Landscape & Urban Design - Issue 59 2022

Garden Design

4 - The Garden Company Ltd were awarded a highly prestigious Special Award at the BALI National Landscape Awards ceremony on Friday December 2nd.

14 - Discover how the Maze brand can enrich your client’s outdoor experience and satisfy their need for innovation, style, and quality.

18 - Garden Club London selected Boughton’s natural topsoil for its stunning garden renovation at a residential property in Hampstead.

24 - Greenwood plants on target to be peat-free by end of 2023.

Decking

28 - Whilst there are several materials available on the market, timber continues to be the material of choice for decking solutions.

34 - Residential terraces, garden landscaping, fountain terraces, podiums, marquees, technical floors for industrial applications... Buzon® offers solutions for every project.

40 - There are a few good reasons why you shouldn’t wait until spring to consider new decking, as winter can prove the most efficient time to install decking in your garden.

Green & Blue Infrastructure

42 - An award-winning Los Angeles based practice, known for creating beautifully crafted and sustainable architecture, takes on the affordable senior housing market.

46 - Phase Two of the £13.3m Bridlington Integrated Transport Plan, included a total redesign and transformation of the frontage of Bridlington’s railway station.

48 - Biotecture has designed and installed a green hoarding for repeat client Mace on the construction hoarding of the new Stonecutter Court development in London.

50 - The Suzhou Longfor Paradise Walk has won the 2022 AMP Award in the Commercial Landscape category.

Concrete & Stonework

60 - Stuart Middleton, Executive Chairman of Aquacut Limited has a few tips for those embarking on a landscape project.

62 - A secure supply of highquality products meant that Brett Landscaping was able to help mobility product supplier Care Co with its new headquarters.

BALI Awards

70 - Accredited contractor Maylim celebrate grand award win at national landscape awards.

Landscaping Services

76 - Euroflor delivers dazzling transformation at Worth Park to the benefit of people & pollinators alike!

SPECIAL AWARD FOR BEST DESIGN AND BUILD FOR THE GARDEN COMPANY LTD

James Scott (MBALI MSGD) and his team at The Garden Company Ltd were awarded a highly prestigious Special Award at the BALI National Landscape Awards ceremony on Friday December 2nd.

The Special Award was based on a residential design-and-build project in Bedfordshire. The property was new-build and set within an area that was formerly part of a large estate. The dream was to transform this ‘blank canvas’ into a family haven with a warm, naturalistic feel.

Following their close scrutiny of the project, the BALI Judging Panel offered the following comments: ‘The transformation from bland, uninspiring, ‘new build’ landscaping to a landscape designed and constructed to fill the heart and the senses is a joy to behold. A strong design and planting plan, delivered by excellent construction, provide the house with a beautiful setting to be enjoyed now and in the years to come’.

James commented, “We were already celebrating the two National

Awards that BALI had given to this scheme, for Design Excellence and Domestic Garden Construction. It was a fantastic bonus to find out that the judges had decided to give us a Special Award for our design creativity and landscaping craftmanship. Being recognised in this way for our commitment to creating beautiful bespoke, handcrafted spaces feels great! A special thank you to our excellent suppliers and of course our own talented landscapers, who apply their expertise so well and support our clients every step of the way’.

Clive Nichols

The BALI Awards scheme is the largest Landscaping Awards scheme in Europe. BALI Chief Executive, Wayne Grills added: ‘Year on year I am amazed by the skill and creativity the Association’s members have in creating exceptional spaces for their clients and this year’s winners have been no exception. Everyone on the Judging Panel feels the responsibility to ensure they are

recognizing truly exceptional, clientfocussed solutions’.

The Garden Company was established by James Scott in 1991 and has a strong track record of winning BALI Awards over the years, with judges’ feedback frequently highlighting their teams’ exceptional skills and meticulous attention to detail. James was recently

named as one of Pro Landscaper’s Most Influential people in the UK landscaping sector.

To find out more, you can visit www.thegardenco.co.uk, follow or Instagram @thegarden_company or on Twitter @Garden_Company1

Clive Nichols

James Scott

James Scott

START PLANNING YOUR 2023 PROJECT WITH OASE

Adding water to a project can really make it come to life. We’ve shown you how easy it is to do, but do you know why OASE is the perfect partner for this? Below we have explained the reasons why you should use OASE products in your 2023 projects - how many did you already know?

The Pump (39916)

The Aquamax Eco Expert 21000 is the heart of the watercourse system. If you’re putting in a watercourse like the one pictured above, this is the pump you’ll need. Designed to move 21,000 litres of water an hour, this pump will ensure the feature always looks at its best. Not only can it be controlled by the OASE Easy Control app (additional purchase necessary) but it comes with patented Seasonal Flow Control. This makes it easier to adjust the flow rate during winter months saving up to 30% on running costs. The pump is also designed with safety in mind and will automatically switch off if the course runs dry. With low wattage and energy efficiency front and centre, this pump gives your client peace of mind.

The vault makes accessing the pump for maintenance easy. Both strong and weatherproof, whilst also offering a further layer of protection to the pump itself. A simple and effective product.

Pump Vault (89042)

The pump vault might just look like a plastic barrel, but this is a perfectly designed home for an OASE pump.

Spillway (72947)

The spillway is exceptionally strong and is cast as one piece. OASE has designed this product to be covered in decorative elements, such as heavy rocks and stones; camouflaging it and the liner into the local environment. The spillway weir lip ensures a crisp and uniformed flow of water when running. The rear of the spillway also features easy access to connect the pump hose.

Maxima Matrix Blocks (72952)

OASE Maxima Matrix blocks are incredibly strong and resilient. They can each hold up to 12.5T of weight whilst having 96% of free space for water. These are the perfect water storage system for a pond free feature. The blocks can be used singularly or connected together, which means they can service any size watercourse.

For further inspiration, why not look at the watercourse David Domoney installed with these OASE products at social.oase.com/DDWC

If you have any questions on adding water, contact us on enquiries@oase.com or please call 01256 896886

A simple guide to watercourses

OASE has created a modular set of products that will help install a functioning watercourse quickly and with ease. A watercourse embodies flowing water, the beauty of a river, and is able to be made into any shape and size - all without the need for a pond!

OASE’s expertise and knowledge in water gardening has been at the forefront in designing all the individual products that make up the watercourse set. The watercourse set is your way of ensuring that your design will work and look good. The set features: protective pond fleece, PVC-pond liner, a spillway box, Maxima reservoir-elements, a pump vault as well as an optimally suited pond pump and necessary accessories.

Step 1: The course has been dug out and lined.

Step 2: Spillway box is placed at the top of the course.

Step 3: Maxima blocks, pump vault and liner all buried at the bottom.

Step 4: The finished product: facing the spillway box.

1 4 2 3

KEEP CALM & CONTRACT GROW!

Contract growing is becoming increasingly popular, as a low-risk solution for large-scale planting projects that helps manage availability and costs in times of increasing uncertainty. Contract growing is a service offered by some production nurseries to enable landscape architects, garden designers and landscapers to reserve plants months, or even years, in advance. Having a contract provides the ultimate peace of mind because prices are locked in and plant species will be true to type, as specified on the planting plan, avoiding the requirement for lastminute substitutes.

Sourcing plants from one supplier means that the product will be of a consistent standard, and it allows the grower enough time to propagate and nurture the highest quality plants. A single point of contact also reduces the time that the client spends coordinating deliveries and installation.

Greenwood Plants is one of the UK’s largest growers for commercial landscaping projects and new build developments nationwide. It offers a contract growing service, “Watch It Grow”, that lets designers and landscapers plan with confidence. Contracts managers can pre-select the plants they need, to a certain specification, within the timeframe required. Greenwood’s service also provides regular photographic updates of the plants through its revolutionary Tender Tool app. This feature gives clients the visual assurance they need and lets them see how their plants are progressing.

Greenwood is an industry leader in sustainable growing and offers its Watch It Grow service with the option of peat-free growing medium. Using peat-free compost will improve the green credentials of the whole supply chain – the environmental benefits can be passed on to landscaping companies, housebuilders and homeowners,

ensuring that the whole supply chain’s carbon footprint is reduced.

Whilst peat is an excellent growing medium, its harvesting process releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which has an adverse effect on greenhouse gas levels and contributes to climate change. Scientists also see the importance and fragility of peatland ecosystems to be equal to that of rainforests.

Transitioning to peat-free is a huge undertaking, but Greenwood has risen to the challenge and is aiming to be growing 100% peat-free by the end of 2023.

If you would like to find out more about Greenwood’s Watch It Grow service, visit www.greenwoodplants.co.uk. Greenwood can arrange private tours of its propagation and contract growing facilities on request.

Email hello@greenwoodplants.co.uk

GARDEN ROOM COMPLETE WITH HOT TUB TRANSFORMS ENGINEER’S GARDEN

The Telluria Luminato kit he selected has a contemporary look, dark grey finish and steel construction. Timber-free, it is non-combustible, easy to maintain and will not rot, twist or splinter.

Paul said: “The kit was delivered straight to my home in two crates, which were then craned into my garden by the helpful driver.

“I located the garden room on an existing concrete base about halfway up the garden. It took me about two days to finish the build with someone helping me, then installed a sofa bed, TV and lighting features. I am extremely happy with the end result.”

Paul Clarke, a seasoned engineer, has transformed and enhanced his garden with a Southern Sheeting Telluria Luminato garden room equipped with a sofa bed, TV and ambient lighting. A hot tub installed on the patio completes the picture.

“I built the garden room as a special treat for my family,” said Paul. “It means we now have a unique outdoor space in which to relax, entertain, and have fun. We are especially looking forward to enjoying the hot tub throughout the colder months.”

P C Engineering Ltd, Paul’s company, specialises in the installation, erection and maintenance of industrial and agricultural buildings. He established it in 2013 and previously worked for other businesses in the same sector.

PC Engineering undertakes around 50 builds every year for private and commercial customers, ranging from smaller projects to large installations worth upwards of £500,000.

Paul’s relationship with Southern Sheeting, a leading supplier of materials to builders and roofing contractors, began many years ago. It supplies everything he needs –from garden room kits, steel roof sheets and TREX composite decking to weatherboard cladding and screw fixings.

“I’ve always felt Southern Sheeting’s service is second to none,” continued Paul. “I have a dedicated representative and all I need to do is place a call and tell him what I want, then he does the rest!”

So, when Paul decided he wanted a garden room for himself, he looked no further.

Tulluria Luminato stands tall in Paul’s garden, facing the house for an added social element.

Duncan Kingston, Product Development Director at Southern Sheeting added: “We work hard to build mutually beneficial relationships with our loyal trade partners and Paul is no exception. We are proud to be associated with such an experienced, dedicated engineer.”

Telluria Luminato comes with a 20year guarantee and features a fully glazed double door along with two full height windows, making it the ideal home office, studio or gym.

For more information visit www.southernsheeting.co.uk

CASE STUDY: VIRTUE PROJECTS

DOUBLE DELUXE OUTDOOR LIVING POD™ ON PATIO TERRACE

Over the last couple of years, gardens have become a major focus as the whole nation was forced to stay within its own four walls. As a result, people started to look for ways to make the most of their garden space and for many this meant transforming it to become a blended part of the home; an indoor/outdoor room.

In 2022, a potential client, looking to transform their garden, contacted Caribbean Blinds London based dealer, Virtue Projects, to design and construct a high-end hotel style garden. The project was to include covered outdoor spaces and subsequently, Virtue Projects selected and included the Caribbean Blinds award-winning Outdoor Living Pod selecting the Deluxe model ……..and two of them!

What was the original customer brief?

The client had a vision of creating a luxurious, high-end, hotel-like outdoor space where they would be able to host friends ‘in the garden’ all-year round. It would be a place to enjoy great food, drinks and music whilst also being a place of serenity for relaxing and unwinding. The space would need to function as an outdoor/indoor room so as to create the feeling of being outside while at the same time, being protected from the elements.

How was the outcome achieved?

The client asked for a result that exudes opulence whilst creating a wonderful alfresco home, so to achieve this ‘luxury, high-end’ feel that this project required, it would be essential to use the best quality materials and equipment.

The right products for this project not only needed to be high quality but also have form and function, which is why the Deluxe Outdoor Living PodTM from Caribbean Blinds was the obvious choice.

The dealer had every confidence that this product would enable them to achieve the desired results and the verdict was, they most certainly made the correct decision.

Why the Deluxe Outdoor Living PodTM?

This award-winning product is the most bespoke louvered roof pergola option from the Caribbean Blinds range and subsequently perfect for this project, where many bespoke elements were required. Integrated walls between the posts form the back of the outdoor kitchen, complete with extractor fan and outdoor seating area with windproof screens shielding the open sides without blocking the view when the weather is inclement.

