Pro Landscaper May 2013

Concept to Delivery

May 2013

DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

Tranquil Earth

PAVING THE WAY A unique garden in a beautiful woodland setting

Let’s Hear it From...

Adam Frost, of Adam Frost Landscapes

Cover 2.indd 4

Portfolios See how three companies design and implement their projects

RHS Chelsea Flower Show A taste of some of the show gardens at the centenary event

19/04/2013 15:37

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15/04/2013 09:02 10:46 17/04/2013

Concept to Delivery

DESIGN, BU AND MAINTILD, AIN

May 2013

May 2013 | Volume 3, Issue 5

Welcome to May 2013

Tranquil Ea rth

PAVING THE WA Y A unique beautiful wo garden in a odland set ting

Let’s Hea r it Adam Fros From... t, of Adam Fros t Landscap es

Welcome to the May issue of Pro Landscaper, a special edition which celebrates all aspects of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show centenary which is just a few short weeks away…

It’s my first time at the show, and I’m so excited. Chelsea is such a fantastic opportunity for our industry to showcase its creativity, skills, and products. The fact that Chelsea show gardens, product stands and beautiful flower displays are seen by industry peers, the visiting public, not to mention the thousands watching from their TVs at home, makes this the perfect opportunity to shine, and celebrate our industry at its very best. We should all be proud of the incredible work which has been produced at Chelsea, not just the designers, contractors and growers who are involved – this is a hard-earned achievement of which we can all celebrate.

We’ve put together a preview of a selection of the show gardens you can see at the RHS Chelsea Centenary Show starting on page 55.

This month we also spoke to Adam Frost, the passionate, funny, and down-to-earth man responsible for designing this year’s Homebase

EDITORIAL editor@pro-landscaper.co.uk Director – Lisa Wilkinson lisa.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 234 077

ADVERTISING Business Development Manager Jamie Wilkinson Jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 234 077

Editorial Assistant – Rose Hales rose.hales@eljays44.com

Senior Sales Executive – Luke Chaplin luke.chaplin@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 234 077

Equipment Editor – Joe Wilkinson joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 234 077

Sales Executive – Sophie Abbott sophie.abbott@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 234 077

EDITORIAL ADVISORY PANEL Mark Gregory Chairman of APL and Landform Consultants Sam Hassall LandPRO Ltd Russell Eales Lawn care expert Karl Harrison Decking expert

Accounts/Admin Assistant – Ellie Downes ellie.downes@eljays44.com accounts@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 234 077 Managing Director – Jim Wilkinson jim.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 234 077 GENERAL ENQUIRIES Tel: 01903 234 077

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

First page.indd 3

Portfolio s See how three com and impleme panies desi gn nt their proje cts

RHS Che lsea Flow er Show A taste of gardens atsome of the show the centenar y event

Chelsea is such a fantastic opportunity for our industry to showcase its creativity, skills and products garden at Chelsea; plus business tips from our regular contributors, green roof features, and more.

Enjoy reading the magazine, and see you all at Chelsea…

Rose Hales P.S. Check out the third in a series of eight tips on sustainable landscaping from Janine Pattison on page 23, this month increasing the sustainability of a garden during the construction time.

MANAGEMENT Managing Director Jim Wilkinson Director Lisa Wilkinson

PRODUCTION Design: Kara Thomas

Business Development Manager Jamie Wilkinson

Printed by Pensord Press Ltd, Gwent, UK

CIRCULATION Subscription enquiries: lisa.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 234 077 Pro Landscaper is published 12 times per year by Eljays44 Ltd. The 2013 subscription price is £95.00. Subscription records are maintained at Eljays44 Ltd, County House, 3 Shelley Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 1TT, UK. Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Eljays44 Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, uncommissioned photographs or manuscripts.

Published by ©Eljays44 Ltd – Business Intelligence

Business intelligence

Eljays44 Ltd County House, 3 Shelley Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 1TT Tel: 01903 234 077

The Association of

Professional Landscapers

Pro Landscaper is proud to be an affiliate member of BALI

Pro Landscaper is proud to be an associate member of The APL

May 2013

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Contents

May 2013 6 News Shed Round up of industry news

10 Three Peaks Extreme Challenge A closer look at the members of the team and their motivations

Cycling through the UK’s scenery whilst raising money for a good cause, made it an easy decision

Ed Belderbos

13 View from the Top Phil Jones, Managing Director of ISS Facility Services Landscaping discusses how industry leaders can work together to improve Health & Safety

15 Association News The Raymond Blanc National Heritage Garden Competition, the entries selected for the APL’s ‘Low Cost, High Impact’ gardens, and BALI at Chelsea

72

BUSINESS TIPS

20 The Costs of Planting Sam Hassall of LandPro Ltd continues calculating the costs of planting in planting beds

23 Sustainable Landscaping Delivery Concept to

May 2013

LD, DESIGN, BUI IN AND MAINTA

Janine Pattison’s third part in the series looking at reusing, reducing, and recycling during construction

25 The Point of Chelsea Andrew Wilson on the phenomenon that is the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

26 Let it Breathe – Let it Grow

18

rth Tranquil Ea

PAVING THE WAY den in a A unique gar dland setting beautiful woo

it From...

Let’s Hear , Adam Frost Landscapes of Adam Frost

4

May 2013

Contents.indd 4

design Portfolios companies See how three their projects and implement

Flower Show RHS Chelsea of the show event A taste of some the centenary gardens at

Angus Lindsay on what can be done to alleviate the risk of flooding

30 Halogen or LED? Simon Sales of Landscapeplus looks at the available options in garden lighting

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Contents

AND THERE’S MORE...

52 Plantsman’s Plot Popular plants from nurseries around the country

www.prolandscapermagazine.com Read everything from up-to-date news to the digital version of the magazine

55 Chelsea Preview We take a closer look at 16 RHS Chelsea Flower Show gardens for the centenary event

62 Latest Kit Latest products, kit, and sculptures to see at Chelsea, and arboriculture latest kit

68 Green Roofs

and Living Walls Six unusual places for green roofs and living walls to be installed

Lindum Turf, growers of specialist turf in York, North Yorkshire

76 Trading With Rigby Taylor, producing turf fertiliser products for professional landscapers

I hope the design will inspire people to get growing and enjoy their garden

Adam Frost

We spoke to Adam Frost, designer of this year’s Homebase garden at RHS Chelsea

LinkedIn Join the Pro Landscaper group to make connections with colleagues

ARE YOU GOING?

21–25 Chelsea Flower Show, Royal Hospital, London www.rhs.org.uk

41 Relaxing Retreat James Bird Landscapes Ltd created a contemporary and low maintenance space for an architect client

JUNE 12-16 BBC Gardeners’ World Live, NEC, Birmingham www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com

44 Curve Appeal Tranquil Earth Landscapes BALI award winning garden in the Weald of Kent

14-15 The ARB Show, Bathurst Estate, Cirencester www.trees.org.uk

48 Chelsea Chic

Contents.indd 5

Facebook Check out the Facebook page to comment and view photo albums

09–12 Malvern Spring Gardening Show, Malvern www.rhs.org.uk

PORTFOLIOS

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Twitter @prolandscaperJW Join in the conversation on Twitter

MAY 01-02 ICF National Conference, Glasgow Hilton Glasgow Grosvenor Hotel www.charteredforesters.org

35 Let’s Hear It From

An APL award winning commercial new build scheme in Chelsea,

by Acre Landscapes Ltd

CONTRACTORS A RCHITECTS Landscape Hub ARCHITECTS GARDENERS LANDSCAPERS CONTRACTORS ARCHITECTS www.landscapehub.co.uk Landscape HUB GARDENERS CONTRACTORS ARCHITECTS Visit, join and debate within LANDSCAPERS DESIGNERS A the landscape community

www.futurescapeevent.com Save the date – 19 November 2013

70 Site Tour

35

Download the Pro Landscaper App Available FREE from the App Store

48

25-26 HTA National Plant Show, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth www.nationalplantshow.co.uk

May 2013

5

22/04/2013 09:53

News Shed

NEWS SHED V&A gets living roof for wildlife Wildlife charity Buglife – The Invertebrate Conservation Trust, are due to start work on a living roof project at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in central London.

Funding from Western Riverside Environment Fund – a partnership between Western Riverside Waste Authority and Groundwork UK, will see an area of the existing roof transformed into a wildflower meadow to provide food and shelter for wildlife including bees, butterflies and moths.

The roof will boast a wildflower meadow with nectar and pollen rich plants, areas of bare ground for invertebrates to bask and burrow as well as piles of deadwood for mini-beasts to shelter and feed upon.

The living roof at the V&A will be designed by

The Green Roof Consultancy.

Dusty Gedge of The Green Roof Consultancy said “We hope that installing a green roof on such an iconic building in central London will raise the profile of these important urban habitats for wildlife. The living roof will also include wetland features and we will be recording the species that use these areas.” www.buglife.org.uk

Gavin Jones Group secures BP landscaping contract Gavin Jones Ltd is pleased to announce their most recent new contract win for hard and soft landscaping. The company has secured a deal on phase 3 of BP’s International Centre for business and technology in Sunbury.

The deal reflects the success of the continuing relationship between the companies following successful phase 1 & 2 completion; including major improvements on the original design, incorporating many sustainability and biodiversity projects.

Gavin Jones’ Divisional Manager Kevin White commented, “Over the last year we have been working hard towards securing these opportunities and Phase 3 has been awarded to us on the basis of our previous performances. Our in-house designer,

Matt Cairns, has been working tirelessly on design revisions to BP for approval and Contracts Manager, Wayne Trundle has done an excellent job of supervising the previous two phases to very demanding health and safety standards”. www.gavinjones.co.uk

New BBC show pairs gardening and cooking BBC2 is understood to be on the brink of commissioning a series based around the idea of ‘kitchen gardeners’ – people who grow and cook their own produce. Eight pairs of contestants will go head to head in the format, in which they will create and manage an allotment over a period of six months in a bid

to produce homemade goods, and their work will be judged by professional horticulturists in the same way that Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry oversee the efforts of budding bakers in BBC2 hit The Great British Bake Off. www.bbc.co.uk/bbctwo

Garden Planters & Urns Giant Boxes, Troughs & Cylinders available

www.roundwood.com Tel: 01435 867 072 OAK & DECKING PRODUCTS | OAK FRAMED BUILDINGS | HOME & GARDEN FEATURES

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News Shed

eFIG members celebrate their achievements At the annual eFIG Awards, sponsored by Koberg BV, 48 awards were presented to recognise members’ great designs, careful maintenance, personal achievements and special events. Carole Plukaard presented the winners with their trophies including a Judge’s Commendation. This special award went to Urban Planters Oxfordshire for their high quality maintenance and care of the installation at thecentre:mk. Judge Nicola Bristow (a Horticultural Advisor for the Royal Horticultural Society) commented,

“I was so impressed with the maintenance that Urban Planters have carried out since taking over the scheme at the thecentre:mk.

Their outstanding dedication to improving the area deserves a special mention. It is a real achievement worthy of this Award.”

Indoor Garden Design Ltd walked away with 15 Gold Leaf Awards, five for Special Events, a new category.

Their creative director Ian Drummond commented, “Special events have become an increasingly important aspect of Indoor Garden Design’s business, and we are thrilled to have had so many of our projects recognised by eFIG. We had a great night at the Awards and I’m delighted that IGD’s world-class reputation was further enhanced by our wins!” www.efig.eu.com

British horticulturists honoured at RHS Awards

The RHS Awards ceremony has recognised those dedicated to horticulture with the highest accolade of the RHS – the Victoria Medal of Honour (VMH) – being awarded to Nigel Colborn (above) and Brian Humphrey (right). The VMH is awarded to British horticulturists whom the RHS Council considers deserving of special honour.

Nigel Colborn has been a member of various RHS committees.

He also presented Gardeners’ World on the BBC and is a regular panellist on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time. Brian Humphrey trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and worked for Hillier Nurseries and Notcutts Nurseries before running his own nursery. In 1988 he received an OBE for his services to horticulture.

Young horticulturists awarded the Master of Horticulture, the Society’s most prestigious professional horticultural qualification were John Moore, Nick Lightfoot and Tanya Silverton. Lucas Hatch, from St Mary’s CEVA Primary School in Woodbridge,

Suffolk was awarded Young School Gardener of the Year.

Elizabeth Banks President of the RHS said “It is so great to see not only those that have spent a lifetime dedicated to horticulture awarded, but also students who will be the next generation to continue this exceptional work in the field of horticulture.” www.rhs.org.uk

NURSERY NEWS Hortus Loci: Suppliers for Chelsea The 2013 Chelsea Flower Show will again have a significant Hortus Loci stamp of excellence with tens of thousands of the plants supplied for the top show gardens, smaller gardens and many of the star trade stands. Hortus Loci are growing for world class landscape architects Robert Myers, Nigel Dunnett and Chris Beardshaw and celebrated garden designer Jinny Blom who is designing Prince Harry’s Sentebale charity garden. RHS judge Andrew Wilson knows a thing or two about plants and he and design partner Gavin McWilliam have asked Hortus Loci to source and grow the plants for their Cloudy Bay ‘Fresh Garden’. Mark Straver’s expertise in sourcing and growing plants from the four corners of the earth is legendary and Robin Wallis’s skills at finding those all-important ‘designer specials’ that emerge as the most desirable plants of the show, make Hortus Loci the go-to wholesale nursery. Precision logistics ensure deliveries to the showground run like clockwork.

