ARB KIT (P104)

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17/08/2018 13:07

BCS Two Wheel Tractors offer unmatched performance and reliability.

An all-gear drive system and top-of-the-range engines are just two of the features that reflect the superior build quality.

UNBEATABLE VERSATILIT Y Over 30 different attachments for all-year-round use.

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Choice of power units Petrol or diesel engines PowerSafeÂŽ hydraulic clutch Over 30 attachments Find out more by visiting

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Flail Mower

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sureset.co.uk 0800 612 2083

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mail@sureset.co.uk

16/08/2018 10:37

EDUCATE

WINNER PROFILE Green-tech

Winner: Supplier (sponsored by Adtrak)

Green-tech is one of the UK’s leading suppliers, a statement which is hard to argue with after the company’s success earlier in the year at the Pro Landscaper Business Awards

F

ounded in 1994 by Richard and Rachel Kay, Green-tech remains a family run business. Now employing 80 local people, they continue to go from strength to strength Two years ago, they relocated to their own purpose-built site at Rabbit Hill Business Park and last year the company celebrated a record turnover of no less than £12.7m.

Boasting 6,500 product lines as well as nationwide distribution and nationwide delivery, the North Yorkshire based company is also widely known for its exceptional customer service. In its latest annual customer satisfaction survey, 99% of customers and suppliers rated Green-tech as either excellent or good overall.

Judges at the business awards were particularly impressed with the company’s commitment to its staff, viewed by the company as their most important asset.

An ongoing training schedule for all employees is reviewed and updated annually, with 80% of the workforce having undertaken some form of training in the last financial year.

Each employee also has an annual personal development review, assessing the previous months and discussing future aspirations within the company. Many employees join Green-tech straight from education and are promoted as their skills develop.

Keen to nurture new talent, Green-tech launched its own apprenticeship scheme last year and now has apprentices working in the sales, marketing and operations departments.

It is also sponsoring this year’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation, which employees Mark Browne, Dean Jackson and Richard Wexham

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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WE WERE DELIGHTED TO WIN THE SUPPLIER CATEGORY IN THE PRO LANDSCAPER BUSINESS AWARDS. THESE AWARDS WERE HELD IN HIGH REGARD WITHIN THE INDUSTRY AND OUR CATEGORY RECEIVED A LARGE NUMBER OF ENTRIES SO WE WERE GENUINELY PLEASED TO WIN. IT GAVE US A REAL BOOST have all won in previous years. Green-tech’s support of the local community was also commented on by the judges. As well as donating products to schools and community projects, the company also sponsors local awards, walking groups and multiple local sports groups, to name a few.

Each year, a different member of staff chooses a charity for the company to support and a sizable donation is made following fundraisers, staff undertaking challenges such as Three Peaks and a donation from the Green-tech board.

Along with the local community, Green-tech is heavily involved and extremely supportive of the landscape industry.The supplier is a member of numerous associations including BALI, for which chairman Richard Kay is on the board of directors and sales director Richard Gill is chairman of BALI’s Yorkshire and North East regional committee.

Pro Landscaper / September 2018 91

16/08/2018 15:10

REBUILDING THE UK’S INFRASTRUCTURE

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27/07/2018 14/08/2018 14:21 16:10

EDUCATE

TAKING THE STRAIN A safe way to lift

Sean Butler trials four varying types of slab lifting devices, analysing their pros and cons before giving his verdict.

There are a plethora of slab lifting devices on the market, from heavy duty to lightweight. So which do you choose?

Here’s what to consider: • Paving type, porous or non-porous • Paving weight • Paving depth, width and length • Is the paving butted or laid with joints?

• Is the paving laid wet or dry?

Having considered the type of paving and the application, we can narrow down the type of slab lifter that will be suitable.

The Langlift In our trials, we found this simple slab lifter by Langlift easy to use for porcelain and natural stone paving. The extra long handle, which can be rotated by 90o, protects your back and hips from excessive and one-sided stress. The Langlift plate lifter is made from galvanised metal and has a high load bearing capacity, up to a maximum of 60kg.

Pros • We found this suitable for both porcelain and natural stone • Its lifting capacity of 60kg covers a wide range of paving uses • Very affordable at £54 Cons • Leaves a wider joint than we desire when laying porcelain

Probst VH Vacuum Handy Lifter This is a cheap solution to install non-porous slabs using vacuum.

We found this suitable for lightweight slabs and a short transportation distance. It’s accurate and quick for small paving installations that are butted together. Only suitable for slab laying on a dry method.

Pros • Ergonomically good working position for installation • Already laid slabs can be picked up again • Robust seal ring, can be exchanged within seconds without gluing

Cons • Limited to very small slabs only: - Suction plate dimension 280mm - Carrying capacity 25kg - Dead weight 5kg • Retails at £260 The VPH150 This is a lightweight piece of kit. The working area is limited, unless you’re using a 360 digger to mount the lifter. The range when using a wet slab laying method is increased to your mechanical 360 diggers arm range.

The VPH150 is a 12V battery operated vacuum device, lifting up to 150kg by two persons or with a machine with the aid of its lifting eye, with interchangeable plates for different size products such as a kerb plate.

