BALI Landscape News Summer 2019 by British Association of Landscape Industries

THE THE OFFICIAL OFFICIAL JOURNAL JOURNAL OFOF THE THE BRITISH BRITISH ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION OFOF LANDSCAPE LANDSCAPE INDUSTRIES INDUSTRIES

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SUMMER

2019

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CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME

Dear member

Following on from a very dry and at times unseasonably warm spring, summer is now well on the way, which for many of our BALI members is the start of show garden season. Malvern, Chelsea and Chatsworth have come and gone, with Hampton Court, Tatton Park and many more events still to come. Back in May, alongside members of the BALI North Thames committee, I had the privilege of accessing RHS Chelsea during the final week of build-up. It was truly amazing to see designers and contractors working hand in hand to bring their creations to life. It was especially heartening to see our BALI Registered Designers, Contractors and Affiliate members working towards achieving the ultimate goal, a prestigious Chelsea gold medal. Ahead of the Chelsea build most of the publicity was given to The Duchess of Cambridge’s collaboration with co-designers Adam White MBALI and Andrée Davies, as well as Registered Contractor The Outdoor Room, to create their RHS Back to Nature Garden, but for our visit the focus was on the Welcome to Yorkshire Garden. Our main host for the visit was Mark Gregory from Registered Contractor Landform Consultants. Mark kindly gave us complete access to his Welcome to Yorkshire Garden just days before final judging. He didn’t seem to mind having a dozen or so excited landscapers walking all over the garden. A veteran of RHS Chelsea, Mark has built over 150 show gardens and this year he certainly has pulled out all the stops by creating an authentically built canal, with flowing water, genuine canal lock gates next to a lockkeeper’s cottage with its own perennial meadow and a cultivated vegetable and flower garden. The garden was inspired by Yorkshire’s industrial heritage and stunning natural environment. Mark said it was intentional to have all the drama and excitement of a working canal including the sluice system, Yorkshire stonework and local trees alongside a beautiful lockkeeper’s cottage garden. When creating his plans, he said he would “try to capture the magic of the narrow canals, a stunning legacy of the Industrial Revolution, which has become synonymous with tourism in Yorkshire”. As we saw Mark’s team meticulously putting the final touches to the garden, I would agree that they once again brought a little bit of Yorkshire to London and succeeded in Mark’s vision which went on to not only win an RHS Gold medal, but also this year’s The People’s Choice Best Show Garden award. The dry weather was also welcomed by the Ride GoLandscape team who have regrouped from the Three Peaks Extreme Challenge and have now committed to supporting the BALI Chalk Fund by riding circa 600 kilometres over five days, starting at Myerscough College near Preston and finishing at Capel Manor College in Enfield in September. This year we have a double benefit; we will be raising money for the BALI Chalk Fund and also raising awareness of the great work being done through the BALI GoLandscape initiative. Being one of the first to sign up, I have dusted off my road bike and have met with several BALI members to kickstart my training, as not only will we be tackling famous climbs such as Malham Cove and Cragg Vale (the longest continual ascent in England at

968ft/295m of climbing in 5.5miles (8.8k) with an average gradient of 3%) we will also be visiting other land-based colleges on route. At the time of writing, the Ride GoLandscape team will be talking to students at each college, promoting the benefits of working within the industry and it’s the hope that some of the masterclasses, including a glyphosate session, will be held at several colleges at the same time. Finally, I would like to personally welcome all the new BALI members listed on this page, congratulations on passing the vetting process and I hope to see you at some of the forthcoming regional meetings. It’s now time to get that BALI logo out there, so make sure it’s on your vehicles, website and all promotional materials. You’ve earned it so use it and promote it. Best wishes. Matt O’Conner BALI National Chairman

New members

Registered Affiliate

as at 17/05/2019

International ADEZZ BV

Registered Contractor

Midlands Marley Select Imports

Midlands Dobson UK LLP AMB Landscaping & Building Services Yorkshire North East M & T Landscaping Pudsey Landscapes

North Thames Plant Designs South Thames Fargro Premium Plants Tree Wise Solutions

Registered Designer

South West Summit Landscapes North Thames Mid Cornwall Landscaping Teign Trees & Landscapes SW South Thames Driveway Builders Beaux Arts Landscaping NAO Landscapes Archway Green

North Thames Jilayne Rickards

International Beijing Beilin Landscape Architecture Institute CD

Associate Contractor South Thames White Horse Contractors

Wales

Training Provider

Dunn Landscapes

Yorkshire North East Open College of the Arts

Summer 2019

BALI Landscape News

CONTENTS

Welcome

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Hexagonal

Oval

Square

The Round Timber

Gazebo Collection

What a busy and rewarding start to the new membership year. Not only did BALI launch its new website, where we are already seeing an increase in visitors, we’ve also just returned to the office from supporting members at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Gardening Scotland, two of the UK’s most important public flower shows. I had the privilege of overseeing these projects and ensuring that BALI delivers its marketing plan for this membership year, including the website launch and our presence at these public events. You can read some of those in more detail in this edition, including our RHS Chelsea Review. I personally love this time of year, with warmer weather, longer periods of daylight and the landscape that surrounds us transforming into a sea of green with splashes of seasonal colour. It’s times like this that we can all truly appreciate the benefits of nature, our environment and the critical tasks owned by members in developing and maintaining our precious landscapes for all to enjoy. That’s why the team at Landscape House continue to work hard to promote and support members up and down the country. At the time of writing, entries for this year’s BALI National Landscape Awards are coming in thick and fast, with adjudication taking place throughout July and August and BALI’s GoLandscape career adviser campaign was successfully launched nationwide. More details on both in this edition. Finally, all BALI members should receive their complimentary copy of the BALI Who’s Who Landscape Directory in early July, which we hope you will find useful.

Editor Darren Taylor BALI Landscape House Stoneleigh Park Warwickshire CV8 2LG T: 02476 690333 F: 02476 690077 Editorial darren.taylor@bali.org.uk Advertising diane.mcculloch@bali.org.uk Copy date for Autumn 2019 edition Thursday 8 August 2019

Design by:

Best wishes.

bdci.co.uk

Darren Taylor

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Cover image:

The Morgan Stanley Garden, RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019 Gold Medal, designed by Chris Beardshaw, BALI Associate Honorary member

CONTENTS

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Summer 2019

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Designer Focus

LATEST NEWS

BALI MEMBERS CAN BOOK A STAND FOR LESS AT LANDSCAPE SHOW 2019

Save the date for the BALI National AGM 2019

The LANDSCAPE Show is returning for another year on the 17 and 18 September 2019, and it is already developing into their most exciting show yet. One of the UK’s leading trade events, LANDSCAPE is dedicated to bringing together an array of industry professionals, including garden designers, landscape architects and contractors.

Eligible voting members of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) can now book a free place to attend this year’s National AGM 2019, to be held at BALI Landscape House, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG on Thursday 12 September. Further details will be sent to all members in July. bali.org.uk/events

Hundreds of exhibitors are set to showcase their latest products, services and technologies, dedicated to both interior and exterior landscaping. Located in Battersea Park, LANDSCAPE features an endless selection of products that are available to source, including garden buildings and structures, timber, stone, paving and water features. Alongside the exhibition, the event provides two full days of entertainment with their CPD Accredited Seminar Programme. The accreditation enhances the professional qualifications of its practitioners and allows visitors to earn up to 11 CPD points whilst attending the seminars. This year LANDSCAPE is excited to be featuring some of the industry’s biggest names, including Cleve West from Cleve West Landscape Design, Andrew Fisher Tomlin from the London College of Garden Design, Robert Myers

BALI Landscape House

BALI’S LISS/CSCS SMARTCARD SCHEME ANNOUNCES PLANS TO WITHDRAW ALL INDUSTRY ACCREDITATION CARDS BY 2024 The Land-based Industry Skills Scheme (LISS) and Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is a jointly managed scheme (LISS/CSCS) administered by the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) and enables you to work on live commercial land-based/construction sites. The scheme recognises qualifications and training experience, in turn improving employment prospects and enabling the ability to tender for commercial work that requires a LISS/CSCS SmartCard. For several years the strategic direction of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has focused on ensuring that all applicants can demonstrate the achievement of a nationally recognised construction related qualification. With the withdrawal of the Construction Related Occupation card and the planned removal of the Site Visitor card the next step is the withdrawal of cards issued under Industry Accreditation. Industry Accreditation, also known as Grandfather Rights, allowed workers to obtain LISS/CSCS cards on the strength of an employers’ recommendation

BALI Landscape News

rather than the achievement of a recognised qualification. LISS/CSCS closed Industry Accreditation to new applicants in 2013 but those already holding a card are currently able to renew on the same basis.

from Robert Myers Associates, James Alexander Sinclair, Matthew Pottage from the RHS, Marian Boswall from Marian Boswall Landscape Architects, Kate Gould from Kate Gould Gardens, and many more. All of the seminars are completely free to attend and will include a wide range of insightful and educating topics from different sectors of the industry. The LANDSCAPE Show will be open from 10am-6pm on Tuesday the 17 September, and 10am-5pm on Wednesday 18 September 2019. Both the exhibition and all seminar sessions are free to attend. BALI members receive a preferential rate when booking a stand at the LANDSCAPE Show. So, get in touch to find out how you can be involved by visiting landscapeshow.co.uk

The withdrawal of Industry Accreditation will be the final step towards achieving the Construction Leadership Council’s objective of ensuring SmartCards are only issued to those who have achieved, or are in the process of achieving, a nationally recognised land-based related qualification. Up to now Industry Accreditation has permitted SmartCard holders to operate on live land-based commercial sites solely through an employer’s recommendation. To find out more information or to apply for a SmartCard visit bali.org.uk/lisscscs

LISS/CSCS is led by CSCS who have consulted with the industry and agreed a plan that will pave the way for the eventual withdrawal of cards issued under Industry Accreditation. From 1 January 2020, all LISS/ CSCS cards renewed under Industry Accreditation will expire on 31 December 2024 and CSCS will stop issuing the card from 30 June 2024.

Summer 2019

LISS/CSCS SmartCard being used

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CONTRACTOR NEWS

Terraces of distinction from Cameron Landscapes & Gardens Cameron Landscapes & Gardens, an award-winning landscape contractor and BALI Registered member who has made its name from delivering dynamic, bespoke domestic and commercial schemes for a range of clients in the UK and overseas, shows its hand by sharing two terrace schemes it recently completed.

Private Domestic Upper Terrace What was the brief?

What were the challenges?