Added to this, ambient lighting sets the mood while infra-red heaters keep the chill away when the cold sets in. This structure really is the most flexible and adaptable within the range. Not forgetting its key feature of large 21cm wide roof louvers that rotate through 150 degrees, allowing the user to play with light and shade and when closed, are completely water, wind and even snow tight.

How has the client’s overall space transformed as a result? The results are stunning and exactly what the client had envisaged and more. A beautiful space was created that can be used all year round, from cold and crisp winters to baking hot summers, and the client now has a dream garden area to relax in and entertain friends while being protected from the elements.

By opting for two of the Deluxe Outdoor Living Pods, the client has opened up a whole new garden space where they can now create great memories.

The project commenced in August 2022 and took four weeks to complete.

For more information visit www.cbsolarshading.co.uk

EXCEPTIONAL OUTDOOR SPACES

Maze has been making outdoor spaces exceptional since 2009; we’ve transformed creating beautifully crafted outdoor furniture underpinned by unyielding quality, pioneering design and chic style. We offer stylish ranges of Outdoor Fabric, Rattan, Rope Weave and Aluminium furniture pieces.

Now introducing Maze Commercial – discover how the Maze brand can enrich your client’s outdoor experience and satisfy their need for innovation, style, and quality.

We offer site visits, design consultations and product samples to curate a collection of products that embodies your client’s requirements and assist with making it a reality. Also, take advantage of a robust build and packaging removal service to take care of the logistics.

Blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, create a homage to the classic English courtyard or cultivate an industrial garden-scape that compliments modern architecture - our furniture

is designed to work around your client’s taste.

Discover how Maze Commercial can transform your client’s outdoor living space, visit maze.co.uk/commercial to get in touch

TRANSFORM THE OUTDOORS IN AN INSTANT WITH READYHEDGE

Give your garden project and instant uplift with ready to plant hedges. Suitable for all garden types, both commercial and domestic.

At Readyhedge you can choose from:

Metre long lengths

Various heights – from 30cm tall to 200cm tall

Available in Readyhedge bags or Readyhedge troughs

Our hedging expertise spans 20 years+, producing over 50,000 metres of instant hedging per year in over 35 varieties. This includes individual plants, low and high panels and even screens.

Wide variety of hedges

Discover the large selection of evergreen, deciduous and mixed native hedging available. There are quick growing hedges, semi evergreen, formal hedges, and even low maintenance hedges to choose from!

Readyhedge ready to plant hedges are grown to be fully mature, under the watchful eye of our hedging experts. This ensures every tough of hedging is identical and already knitted together to provide stunning hedging, instantly.

Our aim is to fulfil orders in 48 hours, we offer secure and punctual delivery to any location within the country.

For more information contact Readyhedge on 01386 750585 or visit www.readyhedgeltd.com

Follow us on Social Media: Facebook @Readyhedgeltd Twitter @Readyhedge Instagram @readyhedge

Expertly Grown

AWARD-WINNING GARDEN DESIGNERS USE BOUGHTON TOPSOIL TO INCREASE BIODIVERSITY FOR

NORTH LONDON GARDEN REFURB

Garden Club London selected Boughton’s natural topsoil for its stunning garden renovation at a residential property in Hampstead. The award-winning garden design firm opted for Boughton’s premium BLS Plus in order to meet their client specification for a quality soil full of microorganisms and micronutrients that would support plant life for decades.

It is the first time Boughton has supplied one of Garden Club London’s projects but, following such a successful partnership on this garden, Boughton Business Development Manager, Jason Lock said the company is hoping to undertake more business with Garden Club London in coming months harnessing the benefits of other Boughton products.

For this project, the garden design team was tasked with creating an urban oasis and outdoor workfrom-home hub for their client at a residence in Hampstead, Northwest London. As part of the brief, the client had requested “plenty of good soil with living microorganisms in it, micronutrients, etc”, adding “I think it will set up the plants for the next 30 years!”

Remembering a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) that Jason Lock pitched last year last year extolling the virtues of natural soils and their retained organism biomass, Garden Club London knew Boughton soil would fit the bill and help them execute the brief perfectly.

As a result, 15 bulk bags of Boughton BLS Plus – Natural Topsoil, which boasts superior soil health characteristics, were brought in to improve the soil quality in the garden and fill beds.

The stunning garden features beds and lawn curving around a striking herringbone brick pathway and curved seating area, plus stepped raised beds at the rear, with BLS Plus helping to create a fertile, nutrientrich environment for plants to thrive.

Boughton’s BLS Plus is a re-purposed single-source, as dug, screened natural topsoil with boosted organic matter content. It has excellent moisture and nutrient-retention capabilities and is best suited for all applications of ground-level soft landscaping, especially high-density

planting. Its impressive water retention properties also make it ideal for projects where permanent irrigation is not specified, as well as urban locations, such as London, which can be at increased risk of hosepipe bans.

Independent testing was carried out to confirm the soil’s suitability for the landscape purposes required on this project, with soil biology reports also generated to quantify the organism biomass present.

Jason Lock explained: “Garden Club London’s client specifically requested a soil that had an inbuilt life. Our BLS Plus – Natural Topsoil met that requirement, and we were able to confirm it with a degree of certainty after initial tests. We have since undertaken further testing, which has, again, backed up those initial results.”

Boughton supplies a variety of natural topsoils, specifically designed to meet any application or requirement for domestic and commercial projects alike.

• Outperforms the requirements of BS3882

• Focused nutritional benefits

• Biological enhancements

• Improved water dynamics

• Carbon-friendly credentials

Environmentally sustainable

Product properties: (typical values)

• Clay (<0.0002mm) 25 Silt (0.002-0.063mm) 28

• Sand (0.063-2.0mm) 47

• Texture Class (UK cl) CL Stones (2-20mm) 0

• Stones (20-50mm) 0

• Stones (>50mm) 0 pH Value 7.4

The product can be delivered in any required format, including in 25-litre and IBC Bulk bags, or loose tipped, as required.

To enquire about your next project, contact by calling (01536) 510515 or email sales@boughton.co.uk.

Boughton BLS Plus – Natural Topsoil key information:

GARDEN DESIGN

HERE’S WHY LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS ARE GETTING AHEAD WITH STRAIGHTCURVE PRODUCTS TODAY

There is a good chance you’ve heard of Straightcurve or seen them at an industry show by now. An Australian company with a growing international presence, they are specialists in steel garden edging, raised garden beds and planter boxes. They bring a very popular and new approach that will make a big difference in our industry too. The response to their arrival has been pretty exciting. So what makes Straightcurve and its products so special?

They’re beautifully made. Meaning they’re precision engineered to extremely high tolerances to ensure each modular product aligns perfectly with the next. Which creates a flawless fit & finish, first time, every time. This means a consistent finish across every job, whether you install yourself or have multiple teams doing that for you. The finish looks so good they’re often mistaken for bespoke metalwork.

They’re mass-produced to extremely high-quality standards. This means though they may look custom fabricated, they’re actually ready & waiting in their UK warehouse for next-day despatch. So you can kiss goodbye to long custom-fab lead times. Order the products today and they’ll be despatched tomorrow.

They’re intentionally simple by design. They’re designed to be DIY friendly. The entire range of garden edging, raised garden beds and planters are made that way so that home gardeners, like pros, can install them quickly & easily, with no prior experience, and get a high-quality end result, using only a hammer and a cordless screwdriver.

They’re unintentionally popular with Designers, Architects and Pro Landscapers. Straightcurve didn’t set out to offer the range to industry professionals. But by happy coincidence, the qualities that

make their products popular with home gardeners, also make them confidence inspiring for Designers & Architects (who know the products will uphold the integrity of their designs), and hugely advantageous for landscapers, builders, and maintenance contractors (who can install more quickly & easily and save on costs with Straightcurve).

They merge the best bits of both ends of the market. They’re not chasing the low end of the market where the focus is on cheapness and not necessarily quality, durability or ease of use. And they’re not chasing the custom fabrication top end which, though high-quality, is usually very expensive and timeconsuming. Straightcurve sits in a sweet spot in that they are very high quality whilst being extremely useable, readily available, and surprisingly affordable.

They’re proof that you don’t have to be a big company to have a big impact. Straightcurve is a small company with big ideas, great products and the drive to make a difference to the lives of their customers. Their mantra is “how can we” make products that help you get from where you are now, to where you want to be. And “how can we” make your landscape design & build life simpler, better, and more rewarding.

Straightcurve has a range of products that will open up a world of garden design possibilities. If you’ve yet to try their products, or haven’t seen them at an industry show yet, this may sound fanciful. But try them once and you’ll understand.

If you’re a designer, Straightcurve’s products will give you a new design vocabulary. If you’re a landscaper, the products will make you recalibrate how quick, easy, and costly installation jobs should be.

Using Straightcurve products, your domestic & commercial garden design projects will be simply better.

Here’s the thing. The companies who make the products you’ve been reliant on to this point don’t want you to know about Straightcurve. They want you to stick to what you know, because they know if you try Straightcurve once, you’ll be converted. The choice of course is yours. Stick to what you’re used to using and hope everyone else does the same. Or try Straightcurve once, be adventurous, and see for yourself how much easier, faster, and better things can be.

“Superb brand to deal with, the team were very helpful when we needed advice and when we made a mistake with our order they got the additional parts out ASAP for us. It arrived very quickly and was really easy to assemble. I’d highly recommend Straightcurve!”

BASE KITCHEN

BY KETTAL STUDIO

This modular kitchen structure offers infinite solutions. An aluminium supporting frame can be teamed with a number of stoneware modules in various combinations whilst maintaining its authentic linear design.

This design features clean, smooth surfaces, with no corners, for easy cleaning and maintenance.

It is available in two types of stoneware and two Iroko wood finishes for the doors. The modular aluminium structure comes in black only.

Along with basic kitchen functions, it has a gas barbecue and can include several burners with a support for a wok. It can also include a bar. www.kettal.com

GREENWOOD PLANTS ON TARGET TO BE PEAT-FREE BY END OF 2023

Through the course of this year, Greenwood Plants has introduced many new pioneering sustainable practices, which will contribute to its long-term goal of reaching Net Zero and play a part in positively impacting climate change.

This includes using resources efficiently, reducing waste, supporting biodiversity, and aiming to become carbon neutral.

One of Greenwood’s greatest commitments is to transition to 100% peat-free growing media by the end of 2023, ahead of anticipated industry regulation to prohibit the use of peat for commercial growers.

Greenwood has been carrying out extensive trials since early 2022 and is making excellent headway towards its goal, as one in four plants at Greenwood is now potted in peat-free growing media, across its nurseries.

Greenwood’s trials involve exploring new types of growing media to support its annual production of

more than six million plants. The trials allow the production team to tweak the composition to get the pH and nutrient levels and structure right, as well as alter the irrigation programmes.

“Achieving sustainability leadership is a major focus for us”, says Managing Director, Glenn Devenish. “To help us achieve this vision, we are committed to growing in the greenest way possible by stopping the use of peat, becoming fully carbon neutral, and being an active stakeholder in local communities and environments.”

The increase in peat-free growing media covers all areas of the business, such as its new contract growing programme “Watch It Grow”, that is now offered fully peat-free, and its new trade sales centre, Greenwood Choice, that has its own dedicated peat-free area to display the high-quality offering to clients who visit. This area will be expanding in the new year.

The environmental benefits of growing in peat-free compost, such

as an improved carbon footprint, can be passed onto the whole supply chain. Whilst peat is an excellent growing medium, its harvesting process releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which has an adverse effect on greenhouse gas levels and contributes to climate change.

Scientists also see the importance and fragility of peatlands to be equal to that of rainforests; there are major concerns and peatlands need to be protected.

Transitioning to peat-free is a huge undertaking, but Greenwood has risen to the challenge and is excited to reach its goal in 2023.

If you’d like to find out more about Greenwood’s sustainability and community efforts, visit www.greenwoodplants.co.uk.

POPULARITY OF ‘AGED METAL’ POWDER COATINGS FOR OUTDOOR PLANTERS

Powdertech Corby has used two of its ‘Aged Metal’ finishes to make attractive features of large outdoor planters.

Powdertech’s ‘Rusted Steel’ makes an eyecatching finish for outdoor planting beds at the Woolwich Arsenal site. The designers wanted a rusted industrial look, appropriate for this historic industrial site. Another rust-like coating ‘Sandstorm’ was used on a large planter outside Perry Barr railway station, Birmingham, as part of re-development ahead of Commonwealth Games 2022. Powdertech coated over 100 mild steel panels and postbrackets which make up the modular planter.

Powder coatings have advantages over Corten and other un-sealed metals. They don’t leach into the ground after rain or and cause no staining to surrounding materials. They are free of VOCs, halogens and heavy metals, leave no hazardous residue, and conform to reaction to fire rating ‘A2, S1-d0.’ Powdertech’s finishes can be used on aluminium, galvanized steel and mild steel.