Pros • Has interchangeable trolley mount • Heavy duty lifting capacity

Probst stone magnet We first used this beast of a slab lifter when building our People’s Choice Award winning garden at Chelsea. With a slab lifting capacity of up to 200kg it was ideal as each of our Portland Stone slabs weighed in at 98kg.

Cons • Can sometimes take a while to create suction, depending on slab face type • Costly at just under £2,000

Cons Pros • Good suction capacity • Dropped slab twice during use – be careful • Quick release • Not cheap at £4,000 Our overall verdict for an everyday affordable slab lifting piece of kit would be the Langlift. This will handle most of your requirements. A handy tip for two-person use, is to just put a bar through the handle so you can lower your paving into position without damaging your back.

ABOUT SEAN BUTLER Sean Butler is a landscape designer and director of Cube 1994. With a background in civil engineering, Sean has an in-depth understanding of the design, construction and maintenance of the physical and naturally built landscape. www.cube1994.com

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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16/08/2018 16:36

EDUCATE

COHESIVE PARTNERS Reliable partnerships between the trades underpin the success of collaborataive projects, but be sure you share the same end goal warns Robert Webber We all end up as subcontractors at some point in time. For us it’s 80% of what we do. Working to achieve greatness along with trades we know and love, and others that we have never worked with before – that’s the place you find me today.

A successful lighting design and installation is built within the layers of a great garden. We can only light what looks good at night, and are fully dependent upon working with all trades to achieve that end.

Regular readers will know that I’m a massive fan of the ‘dual garden’ concept. One garden for daytime, and one for night time. Most of our clients have down time at night when they’ll sit down and enjoy the £10,000, £100,000, or over £1m they have spent – which a lot of our projects are increasingly becoming.

When you talk big bucks, you need overall cohesive partners – people that work together to achieve one end. Same morals, same goals, same client. It should be very simple.

This article comes out of a few vinos in my favorite French bar, Cafe De La Poste, deep in the south of Occitanie and 30 seconds from my house. It’s been the scene of many a defining moment in my life. Whilst working ‘from afar’ it

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becomes my safety when dealing with contractors that we didn’t choose to work with.

Yep, a bad day at the office – again.

Why do I tell you all this? So that you start to build a great team of contractors now, whether you have a lighting need or not at this point.

Be proactive and find quality solutions for forthcoming problems to make the process seamless for yourself and your clients.

AS WE KNOW IT’S ALWAYS FAR MORE SUCCESSFUL TO WORK WITH THOSE THAT SHARE COMMON VALUES AND PASSIONS We do so much for our clients for free and with love because we adore the very entity that we seek to create – wholeness. For some a garden is a nocturnal party scene, for others it’s a place to sit and read or a place to kick a ball after work with their kids. For all it’s an expression of love, and it should be designed and built with love too. That’s where tried and tested partnerships are paramount for both contractor and client. As we know, it’s always far more successful to work with those that share common values and passions – it has been the basis of our business philosophy since day one.

Scenic have just started a build for a garden in Sussex. It’s a large commission, with over £2m total budget costs. Having partners that understand the complexities of such projects and the intricacies of schedule, budget and deliverance are so important.

On this project we are working with a new landscape contractor chosen by the client. I think I’m safe to write about it here — as long as we just keep it all between us.

We have spent around 30 man days dealing with crushed conduits. That’s around 10km of conduit on this one job, yes, you heard me right – 10km. Installed incorrectly, too shallow, then back filled with hard core, then covered in top soil and driven over by 13.5t lorries as they deliver more top soil. So, when Scenic came along to install one small cable, it wouldn’t even go into a 150mm conduit. So, guess whose fault that was? Well done - apparently mine!

I issued full conduit drawings, full installation plans, full diagrams showing exactly how the conduits should be installed.

I am now left with a client who blames me and won’t listen to reason. I do believe by the beard of Zeus that I will never ever work direct for a client again on a project that size. My reputation has been tarnished by others’ incompetence.

Anyway, “un autre muscat s’il vous plaît” and I’ll live and learn again.

ABOUT ROBERT WEBBER Robert Webber is the founder of Scenic Lighting, a specialist exterior lighting company based in Berkshire.

He designs and installs garden lighting throughout the UK and internationally. Robert can be contacted on rob@ sceniclighting.com or via his mobile on 07766 051 000.

www.sceniclighting.com

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

15/08/2018 10:44

CORE EDGE Now Better Than Ever...

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16/08/2018 10:38

EDUCATE

UNDERSTANDING RELATIONSHIPS Jeff Stephenson takes a look at how the classification of plants is an evolving process of reviewing and updating worldwide information

anatomical relationships and associations; unlike the earlier artificial system developed by Carl Linnaeus in his work Species Plantarum (1753) which was based solely on sexual features seen in floral structures, which inevitably grouped unrelated plants together.

Have you ever gone to look up a plant only to find it’s been placed into a completely different family to the one you had learnt in college?