• The client was knocking two houses together and asked Cameron to create an inviting space that could be used all year round, act as a sanctuary for the client as well as an atmospheric entertainment zone • Accessed from the drawing room and clearly visible from the inside, the garden must provide interesting viewpoints • A seamless transition – inside to out • Soften the outlook and draw the eye away from neighboring properties • Retain the paving and metal balustrade

· Working with a bend in the wall due to two houses being combined · Creating an immediate impact with a modest budget What did they do? · Artificial climbers provided instant impact where natural climbers would take years to establish to this level. Natural Trachelospermum jasminoides were planted in front of the artificial climbers, providing seasonal flowering and scent as well as encouraging insects and butterflies. It is an excellent example of instant impact. More natural planting was added to containers

What was the brief? • A long narrow terrace running the length of the office • Provide socialising space · Design an area with a top end finish and established with a cool and contemporary palette · Flexible area that can be used for a variety of events · Include seated areas · Create different zones, some with subtle privacy for the areas outside the meeting rooms · The office is open plan with a full view of the gardens · Low maintenance high impact What were the challenges? · Long, narrow space · Unable to use the wall to fix anything · Shaded area · Low maintenance but top-end result What did they do? • Used a mix of artificial and natural plants. The artificial plants ensure immediate impact, year-round green and low maintenance. The natural plants provide atmosphere, scent and

BALI Landscape News

Summer 2019

· Heaters ensured that the area could be used all year round · Beautiful planters and specimen trees were used to draw the eye into the garden and away from the surrounding properties. They created a dramatic atmosphere with the height adding drama and interest to the space · The planting was designed to enhance the space including lush textures, contrasting forms and foliage colour to create depth and interest. This was balanced with bold structural planting to provide great stimulation Design and build budget:

£20,000-£25,000

seasonal variety with the ability to change colour, scent and impact as the seasons change · The external green wall is artificial, a bespoke mix including Magnolia, Bay and Buxus, ensuring immediate impact and minimal maintenance · Used different shaped planters and planting of different heights to create different zones, depth and balance · Lighting used to highlight the elements of the garden that you want to draw attention to and create greater sense of depth Design and build budget:

£85,000-£95,000

For more information on Cameron Landscapes & Gardens visit camerongardens.co.uk

Fitzrovia Office Terrace

CONTRACTOR NEWS

Blakedown Landscapes (SE)

celebrates 50 years

This year BALI Registered Contractor Blakedown Landscapes (SE) celebrates 50 years of service. Over the course of half-a-century, they have delivered hundreds of projects across London, winning multiple awards, year on year, for their consistency of bespoke, high-quality services they provide.

Crossrail Place Roof Garden breathes life into the concrete jungle of London’s Canary Wharf. This multi-award-winning scheme, designed by Gillespies and directed by Blakedown, involved importing more than 600m3 of topsoil, 100 tree ferns, 15,000 shrubs, 70 mature trees and 2000m2 of unique black granite to the site. This innovative urban forest became the obvious venue for celebrating Blakedown’s 50 years of innovation. Together with BALI Registered Affiliate Bourne Amenity and Robin Tacchi Plants, the event included guests from a whole host of companies with whom Blakedown Landscapes has worked with, including BALI Chief Executive Wayne Grills, Noel Farrer of Farrer-Huxley Associates and BALI Registered Designer Adam White MBALI, President of the Landscape Institute. Speaking to BALI, Blakedown’s CEO Steve Buckingham said; “I am delighted that Blakedown has achieved this milestone.

During this time, we have built up an extensive knowledge and wealth of experience working within all sectors. It has been a pleasure to work with so many different clients and people on the numerous projects completed. This would not be possible without such a dedicated team that work at Blakedown to enable projects go from concept to completion.” Looking back at its many achievements it is clear to see why Blakedown Landscapes is proud to be reaching this milestone anniversary. To commemorate their 50th year, Blakedown created a book, including fifty interesting facts about the company. If you would like to receive a copy of this book, contact Angel Garcia Brown at Concrete Communications either by email at angel@concretecomms.com or via phone on 020 7207 7137. For more information on Blakedown Landscapes (SE) visit blakedown.co.uk

Reaching new heights with Green Oak BALI Registered Contractor Green Oak Services (Kent) recently completed a private residential project involving a 1.7-tonne Acer tree that was airlifted into site. Managing Director Stuart Christie reveals all for BALI Landscape News. A longstanding client calls me early one morning and asks for a specimen tree for his rear garden. Sounds simple enough. But, after a short conversation and a strong cup of coffee, in response to the question ‘how big?’, he responded, ‘as big as you can get’. So, the project got big and the challenge was on. Clearly this was not going to be the type of tree I could go skipping out of my local nursery with. My tree quest had started – and ended, as it happens – at Architectural Plants in West Sussex. Having worked closely with them in the past on some equally unusual projects, I felt certain they’d be able to help. After chatting with Guy, Debbie and the team, we found the perfect candidate: a 20ft tall multistem Acer, a veritable giant of a tree. With beautiful foliage and a hardy nature, they’re a great choice for any garden. Of course, tree chosen, we were met with another challenge. How do we get a 1.7-tonne tree, with a root

ATM helps deliver £40million A50 Growth Corridor Regeneration project Working with Staffordshire County Council and BALI Registered Affiliate Tarmac on behalf of Highways England, BALI Registered Contractor, Ainsty Timber Marketing T/A ATM is helping to improve a major trunk road in Staffordshire along the corridor between the East and West Midlands. ATM’s team were some of the ‘first boots on the ground’ on this major project to ease congestion and support the creation of new homes and jobs, by undertaking large-scale vegetation clearance and compound fencing. As part of this project, ATM has delivered multi-disciplinary services including hydroseeding, weed spraying, invasive weed treatment, environmental barriers and temporary and permanent fencing. ATM has also undertaken large-scale hedge planting and seeding works. Following the award of the 4-year maintenance on the project directly for Staffordshire County Council. Managing Director, Clive Freeman comments: “ATM is delighted to be working on this major regeneration initiative and is looking forward to seeing the area flourish during the course of the maintenance period of the contract.” ATM is one of the UK’s leading landscaping, fencing and vegetation management contractors. For more information visit atm-ltd.co.uk.

ball 1.5 metres in diameter, to the top of a 200-foot slope via a conventionally sized garden gate? The solution, it turns out, was a helicopter. After much head scratching, we decided that the only conceivable way of getting the Acer into position was to airlift it in. So, with the agreement of an amiable farmer and the help of a very skilled pilot, the tree was lifted by helicopter from a local field and flown to its new home a mile down the road. Perhaps this approach was somewhat unconventional, but it just goes to show that, with an open mind and a good deal of effort, it’s possible to deliver something truly special. To read more and to view further projects visit greenoakservices.co.uk

Summer 2019

BALI Landscape News

CONTRACTOR NEWS

A masterclass in employee investment

How ESL’s model achieves all-round business success BALI’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Darren Taylor, sits down with soft landscaping specialist ESL Landscape Contractor’s Chief Executive Phil Jones to talk strategy, growth and investment in staff. Established in 1991, BALI Registered Contractor ESL Landscape Contractors offers quality landscaping services to the private and public sector. Their varied portfolio includes schools, local council buildings, retail parks, industrial and residential estates, company headquarters and supermarkets. ESL has witnessed steady growth over the last three years, with BALI’s National Contractor Forum Chairman Phil taking the helm in December 2018 as Chief Executive Officer after managing at ISS Landscaping for over 20 years. Here, Phil discusses what makes ESL such a successful business, and what the future holds for the company. What does being a BALI Registered member mean to ESL?

services, but soft landscaping will remain our ultimate focus.

ESL has been a BALI member for quite some time, but until the end of last year hadn’t really been active. We are now represented on the BALI South Thames Region Committee. It is important for ESL to be a member of the principal trade association for the UK landscape industry and we very much see it as a two-way process. Just as ESL benefits from the support, promotion and credibility that BALI provides, the company expects to play its part in helping to lead the future of our industry. Landscape contractors are looking to BALI for support in raising common issues; a much-needed key focus area would be the improved collaboration and commercial relationships between construction and landscape companies.

What is the largest commercial project ESL has completed to-date?

Will commercial soft landscaping remain the primary focus for ESL over the next 5-10 years? Yes. ESL has carved out a commercially viable place in the soft landscaping market over the last 30 years and specialises in delivering such projects. We will always look to support and complement these activities with other

BALI Landscape News

ESL is in the final stages of completing phase one of the landscaping of an aerial walkway on the Greenwich Peninsula. This project includes a number of challenges, not least the logistics of safely lifting semi-mature trees onto the walkway from ground level and installing them in their planting pits, with very limited access. We also have a large, exciting public open space project in progress at the moment, which is very high profile, and will be fantastic to see when it is finished. ESL has built a portfolio of customers and contracts that range from small to large projects. We think it makes good business sense to keep a range of different size projects on the go at any one time. How important are skills and training in the workplace? Skills and training are important for all businesses and paramount for ESL. With the current shortage of skilled people in the industry, training of existing employees and developing internal talent, has never been more

Summer 2019

important. ESL carries out training for its people in craft, technical and statutory skills required enabling the business to expand and its employees to experience both personal and professional growth. We will also be expanding our supervisory and management training to support the same principles. What principles is ESL based on? As a business we want to operate safely, add value to our customers and support our people in their development. If we can also support the landscape industry and the communities in which we work, that would be great too. With the launch of ESL’s new website and steady growth achieved over the last three years, what else can we expect to see from ESL? More of the same of the last six months. A greater focus on safety, efficiency, productivity, training and development and quality of service delivery. We are not on an aggressive growth path but have the necessary ability within the business to grow within certain targeted geographical areas and with certain customers. We have invested this year in a number of key people from within the industry and from further afield. We want to grow as a result of great relationships with our suppliers and customers. Will ESL ever enter a scheme into the BALI National Landscape Awards? The BALI Awards recognise a national standard and showcase the best in the industry. It would be entirely appropriate that, at the right time, ESL deploys its resources into entering the BALI Awards. For more information on ESL Landscape Contractors visit esl-ltd.co.uk

CONTRACTOR NEWS

NT KILLINGLEY COMPLETES WORK ON BRITISH SUGAR HQ BALI members work together to create stunning landscape for new British Sugar headquarters in Peterborough. The landscaped grounds around BALI Registered Affiliate British Sugar TOPSOIL’s new headquarters building in Samson Place, Peterborough, provides staff and visitors with a beautiful environment in which to work. Thanks to the company’s TOPSOIL products HortLoam premier planting soil and Landscape20 general purpose topsoil, the trees, plants and lawns are flourishing since they were planted in the autumn of 2018. British Sugar TOPSOIL selected Gloucestershire-based Davies Landscape Architects to oversee the design. BALI Registered status was a key criterion for the landscaping tender and award-winning BALI Registered Contractor NT Killingley, based near Chesterfield was awarded the £250,000 contract for the soft landscaping scheme by main contractors Bowmer & Kirkland. NT Killingley used 1,420t of British Sugar TOPSOIL’s HortLoam planting soil at a depth of 450mm to plant ornamental hedging and around 6,000 ornamental shrubs. 200 semi-mature trees were also planted in HortLoam, with the highlight of the scheme being a striking avenue of 5m tall Carpinus betulus (hornbeam) Box Head trees. These were planted in specialist 4.5 x 5.5 x 0.8m shared tree pits installed by the contractor and back-filled with loadbearing structural soil. The semi-mature trees in soft areas were planted in individual 1.0 x 1.0 x 0.8m tree pits and those in hard landscaped areas were planted in a single trench, built on the load-bearing Rootspace system from Green Blue Urban and backfilled with HortLoam.

HortLoam is a BS3882:2015 compliant planting topsoil, developed in response to customer feedback. It contains coarse sand and additional reserves of organic matter in the form of BSI PAS 100 & CQP compliant ‘green’ compost, giving it a more open and free-draining structure. This provides the optimum environment for establishing young plants and encouraging healthy root growth. Its coarser texture is ideal for shrub and vegetable planting schemes, podium projects, raised beds, and the planting of trees and ornamentals. It was selected as the base planting medium for RHS Garden Hyde Hall’s Global Growth Vegetable Garden, designed by Xa Tollemache and formally opened in July 2017. 150mm depth of Landscape20 topsoil was used across the lawn areas. Landscape20 multi-purpose topsoil is also BS3882:2015 compliant and is used by landscape contractors for general landscaping, seeding and turfing. Screened to 20mm, it is a friable and easy-to-work topsoil derived from the rich arable soils that adhere to the sugar beet brought into British Sugar’s factories.