Contact Powdertech 01536 400890 www.powdertechcorby.co.uk

SAMSON OUTDOOR LIVING

Whilst the last two years have sparked an enjoyment of the great outdoors, initially through necessity, and now through choice, Samson have been working hard to provide contemporary weather protection systems to transform outside spaces.

Supplying and installing high quality domestic and commercial outdoor living products since 1995, Samson Outdoor Living are a top UK specialist for awnings, retractable pergolas, glass and fabric canopies, and much more!

From small patios and cosy pub gardens to exquisite outdoor restaurant areas, Samson’s expertise, dedicated team and bespoke products can be utilised for all types of outdoor settings.

ROYAL GRASS®, EUROPE’S PREMIUM QUALITY BRAND –NOW UK BASED

Royal Grass® has been producing artificial grass for landscape applications since 2003. Royal Grass® is a premium quality artificial grass and works exclusively with the very best, and tested, raw materials. Royal Grass® products are uniquely resilient, sustainable, strong and 100% safe.

We can offer express nationwide delivery from our three UK warehouses. Supplying cut or full roll service for all our products to residential or business addresses.

For more information on our products, dealership opportunities and becoming an Approved Installer, please contact Royal Grass® on 0800 688 9554, or email info@royalgrass.com www.royalgrass.co.uk

Royal Grass® is a member of Victoria PLC – an AIM listed company since 2013.

NO FUSS, JUST A

Contact our friendly team to discover how we can enhance your outdoor space.

enquiries@samsonawnings.co.uk 01933 448844 www.samsonawnings.co.uk

6 REASONS TO CHOOSE EZ GLAZE FOR YOUR OUTDOOR ROOFING

Garden decks and patios can get damaged over time if they are constantly exposed to the elements. They will be better protected if you install a solid, permanent roof over them. You can also enjoy the outdoors without getting wet or sunburned.

Water-resistant and UV-blocking, polycarbonate roofing sheets are an excellent choice. Most people already know that, but we discovered an interesting and original roofing product that changed everything we thought we knew about polycarbonate roofing: EZ Glaze. A unique idea by Palram UK that is much more than what we are used to with plastic sheets. Let’s look at some of these impressive features.

An original design

There is something elegant and distinctive about EZ Glaze roofing. They give garden canopies a

seamless, sleek appearance. NO wonder EZ Glaze is referred to as glass-like polycarbonate.

Easy to install and work with Installation is quick, easy, and safe. You don’t even have to mount the roof. For a standard English pergola, all you need is a ladder, a standard power drill, an electric screwdriver, and some basic handy skills. Palram UK provides everything you need for a successful installation, including detailed instructions.

An ultra-light frame

Rafters are all you need! There’s no need for purlins. It saves time, money, and effort. In no time at all, you’ll enjoy your upgraded patio.

Exceptional durability

The EZ Glaze panel is made of 3mm thick polycarbonate. You’ll get superior wind and snow load resistance, as well as unmatched hail resistance. One of the strongest

glazing options available. It requires only occasional cleaning and leaf blowing, making it a long-term valuable option. EZ Glaze is backed by a 10-year warranty, so you know it will last.

Colourful variety

You will find a variety of shades to choose from. There are crystal clear, semi-transparent colours, and even SolarSmart tints that reduce heat build-up under garden roofs.

Value for money

EZ Glaze offers premium value. It is a practical, affordable, visually stunning, and cost-effective roofing solution. This is the perfect time to upgrade your patio canopy to polycarbonate!

Get in touch with Palram UK today and brighten up your home with EZ Glaze - www.palram.com

TIMBER: THE MATERIAL CHOICE FOR DECKING IN ALL ENVIRONMENTS

Decking continues to be a popular addition to outdoor spaces, adding extra dimensions to gardens, public spaces and even restaurants or visitor attractions. Decking helps transform and create an inviting, social space for everyone to use.

Whilst there are several materials available on the market, timber continues to be the material of choice for decking solutions. In this article, Laura Qualters National Technical Manager for Decking at Marley, shares the top five benefits of choosing timber decking.

Busting the myths

Timber is the most popular material for decking due to its natural aesthetic and flexible qualities. However, there are still many misconceptions around the material choice such as it being high maintenance, slippery, or that it rots and needs regular retreating. Contrary to this however some timber deck boards are now supplied with a 30-year desired service life eradicating any worries regarding rot.

So, what are the benefits of timber decking?

Low Maintenance

Modern timber decking boards, with the right preservative treatment from the outset, require very little upkeep. Aside from a brush with a broom and an annual clean with a deck cleaning product, they can be left to weather naturally with no need to re-treat against rot and fungi attack. Product such as the Marley smooth profile decking boards, with non-slip inserts, are a low maintenance option, without the need to clean in between grooves.

Slip resistant

If traditional decking isn’t properly maintained, it can become slippery in wet weather. However, there are some great anti-slip products on the market that are recommended for commercial and public access decks where extra safety is required. The Marley AntiSlip Plus® and CitiDeck® timber decking boards have been specifically designed to provide a durable and effective anti-slip surface to minimise any risk of slipping, even in the wetter months, ensuring that the surface can be used safely all year round.

Decking should be tested to confirm its slip resistance. The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) preferred method is the pendulum test. Testing generates a pendulum test value (PTV), a score of 36 or more

confirms the surface has a low potential for slip.

Up to 30-year service life Durability of timber decking comes down to choosing the right product, preservative treated correctly for the right application. The Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA) recommends only using decking boards that offer a minimum service life of 15 years. There are now products on the market that have been preservative treated to Use Class 3 to achieve a 30-year desired service life. Once installed the decking can be left to weather naturally over time without the need to retreat.

It is also vital that correct fixings are used when installing decking. Corrosion is one of the biggest

threats to timber decking used in external environment. Therefore, for optimum life and performance, stainless steel fixings are recommended.

Sustainable

The consumer demand to get closer to nature and use sustainable materials has seen a resurgence in the use of timber. When it is sourced responsibly, timber is the most sustainable building material and is an ideal choice against increasing concern about waste and recycling. All timber decking boards should be supplied with accreditation, such as PEFC, which confirms the supplier is sourcing timber sustainably, from well managed forests with excellent replanting programmes.

Smooth profiles

When considering decking profiles, many people picture a traditional grooved product, however smooth profiles are now becoming increasingly popular.

A smooth board offers a different feel and appearance to the deck when compared to the traditional look of a grooved board. And has a number of benefits including, providing a comfortable and inclusive surface for all users and provides an easier surface to maintain.

Overall, timber decking provides an aesthetically appealing, adaptable solution that truly stands the test of time.

For further information on Marley decking solutions, visit www.marley.co.uk/decking

Handmade in the UK, our timber decking is assessed for optimal strength and a high quality finish.

Enhanced with anti-slip technology, so it is safe to use even in the wet, and preservative treated for a long durable life.

DISPELLING COMMON DECKING AND CLADDING MISCONCEPTIONS

As a technical advisory service, the TDCA receives enquiries daily. But too often we get asked the same questions that are fundamental to both timber decking and cladding.

We’re working hard to address them and provide resolution to common misconceptions by providing free resources on our website as well as on-hand guidance.

As well as our popular Timber Decking and Cladding Handbooks, the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section of our website has a host of solutions to common issues and if you can’t find the answers there then you can get in touch. Whenever we receive and deal with a new enquiry, if the subject is not already covered on our site, we create a new FAQ.

Our Handbooks are produced in partnership with Timber Development UK

If you’re after a particular fixing, coating or timber component look no further than our Supplier database of DeckMark and CladMark approved products and suppliers. Similarly, we have a growing number of approved installers too.

In addition to our bespoke sourcing service, we offer inspection and expert witness services if things have gone wrong with your decking or cladding project.

The Timber Decking and Cladding Association is a not-for-profit company and the money generated from membership fees and inspection services goes towards its work to raise awareness of fit-for-purpose materials and installation good practice. www.tdca.org.uk

A MULTITUDE OF POSSIBILITIES WITH BUZON® PEDESTALS

Building a terrace in a conventional way is not always easy. Joint expansion, water drainage difficulties, slope control... All these problems often compromise the durability of the terrace. Laying on pedestals was very quickly imposed, to meet all the constraints encountered on the sites.

As a true pioneer in the sector, Buzon® has been able to meet market expectations and develop

solutions and products for all types of projects. Residential terraces, flat roof terraces, garden landscaping, fountain terraces, podiums, marquees, technical floors for industrial applications... Buzon® offers solutions for every project.

A simple and effective solution for creating an outdoor space without masonry work

With an installation on pedestals, the tiles are directly raised to the

appropriate height, like a terrace on stilts. Perfectly stabilized, it is reassuring and allows to follow the slightest desires of its installer.

Adjustable blocks for terraces

Buzon® pedestals are adjustable in height, which allows the creation of elevated terraces up to 955 mm. The numerous accessories offer solutions to all expectations, including slope correction up to 5%, and sometimes 10%. They allow the implementation of terrace coverings of various types and shapes.

The advantages of Buzon pedestals

The quality of the adjustable pedestals ensures that the user will be able to withstand all types of weather, aging, UV rays and climatic variations... www.buzon-world.com

ONE HYDE PARK LONDON / UK

MARRYING AESTHETICS WITH PRACTICALITY IN A NATIONAL INSTITUTION

The look of natural timber decking is classic and timeless, and a perfect backdrop for displaying natural planting schemes. But what if your project is one of the most famous and much-loved botanical gardens in the world, with 2.5 million visitors a year? Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a mission to preserve the Earth’s natural resources. One of Kew’s biggest recent projects was their ambitious ‘Children’s Garden’ which transformed a previously underused part of the site into four interactive gardens themed around the elements.

World renowned landscape architect Suzie Jewell had the task of sourcing materials for the renovation, which covered an area the size of forty tennis courts. The project’s aim was to encourage children to explore the concepts of earth, air, sun and water by ‘getting up close and personal’ with nature. The garden would have extensive walkways, seating and cladding that would need to stand up to heavy public footfall, so the durability of the materials chosen was key to the project’s success. It also needed to be sympathetic to Kew’s ecological and aesthetic objectives.

Suzie opted to use Millboard decking throughout to add resilience to the garden’s walkways and play areas, while maintaining natural beauty. “Having previously specified Millboard products on design projects for schools, I knew that I could rely on the range for its durability and anti-slip properties, on top of its natural aesthetic.” Millboard is the most authentic looking wood-alternative decking board on the market, and provided an excellent fit for Kew’s uncompromising standards.

The organic, highly tactile qualities of Weathered Oak and Burnt Cedar decking are in keeping with the characterful charm of the natural setting and gave Suzie’s team the design flexibility they needed. Suzie

was delighted with the end result, “The black hues of the Burnt Cedar boards provide a good backdrop for foliage plants, allowing their vibrant colours to really shine through. The Children’s Garden incorporates an

amphitheatre design with curved benches; we achieved a good radius by simply bending the fascia boards to create a seamless finish that’s not always possible with timber.

Millboard Weathered Oak in the Embered colourway zigzags through the natural planting schemes.

The Millboard decking was installed just as easily as real wood, and facilitated techniques like tapered cuts, which help to create that flawless finish we were looking for. It blends really well.”

Millboard’s Projects Team provided the contractor with ongoing support throughout the build and provided site visits and close collaboration with the designers and installers throughout. Since the 2.5-acre garden opened, it has proven a hit with visitors and has been described as a real complement to the world’s largest and most diverse botanical attraction.

www.millboard.co.uk

Nature enhanced, for unreal results.

Every now and then, something comes along to knock an original off its pedestal. Welcome then to Millboard decking. Through continuous research and development, meticulous attention to detail, expertise and innovation we’ve created a board that’s hand-moulded from natural wood – and we think it could be better than the real thing. It won’t rot like real wood, warp like real wood or attract mould like real wood. It just takes the best of real wood and enhances it. Beautifully.

Millboard: Live. Life. Outside.

Discover the collection and order your free samples at millboard.co.uk

Live. Life. Outside. Live. Life. Outside.

WHY YOU SHOULD INSTALL DECKING IN THE WINTER

There are a few good reasons why you shouldn’t wait until spring comes around to consider new decking, as winter can prove the most efficient time to install decking in your garden.

For instance, if you’re conscious about disrupting life in your garden, an installation in the colder months gives plenty of time for wildlife and plants to recover. By the time spring comes around again, your garden will be in great shape for enjoying the best of the season.

It’s also a good time for the decking too, giving it a longer period to settle before the temperature changes again, so long as you include the right gaps when installing your decking. If you are installing your own decking, leave gaps of around 8mm to allow for your deck to expand once it heats up again. This also allows water to drain away easily, and prevents pooling water.

If you are using wood, winter also offers the ideal time to allow your deck to cure at a steady speed,

without the adverse impact of the sunshine on this process.