Currently a hectare of land at Hortus Loci is planted up with more than 400 species of plants for Chelsea Flower Show 2013.

www.hortusloci.co.uk

Hardwood Decking

Ipe • Balau • Oak • Garapa • Larch Components • Fastenings

www.roundwood.com Tel: 01435 867 072 OAK & DECKING PRODUCTS | OAK FRAMED BUILDINGS | HOME & GARDEN FEATURES

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News Shed

NEWS IN BRIEF Register for Landscape Institute Awards

Registration is open now until the 30 April for the 2013 Landscape Institute Awards. The ceremony takes place on 21 November 2013. www.landscapeinstitute.org

Equipment Editor for Pro Landscaper

Joe Wilkinson has been appointed Equipment Editor of Pro Landscaper. He will be working closely with all of the major machinery and kit suppliers to bring up to date news on anything equipment related. Follow him on twitter:@ProLanKit.

Civic Trust Award for Olympic Park

LDA Design & Hargreaves Asssociates have won a Civic Trust Award for the Olympic Park, Masterplan and Parklands development.

LiberRATE 4 Released LiberRATE Estimating has announced the release of its version 4 software, which has been the standard for landscape estimating first appeared in 1992 where it won an award for innovation. www.landpro.co.uk

RHS Plant finder 2013 Compiled and published by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), RHS Plant Finder 2013 lists more than 75,000 plants together with details for more than 550 suppliers, and is the most comprehensive directory of plants available to buy from ]UK and Irish nurseries.

The top new entries appearing this year are: 1 Geranium ‘Azure Rush’

2 Cirsium rivulare ‘Trevor’s Blue Wonder’ Rosa BOSCOBEL (‘Auscousin’) 4 Choisya x dewitteana ‘Aztec Gold’ Rosa HEATHCLIFF (‘Ausnipper’) Rosa TRANQUILLITY (‘Ausnoble’) 7 Clematis CHELSEA (‘Evipo100’) Hydrangea aspera ‘Hot Chocolate’ Leucanthemum x superbum FREAK! (‘Leuz0001’) Rosa THE LARK ASCENDING (‘Ausursula’) RHS Plant Finder 2013 is available to order online at www.rhs.org.uk/shopping and in all good bookshops.

First new public park to be created in Edinburgh for 10 years Buttercup Farm Park will be the first public park to be created in Edinburgh since the turn of the millennium.The design was drawn up following local consultation and the name, Buttercup Farm Park, was chosen by the community to reflect the site’s history. In the early 20th Century it was the location of Buttercup Poultry Farm, which was the UK’s largest poultry farm at the time with over 200,000 laying hens.

The park will be completed in two phases, starting in the summer with the building of pathways – a central avenue and circular path bordering the site.The Dunblane Memorial trees will also be reinstated and seating areas and play equipment for toddlers will be built.The second phase, due to start in 2014/15, will include the installation of an outdoor gym, ball court, play facilities for older children and a central art feature.

Contract Mobilises for Warwick District Council The Landscape Group’s initial eight year contract with Warwick District Council has now commenced. The new team arrived for their induction programmes with a positive attitude and ready to take on new challenges as part of The Landscape Group team.

Assistant Operations Director, Paul Slack, comments: “The new contract with Warwick District Council is very exciting.

The contract covers an area filled with beauty spots, including five major parks that are of high local importance.

In addition, our teams will be maintaining a number of green spaces within housing areas, along roads, roundabouts and highways. We have an extensive fleet of new vehicles, resources and machinery at the team’s disposal to enable them to work as efficiently as possible.”

The Landscape Group will work closely with Warwick District Council to ensure that the area’s existing accreditations and facilities are upheld and will develop management plans for other parks to achieve Green Flag status. www.thelandscapegroup.co.uk

Oak Framed Buildings

Garages • Gazebos • Dining Areas Outbuildings • Smoking Shelters

www.roundwood.com Tel: 01435 867 072 OAK & DECKING PRODUCTS | OAK FRAMED BUILDINGS | HOME & GARDEN FEATURES

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Seats

Litter Bins

Bollards

Shelters

Studs

Cycle Stands

Signage

Tree Protection

Benches

The food’s t look nothing special bu es! at these new bench

Balustrades & Railings Stainless Steel Poles

Street Furniture.

It doesn’t have to be boring.

At Gatic, our involvement in urban development schemes has shown us that it is all too easy to spoil the appeal of the whole job by choosing mundane or inappropriate street furniture.

We thought it was time to change all this, so we gave our designers a free hand to create something more interesting.

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If you can design it, we can make it. We prefer to work with only the best, corrosion resistant (316) stainless steel and rugged machined Iroko hardwood to withstand with the famous British weather but will consider other materials, if appropriate.

Our new BenchMark range

Bump Rails

If on the other hand, you’d rather leave the designing to others, you can choose from our Benchmark range. This stylish collection includes every conceivable street furniture requirement and is based on an attractive oval section.

To find out more or to discuss a project with one of our advisors, please visit www.gatic.com or call our StreetWise team on +44 (0)1304 203545

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Door Barriers

Kerbing

Internal Bollards

Cladding

Rosettes

Skirting

Corner Guards

Specialised Engineering. Special Advice.

12/10/2012 09:08 13:57 17/04/2013

Managing Director, Norris & Gardiner Ltd “The Challenge is both a focus for my fitness, and a great Richard Gardiner opportunity to spend time with industry colleagues – together we can be greater than the sum of our parts and achieve something for a great cause.”

Managing Director, Outdoor Options Ltd “Without doubt the ultimate motivation is the benefit it will bring to others in Brian Herbert our industry.

Secondly, the strength of the team spirit makes organising this event a true pleasure.

It will be a test of endurance, but also immensely enjoyable.”

Three Peaks Extreme Challenge Pro Landscaper takes a closer look at the members of the Three Peaks 2013 Extreme Team, asking what motivated each of them to take part in the challenge.

Keep up to date with all the latest news about the challenge at www.prolandscapermagazine.com/landscaper/threepeaks

Managing Director, John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance “As well as sponsorship our job is to bring as Matt O’Conner much publicity and interest to Perennial as possible, the work that they carry out for people in our industry is colossal, and often on a shoestring budget.”

Managing Director, Belderbos Landscapes “The challenge, camaraderie, and the fact that whilst we are Ed Belderbos cycling through some of the best scenery in the UK, we are raising money for a great cause meant it was an easy decision to join the team.”

Owner/Director, Crowder’s Nurseries “The opportunity to combine some cycling and hillwalking, and raise Robert Crowder money for charity, is appealing for me. It is a genuine challenge (at my age!) and a motivator for me to get really active this year.”

Crowder’s Nurseries “I’m always up for a challenge, and this year I have entered a marathon and an ultra-marathon as Cora Crowder well as the Three Peaks Extreme. I have a lot of training and practice to do – and a bike to buy!”

Managing Director, Oak View Landscapes Ltd “My main reasons are firstly to support Perennial and their work, Paul Downer and secondly to increase my fitness levels. I quickly said yes to Brian’s idea, then reflected and thought ‘what the hell have I done!’ but hey winners never quit!”

Marketing & Events, Provender Nurseries “Having been completely and utterly press ganged and duped into joining by Richard Liz Hughes at the BALI Awards 2012, I thought once he had sobered up he wouldn’t remember our conversation…he did!

Raising money for Perennial is something of which I am immensely proud and happy.”

Tree Care Manager, Gavin Jones Ltd “I was mainly motivated by my desire to prevent boredom, improve my fitness, reduce Simon Cox drinking, and do something stupid and potentially painful – it turns out these goals have led to doing something good for an exceptionally good cause.”

We’ll be following up on more of the people taking part next month so watch this space. If you’re interested in taking part please email 3peaksextreme@ gmail.com for more information. If you would like to pledge your support to the team please either email editor@ pro-landscaper.co.uk, or alternatively you can text NUTS67 and £5 to 70070 to make a donation. Keep up to date via Twitter @peaksextreme and Facebook 3PE. Good luck to all involved!

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www.prolandscapermagazine.com

19/04/2013 09:02

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New London Stone Identity Over the winter we have been working hard behind the scenes to refresh our corporate identity and are proud to now officially launch, our new brand. Our new brand reflects our values of innovation and our commitment to constantly developing & improving our business to meet the needs of our customers.

New South East London Branch We are proud to announce that our new South East London showroom is now open. Our complete range of sawn & bespoke paving is on display at the new showroom, located at Coolings Garden Centre in Knockholt, Kent. We look forward to welcoming landscape contractors & garden designers.

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never stop.

17/04/2013 09:13 12/02/2013 16:31

News Extra

View from the Top

Phil Jones asks: can industry leaders work together and share information in order to improve Health & Safety across the whole industry?

When it comes to Health & Safety how does your business compare with your competitors and with the industry? I am happy to bet that the only answer you can give is ‘I don’t know!’

So why do I ask? Well, I always want to be able to see how my business performs against a) our competitors and b) the industry.

To that end, over the last few months I have been talking to various existing and potential customers, industry and subject matter experts, and BALI about our role (by ‘our’ I mean the collective leaders in the land based industry) in leading behavioural change in the way we, as leaders, allow ourselves to be portrayed in striving to keep our staff safe. Guess what I have found? A lack of any coordinated information (well, a lack of ANY information actually) which would allow anyone undertaking this task to set a context for improvement.

Within our industry we will have best-in-class performances as well as those we would not be proud of when it comes to reporting incidents or accidents, near misses or near hits (whichever term you wish to use).

The only target that can be set as an ‘acceptable’ number of accidents is zero; even one accident is too many! However, in determining the areas on which to focus

ty for the ISS receiving a RoSPA (Royal Socie in 2012 Prevention of Accidents) Gold Award

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

View from the top.indd 13

increased training and development, there has to be real time data available – there must also be a desire to seek to benchmark performance against similar operations in the same industry.

Does anyone else concern themselves with how we are collectively seen by the market we are working in – be it public sector or private clients? It is almost certainly the case that we only focus on our own businesses when it comes to

The only target that can be set as an ‘acceptable’ number of accidents is zero safety, which is understandable and should be our main priority. Nevertheless, is there an advantage to being seen as an industry that has a high regard for safety? Well, yes, absolutely!

What are those advantages then? First and foremost, an understanding of the common causes of accidents across the whole industry will help to target existing weak areas and help our industry training bodies to focus on priorities, rather than just deliver a general menu of training. However there is much more to achieve than this. Imagine if we could demonstrate to our respective markets – private, commercial and public sector – not just a coordinated approach, but real live accident statistics. Could our trade associations publish up-to-date information on the industry, which would demonstrate they know what is going on, but also further strengthen the case for engaging with land based companies that belong to a trade association with a real focus on safety?

We could not only represent our industry to greater effect, but could demonstrate to the

wider world, as well as our staff, that we are ALL taking their safety and that of those we come into contact with very seriously.

When did you last see or hear any of our representative bodies helping us in this way? Yet, if you look at other sectors such as manufacturing, waste, construction and petrochemicals the information is readily available; not only that, but it is also used to differentiate those who comply from those who do not have a high regard for safety.

To move forward in this we need to share information via our trade associations, and rely on them to coordinate such data for our collective benefit. If I were a betting man, I would wager there will be few prepared to share this information; I’m willing to be challenged on that, especially if I’m wrong and we could actually achieve real change.

It could be that one of our trade associations wants to be the first to produce some meaningful research and coordinate the effort.

Is anyone up for the challenge and prepared to contribute?

ABOUT PHIL JONES Phil Jones is Managing Director of ISS Facility Services Landscaping and is based at the company’s head office in Woking, Surrey. He gained an HND in landscape construction and moved into grounds maintenance early on in his career, further gaining an MBA. He has been with the company since 1987 and as well as running the landscaping business he also sits on the UK operational management board of ISS Facility Services. www.isslandscaping.co.uk Follow Phil Jones @philjonesISS Follow ISS Landscaping @ISSLandscaping

May 2013

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17/04/2013 09:15

Association News – BALI

BALI briefing Chelsea magic

B

ALI is exhibiting at Chelsea this year on stand FR36 in the Fresh area of the show.

The beautiful contemporary stand cum garden showcases the design and construction expertise of BALI members and displays exquisite plants and products from BALI supplier members.

Our Chelsea 2013 stand is designed to be intriguing and encourage people through the space.

The backdrop to the covered area is a living ivy wall and this welcoming space, which is an extension of the open garden to the front, allows visitors to view a portfolio of BALI members’ work. The different curved lines of the paving and seating throughout the stand loosely echo the curves of the BALI logo. Fluidity is maintained as the curves break off, and then continue on set radii.

The materials used are contemporary in style, providing clean, crisp edges and surfaces. Black limestone paving abuts resin-bound gravel, complementing the slate used to face selected wall areas. Curved seating is positioned to provide intimate areas that allow visitors to sit and enjoy the architectural planting, enhanced by the innovative use of LED garden lighting. Woven natural oak panelling provides interest and a sensitive backdrop to the planted area. Two stunning Gingko biloba trees provide dappled shade and add to the almost prehistoric feel that the unusual planting scheme creates. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

BALI.indd 15

The BALI stand would not have been possible without the grit and determination of our designer, Charlotte Murrell.