Despite restricted site access and British Sugar’s exacting level of quality control, NT Killingley completed the works at Samson Place on time and within budget to achieve practical completion. Using British Sugar TOPSOIL’s products, the contractor has created a stunning, eye-catching landscape that reflects the quality and professionalism expected of the contractors and suppliers who are Registered members of the British Association of Landscape Industries. For more information on British Sugar TOPSOIL and NT Killingley visit bstopsoil.co.uk or killingley.co.uk

Kingston Landscape Group launches in-house tree care team BALI Registered Contractor Kingston Landscape Group has launched its own in-house tree care team. Based at the existing headquarters in Twickenham, the expansion will cover all things from regular pruning to complete tree removal. New manager of the division Bill Moxham says “I am extremely excited to start up the new tree care division within the Kingston Landscape Group. This is a fantastic opportunity to not only expand the company into new avenues but to also allow for more job possibilities within the arboriculture industry which is so important.” Kingston Landscape Group who have over 30 successful years in the landscaping industry identified a need for a specialist tree care division which would run hand in hand with their existing horticultural services. For more information call +44(0)20 8893 8992 or visit klguk.com

Summer 2019

BALI Landscape News

CONTRACTOR NEWS

BIOTECTURE ‘SMASH IT OUT THE COURT’ This year the All England Lawn Tennis Club unveiled two living walls on the side of No.1 Court, horizontally flanking the Big Screen on The Hill. The project, which involves 14 different plants, takes inspiration from physics imagery and reflects the ‘movement’ of a wave pattern to relate momentum with speed, such as a tennis ball being hit – it’s a horizontal, curvilinear, wave design on a simple background. Working with Chichester-based company and BALI Registered Contractor Biotecture for 14 months, the 245m² of walls were designed to fit with The Championships’ tennis in an English garden feel.

varieties of Bergenia ‘Bressingham White’, Euonymus fortune ‘Emerald Gaiety’, Hebe ‘Caledonia’, Hebe ‘Champagne’, Hebe pinguifolia ‘Pagei’, Liriope ‘Munro White’ and Polypodium vulgare.

Each wall is 5m high. The North West (left) wall is 24 metres long, 23cm longer than the length of a tennis court, and the West (right) wall is 25m long, making the combined length of the two walls 49 metres in length.

Plants were especially chosen to suit north west and west facing aspects with partial shade and wind exposure. The plant colours were selected to reflect the Wimbledon brand with purples, mauves, whites and green including Hebe ‘Caledonia’, Liriope ‘Big Blue’ (for purples), and Bergenia ‘Bressingham White’, Euonymus fortune ‘Emerald Gaiety’ & Polypodium vulgare (for whites/greens).

The total area of the both living walls is 245m². 14,344 plants have been used in the wall. Plants have been growing in Biotecture’s West Sussex plant nursery since the summer of 2018, including

The ‘wave’ pattern of taller plants across the Living Wall, is picked out with two red/purple foliaged plants, Heuchera ‘Fire Chief’ and Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’. The plants are all hardy and a combination of species that offer yearround interest, ensuring there is foliage even in the winter months. Initial planning for the living wall started in 2014 and Biotecture planted a Wimbledon trial wall at their plant nursery in 2017. The trial wall was placed at the same aspect/angles as No.1 Court so the All England Lawn Tennis Club could see how it looked throughout the year, specifically during the summer months and during The Championships 2018. The on-site installation of the living wall framework started in February this year and was completed with the installation of pre-grown planted panels being installed in April 2019.

One of the living walls on the side of No.1 Court at Wimbledon

BALI Landscape News

Summer 2019

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TRAINING & TECHNICAL Nurture Landscape’s living wall pictures

Interior landscaping; what does it mean to you? An unnecessary expense or a means of improving worker productivity? A feature to draw visitors or a potential headache for the cleaners? Technical Officer (Policy & Research) Owen Baker investigates. Interior landscaping has come a long way since the days of using a sickly peace lily to prop open a door. Peer-reviewed scientific articles support the theory that interior landscaping has the potential to make offices, restaurants, houses, schools, universities and public realm areas healthier, and anyone in these spaces more contented and productive. Sound too good to be true? Wellexecuted and maintained interior planting has been scientifically proven to bring benefits to workers and the office environment including: • Increased productivity • Decreased stress (lower blood pressure) • Increased attentiveness • More job satisfaction • Better perceived work-life balance The range of health and well-being benefits seems unlikely until one considers the reality of office life. Most offices are in urban areas where outside air pollution is consistently high. A significant volume of exterior pollutants enters buildings and mix with office pollutants – commonly volatile organic compounds from items such as furniture, printers, air fresheners and paint - to create an unhealthy environment. Even small concentrations of these chemicals can have an effect and result in ailments familiar to most office workers: headaches, sore eyes, nose and throat, and nausea. These are commonly grouped as sick building syndrome.

BALI Landscape News

The benefit of interior plants is simple – they remove most types of air-borne pollutants via the natural process of photosynthesis and help maintain office humidity via another natural process – transpiration. Plants also help to dissipate noise. The use of designed interior planting schemes within commercial and public buildings started in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when the concept of incorporating atriums into new buildings became widespread. Architects and developers commonly incorporated schemes of containerised plants in offices, shopping malls, hospitals and airports. An industry grew to service clients who wanted the benefits of interior plants but none of the hassle. Times have changed and there is a gulf between architect-designed atriums of the 1970s and the limited space available in many modern office spaces. As a result, space-efficient solutions have been developed which feature stand-alone, wall hung, ceiling hung, pots or planters and are proving increasingly popular in commercial and domestic spaces. At the 2018 BALI National Landscape Awards the principal award for interior landscape installation was won by BALI Registered International member, Planters Horticulture, for an interior planting scheme in a restaurant in Dubai. The scheme comprised two curved living walls with a combined area of 40m2.

Summer 2019

BALI Registered Contractor Scotscape Landscaping also won an award for their planting scheme which features a series of narrow stainless-steel planters suspended at ceiling level, planted with plants sustained in a semihydroponic condition. On a smaller scale, Nurture Landscapes has overcome the challenge of limited space in an air-conditioned, openplan office by using living pictures to create an award-winning green thread through the building. Most interior landscapers work with approximately 20 plant specimens, very few of which will be used by exterior landscapers. The size and variety of specimens varies hugely, depending on availability of space and budget, with environmental factors such as water, nutrients, light and humidity being tailored to suit an installation. Although self-watering systems now exist, most interior landscape contractors also offer a complete maintenance service which includes watering, cleaning, pruning and replacing dead plants. The wider benefits of interior landscaping should be considered as a way of providing a healthy and pleasant working environment, with the bonus of enhancing the image of the company.

Owen Baker, Technical Officer

Landscape

Tuesday 17 & Wednesday 18 September 2019

THE INDUSTRY TRA DE S HOW

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TRAINING & TECHNICAL

Stephen Ensell presenting at the National Careers Guidance Show in Bristol

GOLANDSCAPE CHALLENGES CAREERS ADVISORS WITH NATIONAL CAMPAIGN Another busy quarter for BALI’s GoLandscape team, promoting the industry and its career opportunities with school pupils, career changers and college students. This included a targeted campaign reaching out to careers advisors who are at the forefront of advising schools and career changers on the industries and roles available to them, but who often misunderstand landscaping and the opportunities available and so fail to present landscaping as a first-choice career to their pupils. Education Officer, Stephen Ensell, provides an update on the campaign’s performance. With the support of our GoLandscape ambassadors, we attended four National Careers Guidance shows (Leeds, Coventry, London and Bristol), where we were able to meet careers advisers throughout the country. It made an incredible difference to be able to chat to them in person, present seminars and provide a complementary careers pack on the industry to help them present more accurate information about landscaping. It’s been encouraging to receive invitations from schools off the back of the shows for our ambassadors to attend careers events, meet pupils and make presentations. Over the last quarter ambassadors have visited 18 schools and colleges around the country with GoLandscape, and we have more booked in for the coming months. We are looking to continue our work with careers advisers by reaching out through the Careers Development Institute (CDI). The institute represents around 4,000 careers advisers in the UK and we have advertised in their Careers Matters publication and created an editorial highlighting the main reasons they should be recommending a career in landscaping as well as dispelling the myths that surround the industry. This will then be supported by sending a copy of our careers pack to each of their 4,000 members.

BALI Landscape News

Another cohort of ambassadors have gone through the webinar training, meaning we can hopefully meet school demand for ambassador visits. We wouldn’t be as successful as we are without the support and hard work of our ambassadors, but we are still on the lookout for recruits, as we often get invites to schools that we can’t meet, so please get in touch if you would like to become a GoLandscape ambassador, especially if you are in the Midlands, the South West, North Thames and Scotland. Please contact me directly at stephen.ensell@bali.org.uk

GoLandscape working with Maylim

We have just begun an exciting film project with BALI Registered Contractor Maylim, who are supporting us by allowing GoLandscape to use their site at Greenford Quay to shoot a series of films that we can use to promote the industry and show the broad range of roles and skills that landscaping incorporates, through interviews and seeing landscaping in action. These will be added to our YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCJmYjaRHcsmwarVnx3w79OA, as well as being circulated to schools and careers advisers to show to their pupils and career changers.

Summer 2019

I have also been a part of the review panel of specialists recruited by Ofqual to review and feedback on the End Point Assessment material for the Horticulture/Landscape Operative, making sure that the assessments reflect industry practice and principles, and so help to produce a work ready apprentice. Groups represented from Arboriculture, Forestry and Horticulture & Landscape Apprenticeship met at the HTA’s headquarters to explore the need for higher level managerial apprenticeships for each of the sectors. A need was identified to have these not fill specific roles and upskill existing staff, but to also help recruit future staff and appeal to more ‘academic’ students and therefore compete with degrees. These projects take time and funding to happen, the horticultural strand in particular needs financial funding. If you can help, please get in touch http://eepurl.com/giXHx9 Stephen Ensell Education Officer golandscape.co.uk

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QUALITY YOU CAN RELY ON WHATEVER YOUR TASK

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TRAINING & TECHNICAL

BRIGIT: A CONSORTIUM TO COMBAT XYLELLA IN THE UK Xylella infects a wide range of host plants from herbaceous perennials to trees, including ornamental, crop plants and native flora. The pathogen results in the plant’s xylem vessels – used mostly for transporting water from roots to stems – becoming blocked, which may result in symptoms including leaf scorching, wilting, stunting and dieback, and eventually the death of the plant. Current estimates suggest four subspecies of Xylella have the potential to infect more than 500 host species, but this figure may increase. Many plants found throughout the UK, including many native species, are at risk from Xylella, which could have wide-reaching effects for the landscape and horticulture industry. There is currently no cure for the disease which has been described by the European Commission as “one of the most dangerous plant bacteria worldwide”. For many years Xylella was restricted to the Americas where it caused serious disease outbreaks in crops such as citrus, grapevine and peach. However, in 2013 Xylella was identified in diseased olive trees in the south of Italy. Since then, the disease has killed millions of trees and the area affected has expanded, despite efforts to contain the outbreak. More recently the disease has also been identified in ornamental and native species, such as lavender, oleander and rosemary, in France, Portugal and Spain.

Xylella is vectored (transmitted) by insects such as leafhoppers and froghoppers/spittlebugs that feed on the contents of the xylem in the plant. These insect vectors are common in the UK and if Xylella-infected plants were imported, there is potential for the bacterium to establish and spread,

BALI Landscape News

with consequences for horticulture, forestry, gardens, and native ecosystems, with serious economic, environmental and social impacts. Whilst Xylella has not yet reached the UK, the threat of accidental introduction through the importation of infected plants remains a significant risk. In response, a European Union control strategy has been established with the primary aim of keeping the bacterium out of the UK and other unaffected member states. Importers of high-risk host species must notify plant health authorities to enable inspection. Most research to-date has focussed on warmer climates, with less known about how the bacterium might spread in northern Europe. To improve our understanding of Xylella and prepare for the possible introduction and spread of the pathogen, a UKwide consortium, BRIGIT, has been developed. BRIGIT involves scientists across the spectrum of entomology, plant pathology, ecology, epidemiology, genomics, molecular biology and social science, in a consortium spanning nine organisations. The consortium will connect and build collaborative relationships with researchers in other countries, including scientists working on EU-funded projects.

