Landscape & Urban Design - Issue 24 2017

Landscape & Urban Design Issue 24

Mar/Apr 2017 landud.co.uk

Designing Your Outdoor Environment

8

Edible Plants To Use In Your Outdoor Cooking

This Spring

Dive Into Pool Fitness And Get Uplifted

James Grace Takes A Big Step Outdoors

Spa Town Spectacle For

RHS Malvern

Spring Festival 2017

Timber Decking: What To Consider?

SketchUp 2017 is here!

The smartest SketchUp yet.

Transparency

Graphics Pipeline 2.0

We’ve made big improvement to transparency, which should now render faster and at high quality to. SketchUp is also now much better at displaying multiple transparencies to provide a more realistic sense of depth across several see-through faces.

In this release, we’ve made major improvements to our graphics pipeline, allowing for performance improvements.

Now, SketchUp, 3D Warehouse, LayOut, My SketchUp, and Trimble Connect all render models using the same under-the-hood algorithms – all tuned for buttery 3D orbiting.

High DPI Modeling

There’s more!

We’ve tuned snapping and inferencing for high definition monitors (like Apple’s Retina Display).

Edge weights have also been smart-scaled. You can back away from your screen now...

Perpendicular Face Inferencing Have you mastered parallel inferencing? We’ve added a ‘Perpendicular to Face’ inference.

Hover a face; SketchUp will helpfully snap to its perpendicular.

• Smart Offset

• High Fidelity .DWG – for easier exporting

• LayOut Tables; manage spreadsheets in LayOut

• Extension Manager

Contact Elmtec, Sketchup’s distribution Partner in the UK

E: sales@elmtec.co.uk

T: 01844 263750

W: www.elmtec.co.uk

Contents Issue 24

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RHS Malvern

18

BRADSTONE

Get in touch Publishing Director Martin Holmes martin@landud.co.uk

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Plant of The Moment

46

IQ Glass

64

John Cullen

Editor Lorna Davidson Tel: 01843 830249 lorna@landud.co.uk

Sales Director Will Reed Tel: 01227 392524 will@mhmagazine.co.uk

Creative Director Josh Holmes josh.d.holmes@me.com

Digital Manager Jamie Bullock jamie@mhmagazine.co.uk

Studio Designer James Sayer james@mhmagazine.co.uk

www.landud.co.uk T: 01843 830249 E: info@landud.co.uk

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in Landscape & Urban Design however, the publishers accept no responsibility for the claims or opinions made by advertisers, manufactures or contributors.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic (including photocopying) or stored in any information retrieval system without the prior consent of the publisher.

Landscape & Urban Design

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Spa Town Spectacle For RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2017 The 32nd RHS Malvern Spring Festival takes place Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 May 2017 at the Three Counties Showground.

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n entirely new vision brings RHS Malvern Spring Festival into full bloom for 2017, taking inspiration from the event’s Spa town heritage.

The landmark four-day spectacle, taking place from Thursday 11 – Sunday 14 May at the Three Counties Showground, welcomes all new features and exhibits and a vibrant line up of the finest in gardening, food and lifestyle.

Jane Furze, Head of RHS Malvern Spring Festival, said: “We are so excited to share the glorious plans that are afoot for RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2017.

It really is going to be a sensational year for our leading event with plenty for everyone.

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RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2017 text RHS Malvern

Whether you’re a newcomer to gardening, a veteran horticulturalist or simply looking for a family day out, RHS Malvern Spring Festival has it all.

We look forward to welcoming visitors to our stunning showcase of spring in May.” The new vision for RHS Malvern Spring Festival takes inspiration from Malvern Spa’s Victorian heyday as a fashionable health resort – a place where daytrippers descended to take advantage of the clean air and to enjoy the health giving waters amongst the romantic beauty of the hills and into a town of pleasure gardens, assembly rooms and numerous eating-places.

photo RHS Malvern

New For 2017 Floral Marquee RHS Malvern Spring Festival boasts the UK’s longest Floral Marquee at over 195 metres – the equivalent length of four Olympic swimming pools. The Floral Marquee welcomes more than 65 leading UK and international nurseries, setting the horticultural standards with impressive displays of prized blooms and new varieties. Exhibitors in the Floral Marquee represent the very best in plants and advice available. Here visitors can browse and buy from the very best.

Joe Swift’s Plant Hunter Parlour BBC Gardeners’ World presenter and acclaimed garden expert, Joe Swift brings to life a new centerpiece of the Floral Marquee – Joe’s Plant Hunter Parlour. This immersive experience like no other features daily talks from award winning nurseries and welcomes budding gardeners big and small to discover, learn and indulge their inner plant hunter.

Landscape & Urban Design

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Live Well

Grow

Newly introduced for the very first time, this dedicated zone interprets and explores the theme of health and wellbeing in the 21st century.

A horticultural experience by Jon Wheatley, RHS Gold Medal winning gardener and Chairman of RHS South West in Bloom, Grow takes inspiration from interactive Country gardens and wildflower borders, showcasing a variety of edible beds and bountiful Grow To Show competitions.

Jekka Mcvicar’s Health & Wellbeing Garden The centrepiece of the Live Well zone, British Queen of Herbs, Jekka McVicar designs and builds a specially commissioned permanent garden, bringing to life the role gardens continue to play in our health and sense of wellbeing. Jekka’s garden is a living working space for mind, body and senses.

The garden is both a tranquil seating space where visitors can spend time amongst the aromatic herb beds, and a place to learn and explore what living well meant in yesteryear and what it means today. Visitors are invited to join daily ‘herbal conversations’ with Jekka herself and explore the aweinspiring world of alternative therapies.

The garden is in support of Pathways, a day service for adults with learning disabilities and difficulties.

Spa Gardens A brand new category introduced for the very first time to RHS Malvern Spring Festival, offering a unique platform for emerging gardening talent.

Glorious gardens from up and coming designers bring to life the new vision and reflect the thirst for knowledge, new horizons and innovative technology at the heart of Malvern’s Victorian heritage.

Gold Medal winning Chelsea garden designer, Jo Thompson is mentoring the new talent as they embark on this exciting new challenge. The Spa Gardens category also features one garden from an international designer supported by the esteemed Moscow Flower Show.

This is part of a newly introduced exchange programme, which in return offers one selected British Spa Garden designer the once in a lifetime chance to showcase at Moscow Flower Show in July.

Indoor Shopping Arcades A premium quality shopping experience, it is here that visitors can pick up unique pieces in fashion, furniture, homewares, horticulture, gifts and more from independent designers, craftsmen, artisans and artists.

Plant Arcades An exciting open-air shopping experience with over 35 nurseries, each showcasing a wonderful array of plants.

Plant steals aplenty can be found here, especially during the famous sell-off on Sunday.

RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2017

Making A Welcome Return Festival Green The heart of RHS Malvern Spring Festival featuring a colourful array of pleasure gardens, a bandstand of live music, an impressive collection of classic cars, an array of global flavours from the International Street Food Market, and plenty of places to picnic.

It is here visitors rediscover the Victorian love of amusement, surprise and delight, alongside enjoying unique show gardens unlike any other.

Festival Theatre Hosted by RHS Malvern Spring Festival favourite and award winning writer and broadcaster, James Alexander-Sinclair, the Festival Theatre plays host to a lively line up of leading experts and familiar faces.

Visitors may take a seat and enjoy demonstrations, talks and exciting features as personalities share their knowledge and passion for all things gardening and food.

Confirmed experts include Carol Klein, Joe Swift, Jekka McVicar and Jon Wheatley with plenty more to be announced soon.

Show Gardens The highest standard of garden design is showcased in the Show Gardens of RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2017.

Leading designers create awe-inspiring gardens as they compete for prestigious RHS accolades including Gold medals and the coveted Best In Show. RHS Malvern Spring Festival is famed as the show that raises the bar for design and horticultural talent with numerous RHS Gold medals awarded in 2016. This year is tipped to be no exception.

Food & Drink Pavilion A foodie hotspot, the Food & Drink Pavilion is a magnificent celebration of British tastes with bountiful offerings from the country’s best-loved artisan producers. Expect the freshest field produce, big cheeses, bread of heaven, specialty gins, decadent bakes and more.

Landscape & Urban Design

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Kitchen Garden Theatre

Family Day

This animated live kitchen, hosted by Mark Diacono, showcases a line up of delicious cookery demonstrations from culinary experts and the country’s top chefs.

Budding gardeners great and small are invited to get green fingered with a dedicated Family Day on the Sunday of RHS Malvern Spring Festival.

Mark shares advice from his home farm cookery school, Otter Farm and experience as head gardener at River Cottage.

This exciting and educational day with plenty of hands on activities is the ideal opportunity to engage children in the fun of gardening and the great outdoors.

Young Gardener A hive of activity tailored to inspire the next generation of gardeners and horticulturalists with fun hands-on activities to help children learn and explore the wonderful world of plants and gardens.

Expect Kids Cookery demonstrations, make and take crafts, Kids Plant and Grow workshops with BBC Blue Peter Gardener, Chris Collins and more.

School Gardens RHS Malvern Spring Festival is one of the only RHS Shows in the UK to have a collection of Show Gardens designed and built entirely by young people. This year sees over 12 schools and educational groups from across the three counties taking part, led by BBC Blue Peter Gardener, Chris Collins.

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RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2017 will take place from Thursday 11 May until Sunday 14 May. For more information, please call 01684 584900 or visit www.rhsmalvern.co.uk

THE BI-S

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TURNING P

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T FOR T U OIN

If you want a tractor that’s better at every turn, turn to the Kubota B50 Series. Calling upon over 50 years of innovation and engineering excellence, the latest generation of Kubota tractors incorporates bi-speed turning to increase manoeuvrability and minimise turf damage. The B50 has been designed to deliver outstanding performance, economy and reliability and is also available with an integral air-conditioned cab for maximum operator comfort and productivity.

For more information about Kubota’s diverse range of world-class groundcare machines and aftersales support service, visit www.kubota.co.uk or call 01844 873190.

Chilstone

Bespoke Cast stone Portico and window sills.

The diversity of cast stone garden ornaments – who knew?

Ideas to personalize your garden Ornaments

When you think about garden ornaments do images of traditional gnomes with pointed hats and fishing rods spring to mind? Or do you think of grand gardens surrounding stately homes with statues and fountains? Things have really moved on and you would be surprised at the range and diversity of garden ornaments on the market.

