Regional events gather pace during spring

Throughout a busy, chilly spring the Regional AGMs for 2023 have now all been completed. With the cost of living impacting us all, thankfully this doesn’t seem to have affected the majority of our members with everyone within the industry working long hours, seemingly busier than ever.

Regional AGMs

Scotland

The Scottish committee had a fantastic turnout for their tour around the Sighthill renovation project. Ashlea Director, Stuart Simpson, and LDA Design’s Landscape Architect, Greg Meikle led the tour giving a great insight into the works carried out over the four years, whilst being considerate to the history of the area and the local community. The committee are keen to keep the momentum going, with regular events and catch-ups to take place.

North West

A productive Regional AGM where Matt Spedding, Composite Prime was appointed as Regional Chair. With the lack of recent events within this region, the committee are keen to re-engage with local members with some regional events to take place later this year.

South West

The Equipment of the Future event took place following the unfortunate postponement in March. Attendees had a fantastic day in one of Elmtree Garden Contractors’ large fields, trying out machinery and watching demonstrations. Special thanks to the manufacturers in attendance on the day; Iseki, Stihl, Makita, Ego, Revill Mowers, Husqvarna, Kellands and Positec. The South West Regional AGM followed, with the committee keen to hold regular social meet-ups within the region.

“Just what was needed, helps to keep into the landscaping groove with like-minded members and non-members of BALI, to see and try new products and innovation for the future.”

Regional Events

The regions as a whole are all focussed on more member engagement throughout the year, with the benefits of networking with others in the industry being so beneficial.

In February, South Thames held a supplier event at Provender Nurseries, with a tour of their nursery led by the informative, Richard McKenna. This followed with the chance to meet the suppliers; Platipus, Schellevis, Perennial, O’Hare Associates, and Plant Healthy, as well as listening to talks from Barcham Trees, Empathy Rootgrow and Land Pro.

The Midlands got together in March for a visit to British Sugar TOPSOIL’s Newark site.

The day started with an in-depth presentation from Andy Spetch, just prior to his retirement. Andy discussed Landscape 20, a multi-purpose topsoil ideal for landscaping and sports field construction projects. Following the presentation, Andy took everyone on a tour of the amazing site.

North Thames got together in March for a fun, social event at Lea Valley Shooting Association clay pigeon shooting, sponsored by British Sugar TOPSOIL. Split into teams the members enjoyed a competitive afternoon, which saw Dagenham Landscapes ‘The Daggers’ take the trophy.

“After being invited by Kim Campton from British Sugar, Freddie Smith and I came along to the event and were over the moon with the afternoon we had. The weather was on our side, but everyone made us feel very welcome and we made some great connections. We will certainly jump at the chance to attend another event in the future and do all we can to support BALI.” George Davies.

In June, North Thames offered members an exclusive tour of some of Maylim’s most iconic London projects, led by Alistair Bayford, Maylim’s Business Development Director. The day started at Regent’s Plaza, where members explored contemporary structures, seating and bespoke planters. Moving onto the 2022 Grand Award winner – Exchange Square, where the thoughtful planting, water features and green roofing evoked discussions amongst all. The final stop was at Bishops Square, a cosy outdoor area with elephant sculptures and an infinityedged pond filled with lilies, goldfish and koi. Members enjoyed this serene space as natural sounds from the pond filled the area adding a calming end to the day.

John Chambers Wildflower Seed helps transform unused land at National Trust Ormesby Meadow into thriving nature-rich wildflower haven

Ormesby Hall, garden and parklands is set in a 240-acre green oasis in the heart of industrial Middlesbrough. It was home to the Pennyman family for generations before being bequeathed to the care of the National Trust in 1961.

Part of the estate was Ormesby Meadow; a previously unkempt and largely unused field which was essentially overgrown wasteland. The team at Ormesby Hall wanted to revive this and kickstarted a two-year makeover project.

The Project

As a conservation charity, the National Trust are only too aware of the national decline in natural habitats and their approach to land use reflects their aim to restore healthy, beautiful environments that help nature. With Ormesby Meadow the team wanted to create a green oasis and nature-rich haven in the heart of urban Middlesbrough.

In a bid to enhance biodiversity and give the area a complete overhaul, the team decided to create an orchard, a pond and create a wildflower meadow.

They approached John Chambers Wildflower Seed, a brand of Accredited Supplier Green-tech, who listened to their requirements which included a wildflower meadow featuring annuals, perennials, and a small number of grasses. A bespoke wildflower mix was then specifically created for this project. Designed with nearly 30 wildflower species, the mix needed to be colourful and continue to thrive year-on-year.

To ensure effective sowing results, the turf and top few inches of clay soil needed removing to ensure there was minimal competition from other vegetation. With this removed, the seed could be sown onto the bare soil below which increased the chances of successful establishment.

Using a combination of turf cutting machine and a garden tractor, the Ormesby Hall team managed to create four large, cultivated areas ready to be sown with the bespoke wildflower seed mix.

The team then spent a day evenly sowing the mix into the cultivated areas before handraking it into the ground and firming it in using rollers on a ride-on mower.

Products used

The bespoke mix created for this project consisted mainly of perennial wildflower and a small amount of grass seeds but had some annual cornfield seeds added in to give the requested ‘burst of colour’ in the meadow’s first season. This mix promised a healthy, colourful meadow that would attract a variety of wildlife to the area. Some of the perennial species can take a year or two to flower after germinating, so including annuals in a mix is an excellent way of filling in any flowering gaps.

The Outcome

Nick Fraser, Senior Gardener at Ormesby Hall comments; “We had an idea in mind for the wildflower meadow in this area and the advice from the John Chambers Wildflower Seed team really helped make that vision become a reality. The bespoke mix is perfect for what we needed; the meadows have been looking great. We had good late colour from the annuals and some perennials last year. It looked so good we waited until October to cut as there was still colour and lots of insects. This year has been great with waves of different species through the year. As well as all the diverse species, the highlights have been the ox-eye daisies and a sea of wild carrot. We are thrilled with the project and look forward to seeing how it all develops over the coming years.” johnchamberswildflowers.co.uk

John Chambers is part of the Green-tech family