I can recognise the groans and mutterings of gardeners when this happens, but, that’s the Genetic studies have revealed that Plane nature of science. No scientific fact should be trees (Platanus sp.) are related to the sacred considered an absolute truth. Knowledge should lotus (Nelumbo nucifera sp.) always be rigorously tested and updated. In this There are however many other systems for month’s column, I consider some of the major classifying plants, each one being dependent systems which have contributed to the botanical upon the views of only one or very few understanding of how the angiosperms (the individuals who may or may not share the flowering plants) are related. same opinion as other botanists working in My first couple of weeks as a diploma student their field. I remember touching on both the at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew back in 1989 Cronquist (principally influential in the USA) and were spent being introduced to each of the Takhtajan (principally Russia) systems whilst departments and understanding how the working in the Planning Unit at Kew. But it was gardens were organised. One aspect of which professor Mike Bennett, the then Keeper of the was appreciating that historically the herbarium Jodrell Laboratory at Kew, who informed my and a vast proportion of the living collections peer group of wide-eyed diploma students that were arranged by families according to the everything that had been ‘Bentham and understood in systematics up Hooker System’, to that point could all change as developed by with a deeper understanding the 19th-century of the newly evolving field of botanists George plant DNA sequencing, Bentham and his coupled with the increase in colleague Joseph the capabilities of computing Dalton Hooker, power and computer in their work programmers. He would Genera Plantarum indeed be proven correct. published in three Linnaeus adopted an artificial system of volumes between classification by relying on sexual characteristics The Angiosperm 1862–1883.

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So, who currently contributes to the decisions made relating to the organisation of plant groups? Well, following a major review of plant

associations based on the DNA sequencing of a gene involved in photosynthesis in the early 1990’s (published in a paper by Mark Chase of RBG Kew), a more collaborative approach between botanical scientists was adopted. Similar data sets were obtained from more than one region of DNA, fostering confidence in this approach. Originally, there were 26 contributors to the work from five countries. Rather than name the resultant work after the compilers, it was decided that the working name of the group be adopted.

The Angiosperm Phylogeny Group classification If you haven’t heard of it, you ought to at least be aware of it. The first version of the APG system was published way back in 1998. There have so far been four versions of the APG: I, II III, and IV

APG classification relies on collaborative efforts based on DNA sequencing studies in botanic gardens

published in 1998, 2003, 2009 and 2016 respectively. The APG system has increasingly been adopted by botanic gardens and herbaria worldwide and is becoming integrated into more recently published floras. Because it is periodically reviewed and updated by consensus and is based on evolutionary relationships between plants as revealed by genetic studies, it provides us with a natural and testable method for classifying plants.

ABOUT JEFF STEPHENSON With more than 29 years’ experience in horticulture, Jeff Stephenson (Dip.Hort. (Kew) Hons MCIHort) heads up the horticulture and aftercare division of Bowles & Wyer.

He joined in 1996 and has worked on small installations, soft landscaping and gardens maintenance for the vast majority of their schemes.

www.bowleswyer.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

15/08/2018 10:53

ADVERTORIAL EDUCATE

GILES HEAP OF CED STONE GROUP: Choosing British Stone

T

he UK currently imports huge amounts of stone from China because the sheer scale of production and variety of stones available from the Far East often make these imports a more economical choice than European or British stone. However, the sheer scale of production in China is resulting in more and more ‘standard’ materials simply being quarried out, with new and supposedly ‘equivalent’ sources being brought online extremely quickly, with little in the way of long-term planning. Combine this with the influence of local politics on local industry, and it becomes very difficult to specify stone from China for schemes that are likely to run for any length of time. More often, clients are selecting European stone over Indian or Chinese stone, despite the higher associated costs, because European stone can be imported faster.

Although we are fortunate enough to have a diverse range of building stones in the UK, only a few indigenous stones are suitable for

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

CED advertorial.indd 97

paving, so we will never be fully self-sufficient because we don’t have enough production or choice. The planning process for establishing a new quarry in the UK is exceptionally lengthy, although once given, a British quarry will be less likely to be closed arbitrarily, so will often be more reliable for long term supply than many cheaper imported stones, making British stone a better choice for specification in long term projects.

MORE OFTEN, CLIENTS ARE SELECTING EUROPEAN STONE OVER INDIAN OR CHINESE STONE, DESPITE THE HIGHER ASSOCIATED COSTS, BECAUSE EUROPEAN STONE CAN BE IMPORTED FASTER Clients are also becoming ever more conscious of creating landscapes sustainably, so we continue to source and develop new (and old) British stones as alternatives to imported stones.

Want to know what the very best of British stone really is? The following are just a small selection of some of the stones that are available now.

Scottish Caithness, riven with dark grey and brown tones, from the north of the country. The stunning new Green Schist from the West Coast of Scotland. Whinstone from Central Scotland which is a popular material for kerbs and setts due to its dark colours and strength. The new Grampian Granite from the North East of Scotland which is ideal for both commercial and

domestic projects. England has classic Yorkstone in all its formats, it is one of Britain’s most renowned natural stone resources. Delabole Slate, Cornish Granite, Monmouth Red Sandstone, Cumbrian Slates, Purbeck Limestone, Portland Limestone, Forest of Dean Pennant, Welsh Blue Pennant, Welsh Slates and Irish Sandstones are all great options on our own doorstep.

For schemes that require larger quantities of materials quickly? We still have easy access to a wonderful range of stone from Europe, however there may be a problem with this in the not-toodistant future.