Colour

The garden ornaments made by Chilstone are hand finished and provide a versatile material for any garden whatever the size and style. From temples and fountains as focal points for large gardens and hotels, to small flower planters and on trend pineapples for urban spaces.

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Not many people know this, but cast stone can be painted to customise your look.

This was used for the urns in the famous Laskett Gardens on the Welsh Boarders to create an old meets new pop art feel.

You don’t have to have vast acres of land to make a statement though, as Solus DÊcor displayed at the Chelsea Flower Show. Their stand was punctuated with tall obelisks stained a bright purple to add a contemporary feel to their urban garden stand. They made a big feature in a restricted space and could be replicated in a court yard garden in any city.

If you want a more traditional look you can still choose from six shades of stone from Portland to Light Bath.

These can be sealed to maintain a freshly hewn look or you can let the elements age it.

Weathering Unsealed cast stone naturally weathers in the garden to look like it has always been there. A section of balustrading at Hever castle was replaced by Chilstone and was artificially weathered to blend with the original stone work. Many builders also use bespoke cast stone for house renovations, blending new door and window surrounds with the existing structures.

Kew Fountain

Sundial and Armillary

Gilded Recumbent Stag

Hever Balustrading

Garden designers use similar techniques, like RHS Gold medal winning John Everiss, who requested that the Chilstone Temple used in People’s Choice Award winning Meningistic Now Futures garden at 2016 Chelsea Flower Show, looked like it had been standing in his garden for decades.

This was achieved using a mixture of paint washes and Liquid Weather.

A pair of naturally weathered planters were placed alongside and filled with mature lavender plants to complete the look.

Fountains are the fastest garden feature to weather naturally over time, helped by the flow of water and the build-up of algae.

Fountains don’t have to be huge, they come in a vast range of sizes and are small enough to slot onto a small wall to transform the space with a water feature.

Another little known fact is that the tannins from Oak leaves add a unique

coloring as they fall onto cast stone in autumn. So if you want to blend your ornaments or sculptures quickly into your planting or to add an established and timeless quality, pop it under an oak tree!

Gold leaf For added glamour gold leaf can be applied to add a wow factor. It could be applied to stag antlers, or to the tips of small pineapples on driveway pier caps.

The options can be scaled up or down depending on your imagination.

So move over gnomes and plan a garden feature to reflect your home’s personality and make your garden space as traditional or unique as you desire. With the right planting and detailing, a well-placed ornament, urn or planter can add a cosy, magical feel to your outdoor space.

Adding stone benches, sundials and planters can create a tranquil zone to fit a garden of any size. Why not take a look at our show gardens in Kent for inspiration?

Architectural Stonework Chilstone also produce architectural stonework for restoration, or new builds with colour matching and a fine textured surface to look identical to carved stone for a much lower cost. Many architects have worked with us on designs to incorporate stainless steel reinforcements for bespoke load bearing components.

Chilstone produce a large range of products from window surrounds, stone coping, pier caps, balustrading to porticos to match your existing stonework and add to the value of your home.

www.chilstone.com Landscape & Urban Design

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STONEGATE, the UK’s most trusted provider of specialist products and knowledge to stone fabricators

+44 (0) 1482 620400 info@stonegatetooling.co.uk www.stonegatetooling.com

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Weathered Cornish Granite Boulders

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Chelsea Gold Medal Garden 2015

Dame Janet Baker 7.2m

James Corner Field Operations Design

The Brewin Dolphin Garden

Commemorative Menhir Music Dept. University of York

Photo credit to Robin Forster, LDA Design

Designer Darren Hawkes

www.cornishlandscapinggranite.co.uk Tel. 01329 285825

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Designer Gordon Young

BS 7533 Compliant Mortar Paving System

Call 01827 871871 or email ultrascape@instarmac.co.uk

ultrascape.co.uk

R

Landscape & Urban Design

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Bradstone

W

ith demand for contemporary design stronger than ever, Bradstone, the garden landscaping manufacturer, is ensuring its place at the cutting edge of the market by greatly enhancing its premium paving range for 2017.

With qualities like colour longevity, stain resistance and finish becoming increasingly important for the likes of local authorities and estate managers, a premium material such as porcelain is a sound choice as it will continue to look good and stand the test of time.

Bradstone entered the porcelain market back in 2015 with the ModeÂŽ paving range which featured two stunning finishes, each with four attractive shades.

Demand quickly exceeded expectations which led to range extensions the

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following year, including a 600mm x 300mm oblong paver to offer greater design possibilities and laying patterns, and a new wood-effect porcelain paver, MaderaÂŽ, to offer a premium, non-slip alternative to decking.

In response to the exponential market growth, 2017 has seen Bradstone quadruple its porcelain collection. The extended range is vibrant, with a range of styles and multiple size options, and includes the most contemporary paving products you will see on the market.

It features Manzano® which combines the appearance of polished concrete with a range of mosaic tiles – mosaics being a popular trend at the moment.

Causse® is dark porcelain paving designed in the style of Belgian Blue Limestone, a grey-blue stone, and contains small fossils in the pattern.

The range also features Pauta®, which looks as close to natural granite as you’re ever going to get, plus a suite of other products.

The continued interest in high end design for outdoor spaces means the bar is constantly being raised on what is expected from external paving products. Bradstone’s mission is to stay ahead of expectations through investing in new product development and creating unique range extensions, taking inspiration from architects, merchant partners and the latest design trends from around the world.

Fired at up to 1400°C, porcelain has exceptional durability.

Combined with a fine textured anti-slip finish, the extended porcelain collection is a viable, premium alternative to both concrete and natural stone.

It also has a superb consistency of colour, is impervious to staining and is unaffected by weather conditions and colour-fading, meaning it is virtually maintenance free and will retain its premium finish for the long term.

To request a copy of the 2017 Bradstone brochure or trade directory, please contact 01335 372 289 or email bradstone.garden@aggregate.com.

To find out more about Bradstone, visit www.bradstone.com.

Landscape & Urban Design

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Camellias for Early Colour

F

ew hardy shrubs signal the end of winter better than camellias, the Horticultural Trades Association's (HTA) 'Plant of the Moment' for February, providing some welcome colour through late winter and into early spring.

Highly valued for their stunning floral displays and fresh, glossy, evergreen foliage and with dozens of varieties available, you'll be spoilt for choice, so pick from camellias in shades of pink, red, white and cream.

Their ultimate size, habit, and rate of growth vary immensely too, so consider how much space the camellia will need as it grows.

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Whether you'd like something that stays small and compact or will grow into a bold shrub or even a flowering hedge or screen, the choice is yours.

Like azaleas and rhododendrons, camellias are ericaceous plants, and this means they need to grow in an acid or lime-free soil to ensure they stay healthy.

Alternatively, compact varieties of camellia grow well in large pots or half-barrels filled with ericaceous compost, available in garden centres.

Top four popular camellias for pots or borders are: •

'Donation' - Semi-double rose-pink flowers. Upright habit. Strong growing.

•

'Adolphe Audusson' Bright red flowers. Strong growing.

•

'Debbie' - Peony-form pink flower. Upright.

Strong growing.

•

'Lavinia Maggi' - Large double white flowers with pink stripes. Medium vigour.

Top tip Early flowering camellias can be damaged by frost, so position plants in a sheltered part of your garden.

Move pots to sheltered sites during bad weather.

Cover bushes with sheets of fleece to protect buds and blooms on frosty nights, removing it once conditions warm-up in the morning.

Planting combinations Choose a range of hardy shrubs, flowering perennials, and bulbs to grow in combination with camellias, as well as a selection of ground covering plants that will spread out over the soil beneath bushes.

Here are some popular choices: •

Azaleas

•

Conifers, including yew

•

Crocus

•

Cyclamen

Visit www.the-hta.org.uk/ plantofthemoment

Full rolls, cut lengths and all ancillary items available for immediate despatch Over 200 rolls in stock at our UK warehouse 18mm and 25mm shock pad in stock at our UK warehouse Dedicated trade account managers and technical expertise available from our installation managers Competitive prices on all our trade turfs with incentives for volume orders Contact us for more information on our range and to request your free trade sample pack:

www.hitechturf.co.uk

info@hitechturf.co.uk

01244 289 182

Robust & Sturdy The Rough&Ready Product range by Streetlife is characterized by the use of beams in one standardized size of 7x15cm. The successful range is popular because of its robust, geometrical and natural qualities. The different products have an unrivaled consistency in design.

FSCÂŽ licence number: FSC-C105477

The Rough&Ready (R&R) beams are carried out in FSCÂŽ hardwood, W-wood or All Black material of recycled plastic. The R&R productline ranges from benches and bicycle racks, bollards and bridges, to R&R Shades and picnic sets. Pictured are the robust R&R Loungers, who recently are developed in association with James Corner Field Operations from New York.

R&R Big Green Benches

The R&R 6 Benches are sturdy and robust. The 15cm high beams are fixed the (galvanized) support using the integrated Streetlock® system: stainless steel and anti-theft. The high or low backrest is slightly convex for comfort and can be fixed at various positions. The benches can be linked to make endless configurations. The benches also come in extra long lenghts of 300cm.

The flat Country Bridges High are no-nonsense, standard bridges. The characteristic Rough&Ready beam rests on industrial galvanized supports.

Parallel to the R&R beam are stainless steel tension cables keeping the balustrade design minimalistic, industrial and sophisticated. The vertical supports can also be carried out in CorTen steel for a wamer feel.

In Sint-Martens-Bodegem ,Belgium, this Country Bridge in 2x6m was recently installed.

Rough&Ready Shades The R&R Shades are a modular system and are part of the Rough&Ready Productrange of Streetlife.

The R&R Topseats are seperate seats that can be mounted on a stone or concrete wall of approx. 30 cm high. The FSC Hardwood beams, W-wood or recycled All Black material are locked into embedded stainless-steel Streetlock® comb fittings. There are 2 models available: straight long seats and curved or circular configurations. In Jönköping (SE) Streetlife realized a 120m long meandering bench with All Black Topseats.

R&R Circular Benches

Oval Tree isles

The R&R Bicycle Racks are minimalist in design and follow the parameters of the robust style. The stands are made of CorTen or galvanized steel and can optionally be coated in any RAL color. The horizontal beam consists of untreated hardwood, in order to provide the bicycle with an undamaging material to lean against.