Installation in the winter also means it won’t get in the way of any summer plans, and you can beat the busy period when it comes to having a choice of installers to fit your new deck.

Just because the days are cooler, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your new space. Decked areas can be home to warming fire pits and atmospheric lighting, and outdoor rugs and cushions offer the chance to make a decked seating space cosy through the colder months.

When it comes to rugs, it’s important to choose these carefully, as some materials can cause additional damage. Avoid any metal components, which can scratch and rust, leading to staining. Rugs with latex or rubber backing are also best avoided, as they can leave marks on decking boards. The best choices are fast-woven and vinyl-backed rugs, which are resistant to moulds and mildew.

A deck can also nicely complement an outhouse, pergola or other shelters, to let you enjoy being outdoors whilst fending off the worst of the winter weather.

When choosing your deck, there are plenty of considerations on price, garden shape and size, and durability. Composite decking can be a good option during cold and rainy seasons, as, unlike timber decking, composite is more resistant to a whole range of winter climates. For instance, its grooved boards can offer a great non-slip surface, whilst it’s also resistant to moisture build-up that would otherwise cause mould and mildew on traditional timber decking.

That also makes it a great surface to withstand the snow and ice, so long as you follow simple care instructions. Avoid metal shovels, and instead, use plastic with care, or choose a soft bristle brush to sweep leaves or snow from your decking.

ANX FOREGROUNDS COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS AT SAGE GARDENS

ANX / AARON NEUBERT ARCHITECTS

The award-winning Los Angeles based practice, known for creating beautifully crafted and sustainable architecture, takes on the affordable senior housing market.

Addressing California’s urgent need for quality affordable housing, ANX / Aaron Neubert Architects transformed a vacant and topographically nondescript Sacramento site into the prototype

for an entirely affordable housing community for the national senior housing developer, CCH. The plans provide for 144 units for seniors to live and thrive in, with their new homes flooded with natural light and integrated with the landscape.

Aimed at developing a tool kit to deploy across multiple jurisdictions and site configurations, ANX created a flexible environment of

planned and organic strategies that encourage health through social engagement and communion with nature. The linear low-rise site plan of stacking and interlocking modular units provides all essential support services found in a modern senior living facility, while focusing on ease of living and a fluid connection with the common areas of the site.

GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE

Organized around a continuous socially dynamic exercise and circulation path, conjoining housing clusters, community gardens, recreational and amenity facilities, and the social services hub, the looped configuration foregrounds a garden-centric lifestyle tracing daily activities through the droughttolerant landscape. Along the loop, the building massing and programmatic distribution create a series of microclimates, expanding the linear progression of the site into a network of exterior rooms.

To successfully navigate the numerous entitlement, funding, construction budget, and schedule challenges associated with affordable housing, the design team elected to utilize a fully modular construction method. Each residential cluster is achieved through the conjoining of six prefabricated units into one of three configurations. Each configuration is positioned to maximize the effectiveness of solar and environmental controls, and fitted with an array of photovoltaic panels and brise-soleil to reduce heat gain and encourage passive cooling.

GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE

Direct access to raised-bed edible roof gardens and shared outdoor spaces emphasizes the primacy of social equity, as well as the physical and mental health of the residents.

In further support of the holistic well-being of the community, the project includes a primary social services hub, as well as three related satellite modular structures located

along the circulation loop. While the hub houses administration offices, a café, community rooms, and flexible social service/medical rooms, the satellites contain laundry and recreational functions, further encouraging social interaction among the tenants.

The gardens enveloping these structures serve as gathering spaces – a public gesture – encouraging the types of resident and neighborhood interaction often missing in affordable housing.

Technical sheet

Project Name: Sage Gardens

Location: Sacramento, California USA

Client: CCH

Architect: ANX / Aaron Neubert Architects

Structural Engineers: Labib Funk + Associates

Civil Engineers: Labib Funk + Associates

MEP Engineers: Hariton Engineering

Landscape Designer: ANX / Aaron Neubert Architects

Code Consultant: Churchill Engineering

Project Completion Date: November 2023

NEW TREE-LINED PLAZA WELCOMES NEW ARRIVALS TO BRIDLINGTON

Bridlington is on Yorkshire’s East Coast, sited 15 miles south from Scarborough, and just a mile from the dramatic cliffs of Flamborough Head. Bridlington offers a charming mix of traditional seaside attractions, as well as an incredible 15 miles of stunning golden beach, stretching as far south as Hornsea.

Phase Two of the £13.3m Bridlington Integrated Transport Plan, included a total redesign and transformation of the frontage of Bridlington’s railway station. The new Station Plaza features improved access roads, new short-stay and disabled parking, a taxi rank and coach drop-off point, as well as an inviting pedestrian area with contemporary seating and tree planting, to provide not only shade but also vital storm water attenuation – a green and welcoming first impression for visitors to the seaside town.

Green-tech involvement:

The contracting work was awarded to Hull-based PBS Construction, who are a family business with strong ties to Bridlington. PBS asked Greentech to provide a structural tree pit system that would enable the trees planted within the hard landscaping around the plaza to establish without risk of soil compaction.

A total of twelve trees were planted, eight on the pedestrian plaza area immediately outside of the main entrance, and four sited alongside the taxi rank. To help the trees achieve their full potential, we wanted a good organic topsoil for them to grow in, as well as enough rooting volume. The challenge with planting in any hard landscape is how to use the good

stuff underneath the paving, without the paving sinking and compacting the soil. This is where Green-tech’s ArborRaft geo-cellular sub-base replacement system comes into its own.

Rather than using a traditional deep-pit crate system that fills the tree pit down to the base, ArborRaft works on a combined raft/bridging principle, and sits across the top of the tree pit, leaving the rooting area itself completely free of plastic. Not only is this better for the tree, but it also means there is no conflict with underground services such as water, gas, electric or communication lines.

The ArborRaft can take a static vertical loading of 70 tonnes/m2, so can be used under vehicular or pedestrian paving with no concerns about the paving sinking, or the soil underneath becoming compacted. This means that we can use a soft, friable, organic topsoil in the tree pit, rather than a heavily sand-based structural tree soil.

The trees were planted in individual tree pits, and over 300 tonnes of Green-tech’s manufactured Greentree soil was delivered to site in stages as required. Green-tech also supplied each tree pit with tree anchors, Mona irrigation rings topped with aluminium Piazza filler inlets, and Fortress tree grilles, which are designed to take paving sets for a flush surface finish with the surrounding paving.

Alasdair Innes, Green-tech’s Specification Advisor comments “This great looking project makes a good impression to anyone arriving at Bridlington by train. Green-tech has worked with PBS Construction since 2006, and it was a pleasure to be able to be part of something so transformative for one of Yorkshire’s favourite seaside resorts. ArborRaft is so easy to lay, and even though it has been tried and tested over ten years or more, it’s always nice to see a finished project with the trees looking so healthy. It is early days but once mature they will give welcome shade for commuters and visitors alike.”

For any further product information or to request a CPD in person or remotely on any of our urban or rural modules please contact alasdairi@green-tech.co.uk or call 01423 332177

BIOTECTURE LIVING HOARDINGS TRANSFORM STONECUTTER COURT SITE

Biotecture has designed and installed a green hoarding for repeat client Mace on the construction hoarding of the new Stonecutter Court development in London.

Stonecutter Court, close to Fleet Street and Farringdon, is being re-developed into a flexible, user experience-driven office building.

The new development, designed by Architect, TP Bennett, has strong sustainability credentials and is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating and WELL Gold standard upon completion.

International construction and consultancy company, Mace, was appointed to develop the project. As

Mace had already used the Biotecture PlantBox living hoarding at nearby Farringdon Road and so understood the benefits it can bring to a construction project.

As well as showcasing the client and contractor’s green credentials, the living hoarding will improve the appearance of the construction, and help improve air quality thanks to the removal of dust, dangerous particulates and harmful pollutants from the air by the plants. This creates a healthier environment

PlantBox living hoarding can be simply moved to the next development or gifted to the local community as part of your CSR outreach, depending on the client preferences.

Biotecture is the UK’s leading living wall and living hoarding company, and this year is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

https://www.biotecture.uk.com/ bioextra/living-hoardings/

CULTIVATION OF URBAN LANDSCAPE THEATERISM

Commercial Landscape Winner at the 2022 AMP Awards

The Suzhou Longfor Paradise Walk has won the 2022 AMP Award in the Commercial Landscape category. In the pursuit of creating animated public life, the design imagines a series of moon-themed narrative spaces that are integrated with the configuration of theater typologies, reconceptualizing multiplicity of public realm that elevates human participation and experiences.

Cultural Relationship with the Moon

The project is a community-based commercial complex located on the banks of Yangcheng Lake in China. The retail development is divided by a waterway, with a larger west block and a central courtyard plaza facing towards it. The east block is long and narrow, serving as a children’s activity center.

Yangcheng Lake is famous for its long-standing culture of crab-eating during Chinese Mid-autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival. It is a time of year in Chinese culture for appreciating the moon and for celebrating family, with families and friends gathering together during the mid-autumn

festival to observe the moon. The fast-paced world of Chinese development calls for a modern interpretation of the reminiscence of traditions, which inspired the design team to articulate the landscape that focuses on a reinterpretation of the moon.

Stage-Audience Relationship

Appreciation of the moon is fundamentally a stage-audience relationship, just like the essence in every successful public realm that encourages interaction and participation in its celebration of public life. Through spatial studies, the design team found an intriguing correlation with theater typology and the commercial public realm, where both seek to celebrate formal and informal interactions through the design of spatial configurations and carefully articulated sightlines and views.

The celebration of public life is built upon ensuring inclusion and diversity, and the design hopes to contribute to that by acknowledging shared experiences of local traditions, while also integrating a series of multi-functional and inter-relational spaces that encourage people to socialize, play, observe, and rest.

Repertoire of the Moon in Theaterism Approach

The moon becomes the theme which the design team begins to cultivate onto the canvas. Through spatial abstractions of theater studies, moon-themed typologies are incorporated into appropriate locations suited to the characteristics of the program, weaving unique and culturally relevant inter-relationships together.

The iteration of the moon concept seeks to express a dynamic landscape that appears to be constantly changing, just like the amount of moon that we see over the course of the month during different lunar phases. The changes of lunar phases becomes an integral design of the moon plaza stage, which is the focal theater at the center of the project. The dry fountain is programmed to have multiple scenarios of interaction according to different lunar phases - full moon, crescents, and eclipses create a highly participatory stage that is popular among children and families during weekends. At different times of the month, it

can also be transformed into other flexible uses for temporary pop-up stores or stage performances. Due to the attraction of the moon, tides of the earth come and go consistently with the lunar cycle. The design team incorporates the tidal language into the design of the waterfront, activating uses of the outdoor landscape and forming a series of unique theatrical ministages along the waterway. While visitors stroll along the bankside, they are always actively engaged with these pocket mini-stages. Close to the heart of the project, a stepping theater provides informal performance stage along the bankside. Seating steps integrated with planting also become a popular

recreation area for local residents. There are also a series of other narrow stages along the rest of the waterfront. The tides are articulated into dynamic landscape furnishings with an undulating composition. The spatiality of the composition allows multiplicity of unprescribed opportunities for leaning, sitting, observing, and informal play. Next to the children’s activity center, there is also a designated area for child activities. The design takes advantage of the grading change to create topographical mounds for staged play, where children can climb, run, slide, and interact freely within the integrated playscape.

Manifestation of Theaterism

Through cultivation of the moon concept, and the theaterism placemaking approach, the project hopes to re-envisage commercial public realm practices through out-of-thebox thinking. The public realm is a series of stages for the city, and the public life of the Yangcheng Lake

community becomes the repertoire staged within it. The project showcases the possibility that commercial landscape can be more than just a center for gathering, but also a highly activated public realm that combines cultural relevance and civic life in the contemporary age.

Technical sheet

Official Project Name: Suzhou Longfor Paradise Walk

Commercial Landscape Location: Suzhou, China

Client: Longfor Project sector: Commercial Landscape

Landscape Design Firm: FLO

Landscape Design Team: Lei Guo, Kai Fu, Lihui Yang, Bingyan Wang, Yayun Ni, Luhui Xiong, Yihao Ou

Water Consultant: Shanghai Yize Design

Playground Consultant: Jegoplay

Art Consultant: Shanghai Puyi Design

Photographer: Nancy Studio www.floscape.cn

THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY COMMITMENT

The concept of a circular economy is not new – in fact, the linear economy characterised by taking, make and dispose of has only existed since the industrial revolution in any particularly meaningful way. In previous eras, very little was thrown away, as nearly everything had an alternative use at the end of its life, even if only for compost. Building materials are a case in point; many old buildings are constructed from stone from demolished buildings, and some old timbered properties are held up by old ships timbers.

