Horticulture Connected Autumn Volume 2 Issue 3

HORTICULTURE CONNECTED

Autumn/Winter 2015

News, Analysis and Trends in Landscape, Garden Retail & Edible Horticulture

CONTROL ISSUES

EXPERT PERSPECTIVES ON WEED MANAGEMENT IN THE IRISH LANDSCAPE

PREFERRED PERENNIALS

IRELAND’S FIRST SURVEY OF PREFERRED LANDSCAPE PERENNIALS

SUD AND YOUR GROWING BUSINESS

REGULATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

EDITORS LETTER PHOTO BY STOCKYIMAGES

Horticulture.ie

I

Connecting Horticulture

HortiTrends.ie - Daily and Breaking News. Events and Tenders JobsInHorticulture.ie - Latest Amenity & Fresh Produce Jobs

PlantConnector.ie - Connecting Ornamental Plant Growers with Plant Retailers GardenGuide.ie - Consumer Website Promoting Horticulture Businesses FreshProduceNews.ie - Latest News for Edible Horticulture in Ireland

Social Media 4 Business Are you feeling like a Youtube or Twitter and not showing any Pinterest when it comes to Horticulture & Garden Retail Social Media? We don’t want to Wordpress you but you need to Facebook up to it now!

At HortiTrends we have the expertise, passion and practical know-how, to connect and linkedin you with new audiences, sales opportunities and customers.

Connect with HortiTrends Social Media 4 Business & Content Services by 087 921 2044 Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

O'MERTA

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CMYK / .eps

've often thought the small scale of our sector is both a help and a hindrance. It is a benefit to us as it lends a friendly, familial feel to our working environment; businesses are typically associated with people rather than being faceless; information can be disseminated quickly; we are willing help and support each other when called upon; and let’s face it, we all know each other by first name.

Of the various limitations and challenges presented by our small scale, the one that most frequently presents itself to me is an unwillingness to go on the record. You might think this is of little consequence, but over the years I've come to understand the wider implications. The small, familial scale of the sector means people are often unwilling to speak out about important issues. Why? Because more than likely, speaking out will have consequences for someone they know. I've had countless conversations with people over the years highlighting serious, possibly criminal issues, but when the chips were down, they all backed off citing various reasons.

Most frequently, a fear that speaking out will cost them or close friends money. As

EDITOR BARRY LUPTON

an editor, and a professional interested in the development of the sector, this is a real point of frustration.

To an extent, the sector is hobbled by its unwillingness to say it like it is. We seem more comfortable in denial, not worrying that offence might be caused.

Happier to keep smiling and patting each other on the back, while the crap continues and the truth only outs in hushed conversations. But perhaps this O'Merta is a national rather than a sector trait? Regardless of its roots, we need to move on, to get thicker skins and not be afraid to highlight problems where we see them. It is only through transparency that we can see the way forward.

The writers in Horticulture Connected do not get paid. They share their knowledge and experience out of a commitment to seek positive change.

They place themselves in the spotlight, open to all sorts of criticism, and for that I am extremely grateful. They inspire me with their willingness to skate as close to the truth as they can. Perhaps you would like to share your thoughts and opinions on subjects we address or you think need to be highlighted? If so, please get in contact.

In this issue, I am delighted to share the results of the first survey of preferred perennials used in the Irish landscape.

Sincere thanks to all who took the time to add their selections. HC will shortly be adding the list to the HC website with an ability for users to edit it on an ongoing basis. We hope it will form the basis of an industry-generated database of preferred species. With the Sustainable Use Directive coming online, Dónall Flanagan explains how the changes will impact the nursery sector. We also feature input from a number of experts on weed control in the Irish landscape.

Elsewhere, regular HC contributor, Colm Kenny shares his thoughts on some serious issues undermining the landscape sector, retail consultant, Liam Kelly reviews the lessons he has taken from the season and I interview John McGuiness, the latest in our season of interviews profiling young, innovative talent in the horticulture sector.

Also in this issue, Bloom Manager, Gary Graham details why the 10th anniversary of Bloom will be a celebration of Irish plants and planting design and Dr Paul Fitters shares results of Weigela research initiated by the late Jim Kelleher. ✽

News Editor & Advertising: Joseph Blair 087 921 2044 joseph@horticulture.ie Subscriptions: subscriptions@horticulture.ie Editor: Barry Lupton editor@horticulture.ie Creative Director: Tanya Gilsenan tanya@horticulture.ie Editorial Assistant: Koraley Northen Publishers: HortiTrends www.HortiTrends.ie joseph@hortitrends.ie

See Hortitrends.ie for Daily News Updates Cover image: Myst Photos: Koraley Northen & Joseph Blair Printers: Turners Printing Earl Street, Longford.

Distribution: Readership of 10,000 across Ireland from Businesses and Professionals in the following Sectors: Landscape/ Architects / Garden Retail / Florists / Nurseries / Greenkeepers / Sports Surfaces / Local Authority’s & Parks Departments / Machinery / Education

Business Suphort Services Branding Brochures Logos

Web design eCommerce Adwords

Social Media for Business

INprint

ONline

SOcial

To find out more about our specialist marketing, business support & development services contact Joseph on 087 921 2044 or joseph@horticulture.ie

HORTICULTURE CONNECTED

News, Analysis and Trends In Landscape & Amenity Horticulture

20 The Cutlers 33/34 Parliament St Dublin 2 Ireland +353 (0)87 921 2044 www.horticulture.ie

Autumn/Winter 2015 / www.horticulture.ie / HORTICULTURECONNECTED

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CONTENTS

www.tullynurseries.ie Our Bareroot And Rootball Stock Is Selected With Passion For Plants!

Contents DESIGN

NEWS

32 D ESIGN AND BUILD 2015

04 HORTICULTURE NEWS

sales@tullynurseries.ie

BORD BIA 08

All of the latest news, events and updates from Bord Bia

www.AquaflorFlowersDirect.ie

Colm Kenny explains how weaknesses and

13

FIVE LESSONS LEARNED inconsistencies in planning requirements are damaging

Liam Kelly reflects on the past season and shares the top fives lessons for all retail garden centres

Quality Value Selection Service Always

the sector and the wider landscape

INSIGHT 40

NURSERY 15

WEIGELA EUROTRIAL PROGRESS REPORT FOR THE HARDY NURSERY STOCK SECTOR

Dr Paul Fitters provides insight into Weigela trials conducted in Ireland, which were never completed due to the untimely death of Jim Kelleher.

PREFERRED PERENNIALS

We share the results from the recent survey of preferred landscape perennials used in Ireland

44

CONTROL ISSUES Expert perspectives on weed control and invasive species in the Irish landscape

18

DEMANDING EXPORTS

Neville Stein explores the potential for Irish plant exports in the context of rising UK demand and grower interest.

20

BLOOM 2016: CELEBRATING WITH PLANTS

Gary Graham cements the critical role Bloom plays in underpinning our sector while detailing how your business can grow through participation.

22

SUD AND YOUR GROWING BUSINESS

Dónall Flanagan clarifies the rules, regulations and responsibilities of the Sustainable Use Directive and how it will impact your horticultural business

IN PICTURES

24 PHOTOS

GLAS, Plantarium, Four Oaks. Glee, Turf Science Live Contact Arjan: Tel:087-241 5091 Email: Arjan@AquaflorFlowersDirect.ie

ALCI AWARDS 2015

38 W EAK FOUNDATIONS

RETAIL

Buy Your Flowers & Plants Online 24/7 or Directly from our Drivers Delivering to FLORISTS & GARDEN CENTRES Across Ireland

CONSTRUCT 37

EVENTS 11 Horticulture Trade Events

We share some of the best domestic design and build work completed this year

48

UNUSUAL SUSPECTS Dr Michael Gaffney examines a range of existing and potential threats to the Irish horticulture

EDIBLES 52

THE EU CARROT

Mike Neary, Manager explains how new thinking and EU regulations are positively shaping the future of promotional funding for horticulture products

SPORTS TURF 54

OSMOCOTE TAILORED TO CONDITIONS IN IRELAND

ICL Country Manager, Colman Warde details why Osmocote's new controlled release fertilizer is perfect for Irish conditions

INTERVIEW 28

DRIVE THROUGH AMBITIONS

Barry Lupton talks with John McGuiness, owner of green waste company, Mulch

Autumn/Winter 2015 / www.horticulture.ie / HORTICULTURECONNECTED

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01 / NEWS EXPORT SUCCESS AS NANGLE & NIESEN SECURE DEEPDALE TREES CONTRACT The relationship between Nangle & Niesen Nurseries and Deepdale trees continues to strengthen with the Cork tree grower once again winning the contract to supply trees for the 2016/2017 season. Deepdale Trees, a Bedfordshire based tree nursery, is one of the premier suppliers of high end trees to the UK domestic market. The winning of contract sees the continuation of a relationship that started in 2011 when Nangle & Niesen visited Deepdale as part of the Bord Bia export Programme.

Ronan Nangle tells HC that "Every year we talk about price, but quality is and has been the main driver for both businesses". ✽

RENTES PLANTS SPRING SHOW CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY Celebrating the 10th edition of the show, it is a must for all serious plant retailers and professional landscape industry practitioners alike. One of HC’s favourite events to attend, due in part to the effort that the Rentes family puts into organising and presenting the 700 varieties that will be on show. Apart from the serious business of buying and selling, it is a very worthwhile networking and social event not to mention their now famous ‘Hog Roast’ lunch. ✽

DATES OF DUTCH TRADE SHOWS GROOTGROENPLUS AND EXPO TCO TO OVERLAP Expo TCO has recently decided to move their trade show to October. In 2016 it will be held from the 4 - 6th of October. GrootGroenPlus will be held from the 5th - 7th of October.

The boards of both trade fairs decided that this partial overlap will make it easier for both national and international visitors to attend. In the short term, the trade fairs will look at ways to cooperate and to create an optimum trade fair experience for exhibitors and visitors alike. More at www.grootgroenplus.nl & www. treecentreopheusden.nl ✽

01 / NEWS

HORTICULTURE NEWS

NEW HORTICULTURE APPOINTMENT AT TEAGASC

Teagasc has appointed Dermot Callaghan, as Head of its Horticulture Development Department. He will lead the Horticultural Development Department, which has responsibility for all Teagasc horticultural research, advisory and training activities. He will also lead the establishment of the new horticultural facilities at Ashtown, in Dublin.

He holds a Degree in Agricultural Science (Commercial Horticulture) from University College Dublin. He joined Teagasc as a fruit adviser based in Teagasc, Kildalton College in 2008 and more recently he was the Teagasc mushroom specialist operating the Joint Teagasc-CMP mushroom advisory programme. Commenting on his appointment, Dermot Callaghan said:” The horticulture sector in Ireland is a small but dynamic and exciting sector, covering mushrooms, protected crops, field vegetables, fruit crops, hardy nursery stock, flowers and foliage. I look forward to working closely with those involved across the range of enterprises to provide the most up to date knowledge and information to allow them grown and develop their businesses for the future.” ✽

SAP GROUP EXPANDS SALES TEAM SAP Nurseries are looking forward to a season of expansion and growth over the coming months. Increased turnover in 2015 and positive indicators from the amenity horticulture market has encouraged Nursery Director John Flanagan to develop his Tipperary based team. Investment includes recruitment of Consultant Jason Popplewell and New Sales Executives John Walsh and Amy Maher, who in the coming months will be specifically targeting the greater Dublin and the North East area. “We are looking forward to 2016 and see clear indications of a growth across all areas of the market” John Flanagan. ✽ www.damcon.nl

FANA NURSERIES INVESTS IN NEW PRODUCTION MACHINERY With improving sales resulting in an increasing workload for field production staff, the company recently decided to invest in a new ‘Damcon’ Bamboo cane drill. It was fitted to the front of their their existing ‘Pazagglia’ root ball machine.

It now makes it quicker and easier to place bamboo into the ground after planting, plus a thicker and stronger bamboo can be used.

Joe Ahern tell HC “The staff in the fields are delighted as it makes the working day easier for them, while also increasing their production output.” Joe also reports “that demand within the trading trading division of the business is also seeing increased demand for plants like such as Thuja, Taxus, Buxus and other bare root hedging Stokkenboor frontaanbouw HSD-FZ plants, on the back of the improving garden retail and landscape sectors. ✽ Stäbebohrer Frontanbau HSD-FZ

JIH MEETS INTERNATIONAL DEMAND FOR EXPERIENCED IRISH HORTICULTURE STAFF Summerhill Landscape New York has renewed its hiring campaign once again, recruiting via JobsInHorticulture (JIH) utilising the range of HR services that JIH now offers. Summerhill worked with JIH last year to fill three positions from over 60 applications, that they received via the promotion campaign they ran on the HortiTrends network. Shane O’Keefe has been with Summerhill for a number of years and tells HC “that each of the successful candidates last year are now in a management/supervisory role.” This year they are advertising six positions. Also hiring is Quest Landscapes who are based in the Isle of Man. They are seeking a contracts manager for projects up to and over £1million. Nearer home both Uniplumo and O’Connor Nurseries are also currently hiring. A new site JIHUK will be launching in early 2016. More on these and other career opportunities at JobsInHorticulture.ie ✽

TEAGASC COLLEGE OF AMENITY HORTICULTURE CELEBRATES 2015 GRADUATES 105 students recently graduated with certificates that range from level 5 right up to degree at level 8. The graduation ceremony took place at the Botanic Gardens on Friday. Guest of honour on the day was the Director of the Botanic Gardens Matthew Jebb, who was responsible for awarding the certificates alongside college principal John Mulhearn. It was a proud day for all involved. Anyone interested in becoming part of the class of 2016 are invited to attend the College Open Day taking place from 2-4.30pm on the 10th of March 2016 at the college campus, situated at the Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. ✽

UK IS PARTNER COUNTRY FOR THE INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURAL FORUM AT IPM ESSEN 2016 With this, one highlight of the comprehensive supporting programme has already been finalised. In cooperation with Verlag Eugen Ulmer, experts will provide information about opportunities and challenges of the British horticultural market. Moreover, Sue Biggs, Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society, will deliver a welcoming address during the opening ceremony of IPM ESSEN. ✽

ITB HORTICULTURE REVAMPS HORTICULTURE DEGREE PROGRAMMES The college currently offers courses ranging from part time level 6 Certificate in Science - Professional Horticulture, right up to a full time BSc Horticulture Level 8. 2015 saw a revamp of horticulture degree programmes at ITB. Through the programmatic review process graduates, current students and industry were given the opportunity to review the course on offer, engage and consult with the lecturing team on proposed changes. One of the many significant changes to take place was the adjustment in the timing of placement. Students will now engage with placement during the spring/summer semester, to take advantage of peak labour demands in the sector. Among the module changes, fruit production and vegetable production were brought in from the cold and given centre stage in response to the sustained interest in this area. New modules in ‘Health, Recreation & Green Infrastructure’, Culinary and Medicinal plants, Apiculture and Post Harvest Technologies were added. Another significant introduction was their module in community horticulture that was designed to involve students in civic engagement activity in the local area.

The ITB Horticulture team and students were proud recipients of a Bloom Silver Gilt medal for a Shackleton themed garden constructed in conjunction with Fingal County Council. Details of all our courses at www.itb.ie ✽

MOVING ON For anyone with even a passing involvement with Bloom, the name, Louise McLoughlin is sure to be familiar. A facilitator, organiser, appeaser, agony aunt and renowned for making things happen, she has been part of the Bloom family since its inception. As the 10 year anniversary looms on the horizon, it is with some sadness that the horticulture sector must wish her farewell as she steps out to look after her young family. On behalf of the entire horticulture sector, Horticulture Connected would like to extend a most well deserved note of thanks and appreciation for the tremendous work put in over the years. The success that Bloom has achieved over the years is due in no small part to Louise's commitment and hard work. Her positive, upbeat spirit and smiling face will be sorely missed.

To quote Gary Graham; “It’s hard for me to talk about Louise without gushing. Her input was a critical ingredient

in the development of Bloom’s show gardens and many other great show features. Like the cement in the mix that formed the foundation upon which much of Bloom’s success is built, her patience, diplomacy and flair for detail provided the glue that helped bring many ideas to fruition. The systems and processes that she devised and honed during our first decade are a fitting legacy to an accomplished event manager who knew nothing about our industry when we started out on the Bloom odyssey. I suspect that like me, there are many in our sector who hold her in the highest possible regard”. ✽

Cane drill for front mounting HSD-FZ

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HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Autumn/Winter 2015

Tarière bambou montage devant HSD-FZ

Autumn/Winter 2015 / www.horticulture.ie / HORTICULTURECONNECTED

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01 / NEWS MUCH WAS ACHIEVED DURING THE INAUGURAL YEAR FOR GROMÓR The industry was brought together to include independents, multiples, co-ops, nurseries and suppliers and a concept was brought to life with the aim to get the country growing. GroMór reached out to 18,000 people at Bloom, over 100,000 Irish Independent readers and invested significantly in radio and social media advertising. This investment has paid off with over 28,000 sessions thus far on the GroMór website.

‘Find your GroMór Garden Centre’ is the 5th most popular page with over 3,500 page views to date. Sandra Doran, Retail Excellence Ireland Garden Group Manager says “This is a great result for a new initiative and a solid foundation to build on. It is our intention to improve the website with added features and to create an exciting calendar of events which will benefit GroMór centres across the country next year".

If you are interested in becoming a GroMór member next year, please contact Sandra at sandra@retailexcellence.ie ✽

01 / NEWS YOUNG HORTICULTURIST OF THE YEAR FINAL TO TAKE PLACE IN DUBLIN The Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH) has launched the 2016 Young Horticulturist of the Year competition (YHoY). The heats are open to students of horticulture and young horticultural professionals working in the industry.

The winner of the competition will receive a £2,500 travel bursary from The Percy Thrower Trust, generously provided by the Shropshire Horticultural Society, to undertake a trip, anywhere in the world, to study a subject related to their chosen field of horticulture. The competition is run in three phases: local heats, regional finals and the Grand Final, each with questions covering a wide range of horticultural subjects. Heat winners go forward to one of eight regional finals, and the winner of each regional final progresses to the Grand Final which will be held on 7 May 2016 at the fabulous Glasnevin Botanic Gardens, Dublin. ✽

EUROPEAN HORTICULTURE NETWORK TO HOLD AGM AT IPM ESSEN Horticulture marketing, PR and communication specialists from across europe will meet around the 2016 IPM Essen trade fair for their second annual AGM. Representing the UK and Ireland at the event will be Joseph Blair of HortiTrends. The members co-operate to carry out europe-wide services such as market research and marketing strategy. They also offer introductions to foreign businesses, organisations and trade press. Of particular interest to export focused businesses, the group supports participation in trade fairs including, staffing of the stand, translation, promotion material, PR activities and press contacts/press releases. Anyone interested in accessing these services or learning more about the group can find out more at hortinet.eu ✽

IRISH SEEWEED EXHIBITED AT GLEE

MAJOR AWARD FOR IRISH GARDENING CORRESPONDENT

Wexford based, Ocean Leaves, launched their new seaweed products to the Irish market in April '15. Having exhibited at GLAS in July, they wanted to showcase their products to a wider audience and so they exhibited at Glee, UK's largest retail trade event.