R&R Picnic Set

Royal Curve Benches

STREETLIFE Leiden, The Netherlands T +31 (0)71-5246846 www.streetlife.nl streetlife@streetlife.nl

Streetlife BV in social media

GRENADIER versatile roof garden products

planters

planters with benches

storage boxes

loungers

tables

benches

slatted screens

grass pods

trellis screens

deck pods

pergolas

KIRKWOOD HOSPICE roof garden products

Grenadier planters

Grenadier planters with benches

Grenadier planters with slatted screens

Chic Teak

Quality Teak To Inspire The Design We are so confident in our furniture that it carries a ten year guarantee. Working with professional furniture designers, we are able to combine our passion for teak with an unrivalled attention to detail. This means we can present innovative bespoke solutions for luxury outdoor furniture to suit every brief. Our enviable reputation of over 15 years has been built on quality craftsmanship, exceptional personal service and outstanding value for money.

C

hic Teak Ltd. are the UK’s leading supplier of sustainable teak luxury furniture to landscape architects, landscaping professionals and garden designers.

Established for over 15 years, our clients include the UK’s leading architectural & design practices, the National Trust, English Heritage, MCC (Lords Cricket Ground), Henley Royal Regatta, London Zoo and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. We are also the preferred supplier to many public buildings, country estates, schools and colleges, as well as most councils, including the City of Westminster and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

We use only the finest quality grade A heartwood teak. This is ethically and responsibly sourced from Indonesian government controlled plantations. All our timber is correctly kiln dried for the British climate prior to machining and assembly.

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Our furniture has been made by the same workshops for many years, ensuring both supply chain continuity and quality craftsmanship. Developing relationships through our regular visits, working closely with our supply partners and employing our own local quality control manager, means we can be confident that every piece is built to the same exacting standards.

Our luxury furniture is made to our own specification, manufactured by expert craftsmen to the finest quality and built to last a lifetime.

We are based in Hampshire where we have a large showroom and office.

Experienced staff are able to discuss your requirements and advise on the best solutions. Designers have been particularly keen to incorporate planters, objet d’art and bespoke items into schemes.

Alongside our own range of high quality teak benches, chairs, tables and planters we feature benches designed by the renowned architect Michael Balston and this year sees the arrival of a new lighter weight teak furniture range by the Danish designer Jakob Berg for indoor or outdoor use. www.chic-teak.co.uk

sales@chicteak.co.uk | www.chic-teak.co.uk | 01256 809628 Southwood Farm, Dummer, Hampshire, RG23 7LU

Create Your Own Pictorial Meadows Simply and Easily with PM Turf

Synonymous with quality, reliability and sheer flower power, the Pictorial Meadows family of seed mixes was pioneered by Professor Nigel Dunnett and first came to the world’s attention at the Olympic Park in London.

There is style of meadow to suit everyone’s taste and the meadows are super-charged with nectar-rich flowers which also offer outstanding benefit to pollinators and other wildlife.

Our latest product, PM Turf, has been developed specifically to give customers all the benefits of our beautiful perennial seed mixtures in a product that is quick and easy to establish.

Grown to exacting production standards, PM Turf consists of 100% meadow plantlets growing in a special substrate which ensures complete consistency and ensures that the meadow will remain as a flowering spectacle for years to come.

A complete diversion from other ‘turf’ products on the market, PM Turf offers the same unique benefits as the rest of the Pictorial Meadows range – stunning designed mixtures selected for an extended season, coupled with their magnet like attraction for both people and bees!

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Perfect for sites that need a high-impact but sustainable meadow, PM Turf has now been used to great effect with Local Authorities, University campuses, housing developments and domestic gardens. In fact anywhere that demands a beautiful naturalistic look.

Delivered direct to your site, it is as easy to lay as normal grass ‘turf’ and provided you keep it well watered for its first few weeks it will reward you with a magnificent flowering display, sometimes within just a few weeks of laying.

Just make sure you plan ahead - the demand for PM Turf is such that orders normally outstrip availability, particularly for larger schemes.

For the 2017 season PM Turf will be available in the following Pictorial Meadow mixtures: Golden Summer, Treasure Chest, Patchwork Quilt, Purple Haze and Woodland Edge.

Find out more here: www.pictorialmeadows.co.uk/productsservices/turf See ‘How to Guide’ at www.pictorialmeadows.co.uk/how-toguides for full instructions.

Order PM Turf via Email sales@pictorialmeadows.co.uk or phone our sales line on 01142 677 635

Child Friendly Cities and Gardens The creation of human/baby scaled immersive environments within the babies’ garden was realised through intertwining grass lawns, swaying grass and perennial beds with crawling paths, colourful taller shrubs and hidden gems for the children to discover.

Movement, colour and sound provided young ones with the motivation to crawl and totter around each corner, leading to encounters with ride-on sheep, giant Allium woodlands, sweetly tasting tiny strawberries and willow hidey-holes large enough for the baby and their main carer.

Playful Active Landscapes

Flower Forest, Babies Garden Last year, I was asked to design a nursery garden and set upon the task joyfully with a copy of Mary Sheriden’s seminal book ‘From birth to 5 years: Children’s developmental progress’ by my side. I’ve always been a ‘method designer’ and wanted to discover what kind of environment my young clients needed me to create, what my design looked like through their eyes and how that knowledge might be translated into reShaped's public realm designs.

Human Scale Detail The babies garden was for children from six months to competent walkers and we particularly wanted to understand what the space looked like from a baby’s height.

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In Liverpool, the Anglican Cathedral makes me feel small, both, within it and from Chinatown and the Baltic.

Inside the Cathedral, the architect has immersed the viewer in the grandeur and scale of the space.

Outside, the scale is less controlled and the nearer the ground you are, the more perspective makes surfaces more expansive, the Cathedral taller and wide open spaces more bland and uncomfortable. Dense detailed environments, however, humanise the scale of the Cathedral and its sudden ‘discovery’ around a corner is exciting and makes me feel like I’ve just seen an old friend.

The tweenies garden was for competent walkers under two years old. The nursery staff and I decided that it was important for the children to have a lot of opportunities for role play and encourage development of their running, jumping and climbing skills. Our budgets precluded the use of catalogue equipment and therefore we needed to develop a more ‘playful’ approach.

Over the past few years, I have been working on a number of vacant land co-design projects, building furniture and creating playgrounds that children designed for themselves.

These playgrounds, typically contain play equipment integrated with their natural setting and are described based on how everything will be used, colours, who they are with and the character of the environment that they are creating. Every element of their design is full of opportunities for play, adaptable and can be used in a multitude of scenarios.

Playful human scaled landscapes and details The tweenies garden was designed as an allotment and picked up on the above child-centred themes. Exploratory routes where created up and over the raised beds, through artichoke forests, eventually arriving at the forest cabin or embankment slide. Several different heights of step, surfacing and slopes where created to develop the children's climbing and balancing skills.

When I revisit reShaped’s past schemes, I particularly enjoy watching how people use the place that I have created.

The planting was dominated by strangely shaped and seasonal plants that they could pick fruit from.

Contact with nature has been shown to have multiple benefits, including: improved learning, cognitive development, enhanced happiness and creativity and we wanted to create a nursery garden where this was the central theme.

Local craftsmen, fabricators and social enterprises made our slides, tunnels and cabins bespoke, incorporating tweeniescale detail, colour and natural lighting at every opportunity.

Interaction with Environment and others The toddlers and pre-school gardens were for children between the ages of two to four and were designed to promote collaborative play, imagination, confidence building and interaction with the environment.

On one such visit to a psychiatric intensive care unit, a service-user asked for a photo next to her favourite flower.

She told me that she would never have become ill, had she grown-up in such a beautiful place.

Our design for the toddlers and preschool garden was based on ‘We’re Going and a Bear Hunt’ by Michael Rosen and took the children on a journey through undulating grasslands, meadows, cypress forests, dry river beds, crocodile-infested vegetable patches, ending up in the bear's cave, which also doubled as the story-time area.

It is often said that if you create a city that delights and engages children, it will also delight and engage everyone else. My experience from designing this nursery is that in order for this to work in practice, public realm should be designed as a series of connected experiences linking different recognisable places, many elements of which should be moveable, playful, adaptable and full of rich detailing and opportunities for contact with nature.

Elaine Cresswell is Director of reShaped, who specialise in sustainable, peoplecentred landscape design. studio@reshaped.uk.com www.reshaped.uk.com

Landscape & Urban Design

31

Dive into Pool Fitness and Get Uplifted It may be wintertime, but that doesn't mean taking a dip in the pool should be ruled out.

J

water can provide countlessly health benefits as well as being fun - and ideal for your wellbeing!

Do it with friends and it's even more fun!

According to SPATA (Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association), there are an estimated 240,000 in-ground and above-ground privatelyowned swimming pools in the UK, with up to 60% being located in Southern England.

ust 30 minutes of swimming three times a week alongside a balanced, health diet and lifestyle is one of the best ways to stay fit and healthy and maintain a positive mental outlook.

Both indoor and outdoor swimming pools across the UK are providing opportunities for those who are looking to get fit through water aerobics, swimming, and other aquatic activities.

Whether you use a public pool or have access to a private swimming pool, keeping fit in

32 Landscape & Urban Design

Swimming is a great recreational activity for people of all ages.

Recreational swimming can provide you with a low-impact workout, and it's also a good way to relax and feel good.

Water Fitness offers more resistance than when exercising (compared to exercising out of the water) and also allows people to do exercises that are difficult for them to do on dry land.

Those worried about “breaking a sweat� should also know that water disperses heat more efficiently, so there is less chance of overheating: the water continuously cools the body.

Swimming is one of the most efficient ways to burn calories.

A gentle swim can burn over 200 calories in just half an hour, more than double that of walking.

A faster swim will help ensure that any extra weight gained over the Christmas and New Year seasonal holidays and gone quicker than if you went running or cycling. www.spata.co.uk

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Plant of the moment

Plant of the Moment Continues for 2017 The Horticultural Trades Association's (HTA) monthly plant promotion - 'Plant of the Moment' continues into 2017.

T

he consumer campaign was designed to run for two years from January 2016 to December 2017.

Month by month this promotional plant calendar highlights planting ideas as well as plants at their best to help customers create gardens that are full of colour and interest throughout the year.

January - Create a winter wonderland February - Camellias for early colour March - Spring has sprung with perfect primulas April - The magic of maples May - Thyme for herbs June - Colourful clematis collection July - Bring in the butterflies

36 Landscape & Urban Design

August - Get creative with ornamental grasses

The top four plants for January winter flowers include:

September - Fashionably late perennials

•

October - In search of 'berried' treasure

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis varieties)

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November - A celebration of colourful cornus

Oregon Grape (Mahonia varieties)

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Winter Flowering Viburnum (Viburnum x bodnantense)

•

Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger)

December - Festive favourites The HTA worked with gardening consultant and journalist Adam Pasco to produce this themed calendar which was also agreed upon by UK growers and retailers.