Brexit: whatever ‘deal’ transpires, it is almost guaranteed that importing stone from the EU will become not only more expensive, but it will take longer. Increased customs administration, exchange rates and delays at ports will all contribute to a rise in EU stone prices.

With this being the case, maybe now is the time to look again at the best of British?

ABOUT CED STONE GROUP Inspiring beautiful landscapes for over 40 years, CED Stone Group provides the most extensive range of quality natural stone and hard landscaping products on the market. Taking a collaborative approach, the teams at CED use their expert knowledge to help clients choose the perfect materials for a range of landscape projects.

www.cedstone.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / September 2018 97

20/08/2018 09:19

EDUCATE

Play equipment Pro Landscaper discovers three of the latest fixtures for play areas

Jupiter Play

TouchWood Play

Interactive Sona Dance Arch

Hollowed Log

Price: £23,000+

Price: Installation and safer surfacing from £5,000 TouchWood Play provide the design, build and installation of bespoke play features for schools, councils, retail and leisure complexes and national visitor attractions throughout the UK and Europe. TouchWood’s unique hollowed logs are handcrafted from fallen mature trees to provide a large and extremely strong feature for children to climb through, up or over.

WWW.TOUCHWOODPLAY.CO.UK

Jupiter Play’s Interactive Dance Arch merges the latest in gaming technology with outdoor play equipment, tackling the perceived relationship between technology and sedentary lifestyles. The striking colour and memorable structure are sure to reach out to all ages and abilities. With one simple press of the button, the fun begins, and the product provides all positive aspects of outdoor play; including social development, healthy exercise, physical exertion and community involvement.

WWW.JUPITERPLAY.CO.UK

Playforce Observation Bridge

Price: POA Constructed from chunky timber sleepers the Observation Bridge from Playforce’s landscaping features range, provides an excellent addition to a wildlife or conservation area as a place to observe, learn or for friends to meet. Great for creating a natural play space linking zones and creating journeys.

WWW.PLAYFORCE.CO.UK

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www.prolandscapermagazine.com

20/08/2018 10:11

CORE DRIVE ...Has Always Been Better.

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ED SS ST A N U R I R G R T AL LE ST CI A K O I S U M TIF LE HE R O T A WH

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16/08/2018 10:39

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15/08/2018 11:24

EDUCATE

Bioretention schemes are a key component of SuDS and are adapted to control water runoff close to source. They are increasingly common in urban planning and require a specific type of growing media.

PRODUCT

DNA

1. Water filtration A high permeability soil designed to treat pollution from hard standing surfaces after heavy rainfall/flash flooding in the form of a swale.

The soil layer and incorporated vegetation filter the water gradually through the rootzone and into the drainage layer (usually sand or shingle).

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Product DNA Bourne Amenity.indd 101

4. Drainage performance Sand-based, engineered soils are also becoming more frequently utilised in structural tree cells systems, or hydro soil tree pits. They are used to help with drainage performance in areas prone to flooding, or for new developments where new hard surfaces are being added to already struggling sewer systems.

5. Balanced blend Produced to give a balance of permeability and nutrition, the soil is a delicate blend of graded sands and organic materials.

BIORETENTION SOIL 2. Optimum retention Specified by the 2015 SuDS Manual, Chapter 18, it’s laid between 400–1000mm deep.

It is designed to absorb, retain and control the release of large volumes of water back in to sewer systems/ natural watercourses.

3. Adaptability Bioretention soils can be adapted for other similar systems such as rain gardens. In these cases, there is a simple sand-based filtration layer which will hold the water runoff and slowly release it back into the environment.

BOURNE AMENITY

6. Site specifics The vegetation selection is site specific so requires input from the landscape architects and ecologists.

It can have a strong influence on the amenity and biodiversity value of the system, whilst determining the overall performance of the system through direct uptake of pollutants.

CONTACT Tel 01797 252 299 Email info@bourneamenity.co.uk Web www.bourneamenity.co.uk Address The Wharf, Rye Road, Kent, TN18 5QG

Pro Landscaper / September 2018 101

16/08/2018 14:25

Come and see us: Stand 124

Show garden winners use Lindum

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For more information or to see our full range: www.globalstonepaving.co.uk

15/08/2018 11:25

EDUCATE

Technical support manager at GreenMech, Spencer Southall explores restrictions on towing weights and explains how you don’t have to compromise on what machine you use to satisfy towing weight limits Unlike a cars’ gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross combination weight (GCW) restrictions which are measured on actual weight, the legal entitlement to tow is calculated on potential weight – maximum authorised mass (MAM). If a licence dictates a towing limit of MAM 750kg, this means you cannot tow a trailer which has a GVW of 1,000kg, even if it is empty and therefore only weighs 500kg. In addition, what limits apply to you as a driver are determined by when you passed your UK car driving test.

If you passed a car test before 1 January 1997, generally you are legally entitled to drive a vehicle and trailed unit, with a combined MAM weight of up to 8250kg. However, if you passed the test on or after 1 January 1997, and therefore hold an ordinary category B licence, you are limited to drive vehicles up to 3,500kg paired with a trailer of up to 750kg.