Based in Hampshire and working throughout London and the Home Counties, Charlotte has a passion for designing beautiful, functional outdoor spaces, from contemporary to traditional, ranging from large scale gardens to urban courtyards. She combines her passion for design with her love of materials and planting, to ensure she

creates a unique scheme tailored to each client’s style of living. www.charlottemurrell.co.uk Charlotte uses Vectorworks Landmark CAD design software, the industry standard for garden designers, landscape architects

and urban planners. Her design for the BALI stand was created using this software, which is available in the UK only through BALI Affiliates Computers Unlimited. www.unlimited.com/3ddesign

and maintenance, creating imaginative and stunning gardens. www.transformlandscapes.co.uk

and for some of the most famous designers in the country; they are winners of many RHS medals. www.theoutdoorroom.co.uk

Image courtesy of Helen Balls, Vectorworks (Computers Unlimited)

Our BALI stand designer

Our BALI stand construction team:

Nigel Jeffries Landscapes Ltd, based in Surrey for over 27 years and with an impressive portfolio of landscaping schemes successfully carried out for discerning clients across Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hampshire. www.nigel-jeffries.co.uk Transform Landscape Design and Construction Ltd, established in 1988 and working across the southern Home Counties, are dedicated to providing the very best in garden design, construction

Our BALI stand product suppliers:

Black Limestone paving and Tier thin slate panel walling system supplied by CED, leading suppliers of natural stone. www.ced.ltd.uk Permeable resin bound paving ‘BALI Bloom’ designed by SureSet UK. www.sureset.co.uk Contemporary landscape edging supplied by Exceledge from Kinley Systems, available in steel, aluminium or plastic, for lawn, landscape, path, border and paving edging. www.exceledge.co.uk

E Williams Landscapes Ltd is based in the New Forest and operates across the South of England, working closely with clients, designers and contractors to create superb landscapes. www.ewilliamslandscaping.co.uk The Outdoor Room creates beautiful gardens to its own design

Trees and plants supplied by Provender Nurseries, based in Swanley, Kent, trade suppliers of top quality plants, soils, composts and related horticultural sundries. www.provendernurseries.co.uk Living ivy wall supplied by Scotscape, landscape contractors with expertise in living walls, green roof construction, Biotop natural pools, landscape maintenance and irrigation systems. www.scotscape.net LED lighting supplied by Landscapeplus, leading trade suppliers of professional

Quadron Services Limited has an excellent reputation for providing high quality grounds maintenance services to local authority and public/private sector clients across the South of England. www.quadronservices.co.uk

garden lighting, irrigation, pond and associated structural wiring products in the UK. www.landscapeplus.com Woven natural oak fencing panel supplied by Quercus® UK, manufacturers and suppliers of unique woven natural oak straight or curved fencing, and matching planters and obelisks. www.quercusfencing.co.uk Artificial grass supplied by Namgrass, designers and manufacturers of artificial grass. www.namgrass.co.uk

May 2013

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18/04/2013 10:15

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05/04/2013 09:21 11:54 17/04/2013

Association News – SGD

The Raymond Blanc National Heritage Garden Competition in partnership with the SGD and Garden Organic

R

for the new heritage fruit and aymond Blanc, one of the vegetable garden. The winning UK’s best-loved chefs, is design will be chosen for its ability joining forces with the to create a perfectly integrated Society of Garden Designers and eco system and will include established charity Garden consideration of its carbon Organic to launch a new footprint and organic varieties two-part competition. of fruit, vegetables and herbs.

The Raymond Blanc National The successful designer will be Heritage Garden Competition at responsible for the Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons overall planning and will invite Registered planting and for Members of the overseeing the Society to design building of a new heritage the garden, vegetable garden working at the home of alongside his two Michelin the team at star restaurant Le Manoir.

Le Manoir aux The second Quat’Saisons in phase will call Oxfordshire. In addition, Raymond Blanc on entrants from a new national scholarship OBE around the UK to apply scheme will be launched for a scholarship at Le Manoir. at Le Manoir.

The winning apprentice will be The competition has been offered a work placement at conceived to raise awareness of the Oxfordshire venue and have organic gardening methods and the importance of preserving knowledge the opportunity to observe and participate in the process of and protecting the heritage varieties designing, building and planning the that were once the foundations prestigious new Heritage Garden, of our British fruit and vegetable working alongside the winning gardens, something that the charity designer member from the Society Garden Organic have been striving and the team at Le Manoir. The to achieve for many years. aim of the scholarship will be to The designer phase of the provide the winner with the skills competition invites Registered to grow a career in gardening Members of the SGD to submit and horticulture. a master plan and planting plan 18

SGD.indd 18

May 2013

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons

Chair of the Society of Garden Designers, Juliet Sargeant, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for an MSGD to be part of an inspiring and long-lasting heritage design project. The SGD exists to promote excellence in garden design and we are delighted to be working with the skilled teams of Le Manoir and Garden Organic to inspire our new generation of garden makers.”

Expansive estate The gardens at Le Manoir are as much a part of the visitor experience as the renowned food and service. The estate is part of a conservation area which sits in green belt land. The 20acre grass field and two-acre vegetable and herb gardens are certified as organic. The remaining five and a half acres are ornamental gardens.

A team of eight skilled gardeners runs the estate and the kitchen garden, which produces over 90 types of vegetables and 70 herbs, supplies the restaurant with its daily needs for eight months of the year.

Commenting on the launch of the competition Raymond Blanc

said “This competition will not only create awareness and reward the immense skill and knowledge of gardeners and garden designers; it will also highlight the work by Garden Organic to safeguard rare varieties that were once the mainstay of our British gardens.”

The garden design competition is open to SGD Registered Members only and closes on Friday 28 June. Designers need to register their interest to enter before Friday 24 May and briefing visits to both Le Manoir and Garden Organic are available to book for Registered Members interested in entering. An entry form can be downloaded with the competition criteria and full terms & conditions from the SGD website www.sgd.org.uk For information about the scholarship programme, please visit www.manoir.com/ heritagegarden or email: garden. scholar@blanc.co.uk. The closing date for the first stage of entry into the scholarship programme is Monday 22 July 2013. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

18/04/2013 10:20

Association News – APL

Announcing

‘Low Cost, High Impact’ Gardens

The Association of

Professional Landscapers

at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2013

A

fter the fantastic response to the category last year the RHS and APL are delighted to announce the entries selected for this year’s ‘Low Cost, High Impact’ gardens at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 9-14 July 2013.

The ‘Low Cost, High Impact’ category, introduced for the first time last year, allows APL members to demonstrate their skills, providing visitors with ideas for achievable and believable gardens with a wow factor, based on a fixed budget for hard landscaping, plant material and labour.

This year a total of four gardens have been selected to showcase what can be achieved for £7,000, £13,000 and £15,000 (x2).

The winning gardens, which were announced at the APL Awards, are:● £7k Budget – ‘In at the Deep End’ Designer: Peter Cowell Contractor: Living Gardens Ltd ‘In at the Deep End’ is inspired by gardens with disproportionate levels, where changing levels are problematic, or where drainage is almost non-existent, and thus conventional design would be difficult to achieve. This garden shows just one way of making better use of such an area with ‘sunken plants’ and ‘floating’ paving and steps. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

APL.indd 19

● £13k Budget – RHS Plants for Pollinators project Designer: Caspian Roberts Contractor: Surrey Gardens ‘Plants for Pollinators’ is an ecological space for insects, birds and other wildlife. It is designed to flood in heavy rainfall, and allow water to slowly permeate into the soil.The garden was inspired by the work undertaken by the RHS Plants for Bugs project, a partner in the project. ● £15k Budget – ‘A Room with a View’ Designer: Mike Harvey Contractor:Arun Landscapes This garden consists of a secluded, raised seating area with a view, with muted tones of weathered oak and a rusty ‘curtain’ combining with the greens, browns, whites and greys of the planting.

The raised slope area is created by the client disposing soil from a house extension excavation – demonstrating an innovative way of reducing waste from projects. ● £15k Budget – ‘Mid-Century Modern’ Designer: Adele Ford and Susan Willmott Contractor: Outdoor Creations ‘Mid Century Modern’ is a contemporary interpretation of a 1950s theme which will feature

shapes, patterns and colours from fifties advertising. It will incorporate a large central feature with hanging furniture and bold, large-leaved structural plants to complement the bold, bright design of the garden.

In addition to the four ‘Low Cost, High Impact’ gardens, the APL area at Hampton Court will also feature a demonstration garden. Here members of the APL will provide practical demonstrations of key tasks such as turf laying, planting borders and laying decking.

APL Chairman Mark Gregory comments, “This year’s four gardens provide such a wealth of ideas which in turn will give visitors to the show inspiration, I am sure.

Together with the demonstration area it provides APL members with a fantastic opportunity to showcase their skills to a wide audience and engage with visitors to the show.”

cost, high impact garden designed

by Paul Hervey-Brookes. It will be built by a collaboration of the founder members of the APL North West cluster group – Andy Kirman of Kirman Design, Simon Ford and Steve Foxcroft of Foxcroft Landscapes, Steven Hargreaves of Seasonal Landscapes, and Michael Topp of Vision Landscapes.

APL co-ordinator role for Phil Tremayne HTA regional account manager for the south east, Phil Tremayne, is taking on the role of APL co-ordinator. This recognises the role that Phil has played in developing a number of successful APL cluster groups in the south east. Whilst continuing his regional account duties Phil will be working with the rest of the regional team to develop and facilitate other cluster groups across the country. You can get in touch with him by emailing phil.tremayne@the-hta.org.uk

APL at RHS Tatton Park Flower Show APL and Bradstone will have a presence at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show this year with a low May 2013

19

18/04/2013 10:18

Business Tips

The costs of planting in planting beds ● You know how it is when you are setting out mass plantings – you take a piece of wood cut to the required length in your hand and measure the rows centre to centre? ● You know how it is when although you thought you’d calculated how many plants you need, but then you don’t have enough (or you have too many)?

Why is that? Are you setting out the plants in the way you priced them at tender time, or are you setting them out to lose yourself your hard earned cash?

There are a few ways in which plant quantities are calculated.

There is only one correct system that is correct for the estimator.

Objective The designer wants a constant distance between the plants of, say, 500mm...

1

the wrong way This is where you calculate the plant quantities based on the square of the distance between the plants. I have often seen designers and contractors use the incorrect square method.

This is where you calculate the plant quantities based on the square of the distance between the plants. I have often seen designers and contractors use the incorrect square method.

This calculation works like this: a designer specifies planting to an area at 500mm centres.To work out the plant quantity multiply the square of the distance divided into one, for example: 1/(0.5x0.5) = 1/0.25 = 4 plants per m² or if the planting centres are at 450 mm 1/ (.45x.45) = 1/ .2025 = 4.93 plants per m².

But this is incorrect.

As you can see the vertical and horizontal distances are correct but the diagonal distances are too large. If you have calculated in this way an astute designer may demand that you dig up and replace your plants with the correct spacing.

2

the correct way

The following diagram shows a similar 1m² area with the plants at the correct layout and giving the correct spacing in all directions.

As you can clearly see the plants are spaced at 500mm centres on a diagonal grid. The plant spacing is 500mm from centre to centre at any point. With this system there are more plants per m². On average the factor to apply is 12.5 per cent. (Let’s call this the ‘Hassall Factor’.)

Have you allowed for this in your costings?

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May 2013

Sam Hasall.indd 20

All items shown at cost – allow for profit The analyses performed within this article are only examples – readers are therefore responsible for the accuracy of their final calculations www.prolandscapermagazine.com

18/04/2013 10:25

Business Tips

3

plant sizes and costs

The following table shows the approximate correct number of plants for a planted area where the plants are planted to the extents of the planting area. There will always be an unplanted area along the perimeter of the bed. In your calculations you should decrease your area by the (length of perimeter) x (½ the planting centres).

For example: the bed is 100m², planting distances are 450mm and the perimeter of the bed is 40m: thus, the final available planting area is 100 - 40 x .225mm = 91m².

This table shows the costs of plant supply of various plant sizes to planting beds in £/m².

The column marked “correct calc” is shown to highlight the differences between the rectangular calculation and the offset calculation. The column “% diff” shows the difference between the rectangular calculation and the correct calculation; (the Hassall Factor). The “correct calc” has the Hassall Factor shown applied.

Price per m2 Plant costs/m £

Bedding

2

Planting centres

Square calc.

150

44.4

250 300 400

Herbc’s

2 Litre

3 Litre

5 Litre

10 Litre

25 Litre

0.25

1.50

2.80

3.50

7.50

14.50

40.00

13.44

80.67

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

39.20

-

-

-

-

21.18

26.47

56.72

-

-

10.13

18.90

23.63

50.63

-

-

-

12.60

15.75

33.75

65.25

-

-

-

9.80

12.25

26.25

50.75

140.00

-

-

7.28

9.10

19.50

37.70

104.00

% diff

Correct calc.

21%

53.8

16.0

28%

20.5

5.13

30.75

11.111

26%

14.0

3.50

21.00

6.3

21%

7.6

1.89

11.34

450

4.9

37%

6.8

1.69

500

4.0

13%

4.5

-

600

2.8

26%

3.5

750

1.8

46%

2.6

900

1.2

38%

1.7

-

-

4.76

5.95

12.75

24.65

68.00

1000

1.0

43%

1.4

-

-

-

-

10.73

20.74

57.20

1250

0.6

25%

0.8

-

-

-

-

6.00

11.60

32.00

1500

0.4

26%

0.6

-

-

-

-

-

-

22.40

Examples: (for a 10m² area): The following examples refer to both this and last month’s cost investigations Preparations only Prepare planting area: cultivate cleared area by rotavator; rake to level; add compost by barrow and cultivate into soil by rotavator and leave area ready to receive plants

35.24

As above but materials moved by dumper on site

21.35

As above but hand cultivation

50.44

Planting only for 10m² as part of a larger scheme (add to the above)

final comments

Nursery visit; select plants, offload and barrow; set out and plant 2L plants at 300 centres

442.14

5L plants at 400 centres

289.71

5L plants at 600 centres

224.99

For planting costs please refer to the last issue.

ABOUT sam hassall Sam Hassall is the UK’s only dedicated specialist landscape cost consultant. As the managing director of LandPro Ltd he provides cost and implementation information to landscape design professionals and landscape contractors. Sam also compiles the

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Sam Hasall.indd 21

Spon’s External Works and Landscape Price Book and he developed the market leading LiberRATE Estimating system which is available as a 90-day trial.Call: 01252 795030 or visit www.landpro.co.uk.

May 2013

21

18/04/2013 10:25

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It’s not always about price, it’s about quality and service www.easigrass.com : 0845 094 8880

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17/04/2013 09:28

Business Tips

Sustainable Landscaping The conventional landscape construction process involves the initial clearance of the site; vegetation, turf and topsoil are removed and usually disposed of offsite. Next a rough grading is carried out – this exposes the subsoil which will have poor structure, low nutrient content and poor permeability. Heavy machinery will cut and fill to create the shapes required. This is usually around 120mm below finished level to allow for the addition of topsoil for lawn/planting areas or the installation of paths, patios or paving.