Create your very own winter wonderland this season with a choice selection of the very hardiest plants that put on their best show in the depths of winter.

Visit www.hta.org.uk/ plantofthemoment for more information and to download the media pack which features: plant information for each month including top plants, tips and companion plant ideas, high and low resolution photos, plus Point-ofSale samples from Floramedia and Hortipak.

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38 Landscape & Urban Design

it the optimal material for creating an enviable al fresco living space.

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James Grace Takes A Big Step Outdoors

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arket-leading staircase design business, James Grace, is proud to announce the launch of its new Scott Storey Outdoor Living brand, a high-end bespoke decking solution.

40 Landscape & Urban Design

The only UK provider equipped to provide curved decks, Scott Storey Outdoor Living will force a step-change in the sector.

Uniquely tailored to every home and outdoor space, the ability to design and install curved areas alongside existing features such as tiered decks,

single platform decks, lighting, balustrades and glass makes for a superior design solution.

By collaborating with TrexÂŽ, the world leading manufacturer of wood-alternative decking products, SSOL ensures that every installation offers the utmost durability with very low maintenance.

An extensive range of styles and colours means there is a design to suit any garden or home and anti-slip, anti-fungal properties provide a safe and hygienic space for all the family, be they young or old, all year round.

SSOL text SSOL

photo SSOL

Scott Storey, Managing Director at the James Grace Business, explains “It is a really exciting time for the business as we invest in new markets, NPD and generally enhance our offering. Through partnering with global brand Trex® and transferring our carpentry expertise into beautiful outdoor living spaces, our service will be category-leading.

Clever design and quality materials, combined with our team’s experience means that our decking solutions act as an extension to the home, bringing the outdoors in.

Furthermore, increasingly popular features such as hot tubs, outdoor ovens and portable heating maximise usage during all seasons.”

Prices vary dependent on the size of the project but you will receive a free designer service and a 10-year guarantee every time. For more information please contact Scott Storey Outdoor Living by calling +44 (0)808 231 0580 or send an email to info@scottstoreyoutdoorliving.co.uk

Landscape & Urban Design

41

42 Landscape & Urban Design

Sacw Paving

Installing the Perfect Paving

I

nstalling paving to your outside spaces can be a daunting task, but the results are certainly worth the effort. Fortunately, the experts at SACW Terrace & Patio Paving are on hand to advise how to lay pavers in a way that fits both practical needs and style aspirations.

“There are a range of options available to people looking to add porcelain pavers to their outside spaces,” comments Chris Grainger, Managing Director of SACW Terrace & Patio Paving.

“Whether you’re looking to create an inviting garden path over the lawn or gravel, or want to even out a

sloped garden and create an alfresco dining area, there is a solution available.”

One of the simplest ways to lay your porcelain pavers is installing them dry on grass, gravel or sand. “This is an easy and instant way of laying paving,” continues Chris. “This kind of installation doesn’t require any screeds, mortar or adhesives, and is ideal for anyone hoping to create a relaxed, traditional look. It is very effective in all areas of the garden, from paths to patios.”

For those looking for a more seamless look, conventional laying with adhesives is

another option. This is the traditional way to lay paving slabs, and provides a solid base which lasts year upon year. It also removes the need to keep grass and gravel tidy in order to maintain a crisp, clean effect.

“For situations where you need to ensure your paving is level, such as when creating an uninterrupted indoor/outdoor scheme, then raised installation should be considered,” says Chris.

“In these cases, the pavers are supported by propylene or steel support structures, which reduce differences in levels using a micro-metric height adjustment system

(max 20-50 cm) and make it easy to run wires and pipes underneath the paving.

These supports also feature anti-squeak sheaths to ensure a solid, high-quality feel.”

The team at SACW Paving are dedicated to bringing you the finest in ceramic flooring surfaces whatever your outside requirements.

Terraces or patios, swimming pools or paving, SACW Paving can help to create a stylish environment with their huge range of beautiful, low maintenance porcelain slabs. www.sacwpaving.co.uk

Landscape & Urban Design

43

Straight where you want it

W

ith cutting dry paving

cutting, but many landscapers opt

the place you want it. Whether you

slabs and natural

instead to cut dry, avoiding the use of

are cutting through paving slabs or

stone having a

water altogether.

natural stone your safety won’t be

negative impact on

compromised and the job won’t be

a landscaper’s health, what are the

With any markings and guides made

alternatives to achieveing a fast,

ready for cutting the material washed

accurate cut? Hyde’s John Dabb takes

away, following HSE guidelines can

The patented Brickworker Slab Cutting

a look.

really slow you down and even lead to

Guide can be used to cut slabs

slowed down in any way.

inaccuracies. However, cutting dry can

between 20mm-60mm thick and

Cutting paving slabs and flag stones

prove costly not just to your health,

210mm-910mm long and achieves

is part and parcel of a landscaper‘s

but to your bank balance too, as being

a clean, accurate cut in just a few

working day, but doing so without

caught out will result in a fine.

simple steps as shown below:

compromising on your health and safety has become an ever-more

The Slab Cutting

tricky task. The latest HSE regulations

Guide from

stipulate that stone and rock should

Brickworker is

be dampened with water prior to

therefore an

being cut, to reduce the amount of

inexpensive and

dust produced.

all-round much safer alternative

With some of the nasty side effects of

way of working for

breathing in too much of the resulting

landscapers.

dust including lung diseases such as silicosis, emphysema and even lung

Locking on to the

cancer, these regulations shouldn’t be

slab or tile, this

flouted, particularly for landscapers

simple yet clever

who are exposed to the risks on a

device helps achieve

daily basis. Wearing a dust mask will

a fast, accurate

go some way to protecting you while

straight cut, in exactly

44 Landscape & Urban Design

HYDE

Step1

Step2

Step3

Mark the slab in the position you wish to make the cut.

Place the Slab Cutting Guide on the slab aligning one side of the guide to the marks.

Slide the locking feet under the slab.

Step4 Check the alignment of the Guide to the marks.

Step5 Pinch the licking feet evening using the T-handles (do not overtighten)

Step6 Wet cut the slab using a grinder drawing the cutting blade along the cutting edge of the Slab Cutting Guide and score the line along the complete length of the cut. Continue the cut by making a sawing motion along the full length of the required cut. As the blade cuts deeper into the slab the groove you are cutting should be the line you are following for the full depth of the cut.

For more details call Hyde on 0121 705 7987 or visit www.brianhyde.co.uk

Landscape & Urban Design

45

The New Outdoor Living Solution

I

Q Outdoor Living is an upcoming brand focusing on providing ways to allow home owners to maximise the use of their outdoor living spaces.

Maximising the use of this space can easily be done by integrating highend furniture and roofing solutions to allow home owners to use the space throughout the year, not just in the summer.

One of the latest products from IQ Outdoor Living includes a range of pergolas

by Pratic. One of the pergolas within this range is Opera which features a sleek and polished design.

46 Landscape & Urban Design

This design is created by the integrated shading which covers the aluminiummade structure which can then be integrated with the Raso closures to meet the requirements of total weather protection.

Raso is a vertical blind which can provide complete closure to the Opera pergola.

This vertical blind is available with a transparent, screen or block out fabric, providing the desired protection from the elements and lighting as well as completely disappearing when closed.

Raso closures can be made to fit all aluminium profiles.

Pareo is also available to be integrated into either of the Opera or Vision aluminium profiles to block out lighting.Vision, the system comparable to IQ’s Umbris system, is the perfect solution to achieving the desired light and shade intensity due to its automated blades.

IQ Glass

These automated blades allow you to control the sunlight through the roof as well as keeping your furniture and patio completely dry when closed as they are watertight when shut.

Another addition includes sliding glass, this provides protection from the elements due to glass panels which are inserted into the aluminium frame to create a completely sheltered garden room.

You are able to create a fascinating environment with either of these pergolas with the integration of RGB LED lights. The colour and intensity of the lighting can be controlled via a remote control.

Vision allows home owners to customise and tailor their outdoor living spaces as well as the climate.

With this sliding glass you are able to create a variety of closing combinations.

These pergolas can be integrated with either spotlights or lights built into the structure blades.

Both Opera and Vision can be installed as a selfsupported pergola to create a completely separate outdoor living space or building integrated to create an indoor-outdoor living experience, allowing you to use the space throughout the year. www.iqglassuk.com

Landscape & Urban Design

47

For an Uninterupted View

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48 Landscape & Urban Design

Large and small scale sculpture or commissions in marble, stone and bronze. From monumental to table size, for your garden or home.

MICHAEL COOPER +44 (0)1494 482226 info@michaelcoopersculptor.co.uk michaelcoopersculptor.co.uk

RHS Garden Bridgewater – a potential best practice case study for soil re-use and management

A

comprehensive Soil Resource Survey carried out for the Royal Horticultural Society by soil scientists at Tim O’Hare Associates (TOHA) for the proposed RHS Garden Bridgewater will provide an exemplar case study on the sustainable re-use and management of existing soils.

The proposed new garden – on the site of the former Worsley New Hall in Salford, to the north west of Manchester – has been designed by landscape designer Tom Stuart-Smith.

Soils on the 63 ha site, which slopes down to the Bridgewater Canal on its southern boundary, range from a sandy loam, through alluvial silts and clays in the woodland areas, to peaty soils in the meadows abutting the canal.

TOHA Principal Consultant Tim O’Hare and Senior Associate Ceri Spears carried out a baseline assessment of all soils found on the site in November 2016, in advance of the commencement of construction of the

planned visitor centre, with a view to their re-use for the new garden. The survey will also help to refine decisions made on the final landscape design and planting schemes provided outline planning permission is granted.

“This is an intriguing project that has the potential to act as an exemplar for future schemes where in situ soils, if correctly managed, can be re-used to their full potential” explained Tim O’Hare.

“The range of soils within the four main areas of the site will need to be treated differently.

Some of the sandy clay loams are very delicate and susceptible to compaction, for example. A good soil management strategy should be developed to ensure these soils are protected throughout the different phases of the garden’s construction.”