Towing a trailer, or machine, over 750kg MAM is permitted, as long as the combined MAM of the trailed unit and vehicle does not

exceed 3,500kg. For anything heavier, you are required to pass a car and trailer test, often referred to as the ‘B+E test’.

As drivers with a category B licence make up a growing proportion of the driving public, it is worthwhile to refresh our minds on what is, and is not, permitted. It’s worth also bearing in mind that any driver found to be in breach of the towing restrictions, can face a fine of up to £1,000 and up to six points on their licence.

However, forking out on B+E licences, when some firms have multiple drivers on the road at any given time, can be costly. For details, see www.gov.uk/driving-licence-categories. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Arb kit feature GREENMECH.indd 103

Know your

TOWING LIMITS As the restriction becomes a growing consideration in the landscape and groundcare markets, manufacturers are responding to produce machinery that abides by the 750kg towing limits. Woodchippers are a fantastic example of lower weight not necessarily correlating with restrictions in performance.

In an industry where large amounts of time are spent on the road, travelling to or between jobs, having a road-towable wood chipper saves any additional weight concerns of transporting a machine and a trailer, whilst allowing for fast and simple hitching and unhitching on arrival at its destination. It can save both time, and money, for the operator.

GreenMech’s sub-750kg range includes machines with a chipping capacity ranging from 100mm up

the spot’ chipping in restricted spaces. Though small in size, the wide, open in-feed chute can process solid timber of up to 100mm or large volumes of bushy material. It is available with a bespoke, fully homologated, trailer to safely convert the CS 100 from a pedestrian chipper to a road-tow unit.

Other models under 750kg include the QuadChip 160, which features a 360o turntable allowing definitive positioning of the infeed chute for convenient and safe loading at the kerb-side or in restricted spaces.

Also available are the popular 6” Arborist 130 and Arborist 150 road-tow chippers and the most recent addition to the range, the GreenMech Arborist 150p, fitted with a 37hp petrol engine to comply with 2019 Stage V Standards of European Emission legislation.

MANUFACTURERS ARE RESPONDING TO PRODUCE MACHINERY THAT ABIDES BY THE 750KG TOWING LIMITS to 160mm, and engine sizes from as low as 16hp, and as large as 34hp. Designed with the professional landscaper in mind, the GreenMech CS 100 is a powerful yet compact workhorse. Working at a mere 760mm wide, and weighing in at just 195kg, it is ideal for ‘on

CONTACT Tel 01789 400044 Email sales@greenmech.co.uk

www.greenmech.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / September 2018 103

16/08/2018 14:20

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20/08/2018 10:30

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15/08/2018 11:25

EDUCATE

GREEN ESCAPES: THE GUIDE TO SECRET URBAN GARDENS TOBY MUSGRAVE

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s a travel guide to ‘secret gardens’ in 150 cities worldwide, this book is organised into six chapters, one for each continent, and delves into secret gardens in a variety of places. More than 260 gardens and open spaces feature, offering places to escape tourists and the stresses of urban life. There are 383 pages, so not the easiest to flick through, but it’s packed with beautiful photography, informative summaries and key information.

Publisher: Phaidon Publish Date: 18 May 2018 RRP: £16.95

REVIVE YOUR GARDEN: HOW TO BRING YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE BACK TO LIFE NICK BAILEY

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BC Gardeners’ World presenter Nick Bailey has written this informative book on how to revive and care for your garden, covering everything from identifying types of soil to which plants are best to plant where and when. It’s an informative ‘how-to-guide’ as well as a source of inspiration with its useful case studies and beautiful photography by Jonathan Buckley – perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

A LANDSCAPE LEGACY JOHN BROOKES MBE

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ublished just days after John Brookes MBE sadly passed away, this fascinating book depicts his varied career, travels and achievements, ranging from teaching interior design in Iran, landscaping gardens around the world and being awarded an MBE by the Queen, to name just a few. Hailed as ‘the man who made the modern garden’, it’s a great inspiration for garden designers and landscapers, filled with pictures, descriptive stories and expert guidance.

Publisher: Pimpernel Press Ltd Publish Date: 23 March 2018 RRP: £40

106 Pro Landscaper / September 2018

Book Review.indd 106

Publisher: Kyle Books Publish Date: 26 April 2018 RRP: £25

PLANTS FOR WELLBEING PLANTS@WORK

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lants for wellbeing is a free book available to plants@work members filled with information on the benefits of plants and how to incorporate them into interior landscapes. It covers no less than 30 years of research into the benefit of plants and relates it to the idea of biophilia – looking at the way in which humans feel a need to connect with nature. This book is an informative read that offers both helpful and practical information as well as a source of inspiration.

Publisher: plants@work Publish Date: 11 July 2018 RRP: Free to plants@work members

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

21/08/2018 14:55

EDUCATE

WHAT I’M READING ALEXANDRA FROGGATT Title Designing Gardens Author Arabella Lennox-Boyd with Caroline Clifton-Mogg Publisher Frances Lincoln Some women buy shoes, I buy plants and gardening books. Trying to narrow the selection down from my vast collection to just one book was quite the challenge. After much deliberation, I opted for Designing Gardens by Arabella Lennox-Boyd. It’s a book I stumbled upon whilst on Amazon – I searched for ‘garden design’ and surprisingly, this popped up. There are certainly more cutting-edge books in my possession but six years after purchasing this book, I find myself coming back to it again and again. The book provides practical advice and considerations for how to design a garden alongside an overview of some of the many outdoor spaces created

by Arabella Lennox-Boyd.