This has proven to be highly effective, generating leads and opportunities both in Ireland and in the UK, as well as further afield, helping to gain recognition within the industry. Irish garden centres visiting the show were delighted to see them, proving that the company are dedicated to the promotion of the products and brand; Ocean Leaves. ✽

‘The Irish Garden’ written by gardening correspondent Jane Powers with photographs by Jonathan Hession won Inspirational Book of the Year at the 2015 Garden Media Guild Awards, which took place at the Savoy Hotel London recently. There were 19 awards for contributions across the garden media industry (including books, journalism, broadcasting, photography and digital media). There are three awards in the books category: “Reference”, “Practical” and “Inspirational”. The awards are the equivalent of the Baftas for the garden media world. Britain is the home of great garden writing, and Jane tells HC that she was really thrilled to get the award for “Inspirational Book of the Year", in the face of such stiff UK competition. ✽

NORTHERN IRELAND REGIONAL GARDEN CENTRE AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED The Garden Centre Association (GCA) recently revealed its Northern Irish regional winners at a presentation recently. Creative Gardens Donaghadee scooped Best Garden Centre in Northern Ireland. The award for Best Customer Service went to Creative Gardens Donaghadee in Northern Ireland while the award for Most Improved Centre went to Bushmills Garden centre in Northern Ireland. The awards are decided by the results of the annual inspections, which take place at all GCA garden centres. Garden centres have no advance warning about when their inspection will take place and they do not have the option to turn away the inspector.

Best Garden Centre: Creative Gardens Donaghadee Best Customer Service: Creative Gardens Donaghadee Most Improved: Bushmills Garden Centre Best Restaurant: Creative Gardens Donaghadee Best Creativity & Innovation: Creative Gardens Donaghadee

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Garden Products Retailer: Creative Gardens Donaghadee Best Indoor Lifestyle: Bushmills Garden Centre Best Outdoor Living: Creative Gardens Donaghadee.

Best Environment and Community: Creative Gardens Donaghadee ✽

HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Autumn/Winter 2015

LEADING IRISH PLANT TISSUE CULTURE COMPANY ANNOUNCES INTERNATIONAL JOINT VENTURE MyPlant® Tissue Culture Laboratory in Kilkenny, which is owned and operated by Pat Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald Nurseries, is delighted to announce the formation of a new global venture with their takeover by the leading Australian Plant Tissue Culture service provider, Lowes TC Pty Ltd. The new venture, LowesTCe, will see a wide range of services being offered across Europe. “I saw many opportunities evolving for the company on international markets and the home market that we were not taking advantage of due to limited time, technical focus and funding, explains Pat. "With Lowes TC now coming in as the managing partner of the new company, I expect the business will fulfill the potential of this technology and increase our exports.”

Lowes TC is recognized as the biggest and best TC lab in Australia producing millions of plants each year from over 1,000 cultivars in their Australian and Indian labs. Greg Lowe, the founder of the Lowes TC group, shares Pat's vision for the future of the new venture, "The facilities allow the group to easily service the EU with production of high health, uniform TC plants, solving quarantine and supply issues and developing new markets for plant breeders. The close relationship with FitzGerald Nurseries means that high quality hardened plants will also be available to all European customers".

FitzGerald Nurseries has developed sales and plant IP in 26

GLDA ANNOUNCEMENT 20TH INTERNATIONAL GARDEN DESIGN SEMINAR Ebb & Flow - Redrawing the design boundaries between East & West. To celebrate our 20th international design seminar, the Garden & Landscape Designers Association (GLDA) has looked, beyond the confines of these islands, towards the East.

Through our speakers, leading designers and plants people from both East and West, we will explore how the East’s traditions and cutting edge contemporary design and planting philosophy, complements and interconnects with that of the West and vice versa.

While designers from the East have often come to the West to learn some of their trade, many European designers have also been drawn eastward, tempted by the opportunity of working on large-scale projects.

How have these designers from East and West made the transition and how has it influenced their design philosophy? We hear from Andrew Wilson, a leading British garden designer, and his experiences of working on projects in Singapore and China.

Much iconic landscape design from China has caught the attention of western designers. Mr Xiaowei Ma, who has studied in the west, along with his colleague Mrs Xiao Ying Xie belong to this progressive school of landscape design, and we will hear about some of the ambitious projects currently happening in China, and how western and eastern philosophies synergise to create these iconic landscapes.

countries and will continue to play a major role in hardening the laboratory output, product development, assessment and strategic planning for this new venture. The company now employs 25 people at its Kilkenny facilities and 1 in Germany with an expectation of increasing staff level to 30 in the coming months. The existing lab facility in Enniscorthy, County Wexford previously employed 13 people and this was expanded to 17 in July. The new venture is expected to employ over 50 people in the coming two to three years with potential to employ over 100 in five years. This joint venture business brings significant technology, added value export and career opportunities to the Irish Horticulture industry. It is a great example of progressive agricultural innovation at rural town and farm level based on existing and future export market development. ✽

Looking to India, where the classical, disciplined Mughal garden style lives happily alongside ambitious post-independence and post-modern restorations and ecologically sensitive projects, we are delighted to welcome Aniket Bhagwat, landscape architect, whose inspirational designs are transforming India’s landscapes.

He says: “Every plant must matter. Every flower must find its place in the scheme of things. Every light on the street or pathway must be carefully crafted. Every bench must be detailed like a diamond. And every act of design must celebrate the gift of life.”

We hear from the great seafaring Netherlands, with its rich, centuries old tradition of horticulture, plant collecting and trading in plant material between East and West. From Cor van Gelderen we will hear the story of three generations of intrepid Dutch plantsmen, plant collecting in the East and about the extraordinary town of Boskoop, once home to 1,000 nurseries, beautifully laid out in long sloping plots down to the river.

The GLDA’s annual seminar is widely regarded as Ireland’s foremost platform for the dissemination of ideas and information on contemporary garden making and landscape shaping. It also has a reputation for being entertaining and thought provoking, while remaining relevant to every facet of the industry, from plant production to architecture.Last year’s event was entirely sold out, so early booking is strongly advised. It takes place on Saturday 20 February 2016 at Crowne Plaza Dublin.

More at www.glda.ie. ✽

Autumn/Winter 2015 / www.horticulture.ie / HORTICULTURECONNECTED

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02 / BORD BIA

02 / BORD BIA

eZine APPLE SEMINAR The annual Bord Bia top fruit seminar will take place on the 10th of December at the Citywest Hotel, Saggart, Co. Dublin. The seminar starts at 11.00am and will feature a number of speakers followed by an orchard tour at 2.00pm. The seminar programme includes presentations on the retail market for apples and developments in the cider sector. There will be an update from the Irish Apple Growers Association and Teagasc will detail their work with the sector. For further information contact michal.slawski@bordbia.ie ✽

BORD BIA GRANT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME 2016 Applications are now open for Bord Bia’s Marketing Assistance Programme 2016 (MAP) and Step Change Programme 2016 (SCP).

What is the Marketing Assistance Programme?

Through the Marketing Assistance Programme (MAP), Bord Bia provides financial support to food, drink and horticulture companies, to help them improve their marketing techniques and capabilities, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and hygiene.

Want to know more about the Step Change Programme?

Under the Step Change Programme (SCP), Bord Bia assists companies in funding a major new project which will involve a substantial step-change or departure for the company.

For example: Product launch on a new export market / establishing a new route to market / launch of a new brand or a new product range, etc.

The MAP is open to food, drink and horticulture (edible and amenity) producers with a turnover greater than €100,000 and less than €3.5 million in the year of application, while the Step Change Programme (SCP) is open to companies with a turnover between €100,000 and €5m.

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Eligible Activities

and published reports

MAP: Companies can apply for

●M arketing Training, courses

funding across a wide range of marketing activities

●D esign and origination of packaging/

SCP: Companies apply for funding for a particular project, demonstrating significant new activities or a departure from the norm.

The principal areas for which support is available, under both programmes, are those costs relating to: 1. Trade Fairs and Exhibitions 2. Marketing, Design and New Product Development 3. Quality Measures

Trade Fairs and Exhibitions: ●S pace rental, stand construction,

installation of services, telephone connection ●S amples, transport of exhibits to and from the exhibition ●D esign & display costs, origination of Point of Sale material (but not printing) ●P hotography, interpreter, stand valeting, catalogue-entry, insurance expenses ●E conomy airfare, public transport, taxi, car hire ●S ubsistence – set rate of €200 expenditure, per person per night

Marketing, Design and New Product Development: ●M arket Research Visits: Economy

airfare, public transport, car hire and subsistence (set rate of €200 expenditure, per person per night) ●M arketing Consultancy, focus groups

HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Autumn/Winter 2015

and seminars labels/ POS/ brochure (but not printing) ●D esign of website – design and consultancy costs only ● I n store promotions & tastings, product samples – used in product development

Quality Measures: ●Q uality research and quality training

– including airfare and subsistence ●M arket Research Visits: Economy

airfare, public transport, car hire and subsistence (set rate of €200 expenditure, per person per night) ●Q uality consultancy – costs linked to the feasibility, introduction and application of recognised quality schemes (HACCP, ISO, BRC etc), audit costs ●N utritional analysis ●O rigin Green Programme: Formal application fee and annual participation fee If you would like to discuss the Grants programmes please contact: Carol Marks – Amenity Horticulture or Lorcan Bourke/Michael Slawski – Horticulture Food Crops. The closing date for receipt of applications for both MAP and SCP is Friday 22 January 2016.

Full details are available here: http://www.bordbiavantage.ie/ business-development/map-stepchange-fund. ✽

FOODSERVICE MARKET GROWING Bord Bia recently published a report on the Irish foodservice sector. The foodservice market has grown from €6.13bn in 2014 to €6.37bn in 2015, and is forecasted to grow to almost €6.9bn by 2018. Foodservice or “out of home food market” is the term used to describe all food consumed out of home, from restaurants, hotels, coffee shops and bars to workplace catering, hospitals, education and vending. This market has benefited from the wider growth in the economy, rising confidence amongst Irish consumers, a strong international and domestic tourism market, a falling unemployment rate and the continuation of 9% VAT for hospitality.

Quick Service Restaurants or Fast Food remains the largest Irish foodservice channel. Bord Bia’s Quick Service and Foodto-Go Insights Report reveals that this segment (which relates to food that can be prepared and served very quickly incorporating traditional fast food, fast casual and food-to-go), along with

coffee shops and cafes now accounts for close to 50% of the total foodservice market and is valued at just under €3bn.

The Fast Casual channel in Ireland is forecast to grow at three times the rate of overall market growth, driven by more robust consumer spending, a high degree of interest in the menu variety offered by operators and the ability for consumers to customise menu items. “Fast Casual” is the term used to describe outlets that provide quick service and counter service, but with higher price points, more innovative offerings and an enhanced overall eating experience compared to traditional fast food.

Bord Bia has also recently published its 2015 Irish Foodservice Market Directory which includes detailed profiles of over 100 operators and wholesale distributors. It is aimed at providing companies with key background information on potential customers and advice on how to drive their foodservice business. For further information contact: maureen.gahan@bordbia.ie ✽

INVESTMENT AID SCHEME FOR THE COMMERCIAL HORTICULTURE SECTOR The Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine recently announced that the 2016 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector is now open for applications. Support of €4.3m is being made available for the Scheme in 2016. The Scheme is open to all horticultural sectors – protected crops, nursery crops, field vegetables, soft fruit, apples, beekeeping and mushrooms and will provide grant aid, at a rate of 40% (50% in the case of qualifying young farmers), for approved capital investments undertaken by 30th September 2016. In certain limited cases, however, funding may be approved for investments that will be completed and claimed prior to 29th September 2017.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 18th December 2015.

Details of the Scheme and application forms can be obtained from Crop Policy, Production and Safety Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Administration Building, Backweston Campus, Young’s Cross, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, (01) 5058886 or at www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmingsectors/horticulture/horticultureschemes ✽

Autumn/Winter 2015 / www.horticulture.ie / HORTICULTURECONNECTED

9

Fruit and Veg sales most important grocery categories Grocery spend year ending Sept 2015

Vegetables €676m

#1

#2

Wine

€394m

Rentes Plants

#7

#3

€278m

#8

Confectionery #4

SPRING SHOW

€278m

#9

€262m

Recent data from Kantar Worldpanel to the year ending September 2015 has show that the value of the grocery retail market has grown in value to €9.1bn year on year. This is a 1.3% growth in value over the period. This has been driven by the fact that most of the key grocery categories have recorded value growth over the period.

Fresh produce which comprises fruit, vegetables and potatoes currently makes up 14.7% of the value of the grocery market and which makes them the most important categories in the grocery basket in value terms. In the year ending September 2015 the fresh produce category was valued at €1.248bn which was a growth in value of 2.9% over the period. This breaks down to Fruit €585m; Vegetables

# 10

€512m and potatoes €151m. The value of all these categories have recorded an increase in value over the last twelve months with fruit value performing the strongest with a growth of 5.5% year on year. The key factors driving the growth is an increase in shoppers to the category and an increase in the purchase frequency. In addition the potato and vegetable category have also seen the volume purchased per trip increase.

The prepared fruit and vegetable category has also performed robustly over this period and is now valued at €95m which is a 13% growth in the year ending September 2015 versus the previous twelve months. Volume purchased was up by 17% which was driven by increased buyers in the category and the volume purchased per buyer was also up. ✽

Potato Promotion Campaign

RECIPES

Advertorial

Healthy & The EU and Industry funded potato promotional campaign commenced in early October. nutritious!

The campaign valued at €1m will run for three years from 2015 to 2018 and will include a mix of promotional activities including print advertising, digital advertising and a significant social media activity. The campaign will include ongoing PR activity and a dedicated website potato.ie. The campaign will have two key bursts of promotional activity on each of the 3 years in October/November and May/June periods. There will be ongoing PR and Pan-seared cod with potatoes and chorizo digital activity across the year to support this activity.

In October and November ads and advertorials appeared in the following publications: Light massaman chicken and potato curry Image, U Magazine, RTE Guide, Irish Times Magazine, Fabulous, OK, Heat and Closer. A revised website for the campaign potato.ie was launched in early October and to date has received 17,000 visitors. In addition a digital advertising campaign has been running on various channels eg desktop, mobile, You Tube video and search words. High levels of impressions and click through rates are being achieved. The YouTube video for the campaign has achieved 150,000 views. The social media element of the campaign includes the establishment of campaign Face book and Twitter pages. To date Facebook followers have reached 12,000. In addition a number of food bloggers have been engaged to talk about and post about potatoes and the various campaign recipes.

The PR element of the campaign has delivered 24 pieces of coverage to date across a range of publications. ✽ There’s a whole new world of exciting quick and easy potato dishes out there.

And guess what? They are also wonderfully healthy!

The super-spud is naturally fat-free, gluten-free and it provides a source of dietary fibre. Potatoes are also amazingly versatile (more than a bit on the side, you might say), as these recipes prove. Check out potato.ie for more

For more delicious recipes visit potato.ie

HIGH PROTEIN / LOW SAT FAT SERVES 4

Total time (prep & cooking) 25 mins

INGREDIENTS

HIGH PROTEIN

HOW TO DO IT

SERVES 4

Total time (prep & cooking) 25 mins

INGREDIENTS

400g smooth potatoes (such as Rooster), cut into 2 ½ cm cubes 450g chicken breast, cut into chunks 2 red onions, roughly chopped 2 tablespoons ground nut oil 150g kale or spinach 1 can reduced fat coconut milk 3 tablespoons massaman curry paste 5 kaffir lime leaves 1 cinnamon stick 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 red chilli, de-seeded and chopped 50g unsalted peanuts to serve

• Boil the potatoes in slightly salted water for 5 minutes with the lid on and then drain.

• Heat the oil in a large casserole dish or large frying pan with deep sides.

• Add the onion, cinnamon and chilli and cook until the onions have softened.

• Now add the cubed chicken and continue frying until the chicken turns white. Pop in the potatoes, curry paste, coconut milk, fish sauce, lime leaves and 200ml of water, bring to the boil then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Stir in the kale or spinach and cook for a further 5 minutes and serve with chopped unsalted peanuts.

400g fluffy potatoes (such as Rooster), peeled and cubed 4 x150g cod loin steaks, skin on 1 tablespoon olive oil 100g chorizo, finely chopped ½ teaspoon smoked paprika 1 red pepper, cut into thin strips 150g rainbow chard or spinach, roughly chopped

HOW TO DO IT

• Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius / gas mark 4.

• Bring a saucepan of water to the boil, add the cubed potatoes and cook until tender, drain.

• Place a large frying pan over a medium-high heat, season the cod

loins with salt and milled pepper and rub the olive oil all over. Pan fry on the skin side for 5 minutes, transfer to an oven tray and cook in the oven for about 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your cod.

• Meanwhile in the same pan add the chorizo and a little more olive oil if required.

• Cook the chorizo over a medium heat until the oils come out, next add the potatoes and sprinkle the paprika over them, continue frying until the potatoes start to crisp on the edges while stirring every so often. Add the peppers and chard/spinach, pop a lid on, turn the heat down and cook until the chard/spinach wilts.

• Divide the potato and chorizo mixture between your plates, top with the cod and serve.

This dish works wonderfully well with haddock, seabass and all other white fish.

Kcals Protein (g) Carbs (g) Sugar (g) Fat (g) Sat fat (g) Fibre (g) Salt (g) 342

35

22

3

12

4

3

1.4

Kcals Protein (g) Carbs (g) Sugar (g) Fat (g) Sat fat (g) Fibre (g) Salt (g) 496

031_w44_15.indd 1

HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Autumn/Winter 2015

36

32

7

23

RENTES PLANTS SPRING SHOW

DON’T MISS!

✽ 20 FEBRUARY GLDA’S 20TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL DESIGN SEMINAR 1

Retail Fresh Produce Market in Value Growth

DON’T MISS!

✽16-17 FEBRUARY

Celebrating the 10th edition of the show, it is a must for all serious plant retailers and professional landscape industry practitioners alike.

Venue: Rentes Plants, Moyvally, Broadford, Kildare www.rentes.ie ✽

© Kantar Worldpanel

10

9am-6pm

Biscuits #5

✽ 26 JAN'16 IPM ESSEN The world’s leading trade fair for horticulture is a specialist trade fair covering plant production, technology, floristry, garden features, and point of sale.