So why don’t we still do this everywhere? The truth is that it’s far more convenient and sometimes cheaper to manufacture products from virgin material, and nearly always the quality is more consistent.

GreenBlue Urban has always been committed to the circular economy principle – and it is far wider than just product manufacture. A circular economy is a wide economic system that works to challenge global issues such as waste and pollution, but also

climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution – both air and water. In setting such massive goals, the circular economy needs a huge shift in thinking, by all of us.

In addition to the issues that the circular economy seeks to tackle, as above, it is designed to benefit not only the environment but to bring prosperity to business and to society. It is regenerative by design, meaning that natural resources do not become so quickly depleted,

and therefore new industries came to arise, bringing healthy economic growth.

Planting trees is a perfect example of a circular economy, as the tree provides multiple benefits during its life, and can be used to manufacture products when it is cut down.

Removal of a plantation tree results in space left for new tree planting, bringing employment to often rural areas. But what about urban trees?

FUTUREBUILD SHOW PREVIEW

Urban trees also form part of a circular economy – but to maximise the benefits, these need to be properly planted, and grow to maturity. This is the raison d’être of GreenBlue Urban – assisting trees in their struggle to survive in a hostile environment. Whether it is providing soil support by using RootSpace soil cells, guiding tree roots with products from the ReRoot root management range, bringing air and water to the rooting zone with RootRain irrigation and aeration solutions or physically protecting the tree from above ground damage with tree grilles and guards.

The GreenBlue Urban innovative solutions enable trees to grow to their species potential longevity. All the below-ground products are manufactured from 100% recycled materials and are recyclable up to 5 times once they have finished their life. This is central to the GreenBlue Urban philosophy, as our vision is to bring environmental benefits to communities around the world, and the least possible carbon footprint.

With policy insisting that all developments of more than 150 residential units, buildings over 30m in height or commercial premises over 2500m², a Circular Economy Statement must be submitted, along with a Whole Life Carbon Assessment as part of the planning process. This aims to reduce waste and pollution, and in time, will help achieve the net-zero carbon commitments. It is suggested that circular economy strategies could deliver emissions reductions that could limit the expected temperature rise by half – an incredible benefit.

The circular economy has been described as not just a change in the way we operate, but a new way of thinking. GreenBlue Urban are proud of our story, how we have increased canopy cover globally with the many benefits to our climate, air, water, biodiversity and quality of life for all.

FUTUREBUILD 2023 TAKES A STAND FOR A BETTER BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Riddlestone OBE, Chief Executive and co-founder at Bioregional.

Futurebuild 2023 is set to provide landscaping and urban design specifiers with the ideas, inspiration and innovative solutions that will help them play their part in the sectors drive to net zero, safely and efficiently. Taking place at ExCeL London from March 7 – 9, the event will focus on our most pressing challenges in order to accelerate the shift to a net zero built environment.

Sustainability remains at the core of this year’s show and is why Futurebuild 2023 is also urging landscaping and urban design specifiers to act now and ‘take a stand’ on an issue they passionately believe will help propel the industry towards a more sustainable future. By taking a stand, we can all achieve radical change and build a better future.

Conference is ‘taking a stand’ The Take a Stand theme is central to the Futurebuild conference programme which will bring together an outstanding lineup of expert speakers who are distinguished experts in their field to deliver the best possible understanding of what collectively we all need to do to meet our climate challenges. We are pleased to have two notable sponsors of this year’s conference; SNRG and Hub Brussels. The first day will focus on Looking Forward and why we need to develop the foresight necessary to break out of our current mindset, with a fantastic Wise Heads session on How can we scale best practice in the planning system to create resilient communities chaired by Sue

On day two, the conference will explore the nature of Changing and especially ‘behaviour change’. Dr Viktoria Spaiser, Associate Professor in Sustainability at the University of Leeds, will chair a discussion on the Big Issue of Changing how we do things in our professional and personal behaviour to live within planetary boundaries which features Dr Niamh Murtagh on the panel. Day 3 will move on to Taking Action, hearing from those who have been doing just that and exploring plans that can take society and the construction industry forward.

Show sections and new spotlights

Futurebuild will also be curated into eight show sections including Buildings sponsored by Steico, Digital, , Energy sponsored by Kensa Group & District Energy in partnership with UKDEA, Interiors, Materials, Offsite, Retrofit sponsored by Elmhurst Energy and in partnership with The Retrofit Academy CIC and Osmosis, and Sustainable Infrastructure sponsored by ACO, will be showcasing the best solutions, technologies and services, that together, can unite and strengthen the delivery of truly sustainable, ground-breaking projects. The event will also feature three new spotlights; Lighting in partnership with KNX UK; District Energy in partnership with UKDEA and FutureX Innovation in partnership with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

Platform for innovation

Futurebuild will continue to be the industry platform for innovation and features a wealth of opportunities to showcase the most innovative technology, products and services. At the heart of this is the return of the renowned Innovation Trail, providing a showcase for 15 Innovation Partners and a range of

International Pavilions. The Trail will give landscaping and urban design specifiers the opportunity to explore revolutionary products, solutions and materials and meet the leading thinkers behind these innovations. The Big Innovation Pitch will also return and offer exhibiting companies the chance of being crowned winner in 2023. A huge success in 2022, last year’s competition received over 90 submissions, that were shortlisted down to six finalists who then battled out by pitching live in the conference arena.

Those attending can also find further inspiration at FutureX Innovation (in partnership with BEIS) which will shine a spotlight on start-ups and SMEs who will bring never seen before innovations to the event. The spotlight will also include an Innovation Stage that will host the new Big Ideas Pitch.

Everyone in the supply chain has a solution that can make a positive change. Futurebuild 2023 will provide the ultimate stage to showcase that commitment to the creation of a better building industry and achieving net zero. By looking at the bigger picture, we can learn from each other’s journey to sustainability and what we need to do to achieve net zero.

Futurebuild 2023 will take place from March 7th to March 9th London’s ExCeL. For more details, visit www.futurebuild.co.uk Don’t miss out on next year’s event. Visitor registration is now open

what will you take a stand for?

Build a better future for the built environment

Futurebuild provides the stage for inspiring ideas, innovative solutions & knowledge sharing to drive sustainable construction and help us reach our goal of net zero. The exhibition brings together the entire supply chain to showcase, debate and understand the advancements in sustainable construction and the emerging technologies that will make net zero possible.

Futurebuild is taking a stand for a better built environment and is urging companies and professionals throughout the construction supply chain to make a similar commitment by ‘taking a stand’ on an issue they passionately believe will help propel the industry towards a more sustainable future. Join us in taking a stand.

SCAN HERE

www.futurebuild.co.uk

WHY CHOOSE RESIN BOUND?

Resin bound is the UK’s fast growing surfacing solution for both driveways and patios. With its wide range of colour and blend options, it will add instant and outstanding kerb appeal to any property. Resin bound is much more eco-friendly than most of the alternatives, being permeable means that both puddles and slipping are reduced as it allows water to drain naturally through its finished surface. Planning permission is not required when installing resin bound driveways as it is compliant with SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) legislation. Resin bound installations are extremely low maintenance, boasting high antislip properties and weed resistance. With an option for UV resistant resin, discoloration is a thing of the past meaning your installation will look as good as the day it was laid for many years. You can rest assured that your resin bound installation, with a minimal amount of maintenance, will stay looking its best and withstand the test of time.

Our resin here at Resins ‘R’ Us utilises the latest polyurethane adhesive technology. Producing stronger bonds and therefore giving a resilient, robust surface that has longevity and durability unlike any other similar product.

We are extremely proud to be able to say that the resin we supply is of the absolute highest quality. Whilst we know that there are other key factors when it comes to the installation of a resin bound system, such as workmanship, it is vitally important to only use the very highest quality resin and aggregates.

We have researched and developed what constitutes a good resin and therefore know what works and doesn’t. Our UV resins come as equal parts of resin and hardener, making a well balanced, robust and durable surface. Our resin is resistant to chemicals such as diesel, petrol and the many other various acids that could wear away a traditional resin driveway, this means you can be

confident that your resin bound system will withstand the test of time.

We have selected only the best washed and dried aggregates to be used in our specially chosen resin bound blends. Not only have our chosen blends been designed to be pleasing to look at, they are also able to perform to the highest standards in strength and durability.

www.resinsrus.co.uk

THE GREAT OUTDOORS GETS BETTER AND BETTER

• Take account of the sun and wind directions in your thinking and consider whether you wish to use your garden in different weather conditions.

• Consider your budget carefully and give yourself a maximum spend.

• Review a range of different styles to help you understand which you prefer.

There are many outlets selling a very wide range of natural stone, porcelain and cementitious products offering the most discerning of individuals the ability to create the landscape they crave. Take your time to visit a number of landscape suppliers as they all have their own ranges to suit different budgets and tastes.

There are also increasing demands for ‘above ground’ products that improve the experience of outdoor living. These products include pergolas, gazebos, outdoor kitchens, balustrades, entertainment walls, tables and seating, planters, fire pits, water blades/features, lighting and heating.

Many, if asked, may consider the great outdoors as the countryside. But increasing numbers are investing in their gardens to create outdoor living spaces that offer many of the benefits of being outdoors while having the convenience of being located only a step away from their home.

Fresh air, exercise, relaxation and creating happy memories with family and friends are some of the benefits of spending more time in the garden. These benefits may be enhanced by carefully designing the garden to optimise enjoyment and utility. Stuart Middleton, Executive Chairman of Aquacut Limited has a few tips for those embarking on a landscape project.

Your landscaping project is likely to be used for a number of years during which families may change and plantings mature. It is important to think about the future as well as the here and now, so time spent researching and thinking will be time well invested.

• Sketch out a perimeter plan of your garden and pencil in any features you are determined to keep. Consider what you and others wish to do in the garden. Play, rest, utility and entertaining considerations can help shape your thinking on layout and features.

• Does there need to be different levels, such as raised decks or sunken sun traps?

The choices available may be bewildering to even seasoned planners, but help is readily available. The UK has a rich resource of talented garden landscapers and designers and there is a wealth of information freely available online for DIY enthusiasts. Invest your time and do your research, it’ll be well worth the effort.

Aquacut and Babilonia can help you transform any outdoor space by creating functional and attractive building finishes and garden furniture and equipment. View the websites to see how they can help you transform any outdoor space into a truly unique additional room with the WOW factor.

www.aquacut.co.uk www.babilonia.co.uk | 01565 750666

RELIABILITY THE KEY AS BRETT GETS CARE CO MOVING

A secure supply of high-quality products meant that Brett Landscaping was able to help mobility product supplier Care Co with its new headquarters.

The leading independent concrete paving manufacturer was selected to provide 2,000 square metres of Invicta Flow 80mm Pearl by managing contractor Rose Builders as they worked at Care Co’s new Braintree site.

The new facility is one of the first constructed on the new 120 Horizon Business Park in Braintree and comprises approximately 69,000 square metres of warehouse space and 23,000 square metres of display area, office and welfare space over three storeys.

The Invicta range, which is ideal for application in commercial plazas,

has a specially formulated surface layer creating a hard-wearing paving block with a durable but vibrant finish which shimmers in different lights.

The premium surface mix creates a hard-wearing, high-performance paving and the 80mm blocks are ideal for high foot traffic in a public realm project.

The Invicta Flow paving blocks are manufactured with a unique nib design for applications where permeable paving and a SuDS solution is a requirement.

Paul Harvey, Commercial Sales Manager at Brett Landscaping, said: “We were very pleased to be able to provide Care Co with the highest quality products for their impressive new headquarters.

“The fact that Brett Landscaping can offer the reliability of supply thanks to the significant investment in our UK manufacturing plants is always important to customers working to tight deadlines.”

A programme of investment allowed Brett to develop its manufacturing processes to be able to blend specially sourced aggregates to create new paving finishes which are unique to Brett Landscaping.

Through this new AggTech process unique natural aggregates are used on the surface of each paving block to create a stunning durable finish.

See brettlandscaping.co.uk for more information on Invicta Flow and more products from Brett Landscaping

HOW TO REMOVE BLACK SPOT – AND PREVENT REGROWTH

Establishing a patio maintenance regime can be very beneficial. It helps retain a tile’s aesthetic, along with its performance, and reduces the need for intensive cleaning and re-sealing down the line. Most organic stains are relatively easy to remove, especially if the patio has been sealed, but there are some that can prove more difficult, like black spot.

Black spot originates from plants and trees and, despite its name, it can actually be black or white. The dust-like lichen microspore is carried by the wind and rain and it colonises on stonework, taking around 2-3 years to get really established below the surface. Black spot thrives in damp, shady places, sending its tendrils or ‘hyphae’ down into the stone’s pores, searching for nutrients. It’s a particular menace in porous stone, as its open texture enables the microspores to spread more easily, but even less porous materials like porcelain aren’t immune. Here, the

lichen can still create a slippery residue on the tile surface.