Summer 2019

Spittlebug, vector of Xylella (Gernot Kunz

The project has four areas of activity: 1. Citizen science, outreach and knowledge exchange 2. Enhancing diagnostic capabilities 3. Investigating insect vector biology 4. Epidemiology & modelling BRIGIT will build UK capability to reduce the chance of Xylella being introduced and establishing in the UK. The consortium will develop new methods to detect and characterise the bacterium in plants and insect vectors and improve knowledge of how symptoms develop. Research will also be undertaken to develop a better understanding of the biology of insect species that may vector Xylella. The project will generate models for local and national dispersal of Xylella via insect vectors and plant trade. The models will determine where Xylella is most likely to enter the UK and subsequently spread. The research will also improve understanding of the effectiveness of biosecurity measures and inform surveillance and control strategies. The project will interact with the public, industry and policymakers to ensure that the UK is ready to respond to the threat posed by Xylella. BALI is supporting BRIGIT by working with members and researchers and will share the results of findings with BALI members as they are released. Further reading ww.jic.ac.uk/brigit

Owen Baker Technical Officer (Policy & Research)

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TRAINING & TECHNICAL

Asian Longhorn Beetle:

a success story Whilst there are many potential quarantine pests and diseases beyond our borders, most have thankfully yet to reach our shores, or are intercepted, and fewer become “established”. Back in March 2012 the finding of a breeding population of Asian Longhorn Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) in Kent initiated a significant plant health incident response which, seven years later, has led to the successful eradication of the pest. Why is it so important? Asian Longhorn Beetle (ALB) is a native to eastern Asia and a serious threat to our native and introduced broadleaved trees and woodland including ornamental trees. Eggs laid under the bark develop into larvae which create tunnels and galleries whilst feeding, with the frass (like sawdust) sometimes being visible when ejected from the tree. After pupation, adults emerge leaving perfectly round exit holes of approx. 10mm in the tree, and it may take 2-3 years to complete the life cycle in the UK. Extensive tree damage and mortality of infested hosts results after successive years of attack. Asian Longhorn Beetle is a major issue in other countries, over $500m has been spent on ALB eradication programmes in the USA and there have been more than 20 outbreaks across continental Europe. It’s thought that Kent outbreak may have been linked to wood packaging material associated with stone imports from China.

Background legislation ALB is an Annex IAI listed pest in the EU Plant Health Directive 2000/29/EC. It is an organism whose introduction, and spread within, all Member States (MS) is banned. The EU have also introduced specific emergency measures (2012/138/ EU) for ALB (2015/893/EU).

What was done about it? This initial finding was just the beginning. The Defra led eradication response included the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA), Forestry Commission England (FCE) and Forest Research (FR) following a welldefined contingency response plan. Rapid ground surveys established the local distribution of the pest, initiated demarcated zones and led to in excess of 2000 trees within 100m of the infested trees being felled, analysed and disposed of by burning from hedgerows, agricultural land, residential properties and woodland. Trees infested included sycamore trees (Acer pseudoplatanus) and field maples (Acer campestre) together with sallow (Salix. cinerea), willow (Salix.fragilis),

BALI Landscape News

birch (Betula pendula), poplar (Populus spp) and horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum). Working closely with local residents and landowners at this time was key to ensuring a rapid response before flight season and for preparing the ground for what was to come next. Following the initial response in 2012, a number of surveillance methods were employed including annual ground surveys carried out each winter by APHA led by the local regional team but with vital assistance from PHSI inspectors on detached duty from around the country. Surveying in the depths of winter during December and January was a separate challenge and a temporary welfare unit offered a field base from which to work from and to train inspectors. Host material from the initial findings provided a good source of training material and additionally a “training tree” was set up with a series of “exit holes” drilled into appropriate locations on the tree. This proved valuable to getting an eye in before setting off to inspect the range of trees for exit holes in the locality. A series of “trap trees” were planted in locations adjacent to the finding and monitored regularly. Similarly, the hedgerow regrowth of key target species in close proximity were destructively sampled and analysed by Forest Research with no evidence of ALB made. A further network of “sentinel trees” which included the most likely atrisk host species was established and monitored across the wider 2.5Km zone, pheromone traps were also deployed and inspected during the adult flight period June to October. Although some native longhorns were trapped, no evidence of ALB was made. Expert tree climbers trained in ALB symptom recognition were deployed for a number of weeks in 2015/16 and 2017/18 to further inspect and sample trees in the 100-300m zone, with anything suspicious being sent for analysis by the lab. The Austrian inspection service assisted by deployment of trained ALB “sniffer dogs” used at airports at the outbreak site. Although no findings were made

Summer 2019

this, enabled alternative inspection approaches to be explored and evaluated. More widely the plant health authorities continue an ongoing surveillance programme of traded plant material, wood and wood packaging, and surveys in the wider environment together with promotion of the pest through media campaigns, public shows and training events. Observatree, a citizen science initiative of 200 trained Woodland Trust volunteers are also actively surveying for this pest, for a field guide follow the link: www.observatree.org.uk/wp-content/ uploads/2018/04/17_0033_One-offliterature-Observatree-Guide-ALBCLB_wip09.pdf

In conclusion The finding of ALB in Kent initiated an extensive surveillance and eradication programme requiring significant resource and expertise to deliver. A combined response from the agencies, stakeholder support and detection methods deployed, led to no further findings being made, and evidence indicates that the eradication of the pest has been successful. This represents a significant achievement, borne out of 7 years of intensive survey and monitoring.

How to report suspicions and the requirement for prenotification of imported trees Early reporting is key to successful outcomes, please report suspicious symptoms of ALB or other quarantine pests and diseases on trees through Tree Alert: www.forestresearch.gov.uk/ tools-and-resources/tree-alert/ There are also pre-notification requirements from APHA for imports of traded host trees from Europe, in addition to requirements of the Plant Passport scheme: www.gov.uk/ guidance/importing-trees-and-plantsto-england-and-wales-from-the-eu Further information can be found on the Forest research website: www. forestresearch.gov.uk/tools-andresources/pest-and-disease-resources/ asian-longhorn-beetle/

FINAL REMINDER FOR ENTRIES!

International, Affiliate Exceptional Service and Employer Excellence categories are still open for entry. Visit baliawards.co.uk to view the entry criteria and submit online today. Final deadline 10th July 2019. Headline Sponsor For general enquiries about the awards please contact: Leah Brookes +44 (0)2475 185613 / +44 (0)7931 810210 or email leah.brookes@bali.org.uk

Sponsors Limited sponsorship opportunities still available. Please contact: Diane McCulloch +44 (0)2475 185614 / +44 (0)7455 110975 or email diane.mcculloch@bali.org.uk Awards Ceremony Luncheon: Friday 6 December 2019 JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London

LOOK OUT FOR CEREMONY TICKETS AVAILABLE SOON! baliawards.co.uk BALI_Awards baliawards

TRAINING & TECHNICAL

QUALITY STANDARD REVIEW (QSR) The Quality Standard Review process, or QSR, has now been in place for over four years, and I thought it would be a good opportunity to look back at why it was established, the benefits that have been identified and how it has evolved over time. Why the change? Until the QSR process was launched, the “Re-Vetting” process, as it was then known, was a desktop exercise requiring the member to submit a number of trade and customer references and the appropriate insurance information among some other details. Around 8 years ago, the BALI Board reviewed the process and standard against which new members were vetted, and during the course of this process, it seemed logical to review the way existing members were reviewed. The result was that all members, new and established, are now vetted or reviewed in exactly the same way as one and other. The QSR process now includes a visit from a vetting officer, the process looks at all aspects of the business, including strategic planning, administration, compliance, working practices and of course, the quality of the end product.

The benefits The decision to send vetting officers out to see existing members not only makes sense from a quality policing perspective, but it’s a great opportunity to engage with the membership on “their patch” as it were, and for me, this is one of the key aspects that has evolved, particularly in the three years that I have been responsible for the process. Our members are busy people and as a result, I still see many members that are unaware of the full range of benefits available to them through their BALI membership. The QSR process is designed and the vetting officers are trained to highlight benefits that could (and have) saved members thousands of pounds, so whilst the QSR takes valuable time out of your working day, the savings can make that time well spent. Our vetting officers have a wealth of industry experience, and whilst I’d be the first to admit that I’m continually learning from the members I visit, the collective knowledge of our vetting team can bring untold benefits to your business too. We have received feedback from many members, saying how valuable the process had been, one very established member even said

BALI Landscape News

they use the QSR report as a business improvement plan and it comes out at every board meeting!

What you can expect All QSRs vary, depending on the vetting officer and the member, especially if logistics dictate long journeys to sites, but the typical QSR visit will start with the obvious introductions and familiarisation, a chance for the vetting officer to find out a little about the origins of the business and maybe it’s plans for the future. In designing the BALI Quality Standard it was considered vital that it was not prescriptive, we don’t want to tell you how to run your business, we just want to check that it is operating within the law and producing consistently good results, so we then tend to look at “how you do things around here”, we want to see that enquiries are captured and that every enquiry receives an appropriate response, even if it’s a “thanks but no thanks”, this then naturally leads to the quoting process, how work is programmed, completed and how customer feedback is handled. Once the “back office” has been covered, it is then to site, we look at at least one live site and then one or two completed sites, this gives the officer a chance to look at documentation available to the team, observe working practices and check the end result. Most officers like to engage with the team on site and are adept at putting them at ease.

What’s changed? The main changes since its inception is the report format, the initial report format was very long and although thorough, the sheer volume tended to overshadow the really important elements which could be found on the very last of the 18 pages. The latest incarnation is a concise report focussing on the exceptionally good

Summer 2019

aspects and on any areas that need some attention, which come in two formats, “Observations” are suggestions for improving the business in some way, they are not mandatory for the business to take on board, but are where the vetting officer can try and add some value, whereas “Agreed Actions” are mandatory, some action is required in order for you to meet either legislative requirements and/or the BALI standard. As the name suggests, the vetting officer will always discuss the “Agreed Actions” with you and may even discuss some solutions, but it’s important you understand what the deficiency is, so that you can solve it in a way that suits your business, rather than just introducing a process that you don’t understand. More often than not, a small change to an existing process or document is all that’s required to get you back on track. If you have not yet undergone a QSR and would like to, please contact me using the details below and we can get you booked in at the earliest convenience. Richard Gardiner BALI Technical Officer (Quality) richard.gardiner@bali.org.uk (M) 07715 654964

TRAINING & TECHNICAL

OUT AND OUT

INNOVATION

with Reesink Turfcare’s exclusively distributed Toro Outcross More flexibility in one machine. Toro’s Outcross 9060, solely distributed in the UK by BALI Registered Affiliate Reesink Turfcare, is the first super-duty utility vehicle that represents a new breed of turf maintenance machine for the landscape market. It’s been purpose-built to offer flexibility and expand the capacity for work, allowing you to do more with less. Its revolutionary design combines the best elements of a tractor with a utility vehicle and brings flexible working to a variety of landscaping projects. There are dozens of attachments to perform hundreds of tasks and the machine can accommodate multiple standard turf maintenance attachments. Loader buckets, pull-behind cylinder or rotary gang mowers, spreaders, aerators and forks can all be added thanks to a three-point hitch with PTO, drawbar and universal loader mounting plate. All this expands the operator’s capacity for work, creating a veritable list including mowing, spreading, loading, hauling, aerating, topdressing, towing, sweeping, pruning, blowing and chipping, all from the one machine. As well as simplifying operation the operator can set up and save the parameters for up to 16 attachments upfront and one at a time, which ensures the machine performs to exact specifications every time. And because different operators go out with the same settings every time it helps simplify labour requirements and ensure consistency across the job.

is a 59 horsepower Yanmar liquidcooled diesel engine. And while you’d be forgiven for thinking that towing such a weight might damage your turf, that’s not the case with the Outcross. Unlike a tractor which can be unforgiving to the ground, the balanced chassis of the Outcross with its fourwheel drive steering functionality, in conjunction with the four-wheel drive, is anything but. And that’s helped by the wheels, which are big and easily disperse the weight of the machine and its cargo, as well as spinning individually at a rate determined by the machine’s ground speed and angle of turn. That means there’s significantly less risk of scuffing and under or over-spinning.