Venue: MESSE ESSEN GmbH, 45131 Essen, Germany www.ipm-essen.de ✽

FEBRUARY

2016

€291m -­‐

Milk

€340m

16-17

#6

Fresh Poultry & Game

Fresh Beef €438m

€298m

TH

Bread

Fruit €576m

2016 EVENTS DIARY

Soft Drinks

03 / EVENTS

9

6

1.6

10/15/2015 11:16:16 AM

EBB & FLOW – Redrawing the design boundaries between East & West.

Venue: Crowne Plaza Dublin, Northwood Park, Santry, D9 www.glda.ie

ON DISPLAY 700 INDIVIDUAL PLANT VARIETIES w Largest Range of Compact & Hardy Shrubs in Ireland w Large Range of Trees, Climbers & Conifers Many w Large Range of Roses including special & Flower Carpet, David Austin, Floribunda, mixed trolley Climber, Patio, Hybrid Tea offers on the w New Plants and Services Introductions day w Good Food and Refreshments Served

✽10 MARCH TEAGASC OPEN DAY Teagasc new state of the art classrooms and drawing studio supporting the next generation of Horticulturalists.

Venue: National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, D9 www.teagasc.ie/events

Rentes Plants Ltd. Moyvalley, Broadford, Kildare Tel: 046-955 1237 l Fax: 046 -955 1160 Email:info@rentes.ie l Website:www.rentes.ie

SOWING IDEAS, REAPING S TUR E A E F SUCCESS DEN G AR 26 – 29 January Solutions and inspirations along the value chain for your business success Benefit from the unique range on show at the world’s leading trade fair for horticulture, with more than 1,600 exhibitors from 49 countries.

Only at IPM ESSEN do exhibitors present the entire value chain.

From production and horticultural technology, to garden features at the POS and the marketing of your products. IPM ESSEN exhibits the major topics of the industry in a tangible, easy-to-understand and feasible way for your business.

Let’s meet in Essen.

www.ipm-essen.de

IST FLOR

RY

NO TECH

LOGY

PL AN

TS

DON’T MISS!

04 / RETAIL

Irelands largestWholesale WholesaleNursery Nursery Irelands largest

Supplying Trees & Shrubs to Ireland and l Tradition & Excellence in Trees and Plants Europe for 40 years l

Technical Advice & Growing Expertise

l

A Quality Product Competitively Priced

Call us for a FREE personalised

Call us for aquotation personalised quotation SAP SAP Nurseries, Cahir, Co.Tipperary Nurseries, Garnavilla, Garnavilla, Cahir, Co. Tipperary T: 052-744 2222 F: 052-744 2215 sales@sapgroup.com T: 052 7442222 F: 052 7442215 sales@sapgroup.com

www.sapgroup.com www.sapgroup.com

Fána Nurseries

Suppliers of Quality Trees & Hedging

Also Available is an Extensive Range of Quality RootBalled Hedging Plants including: Thuja . Taxus . Buxus . Laurel

www.fananurseries.com l Email: fananurseries@gmail.com Glenafana, Ballyhooly, Co Cork l Mob: 086 813 5717 l Tel: 025 39860

12

HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Autumn/Winter 2015

FIVE LESSONS LEARNED Retail consultant, Liam Kelly, reflects on the past seasons and shares the top fives lessons for all retail garden centres

W

ith the bulk of the year now behind us it’s perhaps a good time to look back over the last few months and analyse how the season went, and more importantly what we learned from it. Although I’m often on the outside of a business looking in, there are a number of garden centres with whom I work closely. This means that I’m close to the staff, customers and products and so can see issues from correct line of vision – the eyes of the customer and of those that deal with them. Every garden centre has specific issues that relate just to them but quite often a pattern emerges within the whole sector that flags a deeper issue within. This being another interesting year in many respects means that I’ve noticed a number of general themes that could need addressing and can be used as a catalyst for change next year.

So, here are just five areas that can be looked at in any garden centre:

any point from the wholesaler’s ordering system to the logistics they use to get their stock to the retailer’s delivery gate then obviously sales were affected, which would have been a disaster on a busy bank holiday weekend. It was very evident that the suppliers who invested in online ordering systems, had adequate stock quantities and used reliable delivery systems were the winners this year.

For example, plant suppliers who had webshops with live stock information with pictures of the actual stock and confirmed delivery dates were the preferred suppliers for most garden centres for obvious reasons. At the busiest time of the year it was certainly a wake-up call for garden centres who were reliant on wholesalers or nurseries with antiquated logistical systems or poor stock control to go looking for a new supplier or seek one out for next year.

LESSON 1: THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPLIERS

A new generation of workers arrived in garden centres with practically no clue about gardening, which showed up faults in staff knowledge and how this knowledge was imparted.

The old regime of blinding customers with fancy words and arrogance needed to be culled and a better, simpler way of communicating with the consumer was – and is still – needed.

Knowledge by itself is no longer the key to being a successful teacher, seller and coach. How that knowledge is imparted

The early part of the season was pretty good weatherwise, so many garden centres were busy right from the start, as were nurseries and other wholesalers in general. The importance of having a good supply chain between those wholesalers and garden centres was crucial to having the right stock in the right place at the right time. If there was a breakdown at

LESSON 2: THE RIGHT WAY TO IMPART KNOWLEDGE

Autumn/Winter 2015 / www.horticulture.ie / HORTICULTURECONNECTED

13

04 / RETAIL to a generation that doesn’t know which way up to plant a tulip bulb and is afraid to ask is critical to a garden centre’s success, and to the general success of horticultural retail.

It was evident that staff members in some garden centres who had limited horticulture knowledge but a superb way of explaining products and empathising with customers were much more valuable that those with a wealth of knowledge but a dearth of social skills. Customers can be easily scared off and will retreat to the internet for both their information and gardening products if they don’t have a productive and pleasant experience in a garden centre.

LESSON 3: REBOOT YOUR STOCKLIST TO REBOOST SALES A poorly performing department in an otherwise healthy garden centre can be caused by many reasons, but once you’ve exhausted the normal issues such as location or price, then it’s usually down to the actual range of stock within the department. Many garden centres have fallen into the downward spiral of delisting stock that hasn’t sold without trying to replace it with something new. The old stock sits on shelves gathering dust, being ignored by staff and customers alike. Stock control by clearing the older stock at a reduced rate when all else has failed is the solution, but many retail buyers fall in to the trap of remembering what has not sold from a particular supplier but not what has sold. EPOS and stock sheets will help to flag both sides of this issue but sometimes you need to start again completely from scratch.

Flower bulbs are a good example, as often their sales have dropped off because of the retailer’s memory of what hasn’t sold or an EPOS sales report flagging the non-sellers. This is fine in theory but leads to that downward spiral of less stock equals less sales equals less stock … and so on. The solution can be a complete reboot of the bulb department. Set realistic sales target and a budget, then place an order based on trends, how the product will be merchandised and a little bit of common sense. Break out of the downward spiral of constant product delisting and aim for a fresh start.

LESSON 4: BIGGER CAN BE BETTER This year, customers were more open to spending a little more money on items that they felt were perceived value for money. Better quality furniture, giftware and garden decorations sold better and there certainly appears to be a trend in that direction. This is also the case with plants, and not just large bamboos and photinias, as many gardeners – and non-gardeners more so - are looking to larger sized plants to fit in to established gardens, and also to give as gifts.

Bigger sized perennials such as lupins, foxgloves and delphiniums were good examples of this, and something that can be grown upon for next year’s sales. Three litre and five litre sized, and even bigger, plants seem to be becoming the norm and the sourcing of this stock could become an issue if you don’t plan ahead with your suppliers.

LESSON 5: DIFFERENCE DIFFERENTIATES With so many garden centres - and other retailers - buying stock from the same suppliers there was a definite issue of garden centres becoming homogenised and boring. We are

14

05 / NURSERY

“Three litre and five litre sized, and even bigger, plants seem to be becoming the norm and the sourcing of this stock could become an issue if you don’t plan ahead with your suppliers” increasingly seeing the same garden furniture, barbecues, giftware and even plants in garden centres, as they all go for the winning brands and ranges from the same suppliers.

Some of this can’t be helped and that is because of the first lesson I mentioned – good suppliers are winning over more garden centres – but some can be changed by either sourcing the extremes of local and exotic products, being more creative with how you display product or by establishing your own brand within the store.

Garden furniture is one example of where sourcing from either far away or very local can help you be different to other retailers. The emphasis of local produce on one hand and the rebranding of a foreign sourced product can go hand in hand and create something that could be potentially very marketable and ultimately sellable.

These are just five examples illustrating the need to look back and analyse how the season went and what can be learned from it.

This is a perfect time of year for that kind of analysis and planning, as the season is still fresh in our minds and Christmas trees, icicle lights and poinsettia sales haven’t twisted our minds away from gardening and next spring.

Look to your own business and see what specific lessons you could learn from the season, they might be the same as my examples but you might have a host of others too.

The important thing is that some lessons are learned. ✽

LIAM KELLY was general manager of one of the largest garden centres in the country, where he was instrumental in transforming it into a large lifestyle store. He established Retail Services & Solutions in 2007 and has since worked with many garden centres, nurseries and hardware stores in Ireland.

He has experienced every aspect of garden centre work from maintenance to sales, and purchasing to management.

This, combined with his problem solving ability, honesty and hands-on work ethic make him unique in his area. He can appreciate the nitty-gritty of the day-to-day running of a garden centre better than most, as he knows the products, mindset and ethos of the Irish garden retail sector.

Liam Kelly, Retail Services & Solutions, 118 Dolmen Gardens, Pollerton, Carlow. 086 8221494 or 059 9130176 lksolutions@eircom.net, www.lksolutions.blogspot.com

HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Autumn/Winter 2015

WEIGELA EUROTRIAL

PROGRESS REPORT FOR THE HARDY NURSERY STOCK SECTOR

Dr Paul Fritter provides insight into Weigela trials conducted in Ireland, which started in 2008 but which were never completed due to the untimely death of Jim Kelleher (Kildalton College)

T

he Eurotrial group consists of participants from several European countries: Austria, The Netherlands, France, Germany, England, Finland and now also Ireland. The aim of this group is to test cultivars of a particular plant species under different climatic regimes.

The same cultivars are tested in all countries. Plant species tested so far are Buddleia, Vinca, Hydrangea paniculata and Weigela. This research is similar to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Award of Garden Merit (AGM) trials in the UK, but with a broader climatic range. Research like this is useful as varieties other than the ones that have been awarded an AGM in the UK could shine out in countries with a different climate like Finland. Ireland is a welcome participant in this group as it has a mild

and wet climate and represents the western limit of the European Union.

WEIGELA TRIAL RESULTS IRELAND However, the cultivars were planted up in the trial field at Pat FitzGerald’s nursery in Co Kilkenny, but were never assessed for their quality under Irish climatic conditions. Pat kept the plants going and there were clear differences in quality between the cultivars, and I felt it would be a waste not to share some these findings with the industry.

Table 1 shows the cultivars used and the overall ratings from five countries.

In Ireland the results are based on the observations over several years by Pat FitzGerald only, while in the other countries they are based on review panels of up to 15 people. Nevertheless,

the results show that what is a very good cultivar in one country does not necessarily make it a good one in another.

Table 1: Weigela Eurotrial overall results of The Netherlands (Nl), Germany (Ge), France (Fr), Austria (Au) and Ireland (Ie).

The Dutch results are from non-Eurotrial Weigela tests, and hence some results are missing. The Irish results are not by panel assessment.

FRED TOWNSEND & THE LATE JIM KELLEHER, KILDALTON COLLEGE (PHOTO KORALEY NORTHEN)

Autumn/Winter 2015 / www.horticulture.ie / HORTICULTURECONNECTED

15

Weigela florida ‘Cultivar’ +(Selling names)*

PBR/AGM**

Ni

Ge

Fr

Au

05 / NURSERY

Ie

Golden leafed 1

Golden Candy

5

4.9

8

8

2

Gold Rush

5

4.6

7

4

3

Jean's Gold

5

5.2

6

3

4

Looymansii Aurea

5

7

3

5

Briant Rubidor

7

5

5.8

8

4.7

4

4.5

6

7.2

7

5.9

7

6

7

5.8

7

6

Variegated

ᵼ

6

Verweig 2 (Cappucino)

7

Florida Variegata

8

Suzanne

9

Sunny Princess

6.5

7

6.0

7

6

10

Preacox Variegata

7.3

6

6.2

7

6

11

Kosteriana Variegata

7

5.1

6

8

12

Brigela (Moulin Rouge)

7

6.1

8

8

13

Wessex Gold

7

5.5

7

6

14

Verweig (Monet)

7.4

9

5.6

6

0

ᵼ ᵼ

PBR

PBR

PBR

0

Of the five golden leaved cultivars, ‘Golden Candy’ clearly stood out in Ireland, with nearly double growth rate and generous flowering. The cultivars ‘Jean’s Gold’ and ‘Briant Rubidor’ did not perform very well as they suffered extensively from leaf burn.

Most variegated cultivars grew well, with ‘Kosteriana Variegata’ and ‘Brigela’ (also yellow leaved) performing best.

Of the miniature cultivars ‘Little Red Robin’ stood out with fresh green foliage and contrasting bright red flowers. This cultivar also responded very well to cutting back hard.

In the dark foliaged cultivars, ‘Alexandra’ and ‘Verweig 3’ stood out, while some other cultivars either died or performed very badly. It is interesting to note that ‘Naomi Campbell’ got very high marks in the Netherlands and Austria, while it died in Kilkenny.

WHAT NEXT? Agreement was reached in 2011 for the current trial on Hibiscus. In winter 2012, 60 cultivars of Hibiscus syriacus

were propagated (grafted) by Minier Nurseries in France.

They were grown on in the French nursery the following year and sent to the testing stations in February/March 2014.

Per testing station 60 cultivars were delivered, and three plants of each cultivar were potted up. In Ireland the plants are being grown at Pat FitzGerald’s nursery in Co Kilkenny.

The first observations will be made this year.

Some cultivars are already showing stronger growth than, others, while panel assessments will commence in 2016.

The cultivars will be assessed for three to four years in all countries on general performance, flower power, diseases resistance etc. If anyone is interested in getting involved in these assessments, please let me know (paul.fitters@teagasc.ie). Thanks.

I would like to thank Pat FitzGerald for generously providing space and time for these trials, Bord Bia for financial support, and Teagasc for allowing me do this research. ✽

DR PAUL FITTERS is a lecturer at the Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture at the National Botanical Gardens in Glasnevin. He specialises in biological control and nursery stock production. He can be contacted on 01 8040218 or paul.fitters@teagasc.ie

Miniature 15

Minuet

5.8

8

4.6

5

0

16

Rumba

5.8

7

5.5

5

5

17

Samba

6.6

8

4.7

5

0

18

Little Red Robin

Died/frost

5.9

6

7

College of Amenity Horticulture

OPEN DAY

ᵼ

Thursday, 10th March 2016 2.00pm - 4.30pm (Tours ongoing)

Dark leafed

ᵼ

19

Bokrashine (Naomi Campbell)

PBR

7.7

6

5.0

9

0

20

Alexandra (Wine and Roses)

PBR

6.6

7.5

5.1

6

8

21

Elvera (Midnight Wine)

PBR

7

4.5

0

6

22

Tango

6.8

6

4.4

5

0

23

Victoria

6.8

7

3.1

6

2

24

Follis Purpureis

AGM

5.9

8

3.5

5

2

25

Verweig 3 (Minor Black)

PBR

7.9

8

5.7

6

8

26

Ruby Queen

6

4.9

4

0

* Selling names can differ per country; ** PBR = Plant Breeders Rights; AGM = Award of Garden Merit; ᵼ plants died.

e e r in Horticulture. . .

A Ca r

ᵼ

ᵼ

Teagasc are proud to have new state of the art classrooms and drawing studio to support the learning of the next generation of Horticulturalists in the National Botanic Gardens.

College of Amenity Horticulture Teagasc, National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 Principal: John Mulhern | Phone: 01 8040201 Email: botanic.college@teagasc.ie

05 / NURSERY

05 /NURSERY

DEMANDING EXPORTS

Independant consultant, Neville Stein explores the potential for Irish plant exports in the context of rising UK demand and grower interest.

exporters. Over 50 new customers in the UK and beyond have been secured by those who have actively participated in the programme – and several participants would now acknowledge that the export market forms a significant part of their marketing mix – without it, growth in turnover would not have been achieved.

So what have we learned from the export programme?

Anyone who has spent time trying to open up a new market for their products will know that market development can be a slow process requiring a lot of leg work developing and building relationships. There are no quick fixes, and if you are interested in exporting, you need to take a long view, be serious about the process and commit to making it work. But after five years we have at least 75% of those who attended the annual export meetings now selling stock to the UK and beyond on a regular basis.

“Since developing the new format we have provided mentoring to 43 nurseries, 14 of which are recognised as first time exporters”

B

ord Bia has been working closely with UK based horticultural business consultant Neville Stein to develop export opportunities for Irish growers in the UK. Here Neville discusses the progress and reviews the current opportunities.

There has always been a long history of Irish nursery stock producers exporting to the UK. However the importance of exports to the sector was fully embraced in 2000 when Bord Glas created the Export Development programme. Early initiatives included sales training workshops and escorted study tours to the UK which helped raise the profile of Irish nursery stock amongst potential customers in the UK. This profile was further enhanced with Bord Bia organising generic stands at the major trade shows in the UK, most notably at GLEE. Since the global financial crisis in 2008 which had a serious negative impact on the sector, the programme has sought to offer a more tailored approach to individual nursery owners who wish to export. The new format developed in 2010 (which has also been promoted to those operating in the narcissi market), involves Gary Graham and me hosting short but focused hour long meetings with individual producers, the purpose of which is to offer practical advice and guidance and to explore what assistance can be provided through the

18

programme to facilitate the development of new business in the UK and beyond.

Since developing this new approach, over 40 nurseries have attended the annual round of meetings in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise and typically each year the available hour long slots with us are a sell-out. Not restricted just to the hardy nursery stock sector, these short consultancy sessions are available to anyone from the wider horticultural sector who wishes to export. In addition to collecting important data on the value of exports from Ireland these meetings provide an opportunity for participants to benefit from a bespoke action plan, developed for their specific needs.

But my role in the export programme is not just confined to these annual meetings. Throughout the year I am available to offer practical guidance and support, and typically this involves providing up to date market information, targeted customer lists, personal introductions and advice on sales and marketing techniques. In some instances I have even accompanied nursery operators on a sales trip – this ‘door opening’ service has proved invaluable in developing relationships with UK buyers.

Well, what has the export programme achieved? Since developing the new format we have provided mentoring to 43 nurseries, 14 of which are recognised as first time

HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Autumn/Winter 2015

We have also seen that despite a recent improvement in the domestic market many ambitious growers will reach a natural ceiling to their sales if they do not export – as we all know the domestic market is relatively small, very few new garden centres are being built and whilst the landscape market is making a slow recovery the supply of plants to this market remains intensely competitive. So to grow turnover perhaps exports do need to be considered? But if exporting was a quick easy fix, everyone would be doing it.