The diversity of in situ soils – a result of topography, hydrology and past land use - is a bonus for the development of the

RHS’s new garden. An old boating lake on the site, which is heavily silted up, will be restored and the hope is that the infertile dredgings will be used to create perennial meadows. Areas of existing grazing land that will accommodate the planned visitor centre and car park have soils that will be ideal for planting in the site’s original walled garden where the existing soil is poor.

Tim O’Hare believes RHS Garden Bridgewater is a perfect opportunity to demonstrate how in situ soils can be effectively re-used to provide the right materials for a range of landscape applications. The creation of a detailed Soil Resource Plan, which gives guidance on soil stripping, storage, spreading, amelioration, and handling during landscape construction, has been recommended as the next step in the project’s soil strategy. www.toha.co.uk

Landscape & Urban Design

49

The Natural Stone Show 2017

T

he 12th Natural Stone Show takes place at ExCeL, London 25-27 April.

With 200 exhibitor displays, it’s well worth a visit to discover first-hand the latest trends in landscape architecture and design incorporating stone.

There is natural stone from all over the world – sandstone, granite, marble, limestone, travertine, terrazzo and slate - available in a multitude of different finishes ranging from polished to honed; sawn to flamed; brushed to sandblasted; chiselled to bush-hammered; and tumbled to chiselled.

There are more visitor features at the Show this year than ever before, all helping to make the Natural Stone Show essential viewing for landscape professionals.

50 Landscape & Urban Design

If it all becomes a little bit overwhelming, don’t panic. There’s help at hand. Stone Federation Great Britain and its members have a ‘Stone Village’ at the heart of the Show and it will have an Ask the Expert panel of top stone consultants available throughout.

They do not normally give away their advice but at the Stone Show you will be able to consult them for FREE!

If you are in need of inspiration, the Natural Stone Awards Gallery will have case studies and a photographic display of the landscaping projects honoured at the Stone Federation Awards last December.

And there is a whole programme of free CPD run in conjunction with the Show at the Natural Stone & Building Conservation Conference. Each of the three days of the Show has its own conference theme.

The opening day (25 April) explores European innovation in stone design and caters for building professionals with five hours’ worth of RIBA CPD credits and a free three-course lunch, perfect for networking.

Day two looks at industry initiatives including the Ethical Stone Register which has been set up to assist clients in making informed decisions about the companies they should be using, so they avoid sourcing paving materials from quarries that employ child or bonded labour.

Architects will also presents a number of award-winning landscaping projects.

Andy Thomson from BCA Landscape provides an insight into the Douglas Town Centre regeneration, whilst David Green of SimpsonHaugh & Partners discusses the Deansgate Metro Station scheme.

The Natural Stone Show 2017

The final day concentrates on stone conservation. For more information on over 25 seminars visit www.stoneshow.co.uk/conference The renaissance in British stone over the past 20 years is reflected at the Show with more producers presenting than ever before and most including a repertoire of landscaping products…….

Forest Pennant from Forest of Dean Stone Firms; Caithness Flagstone; Johnsons Wellfield’s Crosland Hill hard Yorkstone; Purbeck limestone from Lovell Stone Group; the award-winning Stoke Ground Bath stone from the Bath Stone Group; Portland stone from Albion Stone; Doulting Stone, notably used in the construction of Wells Cathedral; the Hard White limestones of Creeton; the rustic brown Ironstone of Great Tew; Gallagher Group’s Kentish Ragstone; Artisan Stone Supplies’ Gwrhyd Pennant; Welsh Slate’s Heather Blue slate from Penrhyn Quarry; Lamb Group’s Wealden Sussex Sandstone and the list goes on…..

As well as the wide range of imported paving stones on UK wholesalers’ stands like CED and Rocks Forever, there are many overseas producers exhibiting in their own right particularly from China and India.

Indigenous stones are vital for maintaining the character and vernacular traditions of the British Isles, but the stone industry is international and most of the stone used in the UK is imported, which is reflected in the international representation of exhibitors once again at this year’s Natural Stone Show with exhibitors from over 20 countries represented.

Visit our website to find out more. Whatever your involvement with the stone paving industry, you’ll find something at our show that you’ve never seen before, something original or innovative that your business will benefit from for many years to come.

Make a date with the Natural Stone Show, 25-27 April at ExCeL London.

Register for your free ticket now at www.stoneshow.co.uk

Landscape & Urban Design

51

Timber Decking: What To Consider

Timber decking is a natural, sustainable, flexible, attractive and long-lasting construction product gaining real traction in the UK specification market.

E

mily-Jane Dix, Marketing Manager for Decking at Marley Eternit gives an overview of this product and some of the considerations relating

Timber decking has a long history and is being increasingly specified in the UK as a means of extending the living area, via conservatories and summer houses, to the garden.

Timber, in the words of the UK’s Timber Trade Federation, is ‘one of the most flexible, structurally strong and aesthetic materials available and sits at the centre of the built environment and has the lowest embodied carbon of any commercially available building material’.

It is also selected for a variety of other uses including outdoor dining, balconies and roof terraces, boardwalks, jetties, pontoons, and linking areas within schools and university grounds.

to it.

An increasingly popular use of timber has been its specification as a decking solution for a variety of commercial projects.

52 Landscape & Urban Design

Timber decking is categorised into four main types: softwood, hardwood, modified timber and composite, with each having differing performance characteristics.

•

Softwood is available in a number of varieties. European Redwood is the timber of choice for decking products due to its appearance and strength, as well as its ability to absorb preservative treatments to increase its durability.

•

Hardwood is from trees such as oak, cherry and teak and originates from areas such as northern Europe, Africa, South America and Asia. When selected for decking, hardwood is resistance to decay and woodrotting fungi which makes it an extremely durable choice.

•

Modified timber involves the cell structure being modified via heat or chemical treatment to improve durability which makes it more stable and resistant to decay. Modified timbers cannot be structurally graded so care is needed when specifying for certain areas such as balconies.

•

Composite decking is an innovative material that imitates timber decking and has been used in the UK for about 10 years. It is constructed by mixing wood fibres and polyurethane, or by coating wood fibres with a polymer. It is available in a wide range of colours.

Timber decking, like many materials, is subject to legislative scrutiny covering its deployment, manufacture and structural use. Mindful of Part M of the Building Regulations covering access to buildings as well as the Disabled Discrimination Act (DDA), timber decking can play a role in delivering inclusivity for a construction project.

Anti-slip decking boards make ideal ramp providers, while inserts can also be inserted into deck boards to provide a safe walking surface.

Eurocode 5 is the suite of standards specifically relating to timber structures and looks at distributed and concentrated loads of timber decking, Marley Eternit worked closely with TRADA to confirm their span tables based on the Eurocode, these span tables assume the boards are graded to either C16 or C24 and in accordance with the Construction Products Directive will be CE marked.

Other important regulations include BS EN 350, which is used to classify the natural durability of timber.

The preservative treatments applied to softwoods are regulated by BS 8417 which covers treatment classifications depending on the end use of the timber.

The relevant classifications applied to decking are Use Class 3 and Use Class 4 which look at exposure to weather, as well as ground contact.

Product accreditation from the Wood Protection Association will provide independent reassurance concerning the veracity of the product’s treatment.

Finally, standards BS 4978, BS EN 14081 and BS5756 oversee the grading of timber boards and joists used on timber decking.

Graded by inspection of knots, wane, or slope of grain which could indicate weakness in the wood, both soft and hardwood products adhering to the above standards should be specified.

Market leading anti-slip products JB Citideck and JB Antislip Plus, which are part of Marley Eternit’s range of high quality timber decking products, have been independently tested by the Health and Safety Laboratory and achieve a low potential for slip.

Timber decking offers an aesthetically pleasing, long-lasting, safe and sustainable solution for a variety of projects. www.marleyeternit.co.uk

From an appearance perspective, as a natural product, timber used for decking is subject to weathering over a period of time depending on sun exposure. Oils and stains can offer some protection against the weathering process, but will require maintenance.

Like many natural products, timber decks, without any additional anti-slip features, can quickly become slippery, and a real hazard. A product that meets or even exceeds the HSL’s anti-slip testing guidelines should be considered at the design stage.

Anti-slip inserts can be added to timber decking to improve grip, even in wet conditions. Areas of steep descent, bridges or areas of heavy footfall can also benefit from additional anti-slip inserts for further protection.

Landscape & Urban Design

53

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Osmo UK, the eco-friendly wood and finishes expert, offers a range of decking oils to protect and maintain the beauty and quality of exterior decking. The product range provides resistance against water and dirt, while also offering an appealing satin oil-based protective finish. For future maintenance, no sanding is necessary; simply recoat the surface when required.

Osmo Decking Oil is available from Osmo UK direct or from its nationwide network of stockists.

For more information contact Osmo UK on 01296 481220, email info@osmouk.com, or alternatively visit www.osmouk.com.

Working with nature Sioo:x are leaders in wood protection using silicate technology.

We provide a highly effective proven system to protect wood of all types.

It gives long life and a beautiful natural surface with even colouration and is friendly to people and the environment.

An example of a Sioo:x project is the larch house Lentran project in Scotland.

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56 Landscape & Urban Design

Sioo Wood Protection AB | Tel: +44(0)7788 542859 | E: sioouk@icloud.com | www.sioo.co.uk

Environmentally friendly

Long Rake Spar Slate is a popular choice for garden projects as is a versatile product that is ideal for mulching, using around borders, decorating planting beds, as an attractive ground cover and to enhance water features.

These dark grey slate chippings provide a stunning contemporary finish for urban spaces and modern garden designs as well as providing an attractive contrast to planting schemes.

Charcoal Black Slate can be supplied in 20kg prepack bags, bulk bags or as a

loose full load. Available from stockist’s nationwide, or delivered straight to site for larger projects.

For more information please contact the sales office on 01629 636210 or email sales@longrakespar.co.uk.

As slate is a by-product of roofing tiles, this recycled product also holds great appeal with the environmentally conscious gardener.

Long Rake Spar have introduced new Charcoal Black Slate chippings to provide an alternative colour choice for customers. This beautiful chipping looks charcoal grey when dry and almost black when wet.

Drawing on the success of their established slate range of blue, plum and green chippings and rockery stone, Long Rake Spar are pleased to introduce this striking addition to the range which is available in both 20mm and 40mm chipping sizes, along with a Charcoal Slate Rockery Stone.

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RHS Flower Show Cardiff: The Year of the Legends 7 – 9 April 2017 The annually anticipated floral spectacular, RHS Flower Show Cardiff will return to the city this April, embracing Wales’ Year of Legends, 2017 with a host of themed gardens and features to spark the imagination.