Once the hardscape has been constructed, topsoil is spread over the lawn/planting areas and raked over to the finished level. However, this method will create far from suitable conditions for turf or planting, the subsoil will be heavily compacted making it dense, impermeable to both air and water, and inhospitable to plant roots. This poor growing environment will also cause rain to accumulate and add to surface water runoff problems. Plants will not survive.

Sustainable landscaping practices are concerned with the restoration of soil which has been damaged during the construction phase.This is critical if the soil is to be able to support long-term healthy growth of plants, be a healthy biological entity, as well as contribute to water storage and replenishment of ground water supplies.

2

Reuse, reduce, recycle There are a mind-boggling variety of materials available for use in the construction of a garden.

New materials and new ways of using traditional materials are being introduced all the time and you only have to visit somewhere like Chelsea www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Janine Pattison.indd 23

Janine Pattison looks at ways to increase the sustainability of a garden during construction by reusing, reducing, and recycling…

1

Flower Show to see what the country’s best creative designers and landscapers are doing.

Most gardens include a combination of hard surfaces as well as lawns and planted areas.

The choices made when selecting materials to cover these areas will have a huge impact on the

Many materials found on-site can be reused without having to be shipped off-site sustainability of the project.The main way to improve the sustainability is to use fewer virgin materials during its construction. Additionally, the benefits are increased if existing materials are reused, or products created from recycled materials; using locally produced materials reduces road miles and supports local suppliers. Many materials found on-site can be reused without having to be shipped off-site first to undergo an energy intensive recycling process.

Stone and boulders can be reused, slabs can be broken up or crushed and used as sub-bases or infill. Clean crushed material can be used to improve drainage, to fill gabion baskets or to form paths or driveways.Top soil can be taken off and stored for reuse. Unwanted plants can be shredded or chipped and composted, to be reused on site as soil improver or mulch.

Where possible the amount of material used should also be reduced. Sub-bases for pedestrian paths do not need to be to the same specification as driveways.The reduction of 50mm in depth can amount to a significant saving in materials.

Composite wood products – which are made from a combination of recycled plastic, wood products and resin glue – have become widely available and are a serious alternative to natural wood, offering significant advantages as they resist ultraviolet light damage, do not warp, bow or fade and are moisture and insect resistant.

Composite wood products never need sanding, sealing, painting or staining, and are available in a wide range of sizes, colours, textures and prefabricated forms. We have used composite for decks, paths, raised beds and as cladding very successfully.The slightly higher initial costs are swiftly recovered due to the long life of the products and virtually zero maintenance.

The process of landscaping is complex, with many phases required to deliver successful projects. Each of these phases can be reconsidered in a more sustainable way with a little thought and good communication between the project team.

Next month I will look at ways to retrofit a garden for sustainability.

1 - 2 Stylish composite decking.

ABOUT janine pattison Janine Pattison MSGD is a multi award-winning garden designer and horticulturalist who trained with English Heritage at Eltham Palace in London and at Kingston Maurward College in Dorchester. A registered member of the Society of Garden Designers, the British Association of Landscape Industries and the Garden Media Guild, Janine is also a highly qualified RHS horticulturalist. www.janinepattison.com

May 2013

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18/04/2013 10:41

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17/04/2013 09:29

Business Tips

The point of Chelsea After 17 years of involvement in the assessing and judging of show gardens, Andrew Wilson shares his thoughts on the phenomenon that is the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Show season is upon us and the ultimate in shows is just days away.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show opens its doors in the last week of May and inevitably there will be gasps of amazement and appreciation coupled with the usual criticisms and jeers. So, what is the point of this annual spectacular and which side of the fence will we stand on when the show appears?

Firstly, this is a horticultural show run by a horticultural society. It should come as no surprise then that it contains a lot of horticulture! For those who want it to be primarily a design show you will need to start planning your new venture.

For the nursery trade the show offers a shop window and a reminder to the world of the diversity and quality of the material you propagate and grow.The show allows growers to show off to the world but also to your peers, and the judging of floral displays allows your peers to have a voice.

Designers can use the show to see what’s new and available in order to refresh their palette and

Andy Sturgeon for M&G Investments (contractor: Creative Landscapes)

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Andrew Wilson.indd 25

Cleve West for Brewin Dolphin (contractor: Steve Swatton)

Cloudy Bay Discovery Garden RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2013 Stand: FR1 Designers: Andrew Wilson & Gavin McWilliam Contractor: Gardenlink Ltd Sponsor: Cloudy Bay

the media plays a role in highlighting these gems of the show for a wider audience than the 157,000 people who walk through the gates each year. In this centenary year of the show at Chelsea it may be a worthwhile opportunity to review how plant material is displayed in order to refresh and encourage new ideas and new growers. In recent years the great pavilion, which houses the floral displays, has seen visitor footfall decrease perhaps because a similar exhibitor formula is repeated each year. Change isn’t necessarily bad as long as quality and standards are maintained.

The outdoor show gardens remain a huge draw and although the garden sizes remain much the same each year designers from the UK and around the world bring variety if not always innovation to the show. In my early years as a member of the selection panel and a young, contemporary designer I wanted the show to innovate and be more progressive but the wisdom and reality check that age brings has made me realise that it is the variety of Chelsea that draws the crowds.

From a business point of view this is an important consideration for the RHS and for its members. A homogenous offering each year – be it conceptual, innovative or purely design based

– would almost certainly see the demise of this great event.The various gardens are supported generously by sponsors who each have their message to convey and briefs to which designers must respond.The delivery of these responses through the genre of gardens is what creates the show.

I would encourage visitors not to read these gardens too literally. By the RHS’s own admission they are theatrical exhibits and must be able to deliver their message both to show visitors who stand on the garden boundaries and to the wider television audience. Real gardens they are not, but each year they are full of ideas, often using new materials or innovative techniques of construction alongside imaginative plant associations, introductions or simply high quality specimens.

Planting centres are purposely dense and specimens sizeable in order to create the impact of a mature garden. It takes a great deal of effort and some considerable cost to transform a playing field into a believable garden in less than three weeks.

Of course there will be some who complain about high budgets and others who feel that these gardens do not reflect reality. Remove those elements and we have no show.Visiting Chelsea is like going to the theatre for cultural uplift. It requires a suspension of disbelief and I’m all for it! See you at the show.

ABOUT ANDREW WILSON Andrew Wilson is a landscape and garden designer as well as Director of Wilson McWilliam Studio. He is also a Director of the London College of Garden Design, an author and an RHS judge of Show Gardens. www.wmstudio.co.uk

May 2013

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18/04/2013 11:01

Steve M

Business Tips

Let it breathe – let it grow After the rain came the snow, then more rain, then a bit of dry weather and just when you thought it was safe to go on the grass – more snow, just in time for Easter! The result is that the ground has never had a chance to recover and most areas of the country are still at field capacity which makes the prospect of starting the season a sticky one. Whilst good drainage alleviates most flooding, a regular program of aeration goes a long way to keeping amenity grass in good health.

Unfortunately however, cut-backs are seeing less and less of these operations happening in our parks, open spaces and even school playing fields.

A regular program of aeration goes a long way to keeping amenity grass in good health You could argue that it’s a waste of time to aerate these areas as they are not prime sports grounds and so what benefit would you get from it? A fair point perhaps, but when you consider the amount of compaction these sites are subjected to, it’s amazing that any grass grows at all! The constant pounding of footfall traffic, pushchairs, bikes and not to mention mowing machines shows just how resilient a plant grass is – but consider the effect of all this traffic.

If the site doesn’t have the luxury of adequate drainage it can become waterlogged and unusable. If a hidden compaction layer allows water to pond, then the affected area could be rendered unusable and require reinstatement to bring it back into use. This becomes a bigger issue on sloping land; if water can’t percolate into the ground then it has no option but to run off the surface with the 26

May 2013

Angus Lindsay.indd 26

1

potential to cause flooding by overwhelming water courses which could affect local housing areas.

So whilst prime sports grounds get the attention they need, a decline in public spending is seeing the traditional homes of Sunday league, knockabout pitches in parks and school playing fields, quickly turning to mud baths that nobody wants to play on. The potential loss of these facilities to the local community needs to be a big consideration. Where there are managed facilities with paid-for pitches there can be a loss of revenue for the council that owns the land – meaning less to spend on maintenance next year.

If it boils down to the cost of the operation then why don’t we look at things differently?

Rather than drive up and down with our tractor mowers for 30 weeks of the year cutting grass, then drive over the same areas spiking in an attempt to alleviate the compaction we have caused – why don’t we consider a combination of the two operations?

The average tractor trailed mower combination is around 85hp pulling a 4.5m mower of some type – cylinder, rotary or flail.

The main draw on power comes from the PTO (power take off) rather than the physical pull of the mower, so is there a case to look at the addition of spiking units to the rear of the mower?

You’re probably thinking “he needs to stop smoking that stuff, that’s a ridiculous idea”, but is

With heavy rainfall becoming increasingly common, Angus Lindsay looks at what can be done to alleviate the risk of flooding to public space

What’s wrong with doing two operations in one pass? it? We have plenty of power and we’re driving over the ground (hopefully) in a reasonably straight line, so what’s wrong with doing two operations in one pass? Actually, what’s stopping us fitting a piggyback frame to allow us to fertilise and mow and in one pass?

Doing two or even three jobs in one pass is not new; the agriculture industry has been doing it for years. Not only does it reduce trafficking and so by default compaction, it reduces fuel consumption and emissions resulting in global warming (supposedly the main reason we get all the rain in the first place).

1 Would more regular aeration have prevented this mess?

2 Is combining these tasks really so far-fetched?

2

ABOUT ANGUS LINDSAY As an agriculturist, Angus spent several years working on arable farms in Scotland before joining VSO in Egypt, implementing a mechanisation programme, managing field operations for a commercial cotton plantation in Nigeria and as a contract instructor for Massey Ferguson in Yemen. During this time he

also spent a year at Silsoe, gaining an MSc in Agricultural Engineering and Mechanisation Management. Returning to the UK he joined Glendale as machinery manager in l994 – going on to become Company Engineer – before joining The Landscape Group in 2009 as Group Head of Assets and Fleet.

Contact: alindsay@thelandscapegroup.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

18/04/2013 11:03

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30/04/2013 10:02

Training

Work planning In order to be both thorough and efficient, it is important that each day’s work is planned out, with all factors regarding the site and the team taken into account, says Margaret McNeil, of OnSite Training UK Each day on site is a mini-project for you and your team. There are usually a variety of tasks to be started, continued or completed in a defined time with identified resources and labour. The tasks can’t be achieved without some planning, either detailed using software or charts, or you as the supervisor working it out in your head.

How do you make sure that you’ve covered everything? Are there any actions that need to be taken early on in the project for it to succeed?

Are you clear about when you need to do key tasks, in what sequence, to meet your deadline?

Action plans can be useful for efficiency, and to make sure that you don’t miss anything.

If you lay out each task, you can quickly decide which you’ll allocate to each member of your team. For effective work planning you will need to know each member of your team’s skills, abilities and ‘tickets’.

Remember this is one of the first things you should find out when you take on a new supervisory role. What tools and equipment do you need? Where is it?

How long do you have it for?

Take an overview of the ‘project’ and identify the following:

   

● Prioritise: List the tasks in order of importance – this might be how long each task will take, or which are deemed more important by the client, which have health and safety implications and so on. ● Weather: What is the forecast?

Are there tasks that you ought to complete before the weather changes? Are there areas where you will be working in the shade when the sun is at its hottest?

There’s no point putting staff under stress unnecessarily as it could slow them down. ● Traffic: Is this an issue at certain times of the day? Could the plan for the day minimise disruption to traffic or by traffic?

28

● Will you have the team working together and moving from one task to another or will you split them up and set them to work individually on tasks?

Remember about motivation and getting the most from your team. ● The team: You can use the same people on the same tasks and they will become super-efficient but if you don’t vary their jobs they might become less good at other tasks and feel de-skilled or find the work tedious.Team members can help each other improve their skills – it’s a great motivator to pass on your expertise.

   

Action plans can be useful for efficiency When you are sure that you have the day planned (even if it’s just in your head) tell the team about the whole day and the principles behind your plan.Tell them what is expected in terms of timing and the standard required. Include in your briefing what each person should do if they finish their task ahead of time – i.e. who they should assist/which tools to maintain/which of tomorrow’s tasks to start etc.

If you remain on site, monitor what’s happening. This isn’t ‘checking up’ on people, it’s ensuring they will complete the task on time, and if not, why not – you can then take action to put things right. If you are not on site, you should call half way through the day to see how things are going. This is to monitor the job and to show the team that you as the supervisor are bothered about them. It’s not a good idea to take the view ‘they’ll get in touch if they need to’, you need to know what is happening on each of your projects – you are paid to monitor and control, and to make decisions. If at all possible, contact someone from the team at the end of the day so that there are no surprises the next morning – you might even like to say ‘well done’!

ABOUT MARGARET MCNEIL Margaret McNeil is from OnSite Training UK. Whilst lecturing at a horticultural college, she spotted an opportunity to offer flexible learning to horticulturalists and started OnSite Training UK with Roger Clarke.

Since then over 1,000 landscapers have qualified through them. Their Lamport Gardening Academy launched on 2 February 2013. www.onsitetraininguk.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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18/04/2013 11:27

Business Tips

Health, plants and water I am assuming that if you are reading this then you are likely to be in the landscaping business, if so the work you do can have a massive impact on people’s health and wellbeing. You probably knew this already but there is now a fairly large body of evidence linking green space (and blue space) to health.