A wealth of wisdom I had only been designing gardens for around two years when I bought this, and not having had any formal training, relied on advice from

Alexandra Froggatt, Alexandra Froggatt Design

books. I found this full of useful guidance, inspiration and potential design pitfalls to avoid. Returning to your notes about your

first impressions and inspiration for the space when you are further along in the design process is just one of many wise snippets I still apply to my design approach today, helping (I hope) to ensure my gardens retain their original charm.

Planting design is also covered. This part of design seems to be a little like marmite. Some designers love it, others find it tedious and time consuming. I fall firmly into the first category.

I have a passion for art, colour and texture, so dreaming up planting combinations is my favourite part of the creative process. The section on planting schedules in the book gives a wealth of information and showcases beautiful examples of how they can work together. It also suggests why certain types of planting don’t work and the range of variables to consider.

Timeless designs I have always been fascinated by period properties and this book is full of the type of home I aspire to work on. It even includes the personal garden of Lennox-Boyd, Gresgarth

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Hall, which, alongside a small gaggle of ladies from the Society of Garden Designers, I had the pleasure of visiting recently. After all of us expressing how much we wanted to live there, we explored every inch of the garden. Despite an attack of horseflies, resulting in many painful and bloody injuries, we uncovered all manner of delightful surprises, including the strange, termite mound-like sculpture in the wooded area.

The garden was decidedly even lovelier than the photos in the book. The layout was enticing, the detailing beautiful and the planting was utterly stunning with roses and clematis covering every possible surface. Training clematis along a series of steps is something I may have to plagiarise.

The book isn’t just a one trick pony featuring only stately homes. The design theories she provides can be applied to modern properties or smaller gardens with ease, and is proved with the original and contemporary spaces Lennox-Boyd has also worked on.

Designing Gardens is not the answer to all your garden design queries, such as construction detailing, so you will have to look elsewhere for that level of information.

What it does do is provide indispensable advice on garden design and a wonderful insight into a lifetime’s worth of work by Arabella LennoxBoyd. If I can create gardens half as elegant and timeless as hers, I will be happy.

Pro Landscaper / September 2018 107

15/08/2018 09:52

PEOPLE

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE? MARK BRITTON Mark Britton tells us about his role as sites and shows manager at The Outdoor Room Can you tell us about your role? What does a normal day look like for you?

My role as sites and shows manager can be quite varied. If I’m not out doing a site visit I will be in the office by 7am checking emails and making a list of everything I want to deal with that day. As soon as our sites start at 7.30am I sometimes need to rapidly re-evaluate my priorities and deal with the questions or problems that come. This could be weather issues or changes in client requirements.

What has been your route into the industry?

I started landscaping in 1989. I had just finished my GCSEs and had no real plan for my future career (other than being a fighter pilot, which was a very short-lived dream). I got a summer job with a friend of my parents who was a self-employed landscaper, thinking it would tide me over until I went to university. However, I really enjoyed the work and being outdoors so decided to stick at it. My boss encouraged me to go to college at Merrist Wood, and I’ve worked in the industry ever since. I began my role as site foreman at The Outdoor Room in January 2014.

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What do you most enjoy about your job?

Being part of a great team of people who all take such pride in their work and are always looking to take a project and make it the very best it can be. Landscaping has changed immeasurably since I started and now requires an awful lot of coordination to make it run smoothly. When this all comes together, and the finished result looks amazing, it gives me a great deal of pride and satisfaction.

LANDSCAPING HAS CHANGED IMMEASURABLY SINCE I STARTED AND NOW REQUIRES AN AWFUL LOT OF COORDINATION TO MAKE IT RUN SMOOTHLY What do you find most challenging?

I would say that the biggest challenge is possibly the fact that some days, despite the best of plans, things can go wrong. This can mean that anything else you were doing has to be dropped and the most urgent problem dealt with, so a site can progress efficiently. This could be for any number of reasons, such as last-minute design changes, client requests, or delivery delays (to name a few), but I have learnt over the years not to panic or make snap decisions.

What has been your favourite project at The Outdoor Room?

I always take great pride from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gardens. These are the projects that put us as a team under the most pressure, so when they go well it is a great feeling. Last year we built the Breaking Ground Garden for Andrew Wilson and Gavin MacWilliam which went on to earn them a Gold medal. Despite the time pressures and the usual high stress levels at the show, the atmosphere between contractor designers and sponsors was fantastic – and for the garden to get a Gold medal made the whole experience very satisfying.

What are your future aspirations?

My future aspirations are fairly simple – to help keep The Outdoor Room at the forefront of landscaping, and to help promote this industry as a fine career choice for people of any age or background. Also, I would love to be involved in a Chelsea show garden that wins Best in Show – I have been doing Chelsea for 20 years now and have had a couple of close calls but never quite achieved it. It spurs me on every year! www.prolandscapermagazine.com

20/08/2018 10:36

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14/08/2018 16:12

EDUCATE

Pro Landscaper speaks to Arbordeck about their upcoming Arbordexperts Installer Awards, including how to enter and what prizes are in store for the winners What are the Arbordexperts awards?