Some significant challenges remain, notably developing a cost effective and efficient supply route to the UK market.

Dispatch costs can of course be mitigated slightly by selling unique and differentiated products which typically achieve a higher price in the market. Likewise dispatch costs can also be reduced by aggregating loads with other exports, enabling growers to share cost.

We know that the UK market provides some significant opportunities. Whilst the UK garden market is not completely immune to the negative effects of the wider macro economy, on balance the market has survived the financial crisis very well. Garden retailers are in a very strong position with many reporting healthy growth. True, this growth might be driven by strong sales in non-gardening categories such as catering and giftware but plants still remain a significant category for most garden centres. The most significant development in the garden retail sector is the continuing desire for the largest multiple retailer, Wyevale, to increase their portfolio of garden centres. Other smaller garden retail chains are also on the acquisition trail – good news of course if you are an independent garden retail operator because at least you have one exit route from the business.

Despite these significant changes in the garden retail

market, there are still tremendous opportunities to provide unusual and interesting garden plants to the mid-sized multiple groups (those with five or more stores), and the very large single site independent garden centres.

The landscape market in the UK is currently in a healthy condition. Whilst the supply of plants to large commercial landscape contracts remains very price competitive, the domestic landscape market is performing well with many landscapers reporting record sales years. This increases the demand for quality plants suitable for the domestic market and typically domestic landscapers are purchasing these plants from secondary wholesalers or plant brokers – a market that should certainly be of appeal to many Irish producers as operators in this market often buy large volumes of stock, thereby making transport from Ireland much more cost effective.

A growth in online sales in the UK is also providing further market opportunities. Traditional mail order companies and the newer internet companies such as Crocus and Primrose have developed an effective plant fulfillment service and frequently require new and innovative young plants to help augment their range.

Hopefully you are convinced of the opportunities in the UK so exporting to the UK may well be the future for your business, but do your research and prepare – find out what the market needs, how the products should be presented, what is the pricing structure, how can you service the market. In other words, develop products that have a unique selling proposition that the market values. But going it alone can be a costly business. Perhaps now is the time to consider how and who you will cooperate with to exploit the potential in the UK market?

In 2016 we will continue to provide tailored advice to those wishing to export. In addition we will be offering a UK study tour in October 2016, with the aim of identifying and learning from best practice.

We also be providing regular export market update (EMU) bulletins for emailing to anyone interested in growing their business through exports. Other Bord Bia initiatives such as the Marketing Assistance Programme will also be available to support those looking for assistance to exhibit at UK trade shows or with the development of marketing material for the UK market. ✽

NEVILLE STEIN Ovation Business Consultants was established in 1995 by Neville Stein and his wife Caroline. The company provides consultancy and training services to nurseries, garden centres and landscapers across a wide and varied geographical area, including Scotland, Ireland, Poland, New Zealand and China.

Tel: +44 7778 005105 Web: www.ovationbusiness.co.uk Twitter: @OvationNeville

Autumn/Winter 2015 / www.horticulture.ie / HORTICULTURECONNECTED

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PHOTO BY KORALEY NORTHEN

05 / NURSERY

00 / NURSERY

BLOOM 2016: CELEBRATING WITH PLANTS

Bloom Manager, Gary Graham sets out an exciting stall for Bloom 2016 In the last issue of Horticulture Connected we featured an article by two of Ireland's most respected plantspeople, Jimi Blake and John Joe Costin. Entitled Two Point Perspective, it articulated points of praise and criticism on the planting and design at Bloom 2015. And it proved to be a divisive feature with many in the horticulture sector. With the event's 10-year anniversary only around the corner, Bloom Manager, Gary Graham cements the critical role it plays in underpinning our sector while detailing how your business can grow through participation.

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016 is an anniversary that will be commemorated across the country and further afield. A number of garden designers have been exploring ideas on how to mark the 100th anniversary of 1916 at Bloom. Now with the formal application process underway, those ideas are being tested and developed. 2016 is also Bloom’s 10th birthday and we want to use the occasion to reach out to those who have not yet attended at all.

Despite our circa 100,000 attendance each year and the fact that 60% of Irish adults are aware of Bloom’s existence, only 9% of the adult population have attended thus far. Clearly Bloom is successful in creating repeat visitors but if we can bring more reluctant gardeners into the fold we can do much more to maximise the economic benefits for the industry.

This year we asked visitors to the show for their ideas on Bloom’s 10th birthday and the Bloom team in Bord Bia is already focusing its thoughts on new activities, features and improvements. I would like to extend an invitation to everyone in the industry to come forward with their suggestions. To that end, Bloom has two main objectives and I think it timely to restate them and to remind us all of what Bloom is about and why we devote so much energy to its success.

1. To promote increased expenditure on Irish amenity horticulture products and services in the Irish market . To promote increased awareness and 2 expenditure on food and drink products from artisan, Origin Green and Quality Mark producers While the focus on food and beverages may be of little direct relevance to those operating in the amenity horticulture sector it is important to keep in mind that food and drinkrelated content at Bloom, such as the Food Village, brings in many visitors who may not be immediately seduced by stunning show gardens and spectacular plants. Invariably, these visitors will spend time among the show gardens and

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plant displays, and by and large they are inspired by their visit to do some gardening or to engage a gardening professional.

This year one third of the €7m spent at Bloom was spent on plants and gardening-related purchases. More importantly, Behaviour & Attitude research carried out nationwide for Bord Bia post-Bloom points to a €30m spend on gardening directly linked to the media coverage achieved around Bloom on TV, in print, on radio, and online.

Ultimately Bloom is about enticing reluctant or uninspired garden (or indeed balcony) owners to spend more in our sector and to assist us in building the productive capacity of the industry, i.e., increased production of plants in Ireland.

Plants may be regarded as merely one ingredient in the recipe for a successful garden or green space and to the uneducated eye those plants can be chosen from a limited palette. Hence the importance of show gardens and eye-catching plant displays. The vast majority of visitors to Bloom are highly impressed by the overall impact and they have no issue with the range of plants on display in the show gardens. The more discerning gardeners and knowledgeable plant lovers also gravitate towards the wide range of more unusual plants for sale in the floral marquee. When so many in the industry have their subjective views on Bloom, myself included, it is useful to focus on the feedback from the independent visitor survey. This year 93% of visitors were satisfied with their visit to Bloom and most of the 7% who were not completely happy had issues with way-finding and signage across the large site.

Plant quality or range was not raised as a deficiency. When visitors were specifically asked about the show gardens 96% were satisfied and when asked about the floral pavilion, 97% were satisfied. Again, plant range and quality was not a factor.

Despite these statistics, the horticulturists and plant lovers among us know that more could be done to showcase a wide range of plants and that Bloom needs to use every opportunity possible to put our best ‘plant foot’ forward.

Garden designers are awarded marks for plant quality, relevance, plant association and the use of locally sourced plants, but in some instances designers are heavily reliant on

HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Autumn/Winter 2015

“Designers will be invited to a workshop where our nursery owners and top growers can present their plant solutions for show gardens” their hard landscaping components and originality of ideas to score high medals. Unlike some of the more established events in the UK where sponsorship budgets are often secured a year or two in advance and more unusual plants can be pre-ordered and grown to a high specification, many sponsors at Bloom are much later in committing to the show and later in allocating budgets. Therefore, our designers cannot always commit to early plant orders from our nurseries and for their part the nurseries, still recovering from eight challenging years, are hard pressed to support the designers in the absence of guaranteed or early payments. Thankfully, despite the trading difficulties, many nurseries recognise the opportunity to use Bloom to put their product range in front of potential customers. Many of the 250 show gardens built since 2007 owe much of their success to nursery owners who collaborated with both established designers and the new kids on the block who have proved that good garden design is more often linked to passion, creativity and horticultural know-how, rather than any particular qualification or educational pathway.

Over the years, prospective show garden designers were invited to a number of seminars where show garden assessors, judges and garden designers explained how best to succeed at Bloom. In advance of Bloom 2016 designers will be invited to a workshop where we focus specifically on plants and planting for show gardens. Friday 19th February, the day before the GLDA seminar, has been earmarked as a suitable day when a number of speakers such as Andrew Wilson will be in Dublin and while we will focus on show garden planting the event will include a wider range of topics encouraging the use of a wide and suitable range of plants in all locations - private, public and commercial. At Bloom 2016, a new award recognising the “superior” use of plants in show gardens will be awarded to a show garden designer and those plants and/or the planting scheme will receive extra recognition at the show.

Bloom will celebrate a number of anniversaries and milestones in 2016. It behoves us all to remember why Bloom was conceived and to mark the occasion with the best possible exposition of plants. ✽

Autumn/Winter 2015 / www.horticulture.ie / HORTICULTURECONNECTED

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05 / NURSERY Safeguard zones around water abstraction points (including wells) servicing the following numbers of people: 2 00m – 500 people 1 00m – 50/500 people 2 5m – 10/50 people 5m – 10 or less people 1 5m Landscape feature (karst area, sink hole or collapse f eature)

chemicals are no longer available to us.

Looking at the different aspects for nurseries and other horticulture sectors to adhere to the SUD:

1. Minimise pesticide use. Where a pest or disease etc is identified in the crop the grower should be able to justify use of the treatment by going through the stages and trying to use the least harmful option first: ● Integrated pest management ● Husbandry practice, eg. move outside, decrease irrigation, alternative growing media ●B iological control, eg. nematodes, parasitic insects PHOTO BY MAURO RODRIGUES

●C orrect pesticide use, eg. treating the correct organism at

SUD AND YOUR GROWING BUSINESS

Dónall Flanagan, lecturer in horticulture with Teagasc, clarifies the rules, regulations and responsibilities of the Sustainable Use Directive and how it will impact your horticultural business

D

o all deadlines creep up the same way the Sustainable Use Directive (SUD) one has?

After 26th November 2015 only registered pesticide user will be allowed to spray professional plant protection products using knapsack, boom or similar. The introduction of the SUD has been long flagged; nearly so long ago that it was not something to worry about but with the deadline fast approaching, it's time to get prepared if you have not done so already.

While most of the promotion so far has been addressed to the farming sector, horticulture will have to comply with the new regulations in the same way. The ethos behind the

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SUD is to ensure greater safety for the environment, the consumer and the operator - it really is bringing an essential professionalism to what can be very harmful in the wrong hands. For the non-professional or amateur user there will be fewer products available and smaller sized packs, with the intention again of minimising opportunities for misuse.

The Department of Agriculture Food and Marine (DAFM) is responsible for the roll-out of SUD in Ireland and there is a range of helpful material on their web site www.pcs. agriculture.gov.ie/sud The impacts of SUD on nurseries has been seen already where chemical companies have chosen not to re-register products under the new SUD guidelines; some familiar

HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Autumn/Winter 2015

the correct stage, correct rate only, suitable conditions etc Details must be recorded of plant protection products used and also the registered pesticide user who applied them. A sample record can be downloaded from the DAFM website.

In field production there are also restrictions based on water bodies, boreholes and streams etc (see box). There are also buffer zones around hedges. These vary between 5m and 70m and are identified on the product label.

2. Training is required for pesticide users (PU) or operators of all sprayer types. Any nursery staff who have completed a Teagasc certificate or diploma in horticulture that included the pesticide application module will already have completed the training. They should register with the department.

Other stand-alone modules* from City & Guilds or FETAC are acceptable and again the award holder can register with DAFM. This training will often be for either knapsacks or boom sprayers.

In nurseries there are a variety of pesticide application methods in use, such as foggers, motorised knapsacks and gantry. Specific training courses for less common equipment are, not surprisingly, hard to come by. The DAFM is being pragmatic about this and advises users to complete a training course in the method that most closely resembles the application method being used, for example operating a motorised back sprayer, or complete knapsack training.

Depending on nursery size more than one trained user may be required to facilitate peak work loads, holidays etc.

When purchasing professional plant protection products the retailer may ask for the pesticide user number or other form of identification. However, sales can be made to non-registered users but the plant protection products must be applied by a registered user. This user could be another trained member of staff or a contractor.

FROM THE FRONT LINES Kieran Dunne, owner and operator of L and K Dunne Nurseries, shares the top ten lessons he’s learned from ensuring his business is compliant 1. E nsure proper procedure from start, we work to a yearly plan.

2. O nly use the most accurate information. We work closely with NAD (National Agro Chemicals) and our technical advisor Neil Heyler on best practice and for professional advice.

3. Conform to required application rates, timings and only operate in suitable weather conditions.

4. O nly employ competent personnel who are trained in all aspects of application. Close monitoring and supervision are also important.

5. D ocument everything and use a logical filing system.

6. T he Bord Bia Quality Programme and related procedures and systems were excellent in helping us manage our programme.

7. H ealth and Safety is a top priority for staff and customers alike.

8. E nsure equipment is of the highest specification.

9. H ave and use the appropriate protective clothing at all times.

10. W e found that working closely with our chemical supplier ensured we used the right products for the right jobs. For instance, biological control, chemical control or both

3. Testing is not required for knapsack or handheld sprayers as they are exempt under the SUD. Testing of boom/blast sprayers is set out by the Department as follows. "All boom sprayers up to 3m wide and all blast and orchard sprayers must be tested at least once by 26th November 2016 (new sprayers are covered for five years from purchase)”. Other types of equipment will require testing; however, these details will be finalised in 2016. Locations for testers or testing centres can be found on the department website www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/sud.

If you don’t know what you are doing, you will waste chemicals, time and money and achieve poor results. As a result of our best practice, we see SUD as a positive step and one in which we are happy and comfortable to work with to protect ourselves, our staff, customers and our environment. ✽

DόNALL FLANAGAN, a native of the Dublin mountains, has been teaching with Teagasc since 2007.

He has been a part of the Teagasc Sustainable Use Directive working group for the last year.

Telephone: 01-804 0204 Fax: 01-804 0212, Outlook number: 076-100 1171 Email: donall.flanagan@teagasc.ie

Autumn/Winter 2015 / www.horticulture.ie / HORTICULTURECONNECTED

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IN PICTURES

IN PICTURES PHOTOS BY: KORALEY NORTHEN PHOTOS BY: KORALEY NORTHEN

GLAS CITYWEST With an increased number of exhibitors and positivity to match this year's Glas was the probably the best. The venue is growing on exhibitors and visitors alike, with lots choosing to make a good networking night off it by staying in the Citywest Hotel.

LIZ MURPHY, ANNA KAVANAGH & LISA FITZHARRIS (BORD NA MONA)

ITB BLANCHARDSTOWN - EAMON KEALY, RACHEL FREEMAN, CIARNAD RYAN

VALERIE & RICHARD MCMULLEN (BEN VISTA NURSERY)

CAROL MARKS (BORD BIA) & CAROLINE ELLIOTT-KINGSTON (UCD)

DALE TREADWELL (NATURALLY WILD)

DAVID JORDAN (SALES MANAGER IRELAND, NILFISK)

NUALA & JOE YOUNG (YOUNG NURSERIES)

PHOTOS BY JOSEPH BLAIR

NICOLE BRADLEY-BYRNE & SANDRO CAFOLLA (DESIGN BY NATURE)

ROSS MCMAHON, LIAM MCMAHON, BRIAN BRESLIN, EUGENE KIELY, PETER CALLAGHAN, ANNE AHERN & TREVOR PRESTAGE (NAD)

ALAN HUGGARD (IRISH GRASS MACHINERY) & LANDSCAPER PAUL DOWLING

KERR HUNTER (SYMBIO) & NOEL WALSH (WHITE'S AMENITY)

EDDIE O'KEEFFE & DAGMARA STRACHOTA (TULLY NURSERIES)

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WILLIAM KENNY (FOUNTAINWORKS) YVO MEES (DELUCKS HORTICULTURE SERVICES) & JIM O'CONNOR (O'CONNOR NURSERIES)

PATRICK FARRELL & CLAIRE POLLY (SIMPLY GRASS)

HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Autumn/Winter 2015

JOHN LORD & LINDA BENNETT (RATOATH GARDEN CENTRE)

DAVID HACKETT (TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN) & COLMAN WARDE (EVERRIS)

DEIRDRE PRINCE & PATRICIA TYRRELL (GARDEN & LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS ASSOCIATION)

PETER MCMANUS, TOM SUMMERVILLE & ROB LYONS (UNIPLUMO)

Autumn/Winter 2015 / www.horticulture.ie / HORTICULTURECONNECTED

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IN PICTURES

IN PICTURES

FOUR OAKS

PLANTARIUM

2015 marks the year that Irish Nurseries returned in force as exhibitors at the UK’s most popular trade show. The group included all members of the Kildare Growers along with Billy Kelly of Kelly’s Nurseries. Having spoken to some of the exhibitors after the event, they were happy with the level of interest in the range of plants they were promoting to the UK market. They were also keen to point out that their participation was not based on taking advantage of current favourable currency rates, but was more about seeking longer term sales opportunities.

Xxxxx xx

SYTSE BERENDS (BLUNT COMMUNICATIONS)

MICHAEL O'CONNOR (FARPLANTS)

PETE VAN RUSSEN, J.S. CAMMERAAT VOF, PAT FITZGERALD

JOSEPH MACMAHON (SCALPWOOD NURSERIES)

ROSS & LIAM MACMAHON (NAD)

WEIT & ROY RENTES (RENTES NURSERIES)

WARREN EVANS (MODEL NURSERY LINERS) & JACK CUNNANE (WESTERN PLANT NURSERY)

TOBY SMITH (TULLY NURSERIES)

LARRY DORAN (DORAN NURSERIES) & BILLY KELLY (KELLY'S NURSERIES)

NIEK HERIJGERS, SAP UK

STEVE EVANS & NIALL RUSSELL (S.N.R.G)

GEORGE POLLOCK (JAMES POLLOCK & SON) & ROBERT BUGGLE (INSTANT POTS & PLANTS)

JOS VAN LINT (PROBA B.V.) SHOW DIRECTOR BREDAN GUIFOYLE (AMOUR NURSERIES) & TIM SCHRAM (SCHRAM NURSERIES)

GLEE

THOMAS QUEARNEY (MR.MIDDLETOWN GARDEN SHOP)

PAUL DOWNARD (UNIQUE GARDEN PRODUCTS)

GORDON DUNLOP (BEECH GROVE NURSERIES)

BIRMINGHAM Exhibitors at the show commented that Irish visitors were back in force at Glee 2015 this year, which is testament to the improving economy and garden retail sector in Ireland.

The show has reinvented itself for its core audience of garden retailers. An increased number of nurseries also exhibited.