Cleaning methods that don’t work

A pressure washer and, sometimes, a dose of household cleaner is a common go-to treatment. However, this doesn’t work because hyphae become anchored into place below the surface. In fact, the extra dose of water only makes conditions even better for the rampant lichen. Also, pressure washing can damage the surface of the stone, loosen the grout and, if any protective sealer is applied, it will damage that too.

How to remove stains and preventing regrowth

A specialist, two-pronged attack is necessary in order to remove black spot stains and the microspores below the surface. Any treatment used needs to have a bleaching action, to restore the colour of the tile or paver. It also needs to target the hyphae below the surface.

But care should to be taken. If a treatment is acidic, it can damage acid sensitive material and erode the grout joint.

ECOPROTEC Black Spot & Algae

Remover targets organic residue, restoring appearance to natural stone, concrete, brick and porcelain, giving results in as little as two hours. Developed to deep clean new and existing paths, patios and driveways, the treatment targets black spot, lichen, moss, algae and other stains caused by damp and slippery leaf matter.

To find out more, call the ECOPROTEC technical team on call 01823 666213 or email technical@ecoprotec.co.uk

To contact Silex UK, please visit https://silexuk.com, tel. 0207 504 1070 (London Office) or 01225 650122 (Bath Office) or email info@silexuk.com

Before After

GRAVESEND BUS HUB –FROM BACKSTREET TO FRONTRUNNER

Reliable and attractive public transport is crucial for the future. If we are to get people out of their cars and onto buses and trains, a comprehensive, efficient and comfortable transport network is essential. Because a passenger’s perception of public transport often starts at the boarding point, a high-quality and accessible waiting area is vital for creating a positive experience.

A well-appointed waiting environment is bright and feels safe. It is also fully accessible and offers comfort and shelter from the

weather. Pleasant surroundings will encourage travellers to leave the car at home more often, making our cities more future proof.

Gravesend in Kent (UK) lies to the east of London and is a major public transport junction. The town’s bus hub was recently overhauled and completely revamped. Located on the Thames, Gravesend has always been a strategic location with good connectivity. Catch the high-speed train and you will arrive at St Pancras International station in central London within a mere 24 minutes, and neighbouring Dartford

offers good connections to mainland Europe. Arriva operates mainly local scheduled buses, and its Fastrack rapid transit system provides fast and frequent services from Gravesend to surrounding towns.

Garrick Street is in the city centre, within walking distance of the railway station. Until recently, it was a backstreet with three different bus stops. This transport hub was redesigned and furnished by local architectural firm Kaner Olette and the Waterman Group with the aim of improving connections between train, bus and bicycle.

To provide shelter and a comfortable space for people while waiting for the bus, the design features a large transparent canopy, public toilets and ample seating. The new layout gives passengers more space, making sheltering under the outdated canopies that were too small anyhow a thing of the past. The use of paving in light colours and the addition of lots of greenery to the streetscape serve to neutralise the bleak brick and concrete surroundings. Playful configurations of furniture also help to make the space less austere.

In addition to Fastrack’s dark-blue company colour, the design uses a lot of wood as a base feature – a durable and warm material. All the furniture is coordinated for an integrated look. In addition to incorporating several standard elements in the design, Streetlife modified its Green Circular Benches especially for the bus hub so that they fit around the support columns of the new canopy.

For the improvements on Garrick Street, Kent County Council Public Transport Department required

a first-rate design to enhance Fastrack’s high-quality bus service. All parties committed to this, and the result is impressive!

Today, a few months after completion, passengers say they are very satisfied with the new bus hub. They experience the waiting area as pleasant and feel safer in the dark.

The complete refurbishment of Gravesend bus hub (cost: £2.5 million) commenced in June 2021. The project was completed by summer 2022.

Street Design were specified to supply the planters and seating products to Haberdashers’ Boys’ School in Elstree.

Low level planters, based on our Stratum range was specified with additional timber tops. Benches were supplied between the planters, providing long, continual seating.

HOW DOES STREET FURNITURE POSITIVELY IMPACT OUR TOWNS & CITIES?

Benches, bollards, bins, planters and pergolas tend to go unnoticed but they’re all important to our daily lives.

The right street furniture makes an urban space more inclusive and attractive. Having enough benches, for example, is important for the elderly when deciding where to go – and for anyone else who might need to sit and rest. Bins result in far less litter, which helps with maintenance and makes the environment more friendly to everyone.

When choosing and designing street furniture, our team works closely with Architects and Specifiers to focus on the people who will be using it and on how each item will “live” in the space:

When people walk around it, what will their alternate route be?

Will it change the way they socialise?

Will it make maintenance easy and not get in the way?

• Will it maintain or enhance safety and security?

Will it look great and feel like a cohesive part of the broader design?

Choosing the right durable materials, street furniture lasts a long time and is not easily damaged. It usually doesn’t require much upkeep, aside from general cleaning and occasionally some paint or other coating, so the value it adds outweighs any cost almost immediately.

Here at Harlestone Projects, we have a long history of designing and manufacturing street furniture for residential and commercial spaces that creates fantastic experiences for people - and makes communities and developers proud.

Let’s talk about the street furniture you need – whether it’s one bench or a whole new development! You can reach our expert team on 01604 586000.

MAYLIM CELEBRATE GRAND AWARD WIN AT NATIONAL LANDSCAPE AWARDS

Accredited Contractor Maylim is celebrating at the 46th National Landscape Awards, taking home the prestigious Grand Award, sponsored by Green-tech, and Principal Award in their category for Hard Landscaping Construction (non-domestic) - Over £500K for

the redevelopment of the unique Exchange Square, London.

The annual National Landscape Awards, held at the iconic JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London celebrates the skills, hard work, quality, commitment, and

successes of Association members and are the largest awards of their kind in Europe. They recognise excellence in landscape design, construction, and maintenance both in the UK and overseas, as well as supplier exceptional service and employer excellence.

Grand Award Winner Maylim - Exchange Square (Photo Credit - Daniel Fisher)

This is the second Grand Award win for hard and soft landscaping specialists Maylim, who won back in 2017 for One Tower Bridge. They have over 20 years’ experience in executing high-quality public realm and landscaping schemes, as well as highway and civil engineering projects, across both public and private sectors.

The Grand award-winning project, ‘Exchange Square’ sits at the heart of Broadgate, London’s largest pedestrianised neighbourhood. Suspended above the tracks of Liverpool Street Station, the landscape, spanning 5,000m2, unfolds across several levels to create a more natural topography. Exchange Square is a new public park, which has been re-imagined as a bucolic landscape with trees, generously planted borders, and green space.

BALI AWARDS

Rather than simply demolish the existing scheme, the contractor chose to ‘deconstruct’ it, dismantling and removing the hard materials, including 300 tonnes of granite and 20 tonnes of boulders, and re-purposing them on other public realm projects. This approach has reduced the environmental impact and financial costs of the new scheme.

This year’s National Landscape Awards’ Judges, led by experienced Chair John Melmoe, jointly commented that “This scheme is not only an exemplar of public realm landscaping excellence, fully deserving of the Grand Award, but also a lesson in finding and pursuing alternative solutions to the challenges faced by contractors who are replacing existing hard landscapes.”

Special Award - Best Design & Build -The Garden Company - West Hill (Photo Credit - Clive Nichols)

Special Award - Best First Time Entrant - EllicarWildlife & Water Garden in Nottinghamshire

BALI AWARDS

The project aimed to transform the ageing, corporate and rectilinear former square into an accessible, natural city park with sweeping curves and a four-fold increase in green space. A bespoke and unique pallet of materials was used across the scheme, quite different to any other public realm in the UK. Over 3,000 individual pieces of CNC cut terrazzo form the sweeping amphitheatre, cascading water feature and raised planters.

From start to finish, placemaking was at the very heart of the project. Throughout the construction period, Maylim’s interaction and collaboration with local communities and businesses surrounding Exchange Square

extended the positive impacts of the scheme, providing opportunities for rest and relaxation amidst the bustle of city life.

Chair of the Judging Panel John Melmoe concluded: “The repurposing and reusing of existing materials on this project has reduced the environmental impact and financial costs of the new scheme and must surely be a sustainable way forward for future public realm projects.”

Lifetime Achievement

The Association is currently celebrating its 50th Anniversary, and in recognition of the progress the Association has made in this

time, the Board of Directors wished to recognise an individual who was instrumental in its founding, with the Associations first ever Lifetime Achievement Award.

Nigel Bowcock, National Chair announced the first Lifetime Achievement Award was being presented to Jeffrey Bernhard OBE. Jeffrey was a founding member of the Association in 1972, and the first National Chair. He, along with the support of others, gave thousands of hours of their own time, alongside their business and personal commitments to establish the Association as a trade body representing the best interests of the whole industry.

Grand Award Winner Maylim

BALI AWARDS

63 National Landscape Awards bestowed on 53 members

Awards entries were judged over the summer with 63 National Landscape Awards bestowed on 53 members of the Association in September and 26 Principal, 3 Special and the coveted Grand Award announced live on stage at the prestigious ceremony.

Other notable wins announced at the Awards ceremony came from Accredited Contractor Nurture Landscapes who won 4 Principal Awards, for Kings Cross Estate, Winnersh Triangle Business Park, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, and 250 Bishopsgate. Bowles & Wyer and Wright Landscapes were both presented with 3 Principal Awards, and 2021 Grand Award winners Graduate Gardeners won 2 Principal Awards for private gardens in Cheltenham and Painswick.

Best First Time Entrant, sponsored by Makita UK, was awarded to Ellicar for their Wildlife & Water Garden in Nottinghamshire. Best Design and Build, sponsored by Springbridge Direct, went to The Garden Company for their work at a new build private residence in West Hill. Phoebe Hay of Landform Consultants was presented with a Special Award for Exemplary

Horticultural Skill, sponsored by CED Stone Group, for their roof garden project, The Garden at 120.

Events Project Manager, Emily Feeney said: “Once again, this year’s National Landscape Awards has highlighted the fantastic work our Association members have achieved. Despite an ever-changing climate, year on year members continue to produce outstanding schemes that showcase the best the industry has to offer. A huge congratulations from myself and the rest of the Landscape House team to all this year’s winners and in particular our 2022 Grand Award Winner, Maylim!”

Host for the ceremony was actor and writer Ralf Little, best known for television comedy and the roles of Antony Royle in The Royle Family and Jonny Keogh in the first six series of Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps delighted the audience with his memories of working on both shows, highlighting his pride and joy working with the cast of The Royale Family.

British Association of Landscape Industries Chief Executive, Wayne Grills commented: “I am delighted to welcome back our members and guests to the 46th National Landscape Awards.

Congratulations to all of our Principal and Special Award winners, with huge congratulations to Maylim, our 2022 Grand Award winner, which impressed our judges not only with the landscaping excellence of the overall project, but also the additional repurposing of existing materials, reducing the financial costs of the scheme, and highlighting the importance of sustainability”.

Benefitting from a collection at the event, this year’s chosen charities were the BALI Chalk Fund and Perennial who will share £3,414.71 between them, generously donated by guests.

View the full list of award-winners on the National Landscape Awards website - www.baliawards.co.uk

Special Award - Exemplary Horticultural Skill - Phoebe Hay from Landform Consultants - The Garden at 120

Maylim

TRANSFORM YOUR PROJECT WITH A ‘SUPERBLOOM’

USING PICTORIAL MEADOWS SEEDS AND TURF

Pictorial Meadows, as part of the not-for-profit Green Estate CIC, were thrilled to have been selected to supply wildflower seeds for the Platinum Jubilee ‘Superbloom’ at the Tower of London. From Spring 2022, 20 million carefully selected seeds from 29 varieties, and three turf mixes, were sown in the Tower’s famous moat, creating a vibrant sea of flowers which created continuously evolving colours and patterns from June to September. Alongside the tailor-made seed mix produced for the Jubilee celebrations, three of the nine turf mixes currently produced by Pictorial Meadows were used; Treasure Chest, Patchwork Quilt and Indian Summer.

The project was conceived by Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) – the charity that cares for the Tower of London – and working with University of Sheffield Professor of Planting Design and Urban Horticulture, Nigel Dunnett, to bring the project to life. The design produced both the stunning beauty of naturalistic designed meadows to the Tower, as well as providing a significant new resource for pollinators and seed eating birds right in the centre of London.