Probably the largest example is Aalborg in Denmark. Around 20 years ago the city decided to increase the amount of urban green space to increase forestation and to create environmentally beneficial urban landscape. This led to a dramatic increase in the health of the population, these things are normally difficult to measure but in Aalborg the scale of the project meant that there was visible decline in hospital admissions.

In addition the greenspace increased the attractiveness of the city and as it became a desirable place to live the economy boomed as companies wanted to relocate there in order to attract staff. Yet in the UK we are still just dabbling with the idea of urban greenspace.

The benefits Professor Roger Ulrich is probably the leading expert on this, he found not only that experiencing nature and green space has health and psychological benefits but ‘that simply viewing certain types of nature and garden scenes significantly ameliorates stress within five minutes’. In addition to the psychological benefits there are real physical www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Waterwise.indd 29

benefits of having good urban green landscaping.

These obviously include exercise – people are more likely to want to stroll in a garden than a car park – but good green space can also filter out pollutants, reduce greenhouse gases, provide shade, and reduce urban air temperatures. This has been quantified too, a single tree can remove over 10 kilos of CO2 a year (that’s 11,000 miles of car emissions), and on a hot summers day a grassed area will be 16 degrees cooler than tarmac and eight degrees cooler than bare soil. The HTA has information about the benefits of green space, but even more exciting is the new research about blue space.

Some recent work in the UK

by Professor Michael Depledge from the European Centre for Environment and Human Health has shown a strong correlation between health and water landscapes, from ponds and fountains to the sea and even aquariums. It is early days for this work but additional research by Jenny Roe, at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh is showing that adding water into landscapes when greening cities can boost urban regeneration effects.

This research indicates that it is likely that a combined blue-green landscape has economic, social and health benefits. This makes sense as there is a strong human bond with nature and water, this might sound like psychobabble but

think about where house prices are highest and where people choose to go on holiday and the fact that most of our towns and cities were founded in spots where water and forests gave people food, fuel, defence, and transport, and then think about the fact that nature, and in particular water, feature heavily in many of the world religious texts or in ancient stories or fairytales. This is embedded in our culture and our instinct – think about why TV studios have a Green Room with a fish tank, rather than a red room with a games console?

So the next time a client asks if they really need a pond and trees in the landscaping of their site just say ‘trust me, I’m a Doctor’.

PHOTOS BY KARA THOMAS

So how long have you been a health professional? Jacob Tompkins of Waterwise UK looks at the relationship between both green and blue space, and health

ABOUT WATERWISE Waterwise is a UK NGO focused on decreasing water consumption in the UK and building the evidence base for large-scale water efficiency. Waterwise is an independent, not-for-profit organisation working closely with the water industry, governments and regulators, manufacturers and retailers. Waterwise is acknowledged by governments and regulators as the leading UK authority on water efficiency. www.waterwise.org.uk Jacob Tompkins is the Managing Director of Waterwise, the independent water efficiency organisation: jtompkins@waterwise.org.uk

May 2013

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19/04/2013 10:55

Lighting

Halogen or LED?

Simon Sales of Landscapeplus looks at the available options in garden lighting

You may have noticed that over the last few years, garden lighting has changed beyond all recognition. Why? Because there is a new kid on the block – LED lighting.

Halogen lighting Halogen lamps have been used to light gardens for a number of years and they replaced, to a large extent, the old-fashioned mains voltage lighting such as the PAR38. It’s true that there are other lamps around such as compact fluorescent and cold cathode but for this article I’m focusing on the most important lamps in our industry, the ones that do the lion’s share of the work.

Anyone who has used halogen lamps will know that although it is a predictable light source, it is by no means perfect. For example, halogen lamps produce a tremendous amount of heat (so the light fittings can become very hot to touch), the lamp life is not great and running halogen lamps uses a lot of energy – just try multiplying the number of fittings in a garden by the wattage of the lamps and you’ll begin to understand the running costs.

LED lighting More recently though, LED has come onto the market and its arrival seemed to counter all the issues of the halogen lamp i.e.

LED lamps generate little heat, they are very long-life and use a fraction of the energy to run.

LED also has other benefits such as colour; any colour in the rainbow, which can either be held on a tone of your choice or, can colour change imperceptibly throughout the whole spectrum.

So, LED is the answer, yes? Well not quite, until now there have been two problems with LED: ● As a new technology, manufacturers have been developing their own ranges of LED fittings, in 30

May 2013

Lighting Landscapeplus.indd 30

1W LED

3W LED

isolation, which has led to confusion and product incompatibility issues between different manufacturers and sometimes even between ranges from the same manufacturer! The reason that this has occurred is that LED fittings must be correctly matched to the right driver (the electrical device that regulates the power to the fittings) for them to work, and because the manufacturers had been doing their own thing it had got to the stage where no one really knew which drivers would work with which fittings.

At last though, this issue has now been resolved and by using the Standard Power LED driver or the High Power LED driver you can, to a large extent, mix and match your fittings without the risks of incompatibility. ● The other issue that has dogged LED lighting is that of understanding the light output of an LED lamp compared to that of the more familiar halogen fitting and it is this issue that has often discouraged designers and landscapers from taking the plunge and moving from halogen to LED. For example, when confronted with a 1W, 3W or even a 9W LED how might it compare with a 20W, 35W or 50W halogen, can I be certain of the light output and am I sure enough to recommend it to my client?

9W LED

To help you on your way, Landscapeplus have taken a series of images (above) which demonstrate the effect you will get from the different LED lamps and you can see for yourself that LED really does provide a genuine alternative to Halogen.

So at long last, LED lighting, which everyone thinks of as simple and straightforward, is now just that, simple and straightforward and you can confidently choose between the two technologies when designing lighting into your next garden. However, if you are in any doubt about what you need just ask your supplier, a good supplier will be able to give you the help and advice you need to confidently and successfully design and install your lighting system.

Landscapeplus hosts a series of FREE to attend, Skills Workshops throughout the year at which you can develop the practical skills to design and install lighting, irrigation and pond product in your gardens. For more information call 01666 577577 or email help@landscapeplus.com.

Unit 1 Kemble Business Park, Crudwell, Nr Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 9SH Tel: 01666 577577 Web: www.landscapeplus.com Email: help@landscapeplus.com

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

18/04/2013 10:54

Experience the majesty of mature trees

Modern lighting solutions Our trees start from £100 “The customer focus at Majestic Trees is very impressive, there is a genuine team enthusiasm for the client’s needs and love of their trees is very evident. The nursery runs with an air of confident efficiency, care and attention to detail that is conveyed right until the trees are delivered to site.

It is easy to do business with Majestic Trees.”

Mark Gregory, Landform Design and Construction, winner of 20 Gold Medals at The Chelsea Flower Show

lighting catalogue with style shots available on request 0208 123 7914 • www.modernlightingsolutions.co.uk

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19/04/2013 09:55

Decking

Quick fix In a guide discussing which timber decking fixing is best, Karl Harrison looks at quality, longevity, and aesthetics to weigh up the options

A major component in the costing structure is the way the deck is fixed to the substructure.

The look and feel of your decking, from the client’s concept and understanding, needs to be at the forefront of the design.

Be concerned with the best fixings, desired longevity, and aesthetics in this order, as this will guide your budget.

Plastic side fixed I don’t see this as a cost effective solution, it may seem a simple and cheap option in the first instance, but you may have to return to site to repair it. I have yet to see a summer go by where we haven’t been inundated by plastic side fixing issues; the main problem is the incorrect choice of clip for the associated timber. There are many to choose from for thickness of timber and for ‘air dried’ (AD) or ‘kiln dried’ (KD). The other main issue is over-rotating the screw; this then deforms the plastic fixing and renders the mechanical connection defective.

Plastic and stainless side fixed A much improved product, encased in a plastic casing the stainless square adds to the quality and prevents over-rotating of the fixing screw.

The only issue I have with this is you have to pre-drill a hole prior to offering a screw into the fixing clip, and unless you insert the screw at the correct angle the screw will only just catch the corner of the deck which results in the timber splitting.

Stainless side fixed Certainly the quickest for installation as there is no predrilling and in terms of longevity there’s nothing which really compares to stainless steel, as it lasts for just about forever! Two styles of stainless fixing side clip are now available: perfectly smooth, or with ridges and teeth. It is preferential that the correct gap is selected – usually 4-6mm – and the timber should be kiln dried. The moisture content of a kiln dried timber is such that upon installation it will expand until the timber has reached equilibrium for the moisture in the surrounding area.

Therefore when you install with new timber be careful not to fit it too tightly, certainly not butt jointed.

The look and feel of your decking, from the client’s concept and understanding needs to be at the forefront of the design

The surface fixed deck will always make for the most secure decking installation and as long as you use quality stainless decking screws you should always be able to remove decking boards at a later date. Quality screws are key for a sound installation as well as the technique for fitting them.

Predrilling is essential; use a drill-bit a size larger than your screw, 2mm would be perfect. Pre-drilling should always be followed by countersinking, don’t aim for the screws to finish flush, allow for a recess of 2-3mm which will allow for sanding as part of the maintenance.

When preparing the board ends do not get too close as you end up splitting boards; if not on installation, they will often split after a few weeks. On a 145mm board us 28-30mm spacing between the outside edge of the board and the screw, this is perfect.

For timber lovers and discerning clients, try Teak or if you want a similar look, Elondo should do the trick and save everyone money.

Good old fashioned surface fixed When decking was first used this was the original technique, well this or nails anyway! Nails are a common practice in certain parts of the USA as the temperature and precipitation is at a constant so expansion and contraction is reduced making nails acceptable. I wouldn’t recommend nails in any part of the UK unless you are constructing a rustic style decking installation (make sure you predrill the holes prior to nailing).

ABOUT KARL HARRISON Karl Harrison runs Exterior Solutions Ltd based in Buckinghamshire, with his wife Lana. The company offers expert decking advice and is the sole UK distributor for high-end timber decking manufactured by Exterpark. www.exteriordecking.co.uk

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19/04/2013 15:54

Let’s Hear it From...

LET’S HEAR IT FROM...

Adam Frost Adam Frost’s star is in the ascendant – his profile is growing daily and with his Homebase garden creating much interest at this year’s 100th RHS Chelsea Flower Show, he is sure to be the name on everyone’s lips. We met up with the truly passionate, funny, knowledgeable and down to earth landscape designer at his office in Barnsdale Gardens in Rutland to get his views on everything from TV and Chelsea, to the serious side of engaging the next generation with our fabulous industry.

How did you get into horticulture?

My first job was as an apprentice in the parks department of North Devon. When the first recession hit, I applied for a job at Barnsdale Gardens with Geoff Hamilton, who my dad had worked with years before. I didn’t think I would even get an interview but I was invited to come up and see him and was offered the job – I was very surprised, as you can imagine.

How did you get involved in garden design?

Although I enjoyed working as Geoff’s landscape manager, after some time it got to the stage where I had taken landscaping as far as I could and I felt I wanted to do more. Geoff would give me a rough design and tell me to go and build it – which is what I used to do. Also I realised that you got treated better as a designer than a landscaper; you get a cup of tea and a biscuit as a landscaper, but you get taken out for lunch as a designer!

By 1993 I really wanted to train in garden design

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Let's hear it from 2.indd 35

so Geoff made a few phone calls – he told me, ‘I’ve got John Brooks, Robin Williams Snr and David Stevens – who do you want to go and spend a bit of time with?’ Geoff thought I would get on well with David, and I have never looked back. To this day, I don’t think I have ever met anyone with such an understanding of space.

did, the Reclaimed Garden, was built here, which is a nice reminder of those days.

Where were you based?

All around this area (Stamford, Lincolnshire), we also worked all over the country.

When did you return to garden design?

You would have been quite young when you first set up your own business?

I’m 43 now so I guess I was really. Sadly, Geoff passed away in 1996 and I had a mortgage and a baby on the way, which is why I went back into landscaping, as it was easier for me to set a business up in landscaping. I told David I was setting up a company and he told me I could build his gardens, so that’s exactly what I did. I set up Adam Frost Landscapes and we ended up employing around 20 people. We started building show gardens at Gardeners’ World Live for Dan Pearson (before he was famous). The last one we

In 2005, I built Terence Conran’s garden at Chelsea. For 12 months I had been spending a lot of time with him and David in meetings and I think, in reality, they gave me the confidence to get back into garden design. David always said to me I had the ability to be a great designer.

Conran once said to me ‘I started off as a joiner, and I didn’t do bad did I?’ To hear that from a man like him, who changed the way we live was inspiring. I got the chance to do my first Chelsea garden in 2007 when I built the Realistic Retreat, which got a Gold medal. The rest, I guess, is history!

May 2013

35

18/04/2013 11:13

Let’s Hear it From...

2

1

I feel quite confident in that I can draw a design, and if necessary, pick up the trowel and build it What happened to the landscape business then?

I got out of it totally in 2010 to give the garden design work 100 per cent. I still have two lads working for me now who, with a few subbies when needed, build our own local work. They more or less just get on with it so I don’t have to have a lot of input.

What’s the structure of your company now then?

There are five of us full time plus Sulina, my wife.

What type of projects do you build as well as design then?

If I’m honest, I think the £30,000 - £60,000 jobs are the best jobs for us. You can make a margin on them but you’re not on the job forever.

For anything not so local, I have a network of landscapers I’ve built up, so I can feed the work out to different people.

How choosy are you with the landscapers you work with?

I’m not that choosy obviously, as Mark Gregory is building my Chelsea garden! (Love you pal!)

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May 2013

Let's hear it from 2.indd 36

How do you go about getting work?

We do advertise locally and appearing at Chelsea has helped but it’s often by word of mouth as personal recommendations are very important.

Does each Gold medal mean an increase in pricing?

The Gold medals do help, they’re a little like a Michelin star aren’t they? We live in a nation of ‘have you seen my garden? My designer has got four Gold medals’ – they love all of that. However, I’m crap at putting a value on my work as a designer as I’d probably do it for nothing. Needless to say, I’m not allowed to price anything in my office – I tend to provide the hours the work will take and they take it from there.