In the 17 years since Arbordeck first brought Trex® decking to the UK, it’s taken off.

The driving force behind this has been the enthusiasm and talent of the decking installers who make their customers’ dreams a reality.

Arbordeck wanted to celebrate the work of Trex installers across the country. These awards provide Trex installers a platform to showcase their best work to a wider audience and create decking inspiration for homeowners too.

The awards are open to Trex installers across the UK, with four categories to enter: Best Large Trex Deck, Best Small Trex Deck, Best Commercial Trex Deck and Best Trex Design Solution. All shortlisted entries will be automatically entered in the Best of Trex category, and an overall winner will be crowned.

THESE AWARDS PROVIDE TREX INSTALLERS A PLATFORM TO SHOWCASE THEIR BEST WORK TO A WIDER AUDIENCE AND CREATE DECKING INSPIRATION FOR HOMEOWNERS How can you enter the awards?

Entering the awards is easy. Installers can simply download the entry form from our website, fill it out and then email it back to us with at least one photo of the finished deck – that’s it! Installers can enter multiple categories and with entry being free, there’s nothing to lose.

The awards are open to anyone who has

110 Pro Landscaper / September 2018

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installed a Trex deck in the UK between 1 May 2016 and 28 September 2018. The deck must be completed, and the installer must have the deck owner’s permission to enter the awards.

The Best Commercial Trex Deck category is open to Trex decking projects of any size in a commercial setting – whether it’s a restaurant roof terrace, hotel balcony or a poolside deck in a spa. Best Large Trex Deck is open to residential Trex decks larger than 30m2, whether it’s a single deck or a multi-level design, whereas entries in the Best Small Trex Deck category must be smaller than 30m2.

Decking in the Best Trex Design Solution category can be a project of any size where the installer has had to work with difficult landscapes such as steep slopes, hard-to-reach spaces, or using specialist installation techniques.

What’s the prize for the winner?

The overall winner of the Best of Trex award will be whisked away for a four-day trip to the USA. The package includes a four-day trip to Washington DC for two people, with flights, accommodation and transfers all paid for by the awards organisers.

As well as having plenty of time to see the sights, the Best of Trex winner

will visit the Trex University in nearby Winchester, Virginia.

The Trex University is a 10,000ft2 facility, which serves as an educational training center for visitors, including dealers, distributors and TrexPRO installers. The visitors can learn all about Trex, from its products and materials to its eco-friendly legacy.

The Best of Trex installer, like all category winners, will have their winning deck professionally photographed, and will receive publicity for their business through the Arbordeck website, the industry press and Arbordeck’s social media channels. The winner will also be able to showcase their accolade by using the ‘Best of Trex Award’ title, logo and certificate of achievement.

Category winners will also win £250 in Love2Shop high street vouchers and can use the ‘Arbordexperts Winner’ title and category winner logo on their website and marketing materials.

To apply, go to www.arbordeck.co.uk www.prolandscapermagazine.com

21/08/2018 09:07

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JOBS

For full details on all jobs, please goFor to full details on all jobs, please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk. www.horticulturecareers.co.uk Call 01903 777 587 or email ellie.downes@eljays44.com with your Call 01903 777 580 or vacancy. email laura.harris@eljays44.com with your vacancy

CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION MANAGER

GARDENER (LEVEL 3)

idverde are seeking a conservation and education manager to run its parks and greenspace service, encompassing contract performance, delivery of contract objectives, client relationships, people management, safety conformance and financial performance.

The service includes the delivery of the conservation & biodiversity management service; the environmental education service; effective engagement with volunteers, Friends Groups and all other local stakeholders.

The company seeks a gardener with a diploma in horticulture (or equivalent RHS Level 3) to join its garden maintenance team. The gardener will be responsible for looking after gardens in West London, working on all aspects of garden maintenance, irrigation and planting and be competent in using the appropriate power tools where required; liaising with clients and updating Stefano on work carried out and relevant issues.

Candidates must have a formal qualification in horticulture, a passion for the industry, be organised and have excellent communication skills. A full, clean driving licence is required.

iD VERDE Location: Bromley

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

STEFANO MARINAZ LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Location: West London

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

SOFT-LANDSCAPE INSTALLER CREEPERS NURSERY Location: Surrey

Creepers Ltd are looking to recruit skilled landscape operatives who can deliver high quality work within our busy teams. The right candidate should be well-presented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, and be able to use their own initiative. They also need to be flexible, organised, willing to undertake any required training and be competent in using the appropriate power tools where required. They should have experience in all aspects of soft landscaping and be able to read plans. Candidates must have a formal qualification in horticulture, passion for this job and a full, clean driving licence.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

BID MANAGER

THOMSON HABITATS Location: Guildford, Surrey We are looking for a bid manager to join our growing ecological contracting business.

You will be responsible for the preparation of tenders, quotations, and associated documentation required in bidding for new contracts.

We work for Tier-one contractors, multi-disciplinaries, local and national government and ecology and planning consultancies. Our contracts range in value from ÂŁ5k to ÂŁ5million.