The Outcross is a machine that can do the work of multiple machines in one compact package and brings flexibility, consistency and productivity to all landscaping operations. Operators can do more with less equipment, less labour, less headaches, and more with less time. In fact, this super-sized, super-efficient workhorse saves you more in every way and the opportunities to maximise your investment is near endless. Reesink Turfcare is an official UK distributor for Toro professional turfcare machinery and irrigation products for the golf, sport and amenity sectors. Call 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk

Removing the need for front counterweights makes it significantly more delicate on fine turf than an agricultural equivalent, while its hydrostatic drive system eliminates the complicated controls and shifting commonly associated with a tractor.

Plus, it can take on the big jobs with ease. Delivering the power to tow a massive 16,000lbs and an optional cargo bed that can hold 4,500lbs of materials

Summer 2019

BALI Landscape News

DESIGNER FOCUS

POWER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE BALI Registered Designer Jilayne Rickards MBALI talks CAMFED and the empowerment of women in Zimbabwe with BALI at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019.

BALI Landscape News

Summer 2019

DESIGNER FOCUS

Jilayne Rickards MBALI

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019 may have come and gone, but the lasting legacy of the show gardens from this year’s event will live on, with most being rehoused as a permanent feature in the UK. This includes show garden The CAMFED Garden: Giving Girls in Africa a Space to Grow, designed by Jilayne Rickards MBALI. Not only did Jilayne’s first ever show garden win a prestigious Gold Medal and The People’s Choice Best Space to Grow title, the recreation of a Zimbabwe school house along with a thriving agricultural African landscape theme which included an abundance of exotic flora, vegetables and growing beds will be completely rebuilt and replanted at Cornwall’s Eden Project, a special place close to Jilayne’s heart. Taking time out of her busy schedule, Jilayne explained to BALI’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Darren Taylor, what it meant to her on a personal level to win a Gold Medal, and most importantly, what having a show garden in front of millions really means to a charity such as CAMFED and the important work they do for women in Africa. Tell us a little bit about yourself, how did you end up designing a show garden for RHS Chelsea? I grew up in Cornwall with a strong connection to nature since childhood, so after having three children I decided to change career to something more creative and retrained as a garden designer. Having been in practice for 20 years, I was looking for a challenge with a good cause at heart which was the starting place for the CAMFED garden at Chelsea 2019.

What was the reaction like to your show garden at RHS Chelsea, did it garner the support you needed? I designed the garden to attract as much media and public attention in order to raise CAMFED’s profile, but I have to admit I was completely blown away by the amount of interest the garden received. Portraying CAMFED’s strong message of empowering girls via education in the most positive and vibrant way whilst also looking very different, hit a chord with the public and made it extremely popular. We had such goodwill from donors and volunteers, and that energy seemed to weave itself within the fabric of the garden and somehow that shone through. What led to the connection with CAMFED, what did it mean to you in supporting the women of Zimbabwe? I was introduced to CAMFED by my school friend who works in international development and knew them

Jilayne with some of the team from the Eden Project

professionally. I self-funded my research trip to Zimbabwe where I met young women who had been helped by CAMFED and girls who were currently being supported. When you educate a girl, she can get a job or set up her own business which lifts her, her family and her community out of poverty whilst tackling gender inequality at the same time. She then has personal choices such as marriage and when, or if, she has children – the choices we all take for granted. As designers we have power on the world stage of Chelsea and I felt I had an obligation to use that power to make a difference. What does being a BALI Registered Designer member mean to you? Both BALI and the SGD set a high professional standard within the garden design industry which encourages best practice, and I am proud to be a member of both. What’s next for Jilayne? The unexpected benefit of Chelsea has given me strong links with the Eden Project whom I am keen to work with, along with several other exciting opportunities with other prominent organisations. I shall now be diverting my attention back to my somewhat neglected business and clients with many new projects in the pipeline. For more information on Jilayne’s work visit jilaynerickards.com

BEAUTY’S STORY On a research trip to Zimbabwe in 2018, Jilayne was inspired by CAMFED communities, and in particular a businesswoman called Beauty Gombana. Beauty’s story, from being orphaned at 14 to becoming a fully qualified business owner supporting her community in growing nutritious food, as well as providing

an environment for learning, was a true inspiration to Jilayne. Beauty represents the potential of investing in more women farmers. With the right tools, technology, credit, capital and training, they would produce more food and reinvest more time, money and expertise in their communities.

Summer 2019

Beauty Gombana

BALI Landscape News

DESIGNER FOCUS

Lavandula species Lavender angustifolia is a good choice and a superb plant for introducing vibrant colour and scent into a garden. Lavender is ideal for a mixed border, but it also makes a fantastic edging plant. Lavender really needs sun, well-drained soil and dislikes wet, especially in the winter.

BALI has teamed up with the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) to provide garden designers with our top planting choices for attracting crucial pollinators at a time when the UK bee population is in critical decline. During May 2019, the UN Global Assessment Report warned that a million wildlife species were facing extinction and at an unprecedented rate. Thousands of bee species will be among them. In Europe 37% of them have suffered a recent decline in populations and 9% face extinction. As garden and landscape specialists, we all recognise the power of pollination and the importance of bees both in nature and in modern agriculture. Bees not only pollinate the flora that feed other mammals, insects and birds in the food chain, they also pollinate the trees whose oxygen we breathe, which in turn helps mitigate the climate crisis. Bees crucially pollinate the majority of our commercially produced crops including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, spices and animal feeds. The BBKA is renewing its plea that you find something to plant for the pollinators, making sure there is enough food for the bees! As bees fly out of the hive, they need food and lots of it. It’s estimated that a bee visits a hundred flowers before it returns to the hive. Young bees can only grow properly if they have an adequate amount of protein in their diets and their only source is from pollen in plants and flowers. Therefore, plants rich in pollen and nectar are crucial. Consider the plants you select for your next garden design project with the BBKA’s top 10 favourite flowers to attract bees and pollinators. For a full list of bee and pollinator friendly flowers, trees and shrubs please visit: bbka.org.uk/gardening-for-bees

BALI Landscape News

TOP 10 PLANTS TO ATTRACT POLLINATORS

Hellebore species and hybrids Hellebores are very popular. Tolerant of most conditions, they prefer moist, well drained alkaline soil in dappled shade. They can grow well in pots.

Cosmos Cosmos are very easy to grow and have edible flowers. simply scatter the seeds and these freely flowering annual plants will spring up. A good choice is Cosmos bipinnatus.

Galanthus nivalis common snowdrop A delicate little flower bravely flowering in early Spring, often covered in snow, but a vital source for pollen and nectar.

Salvia species Choose the right one for your garden. They can be pruned in the spring and look striking in a border. Salvias are sun-loving plants and good drainage is essential for the survival of almost all salvias.

Echinacea This daisy like flower is a longflowering border perennial which is easy to grow. It is an excellent plant for pollinators, rich in nectar through late summer and autumn.

Rudbeckia laciniata Striking larger plant with tall upright stems, divided foliage and many single yellow flowers in late summer. Easy to grow if given full sun or partial shade and a moderately fertile soil that is moist but well-drained.

Crocus species (winter-flowering) Delightful splashes of vibrant colour in spring, easy to grow and look beautiful in containers or in groups on a lawn. An early source of pollen for the bees.

Verbena species Verbena will thrive in full sun, well drained soil and relatively dry conditions. Verbena officinalis is a good choice for long lasting blooms during the summer. It has tall, fragrant flowers on rigid stems and will attract many pollinators.

Sedum species There are many varieties of sedum plants, which make them suitable for almost all types of gardens. Sedums are hardy, easy to care for and make great cut flowers. Sedum spectabile, ‘ice plant’, is a good choice.

Summer 2019

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Albero Porcelain Paving

Global Stone is an industry leading, innovative supplier of premium porcelain and natural stone paving, setts, accessories and features. For more information or to see our full range: www.globalstonepaving.co.uk â&#x201D;&#x201A; 0845 60 60 240 (Lo-call rate) Visit website

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RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019

RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW 2019

THE BALI REVIEW

2019 SEES IMPRESSIVE MEDAL HAUL FOR BALI MEMBERS The results are in from the world’s most prestigious flower show, RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and members of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) have been awarded top accolades. Eight Gold, three Silver-Gilt, one Silver and one Bronze was this year’s medal haul for some of BALI’s most experienced members, with the association’s Affiliate (supplier) members also achieving two coveted 5 Star, three 4 Star and one 3 Star awards for their trade stands. Themes this year centred on the empowerment of female skills and education in Africa, climate change and the reclamation of nature and the positive effects on well-being. Many members designing and/or building gardens opted to use large specimen trees, swathes of green foliage with bursts of colour and the movement of water to promote their global messages. In the Show Garden category, Gold medals were bestowed upon Mark Gregory for his The Welcome to Yorkshire Garden, built by Landform Consultants (Registered Contractor) who also picked up The People’s Choice Award in the Show Garden category, whilst the M&G Garden, designed by Andy Sturgeon MBALI (Registered Designer) and The Morgan Stanley Garden, designed by Chris Beardshaw (Associate Honorary) both picked up

BALI Landscape News

a Gold medal. The M&G Garden was awarded the Best Show Garden title. Silver-Gilt medals were awarded to Kate Gould MBALI (Registered Designer) for The Greenfingers Charity Garden and Warner’s Distillery Garden, built by Bowles & Wyer (Registered Contractor). The Dubai Majlis Garden built by Landform Consultants (Registered Contractor) also took home a Silver-Gilt. Stewart Landscape Construction (Registered Contractor)’s The Trailfinders ‘Undiscovered Latin America’ Garden was awarded a Silver and The Savills and David Harber Garden, the creation of Andrew Duff MBALI (Registered Designer), was awarded a Bronze. In the Space to Grow Garden category, Jilayne Rickard’s MBALI (Registered Designer) The CAMFED Garden: Giving Girls In Africa a Space to Grow was awarded a prestigious Gold and The People’s Choice Best Space to Grow Garden and The Outdoor Room (Registered Contractor) also took Gold for Facebook: Beyond the Screen as well as the Best Space to Grow Garden

Summer 2019

and Best Construction (Space to Grow/ Artisan) titles. Rounding out the garden medals for BALI members was in the Artisan Garden category, where idverde (Registered Contractor) scooped a Gold for their Family Monsters Garden and the Best Artisan Garden prize. Gold medals were also awarded to both Peter Beales Roses (Registered Affiliate) and Sparsholt College (Training Provider BALI), with the latter claiming Best Discovery Exhibit. BALI’s Chief Executive, Wayne Grills, said of the achievements; “On behalf of BALI, I would like to congratulate every member who has worked tirelessly to make the RHS Chelsea Flower Show what it has become, that being the world’s largest and most publicly recognised flower show. Whether you are a medal winner or not, your contribution through exceptional design, build and supply has proven once again that BALI members deliver to the very highest of industry standards.” He continued “For BALI, we pride ourselves on supporting and promoting our members and the work that they do, all year-round. BALI will continue to champion quality landscaping on behalf of the landscape industry and its members to ensure quality, skill and professionalism are maintained.”