Do you think you are being accepted as a designer now?

It’s a bizarre industry in the sense that you often have to get to forty-something before you get really noticed. I’ve got four RHS Gold medals, won national awards and I’ve worked with some of the best people in the industry. Yet it was only last year, if I’m really honest, that I felt I was being introduced to people that I would never have been introduced

to before. I think you get to an age where you’re comfortable in what you do and now I’ll just stand up and say what I think. I feel quite confident in that I can draw a design, and if necessary, pick the trowel up and build it.

How do you feel about designing the Chelsea 2013 garden for Homebase?

It’s been great working with Homebase and the Chelsea garden I’ve designed fits in really well with their brand. Although Homebase is a large organisation, working with them has been brilliant and has been a real eye opener to what they do.

How did that come about?

They saw my garden at last year’s Chelsea, and asked Joe Swift (who designed Homebase’s garden in 2012) to recommend four garden designers and they decided to go for me, which was fantastic.

What’s the story behind the garden?

It’s about connecting a family with nature – bringing foraging in to the garden, using edibles and ornamentals together to create a garden that’s good for wildlife and people. The children of today don’t seem to have the same freedom that their parents once took for granted and I wanted to design a garden that would also help children to connect with the natural world. I passionately feel that gardening is great for everyone and if this garden can encourage people to get out and garden, as well as help to inspire the next generation to get involved in horticulture, then I’m a happy man.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

18/04/2013 11:12

Let’s Hear it From...

That’s not a bad role though is it?

Not at all. I think, in reality, I’ve got to a stage where I think, do you know what? Gardening is cool. You don’t have to be 60+ to enjoy the garden.

That’s such a good message, but it’s not filtering through is it?

It’s difficult because it needs to be done on mainstream television to reach more people. That is hard to do at the moment whilst the BBC view gardening in the way that they do.

What do you think of the current gardening shows on TV?

To be honest, there aren’t enough shows – all we really have is Gardeners’ World on a Friday night and a couple of others. On Sky now you have a channel for the arts/home/cooking – why can’t we have our time? It’s bemusing!

Do you think there is a way that they could do it though?

I think the problem is that because gardening goes from Mr Smith, to Prince Charles, you are never going to have a gardening programme that fits all. It would be better to have more choice so that people can watch which one suits them, like reading the right gardening magazine.

It was a different take on things when you appeared on The One Show.

Yes, it was great fun, it wasn’t meant to be heavygoing or particularly educational as it was talking about the competition which will hopefully get people interested. It’s just great to get gardening on mainstream TV. How did the show come about?

The BBC liaised with the RHS about the concept of someone winning a garden design competition and having it built at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show with Christine Walkden and myself mentoring the winner. Mark Gregory (Landform Consultants) is building it too, so that will be fun.

They phoned me before Christmas asking if I could do the pre-record so I did that with Christine, which was the first time I met her.

She is as mad as a box of frogs but she is a really, really lovely lady who genuinely loves gardening.

4

On the day of the show we got a phone call in the office from the producer who had watched the pre-record and loved it. They asked me along to do something in the studio that evening so I had to quickly travel down from Rutland to the BBC studios where I met Matt Baker and Alex Jones (who looks even more beautiful close up!)

Do you know if they had a good response for the competition?

Gardening is cool. You don’t have to be 60+ to enjoy the garden

Yes, they had over 250 entries and Christine (Walkden) told me she thought some were really good, but when you think about it, some of the best gardens in this country have been designed by amateurs.

Did they like it?

Yes. I went down alright apparently. I had 30 texts on my phone after the show, including one from Rosemary Edwards who is in control of gardening at the BBC. She said it was fab, but could I please stop taking the mickey out of our national treasure!

What is your commitment to Homebase?

I am contracted to do four to five days for them including the week at Chelsea. All the colleagues who are helping at the show have been to Barnsdale for a day’s training with me – during planting week we will be using two or three staff each day on the garden.

In terms of deciding where everything comes from, is it your choice?

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It’s ultimately down to me although Homebase love the inspiration behind the garden and will be featuring key plants in their Chelsea Collection.

I’m using plants from a range of reputable UK growers and specialists – ranging from paving from Johnson’s Wellfield Quarries to handmade pots from Whichford Pottery.

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Let’s Hear it From...

Is it a complicated build?

No not really, it’s a simple design (well that’s what Mark says!) but one that I hope will inspire people to get growing and enjoy their garden.

Would you say Geoff was an inspiration to you?

Absolutely, I was really fortunate to work with Geoff. He was great with people and, with the exception of Alan Titchmarsh, I don’t think there’s been anyone that’s come close. I’ve also been lucky to work closely with David Stevens, who is an inspiration as a designer. He pushed the limits at times, which is great.

Do you look at anyone else now and think they can be inspiring?

I like a lot of them but if I had to pick two it would be Cleve West or Dan Pearson. There are some great people out there but, if I’m honest, I don’t draw my inspiration from garden designers.

What about the training and how the industry brings people through?

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Homebase love the inspiration behind the garden

cooking has been changed by a few people at a really high level and, as I’ve said before, the only way to really change an image is to do it on the TV to reach a wider audience. All of a sudden you’ve got kids who want to leave school, and who are quite happy to work for not a lot of money, have no social life, work in a boiling hot kitchen and never really experience what they are cooking, and that is seen as cool. Why can’t we do that with our industry?

It’s not the best is it? I was fortunate enough to start on an apprenticeship but that was before the government intervened and stopped them. In fact, I think Would you encourage your that is one of the reasons we children to come into it? struggle to attract young I’ve got four kids, aged people into the industry. from five through to 16, Apprenticeships are and I’d be happy if they a great way to train did. However, if I was and I’d really like to going to encourage them see them come back. to come into this industry, The APL have a great I would advise them to go training package to get into environmental science. people started but I don’t As we move forward our feel it’s being taken up 6 environment will become more enough and it’s getting people and more important. to engage with it. Some colleges are really, really good but we are struggling to Do you see that in any of them? pull people into the industry, which is a shame as They love being outside but they probably see there are some gems out there. To be fair, the their dad working 15 hours a day and think RHS are trying with the gardening for schools there has got to be an easier way to scheme but we lose that contact when pupils go make money! I think one of them might to secondary school. engage with it and it would be nice to Are the generation coming up now going to think that something I’ve created has been see horticulture as cool, much like the way passed on. Mind you, as we know, landscaping cooking has become? is a tough way to make a living and it’s far It would great if that were true! The image of too undervalued.

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What do you do to relax outside of work other than supporting Sunderland?

Gardening of course, but I love cooking and doing stuff with the kids.

I’ve just learned to sail and I also coach kids’ football (goalkeepers). I played in goal to a quite decent level, for various different semi-pro teams and I’m slowly doing my badges.

We wish Adam all the best with his Chelsea garden ‘Sowing the Seeds of Change’, but whatever happens, we know this is one talent that will continue to grow and inspire the industry for years to come.

1 Rutland country garden.

2 Another view of Rutland country garden.

3 West London roof garden.

4 Country garden with Buxus cloud.

5 RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden for Homebase.

6 Rill view of RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden for Homebase.

CONTACT Adam Frost The Studio, Barnsdale Gardens, The Avenue, Exton, Rutland, LE15 8AH Tel: 01572 812186 Email: info@adamfrost.co.uk Web: www.adamfrost.co.uk

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18/04/2013 15:45

relaxing retreat James Bird Landscapes Ltd The client – a high profile architect – had precise specifications, requiring a simple and contemporary garden which would primarily be used for relaxation and entertaining, and needed to be low maintenance

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Shortlisted: Project value between £20k-£40k 1

ABOUT JAMES BIRD LANDSCAPES LTD James Bird Landscapes Ltd has established itself as one of the area’s leading landscaping companies. Over the last 22 years the company has been accredited with awards from BALI, the Daily Express and Marshalls, and featured in numerous national publications. The company has gone from strength to strength by working closely with award winning garden designers and architects. Throughout the production of their exceptionally high standard constructions, their main focus always remains client satisfaction.

www.james-bird-landscaping.com

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he client is a high profile architect within the area, and therefore his brief was very precise.The aim of the scheme was to create an area for relaxing and entertaining, whilst providing shelter from the prevailing winds in this exposed location.

A large sunken, decked terrace was created to the rear of the property with gabion retaining walls flanking two sides. Stone excavated from the site was used to face the gabions so as to create a seamless link with the dry stone boundary walls and the stone of the property.The garden has a simple, contemporary feel with a rill water feature running along the perimeter of the deck. In time, the relatively low maintenance planting will help soften the appearance of the retaining walls.The dilapidated dry stone boundary walls were rebuilt,

lawn re-graded and driveway resurfaced to provide occasional access to the paddock beyond. Low maintenance was, as always, a requirement for busy clients and the whole project had to have a simple, contemporary feel. All materials were sourced by James Bird using recycled materials where possible, including some from the excavation works.

CHALLENGES Our team had to overcome several issues in relation to the limited access and large excavation works. We also had to deal with substantial amounts of surplus spoil. The process to deal with these issues was as follows: Excavate the area of the garden adjacent to the rear of the house to provide a level area of approximately 90m². Excavations were extended www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Project details Size of project:360m² Timeline of development: 10 weeks on site 2

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1 Water rill around the decking.

4 Excavation for the terrace.

2 Completed sunken decked terrace.

5 Constructing the gabion walling.

3 Herbaceous border planting.

6 Children's swing.

REFERENCES

The project was valued at approx. £40k

so that the finished surface height was equal to the floor height in the cottage.

The excavated area was flanked on two sides with graduating, gabion retaining walls against the garden. The main excavated area was surfaced with timber decking. A rill water feature was created within the deck surface close to the foot of the gabion retaining walls. Stone faced, raised planters were constructed along the rear of the house. Timber decked steps provided access from the deck to the driveway along the right hand boundary.

Manufacturers of excavation machinery were Kubota excavators and Benford dumpers. Small equipment used was mainly by Stihl.

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Main Contractor James Bird Landscapes Ltd 100 Queen Victoria Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S17 4HU Tel: 01142 589 290 Email: james@jabird.co.uk Web: www.james-birdlandscaping.com

General Building Supplies, Decking & Timber Keyline Builders Merchants 515 Queens Rd, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S2 4DS Tel: 01142 556 121 Web: www.keyline.co.uk Aggregates Derbyshire Aggregates Ltd Arbor Low Works, Long Rake, Youlgrave, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1JS Tel: 01629 636 500 Web: www. derbyshireaggregates.com

Gabions Betafence PO BOX 119 Shepcote Lane, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S9 1TY Tel: 0870 127 0027 Email: sales.sheffield@ betafence.com Web: www.betafence. co.uk

Water Feature Tony Harragin Water Feature Design & Consultation 73 Ravenscroft, Storrington, West Sussex RH20 4EL Tel: 01903 742 251 Email: tonyharragin@aol. com Turf Sykes Lawn Turf Castle Farm, Stripe Road, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN11 9HG Tel: 01302 742 286

Email: info@sykeslawnturf. co.uk Web: www.sykeslawnturf. co.uk

Plants Old Hall Nurseries Southwell Road, Oxton, Nottinghamshire NG25 0RJ Tel: 01159 653 303 Email: plants@old-hall. com Web: www.old-hall.com

Top Soil Nottingham Recycling Shireoaks Rd, Worksop, Nottinghamshire S80 3HA Tel: 01909 470 070 Web: www.nottsrecycling. co.uk Plant Hire Hall Plant Hire The Birches, Old Brampton, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S42 7JH

Tel: 01246 567 233 Email: sales@hallplanthire. co.uk Web: www.hallplanthire. co.uk

Stone Recycled from excavations on site Machinery Kubota (U.K.) Limited Dormer Road, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3UN Tel: 01844 214 500 Email: diggers@kubota. co.uk Web: www.kubota.co.uk Stihl STIHL House, Stanhope Road, Camberley, Surrey GU15 3YT Tel: 01276 20202 Email: custservices@stihl. co.uk Web: www.stihl.co.uk

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CURVE

APPEAL Tranquil Earth Landscapes The clients wanted a garden that would be unique as well as practical, and fit into its exclusive location in the beautiful woodland setting of the Weald of Kent

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ABOUT TRANQUIL EARTH Tranquil Earth provides garden construction services for high-end landscaping projects across the South East of England.

The company is practiced in working with both architects and garden designers in transforming designs into working gardens. Tranquil Earth has the ability to deliver a complete solution including project management, construction detailing, and bill of quantities including all aspects of landscaping construction.

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he clients, having completed a substantial refurbishment of their Arts and Crafts property, then wanted to develop their garden to its full potential.

Wildernesse Avenue is an area of high quality and well-proportioned residences and is a very exclusive and sought after position being nestled in Sevenoaks, in the Weald of Kent. Our brief was to create a landscape that would link the home with the beautiful woodland setting. It was also essential that this garden have a wow factor, the clients both wanted a garden that was unique and that would reflect their passion for life. Other requirements were a large lawn area for the children to enjoy football and to utilise the long slope leading to the tennis court.

DESIGN CONCEPT: CONTEMPORARY WOODLAND GARDEN A series of radial curves with fanning lines delineate the form of this garden in a similar way to the structure of a leaf. As the garden moves away from the house these shapes become more naturalistic to blend with the woodland beyond. Throughout the garden

references to the woodland setting are reinforced with the use of sculpture and oak.

The natural materials used throughout this scheme add a sense of serenity to the garden, this works especially well when set against the cool white of the rendered building.

MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE SCHEME Circular cedar seating area with oak surround The cedar seating consists of three separate seats, the centre one is arranged as a chaise longue for relaxing or reading a book. The oak curved wall features handmade copper leaves inset into the oak. The leaves are positioned to give the impression of being blown by a gust of wind.