EDWARD SMITH & BRENDAN HOWELL (BORD NA MONA)

PATRICIA DENNING (FOREST FRESH)

STUART BOOKER (HTA) & AMANDA SIZER BARRETT MBE, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF GARDENEX

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MARTIN MEIN (I2I) & CAROL PARIS (HTA)

HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Autumn/Winter 2015

MEYLER & MICHAEL BREEN (K + M AQUATIC PLANT ENTERPRISES)

ADAM DUNNET (WYEVALE NURSERIES)

MARTIN SIMMONS, CASSIE KING & TIM BELL (HTA)

CHRISTOPHER & JOHN LITTLE (LITTLE ENTERPRISES (IRELAND)

TURF SCIENCE LIVE Over 100 of the leading turf professionals from the UK and Ireland gathered at Naas Golf Course for the latest turf science & products research updates.

The event was presented by Colman Warde of Everris / ICL Specialty Fertilizers and hosted by course manager David Behan.

COLMAN WARDE (EVERRIS) & DERMOT O'CONNOR (TORO/LELY)

KYLE DAVIES & STUART WILSON (CROKE PARK)

STEPHANIE HEVEYJOHN SMYTONE & SEAMUS CLERKIN (HEADFORT GOLF CLUB)

Autumn/Winter 2015 / www.horticulture.ie / HORTICULTURECONNECTED

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07 / INTERVIEW

DRIVE THROUGH AMBITIONS

PHOTO: BARRY LUPTON

BARRY LUPTON INTERVIEWS JOHN MCGUINESS

07 / INTERVIEW Barry: What inspired you to create a drive-through green waste facility?

Barry: I guess I really identified the need for the facility from working at landscaping in the area and having no suitable place within a reasonable distance to dispose of the green waste properly.

Barry: What first steps did you take when you decided to focus on the development of Mulch?

John: A lot of things go through your head when you have the light bulb moment. How much will it cost, where will I build it, how should I build it, etc. So the first step was to do a serious business plan. This was an essential task and really made me question a lot of different areas that I couldn’t have imagined.

Barry: What were the principle challenges you faced in the first few months and how did you overcome them?

John: I suppose once you’ve overcome the first hurdle of convincing yourself that it’s a good idea then the next job is to convince everyone else. The marketing and advertising was, and still is, the main challenge.

Barry: A lot of people shy away from developing ideas because of financial worries. In fact I would say the sector is restricted because too few potential entrepreneurs are willing to take a chance. How did you overcome your financial barriers?

John: The co-founder Aengus and I self funded the business to get things motoring. We both had cash from our previous ventures. It isn’t very easy to get a bank loan to start a business and I don’t think it's ever going to be. The financial barrier is probably the best personal acid test of the entrepreneur as its usually your own hard earned money you are about to invest and gamble into your own idea so it really makes you think. Start small and if your idea is a good one it will grow, and hopefully the right people will notice you and advise and help you along the way.

T

he thing about all great ideas is that once realised they seem obvious. We've all experienced that feeling of, why didnt I think of that? But having great ideas and realising them are very different things. The former often happens in a flash, a light bulb moment, the latter requires commitment, perseverance, self belief, hard work and of course, hard cash.

One man who had what it took to realise his idea is John McGuiness. A native of North County Dublin, John came to horticulture via the more traditional route of family and farm experience rather than the more contemporary route of college qualification. In fact, despite working successfully in horticulture for more than a decade - principally in landscape construction - John has no formal horticultural qualification.

While always keeping a hand in the business, he focused instead on his passion for problem solving and attained a degree in engineering from DCU. A decision which underpinned his approach to landscape construction and ultimately his decision to start his own business.

Mulch was founded in 2011 by John and his then business partner Aengus Benson to address problems he identified in the Irish landscape sector: green waste facilties and peat free products. Four years on, and John now operates Ireland's only drive-through green waste facility and supplies a range and environmentally friendly products to an expanding domestic and commercial clientele. On a recent visit to the Mulch facility I had the opportunity to talk with John about how he realised his ideas and what plans he has for the future. ✽

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HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Autumn/Winter 2015

Barry: The landscape sector is sometimes viewed as a bit rough and ready, with little focus on staff training and customer care. I was struck by the friendliness of your team on arrival. Is customer care training a specific focus and if so, how is it articulated?

John: Yes, and it’s a really strong point with me. I designed Mulch using the eyes of the customer, giving them what they want in the friendliest and nicest environment I could imagine.

Making the depot look well is going to be your first impression but how the staff treat you and make you feel will be your lasting impression. Because of this I only employ people who have very natural and strong people skills, everything else comes second.

Barry: When most people think of green waste facilities they think of county council depots or landscape yards. What factors led you to be based in the heart of an industrial estate?

John: I guess they say location is everything and they’re right. People have a subconscious limit as to how much effort they will go to to engage with any business. For both our commercial and domestic customers we know time is precious so we wanted to be as close to as many people as possible to encourage them to use us as frequently as

possible, so when we were selecting the site we found that Malahide Road Industrial Park served the entire Northside of Dublin extremely well.

Barry: It's one thing to provide a facility for green waste, it's a whole other thing to develop a range of products. How did you go about product development?

John: The products start and stop with the gardeners’ most basic needs: good quality soil, compost and bark in a variety of mediums and in any quantity imaginable. There were no real standards or consistencies for these basic products so I wanted to sort that out. And I did.

Barry: Marketing has never been a strong focus of the wider horticulture sector but you appear to be making a significant investment in brand development and awareness. Tell me about your views on marketing and strategy for Mulch?

John: I don’t think branding really exists in horticulture. Most business owners don’t get it, and probably never will. Mulch was a brand from the day it was born. It was part of our DNA, whereas most other businesses just use a combination of their initials, their surnames or the places they are from. And they are not really thinking about how people will react when they hear the name first. Branding isn’t essential but if you intend to grow your business its very difficult to progress without it.

Barry: Part of your brand is centred on the supply of peatfree/environmentally friendly garden products. I have always felt Irish consumers pay lip service to environmental concerns, and it is ultimately price which governs buying decisions. What has your experience been?

John: I would totally agree with that but because of the eco concise way that Mulch is set up, people pretty much expect our products to be environmentally friendly so that makes that whole push an easier sell.

Barry: We are starting to see more coverage of the impacts of invasive species and I note some information on knotweed in your reception. What is your role in this important area and how do you ensure you're not unwittingly spreading species through green waste collection?

John: Well using the knotweed as our current example, when we came across the issue we found the best thing to do was inform all our commercial customers about it, most of which hadn’t heard about it, and explain to them the ways in which we would correctly dispose of it should it land in our depot or they come across it. Education is really vital in this area.

Barry: You worked in landscape construction for almost a decade, what were the most enjoyable aspects of the work?

John: I loved the fast turn around time in landscaping. Quite often, in just a couple of weeks you had the opportunity to transform people's gardens and essentially their lifestyle and wellbeing by designing and constructing something amazing.

That always gave me great pleasure.

Barry: Many contactors complain that there is simply no money in construction anymore. Do you agree, and if so, why do you think it's so difficult to make a living from it?

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07 / INTERVIEW

07 / INTERVIEW

John: Yes I do agree with this. I think as a sector it is very under-appreciated and under-valued. Compared to the construction trade, for example, wages are definitely lower despite that for decades, there have been very good reasons to support their claim for higher earnings.

Also because of the weather it makes earning a living during the winter months even more difficult and almost everyone has to find alternate income sources to make ends meet during these times.

see if it continues to grow and stay successful.

Barry: The same contractors might also be heard talking of how punishing their work day is. What does a typical day for you involve and how does it compare?

John: My day is hectic and sporadic to say the least. Like all small business owners there is a loose plan of what you want to get done, then the day kicks off and it all goes out the window.

I do enjoy the diversity of how one minute I’m driving a JCB, then in the office, then out driving a truck and then back in the warehouse sweeping the floor.

Barry: How do you see Mulch developing over the next decade?

John: I guess I always see Mulch evolving into something better, that’s what keeps me motivated. I don’t know what the limit is but if it works really well in one area I have to wonder why it wouldn’t work elsewhere.

Barry: How successful has your Coolock depot been when compared to initial projections?

John: It’s fairly on track for what we hoped it would do. Let’s

Barry: You took a brave step moving away from your landscape business. What advice would you give to other contractors considering the development of a new business?

John: I think everyone knows when their time is done at a certain job or company and it's time to move on. A little switch goes off in your head and you just know. There’s nothing worse than doing something you don’t enjoy.

Nangle&Niesen wholesale nursery

Rathcullen, Aherla, Cork Tel: 021-733 1126 Fax: 021-733 1663

Barry: Any final thoughts?

John: People think certain industries are exempt from evolution and progress. They’re wrong, nothing stays still and if anyone thinks like that they will be overtaken before they know it. Before Mulch existed no one thought they needed such a place, now they wouldn’t know what to do without it. ✽

Email: info@nangleandniesen.ie w w w. n a n g l e a n d n i e s e n . i e

Are you a horticultural entrepreneur, perhaps you are developing a new business idea, working on research and development, bringing a new product to market or reinventing an existing one? If so, we’d like to share your story with the sector.

Drop me a line at editor@hortitrends.com.

T +353 7491 56036 E info@lcpackaging.ie

AGRI paper Bags Woven polypropylene Bags films & plastics Netting Tonne Bags Jute Ground Cover

Quality: We specialise in growing trees and our nursery has been accredited with a ‘Quality Award’ in recognition of standards achieved under the Bord Bia Horticultural Quality Assurance Scheme.

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08 / DESIGN

08 / Design

DESIGN AND BUILD 2015

GLASTHULE TERRACE HOUSE

Gaining access to some of Ireland’s best design and build projects of 2013

This project is located in South County Dublin and required the redesign of a traditional terraced house garden to create parking spaces and an entrance for cars. The budget was €8,000.

The surfacing material is pea gravel with a natural stone pathway through perennial planting to accommodate prams and pedestrians. The gravel paving allows rainwater to permeate as do the areas of planting. To the rear the garden is very small but sunny . A space was created to catch the

morning sun and the rear wall of the garden was demolished and re-designed to alter the location of the pedestrian access to maximize the space. ✽

THE BLUE GARDEN

Designer: Andrew Christopher Garden Designs Phone: 041 988 9780, Mobile: 087 667 8468 Email: info@acdesigns.ie Contractor: Silverstream Landscapes Ltd (ALCI) Phone: 047 71788, Email: info@sgw.ie, web: www.sgw.ie ✽

Design and planting: Patricia Tyrrell MGLDA Mobile: 086 807 8024, Email: ptyrrell@live.ie Web: www.living-landscapes.com Hard Landscaping: Irish Sustainable Homes

I

rish people are spending more on their gardens and landscapes than in recent years. Feedback from the design and build community has been the most positive in recent years, with the majority reporting they're busy. And not the stupid busy of the last eight years, but genuinely engaged with meaningful, profitable work.

While professionals are busy, gaining an insight into the work they're doing can be a challenge. We all know what we ourselves are doing, and perhaps a couple of close colleagues, but that doesn't really reflect the wider picture. To capture a snapshot, we asked members of the Association of Landscape Contractors of Ireland (ALCI) and the Garden & Landscape Designers Association (GLDA) to let us view some of their recent completions and we're delighted to be able to share and promote the work of those who took the time to contribute.

Getting behind those closed doors and side gates of Ireland's newest landscapes and gardens provides an encouraging perspective on our fragile recovery. The included projects not only demonstrate increased spend but also the high degree of design and construction skills at work around the country. But we do not do enough to communicate our skills to the sector, or to the public in general.

For sure the ALCI and the Irish Landscape Institute’s awards do much to promote members’ work, but there is always room to do more, particularly in relation to highlighting the benefits of employing accredited professionals.

Perhaps it's time the design and build communities came together to share, promote and take pride in the amazing work being done? Time to consider a national awards scheme? Whatever your thoughts, it's still good to sit back and reflect on what the design and build sector is really capable of.

Sincere thanks to those who were willing to share their projects with us.

This private contemporary courtyard in North County Dublin measures just less than 30 square meters and features many bespoke elements including a natural gas fire, polished white concrete coffee table with crushed blue glass detail, western red cedar detailing throughout, an outdoor kitchen complete with ceramic “Big green egg” barbecue and a bespoke outdoor sofa with waterproof cushions.

To complete the garden we had bespoke artwork made from fused glass positioned both on the walls and inside the coffee table. ✽

AFTER

BEFORE BEFORE

CONTEMPORARY URBAN GARDEN This garden is a 15 minutes drive from Dublin city centre, with a typically suburban house to go with it.

It was designed and built by Kevin Dennis, owner of the garden design company Cityscape Gardener, and designed to complement a new extension built to the rear of the property. It had a south facing aspect and measured 7m wide and 10m long.

With a contemporary styled brief and intentions for a reasonably low maintenance plan the garden was designed for modern living. Through the large rear windows of the

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AFTER

AFTER

house the garden had to be visually appealing all year round. Bold square structures, floating seats and a split level artificial lawn filled the space without overcrowding the design. Planting consisted of perennials and grasses to soften the space with some structured plants to emphasise the square shapes. The clients were very pleased with the result and enjoy the garden as an extension to their home. ✽ Design and build: Cityscape Gardener (ALCI) Phone: 01 851 2737, Mobile: 086 173 3735 Web: www.cityscapegardener.ie

HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Autumn/Winter 2015

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33

08 / DESIGN BRIGHTON AVENUE, FOXROCK This 15m x 12m garden was constructed for a retired couple on a budget of €20,000. The brief was simple: a place they could sit out and entertain in that was adult, dog and grandchild friendly. The main garden elements were a large sandstone terrace and a matching artificial lawn, bordered with large raised beds constructed with clay bricks and capped with sandstone. The line between lawn and paving was softened with Buxus hedging and BEFORE

08 / DESIGN granite cobbles.

Beds were planted with mixed shrub and herbaceous species. Existing mature Thujas were complemented with additional specimens. A triangle of Buxus squares with a central mature Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ were the anchoring focal points of the garden. ✽ Inspire Landscape Design and Build (ALCI) Phone: 01 297 3344, Mobile: 086 172 7669 Web: www.inspirelandscape.ie.

AFTER

AFTER

WALKING ON WATER This one acre project was centred on creating a relaxing garden space with vantage and focal points, and an emphasis on the sound of water using two ponds. Key elements include a bench faced in Donegal quartz, which accents the existing pillars. It is capped with 30mm Indian mint fossil sandstone and profiled with a bullnoser after being cut into a curved shape.

A stainless steel water blade is built into the wall. Water is supplied to this via a 30mm pipe.

Paving is a 2m Indian mint sandstone rotunda. The path is edged in Indian mint. All pointing is done with polymeric sand.

Stepping stones are built of block plastered under water and

capped to match the bench with 30mm Indian mint sandstone.

The pond is lined with flexible HDPE liner (guaranteed for a lifetime), and a mix of 2 inch to 6 inch local sandstone covers this to give a natural look. The soft landscaping is a mixture of small shrubs, grasses, herbaceous perennials, ferns, bulbs and trees. A white lavender hedge leads you to the seated and viewing area. Alliums float above the Stipa tenuissima. Heuchera contrasts with the Carex ‘Everillo’. ✽ Design: Shane Murphy Constructed by: Lavender Landscapes (ALCI) Phone: 021-242 877, Mobile: 087-774 3535 Web: www.lavenderlandscapes.ie AFTER

BEFORE

BEFORE

DODDER RIVER GARDEN The brief was to create a low maintenance modern garden, which was usable all year round. It was actually requested that we might consider using artificial plants.

The client wanted to have a sense of movement and the eye to follow an indirect journey to the river Dodder, which sits at the end of the garden. It was agreed that the back fence should be removed. The only feature to remain was the mature willow tree which had been severely pruned.

The garden includes a large entertainment patio made of limestone paving, a synthetic lawn, a raised deck around the willow tree, and a meandering pathway to a deck split by a chicaned boundary of acrylic panels - which leads to a view

DRUMCAR TREEHOUSE of the Dodder and surrounding river bank books from about 5 meters above.

The original yellow pack fencing was replaced with a 'Huckleberry Fin-esque' Colonial palisade fence on both sides, painted in a light grey colour. The lighting system is a set of 24 LED lights run from a remote control which allows you change combinations and sequences between mixes of primary colours. ✽ Design: David Shortall MGLDA & Padraic Woods (GLDA Pre. reg. member) Construction: I.C. Landscaping Ltd (ALCI) Phone: 01 458 2520, Mobile 086 251 5783 Web: www.iclandscaping.ie

BEFORE

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HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Autumn/Winter 2015

AFTER

Situated in rural Co Meath, this adults’ treehouse hideaway was designed and built by Peter O’Brien of Plan Eden. With several locations to choose from within the four acre garden, the open canopy of the selected oak provides a sense of enclosure, while still allowing good filtered light through to the deck and treehouse, and stunning views of the river Dee and the wider landscape. The host tree was situated in a field

close to the garden boundary, so the treehouse is accessed in three manageable stages, with steps up to fence level, then bridged over to the tree before climbing the final stage ship’s ladder. The trunk passes through the treehouse, giving the interior a strong sense of place. ✽ Design and build: Peter O'Brien MGLDA, Plan Eden Phone: 01-281 9470, Mobile: 086-221 5468 Email: info@planeden.ie, Web: www.planeden.ie

08 / DESIGN

09 / CONSTRUCT

ALCI AWARD WINNERS 2015 The Annual Association of Landscape Contractors of Ireland (ALCI) Landscape Awards took place at the Convention Centre Dublin on 6th November and were presented by Guest of Honour, Feargus McGarvey, Associate Director of leading landscape architecture practice Mitchell & Associates and former President of the Irish Landscape Institute. The awards, known as the Oscars of the landscaping industry, acknowledge ALCI members who demonstrate exceptionally high standards of professionalism and skill in the execution of a wide variety of landscape projects. Horticulture Connected are delighted to be able to share the full winners list with you. More information about each of the winning projects can be found on www.alci.ie

SOUTH FACING IN CLONTARF

burglars. The main elements are: a silver granite patio, tegula

This 650sqm garden is located in North Dublin. The clients purchased the property so they could build a low maintenance energy, efficient home for their retirement.

When I was appointed the building was derelict, but the garden had already been cleared, and the builder had installed drainage, a shed, and a concrete boundary fence.

The brief was to provide a private garden for relaxation and enjoyment. The flip of this was that we couldn't install any feature that could provide a hiding place for potential

heather pathway, a putting green and tee box, woodland style planting at the base of the garden, and a small knot garden overlooked by the patio. Spring bulb planting will take place in the coming months. ✽ Design: Jane McCorkell, MGLDA Mobile 087-683 9520

GARETH DALZELL (PRESIDENT ALCI); EOIN RYAN & PADDY DALY (INSPIRE LANDSCAPE, WINNERS OF THE BOG OAK TROPHY 2015 FOR OVERALL BEST ENTRY) WITH FEARGUS MCGARVEY (MITCHELL & ASSOCIATES) AND ALAN JONES (AAN JONES ARCHITECTS)

ALBERT KASPERCIKS, KRIS OZDOBINSKI AND ROSS FARRELL (ALL FROM GREENSTONE LANDSCAPES)

COLETTE VERDES (ALCI); CAROL MARKS (BORD BIA); CIARAN O’BRIEN (PETER O’BRIEN SONS LANDSCAPING); JOHN SUTTLE (SUTTLE LANDSCAPES)

Email: jane@janemccorkell.com, Web: www.janemccorkell.com Main Contractor: Saxa Landscapes (ALCI) Phone: 01-443 3105, Mobile 086-772 1233 Web: www.saxalandscapes.ie

LEINSTER WOODS Our client requested a family friendly garden for their children to play safe and comfortably in, and had a budget of between 50-60K. In order to maximize the lawn area for the children, the planted areas were kept to a minimum and some raised planters were constructed for the children to grow vegetables and flowers. In the children’s play area playground railings, rubber curbing and play mulch were installed to create a safer environment.