You will be involved from initial enquiry, through to site visits, estimating, bid-writing, preaward presentations and contract negotiation.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

NURSERY WORKER CREEPERS NURSERY Location: Surrey

Creepers Ltd are seeking a nursery worker with a formal qualification in horticulture.

The right candidate should be well-presented, self-motivated, enthusiastic and be able to use their own initiative. They also need to be flexible, organised and willing to undertake any required training. Candidates must be honest, reliable and able to plan ahead. They must have a friendly, yet professional approach with clients and demonstrate excellent communication skills. Experience in all aspects of nursery work and competence in using the appropriate power tools is required. A full, clean driving licence is essential.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk

112 Pro Landscaper / September 2018

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PEOPLE

ELOISE LITTLEJOHN Key account development manager, Mobilane www.mobilane.co.uk

Garden shows/show gardens – inspirational or not?

Absolutely yes, they’re a great place to network, catch up with colleagues and meet new friends.

Plus from the customers perspective it’s about visualisation and having the chance to discuss ideas with experts face to face.

Other than the UK, which country’s landscape inspires you the most?

Iceland – the blue lupins have taken over the island and it’s absolutely magical.

What would you blow your budget on?

A super large outdoor pool, surrounded by Euonymus green screens for privacy and an olive tree for shade.

One thing that you think would make the industry better?

For supermarkets to stop selling plants! My personal feeling is the public should purchase plants from garden

centres where expert advice from trained staff is on tap.

Best piece of trivia you know?

Elephants cannot see down their trunks.

Role model as a child?

My grandma who had an enormous garden with every fruit I could name. She had fuchsia all over the garden and I used to love popping the flower heads. I think my being green fingered, and happiest when I’m physically challenged, and getting muddy, comes from her.

Couldn’t get through the week without…

A cuddle and wet kiss from one of my two Dobermans! They are the love of our lives for my husband and I and a great way to remember one’s own wellbeing.

Best invention in recent years?

Air conditioning in cars – keeps me from going a little madder.

114 Pro Landscaper / September 2018

Little Interview.indd 114

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

i

BEN BARRELL Sculptor, Barrell Sculpture Ltd www.barrellsculpture.co.uk

Garden shows/show gardens – inspirational or not?

Always inspirational. Going around RHS Chelsea early before the crowds arrive is always a feast for the senses.

Other than the UK, which country’s landscape inspires you the most?

Cornwall’s natural beauty and Italy.

What would you blow your budget on?

A Californian surfboard or a sunbeam gentleman’s racing yacht. My passions are surfing, sailing and sculpture.

The one person in the industry you’d love to meet?

Anish Kapoor – a brilliant

artist and by all accounts a really good guy.

One thing that you think would make the industry better?

To see more sculpture featured in landscape and garden designs.

Best piece of trivia you know?

There are more stars in the Universe than there are grains of sand on Earth!

Couldn’t get through the week without…

It would have to be surfing on the North Cornwall Coast.

Best invention in recent years?

The inflatable paddle board or the vibrating table.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

20/08/2018 11:41

PEOPLE

JAMES RICKS Contracts manager, Wheelbarrow Gardening Ltd www.wheelbarrowgardening.co.uk

Garden shows/show gardens – inspirational or not?

Inspirational.

Other than the UK, which country’s landscape inspires you the most?

Of places I’ve visited I would say Africa, in particular Kenya.

What would you blow your budget on?

A water feature or a swimming pool.

One person in the industry you’d love to meet?

Piet Oudolf.

Role model as a child?

My Dad who taught me the value of hard work.

One thing that you think would make the industry better?

More young people coming in to the industry.

Couldn’t get through the week without...

My morning latte.

Best piece of trivia you know?

The continent with the highest average education level is Antarctica as only researchers live there.

IAN SCHOFIELD

CHRISTOPHER HUDSON

Owner, Dales Automation

Managing Director, Hudson Lighting Ltd

www.dalesautomation.co.uk Garden shows/show gardens – inspirational or not?

A great place to see new products, ideas and network

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The one person in the industry you’d love to meet?

Movie stars to young people starting their careers.

Best piece of trivia you know?

Harry Potters n/ Sh Diagon Alley m utt e r s to c k. c o is named after a junk shop in Edinburgh. e tt

What would you blow your budget on?

Outdoor stage lighting.

One thing that you think would make the industry better?

Much more communication.

© Ch

Other than the UK, which country’s landscape inspires you the most?

St Lucia.

www.hudsonlighting.co.uk

Role model as a child?

My Dad. Couldn’t get through the week without...

My trusty van!

Best invention in recent years?

LED lighting.

Garden shows/show gardens – inspirational or not?

Inspirational – designers pushing the boundaries and setting new trends.

Other than the UK, which country’s landscape inspires you the most?

Disney World in Florida and the National botanical gardens in the Seychelles.

The one person in the industry you’d love to meet?

Sculptor David Harbour.

One thing that you think would make the industry better?

Electric vehicles.

Best piece of trivia?

In the UK we still have eight active coal-fired power stations. Crazy, right?

Role model as a child?

Stephen Hawking.

Couldn’t get through the week without...

Several cups of tea.

Best invention in recent years?

The 3D printer – we use these within our products and during prototyping.

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