T

he Flower Show – which is organised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in partnership with Cardiff Council – will this year take place from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 April, and will once again fill the beautiful Bute Park with all things floral.

Encouraging visitors to embrace this year’s magical, mystical theme – and inspiring showgoers to experience the rich history of Welsh legends and their connection to the surrounding landscape – featured show gardens will include Bridgend College’s ‘Y Meudwyaeth’, inspired by the Blackfriars monastic site and heritage, as well as Chris Myers’ homage to Blodeuwedd, a mythical woman made

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from flowers who, legend has it, was turned into an owl as punishment for trying to murder her husband.

Macmillan Cancer Support will return to the show with a contemplative garden focusing on the theme of ‘legacy’, and gardener Daniel Bodin will

RHS Flower Show Cardiff

create a modern garden with a historical twist to encapsulate Welsh heritage and traditions.

Two Cardiff-based charities – Grow Cardiff and The Dusty Shed – will work together on a display made completely by novice gardeners, containing delicious edibles which support and attract wildlife.

Tying in with the myths and legends theme, the garden will feature a castle and peasant’s cottage made from upcycled pallets and rubbish.

Other features will include giant wicker bug sculptures, the ever-popular schools’ wheelbarrow competition, demonstrations and live workshops, bushcraft and live animals.

Continuing the ongoing success of the RHS Greening Grey Britain campaign, visitors

will be encouraged to ‘Take a Walk on the Wild Side’ – learning how to transform their grey areas into a green paradise for all sorts of insects and animals, and help halt the current decline of Britain’s wildlife. There will also be a whole host of wildlife-themed children’s activities including den building, tree climbing, a children’s trail, seedbomb making and bug-hotel workshops.

Nurseries from across the UK can be found in the Floral Marquees and Plant Village with displays bursting with fresh planting ides for the year ahead.

The Museum of Wales will also be at the show with a ‘Welsh Wood and Woodlands’ display, telling the story of the diversity of Welsh woodlands, both historically and today.

The museum holds huge

collections of plant fossils that are hundreds of millions years old, and will be giving visitors the opportunity to try their hand at fossil hunting.

impressive to wow showgoers.

The Welsh Myths and Legends theme is certainly set to create some really imaginative show stoppers.

Last year’s RHS Flower Show Cardiff was a record breaker with more than 26,000 visitors descending on Bute Park to see it transformed into a floral celebration of Roald Dahl during his centenary year.

“There really will be something for everyone and, with even more exciting plans to be announced very soon, watch this space.”

Speaking about this year’s event, Show Manager Rose

For more information or to buy advance tickets for the RHS Flower Show Cardiff visit www.rhs.org.uk/cardiff

Gore-Browne said: “We’re really excited about this year’s show and are busy gearing up for another fantastic event for the city.

Last year’s show – with its Dahl-inspired themes – proved such a hit, and we wanted to come back with something equally as

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Lumena Lights Ltd

Lumena Lights Ltd founded in 2010 has now grown to be a ‘premier league’ supplier of Outdoor Lighting.

Many products are exclusive to Lumena.

The new range of Ultra-Spike garden spotlights are designed by founder Martin Bennett, and have now been granted a UK registered design.

2. Professional Bollard Lights – An immense range of top quality Stainless steel and Aluminium Bollard style lights.

Very large stocks to cater for every requirement for heights from 40cm to 1 metre high, as well as in-ground root mount options and all LED compatible.

Lumena occupy a 20,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Daventry, Northamptonshire where for knowledgeable and friendly sales staff answer telephone and online enquiries and process orders from both trade and public.

New products for 2017 include the eyecatching ‘Airlite’ Aluminium path light, the exclusive and modular ‘Ultra Spikelight 360’ and even a range of unique Rock Lights!

An attractive showroom is located here where customers can examine a wide range of lights before buying.

Website: www.lumenalights.com Email: sales@lumenalights.com Tel: 01327 871 161

All orders received by 3pm are despatched that day for next working day delivery.

Also find Lumena on Houzz, External Works, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

Lumena specialise in two main lighting categories: 1. Garden Lighting - Quality 12v and 230v lights crafted from durable materials

62 Landscape & Urban Design

such as Stainless Steel, Copper, Brass and Aluminium.

Garden Lighting Tips

By Sian Parsons, Senior Designer at John Cullen Lighting

G

ardens in the UK are so often a fair weather space, only to be enjoyed for our brief summers and rare warm evenings. But we are missing a trick – with lighting they can become another ‘room’ for year round enjoyment.

Here are my tips for maximising your enjoyment in your garden:To draw your eye out into the garden, the first step is literally the simplest one - ceiling recessed or wall mounted spotlights set above glass doors help pool light down onto the floor surface. And making the floor the same inside and out really helps extend the size of the interior space.

The next thing to think about is drawing the eye out past the immediate area and on into the garden. This project perfectly illustrates how lighting the garden extends the internal space. The layering of wall mounted spotlights give light to the external eating area, and

64 Landscape & Urban Design

spiked lights in the planting create beautiful shadows on the rendered walls. These perimeter lights add an almost lamp light quality to the garden.

It is possible source external lanterns. These beautiful electified storm lanterns mean no more faffing around for candles and matches. At a flick of a switch they illuminate, washing the floor with a gentle glow, and creating a lovely evening ambiance to enjoy.

It’s not just external sofas that make external living more enticing. You should consider a dedicated dining area to take full advantage of those warmer evenings. Here the garden view is framed by the internal wall

John Cullen Lighting mounted up/down lights, whilst the external dining table glows with storm lanterns and spiked Kew uplights to the tree.

The tree is further enhanced by hanging Starliters, a light source similar in appearance to a bird feeder, that gently move and twinkle in soft winds, creating an almost magical effect.

Of course, gardens can come in all shapes and sizes. Here this country retreat is bathed with wide washes of light, drawing you home.

And instead of lighting the drive surface with bollard like fittings, instead the trees themselves have become guiding points.

Uplighting has helped enhance their natural and almost architectural beauty at night– a view to be enjoyed from the house too.

Consider picking out focal points throughout your garden.

Here cleverly placed spiked lights lead you along the box balls to the dramatically uplight urn at the end of the view.

Around the garden itself, lighting can help create frames to view and vistas. This elevated sculpture is cross lit using two 1w Kew spotlights whilst the perimeter of the garden is lit with a combination of Kews and Hampton flood lights to both frame the space and create the view to the end of the garden.

Whether extending the feeling of space from the inside or creating another room to enjoy throughout the year, garden lighting enhances the space for the client and adds another dimension to the design of the garden. www.johncullenlighting.com

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A 100% recycled rubber product that has been designed to resemble stone, the bonded rubber provides a compacted non-slip surface offering an anti fatigue, level, walking platform.

Supported by its exceptional durability high levels of permeability and certification for fall heights, resistance to indentation and many more, Agri-Flex has proven to be the ideal solution for fitness areas; residential care homes and physical rehabilitation centres as well as pathways and uses within the golfing community.

The perfect solution for many landscaping needs, with a 5-year guarantee, and available in a range of aesthetically pleasing colours.

Certification to BSEN1177 & BS7188 Slip Resistance of •

81 (Dry)

•

44 (Wet)

Water Permeability to BS12616 •

Mean 5022mm/hour •

Pathways

•

Golf Buggy Tracks

•

Tree Surroundings

•

Erosion control

•

Physical Rehabilitation

•

Residential care homes

Star Kerb

Star Cover

"Star Kerb has been design by Star Rubber Environmental Ltd to create the perfect edge for laying wet pour surfacing onto a hard

Star Cover is a quick and

Before

easy solution for the use in Surfacing over existing drain

surface. It provides a firm, vandal resistant edge as well distinct clean After

finish to the surface.”

and manhole covers; this enables the original drain to remain fully accessible for mainte! nance issues, etc. with! out incurring costly construction works.

Uses with - Wetpour ‘New surfaces and repairs •

TigerMulch

•

Agri-Flex

•

Artificial Grass

The Star Cover is zinc and powder coated and comes in the depths of 20mm – 140mm as required for the surface depth.

Other bespoke sizes can also be made to order.

Please view our website for further products we supply and install.

Star Rubber Environmental Ltd tigermulch@aol.com 01458253377 www.star-rubber.co.uk

Cheeky Monkey Tree Houses

Do you ever dream of a secret hideaway, somewhere to lose yourself after a hectic day in the office? A place to hide from the rest of the family to have a moment of peace. Somewhere to view the world from a different perspective and put life in order. Fancy the idea of swinging commando style from tree to tree or just sitting on a deck with glass of wine in hand.

Cheeky Monkey Treehouses Ltd produce bespoke, long lasting tree houses, log cabins, elevated platforms, castles, towers and bridges of the highest quality for explorers of all ages. If you can imagine it then Cheeky Monkey Treehouses can design and build it and it will be as unique and individual as you.

Hand drawn plans of your tree house are created in 3D enabling you to see it

evolve, creating a whole new world of fantasy and fun in front of you very eyes.

Imagine you are in the middle of the jungle or on a pirate ship or about to scale a fortress wall. Whatever you can imagine it can be done!

Sleepovers in custom made bunk beds will never be the same and family nights out under the stars all year round something to remember forever. And as the children turn into teenagers so the tree house will become a cool place to hang out and ‘chill’ with their mates.

But who says tree houses are just for children! Everyone should have one and Cheeky Monkey Treehouse designs reflect this with specifications that include full insulation, rope bridges, swings, crows’

nests, zip-wires, secret hatches and climbing walls. For the less adventurous why not add a swinging bench, an access ramp or even a hammock or two.

Because the designs are all bespoke and original your personal specifications can be incorporated, and virtually anything goes!

Because Cheeky Monkey Treehouses are built to such a high standard and will last a lifetime, should the children initially claim it as theirs, don’t worry it will still be there for you to reclaim in years to come!

If you would like to find out more about Cheeky Monkey Treehouses and the services they offer then contact them at www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.co.uk + 44 1403 732452 for a brochure and/or to arrange a site visit.

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Timeless Leisure Furniture New Dawn Furniture has been designing and making their Bespoke Handcrafted Garden Furniture in the South of England since 1983.

All our furniture is made to order and each piece is unique because it is individually made not manufactured; existing designs can be customised to our customer's personal requirements; we also work with many Garden Designers who request special furniture for certain projects to meet their client's design.

All our furniture is handmade to the highest quality and can be to your own design or specification.