GARY GRAHAM (BORD BIA); JANE MCCORKELL MGLDA (GARDEN DESIGNER) AND FEARGUS MCGARVEY (MITCHELL & ASSOCIATES)

A landscape plan was co-designed with our paving contractor to create a large patio space that consisted of natural stone paving, precast stone and brick.

A timber shed with a connecting bin storage area and a parking zone for the golf buggy was created. The driveway was re-designed to allow parking for three vehicles. In addition, arch treated gates and pillars were installed along with 1.2 metre high bow top metal railings to the front of the garden to secure the site gate. ✽ Design and Build: SAP Landscapes (ALCI) Phone: 01-627 5177, Email: mail@sapgroup.com Web: www.sapgroup.com

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HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Autumn/Winter 2015

MARTIN TULLY (TULLY NURSERIES); THOMAS CRUMMY (CHAIRMAN ALCI)

GREG MCCONVILLE & KENNY CROOKS (NORMAN EMERSON GROUP) WITH TOBY SMITH (TULLY NURSERIES )

GARETH DALZELL (PRESIDENT ALCI); PATRICIA TYRRELL MGLDA (GARDEN DESIGNER); BARRY MURPHY (GREENTOUCH LANDSCAPES) AND FEARGUS MCGARVEY (MITCHELL & ASSOCIATES)

BARRY LUPTON (HORTICULTURE CONNECTED) WITH KEVIN MCCABE (ENRICH) AND JOHN BEIRNE (SAP LANDSCAPES)

Autumn/Winter 2015 / www.horticulture.ie / HORTICULTURECONNECTED

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PHOTO BY HIMSELF100

09 / CONSTRUCT

09 / CONSTRUCT

WEAK

FOUNDATIONS: Inconsistencies in landscape planning requirements are undermining the landscape sector

Landscape cost estimating specialist, Colm Kenny explains how weaknesses and inconsistencies in planning requirements from local authorities are damaging the sector and the landscape

T

he Irish landscape contracting industry is a still in its infancy, having only sprouted in the early 1960s, with the seeds being sown by pioneers such as Sir Basil Goulding and early contracting companies like Power’s of Waterford. They paved the way for the modern day contractors by influencing architects, developers and others of the importance of landscaped spaces and softening of new developments with tree and shrub planting.

While the design of these early schemes would have largely been the vision of contractors, the involvement of local authority planning departments and associated protocols meant a formal approach to landscape design was required. This in turn laid the foundation for the modern day planning process, which requires a landscape masterplan

38

submission prior to planning permission being granted and which is responsible for the vast majority of commercial landscaping activity.

The guidelines set out on local authorities’ websites regarding valid planning applications make some reference to the obligation of a landscape plan for new developments; however the reality is that the imposing of such requirements upon applicants and level scrutiny of submissions differs greatly from county to county. While one local authority will consistently request a landscape plan for every development, be it a one off house or large commercial development, a neighbouring council may only request a landscape plan for larger projects and even at this, the request could be dependent on the attitude of the individual planner. Once a plan has

HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Autumn/Winter 2015

been submitted it often seems it’s a tick the box exercise for most, with only a limited number of local authorities with a dedicated parks department having the expertise to inspect and evaluate landscape drawings.

This inconsistent approach to dealing with landscape plans causes problems for all parties, from the design team all the way down to the landscape contractor and on to the end user of the developments. From a design team point of view, the lead agent is more often than not the archiect, who appoints a range of specialist engineers, a quantity surveyor, M & E co-ordinators, a planning consultant, a fire consultant…but when it comes to appointing a landscape architect or designer, its often a “wait and see approach” that is taken before such an appointment is made. When a

landscape architect is employed early in the design phase, their influence can have a positive impact on the development by ensuring the landscape is a key consideration throughout the process, leading to successful landscape schemes for the benefit of everyone.

I have yet to come across a new development where there is no requirement for landscaping or external works. For every new build there is always hard or soft landscaping required. For larger projects a qualified landscape architect will be appointed as part of the design team. However for smaller projects the architect will take it upon themselves formulate a landscape design by colouring up their drawings and draw a few circles indicating the proposed position of the first tree that appears on Google. The problem arises when the contractors go about building the design and find out that the tree specified is only found on the internet and certainly not in any Irish nursery.

This acceptance of tolerating unqualified professionals to provide landscape plans needs to be curtailed and discouraged from continuing in order to improve the industry. An architect wouldn’t design and sign off on a foundation design for a new apartment block, yet they often take the liberty of designing a landscape scheme, which can sometimes be more complex

“This acceptance of tolerating unqualified professionals to provide landscape plans needs to be curtailed and discouraged from continuing in order to improve the industry” than some foundations if seen on building sites over the years.

Only when qualified landscape architects and designers take control and champion the cause will the situation improve for all parties in the industry.

They are the ones who design schemes that work, they are the ones who can ensure high standards on the contracting front, they are the ones who know when contracts are carried out as per specifications.

The primary source of conflict and frustration within the industry is the prevalent practice of contractors completing contracts not up to specification, particularly with regard to soft landscaping. This occurs for a number of reasons.

Often the budget has been spent and as a result it’s the landscape budget that is seen as an area where cost savings can be made. The original designer may not be involved in the site works and so a few shortcuts are taken in order to get the job back on budget. Maybe the design team doesn’t understand how trees and plants are specified and the difference between a 14-16cm and a 20-25cm tree or indeed the difference between a Betula pendula or a Quercus ilex.

The architect, quantity surveyor and/or site clerk.

They just see 1 No. tree and they are happy with that. If a competent landscape architect is employed to see a project

through, they act as the safety net to ensure the design is fully compliant with their vision.

A simple solution to such practices would be the introduction of a certification scheme. There has been a lot of discussion in the general construction industry since the introduction of the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014 which came into effect 1st March 2014.

These regulations are currently under review regarding one off dwellings but for all other types of developments the regulations require owners to appoint a design certifier to designs and an assigned certifier to the actual works to new buildings. As the title of landscape architect is not a protected title under the Building Control Act, they are not qualified to act as assigned certifiers under the legislation. In other words the people that are qualified to sign off on landscape schemes are not able to highlight the regard the profession is held in by the decision makers. Instead they can only advise architects and other certifiers if a scheme is up to standard. That is of course if they are involved at that stage of the project at all.

I recently worked on a small commercial project where there were 175 inspections carried out by the architect in order to complete the certification process. This included visually inspecting everything from the underside of the foundations to the top of the roof, but not the 40 odd heavy standard trees that were planted outside on the street at a considerable cost. These were not certified as there is no requirement to do so even though they were included on the planning drawings, and in the granting of the planning permission one of the conditions stated that the landscape plan was to be implemented in full in order to reduce the visual impact of the scheme. There is a major flaw in the regulations, which in my opinion need to be changed for the good of the industry and local landscapes. Only when landscape architects are required and empowered to sign off on schemes will the situation change of us all.

It is clear that in order to improve conditions in all sectors, standards of work and the perception of our small industry within the bigger construction family will need to change.

Efforts have been and continue to be made to rectify this damaging situation, but more needs to be done. We need to make our dissatisfaction known to local authorities, planners, architects, developers and clients. We need to clearly demonstrate the harm being done and the negative financial and environmental repercussions of what is essentially a weak and inconsistent system. One thing is for sure, no one else is going to do it for us. ✽

COLM KENNY, B Ag. Sc. (Land. Hort), M.Sc. Quantity Surveying. Colm is a landscape estimating specialist. He provides cost and implementation advice to landscape industry professionals, technical advisors, contractors and facility management companies. He can be contacted on 087 288 5016 or by email info@landscapeqs.ie

Autumn/Winter 2015 / www.horticulture.ie / HORTICULTURECONNECTED

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10 / INSIGHT

09 / INSIGHT

IRELAND'S

PREFERRED PERENNIALS

I

reland has a wealth of collective horticultural knowledge, but this knowledge is often lost or even ignored with successive generations repeating the planting mistakes of the past. This tendency for reinvention is compounded by limited access to plant specification information based on Irish experience and research. More often than not, professionals defer to UK texts for plants information.

Conducting and sharing this survey of preferred perennial plants used in the Irish landscape should be viewed as a first step toward building a user generated data set to assist professionals in making sustainable decisions on plant use. We will shortly launch a web based platform so the knowledge shared by survey respondents can continue to grow, evolve and reflect best practice for plant use.

No judgement is made by the magazine on the suggested plants. Instead, we hope the list will be user edited over time with professionals being able to share views on what is an intensely complex domain.

Horticulture Connected would like to extend a serious word of thanks to all those who took the considerable time to share their knowledge. Your willingness is an inspiration and should encourage others to follow suit.

THE TRADITIONAL ERYSIMUM IS ONE OF THE MOST FAVOURED PLANTS WITH SURVEY RESPONDENTS AND EMBODIES MUCH OF WHAT WE SEEK IN LANDSCAPE PLANTS; SMALL TO MEDIUM, EVERGREEN, DOME SHAPED, LONG FLOWERING AND LOW WATER REQUIREMENT

THE DEMOGRAPHICS Survey respondents represented a wide range of ages, professions, experience and locations. Of all those who completed the survey, 60% were male and 40% female. Age was more or less evenly spread across the 20-30, 30-40, and 40-50 ranges with 5% being over 60.

60% were located in Leinister with 20% in Munster and 10% each in Ulster and Connacht. Areas of professional speciality covered construction, maintenance, education, retail, design, nursery production, gardening, planning, tidy towns, horticultural therapy and community work. 30% had more than 10 years experience, 30% had less than five, while the remainder had more than 20 years professional experience.

All respondents had relevant qualifications with 20% having certificates, 20% with diplomas, 40% with degrees, 15% with Masters and 5% with PhD qualifications. It was heartening to see such a range of represented.

IRELAND'S PREFERRED PERENNIAL PLANTS BY CATEGORY For the purposes of simplicity and clarity, plants are listed only once and only plants which feature a genus and species are included.

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PREFERRED CONIFERS Thuja was listed several times without genus or cultivar. Abies was also listed but was not included.

Two respondents noted that they simply avoid conifers altogether. Some coniferous trees were listed and included here.

Abies koreana Cedrus deodara Cedrus libani Cryptomeria japonica 'Vilmoriniana' Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Carpet’ Pinus pinea Pinus sylvestris Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata Aurea’ Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald' Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'

PREFERRED SPECIMEN SHRUBS Viburnum, Hydrangea and Cornus top the bill for specimen shrubs. Hydrangea was included several times but without cultivar. Amelanchier was also suggested but without cultivar.

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’ Cotinus coggygria Cotoneaster 'Hybridus Pendulus' Daphne bholua 'Jacqueline Postil' Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' Euonymus alatus Hydrangea macrophylla Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Vesna’ Pittosporum ‘Garnettii’ Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Tom Thumb’ Rhododendron yakushimanum Viburnum opulus Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Mariesii’ Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Dawn’ Viburnum x burkwoodii Viburnum x burkwoodii ‘Anne Russell’

Fagus sylvatica Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea' Fuchsia magellanica ‘Riccartonii’ Gaultheria procumbens Olearia other than O. macrodonta and O. traversii Osmanthus decorus Prunus lusitanica Taxus baccatta

PREFERRED BAMBOOS Perhaps unsurprisingly, Phyllostachys was the most popular suggestion, followed by Fargesia. Several respondents suggested Fargesia but without cultivar. Two respondents mentioned that they were not happy using bamboos in the Irish landscape but used them in more urban settings.

Chusquea coleou Fargesia murielae 'Simba' Fargesia nitida Fargesia sp.

Phyllostachys aurea 'Holochrysa' Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. aureocaulis Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. spectabilis Phyllostachys nigra Pseudosasa japonica Sasa veitchii Semiarundinaria fastuosa

ECHINACEA IS THE PLANT WE ALL LOVE BUT ITS POPULARITY HAS WANED IN RECENT YEARS AS IT IS SIMPLY NOT RESILIENT IN THE IRISH LANDSCAPE

Similarly to bulbs, respondents were less inclined to list full botanical names with the majority referring to waterlilies, Thypha or varieties of Nymphaea and Iris. This is not unsurprising given that opportunities to work with water are far more limited than working with terrestrial sites. Supply of aquatic plants is also far more limited and is typically seasonal.

PREFERRED PERENNIAL GRASSES Stipa was by far the most mentioned genus with gigantea being the most popular. Miscanthus was also a favourite.

Calamagrostis, Hakonechloa and Deschampsia were also mentioned but without cultivars.

PREFERRED BULBS From responses it would appear that the sector isn't comfortable with bulb species and cultivars. The majority of respondents did not list either, preferring to use common names. Narcissus was the most mentioned followed by Tulipa, Crocus, Lillium and Allium. Below are the full names suggested.

Allium 'Purple Sensation' Allium giganteum Allium ursinum Eucomis bicolor Fritillaria meleagris Galanthus sp.

Narcissus 'February Gold' Narcissus 'Jetfire' Narcissus 'Rijnveld's Early Sensation’ Narcissus 'Tete-a-Tete' Narcissus 'Winston Churchill'

Chionochloa rubra Cortaderia selloana Festuca glauca Imperata ‘Red Baron’ Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten' Miscanthus sinensis 'Gold Bar' Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' Molinia caerulea Nassella tenuissima 'Pony Tails' Stipa arundinacea Stipa gigantea Stipa tenuissima

PREFERRED HEATHERS Erica carnea is by far the favourite with respondents with Calluna vulgaris a distant second.

PREFERRED FERNS

Fagus, Crataegus and Prunus lusitanica were by far the most popular with respondents in terms of preferred hedging plants. Photinia was also mentioned but without species or cultivar.

Each of the fern species listed here was suggested by multiple respondents with Polystichum setiferum being the most frequently referred to.

HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Autumn/Winter 2015

PREFERRED FRESH WATER AQUATICS

Caltha palustris Glyceria maxima var. variegata Nymphaea 'Escarboucle'

PREFERRED HEDGING PLANTS

Carpinus betulus Choisya ternata 'Sundance' Cotoneaster lacteus Crataegus monogyna

Dryopteris erythrosora Dryopteris wallichiana Matteucccia struthiopteris Osmunda regalis Polystichum aculeatum Polystichum setiferum

Calluna ‘Silver Knight’ Calluna vulgaris Erica carnea 'December Red' Erica carnea 'Myretoun Ruby' Erica carnea 'Springwood Pink' Erica carnea 'Springwood White' Erica x darleyensis 'Darley Dale' Erica x darleyensis 'Kramer's Red'

PREFERRED EVERGREEN PERENNIALS Athyrium niponicum var. pictum Blechnum nova zealandiae Blechnum tabulare Dicksonia antarctica Dryopteris filix-mas

Erysimum 'Bowles's Mauve', Salvia and Heuchera were the most frequently referred to but only full names are included below. Perovskia, Dierama and Edgeworthia were also suggested.

Acanthus mollis

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09 / INSIGHT

09 / INSIGHT of plants and multiple mentions of Hosta, Hydrangea, Nepeta, Geranium and Rudbeckia

DELPHINIUMS ARE AN AMAZING ADDITION TO ANY BORDER BUT THEIR INABILITY TO HOLD UP TO OUR CLIMATE MAKES THEM LESS LIKELY TO BE USED IN ALL BUT THE MOST HIGHLY MAINTAINED SITUATIONS

Acanthus spinosus Anaphalis triplinervis Erigeron glaucus 'Sea Breeze’ Erysimum 'Bowles's Mauve' Euphorbia sp.

Ilex aquifolium Lavandula angustifolia Libertia formosa Pachyphragma macrophyllum Penstemon 'Evelyn' Viburnum tinus 'Eve Price'

PREFERRED DECIDUOUS PERENNIALS

PREFERRED SCENTED PERENNIALS

The list below will need to be clarified for future expansion.

Clarification is needed to differentiate between deciduous and herbaceous. Many of the suggested plants are more commonly referred to as herbaceous. This typically refers to die back of leaves and stems while deciduous refers to leaves, flower, and fruit parts which die off leaving a stem/branch structure. Apologies to respondents for confusion. Peony, Podophyllum, Phlox, Lupin (Lupinis) and Primula were also suggested but without cultivar. Some plants were moved from here to the next category.

Nepeta featured strongly again here, closely followed by Dianthus and then Heliotrope, Primula, Phlox, Philadelphus and Rosa.

Betula pendula Corylus avellana Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba' Persicaria affinis Prunus incisa 'Kojo-no-mai'

PREFERRED FLOWERING PERENNIALS There was diversity and similarity in this category with a wider selection

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Arisarum proboscideum Geranium 'Roxanne' Geranium var.

Hosta ‘Blue Angel’ Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans' Hydrangea 'Annabelle' Lavandula angustifolia Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Banana Cream’ Myrrhis odorata Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' Nepeta racemosa Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt' Polygonatum x hybridum Rosa 'Pink Flower Carpet' Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm' Rudbeckia sp Salvia 'Royal Bumble' Verbena bonariensis Veronica spicata 'Icicle'

Convallaria majalis Geranium macrorrhizum Lavandula angustifolia Lonicera periclymenum Rosa 'Sweet Juliet'

PREFERRED PERENNIALS FOR STRUCTURE Much diversity in responses in this category which is unsurprising given how subjective the concept of structure can be. All Genera of plants were suggested including, Spiraea, Dierama, Buxus, Angelica, Crocosmia and Calamagrostis. It was enlightening to have personal perceptions of plants challenged.

Acanthus mollis Alyssum 'Carpet of Snow' Betula utilis var. jacquemontii Echinacea 'Purpurea Magnus' Echinops ritro 'Veitch's Blue'

HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Autumn/Winter 2015

Fagus sylvatica Persicaria amplexicaulis Pittosporum 'Tom Thumb' Rheum palmatum Sisyrinchium striatum Verbena bonariensis

PREFERRED TEXTURAL PERENNIALS Like structure, texture is also a subjective term and suggestions covered a wide range of Genus.

Those not featuring full botanical names included, Rodgersia, all fern species, Aristolochia, Myosotidium, Hosta, Euphorbia and grasses. It was interesting that all suggestions were for small to mid sized plants, which may imply that texture is commonly interpreted at a specific scale, rather than say plants such as Tamarix or Cotinus. Stachys was by far the most popular plant suggestion.