Nigel Dunnett, Professor of Planting Design and Urban Horticulture, University of Sheffield, said “‘We hope that the effect of being surrounded

by a sea of colourful, sparkling and vibrant flowers will continue to release feelings of pure liberated joy in visitors to the ‘Superbloom’ – it is such a powerful, emotional and celebratory experience. We’ve undertaken a lot of testing and trials to ensure that we delivered dramatic and beautiful impressionistic blends of colours, a long and continuous sequence of flowering, and a wonderful place for pollinating insects.“

Professor Nigel Dunnett took his inspiration from his experience of being in the real superbloom of 2019 in Southern California, where whole mountain ranges change colour with flowers. The experience of being surrounded by millions of flowers and seeing the rare and special nature of these superblooms had a transformative effect and it was there that the idea of creating a similarly rare and special event in the moat in 2022, was born.

Pictorial Meadows was founded by Professor Dunnet nearly 20 years ago following an extensive research programme. Pictorial Meadows is renowned for its work on prestigious meadow landscapes and visitor attractions and this innovative seed and turf company first shot to prominence after the public fell in love with their meadows surrounding the Olympic Stadium in 2012.

Since then, they have continued to develop a range of meadows that offer astounding colour and reliability, well suited to urban environments, and helping to support local biodiversity, plus the emotional benefits of being surrounded by nature are well documented.

“Pictorial Meadows is able to bring engaging, adaptive and resilient planting schemes into our urban environments, and I think ‘Superbloom’ demonstrates this and hopefully inspires others to do the same” states Dan Cornwell, Commercial Landscape Director at Pictorial Meadows.

The ‘Superbloom’ concept was originally applied in parks and housing areas, as well as along highways in Sheffield, before gaining national and international recognition at sites including Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, and Hillsborough Castle.

With Pictorial Meadow’s unique range of meadow seed and turf mixes, you can create your own ‘Superbloom’ for 2023.

To find out more about Pictorial Meadows, visit them online at www.PictorialMeadows.co.uk or call to speak with one of their meadow experts on 0114 276 2828

Patchwork Quilt

EUROFLOR DELIVERS DAZZLING TRANSFORMATION

AT WORTH PARK TO THE BENEFIT OF PEOPLE & POLLINATORS ALIKE!

Seed from the Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) Euroflor range has transformed three meadow areas within Worth Park, as part of a wider conservation project underway by Crawley Borough Council. With the aim of increasing plant diversity and providing all-important habitat and food for pollinators, the wildflowers were introduced by Head Gardener Stephen Peters using OAS’s biodegradable FloraFleece –helping to deliver maximum visual and ecological benefit, with minimal impact on the environment.

Worth Park Conservation Garden sits within 8.5 hectares of green space which has undergone a complete restoration over the last few years, making it an important community and destination venue for residents and visitors to Crawley. “The objective of the wildflower project was to provide an essential food source (nectar) for pollinators and demonstrate that making a healthier ecosystem that benefits both humans and wildlife need not be complicated or involve intensive preparations with harmful chemicals that we traditionally see” explains Stephen, who is also Horticulture Advisor to Crawley’s Tilgate and Goff Parks.

“Together with my Horticulture Apprentice Tom, we prepared three areas using the FloraFleece from OAS.” The FloraFleece is composed of 50% jute, 25% cotton, 25% brown wool and hessian scrim that acts to suppress weeds and provide an ideal seed bed for wildflowers, before biodegrading naturally over the next seven or eight months. “We just had to roll the matting out, lay three or four inches of soil over the top and sow the seed – all of which was complete in a day.”

Stephen continues, “Following many visits and conversations about the project, Mike Ring from Origin Amenity came in with a catalogue and together we opted for the Euroflor Discovery box. I really liked this option because it incorporated a range of Euroflor mixtures which would give us annuals, bi-annuals and perennials for a rich source of nectar for our pollinators and wildlife, along with maximum colour and plant diversity. These were sown in mid-March and we started to see growth in approximately six weeks.”

“The results were nothing short of beautiful. We had people taking photographs, sharing feedback on social media and we even had a local artist in her 90’s paint one of the wildflower meadows, the end result now proudly hanging in the community room of Ridley’s Court.

Importantly, we have also noted a big increase in the number of pollinators we’ve seen so the project did its job and more!”

Once the flowering period was over, the meadows were harvested down to four inches with the trimmings left in piles before being passed through a small shredder. “We scattered the shredded material back over the plots and found that where the seed had been chipped through the shredding process, we saw the emergence of young seedlings growing again in less than two weeks.”

He concludes, “This project has demonstrated what can be achieved if we all look to ‘recycle, reuse, reseed and rejuvenate’. We couldn’t have hoped for a more successful trial and our aim now is to build on this with the help of OAS, to create new wildflower areas in some of the other parks under my remit.”

Made from 60% recycled wood, 40% plastic, RinatoTM decking boards look like wood but without the hassle, with an authentic colour and texture that mimics the look of timber.

They’re also splinter-free, UV resistant and anti-slip, with a workability similar to wood.

Rinato decking boards come in three different ranges. Natural features a 360-degree wraparound polymer Capstock shield, offering year-round protection against the elements.

With one side of the board featuring an enhanced natural woodgrain effect and the other a traditional flat sanded effect, it is suitable for a variety of outdoor uses.

The Victoria M board incorporates less composite material, thanks to the new dynamic ‘M’ design on its underside, making it lighter and more economical. Double-sided with a traditional grooved or wood-grain effect, our Victoria M board is the perfect choice for any garden, patio or balcony.

Our robust Classic boards are double-sided with a naturallooking woodgrain on one side and a traditional grooved effect on the other, and as the composite runs through the whole board, it is easy to sand. Altogether an excellent choice for areas with high footfall or weight, such as under a hot tub, making them a natural fit for both residential and commercial applications.

We also supply decking substructure, which can be used as a standalone product or with our pedestals or cradles. Our Polymer profiles are made from 100% recycled plastic and are some of the strongest joists available on the market, as well as being weather and rot resistant.

Fixing clips and starter and fascia boards are also available, along with edge and corner deck trims, in 6 designer RAL colours, for a seamless finish to complete your decking.

Whichever way you use them, our Rinato decking boards will complement any outdoor space.

All Rinato decking boards come with a UK backed warranty.

If you’d like to learn more about our Rinato range, or order a sample, please visit www.fhbrundle.co.uk

F.H. Brundle’s range of composite decking boards offer a robust, sustainable and easy to maintain alternative to timber. They’re incredibly durable and suitable for a variety of outdoor uses.

Whether you have a precise concept in mind or require advice on your options, we can guide you through the entire process. We aim provide our customers the best solution both aesthetically and practically.

At quotation stage we discuss your options in plain English, with no technical jargon or hidden costs.

Our experienced estimators take the time to carefully explain exactly what needs to be in place structurally, ready for installation. They are also happy to communicate with Building Control, so the project meets their standards.

www.glassbalustradecompany.co.uk

CREATING DRAMA WITH OTTERBINE

When you want to create a bold impression, look to any of the patterns found within Otterbine’s Giant Fountain line. Some lakes simply command a dramatic display, creating a centrepiece for their location and bringing the community together and for that reasons these centrepieces are often specified by landscape architects and designers.

These floating fountains which create sensational displays are chosen for their beauty, versatility and quality. From the staggering 90ft or 27m height of the Super Nova to the magnificent multidimensional cascading pattern of the Equinox, onlookers will be mesmerised by the magnificence of these fountains.

Constructed for ease of use, the Giant Fountain line from Otterbine allows for shallow operating depths of only 40ins or 1m, while large wheels on the frame improves mobility eliminating the need for hoists and cranes in most instances.

Combine this with corrosion resistant materials, a unique screening system to simplify cleaning and an adjustable float to minimise visibility in the water – these units are virtually maintenance free.

These fountains don’t just create beauty though, they help keep the water clean and healthy too providing a minimum of 2.2lbs or 1kg of oxygen per horsepower hour and producing a pump rate f 400GPM

or 86.3m1 per hour, per horsepower hour. Treating the water above and below the surface attracts wildlife, bringing another attractive element to an otherwise still area of water.

And now with Otterbine’s Fountain Glo™ colour changing lights there is no need for the lights to go out when the sun goes down, you can prolong the beauty of a Giant Fountain with the addition of Otterbine’s RGBW lights, which are designed to give rich vibrant light to accentuate any fountain pattern from 0.5 to 25hp at night with a variety of coloured displays and sequences.

Otterbine’s largest floating fountain is the Super Nova and an excellent choice for creating a dramatic effect.

Stunning and dramatic water features for lasting impressions.

Take your landscapes to new heights with giant fountains from Otterbine. Shallow operating depths combined with cleverly engineered features means these aerating fountains are easy to handle while still striking to see. If you’re looking for a water feature that makes a statement without any of the drama, look to Otterbine.

reesinkturfcare.co.uk

Effective water solutions for all landscapes

Irrigation . Pumps . Water Aeration . Lightning Detection and More

Reesink UK LTD is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Images shown for illustration only.

Works with Fountain Glo™ lights

GARDEN LIGHTING THAT WORKS

hide and feed around fences and borders. Gone are the days of cable spaghetti and ugly junction boxes; now we’re able to illuminate the features according to where we want the light rather than where messy circuit systems allow us to.

We still advise a minimal quantity of mains cabling to feed certain ‘supply’ points especially in bigger gardens, but these can be strategically placed. We use these to site our drivers and transformers that power the ELV lights.

If you’re still not convinced, remember that ELV lighting is also a lot safer and more reliable than mains voltage lighting. If you put a spade through, or a pet or child damages a cable, you won’t get shocked. If you do damage a cable, you shouldn’t lose your whole circuit of lighting. Any damage to a low voltage cable is quick to repair, whereas joining a mains voltage cable can be a much longer job.

Garden lighting that works

It is imperative that you employ a garden expert. ‘House electricians’ are perfectly good inside a house. But they don’t have the experience necessary to successfully deliver lighting in a garden. We design gardens that work. We have over 25 years’ experience designing, installing and maintaining gardens. Our ELV gardens are designed to work for a lifetime, using our specific knowledge and access to high quality products and materials.

We love our gardens. They’re an extension of our homes. You may have the most beautiful flowers, features and furniture, but when the sun goes down its left in the dark. So, lighting matters. It transforms your outlook, extending your time in it and during the dark autumn and winter seasons brings the garden into the home.

The power of extra low voltage lighting

As garden lighting experts, we love the flexibility and creativity that comes with using extra low voltage (ELV) lighting. It’s better than mains lighting because the fittings deal with moisture without causing nuisance tripping. The cabling is much lighter, flexible and easier to

For more information on garden lighting contact us today. We’re happy to answer any questions and can even draw up a design quote for you. Call 01442 531176 or email info@kingsonelectrical.co.uk

Follow us @gardenelectrician on Facebook and Instagram

Gardenelectrician .co.uk

ELSTEAD LIGHTING NEW BOLLARDS

Good and effective outdoor lighting plays an important role in today’s marketplace, accenting property appearance and assisting with safety and security. Elstead has launched 138 new Exterior decorative lighting products in Autumn22 in a great variety of styles and finishes.

Featured is the Parkstone bollards which are constructed in a very heavy Basalt Stone with 316# marine grade Stainless Steel accents. The 6W integrated LED modules give out 650 lumens, the product is IP55 rated and comes with a 10 year anti-corrosion guarantee.

Download or request printed catalogues from the Elstead website www.elsteadlighting.com T: 01420 82377 E: sales@elsteadlighting.com

enquiries@distinctivelightinguk.com | Tel: 0330 094 8824

UK’s leading supplier of decorative outdoor lighting w w w.distinctivelightinguk .com

CREATIVITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

ARE AT THE HEART OF SPATEX 2023

SPATEX Organiser, Michele Bridle. “Minimising energy usage is a consideration that needs to be factored in at the design stage which is why this show is of vital importance for planners and designers.”

Energy saving will also feature in SPATEX’s free-to-attend, double seminar programme. The ISPE (Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers), has curated a diverse workshop programme in Arena 1 and CPD points and certificates of attendance are issued to all attendees.

Expert advice - Bring your plans with you – there’s no better place to seek impartial advice from a variety of specialists, and all for free.

Water features, fountains, swimming pools, spas, enclosures, steam rooms and saunas - water adds a unique sensory element to designs. FREE to attend, full of the latest innovations and inspiration, and highlighting environmental sustainability, a visit to the UK’s only dedicated water leisure show, SPATEX 2023, will reap rewards.

SPATEX 2023, at the Coventry Building Society Arena, Tuesday 31 January to Thursday 2 February, brings life to water and water to life and is the one and only chance in the year to view the exciting world of water leisure under the convenience of one roof.

Unique showcase - With over a hundred exhibiting companies, including all the leading manufacturers and suppliers from around the world, this is a mustattend event for all those involved in the design and construction of projects involving water, big or small. SPATEX 2023 provides an opportunity to view and compare a host of new innovations in a fast-moving market.

Saving energy and sustainability are at the top of the agenda. From heat retention covers and LED lighting to air source heat pumps and super insulated one-piece pools, all the world’s latest innovations will be showcased.

Design inspiration: SPATEX is fortunate that many esteemed industry associations lend their much-valued support each year.