Premium Quality European Oak is used from reputable suppliers in the UK and is from sustainable sources with a PEFC or FSC Certification, if preferred you can also request a quotation for any item to be made in other timbers.

Our extensive range includes; Tables, Dining Chairs, Tree Seats, Sun Loungers, Swing Seats, Bench Seats, Presentation and Memorial Seats with optional Engraved Plaques or Hand Carved Inscriptions. www.newdawnfurniture.co.uk info@newdawnfurniture.co.uk +44 (0) 1243 375535

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Deep penetration aeration – The waterlogging solution that digs deeper to the walls of the fractures and fissures, swelling and contracting with the moisture content in the soil.

The machine moves on two metres and repeats the operation, completing two metre spacings on a staggered grid pattern and each shot connects with the previous ones so the whole area is aerated and treated. The Terralift can treat approximately 2,000m² of turf in a day.

It’s recommended that the probe holes are backfilled with aggregate to provide a semi-permanent aeration/ventilation shaft. The preference in the UK is to use claybaked balls which are inert, porous and allow air and water to penetrate into the probe holes.

L

andscapers, groundsmen and gardeners responsible for large grassed open space areas such as parkland, sports pitches, golf courses, bowling greens and avenues of trees, right through to domestic gardens, all share a common problem.

Compaction of the soil and panning lead to waterlogging which renders areas unusable, in many cases for long periods of time.

The usual focus will be on aeration to relieve compaction and open up the soil to allow air to get to the roots and improve drainage. Essential work to keep playing surfaces usable and maintain the grass but if the ground is too hard the tines bounce and the area remains untreated. Similarly, where aeration is regularly carried out to a depth of 300mm the effect over a period of time will be to actually create a pan layer at 300mm. What is needed to relieve the resultant waterlogging is fracturing of the soil below this depth and that calls for a specialist approach to the problem.

Deep penetration aeration has proved successful for many years and is well

known by golf courses for relieving compaction panning on their greens, tees and even around tree roots. In fact, the technique was introduced with the invention of the Terralift machine in Germany in the early 1970’s. There is many a Greenkeeper who will testify to the success of the treatment. The first in the UK was carried out at Sittingbourne and Milton Regis Golf Club in 1985, with a return visit for just one day’s top up treatment on four greens being requested some 15 years later! Since then different chassis versions of the Terralift have been designed to work in a wide range of applications.

What is unique is the ability to hydraulically hammer a probe one metre into the soil and release a blast of compressed air at a pressure of up to 20Bar (280psi) which fractures the compacted soil. At a depth of one metre the probe has effectively passed though pans created by other aeration machines, opening up the soil and creating fissures.

On the tail end of the air blast dried milled seaweed, a natural eco-friendly product, is injected via the probe and this sticks

Typical applications for deep penetration aeration have broadened from the original golf course treatment into football and rugby playing fields, bowling greens, cemeteries, National Trust properties, estates and private gardens. The longterm solution causes little surface disruption and allows immediate play on sports pitches and greens after treatment.

In the case of public parks the deep penetration treatment is often used around trees which suffer from compacted ground due to heavy foot traffic. Deep aeration is carried out one metre inside and one metre outside the canopy drip line as this is where the growing roots lay.

By going to one metre depth excess water is taken away from the root zone to stop anaerobic conditions.

Well aerated soil around the root zone allows a better uptake of oxygen for the trees and a better access for rainwater, in turn resulting in a stronger root growth and canopy spread. Phytophthora can also be stopped by using the Terralift to aerate the soil, keeping the soil open with the injection of the seaweed, with fissures opened to allow liquid fungal treatment product to be watered over the top surface.

The Terralift deep penetration aeration service is owned and operated by Terrain Aeration 01449 673783 www.terrainaeration.com

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RHS Young Landscape Contractor, supported by BALI and RHS Young Planting Designer Competition 2017

F

ollowing on from its successful launch last year, the RHS are once again on a mission to find the best emerging Landscape and Plant Design talent with the RHS Young Landscape Contractor (supported by BALI) and RHS Young Planting Designer 2017 competition.

Held at the fantastic RHS Flower Show Tatton Park in Cheshire, the popular competition will return for its second year in 2017, offering budding young

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talent the platform and support to display their planting and landscaping talents.

Tom Harfleet, Head of Show Development for the RHS said: “This new competition kicked off in style in 2016 with 3 Gold medal winning gardens and amazing, fresh young talent.

We’re excited to find the next competitors and help support the young talent out there.”

The competition will challenge Young Landscape Contractors and Young Planting Designers to work together to build and deliver a Garden showcasing their skills and talent in their respective areas of horticulture and landscaping.

RHS Tatton Park is a well-known platform for nurturing young talent, and aims to build on the success of the RHS Young Designer competition, now in its ninth year, which gives young designers who are new

Gold Medal and Best Construction awarded to Coastal Retreat show garden built by Young Landscape Contractor competition winner 2016 Ewan Sewell

RHS Young Landscape Contractor

to the industry, the chance to design their first Show Garden.

At the end of the competition, one winning talent from each category will be crowned winner of RHS Young Planting Designer and winner of RHS Young Landscape Contractor, which is proudly supported by the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), the UK’s largest Trade Association for landscape professionals, for a second year running.

BALI’s Chief Executive, Wayne Grills, said: “BALI is delighted to once again be supporting the Young Landscape Contractor finalists and their partners for what promises to be an exciting competition for 2017. The level of quality on show at last year’s event set an incredibly high benchmark with 3 Golds and Best Construction accolades being handed out, so we cannot wait to see what talent will be on display at RHS Tatton this July. BALI continually strives

Young Landscape Contractor supported by BALI and Young Planting Designer Finalists at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park 2016

Urban Retreat Katie Maude Young Plant Designer 2016

to promote the craftsmanship, skills and commitment of some of our very best young, hardworking and talented individuals from right across the industry and we are very proud to be part of the competition once again.”

Ewan Sewell was crowned RHS Young Landscape Contractor 2016 and Katie Maude, RHS Young Planting Designer 2016.

Each Garden was also awarded a Gold Medal, a fantastic result for each pair taking part.

The RHS Young Landscape Contractor & RHS Young Planting Designer 2017 competition is now open to those aged 28 years and under.

Application links: RHS Young Planting Designer application form: www.rhsforms.formstack.com/ forms/tp17_young_planting_ designer RHS Young Landscape Contractor application form: www.rhsforms.formstack.com/ forms/tp17_young_landscape_ contractor Application deadline 1 March 2017

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Potter and Rest Thinking of landscaping your garden?

Hard landscaping

Need an area overhauled? Want a new colour scheme? Thinking of re-building part of your garden?

Hard landscaping embodies all that is fixed, built and does not grow such as fences, gates, trellis, decking, water features, follies and even ornamental bridges. Whatever your heart desires.

The built environment is created as a sturdy, practical yet creative and attractive backdrop for your plants.

If you’re a bit of a beginner when it comes to gardening, here are a few terms to learn and a few things to consider: Design As Rudyard Kipling said: “The glory of the garden lies in more than meets the eye.”

Design and planning are vital if the desired results are to be achieved.

So start with a firm plan and get plenty of free advice from your local, independent garden centre or get in touch with us.

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Soft landscaping Soft landscaping deals with the living planted element of the garden – the plants. We have access to thousands of plants of all shapes, sizes and colours. We can source from our own stocks or from our extensive list of nursery suppliers depending on your requirements. We have award-winning, fully-trained plants people on the team to give advice on the best plants for the best spots.

Potter and Rest

They can also give a comprehensive guide for the care and maintenance of your plants.

Patios & paths The 21st century garden is an extension of the home. Entertaining outside and dining al fresco is a fashionable must. Patios and paths bring the indoors out and link your home and garden seamlessly.

Creating the right ambience in your garden follows the same principles that an interior designer might adopt when decorating a dining room or any other living space.

The materials, colours and textures you use, and the style you adopt, are very important.

Stonework & walling This is all about using natural stone and brick paving, creating practical divides or stunning features such as an Italian sunken garden.

Fencing & decking

Tree surgery

Natural products such as wood are not only practical but also beautiful when used within the garden. Fencing provides a pleasant divide between neighbours and different areas of the garden, while decking is a fashionable alternative to paving.

Trees can get untidy and they can become dangerous if left untended for many years.

A tree surgeon can help keep your trees tidy and safe.

Ponds & water features Having moving water in any garden is good for the soul, according to Feng Sui consultants. Whether you agree with this ancient art or not, there is something to be said for using water in your garden. You could have a grand traditional fountain, a modern under lit stream or a simple fishpond. Water provides tranquillity and offers another dimension to even the smallest garden.

Turfing & seeding New gardens, bare plots, areas where your grass just doesn’t seem to want to grow need a little bit of TLC. These areas can be turfed or re-sown with grass seeds or even sown as wildflower meadows.

They can prune and lop any diseased, dangerous or damaged wood and ensure the tree is left in good health.

Beds & borders Creating new beds and borders requires a great deal of skill. Planning is the watch word. If you need some help with selecting the right plants for the spot (you should consider the direction it is facing, the soil type, other conditions like wind and wet and what effect you’d like to achieve) you’re planning to revamp then do get in touch or use our personal shopper service, where we can pick the plants for you and give you lots of free advice. www.potterandrest.co.uk Tel: 01278 440500 Email: hello@potterandrest.co.uk

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Snickers Classic Series 3 WorkTrousers A classic to rely on with superb fit and functionality - whatever work you’re doing on site.

Available in a choice of hard-wearing, but comfortable DuraTwill, Canvas+ or Rip-Stop fabrics for long-lasting durability, the stylish cut in these garments has an advanced Twisted Leg design for a modern fit that delivers outstanding working comfort in every move you make on site.

The tough Cordura reinforcements on the knees and inside the holster pockets give extra durability, while the kneepad pockets are designed for the special KneeGuard positioning system for superior protection and comfort.

With styles for both professional tradesmen and women, the trousers also feature a range of handy pockets, including holster pockets and easy-to-access leg cargo pocket with separate mobile phone compartment and four pen/tool compartments.

Getting more information about Snickers Workwear is easy.

You can call the Helpline on 01484 854788; check out www.snickersworkwear.co.uk and download a digital catalogue; or you can email info@snickersworkwear.co.uk

SolidGear and ToeGuard’s NEW Safety Footwear Catalogue Packed with the very latest information about market-leading safety footwear technology.