The design process to create this was very organic; Elaine Green (metalsmith) and David Head (Head Carpentry) were instrumental to bringing this area to life. Tranquil Earth specialise in this type of bespoke work, bringing together all kinds of skills to create original and exciting garden elements. ● Oak sleepers – green oak sleepers 3m x 200mm x 100mm ● Copper leaves – Elaine Green Metalsmith www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Winner: Domestic Garden Construction - Cost between £100k-£250k

Project details The project was valued at approx. £250,000 Size of project: 2 acres Timeline of development: 11 months 1

● Block paving – tumbled basalt pavers ● Cedar seating – bespoke by Head Carpentry

Curved oak sleeper terraces From the rear of the property the garden sloped down towards a tennis court and woodland beyond. This area was not really useful for anything until Tranquil Earth’s director Dominic Brice designed a series of terraces that provide new and exciting spaces – both visually and practically. Tranquil Earth specialises in this type of terrace design, freeform flowing terraces constructed from green oak timbers.

The construction method: footing trenches – 1m in depth by 500mm in width, a bed of concrete approx. 300mm is laid to the base of the trench. Timbers are seated on top of this layer and bolted horizontally to each other. It is usually best to have at least one timber already concreted into position before you start in order to give a strong, stable starting point.

Packers are used at low-level if sleepers are on a curved run, together with a line and centre pin to get an accurate radius. It is recommended that a maximum of six sleepers are bolted before infilling the front and rear of the trench with concrete to within 100mm of GL. It is important to consider the position of bolts as they should not interfere with the cutting line of the sleepers. Finally mark the cutting line of the top of the sleepers by attaching a batten front and back, then cut carefully with a chainsaw. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Our brief was to create a landscape that would link the home with the beautiful woodland setting

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Front terrace A formal terrace constructed from Oken sandstone paving stretches across the front of the property and leads to the large lawn area for football and games with pop-up sprinklers. The planting in the long border beside the house was completely renewed. This area gives subtle clues to how the rest of the garden will develop.

A large Acer planted as a focal point at the end of the terrace invites you towards an arched cedar gateway. ● Paving: Oken sandstone – 500mm width x random lengths ● Lighting bollards – Collingwood teak bollard lights ● Pointing – Rompox joint compound ● Irrigation – Landscape Watering Systems

The clients both wanted a garden that was unique and that would reflect their passion for life

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Side and rear terraces The side area of the house was a real challenge; it was originally an overgrown and shady space with a large outbuilding. The rooms adjacent to this area are used as a games room with a pool table, therefore it www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Portfolio was necessary to create a space that would invite people outside to relax with a drink.

All the drainage in this area needed to be reconfigured and overgrown shrubs and trees were all removed. A new cedar slatted boundary fence was installed to create a backdrop to the new planting, which was designed and manufactured by our sister company The Contemporary Fencing Company. The paving in this area was a little tricky as the design was based on a raised circular terrace wrapping around the building. Once the raised brickwork of the circular retaining wall had been constructed, Rock Unique surveyed the perimeter and produced curved bullnose slabs to provide the terrace edging. The paving was then laid in random lines with a gentle fall away from the building to the planting areas to remove any surface water. Woodland planting thrives in this space, which is a swathe of bamboo, Anemome, heuchra, Shuttlecock ferns and foxgloves with some Acer palmatums specimens and a large Liquidambar. ● Paving: Oken sandstone – 500mm width x random lengths ● Bullnose curved paving – Rock Unique ● Block paving – tumbled basalt cobbles ● Lighting bollards – Collingwood teak bollard lights ● Pointing – Rompox joint compound ● Cedar fencing – cedar slat fencing system

Scope of works ● Garden design and planting scheme ● Hard landscaping – patios, walls, driveway, sleeper walls, refurbish pond ● Soft landscaping – turfing, planting ● Bespoke timberwork ● Bespoke sculpture ● Irrigation system ● Garden lighting

The mellow colours of the cedar provide a perfect backdrop to plant against. The slatted panels are made up of strips of cedar with a Louver top edge on each slat to allow extra sunlight into the garden and water to drain off.

1 View of new oak sleeper terraces.

2 Bespoke gate and cedar horizontal slat fencing.

3 Rear terrace with fixed seating.

Bespoke cedar fencing Cedar horizontal slat fencing borders the eastern boundary of the garden. Designed and manufactured by The Contemporary Fencing Company, this fencing is a contemporary statement on its own.

4 Curved sleeper retaining walls.

5 Cedar horizontal slated fencing.

6 Front terrace before and after.

7 Sleeper walls under construction.

8 Creating the bespoke seating area.

9 Plan drawing of the garden.

references Principal Designer Elliot Green Tranquil Earth Limited Office 2, 21 St Dunstans Street, Canterbury, Kent CT2 8BH Tel: 01227 781 062 Email: sales@tranquil-earth.co.uk Web: www.tranquil-earth.co.uk Main Contractor and Project Director Dominic Brice Contracts Director Mark Shimmon Tranquil Earth Limited Office 2, 21 St Dunstans Street, Canterbury, Kent CT2 8BH Tel: 01227 781 062 Email: sales@tranquil-earth.co.uk Web: www.tranquil-earth.co.uk

Bespoke cedar fencing panels/carpentry Tranquil Earth Limited in association with Contemporary Fencing Company Tel: 01227 781 062 Head Carpentry David Head Tel: 07714 925 051 Email: headcarp@sky.com

Driveway Tread-Well Surfacing Limited Queensland, Manor Road, St Nicolas at Wade Birchington, Kent CT7 0NY Tel: 01843 847 467 Email: mariatreadwell@hotmail.com Web: www.treadwellsurfacing.co.uk Paving/block paving Rock Unique Limited Select (Sevenoaks) Garden and Pet Centre, Main Road, Dryhill Lane, Sundridge, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 6ED

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Tel: 01959 565 608 Email: stone@rock-unique.com Web: www.rock-unique.com

Sleepers East Kent Timber Limited Howfield Farm, Howfield Lane, Canterbury, Kent CT4 7HQ Tel: 01227 738 838 Email: eastkenttimber@freeuk.com Web: www.eastkenttimber.co.uk

Irrigation Landscape Watering Systems Limited Bratch Lane, Dinton, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP3 5EB Tel: 0345 230 9697 Email: sales@collingwoodgroup.com Web: www.lws.uk.com Lighting Collingwood Lighting Brooklands House, Sywell Aerodrome, Wellingborough Road,

Sywell, Northampton NN6 0BT Tel: 01604 495 151 Web: www.collingwoodlighting.co.uk

Sculpture seating area Elaine Green Tel: 07703 065 055 Planting Mr Richard Burge Blakeney House Nurseries Ltd Osier Ground, Agester Lane, Denton, Canterbury, Kent CT4 6NP Tel: 01227 831 800 Email: richard@blakeneyhouse.co.uk Web: www.blakeneyhouse.co.uk Turfing Grasslands Turf Farm Ashford Road, New Romney, Kent TN28 8THL Tel: 0845 130 1330 Email: sales@grasslands-turf.co.uk Web: www.grasslands-turf.co.uk

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Project details The project was valued at ÂŁ700,000 Size of project: 5.3 acres Timeline of development: June 2011 to June 2012

Winner: Commercial Garden Category

ABOUT ACRE LANDSCAPES LTD Acre Landscapes Ltd has been providing first class grounds maintenance and landscape construction services across the south of England since 1992.

Our area of expertise lies in the provision of professional landscape management, with works ranging from landscaping of prestigious private gardens and estates to long term grounds maintenance contracts for commercial clients.

We provide services to many sectors including Blue Chip companies; business parks; hotels; housing associations; surveyors and property management companies. Our reputation has been built on the basis of our total commitment to client service.

www.acrelandscapes.com

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chelsea chic Acre Landscapes Ltd Acre Landscapes were employed by St George PLC to supply and install the hard and soft landscaping to a residential new build scheme in Chelsea

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cre Landscapes Limited (ALL) were employed to carry out the hard and soft landscaping of phase one of Chelsea Creek; a new build residential scheme built on the site of disused gas works along the River Thames. The scheme adjoins two other well established developments – Chelsea Village and Imperial Wharf.

The works were divided into the street and the podium – we commenced on site in June 2011 and were completed by early 2012. Our contract was a bespoke version with detailing design responsibilities; our brief was to work with Broadway Malyan’s outline details, then develop and detail them into working drawings for approval by the client before proceeding.

We used our supply chain who provide ethically sourced and environmentally friendly materials.

details The scope included supply, delivery and construction of: ● 1470m² of granite paving to varying dimensions, colours and finishes – all cutting schedules were devised by ALL ● 1220 linear metres of granite edging and kerbs ● 720m² of granite cladding ● 680 linear metres of coping ● 14 semi-mature trees ● 1700 contract grown shrubs ● 980m3 of soils, including specialise lightweight soils for the podium ● Two bespoke pergolas ● Two bespoke granite water features ● Three granite sign boards ● Fully automated irrigation system

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Given the breadth and diversity of the scope of works it was essential to employ the most highly skilled sub-contractors to execute the specialist elements of the build including ISC (irrigation); Fountains and Features (water features); SCI (stone cladding) and Rydon (sign makers). Strong communication and cohesion with all sub-contractors was key to the successful delivery of the scheme.

CHALLENGING ASPECTS The scheme was re-designed by the client in mid-2011, we were to be practically complete by December 2011 which left us just 21 weeks to re-detail, re-measure, procure from China (granite supply source) and construct the scheme. The client also requested additional works during the build; this included design, supply and installation of a granite sign to the spa. The water feature to Park Street was also re-introduced by the client (with significant changes) after it had been withdrawn from the original scheme.

When the landscaping programme was put back and we found we no longer had access to a tower crane we were tasked with transporting 1270 tonnes of granite; two steel pergolas and bedding mortars to the podium using a hoist, pallet trucks, sack barrows, and two men! This took two months to complete.

1 Planters and kerbs added to Park Street.

2 Park Street water feature and signage.

3 The first phases of the podium are nearly complete.

4 A view across the finished podium and planting.

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REFERENCES Main Contractor Acre Landscapes Ltd Maritime House, Basin Road North, Hove, East Sussex BN41 1WR Tel: 01273 722 696 Email: nigel.bowcock@ acrelandscapes.com Web: www. acrelandscapes.com

Landscape Architect Paul Cope Broadway Malyan, 3 Weybridge Business Park, Addlestone Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT15 2BW Tel: 01932 84 55 99 Email: Wey@ BroadwayMalyan.com Web: www. broadwaymalyan.com

5 The granite spa sign.

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Trees Europlants UK Ltd Great North Road, Bell Bar, Hatfield, Herts.

AL9 6DA Tel: 01707 66 0101 Email: enquiries@ europlants.net Web: www.europlants.net

Shrubs John Woods Ltd Main Road, Pettistree, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 0HH Tel: 01728 745 145 Email: info@ johnwoodsnurseries.co.uk Web: www. johnwoodsnurseries.co.uk

Lightweight soils London Rock Ltd Unit 5 Delta Court, Manor Way, Borehamwood, Herts. WD6 1FJ Tel: 0208 207 55 66 Email: darren@ londonrock.co.uk Web: www.londonrock. co.uk Granite Fyfe Glenrock Academy Way, Coply Road Industrial Estate, Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire AB51 0JZ Tel: 01651 873 873 Email: sales@fyfeglenrock.com Web: www.fyfe-glenrock. com

Bark mulch/Compost Woodland Horticulture Sharpham Lane, Walton, Street, Somerset BA16 9HP Tel: 01458 44 11 22 Email: info@woodlandhp. co.uk Web: www.woodlandhp. co.uk

Turf George Davies Turf Ltd Newton Lodge, Clifton Reynes, Olney, Bucks.

MK46 5DS Tel: 01234 714 555 Email: info@ georgedaviesturf.co.uk Web: www. georgedaviesturf.co.uk

Irrigation ISC Ltd West Lodge, Adsdean, Funtington, Chichester, Sussex PO18 9DW Tel: 01243 565 708 Email: isc@water-it.com Web: www.water-it.com

Pergolas Iron Designs Ltd 8 Church Road, Portslade, East Sussex BN41 1LA Tel: 01273 423 685 Email: richard@ irondesigns.co.uk Web: www.irondesigns. co.uk

Water Features Fountains and Features Unit 3, Meridian Business Centre, Kings Street, Oldham, Greater Manchester OL8 1EZ Tel: 01618 703 550 Email: sales@ fountainsandfeatures.co.uk Web: www. fountainsandfeatures.co.uk

Seats and bins Omos Units 1-3 Military Road Industrial Park, Naas, County Kildare Ireland Tel: 353(0)45899802 Email: info@omos.ie Web: www.omos.ie

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We’ll give it to you straight.

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30/04/2013 09:09

Plantsman’s Plot

Plantsman’s PLOT A round-up of trees and plants available at some of the country’s best nurseries To appear in Plantsman’s Plot, please send your plant of the month, details and image to editor@pro-landscaper.co.uk For many, it was the plant of the show at Chelsea 2008, wowing the visitors with its delightful bicoloured blooms that emerge in airy sprays from slender pink buds. Each flower of Gaura lindheimeri ‘Rosyjane’ is pure white with a striking cerisepink, picotee edge to the petals.