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019

SHOW GARDENS

Gold Medal, Best Show Garden The M&G Garden

Gold Medal, The People’s Choice Best Show Garden The Welcome to Yorkshire Garden

Built by Landform Consultants (Registered Contractor)

Gold Medal The Morgan Stanley Garden

Silver-Gilt Medal The Greenfingers Charity Garden

Silver-Gilt Medal Warner’s Distillery Garden

Silver-Gilt Medal The Dubai Majlis Garden

Silver Medal The Trailfinders ‘Undiscovered Latin America’ Garden

Bronze Medal The Savills and David Harber Garden

Built by Landform Consultants (Registered Contractor)

Built by Stewart Landscape Construction (Registered Contractor)

Built by Bowles & Wyer (Registered Contractor)

Summer 2019

BALI Landscape News

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019

SPACE TO GROW GARDENS ARTISAN GARDEN

Gold Medal and Best Artisan Garden Family Monsters Garden Built by idverde (Registered Contractor)

THE GREAT PAVILION

Gold Medal and The Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Best Space to Grow Garden The CAMFED Garden: Giving Girls In Africa a Space to Grow

Gold Medal, Best Space to Grow Garden and Best Construction (Space to Grow/Artisan) Facebook: Beyond the Screen Built by The Outdoor Room (Registered Contractor)

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Summer 2019

Gold Medal and Best Discovery Exhibit Behind the Genes Garden

Designed and built by Sparsholt College (Training Provider)

Gold Medal Peter Beales Roses (Registered Affiliate)

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019

AFFILIATE MEMBERS

Gabriel Ash 5 Stars

Marshalls 5 Stars

Everedge 4 Stars

Agriframes 4 Stars

Lindum Turf 4 Stars

Barcham Trees 3 Stars

Summer 2019

BALI Landscape News

EVENTS

Events Calendar 2019 2 July

2-7 July

Specifi Landscape Manchester, Renaissance Manchester City Centre Hotel, Blackfriars Street, Manchester specifi.co.uk

12 September

BALI National Annual General Meeting (AGM), BALI Landscape House, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire bali.org.uk/events

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival rhs.org.uk/shows-events

17-18 September

LANDSCAPE Show, Battersea Park Evolution Centre, Battersea Park, Battersea, London landscapeshow.co.uk

24 September

Specifi Landscape London, Crypt on the Green, Clerkenwell Close, London specifi.co.uk

26 September

SoilsCon 2019, Phyllis Court, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire bali.org.uk/events

17-21 July

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire rhs.org.uk/shows-events

30 August

BALI South Thames Charity Summer Ball 2019, The Brighton Hilton Metropole bali.org.uk/events

4 September

Specifi Landscape Glasgow, The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow specifi.co.uk

8-11 September

53rd Annual Amenity Arboriculture Conference Crown and canopy management – working with nature, University of Exeter trees.org.uk

10-12 September

Glee Birmingham 2019, NEC Birmingham gleebirmingham.com

22 October

Specifi Landscape Birmingham, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Broad Street, Birmingham specifi.co.uk

30-31 October

SALTEX, NEC Birmingham, Birmingham iogsaltex.com

19 November

FutureScape 2019, Sandown Park Racecourse, Surrey futurescapeevent.com

6 December

BALI National Landscape Awards 2019, JW Marriott, Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London baliawards.co.uk

SOILSCON 2019

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Thursday, 26th September 2019, 9.00am-16.30pm Phyllis Court, Henley on Thames, Oxon RG9 2HT £90 + VAT (LI/BALI/SGD members) or £110 + VAT (non-members) Since the inaugural SoilsCon event in October 2015, and after a break in 2018, the ‘must attend’ landscape industry’s soils conference will take place this year on Thursday, 26th September, again at the elegant Phyllis Court in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. This year’s event will be the fourth soils conference to be organised by soil scientist and landscape consultant Tim O’Hare of BALI Registered Affiliate member Tim O’Hare Associates. Utilising the extremely helpful and positive feedback from delegates who attended the previous conferences, SoilsCon 2019 has been designed to give landscape architects, contractors, garden designers, developers, topsoil manufacturers and other industry professionals another packed day of invaluable professional development,

BALI Landscape News

discussion and networking, with presentations by some of the leading experts in their respective fields from the UK and overseas. The popular Soil Surgery, where members of the Tim O’Hare Associates team are on hand to help delegates with their specific soil issues, will be held during the day’s networking periods. BALI, LI and SGD members can obtain a special delegate rate of £90 + VAT per person (non-members £110 +

Summer 2019

VAT). Lunch and refreshments will be provided throughout the day Spaces are limited to 150 so book early to avoid disappointment. Phyllis Court has excellent transport links by road (M40, M4) and rail, with collection from Henley railway station available on the day. For full programme details, speaker line-up or to book online visit toha.co.uk

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Arches • Pergolas • Obelisks • Trellis Fruit Cages • Raised Beds & Planters Plant Supports • Fencing • Gates

• • • •

Site visits Bespoke structures Trade discount & pricing Professional CAD/ technical drawings

Trade brochure: 2018

0333 400 1777 Trade enquiries:

trade@harrod.uk.com

EVENTS

BALI South Thames Charity Summer Ball returns in August 2019 Following a fantastic event raising over £8,000 for the BALI Chalk Fund in 2018, the BALI South Thames region’s Charity Summer Ball returns this August presenting a spectacular evening of entertainment at the Hilton Metropole Hotel in Brighton. The glamourous ‘Hollywood’ themed event will raise money for the BALI Chalk Fund with various fundraising activities throughout the evening. The BALI Chalk Fund was established in 1975 with a legacy from the widow of Geoffrey Chalk, owner of Gavin Jones Ltd and a founding member of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI). The Fund is used to support education and training in the landscape sector and has established strong links with BALI’s GoLandscape

initiative and other like-minded organisations to assist with delivering its key educational objectives. You are invited to join the BALI South Thames committee and regional members for a dazzling reception drinks followed by a three-course meal with wine, a live band and DJ. Alongside the entertainment, a special charity auction will be held on the night. Celebrate in true Hollywood style with a fantastically fun evening that you won’t forget.

The Brighton Hilton Metropole Hotel

Event Information Tickets Available for members and nonmembers priced at £110 per ticket for members, £125 per ticket for non-members and £1,000 for a table of 10 Attire Dress to impress as your favourite movie character or actor, black tie and party dresses. Date Friday 30 August 2019. Time Drinks reception from 6pm. Carriages at 1am. Location Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel, Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2FU. To book tickets or receive further information about the event, please contact Senior Membership Officer Emily Feeney on +44(0)24 7669 8658 or email emily.feeney@bali.org.uk. For sponsorship opportunities or auction donations please contact Events Project Manager Leah Brookes on +44(0)24 7518 5613 or email leah.brookes@bali.org.uk. Visit bali.org.uk/news-and-events for more information about the event. Visit balichalkfund.org.uk for more information about the charity.

BALI Landscape News

Summer 2019

CHARITIES

PERENNIAL MARKS 180 YEARS OF HELPING PEOPLE

Perennial Lifeline Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

It is 180 years since BALI’s supported charity Perennial was founded to provide a source of income for gardeners in retirement. The charity has grown a lot since 1839, evolving to meet the changing needs of today’s horticulture industry and the challenges faced by individuals and families. Today Perennial helps everyone across the wider sector including hard and soft landscapers, when they are facing life-changing issues often relating to physical and mental health, social and welfare support and money matters. This year Perennial wants to reach more people than ever and one way it is doing this is through a series of show gardens to help raise awareness. At the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the Perennial Lifeline Garden celebrated Perennial’s role at the heart of the industry, designed by first time designers Colm Joseph and Duncan Cargill. It was inspired by The Laskett Gardens in Herefordshire, which its owner Sir Roy Strong bequeathed to Perennial in 2015. This walk-through exhibit in the Great Pavilion reimagined the Laskett’s classical rose garden as a contemporary, low maintenance rose meadow. A rill flowing around the garden represented the ‘lifeline’ that Perennial has been for so many people over the past 180 years when they are struggling financially, physically or emotionally. The garden, which was awarded an RHS Silver Gilt medal, was a fantastic display of the industry coming together to support their trade charity and ultimately anyone that may need help. The partners that made it possible included contractor Conquest Creative Spaces and suppliers and BALI Registered Affiliate members London Stone, Peter Beales Roses, Majestic Trees and Stark & Greensmith, as well as Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants. The design was chosen following a competition run with BALI Training Provider member London College of Garden Design and apprentices from the Association of Professional Landscapers assisted with the build, demonstrating support for new talent entering the industry.

In April at the RHS Flower Show Cardiff, Irish garden designer Peter Donegan, BALI Registered Contractor Burnham Landscaping and BALI Registered Affiliate CED Stone created a show garden to raise awareness of Perennial in Wales. It highlighted issues relating to mental health, inviting visitors to look beyond the polished exterior to the difficulties people are facing underneath. Mental health is a growing concern across the UK but Perennial is here to help when challenges seem overwhelming.

them in their own gardens and these are often the more vulnerable people most likely to need Perennial’s support.

At the Harrogate Spring Flower Show, the Perennial Legacy Garden aimed to inspire people to think about their own legacy and highlighted the impact that leaving a gift in your will has on its work. The conceptual design created by David Wyndham Lewis won Best in Show and a Premier Gold Award. The garden was a representation of life’s journey with water depicting the course of life, flowing through time overcoming obstacles in its way before returning to the earth.

For more information: perennial.org.uk

Taking part in the flower shows not only brings the work of Perennial to a wide range of people, they are also a great way to demonstrate publicly to the industry that Perennial is there for them. The contractors, designers, nurserymen, growers and all of the other hundreds of professionals that come together to create these wonderful events are the very people Perennial can help if they ever need it. Also, many visitors use the services of self-employed gardeners, tree surgeons and landscapers to help

Against the harsh backdrop of austerity measures that has resulted in growing social problems, longer waiting times for access to services and a more complex benefits system, Perennial’s role in supporting people has continued to deepen. Your help in spreading the word about Perennial is important – if you know anyone that needs help, please put them in touch in complete confidence. Tel +44 (0)800 093 8510 or email: info@perennial.org.uk

Perennial Legacy Garden at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show

Summer 2019

BALI Landscape News

PRODUCT & AFFILIATE NEWS Declining biodiversity

Playing our part Written by BALI Registered Affiliate Green-tech Biodiversity, conservation and urban greening are all hot topics and high on the agenda of Government, conservationists and landscaping bodies around the world. As an industry we are looked at to play a critical part in the sourcing and implementation of solutions that will address the serious challenges we are facing surrounding the decline and potential extinction of many species of pollinators. Biodiversity is the variety of all life on Earth. It includes all species of animals and plants – basically everything that is alive on our planet; including human survival which depends upon it. It’s been well reported that the number of insects is falling at an alarming rate and that our own future could be at risk if nothing is done to halt the decline. But, how can we collectively help? Can one industry really make that much of a difference? And where do we even start? As an industry we produce beautiful green spaces; create community spaces on the top of buildings and design breathtaking landscapes; but can we go further?

We appreciate it takes preparation and patience and generally speaking it is not an instant fix but give it a year or two and the results start to speak for themselves. Where there are wildflowers there will be insects and pollinators; there will be biodiversity.