Artemisia 'Powis Castle' Echinops 'Blue Thistle' Euphorbia sp.

Euonymus alatus Garrya elliptica Helleborus corsicus Heuchera 'Bright and Breezy' Melianthus major Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder' Paeonia 'Argosy' Stachys byzantina Zantedeschia aethiopica

PREFERRED PERENNIALS WITH A VARIETY OF DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS Once again Nepeta is very popular, and Hosta, Rosa, Hydrangea, Cornus and Agapanthus also receive multiple mentions.

Aquilegia 'Magpie' Aruncus dioicus Erysimum 'Bowles's Mauve' Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii Liriope muscari 'Moneymaker' Nepeta x faassenii 'Walker's Low' Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' Prunus serrula Salvia x jamensis 'Hot Lips'

PREFERRED GROUNDCOVER PERENNIALS Ajuga and Geranium were the most popular with respondents. Both received multiple mentions.

Ajuga reptans Cotoneaster dammeri Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety' Fragaria vesca Geranium 'Johnson's Blue' Geranium × cantabrigiense Geranium macrorrhizum Geranium sp.

Pachysandra terminalis Persicaria affinis Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’ Symphytum grandiflorum Vancouveria hexandra

PREFERRED DROUGHT TOLERANT PLANTS There was limited input in this category with plants without full names including Agave, Sedum, 'Epimedium' mentioned several times. Erysimum 'Bowles's Mauve' was mentioned several times.

Erysimum 'Bowles's Mauve' Francoa sonchifolia Helianthemum cultivars Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' Lunaria rediviva Lychnis coronaria Sedum spectabile

PREFERRED DAMP SITE PERENNIALS Several plants only featured genus in this category and they included Iris, Hydrangea, Eupatorium and Astilbe.

Other suggestions included; Astilbe var.

Brunnera macrophylla Primula Proliferae Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona' Lysimachia punctata Primula florindae

PREFERRED SLOPE SITE PERENNIALS Vinca is by far the most popular sloped site perennial with respondents which was followed closely by Persicaria and Euphorbia. Hypericum and Agapanthus were also mention but without cultivar.

Bergenia purpurascens

Cerastium tomentosum Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae Persicaria affinis Persicaria sp.

Vinca minor

PREFERRED DRY SHADE PERENNIALS Vinca is again a popular choice, as is Euphorbia and Persicaria. Pulmonaria, Fritillaria and Brunnera were also suggested but without cultivar or species.

Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae Vinca minor Bergenia (various) Polystichum setiferum Euphorbia wulfenii Pachysandra terminalis Geranium macrorrhizum Pulmonaria var.

Persicaria affinus Geranium (various)

PLANTS YOU FOUND TO THRIVE DESPITE WHAT THE BOOKS SAY A couple of plants were suggested to thrive including Euphorbia mellifera, Eucryphia x nymansensis, Tanacetum balsamita, Cosmos atrosanguineus and one respondent noted that Erysimum lived far longer than was commonly stated in books.

WHAT YOU'D LIKE TO SEE MORE OF IN THE IRISH LANDSCAPE Perennials in general would seem to be the order of the day. In terms of specific suggestions, they include Euphorbia, Hypericum, Filipendula, Coronilla valentina subsp. glauca, Myrtus ugni, Geum 'Prinses Juliana', Phlomis russeliana, Salvia nemorosa and Nerine.

Persicaria 'Red Dragon', Houttuynia, Miscanthus and Solidago.

PERENNIALS YOU NO LONGER USE DUE TO POOR PERFORMANCE Once again it is interesting that some respondents have stopped using some of the most frequently referred to plants. Poor performers no longer on your planting plans include; Echinacea, Gladioli, Delphinium, Astilbe, Erigeron, Penstemon, and Acanthus mollis.

GENERAL COMMENTS AND POTENTIALS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH One respondent noted that the survey was too narrow in scope and that a review of projects might yield more robust data. Another suggested a comparison between perennials being sold into the retail and wholesale sectors.

The question was raised as to whether growers were deliberately focusing on non hardy species in order to encourage repeat sales, a question frequently levelled at interior plant growers.

CONCLUSION This survey was intended as a starting point and nothing more. The complex variables involved in appropriate plant specification remain a huge challenge and explain why we tend toward the use of UK literature. No doubt you will have thoughts on the plants suggested and perhaps have additions of your own. We hope so. We will shortly launch a forum dedicated to this subject, where you can add your own suggestions and comments.

Sincere thanks for taking the time to input into this survey. ✽

PLANTS YOU NO LONGER USE DUE TO INVASIVENESS It is interesting that some of the plants no longer used are also plants which feature as preferred species and ones you'd like to see more of, specifically Euphorbia.

Other plants no longer used include Stipa arundinacea, Lysimachia punctata, Oryzopsis hymenoides,

LEFT: THE FLOWER OF OUR MOST POPULARSPECIMEN PERENNIAL: VIBURNUM X BODNANTENSE

Autumn/Winter 2015 / www.horticulture.ie / HORTICULTURECONNECTED

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10 / INSIGHT

PHOTO BY: MICHAEL GASPERL

10 / INSIGHT

CONTROL

ISSUES Perspectives on weed control in the Irish landscape

T

o the casual observer the verdant Irish landscape is something of great beauty and awe. Greenery spills from every niche and crevice while hedgerows heave, encroaching on paths and roadways across the country. To the informed eye, this lush blanket is something of both wonder and concern. The sheer range of species and physical mass is inspiring to say the least. But concern is justified. It may be silent, but there is a war taking place.

A war on diversity and design where invasive species are outcompeting natives and designed schemes. Bindweed, hogweed, knotweed and giant rhubarb are just four of the more conspicuous combatants firmly establishing their dominance.

In addition to reducing plant diversity through competition, the problems presented by these invasive colonisers include negative impacts on pollinators, financial losses through damage to schemes and the need for intervention, planting becoming unsightly, potential for increased chemical use in the landscape, and yield reduction in the case of production. In the UK, you can no longer get a mortgage on a property with knotweed. I'm sure we wont be far behind.

As custodians of the Irish landscape we are most certainly on the back foot in this ongoing battle. A number of factors continue to support our opponents and undermine the efforts of individuals. Ireland has only just recognised 'landscape' this year with the launch of the National Landscape Strategy. We have

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no coordinated approach to tackling invasive species.

The landscape profession is woefully underrepresented in county councils, and in the majority of cases, simply not represented at all. Our existing landscape design, procurement and delivery systems are essentially worthless in terms of weed management. Budgets for the management of public landscapes (via parks departments) continue to be eroded and centre on short term strategies and interventions. The recent French ban on glysophate herbicides and EU changes to chemical use have thrown the issue into the spotlight.

So, we've got a pitched battle on our hands, we're under-funded, under-valued, under pressure from Europe and fighting opponents who've seen off better organised, informed and resourced adversaries. We are losing the battle and the actions we take in the next few years will have repercussions for decades to come.

To get an idea of what actions we should be taking, we asked a number of experts to pinpoint the problems and most appropriate solutions for Ireland.

HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Autumn/Winter 2015

A LAW UNTO THEMSELVES

Kieran Cummins, environmental law specialist, shares his thoughts on action, inaction and sector responsibility The issue of invasive species has been one facing the Irish horticultural industry and the Irish countryside for many decades. As a young boy, I remember RTE coming down to Trim, County Meath to feature this amazing plant that came up through concrete [Japanese knotweed]. Regrettably though, outside of the horticultural industry, the general population remains largely ignorant of the issues and challenges faced by invasive species.

While the 2011 regulations [SI.477] are a welcome addition to the Irish legal framework, four years on, there is still little change. It’s taking much longer than envisaged to implement section 50 and we are still waiting for the final publication and implementation of the schedule specifying the proscribed species. In the meantime though, the National Biodiversity Centre in Waterford has done extensive vetting work on various specified species.

The industry for its part must be very careful about new plant introductions. While many plants might not actually be on the list of proscribed plants, some new introductions have the capacity to wreck havoc throughout the countryside and indeed in people’s gardens. When a consumer plants their garden with plants purchased from a garden centre, they should expect them to behave normally and not become invasive. In other words the horticultural industry has a duty of care to the consumer. For my part, I once planted some Euphorbia cypressias in my herbaceous border only to discover this plant very quickly took over. I was obliged to remove them less than a year later, and two years on am still fighting remnants of this hideous plant with glyphosate, which had spread to and infested other plantings.

While it is true to say that numerous financial institutions in the UK refuse to issue mortgages in cases where Japanese knotweed has been identified, it is worth noting that this is to protect their interest (owing to the substantial costs involved in eradicating the offending plants) rather than for any environmental concern. The costs of eradication can be very hefty, as was seen recently where about €100,000 was required to deal with an infestation of Japanese knotweed on the site for the Regional Hospital in Kenmare, County Kerry.

Enforcement of environmental and planning legislation continues to be poor and lethargic. The concept of ‘selfpolicing’ of planning legislation is still pursued. For the less initiated, ‘self policing’ simply means that developers implement the conditions of a planning consent and periodically submit various specified documents to the planning authority, which has to some extent become a box ticking exercise. Experience has shown that enforcement of such planning consents in some counties is very poor. At the kernel of the ‘self-policing’ policy is the lack of resources for enforcement generally.

The lack of trained horticultural staff in most local

authorities (save for the larger ones with parks departments) remains problematic. In addition to the normal assessment process in planning applications, if sites were also vetted by horticulturalists for the existence of invasive species and appropriate screening proposals, this would indeed be a progressive step forward. Recently I was part of a delegation to explore a significant site on which a large development had been declined by (for reasons other than horticultural).

While being driven through the site (a woodland area), I was astounded to see significant swaths of Japanese knotweed. On pointing this out to the developer/manager, he hadn’t a clue what I was alluding to and assured me that he was sure their gardener had the matter under control!

Horticulture is not on its own when it comes to a lack of enforcement. There have been numerous criminal law enactments over the last decade. It is worth noting that in some cases there have been few if any prosecutions brought under the new legislation. Therefore, legislation on its own will not adequately address the serious problem of invasive species.

Some people rightly inquire whether noxious weeds are still on the statute book. The answer is in the affirmative. The problem is, ragwort is everywhere and often in large numbers on the centre medians of motorways (the responsibility of the statutory authorities). In such circumstances, people are entitled to and should be encouraged to report it, in writing, to the relevant Garda station who are the statutory enforcement authority for the noxious weeds act. It must then of course be pursued by the gardai.

“€100,000 was required to deal with an infestation of Japanese knotweed on a site for the Regional Hospital in Kenmare, County Kerry” The editor has aptly alluded to changes to EU herbicide laws and specifically to a prohibition on the use of glyphosate in some countries. If this product were proscribed in its totality, even greater challenges would be presented to the eradication of invasive species than currently exist. It is therefore incumbent on all stakeholders to take immediate action to curtail the spread of these virulent plant species while such chemicals are still available.

Given the length of time it has taken to augment the earlier Noxious Weeds legislation, by proscribing the species currently threatening the countryside and generally know as invasive species, it is likely to take significant time for the latest legislation to be updated with the addition of new species as they occur. The last addition to the Noxious Weeds Act of 1936 was under SI.194 of 1973, which proscribed Wild Oats. This is some 42 years ago.

Therefore it is incumbent on the sector to be more vigilant and careful with the introduction of new species to the marketplace. ✽

Autumn/Winter 2015 / www.horticulture.ie / HORTICULTURECONNECTED

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PHOTO BY KENPEI

10 / INSIGHT

LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND INVASIVE SPECIES

Hans Visser, biodiversity officer with Fingal County Council, outlines the roles of local authorities in addressing the issues and highlights several areas for action

Local authorities have an important role to play in the control of invasive species. Terrestrial invasive plant species are of particular interest to local authorities, as these species are most often encountered as part of the routine works of the local authority eg. road maintenance, flood defence works, estate management etc. The key species of interest are Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, Himalayan balsam, gunnera, rhododendron and cherry laurel. The primary focus is on the terrestrial invasive plant species and the local authorities can tackle the invasive species issue in three ways:

1. R aising awareness of invasive species 2. P lanning permissions controls and local authority projects

PHOTO BY HUHU UE CC

3. C ontrol and eradication measures

Raising awareness Various local authorities have developed awareness campaigns on invasive species to notify the general public and interest groups of the presence of invasive species. These campaigns often request the public to send in their records of locations with invasive species to the local authority or the National Biological Record Centre, and they give an overview of what control measures are available. The campaigns help to make people aware of the problems associated with invasive species and help to establish the full extent and spread of the invasive species in a county.

Planning permissions & local authority projects Preventing the spread of invasives is a vital first step to make sure the problem doesn’t get any worse. When development is planned on a site with invasive species the chances of spreading the problem due to earthworks are significant.

The planning process allows for management plans to be drawn up, implemented and monitored as part of planning

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permissions. These management plans give an overview of what works are to be undertaken, how and when they are to be done comma added and who is going to do them. This does require the invasive species to be identified before development starts, but not all planners and developers are skilled at identifying them.

Furthermore, if the landscape around the development site is heavily infested, any treatment of the invasive species within the development site is unlikely to be successful in the long term.

Control and eradication Actively controlling invasive species is essential if we want to get on top of the spread. Various local authorities have started control programmes, but budget cuts often mean that multi-annual control can not be continued. Dealing with invasive species on a river catchment level also requires cooperation between many landowners and sometimes different local authorities. If some landowners are not interested in participating or refuse access to their lands in the upper catchments, then it is almost pointless doing a lot of work in the lower part of the catchment. Furthermore, different local authorities may have different priorities in dealing with invasive species and may not necessary want to deal with a particular catchment at the same time.

There is much room for improvement in dealing with invasive species in Ireland. First of all, a clear national strategy or coordinated approach for dealing with invasive species in Ireland needs to be developed. A national publicity campaign to make people aware of the problems posed by certain invasive species is a second step. Thirdly, funding to carry out invasive species survey work and control work is currently very limited. A dedicated invasive species fund of several million euro is required annually for at least a decade to control some of the key invasive species. Such a fund could be administered by Invasive species Ireland or the Heritage Council. A long term commitment to provide a dedicated fund is essential because most invasive species require a multi-annual program to bring the species under control.

Finally, the people need to be identified who will deliver this programme cascading down from central government to the local landowners. County councils can have a central coordinating role at county level. Biodiversity officers, heritage officers and parks department staff for example can act as the coordinating person in each county. If the local authority does not have staff available, it might be possible for a landscape consultant/contractor to be appointed to provide the coordinating role for at least a five year period. Local community support would be required however, particularly in the bigger counties, to show the individual sites to contractors and monitor the effectiveness of the treatment. Local tidy towns groups, inland fisheries representatives, farmers’ representatives, community councils, landscape contractors etc could all help to deal with invasive species at individual site level and report back to the central coordinating person in the county council.

Controlling invasive species will require a lot of effort, but at the same time it might provide employment opportunities. And not dealing with the issue is going to cost a lot more in the future.

HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Autumn/Winter 2015

THE INVASIVE PLANT ‘BUCK’ STOPS – WHERE?

Terry O'Regan, Landscape Architect and industry activist, shares a unique perspective on the issues and way forward To open one can of worms can be risky, to open a case of worm-filled cans all at once borders on the foolhardy. Our editor - trained as he was in the ‘Harrison Ford School of the Foolhardy’ - offers us a table-full of waving worms – invasive alien plants, disappearing herbicides, might-have-been parks departments, evaporating budgets and just when you thought that someone needs to take control here you spot the can of blinkered if not blindfolded politician and administrator worms – a nightmare scenario indeed.

The very real and horrific scenario called up by the recent German Wings air disaster must give every airline passenger an uneasy sensation as they fasten their seat belts and the plane trundles down the runway for takeoff. Can you trust the pilot?

But that was a scenario where there was someone in control, even though he was plotting a terrible destructive flight path. Would you feel any better if there were no one at all on the flight deck, and the airline owners were hoping that by some miracle of autopilot technology the plane would fly itself to the destination airport and land successfully?

Well, in the Ireland of 2015 you are being well prepared for such a scenario as the country is largely being governed via auto-pilot thinking and technology, held together by the long established ‘wing and a prayer’ philosophy.

We have arrived at the stage where the geniuses that occupy government buildings think that if they draft and adopt a piece of legislation, or a regulation or even a strategy, then by some miracle of ‘autopilot technology’ the intent of the legislation, regulation or strategy will be conveniently and neatly delivered without any TD or official having to work up as much as a polite sweat.

There are a few genuine horticulturalists reading this piece and if they are of my generation they will know that the invasive aliens that are exciting Dublin 4 at the moment did not land last year in some remote Wild Atlantic Way inlet along with a few bales of invasive alien poppy seed pod extract.

For a very long time the Irish hills have been alive with the sound of the march of the alien invaders. Driving through the Irish landscape you must ask if the message being sent by the fading sound of the bolting horses should be heeded. At what stage does an invader become as native as the natives?

But news from outside the confines of Dublin 2 takes time to reach the corridors of Leinster House. And it will take another few centuries – if we are lucky - for the hot house flowers in Leinster House to gather the courage to engage this triffid enemy.

Back in the 1950s when I was taken by my parents to view the wonder of the wild rhododendron in full bloom on the slopes of the Knockmealdown Mountains there were structures in place that might have co-ordinated a campaign to tackle the invasive alien attack. You had horticultural advisers in each local authority, you had a well-resourced

research agency in Kinsealy and elsewhere. The one thing you had very little of was herbicide. The only one I knew of was sodium chlorate and I was more interested then in the explosive mix it created when combined with sugars than I was in its weed killing capacity. (Sodium chlorate was banned shortly afterwards).

Invasive alien plants and other unwelcome invasive organisms do indeed require a co-ordinated managed response. It is difficult to see how the current fragmented, inadequately resourced, effectively leaderless reaction is going to make any useful headway. In the meantime the landscape industry must continue to do its best to advise and assist its clients. Bearing in mind that the new legislation has introduced strict limitations and controls with regard to managing sites where such plants occur, landscape consultants and contractors will need to become expert in dealing with same and there would appear to be an urgent need for information sessions and workshops. I personally believe that in the case of Japanese knotweed at least it should be possible to come up with more flexible approaches than the current two options of leaving a site idle for years while a herbicide programme is carried out, or bringing in the heavy gang at great expense to beat the shy** out of the invaders and bury what’s left.

It strikes me that there is a compromise between these two positions that would allow development to proceed accompanied by professional grounds maintenance programmes.

There are many cans of worms on this particular menu and the fact that glyphosate may well become an unwelcome ingredient might focus minds on more sustainable longterm responses to the invasive alien plant issue, but I am not holding my breath. In this case it strikes me that as a matter of urgency, glyphostate needs to become a controlled material only available to trained and licenced users. In the meantime wave back at the worms! ✽

Autumn/Winter 2015 / www.horticulture.ie / HORTICULTURECONNECTED

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10 / INSIGHT

10 / INSIGHT PHOTO BY BÖHRINGER FRIEDRICH VIA CREATIVE COMMONS

UNUSUAL SUSPECTS

Entomologist and IPM researcher, Dr Michael Gaffney examines a range of existing and potential threats to the Irish horticulture

Dublin and Wexford and given the short time between the setting of the traps and the first captures, it’s very probable that this pest had been in Ireland for a number of months.