The 2017 Product and Price Catalogue has full details of the complete range of the UK’s most stylish Safety Shoes, Boots and Trainers from Hultafors UK’s own SolidGear and ToeGuard brands.

With four very different types of products – TUFF, ATHLETIC, TREKKING and OCCUPATIONAL – there’s a product to suit almost every footwear need on site.

There’s also loads of other information on all the important product features – Comfort and Safety, Fabrics and Linings, BOA System Technology, Caps and Plates, Water Repellency, Oil- and even Heat-resistance – to get you working and walking safely, effectively and in comfort wherever you are on site – and whatever trade you’re in.

So get to know more about the quality and innovation plus the top class safety functionality in every product – your feet will notice the difference.

To get more information on Solid Gear - the Next Generation of Safety Footwear - visit the website at www.solidgearfootwear.com alternatively, call the Helpline on 01484 854788.

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Snickers Advice on ‘What To Wear On Site' This Spring and Summer Introducing the NEWEST Working Clothes that will best fit your warm weather workdays.

You’ll find all need to know about the world’s most innovative range of summer working clothes in this FREE 52 page magazine – plus the latest news on Snickers Wearable Technology revolution.

There’s plenty of information to help choose the right working clothes to suit your trade – shirts, lightweight jackets and unique summer WorkTrousers.

Whether it’s in the RUFFWork, LITEWork, FLEXIWork or the ALLROUND workwear range, these are workclothes that deliver superb functionality, comfort, protection and are equipped for any task at hand.

Whatever trade you’re in, there’s something precisely for you in the Snickers range – garments that make working on site an altogether cooler experience in summer and every craftsman and craftswoman’s workday easier and safer.

To get the catalogue visit the website at www.snickersworkwear.co.uk alternatively, call the Snickers Helpline on 01484 854788.

Hultafors Tools New Product Catalogue For 2017 FREE to professional tradesmen and women around the UK, it’s packed with details of the world’s most innovative Hand Tools and accessories for working effectively - wherever you are on site.

Everything you find in the Hultafors Tools range carries the hallmarks of a company that has over 100 years experience in knowing what it takes to get a job done efficiently, effectively and safely.

Hultafors’ ingrained quality and innovation is found in every Hand Tool. Ergonomically crafted with built-in Fisco technology, there’s a host of Tools for Measuring and Marking, Chopping, Striking and Levelling. You should also check out the new range of Spirit Levels, Craftman’s Knives and Chisels.

Whatever job you’ve got in hand, these Hand Tools deliver top-class solutions for making your workday easier. So get to grips with this cutting-edge range of Tools – you’ll be amazed how good they really are!

Getting more information on Hultafors Tools is easy.

You call the Helpline on 01484 854788 or check out www.hultafors.co.uk

The Wearable Technology Revolution in Working Clothes Snickers WorkTrousers are now getting even ‘Smarter’

has been continually addressing with its patented KneeGuard System.

Snickers Workwear has always been renowned for its modern designs, innovative functionality and marketleading fabric technology.

Clark says, “The study shows that 6 out of 10 craftsmen are suffering from pain in their knees. So, we see that there is definitely room for improving their wellbeing beyond just knee protection and our ‘Smart Workwear’ is one way”.

Now its WorkTrousers are getting even ‘smarter’ with the integration of technology to improve performance and wellbeing at work.

Wearable Technology is already woven into our daily lives through smartphones, fitness devices, sports clothing and accessories - to help monitor and improve performance.

A recent study carried out in Scandinavia* showed more than 50% of the professional craftsmen there are cutting corners at work and don´t use the available health and safety equipment as they should.

David Clark, managing director of the Hultafors Group UK says, “Our experience is that craftsmen usually are so focused on getting the job done that personal protection tends to be overlooked”.

But repeated ‘corner cutting’ over the years definitely creates a long-term health problem – an issue that Snickers Workwear

‘Tracker 1’ is Snickers’ first prototype of wearable technology, a chip fitted to a pair of WorkTrousers enabling the user to monitor work place noise levels, heat conditions and knee impact.

Clark goes on to say, “Market-leading technology and innovation have long been hallmarks of Snickers Workwear.

We are well known for our KneeGuard System, 37.5 Fabric Technology and technical functionality, but the integration of ‘smart’ wearable technology into our clothing shows the extent to which we are looking at working clothes and wellbeing on site in a completely new way”.

Getting more information about Snickers Workwear is easy. You can call the Helpline on 01484 854788; check out www.snickersworkwear.co.uk and download a digital catalogue; or you can email info@snickersworkwear.co.uk

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Eight Edible Plants to Use in Your Outdoor Cooking This Spring

T

he majority of people simply don't have time to dedicate to creating a vegetable garden every year. However, there are plenty of ways to still enjoy fresh produce to add to your barbecues and outdoor cooking adventures, without digging over vast areas of garden to vegetable crops.

2016 called Eat and Shelter, as well as the RHS Tatton silver-winning garden in 2015, Cloud 9 Garden.

Award-winning garden designer Michael John McGarr designs incredibly contemporary gardens, with the modern hectic lifestyle in mind.

Michael, who is based in Wigan in Greater Manchester, explained, “It's is simply not good enough that plants should just 'look good' they should provide food and shelter for the wildlife while providing food for the table.�

As head designer for Warnes McGarr & Co, his gardens include plenty of socialising areas, outdoor cooking zones, as well as easy-to-grow edible planting.

The beauty of his recommendations for edible planting is that they can be planted among other plants in borders, or grown in pots around your eating area.

Here are Michael's top eight edible plants to add to your planting schemes: 1. Globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus)

Michael, a double silver winner from RHS Tatton, selects plants that need very little attention and maintenance but can be picked to highlight almost any meal cooked outdoors.

Many of these edible plants formed the planting scheme for his gold-awarded garden at BBC Gardeners' World in

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Globe artichokes grow really well whatever your soil type and are really low maintenance. They work brilliantly as an architectural plant, and then you can pick the plant heads to lightly griddle them on a barbecue or fire pit. Drizzle them with a bit of olive oil and salt, and you have the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

These fantastic silver foliage plants work really well with lime green Euphorbia and the grass Carex buchannanii to create a fantastic textural border.

Remember to split the plants every year when they look a little over-crowded.

Cynara grow well in gravel gardens where water is drawn away from the root during the cold winter months.

2. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) We always recommend herb fennel, rather than Florence fennel (foeniculum dulce), because it is much easier to grow. Fennel has a wonderful aniseed flavour and you can use the whole of the plant in cooking. Fennel is traditionally used with fish, but it works well in salads and also with any meat.

Just experiment!

Bronze fennel is my favourite variety producing beautiful yellow flowers above a deep Coca-cola coloured foliage. This beautiful plant grows beautifully in a mixed dry border and looks great inter-planted with the stunning purple Verbena Bonariensis.

Eight Edible Plants 3. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Rosemary is a brilliant hardy small shrub which can be planted in any small gap within your garden, and gives off a fabulously woody scent. Rosemary is originally from the Mediterranean so needs full sunlight. However, it's very hardy, even in our climate, so can last for years with very little attention.

In terms of outdoor cooking, a few sprigs of rosemary can be thrown on any meat or fish be cooked for a wonderful aroma. You can also throw a sprig into a gin and tonic as well to bring out the flavours.

This makes a great architectural shrub, which adds fantastic texture in borders and provides a foil to other flowing plants. The silvery colour under the leaves help this reflect heat back for the arid Mediterranean dust that it usually grows in.

4. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) Asparagus is a plant few people would think to plant within their borders, but not only does it look unusually fabulous, it tastes amazing too.

Having it grown around your outdoor socialising area is a brilliant idea, because you can just cut it as you want to eat it.

Rather than grow it from seed, we would recommend you plant a year-old crown into soil that has well-rotted manure added to it. If crowns are planted in March, you'll get a good crop of asparagus to throw on the griddle in early summer.

5. Lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus) Thyme is a really versatile plant, which also looks great planted in between paving blocks. This is another hardy Mediterranean plant, which can be tucked in between other plants, or in planters around your cooking area.

We recommend using a lemon-scented variety of thyme because of the amazing smell it releases. If you've never tried it, it tastes amazing mixed with butter and then tucked under the skin of a chicken and then slow-cooked in wood-burning oven.

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6. Mesclun salad crops Mesclun salad crops are a mixture of baby salad leafs, which originated in Provence and were popularised by Michelin-starred chef Alain Passard.

Mesclun greens traditionally contain the small, young leaves of species such as endive, arugula, chervil and leafy lettuces like baby red leaf. Today, the notion of salad mixes has expanded to include many other varieties of greens and herbs.

One of the easiest ways to do this is to plant salad crops in planters, and put them up high on a shelf so it's much harder for the slugs and snails to actually get close to them.

I have grown these on a living roof to avoid slugs, but living wall can also be effective if irrigated correctly. This also gives you increased growing space in even the smallest of spaces.

7. Chives (allium schoenoprasum)

A mesclun mix may include such things as spinach, chard, frisee, mustard and dandelion greens, mizuna, mache and radicchio among others. The huge variety in greens makes for a very interesting and wide palate-pleaser.

Out of all the edible crops we love working with, this is probably the trickiest for the novice gardener.

The main reason for this is that slugs just adore a crisp salad leaf, so you have to put a bit of effort in to keep the pests at bay.

Chives are incredibly easy to grow, and have a dainty pink-purple flower over grass-like natural foliage.

They are really easy to grow and very hardy perennials, popping up year after year.

Just snip off the juicy green stems with kitchen scissors and scatter over a salad or meat for a delicate onion taste.

However, many people don't realise that the brightly coloured flowers are also edible and can be scattered over any dish.

8. Borage (Borago officinalis) The plant is ridiculously easy to grow as a summer annual, and is fantastically beefriendly plant. Because of its long taproot, it resists transplanting; so for that reason you're better off starting from seed.

Once you've got a patch of borage going, it will self-sow every year and spread. If the blue colour doesn't suit you, there is a white variety available from Johnny's Select Seeds, and the blue variety sometimes produces pink or purple flowers for reasons known only to the plant.

Borage is the classic Pimm's Cup garnish, but I can't imagine a cocktail whose looks would not be improved by floating a starry blue flower atop it, so use it in everything.

Champagne and a splash of St Germain elderflower liqueur?

Add borage. Aviation, a gin drink made faintly purple with violet liqueur? Borage.

A lemon drop? Borage. See how easy that is?

For more information, visit: www.warnes-mcgarr.co.uk

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2017 The UK Stone Industry Event

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