The BSPF (the British Swimming Pool Federation) will be hosting the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards showcasing the best examples of design, construction and installation. Photos of the winning projects will be displayed on stand A1, providing excellent design inspiration.

SPATEX Help Desk: Please call in at the at the entrance to the exhibition hall with any queries and the team will point you in the right direction.

Register now for FREE and to receive the show’s regular newslines https://spatex-2023.reg.buzz/ The Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry CV6 6GE is easy to get tojust 500 yards off the M6 and within two hours commuting time of 75 per cent of the population, with 2,000 free on-site car parking spaces.

For more info: www.spatex.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1264 358558.

North spas

INSPIRING YOUNG MINDS

Playspaces design, manufacture, supply and install bespoke outdoor playground equipment, providing individual play equipment pieces or complete turnkey playground builds.

Their extensive range of timber playground equipment has products suitable for every age and setting, including safety and all-weather surfacing. Their bespoke designs and robust high-quality installations are suitable for schools, nurseries, parks and commercial outdoor play areas.

Playspaces strongly believe in the importance of outdoor play for children’s development and enjoyment and strive to supply the best equipment to facilitate their physical play, learning and fun.

Their play schemes comply with the most stringent safety standards and all Playspaces manufactured products come with full installation instructions, with each component part simple to identify.

From trim trails and towers to climbing frames, swings, slides and more, Playspaces will work with you from initial site visits and design discussions, through manufacturing to installation as well as taking care of your subsequent safety and maintenance inspections and repairs.

enquiries@playspaces.co.uk Tel 01622 844 238 | www.playspaces.co.uk

The latest additions to the STIHL cordless range are our most powerful yet. Whether it‘s the HLA 135 hedge trimmer, HTA 135 pole pruner, FSA 135 brushcutters, KMA 135 KombiEngine or BGA 200 blower - STIHL has the right tool for any professional. And what’s more, they’re prepared for STIHL connected - a new way of managing the maintenance and tracking the working time of your professional fleet of tools.

MERCHANT TAYLORS’ CHOOSES ISEKI

Richard

at Merchant Taylors’ School in Middlesex, has praised his new fleet of ISEKI tractors for helping the grounds team maintain 300 acres of estate.

Merchant Taylors’ is an independent day school for boys, aged 11 to 18. Since its foundation, in 1561, the school has been widely-regarded as one of the best schools in England, providing an all-round education of the highest quality. One of England’s “great nine schools” its reputation today remains that of a “top” boys’ school.

From the classroom to the sporting facilities – no stone is left unturned.

“We try and give the boys the best experience they can in whatever sport they want to enjoy,” said Richard. “We have over 80 acres of sport areas, and that sits in nearly 300 acres of estate including the preparatory school grounds. This is why we need to invest in the best machinery.”

Richard, who has been at Merchant Taylors’ for 26 years and oversees a team of 10 members of staff,

explained that up until recently he was tied into a 5-year contract hire for the school’s larger equipment. That contract was coming to an end, and he began to research the market.

“My plan was to raise the standard of the equipment and when searching for tractors I was led to ISEKI,” he said. “I was very impressed with the demo we had from RT Machinery, and the IQ transmission was one of the main reasons we purchased them.”

Richard purchased two ISEKI TG6507’s and a TG6687 which both benefit from the innovative dualclutch IQ gearbox. It combines the ultimate comfortable automatic operation with the advantages of manual gear changes. Specific to the IQ range of TG tractors the Headland management controls are also perfect when working with turf maintenance implements. The PTO Stop/Start function allows you to stop the PTO when the link arms are raised for ease of operation. PTO Stop in reverse lifts the arms to a pre-set height if reverse gear is selected to prevent any damage to implements. These are fully adjustable.

“We’ve really put all four ISEKI tractors to the test since we have had them and they have come through with flying colours,” he said. “The tractors allow us to use a wide variety of implements including blowers, spreaders, seeders, brushes and scarifiers – the flexibility is brilliant, and they are really helpful when we are renovating.

“I also like having the ability to adjust the height of the arms at the back when attaching implements, the PTO is great, and the inside of the cab is really comfortable. They may be compact in size, but they are powerful and have a lot of oomph. They are all stage V as well which ticks our credentials in terms of reducing carbon footprint.

“Everything just works for me and the team, the support and service from RT Machinery has been outstanding” continued Richard. “Everyone had a big say in the choice of machinery. It was a long discussion, and we got the decision right by choosing ISEKI.”

Ayling, Grounds Manager

Richard also purchased the ISEKI TH5370, which is ideal for areas where lightweight machinery is required, and he mainly uses this on the school’s synthetic sports pitches.

Screwshop primarily specialise in screws, fixings and fasteners for the DIY, hardware, building, joinery and furniture manufacturing sectors. It took more than 6 months of dedicated hard work and sincere efforts of our team members to come up with a creative solution that will help everyone buying on our Screwshop site.

Have a look to at www.screwshop.co.uk to see for yourselves -

• Faster than ever

• Equipped with enhanced new features

• Powered by Easy-to-navigate functionality

• More user-friendly

We are dedicated to offering you, our customers, competitive prices from our ever-increasing range of imported products and expertise in more localised sourcing, excellent service and a versatile approach to a wide variety of finished and packaging options. With that, we also invite you to connect with our wonderful family on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to stay up to date and engaged with company announcements. Moreover, if you are into exploring the unknown, be sure to head over to check our blog posts and newly developed website sections.

If you have queries, comments, suggestions for us, or can’t find what you’re looking for, please share with us at Screwshop or call us on 0121 559 8866 – we are here to help.

If you’re working outside in cold, wet, or windy weather for long periods, work gets tough.

That’s when you’ll need to keep safe from the elements with your own protective shell. A weatherproof outer-layer with one of Snickers Workwear’s Winter Jackets. This kind of protective shell will deliver effective wind and water protection to keep you warm, dry and ensure the effectiveness of the clothing underneath. You’ll want to avoid getting too warm, so insultation combined with ventilation features in your Jackets are absolutely vital.

Check out the new FlexiWork Quilted Jacket, which is windproof, water-repellent and designed to be durable and weatherproof for great technical functionality.

Like all Snickers Workwear’s Work Jackets, it’s built to be weatherproof enough to keep the elements at bay and durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of hard day’s work but still delivering the level of breathability and ventilation you need for a comfortable and effective day at work.

For more information on the Snickers Workwear Work Jackets range, call the Helpline on 01484 854788; check out www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or email sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk

GREENKEEPERS’ ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN

TO TRAIN NATIONWIDE NETWORK OF ‘MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDERS’

The cost of the course is being met by BIGGA with support from The R&A and participants will receive a certificate from Mental Health England. In addition, participants will receive three years’ ongoing training and support from Mental Health England.

The opportunity to get involved is open to BIGGA members, including greenkeepers and trade representatives who spend much of their time on the road, visiting greenkeeping teams.

The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has launched a campaign that will see the membership organisation combat a recognised rise in mental health struggles among golf club staff.

BIGGA has pledged to create 100 mental health first aiders during 2023, who will receive training that will give them the skills to support golf greenkeepers and other clubhouse staff through any difficulties they may be experiencing.

Poor mental health is one of the biggest challenges facing society today. A much-quoted fact is that 75% of deaths of men aged 50 and under are due to suicide, making it the biggest cause of death in that age bracket. The greenkeeping industry itself has been rocked by several tragic losses in recent years and in 2021 BIGGA undertook

a survey that revealed 80% of greenkeepers had worried about the mental health of a colleague.

Working environments and money concerns are major causes of stress and mental health problems and BIGGA is working alongside golf’s governing bodies to improve governance and working practices at golf clubs. Stronger, more positive and respectful working environments should help relieve some of the undue pressures placed upon staff at present.

To further support those working in the golf industry, BIGGA has launched its campaign to train 100 mental health first aiders across the country. The training course provides the first aiders with knowledge to help them recognise signs or signals that colleagues or friends may be experiencing difficulties and empowers them to direct others towards available help.

The first course will be held in February at Edgbaston Golf Club and further events will be hosted around the country, helping to build a national network of mental health first aiders.

The campaign is being led by BIGGA’s Steve Dudley-Brown, himself a former greenkeeper and course manager with 25 years’ experience in the industry.

Steve said: “During my career as a greenkeeper, I experienced several of my colleagues having mental health difficulties. It’s a scary situation knowing that you have someone in front of you and they are upset and afraid. You want to try and support them the best you can. This training course will give people the ability to understand a little more about what the person is going through and point them in the right direction for help.”

For more information or to register an interest, email steven.db@bigga.co.uk

CAMPEY ADDS A NEW BRAND AND NEW PRODUCTS

TO THE LINE-UP FOR BTME 2023

Campey Turf Care Systems is looking forward to BTME 2023 in Harrogate and will be showcasing a number of new products in addition to taking on a new brand to enhance the excellent range of machinery than is already synonymous with the Campey name and manufacturers such as Dakota, Vredo, Imants, Foley Air 2G2, Koro and Imants!

Now back in Harrogate at its usual time, the show will provide an excellent platform to in-troduce a new brand of equipment to Campeys, with a range of wellknown, quality prod-ucts which will compliment the current range perfectly!

Campey Director Lee Morgado explains: “We are delighted to be expanding the number of products we can offer to our customers.

For us, BTME gives us the option to focus on our golf related products and look at some of the issues

specific to this field. Bringing machines and people together is the best way to assess the latest options and look into new maintenance practices they might have spo-ken about or seen on social media.

The new brand joins the staple industry favourites of machines from Omarv, Koro, New Holland, Vredo, Air2G2 Inject Campey and Imants, with new products from several of them to be launched at the show. To exhibit this bumper range of machinery, Campey has a stand 220 in Hall 2, which will have product specialists on hand to give expert ad-vice and answer any questions you may have.

As one of the most popular events in the greenkeeping calendar, BTME will once again be a forum for turf professionals from across the world to come together and see what’s new and renew relationships and create new contacts for the coming year.

Campey will be showcasing equipment covering everything from renovations and aera-tion to overseeding and utility vehicles. The machinery line-up will encompass every area of maintenance for golf including topdressing, covered by the industry leading Dakota range, and the effective TB220 and UniRake to complete the grooming line-up.

The combination of the Universe® Rotor and Vredo Super Compact, an increasingly pop-ular duo for renovating tees, will be on display alongside Campey’s all-electric products such as the AllTrec Tool Carrier featuring mowing, hedge cutting, weed brush, and burn-ing attachments.

ORIGIN AMENITY

CORE TO TAILORED PROGRAMMES ACROSS THE CLUB COMPANY COURSES

When players are asked to describe their ideal putting conditions, the top two words likely to be mentioned on most occasions will be ‘firm and fast’. For greenkeeping teams, trying to achieve firm, fast surfaces alongside consistency over all 18 holes is tough – but for Chris Brook, Group Course Manager at The Club Company this challenge is multiplied across 15 individual courses! Assisting Chris is the technical team from Origin Amenity Solutions who, from conducting in-depth soil-sampling, have helped in the tailoring of the renovation and nutritional requirements of the groups 270 greens.

Chris has been in charge of the group for 25 years, working with the individual green’s teams at the championship golf courses which are dotted up and down the country. “As a group” Chris explains, “we’re always looking for new ways to further course condition but to move things forward, you need an accurate understanding of exactly where you’re starting from. I got in touch with Laurence McCrory, who joined the Headland brand within

OAS last year but who I knew from his time as Course Manager at Castle Royle and asked if he could help with some in-depth soil analysis.”

Laurence and his OAS colleagues nationwide visited the 15 venues, sampling all greens to take away and analyse multiple variables including moisture content, minerals and organic matter (OM) levels, and assess the loss on ignition (LOI). LOI analysis will reveal the percentage of OM in a green and the depth – be it the top inch, or two inches - to which OM is present. “With this data, we can then plan down to each individual green what we need to do, or not do, in terms of mechanical maintenance and nutritional inputs to get the best results from every operation and bring each green up to a certain standard. It’s a worthwhile expenditure, which will then give every team all the information they need to tailor the severity of renovations and put a programme into place which they can map out and action around the unique requirements and demands of their course.”

“All sites have different feeding programmes, worked out between the independent greens teams and myself, with Headland Amenity’s 2020-30 enhanced plant health tankmix a key part of many clubs plans at this time of year. We’ll then be looking at feeds such as C-Complex® in various formulations for a response at lower temperatures and post-renovation recovery.”

Chris adds, “Having this data at our disposal means we can ensure we are using the right tools and techniques, that we know will work, and using them in the right places at the right time to deliver the surfaces the members want. We can then re-conduct the sampling and review the results on an annual basis to help us monitor progress and ultimately reach the goal of presenting our courses in the very best condition we can.”

Tel: +44 (0)1763 255550 www.originamenity.com