Many fruit flies infest over ripe fruit; what makes the Spotted Wing Drosophila a pest is its trait of laying its eggs in ripening fruit. The females possesses a large, saw-like ovipositor, which allows her to pierce the hard skin of ripening fruit to lay her eggs. Each female has the ability to lay hundreds of eggs and there can be up to 13 generations of this pest in a single year, although a figure of closer to 10 is more likely for Ireland. Once the eggs hatch inside the fruit, the larva starts to feed, causing hollow depressions in the fruit which make it unmarketable. Some soft fruit farms in Europe and the United States have reported yield losses of up to 100% due to this pest, therefore effective monitoring and tracking of its spread through Ireland will be critical to minimising crop losses.

BOX TREE CATERPILLAR

PHOTO 2: BOX CATERPILLAR LARVA

of the caterpillar. This ‘webbing cover’ reduces the efficacy of insecticides making caterpillars difficult to control with foliar insecticides. Without larval control, this feeding will ultimately kill the plant. Recent development studies on this pest indicate that it’s likely to only be able to complete a single generation in Ireland, whereas it is predicted to be able to complete two full generations in southern and central Europe; however it is still likely to become a pest in Ireland.

Once day length falls below 13.5 hours the third instar (third larval stage) will go into diapause (a period of suspended/ delayed development) and a cold period of 6 to 8 weeks is required for the larva to terminate diapause. It is unclear how this moth first entered the UK, weather it was natural migration or through infested plant material it’s likely to be able to follow the same route into Ireland.

TOBACCO WHITEFLY PHOTO BY STEPHEN AUSMUS VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

T

he increase in the global plant trade, the importation of horticultural produce, climate change and natural migration mean that we will continue to be challenged by the introduction of new insect pests. In the period 1951-2008, there were 65 alien invertebrate introductions into Europe, more than twice the 30 introductions between 1901-1950, with some people pointing to the increase in globalisation being the major factor; however the development of better surveillance and reporting of such findings in recent decades may also be a factor. Despite the best efforts of regulatory authorities, it simply won’t be possible to prevent non-native pests arriving on our shores. But one advantage we do have in Ireland, is that usually the presence of an invasive pest in European countries is well advertised and we can prepare for its arrival. Still, as in the case of the Horse Chestnut leafminer, Cameraria ohridella (Introduced in 2013), Harlequin Beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Introduced in 2010) or Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) (Introduced in 1987), despite being forewarned there was little that could practically be done to prevent pests becoming established in Ireland. For insect pests to become established there needs an opportunity for colonisation, a suitable habitat and a lack of resistance by native competitors or predators. Some other insects which may pose a specific challenge to Irish horticulture in the short term are discussed below.

SPOTTED WING DROSOPHILA A case in point is the recent arrival of Drosophila suzukii (Spotted Wing Drosophila) into Ireland. Its name comes from the distinctive spot on each wing of the male flies.

This Asiatic fruit fly first entered Europe in 2008 PHOTO 1: SPOTTED WING DROSOPHILA through Spain and PHOTO BY MARTIN COOPER, UK VIA CREATIVE COMMONS Italy and has since spread throughout most of Europe, arriving in the UK in 2012 and Scotland in 2014. It was trapped at two locations in June of this year,

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PHOTO BY DIDIER DESCOUENS VIA CREATIVE COMMONS PHOTO 3: BOX CATERPILLAR MOTH

Another recent arrival from Asia is causing significant damage to Buxus in the UK, the moth Cydalima perspctalis or Box Tree caterpillar. The moth originally arrived in Germany in 2006 and reported in the UK in 2008, with caterpillars being observed in the some private gardens in 2011. A significant population seems to have established in gardens in London over the last 18 months. To date, there is no report of this moth being present in Ireland. The larvae of this pest are green/yellow in colour, with a black head (similar in appearance to the Large Cabbage white butterfly caterpillar). They severely and rapidly defoliate box hedging, while also producing webbing over the area where they are feeding. They lay their yellow coloured eggs on the underside of the leaf, in a flat sheet pattern. As the eggs mature, a black spot is visible, which is the developing head

HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Autumn/Winter 2015

the frequency of findings in recent years. This whitefly has a broad host range, can cause plant damage through direct feeding and the transmission of virus, such as the Tomato Leaf Curl Virus. Originally B. tabaci is thought to originate from India, but by the mid1980s reports of evolution of a new biotype (Biotype B) emerged. This biotype, commonly referred to as the silverleaf or poinsettia strain lays twice as many eggs as the original B. tabaci and is now considered a separate species, B. argentifolli. Morphologically, it is indistinguishable from B. tabaci and can be only separately identified either by molecular methods, or by observing phytotoxic disorders on certain infested plants, a trait which the original B. tabaci biotype is unable to do. To date several biotypes (up to S) have now been identified, and studies have shown that these biotypes can interbreed, which has led to the theory that B. tabaci is made up of a complex of species, rather than each new biotype being a separate individual species. This may go some way towards explaining the extreme polyphagous nature of this pest, along with its ability to rapidly become resistant to insecticides.

PHOTO 4: BEMISIA TABACI

Bemisia tabaci is frequently intercepted at Irish ports and findings in Ireland have been successfully eradicated to date.

Indeed in 2010 we had an outbreak on poinsettia crops in Kinsealy, which resulted in the disposal of 70% of the plants.

At that time, findings of B. tabaci on imported poinsettia plugs were becoming more frequent, but a concerted effort by the plant raisers to increase plant hygiene has decreased

BEST PRACTICE In order to try and minimise risk on your nursery, some general procedures should be adopted. Plants should be purchased from trusted suppliers, with the appropriate plant passport and phytosanitary certificates. Once on the nursery, new plants should be quarantined and monitored in a separated section of the nursery. If you suspect the presence of a notifiable organism or you find a pest you are unfamiliar with, then you should contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for guidance.

Thankfully given our location, island status and work of our regulatory authorities the rate of new insect pests economically damaging to horticulture in Ireland has been relatively low, but the recent introduction of spotted wing drosophila reminds us that while we need to remain vigilant, new pest introductions will occur and we need to be able to react quickly when this happens. For more information on invasive insects of agricultural and horticultural importance, please visit www.EPPO.int. ✽

DR MICHAEL GAFFNEY is an entomology and IPM researcher working in the Horticulture Department in Teagasc, having previously worked at the University of Wales, Swansea and UCD. He leads a diverse research group focusing on crop protection and crop quality issues. He can be contacted at Michael.Gaffney@Teagasc.ie

Autumn/Winter 2015 / www.horticulture.ie / HORTICULTURECONNECTED

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11 / JOBS

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O'Connor Nurseries - Nursery Grower/Manager

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Luxury Landscapes - General Operative

All the latest jobs on www.jobsInHorticulture.ie

Job Description: Price, schedule and manage projects working closely with the management team.Take on an active roll in the development and growth of the business with design and implementation of in house procedures.

Develop strong customer relationship to insure follow on works.

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Must have good people skills with clients and staff Some landscape design ability

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A knowledge of pricing projects up to and beyond the value of £1 million

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Have good motivational leadership qualities to work as a strong team

Salary £35K sterling l 3 months accommodation supplied Company vehicle supplied

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O’CONNORS NURSERIES NOW HIRING Sales Executive Due to expansion an opportunity has arisen for a Sales Executive within our sales team.

The role will require the successful candidate to maintain, develop and drive growth and profitability across our business.

Interested candidates should apply in confidence with a comprehensive CV to:

Nursery Grower/Manager An Experienced Grower is required for large Established Nursery in the South East

The successful candidate will be responsible for: • Managing the activities of the production staff at all stages of the growing process • They will ensure that the plant stock meets the high quality standards expected and that it is produced to a strict deadline to meet pre orders.

Applicants should have: • Proven experience within a similar position • Excellent communication skills • The ability to plan and organise work activities effectively • Relevant qualifications

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Email Cover Letter and CV to accounts@oconnornurseries.ie

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Find out more by emailing: Joseph@JobsInHorticulture.ie or call us now 087 921 2044 to get the best advice on hiring the right candidate for your business or organisation

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very product and service no matter how iconic needs to be continually promoted. We only have to look at the vast marketing budgets that well know drinks brands, sporting brands etc spend on promoting their products every year across a range of media channels. They do this because it delivers them increased sales and new customers. The market never stands still, and keeping a product or brand in front of consumers is essential to maintain hard won market share and to build it further.

Horticulture in many ways is a marketer’s dream. Whether you are talking about the joy and benefits of gardening in terms of being good for the mind and body (not to mention the environment or the health credentials of fruit and vegetables), there is a great story to tell. Despite this when one looks at the avalanche of promotional activity and advertising that we encounter every day horticulture does not feature as highly as we would like or indeed as it deserves. (Bloom week is probably the exception.) Indeed when we do see horticulture products feature it is often in relation to price promotional activity rather than on the credentials of the products in question.

“The lack of funding is a key issue that negates against getting a generic promotional campaign initiative off the ground”

THE EU CARROT: THE SHAPE OF PROMOTIONAL FUNDING Mike Neary, Manager of Horticulture with Bord Bia, explains how new thinking and EU regulations are positively shaping the future of promotional funding for horticulture products 52

HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Autumn/Winter 2015

The lack of funding is a key issue that negates getting a generic promotional campaign initiative off the ground.

It has been a challenging business environment for many sectors in recent years and when cash flow is tight, one of the spend casualties is often the marketing budget. One way to overcome this challenge at an industry sector level is to co-operate with other similar businesses in contributing to a central fund that will be used to fund a generic promotional campaign. This initiative also creates the opportunity to potentially access matching funding from the state or EU to increase the promotional war chest.

It has been encouraging in recent years despite the challenging environment to see sector interests come together in horticulture and jointly support a number of promotional initiatives which have attracted either state or EU matching funding. This year we have seen the REI Gromore gardening initiative which launched a campaign this spring to target the younger demographics to get them to engage in gardening activity. This initiative is being supported by garden retailers, nurseries and Bord Bia as well as attracting sponsorship from Bord Na Mona and Westland.

In recent years strawberry growers have jointly funded with Bord Bia a National Strawberry Week which helps to increase the sales of berries in a peak growing period. Fresh produce packers and growers have been funding with Bord Bia since 2009 a schools initiative around the growing of fruit and vegetables and the role they play in a healthy balanced diet.

In addition the mushroom sector is jointly funding a three year generic promotion of mushrooms on the Irish and UK markets (valued at €2.7m) which is matched by EU funds.

The potato sector in the guise of growers and packers has come together to launch a €1m three year promotion of potatoes on the home market which was launched this autumn. This initiative has also secured EU funding as well as support from the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine.

The EU provides matching funding towards the generic promotion of agricultural products in the internal market and in third countries. The promotion programmes can be either multi-country or single country programmes. The current EU budget is €60m per year. There are 200 such programmes running at the moment which are co-financed 50% by the EU, up to a potential 30% by member states and at least 20% from the proposing organisations (eg trade/ intertrade organisations). Examples of current multi-country programmes in which Bord Bia is involved include cheese (Discover Farmhouse Cheese campaign) and mushrooms (Just Add Mushrooms campaign) and the new potato campaign which commenced in October. The European Commission launched a proposed reform of the established information and promotion regime for European agricultural and food products in November 2013. The new Regulation 1144/2014 will enter into force on 1 December 2015.

The reform will see some changes – it aims to enhance the co-operation between organisations from different member states through multi-programmes. There will be an extended scope of beneficiaries, a wider list of eligible products including processed products and the possibility of displaying brands and origin under strict conditions. The budget available within the EU for promotional programmes will be increased gradually from the current level of €60m to €200m by 2019 with higher co-financing rates (up to 80%) and an end to national co-financing. The closing date for applications will be in February each year.

Experience to date with the aforementioned campaigns has shown that they are impactful and promote increased sales. From 2016 the EU is providing an even bigger carrot now to encourage industry stakeholders to come together to contribute jointly and submit an application to the EU for increased support funding. When it comes to the generic promotion of horticultural products this is an offer that will be too good to turn down. ✽

MIKE NEARY, Manager of Horticulture at Bord Bia. For further information contact the Bord Bia Horticultural Division or the Food Industry Development Division in the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine at email: Agripromo@agriculture.gov.ie

Autumn/Winter 2015 / www.horticulture.ie / HORTICULTURECONNECTED

PHOTO: KORALEY NORTHEN

PHOTO BY COMUGNERO SILVANA

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Advertisement Feature

13 / SPORTS TURF

OSMOCOTE ICL Country Manager, Colman Warde details why Osmocote's new controlled release fertilizer is perfect for Irish conditions.

Launched in 1967, Osmocote was Europe’s first controlled release fertiliser (CRF). In the intervening 40 plus years, Osmocote has been developed, refined and adapted to match market demand. The most recent development of the product is Osmocote Exact Hi.End of this safe and reliable coated fertiliser, culminating in our sophisticated 4th generation product - Osmocote Exact Hi.End – ideally suited to spring and autumn potting of container nursery stock (CNS). Delivering the first programmable release of nutrients, Osmocote Exact products can be used to tailor nutrient release more closely to the specific needs of CNS crops grown in Ireland.

Meanwhile for bedding plants grown in small pots and trays, our mini granular product - Osmocote Bloom - simply and efficiently provides the complete nutritional package while optimising uniformity and finished crop quality.

DUAL COATING MAKES OSMOCOTE EXACT UNIQUE Osmocote Exact Hi.End employs dual coating technology (DCT). A second waxy coating delays the start of release by two to three months culminating in greater release in the second growth phase, when plants need it.

DCT provides a highly efficient means of matching release to the plant’s nutritional demands. By varying the proportion of dual coating, we can tailor the release pattern. Following extensive pan-European trials and testing, we also know exactly how each product releases according to temperature.

RAFT OF BENEFITS Osmocote Exact Hi.End delivers several tangible benefits as the release pattern closely matches the plant’s demand for fertiliser. As a result, plants grow better as they get the nutrients they require at any given growth stage while nutrient leeching is minimised, making it the most environmentally friendly CRF on the market in Ireland today.

By promoting optimum uniform growth, overall plant quality is improved. Meanwhile, pest and disease pressure is lower as plants are more vigorous. Customer satisfaction is high as thanks to the continued nutrient release plants retain their high quality after purchase.

In comparison, other CRF brands tend to be less sophisticated – equivalent to our earlier Osmocote 2nd generation range. These products tend to have a stated release period, such as 12-14 months, but no details regarding the actual release pattern. So this could mean a fast initial

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release, with the potential to inhibit root development, followed by a slow down towards the end of the crop leading to leaf yellowing impacting on quality.

REMOVING THE GUESSWORK Here at ICL (formerly Everris) we take the guesswork out of nutrition programme planning using our award-winning AngelaWeb 2.0 precision nutrition programme. Covering over 960 different CNS and pot and bedding species, our skilled advisors generate specific Osmocote recommendation tailored to individual nurseries, based on their local climatic data.

Generally, the cooler maritime climate here in Ireland means fertiliser release is slower than elsewhere in continental Europe. Taking into account the local temperature data, AngelaWeb will produce a simple graph showing the release pattern for a specific Osmocote Exact product based on potting time and the sales period. Several different longevities and rates can be compared to pinpoint the most efficient programme for a specific crop.

In the case of CNS, simply switching from Osmocote Exact standard (12-14 months) to Osmocote Exact Hi.End (8-9 months) can result in better growth and quality at sale.

Providing an integrated fertiliser boost, the Hi.End product also saves time and money spent on additional water soluble fertiliser applications during production.

Innovative solutions for grass, plants and crops

00 / SPORTS TURF

ICL Professional Horticulture Innovative fertilizer and plant protection solutions for container nursery, pot and bedding plants.

ICL Turf & Amenity Cutting-edge products and technology for stronger, healthier turf.

ICL Specialty Agriculture Precision nutrition solutions for vegetables, fruits and arable crops.

OSMOCOTE BLOOM TAILORED TO BEDDING PLANTS Another topical product from our extensive range is Osmocote Bloom, tailored to the specific needs of bedding plant crops grown in small pots and cells. Containing NPK in a 2:1:3 ratio, along with magnesium and all the necessary micro elements, Osmocote Bloom promotes uniform condensed growth. 100% coated, these mini granules have a pre-defined longevity of 2-3 months – perfect for crops with a short production cycle.

Easy to use, at full rates Osmocote Bloom provides the complete nutrition package with no need for water soluble fertilisers. Safe and reliable, it also helps improve shelf life – a genuine bonus during the trade and consumer phases leading to happy customers and repeat orders.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Osmocote Exact Hi.End, Osmocote Bloom or indeed any other production in our extensive range, please contact me – details below. colman.warde@icl-group.com l Tel: 087 779 9527. ✽

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For more information Call +353 (0)87 7799527 Email colman.warde@icl-group.com Web www.icl-sf.ie Autumn/Winter 2015 / www.horticulture.ie / HORTICULTURECONNECTED

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formerly

12 / SPORTS TURF ANGELAWEB GENERATED GRAPHS TAKING IN TO ACCOUNT COOLER TEMPERATURES IN IRELAND GRAPH 1.

GRAPH 2.

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IRELAND’S EXPERTS ON WHAT TO PLANT

Next Edition is Spring 2016 - Advertising Packages from €200 GRAPH 1.

COMPARING OSMOCOTE EXACT STANDARD (12-14 MONTHS) 5KG AGAINST OSMOCOTE EXACT HI.END (8-9 MONTHS) 4KG. SAVING 1KG OF FERTILISER WHILE STILL PROVIDING SAFE STARTING RELEASE, BUT MORE FERTLISER LATER - BETTER GROWTH AND QUALITY EVEN IN A WET SUMMER.

GRAPH 2.

FOR MORE VIGOROUS CROPS SUCH AS EVERGREENS, EG PHOTINIA, PRUNUS AND LAUROCERASUS, 4.5KG OF OSMOCOTE EXACT HI.END CREATES A SAVING OF HALF A KILO, WHILE PROVIDING GREATER GROWTH AND QUALITY POTENTIAL FOR THESE CROPS.

To be Included in this and future issues Contact: Joseph Blair + 353 (0)87 921 2044 l joseph@horticulture.ie www.HortiTrends.ie l www.Horticulture.ie

Your Horticulture Tradeshow

COLMAN WARDE Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.

It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing ICL Group, Epsilon House, West Road, Ipswich, IP3 9FJ, United Kingdom T: +353-(0)949372460 | M +353-(0)877799527 colman.warde@icl-group.com | www.icl-group.com | www.icl-sf.ie

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