As the largest supplier of landscaping materials in the UK, we feel the responsibility to be proactive. To take the initiative and join forces with the various industry bodies in a bid to drive change and react to the demands we face. So, in short, yes, as an industry we can help; from landscape architects, garden designers and contractors, we can all play our part. Together our joint contribution and commitment to changing the future will make a difference. So, what will make a difference to protecting the existing species and increasing biodiversity? Wildflowers will. Planting wildflowers is one positive step we can take and will help bees and other pollinators. Wildflowers provide lots of things that insects need: food, shelter and places to breed. In return, insects pollinate the wildflowers, enabling them to develop seeds and spread to grow in other places. These insects are then eaten by birds, bats, reptiles and small mammals, all of whom contribute to the life cycle and so on it goes.

BALI Landscape News

Wildflowers are also really helpful in keeping soil healthy. As they become established, their roots spread and they stabilise the surrounding soil, which is especially important on hillsides, where sloping ground is easily washed away if there aren’t roots to help hold the soil in place. If soil isn’t stable, it’s easier for nutrients to be washed into nearby water systems.

John Chambers Wildflower Seed mixes is a brand that is incredibly popular. We are seeing more and more landscapers incorporating wildflowers into roundabouts, roadside verges or embankments – what they can add to an urban scheme pays dividends. Wildflowers are increasingly being incorporated into projects; from the John Chambers Wildflower seed mixes through to pre-grown John Chambers Wildflower Mats. Now for the technical bit: It’s important to ensure your wildflower seeds are native to the UK and can demonstrate native provenance. You’ll find that native plants will be easier to grow in the UK but more importantly they provide the food for our native pollinators. Its not hard to sow a beautiful wildflower area but it does take time, a bit of preparation and a lot of patience. Golden rules for success are:

Prepare the bare soil • Ensure the site is as weed-free as possible

Summer 2019

• Prepare the surface for sowing by raking over or using agricultural machinery if on a larger scale

When to sow wildflowers • Autumn sowings often show better germination than spring-sown mixes because the hard seed shells have been softened by the freeze then defrost cycle of winter • Many seeds require to be in the ground over winter in order to break dormancy and germinate in the spring

How much to use • Approximately 5g/m² for grass/ wildflower mixes • Combine with an inert carrier substrate such as sawdust or sand to make sowing easier • Roll or tread the seed to ensure good contact with soil

Maintenance is critical YEAR 1 • Cut back the whole sward every 3 or 4 weeks to control the more vigorous grasses • Final cut in late-summer • Remove clippings after every cut

YEAR 2 ONWARDS • Carry out optional ‘tidying’ cut in earlyspring • Allow the sward to grow and bloom • Cut back the sward after flowering and seeds have been dispersed • Remove clippings For more information contact Greentech on +44 (0)1423 332100 or visit johnchamberswildflowers.co.uk/ wildflower-seeds-mixes/wildflowerturf/wildflower-turf

PRODUCT & AFFILIATE NEWS

BOUGHTON LAUNCH ECOGRO SUPERSOIL

Dutch at ADEZZ Since 1991 BALI Registered Affiliate ADEZZ has been producing a large range of specialised products in its own manufacturing plant, including planters, outdoor fireplaces and water features. They specialise in manufacturing highquality products at a very competitive price. In order to meet their customers’ needs they offer customised products, RAL-colours and a range of accessories for practically all their products. These sustainable Dutch-quality products will certainly add value to your next garden design. Selling exclusively to garden/landscape designers and related companies, ADEZZ moved to their headquarters in December 2017, where their business premises consists of a warehouse, office

and a showroom of in total 8500m². They produce garden products using galvanised steel, fibreglass (matt and glossy), Corten steel, aluminium, hardwood and polymer concrete. With free delivery, including a direct service throughout Europe, and a low-price guarantee, ADEZZ also have a large showroom in the Netherlands where they are more than happy to take clients on a tour. Visit adezz.com for more information or call +31 (0)413 745 423 and ask to speak to Maggie Berkel.

IOTA’S BBC WALES ROOF GARDEN A striking metal and timber roof garden concept was commissioned from BALI Registered Affiliate IOTA for a new BBC Wales headquarters building in Cardiff. All planting is contained within unusually large raised beds of around 140sqm, edged with long sinuous curves of FSC timber benching. The roof garden is a hugely attractive feature of the Foster + Partners designed building. A curved opening in the metal roof plane allows natural light into the garden, which offers views across the city and provides a stunning location for outdoor filming.

Roof garden at BBC Wales headquarters

BALI Registered Affiliate Boughton Loam have partnered with prominent agricultural consultants Indigro to launch EcoGro SuperSoil, an enhanced natural topsoil with outstanding characteristics and performance. The EcoGro partnership originated from both companies shared ethics, passion and capability for natural, sustainable products, that deliver superior performance and environmental excellence. SuperSoil builds on these characteristics to provide a natural topsoil that meets BS3882 standards for a compliant and reliable topsoil, but also delivers additional environmental, sustainable, nutritional, biological and water dynamic benefits vs manufactured soils when used as a growing medium. EcoGro will be showcasing SuperSoil at FutureScape on 19 November this year, alongside a complete range of Boughton’s green roof substrates and horticultural products. Visit them on stand 130 to discuss SuperSoil in more detail. For more information visit ecogro.uk.com or call +44 (0)1536 510517.

The core structure of the garden was manufactured from 3.0mm Zintec steel, using a specialist 4-stage powder coat system to meet the high specification. Other elements were fabricated in aluminium and stainless steel, and complex design integration with existing structures was required. Lighting and electrical distribution chambers were also accommodated within the structure. All the elements were delivered ready for craning up to the roof garden level. IOTA’s role covered value engineering, design detailing and development, manufacture and supply. The essential design concept was by Foster + Partners; and it was installed and planted by BALI Registered Contractor Afan Landscapes. iotagarden.com afanlandscapes.co.uk

Summer 2019

BALI Landscape News

PRODUCT & AFFILIATE NEWS

Premium Plants plant sourcing at its best! BALI Registered Affiliate Premium Plants are a team of expert horticulturalists who have many years of experience in sourcing plants and their sole motivation is to bring their customers the best deals possible without giving an inch on quality. Through hard work, expertise and the use of only the best growers, they have built a trusted relationship with clients. Trade suppliers only, servicing garden designers, landscape architects, landscapers, local authorities, nurseries and schools. Premium Plants supply trees,

shrubs, grasses, hedging, perennials, aquatics, fruit and herbs, to name just a few. To make it even easier to source plants for your next design or build, you can send them a list of plants you require and they will do the rest. Their expert team will find the right plants from different growers and negotiate the best prices, before quoting and delivering to site. To start your plant order call +44(0)1227 634510, email sales@premium-plants.co.uk or visit premium-plants.co.uk

Khalid Hareshe, Business Development Manager and Nick Guest, Managing Director

AHS GRANTED THE ROYAL WARRANT OF APPOINTMENT The UK’s number one supplier for ornamental bark and woodchip and BALI Registered Affiliate Amenity Horticultural Services (AHS) has been granted the Royal Warrant of Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen, as a supplier of Horticultural Products. AHS, based in Northiam, East Sussex, is an award-winning, market leader and has been providing sustainable solutions to the landscaping, construction and horticultural industries for more than 27 years.

proud. We do our utmost to ensure the highest possible standards are delivered in both quality and service; to receive such prestigious recognition is wonderful and a testament to the team at AHS.”

Nick Guest, managing director of AHS, said: “This is an absolute honour and fantastic achievement; I am incredibly

Royal Warrants of Appointment are a mark of recognition to individuals or companies who have supplied goods or

BALI Landscape News

Summer 2019

services for at least five years and where excellent service is provided. There are around 800 Royal Warrant holders, representing a cross-section of trade and industry ranging from traditional craftspeople to global multinationals operating at the cutting edge of technology. For more information visit ahs-ltd.co.uk

A nationally renowned wholesale nursery oďŹ&#x20AC;ering the complete landscaping solution.

Get in touch: 01507 525000

enquiries@crowders.co.uk

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PRODUCT & AFFILIATE NEWS

HY-TEX (UK) PAPERLESS PUSH WITH NEW WEBSITE LAUNCH

MOBILANE’S EUONYMUS DART’S BLANKET NAMED AS 2019’s ‘PLANT TO WATCH’ BALI Registered Affiliate Mobilane’s Euonymus Dart’s Blanket is the latest variety of living green screen stocked by Mobilane and completely on trend for gardens and landscapes in 2019. Named as one of the “plants to watch” for 2019 by the Flower Bureau Holland, Euonymus Dart’s Blanket provides a hardy, season-long foliage screen. The Euonymus fortunei Dart’s Blanket has been a nursery staple since 1969. Now marketed and sold worldwide and also known as The Winter Creeper, the Dart’s Blanket variety is the ideal landscape screen choice for its slowgrowing vs low maintenance nature, evergreen foliage, diverse soil suitability and beautiful warm red autumn colour. Its salt tolerance lends itself to exposed coastal aspects and roadside conditions where salt may be used over winter. That means the Euonymus Dart’s Blanket living green screen is perfectly suited for gardens, balconies, industrial and business parks and public open spaces across the UK.

Its stand-out feature is its foliage colour. From spring and summer green to a warm red in autumn, a Mobilane Euonymus Darts Blanket living green screen keeps its red allure until spring when new green shoots add an extra layer of contrast to the matured red foliage. The Mobilane Living Green Screen consists of a metal framework, densely intertwined with fully grown climbers. The plants are in a coconut fibre root container filled with potting soil, into which the metal frame sits conversion at the bottom of the grid. The planter is completely biodegradable once placed into the ground and allows for the full, healthy development of the hedge and its root system in open-ground. The Mobilane ready-made Living Green Screen Euonymus Dart’s Blanket can be installed all year round, carefully avoiding periods of frost and is available in three height options: 1 metre, 1.8 metres and 2.2 metres. All screens are supplied at 1.2 metres wide as standard. To find out more contact: office@mobilane.co.uk, visit their website mobilane.co.uk or call their UK office on +44 (0)203 741 8049.

BALI Landscape News

Summer 2019

It has been a busy and exciting 2019 for BALI Registered Affiliate Hy-Tex (UK) so far, with the established supplier of environmental and ground engineering solutions setting themselves several targets at the start of this year. One of their key goals was to become a paperless company, and they are proud to announce that they are well on their way to achieving this. After an initial trial period, Hy-Tex (UK) now use 70% less paper at their offices and where possible have embraced technology across all areas of the business to become more environmentally friendly. The aim is to reduce their paper use even further as 2019 progresses. Alongside the company’s paperless pledge, Hy-Tex (UK) continually evaluate their product range to explore how their products can further reduce the impact they have on the environment. Another exciting development at Hy-Tex (UK) is the launch of their new website. The purpose of HyTex’s website revamp is to make their website more interactive and engaging with a user-friendly approach for their customers. To keep up to date with all the latest news, including when the website is due to go live, follow them on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using the handle @HyTexUKLtd hy-tex.co.uk

PRODUCT & AFFILIATE NEWS

Woodscape

pioneers of landscape infrastructure for over 40 years BALI Registered Affiliate Woodscape shows off its diversity by sharing two recent schemes with BALI Landscape News, including a magnificent sea defence project and a war memorial peace garden. Over the last five years, considerable work has taken place on the Rossall Sea Defences, designed and built to protect thousands of homes from the risk of coastal flooding, as well as providing a fantastic new promenade to aid visitors and residents in appreciating the full beauty and rare flora and fauna of the area. Woodscape are proud to have supplied a large quantity of Type 4 cantilevered wall seats to this 64-million-pound scheme. Woodscape were also tasked with providing a walkway over a location of biological importance and interest, that would both enhance the area and allow access to the promenade. In collaboration with Balfour Beatty and Blackpool & Wyre Councils, a design was developed that incorporated a stunning elliptical viewing platform, with easy access and DDA compliant ramps. As specialists in the use of Naturally Very Durable Hardwood, a timber essential for durability in marine based installations, Woodscape were perfectly placed to craft a feature product that would both thrive in and complement this demanding

environment. Use of 316 grade stainless steel tensioning further adds to the build’s strength and durability, while acting as subtle and stylish safeguard. Anti-slip decking ensures safe and easy passage for the many visitors looking to admire the grasslands or travel through to the promenade. By finishing many of the required elements at their Blackburn based workshop utilising their 5-axis CNC, they were able to deliver and install a complex, bespoke product, with minimal time spent on-site, working closely with the principal contractor for an issue free build.

Woodscape are proud to be a part of Basingstoke’s War Memorial Park, with Clifton seats featuring prominently in the long-awaited Peace Garden, opened on 21 September 2018, the International Day of Peace, commemorating the centenary of the end of the First World War. The grand opening was attended by the Mayor, Cllr Seán Keating, MP Maria Miller and the Bishop of Basingstoke, the Right Reverend Canon David Williams, along with many representatives from the local community, including the Peace Garden Advisory Group whose work made it all possible. The area is home to a number of Peace Plaques designed by local schoolchildren, along with a sculpture of local surgery pioneer Sir Harold Gillies. Woodscape supplied curved timber benches, with the Clifton Seating System providing a functional yet stylish framing for the main circular area, along with one of their popular

hardwood cubes, custom etched to create a wonderful entrance marker for the garden.

Rossall Walkway Sea Defences

Basingstoke’s War Memorial Park

As specialists in manufacturing street furniture using Naturally Very Durable Hardwood, a timber that lasts for decades, Woodscape were the ideal choice to assist the people of Basingstoke in creating a venue that will deliver to the community for many years to come. If you would like to contact Woodscape about your seating requirements, from a simple concept through to design, manufacture and install, contact the team on +44 (0)1254 685 185, or email sales@woodscape.co.uk.

Summer 2019

BALI Landscape News

PRODUCT & AFFILIATE NEWS ADDAGRIP CASE STUDY

Battersea Park, London

Installed by BALI Registered Affiliate Addagrip’s approved contractor and BALI Registered Contractor Total Protection (Landscaping) and O’Hara Bros Surfacing, 880m2 of Terrabase Classic bespoke blend was used in September 2018 to create seamless surfacing pathways at a London Grade II listed park. Over 800m2 of Terrabase Classic Resin Bound porous surfacing have been installed to rejuvenate the pathways in Battersea Park, on the banks of the River Thames, London. Addagrip was contacted by the client Barhale Ltd regarding the resurfacing of existing pathways in the Grade II listed, 200-acre green space in the London Borough of Wandsworth. The requirement was for overlay of existing pedestrian walkways with a smooth, low maintenance, seamless finish in a colour similar to adjacent paths. Addagrip was able to develop a special blend of aggregates, creating a bespoke resin bound ‘Battersea’ colour to be installed with our Terrabase system as a Terrabase Classic paving.

Seamless surfacing pathways installed in Battersea Park

The initial phase of the pathway resurfacing was carried out in June 2018 by Addagrip approved contractor Total Protection Ltd who installed a total of 450m2 of the Terrabase Classic. A further 430m2 of the resin bound surfacing was installed in a different area of the park by Addagrip approved contractor O’Hara Bros Surfacing Ltd in September 2018. The finished surface offers a practical, porous paving option suitable for all weather access to this busy park and the bespoke colour blend provides a great match to the adjacent surfacing. For more information visit addagrip. co.uk/612/external-surfacing/ terrabase-classic/case-studies/ paths-and-patios/battersea-park

Makita powers ‘Welcome to Yorkshire’ garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019

Mark Gregory, Managing Director at Landform Consultants and garden’s designer said: “Makita’s Submersible Semi-Trash Pumps were instrumental in bringing the Welcome to Yorkshire garden to life. Makita’s pumps were

BALI Landscape News

Whether you are new to resin bound or an experienced installer, BALI Registered Affiliate Derbyshire Aggregates is committed to promoting the highest standards of installation through its training courses. As the manufacturer of DALTEX – the no 1 brand in resin bound, the company has invested considerably in a purposebuilt training centre at its head office in Derbyshire and offers two resin bound courses which are run by experienced independent contractors. For anyone new to the industry (specifier or installer), a practical, hands on one day course covers everything you need to know about resin bound, the products and how to install to BBA accredited criteria – the highest industry standard possible. Due to demand, the company has also recently launched a course for more experienced contractors who want to give customers peace of mind about their installation skills. Installers can become an official DALTEX UVR RESIN BOUND QUALIFIED INSTALLER. Training, an additional site audit and paperwork are required to qualify and ensure projects are approved to BBA standards. Both courses cost £75pp and a FREE hygrometer, thermometer and DALTEX Sample case are provided with every booking.

Leading power tool manufacturer and BALI Registered Affiliate Makita supplied seven of its Submersible SemiTrash Pumps, to power the Gold Medal winning Welcome to Yorkshire garden – which was also named The People’s Choice Best Show Garden – at this year’s prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The garden captured the beauty of the county’s rich industrial heritage. The garden’s centerpiece was an authentically built canal with flowing water and genuine canal lock gates. The garden also included a lock keeper’s lodge, constructed using Makita tools, as well as a meadow and vegetable patch showcasing the beauty of Yorkshire’s natural environment.

Install resin bound with confidence with Derbyshire Aggregates

For more details or to book please contact +44(0)1629 636500, email leanne@resinbondedaggregates.com or visit resinbondedaggregates.com.

required to handle extreme conditions, including dirt and debris within the water. Limited on-site space also meant that the pumps had to be installed in incredibly restricted areas that were not easily accessible once the garden had been fully constructed.” The seven Submersible Semi-Trash Pumps (PF1110) used to power the lock feature can each pump up to 250litres of water per minute – this high output was a key consideration for Mark, who wanted to ensure the lock could be fully functioning and as authentic as possible. For more information on Makita products visit makitauk.com

Summer 2019

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Product Showcase

St Peters Church, London In 2013 SureSet launched SureCell, an environmentally friendly and recycled alternative to asphalt and concrete sub-bases. The SureCell system is a cellular grid construction made from recycled plastic forming an interlocking grid structure that can be laid directly over compacted stone, inﬁlled with gravel and compacted.

Since the launch SureSet have installed this system on various projects – one to mention is this communal paving area at a popular Church located near Battersea in London. The architect required to complete the hard landscaping pathways to a strict budget and requested a cost effective alternative to tarmac. SureSet were able to offer a Supply Only and Supply and Install quotation of SureCell, to ensure the most cost effective option for the project was given.

SureSet were employed to fully supply and install the SureCell base structure as well as our hardwearing resin bound paving top layer. The colours of natural Barley Butter and Bronze aggregates were a perfect complement to the church building and the two contrasting colours served as a visual divide between the ramps, walkways and the open courtyard area in the middle of the building. Another feature that sets this installation apart from others is the addition of our Steprise boards which would match the step treads and surrounding resin bound surfaces.

info@sureset.co.uk www.sureset.co.uk

0800 612 2083

PRODUCT & AFFILIATE NEWS

ROLAWN TURF HITTING THE HIGHS With sales volumes on a record high, BALI Registered Affiliate Rolawn’s younger, faster rooting, highly adaptable turf is ticking the boxes across both the trade and retail sectors. Turf cultivation and management regimes at the company’s Vale of York base are enabling customers to benefit from a turf that roots more vigorously, speeding up establishment and giving a useable lawn in a shorter time-frame. Landscapers benefit by having satisfied clients post installation, which aids lead generation through word of mouth and property owners benefit by having a healthy, lush, visually attractive lawn that meets their expectations in super quick time.

Rolawn’s head office

significant increase in rooting vigour. You can see and hear the results of the STRI research and watch a time lapse video showing the difference in rooting characteristics via either the Rolawn website, rolawn.co.uk, or their YouTube channel youtube. com/user/rolawndirect.

The Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) have researched and tested Rolawn turf to add scientific fact to the company’s claims. Under controlled test conditions the current Rolawn Medallion turf harvested younger and thinner, has been compared with more commonly found older thicker harvested turf. The results? Healthier turf, a rapid increase in rooting speed and a

Jonathan Hill, Rolawn Sales and Marketing Director stated “With extreme weather conditions being ever more widely experienced, we could foresee the need to adapt our production techniques and we could see we could do this in a way to deliver significant customer benefits. The hot dry summer of 2018, a record breaking, hot Easter bank holiday and now a record breaking, cold May Bank holiday have seriously tested this new philosophy. Feedback from the landscape industry, both existing and recently acquired new customers has been first class, further endorsing the benefits of Rolawn turf.”

MCM supplies bagged cobbles and soils to limited access garden in Basildon Hospital Phase one of a garden creation in Basildon Hospital is now complete, thanks to the collaboration between the client, Swift Landscaping and BALI Registered Affiliate MCM(SE), suppliers of soils, aggregates and landscaping materials in bags and lorries across the south and nationwide. After delivering bulk bagged stones and soils to the client to meet the specification within a tight timeframe, MCM(SE) will continue to supply landscape materials for phase two of this project. Contact the MCM(SE) team for specific guidance and project liaison for landscapes and construction schemes in the south and nationwide. The team will manage your order, delivery and waste removal from site if required. MCM(SE) supply their topsoil, aggregates and landscape construction materials by tipper, grab lorry or articulated vehicle or in standard industry bulk bags for ultimate in flexibility and site delivery, whatever the site access. Get in touch by calling MCM on +44(0)845 053 34 54 or by emailing info@mcm-se.com or visiting the website at mcm-se.com.

HIGHLIGHTING BRITAIN’S TOXIC AIR SCANDAL How C4’s Dispatches & Hedges Direct reduced air pollution by 53% Pollution from traffic fumes and particulate matter is reaching high and illegal levels on a regular basis across the country with one in three children growing up exposed to unsafe levels of air pollution. The effects are highly detrimental leading to narrowing of airways, prevalence to lung diseases such as asthma and even affected brain development. But what is the solution? Lancashire based company and BALI Registered Affiliate member Hedges Direct, specialist online suppliers of hedging and garden plants, with partner and BALI Registered Affiliate member Green-tech, recently supplied Channel 4’s Dispatches programme with Ivy Screens and other garden plants in support of a ground-breaking experiment at Lordship Lane Primary School in London. The Channel 4 programme, which aired on Monday 10 June at 8pm, documented over a two week period an experiment which saw the school undergo changes both externally and internally to attempt to combat the effects of pollution. The levels of both nitrogen dioxide from exhaust

BALI Landscape News

fumes and other particulate matter from brakes and tyres produced by all vehicles (including electric), were found to be over 50% higher than ‘acceptable’ levels. Hedera Helix Ivy Screens, 1.8m high x 1.2m wide supplied by Hedges Direct / Green-tech, were installed as a perimeter solution around the school exterior to attempt to absorb sooty particles from traffic pollution and provide cleaner air for the children. A garden was also created in the playground area featuring various evergreen hedging plants to help supplement this. At the end of the two week period, levels were measured again and the

Summer 2019

results were nothing short of staggering. In the playground and external areas of the school, the addition of the Ivy Screens and garden plants had reduced the pollution levels by as much as 53% – a significant reduction within a very short timeframe. To find out more about the Ivy Screens and plants supplied for the programme, visit hedgesdirect.co.uk or call 01257 788281.

Ivy Screens installed at Lordship Lane Primary School

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T: 01844 873190 08/05/2019 15:07