The blooms are produced in succession from late spring until early autumn. Reaching 75cm, ‘Rosyjane’ is slightly taller than many other Gauras, so makes an elegant border addition, combining well with grasses as well as other red and purple summer blooms. This is one of our favourite new plants, partly because it was discovered just down the road from our Hampshire nursery, at Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants. www.hortusloci.co.uk

Forsythia x Intermedia ‘Lynwood Variety’ is an excellent and reliably abundant golden yellow shrub to brighten up any border. Its spectacular golden yellow flowers shoot forth from early to mid-spring along large arching twigs, these have a beautiful mid-green bright foliage as well. It also makes a striking hedge if bold colour is required. Size reaches around 2.1m² with maturity. It’s good in sun or partial shade on a welldrained soil. www.nicholsons.gb.com

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The Rhododendron family covers a wide range of forms, from tiny rock garden shrubs to tall spreading trees, but they all have one thing in common; a glorious and stunning spring display. If you’re lucky enough to be planting a garden with acid soil there’s sure to be one with the right colour and size to fit your scheme. www.dingleydell.co.uk

While some plants’ ‘star appeal’ rises then quickly fades, Skimmia Kew Green will deliver an Oscar winning performance all-year round. Evergreen, scented flowers, aromatic foliage, a natural dome shape, little if any maintenance – just keep out of full sun and this plant is one all gardens should have. The pale greenish-white flowers are a gentle reminder that spring is on its way as they open and release a fragrant scent. This hardy shrub also forms an all-year-round backdrop for a range of herbaceous and summer flowering plants; while quietly waiting in the background to star again. www.colesnurseries.co.uk www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Plantsman’s Plot

Originating from China and first introduced to the UK in 1900, Clematis armandii fills a great gap in the flowering season and is in full flower in the month of May. The long, arrow-shaped evergreen leaves are a dark leathery green in colour, with new leaves emerging with a bronze tinge. The flowers up to 5cm across are borne in clusters exuding vanilla-like scent across the garden. Flowering for most of the spring, an occasional second flush can be enjoyed on mature plants again later in the autumn.

A vigorous evergreen clematis, perfect for rambling through mature trees. Reaching heights of up to 5m, this clematis is best when unconfined. No pruning is required to retain vigour or boost flower production – so plant in a sheltered spot and watch it go. www.provendernurseries.co.uk

The small, white summer flowers of the Pittosporum tobira Nanum, sweetly scented with an orange blossom perfume, give this plant its common name of Dwarf Japanese Mock Orange. The lovely glossy dark green foliage and the sculptural mound shape lend themselves to being used as a ‘natural’ form of topiary – a ball that doesn’t need pruning! It prefers well-drained soil in sun or part shade and is hardy down to -10C. Plant under a window to enjoy the sweet scent on those balmy summer evenings. www.theplantationnursery.co.uk

The Dogwood family provide many useful shrubs. Landscapers will be familiar with the C. alba and stolonifera types for their coloured stems. To keep the brilliance of the winter stem display they need to be pruned hard every other year and not top pruned with hedge trimmers. It’s been so cold you will get away with a late prune now, though this year’s growth may be a little shorter. The flowering dogwoods take the display season into May with Cornus florida Rubra (pictured here), and into June and July with Cornus kousa varieties.

These are larger garden shrubs or small trees which like most soils except thin ones over chalk and are great in woodland edge conditions. www.palmstead.co.uk

Not often seen as a hedge plant, Forsythia Lynwood Gold is covered in bright golden yellow flowers in the early spring. It makes a good low maintenance hedge that will grow in full sun or part shade and in nearly all types of soil. On our nursery it forms a blaze of colour and catches visitor’s eyes. It will make a lovely hedge in both urban and rural positions and will brighten up any boundary.

Available in various heights in 1m troughs. www.readyhedgeltd.com

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Acer campestre Louisa Red Shine is a wonderful derivative from our native Field Maple with particularly contrasting foliage in the spring. It grows to between 10-15 metres and thrives on most soil types. There are few trees of native origin that offer such a display so look out for it this spring, you won’t be disappointed. We have videoed some on our web site: www.buythetreeyousee.com which are worth a look.

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18/04/2013 15:23

Chelsea 2013 Preview The Homebase Garden

Multi Gold medal winning designer Adam Frost has designed the Homebase Garden – ‘Sowing the Seeds of Change’ – the garden will be Adam’s sixth. The design is a modern family garden, providing an environment to enjoy both a connection with nature and food for both people and wildlife, and also an outdoor space to spend time with family and friends. It is an ornamental kitchen garden which will bring together a mix of both floral and edible plants, by interspersing ornamental fruit and vegetables, the garden will also look at how to encourage wildlife into a garden. Inspiration for the garden comes from the late Geoff Hamilton, who created the Barnsdale Ornamental Kitchen Garden in 1990.

The garden is composed of three unique but complementary spaces – a lawn area with fruit trees, a cooking area, and an arbour area with a water feature. The separate spaces will be connected together through the use of twisted steel.

Designer: Adam Frost Sponsor: Homebase Contractor: Landform Consultants Ltd Site number: MA20

The SeeAbility Garden Designer: Darren Hawkes Sponsor: SeeAbility supported by Coutts Contractor: The Garden Builders with Wheelbarrow Plants supplied by: W.Godfrey & Sons, Plants Direct Site number: RHW1 This is both Darren Hawkes and SeeAbility’s inaugural Chelsea show garden, the theme of which is sight loss. In a recent survey 86 per cent of the UK population stated sight as the sense they would most fear losing – the garden will provide a positive message, focusing on enriching life through maximising limited vision and other senses, and raising awareness of

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Pro Landscaper takes a look at some of the gardens on display at the RHS Centenary Chelsea Flower Show, taking place from the 21-25 May

the importance of regular sight tests for everyone.

Specific sight conditions will be expressed conceptually through the design, materials, and plantings. For example, straight paths through the garden lead to three interweaving upright circles made from different materials, together with oak seats divided by opaque glass screens, these provide symbolically obstructed views. At the centre is a large Robinia tree surrounded by a curtain of stainless steel balls with cascading water, which stimulates other senses enhancing the enjoyment of the garden.The planting uses contrasting colours and silhouettes, drawing the eye into and around the garden.

The LaurentPerrier Garden Designer: Ulf Nordfjell Sponsor: Laurent-Perrier Contractor: Crocus.co.uk Plants supplied by: Crocus.co.uk Site number: MA17 Designed by previous Gold award-winning Swedish designer Ulf Nordfjell, the 15th consecutive Laurent-Perrier Garden is a contemporary take on classic French and English romantic styles, acknowledging the heritage of the family-owned Champagne House whilst incorporating a modern elegance.

The design is inspired by the work of two remarkable women who modernised horticulture: Nicole de Vésian’s famous garden

La Louve in Provence, France and Ulla Molin’s private garden in Höganäs Sweden.

The gardens echo the beauty of their surrounding landscapes by using simple forms and pruned, soft shapes.

The garden features simple materials such as stone, wood and metal, complemented by perennials in a colour palette of soft pinks and blues, as well as creamy oranges, yellows and whites.The plants have been chosen to thrive in the English climate and add beauty across the seasons.The planting provides structure with a mix of elegant trees and specially shaped shrubs, with perennials planted in blocked layers for both sun and half shade.

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RHS Chelsea Flower Show The Brewin Dolphin Garden Designer: Robert Myers Sponsor: Brewin Dolphin Contractor: Willerby Landscapes Plants supplied by: Hortus Loci, Deepdale Trees Site number: MA21

B&Q Sentebale ‘Forget Me Not’ Garden Designer: Jinny Blom Sponsor: B&Q Contractor: Steve Swatton Plants supplied by: Hortus Loci Site number: MA16 B&Q will partner with Sentebale – a children’s charity founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho – and designer Jinny Blom in a partnership which will raise awareness of the charity, which supports Lesotho’s most vulnerable children who are victims of extreme poverty and the HIV/AIDs epidemic. Sentebale means ‘forget me not’ in Sesotho – the language of Lesotho – and was set up in the memory of the mothers of Prince Harry

and Prince Seeiso.The garden is inspired by traditional features of Lesotho, in particular the repetitive circular motif found in the landscape, buildings, hats, and blankets, which represents the love and protection of the family in a country fractured by AIDs. Jinny Blom said “Lesotho has a fascinating landscape and culture that confounds one’s expectations of what makes a country ‘African’.

Lesotho’s climate is akin to that of Wales, cool and damp…I am hoping to express not only the beauty and rich culture, but also the inaccessibility and fragility of the country. Some of the native flora, such as Nemesia and Silene fimbriata, will be known to British gardeners”.

Robert Myers’ garden is to be an area for relaxation and informal entertainment, a calm, reflective, private space featuring native planting, stone, timber and water. Inspired by Brewin Dolphin’s ethos as a company, the garden is bespoke and innovative, but firmly rooted in past traditions.The various spaces for entertaining and interaction reflect the importance placed on personal relationships and conviviality.

The planting is based on a palette of UK native species, reflecting interest in the benefits of creating local distinctiveness, sustainable planting, and is habitat for wildlife. Species have been chosen for their flower colour, form and leaf texture, appropriate for this garden setting.

Structure is created with pleached field maples, and multi-stemmed rowans create vertical punctuation. In semi-shaded areas green textures of shrubs, grasses and herbaceous planting are being used, with splashes of white, purple and blue flowers. As well as a timber theme, innovative sculptures by Ben Barrell will also be incorporated.

East Village Garden Designers: Michael Balston and Marie-Louise Agius Sponsor: Delancey Contractor: Willerby Landscapes Ltd Plants supplied by: Deepdale Trees, Kelways, Burncoose Nurseries, Exbury Gardens Site number: MA19 The East Village is London’s newest neighbourhood, the legacy identity of the Athletes’ Village. Inspiration for the garden came directly from the form, history and ethos of East Village, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and surrounding Lea Valley area – the garden 56

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celebrates the creation and delivery of London’s ‘Legacy Promise’. The design is grounded in

Stratford; it has an urban feel but is also heavily plant orientated – echoing the juxtaposition of ‘urban’ and ‘green’ that exist in this neighbourhood. The garden is based around a series of leaf-shaped areas including lawns, a body of water, and planting beds through which runs a long, sinuous path; winding curves reference the landscape of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The collaboration between designers Michael Balston and MarieLouise Agius is a pairing of generations that reflects the theme of the old and the new, which runs through East Village and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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RHS Chelsea Flower Show Trailfinders Australian Garden presented by Fleming’s Designer: Phillip Johnson Sponsors: Trailfinders, Fleming’s Nurseries, Victorian State Government Contractor: Phillip Johnson Landscapes Plants supplied by: Various Site number: RGB10 This will be the ninth and final garden presented by Australia’s Trailfinders and Fleming’s Nurseries, which will showcase the natural beauty of Australia, reminding us that nature is the perfect reference for sustainable design, imperative in the 21st century. The design focusses heavily on water capture and conservation, as well as the use of recycled materials, solar power, and bushfire suppression systems.

The focal points of the garden are the Billabong, gorge and waterfalls, as well as the studio perched on the edge of the gorge. The studio roof includes solar panels with the capacity to generate enough power for the whole landscape. The garden will feature three distinct planting zones, representing the different Australian landscapes. Aquatic plantings will feature in and around the waterfalls and

M&G Centenary Garden: Windows Through Time Designer: Roger Platts Sponsor: M&G Investments Contractor: Roger Platts and NR Jupp Landscapes Plants supplied by: Roger Platts Site number: MA15 M&G’s centenary garden captures the design trends and themes of Chelsea Flower Shows past and present.The garden will showcase how British garden design has evolved whilst reflecting on the themes which have stood the test of time. Alongside modern sculpture, the design embraces classic 1900s historic shrubs, and water and rock in the form of a small pool, which have been popular elements at Chelsea throughout the www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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last 100 years. Plants will include ferns, foxgloves, acers and irises, as well as holly, laurel and rhododendron. Running along the edge of the garden is a brick wall and hedge, containing a kissing gate, leading to an imaginary orchard. Beside this is a log pile, reflecting today’s consideration for wildlife, surrounded by grasses and wildflowers, celebrating current garden styles.The centre of the garden reflects on timeless design classics and integrates paths of paved sandstone that thread through beds of roses and perennial flowers.

water gardens, and temperate plantings inspired by the dry acridity of Western Australia will feature in the dry garden zones. To accommodate the scope and impact of the design, the RHS asked for an expansion of the design for it to be located on the highest profile site of the show.

RBC Blue Water Roof Garden Designer: Professor Nigel Dunnett and The Landscape Agency Sponsor: Royal Bank of Canada Contractor: Landform Consultants Ltd Plants supplied by: Hortus Loci, Kevock Garden Plants Site number: MA13 This is the third successive year the team have collaborated at Chelsea. It will be Chelsea’s first full ‘living roof’ garden and is in keeping with the goals of the RBC Blue Water Project, a 10-year global commitment to help protect the world’s most precious natural resource: fresh water.

The design addresses two important issues – the need for effective urban water management, and for more green space in built-up areas.

This garden is a creative solution to bringing trees, meadows and wetlands into the heart of the densest of cities.

Attracting and observing wildlife, and biodiversity, are central to the garden’s design, along with sustainable water management in an urban rooftop setting. Filled with flower-rich planting, the garden harvests and circulates rainwater runoff to irrigate the garden, featuring a living wall of droughttolerant succulents used to separate the space from adjacent rooftops.

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24/04/2013 12:50

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RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Cloudy Bay Discovery Garden Designers: Andrew Wilson and Gavin McWilliam Sponsor: Cloudy Bay Contractor: Garden Link Plants supplied by: Hortus Loci Site number: FR1 The Cloudy Bay Discovery Garden is a space to be enjoyed; a place in which to relax and reflect over a glass of wine. Simplicity and elegance combine with a sense of discovery, reconnecting with the sensations of the garden and reflecting the essence of the Cloudy Bay lifestyle.

A stream runs through the garden reflecting the characteristics of

the Wairau River, shallow clear water rippling across textured pebbles.

Boulders and rammed earth walls create sculptural forms across the garden to create rhythm. A simple terrace provides a relaxing space sheltered by a horizontal canopy apparently supported by slender steel poles to create a shimmering sense of light and shade. A cantilevered polished concrete deck carries the space over the water connecting with the natural elements. Planting is selected for texture and character with rugged sculptural trees, marginal species and foliage planting which thrive between the stony features of this landscape. Within the associations planting gems await discovery.

The Fera Garden: Stop the Spread Designer: Jo Thompson Sponsors: Sponsor: The Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera) Contractor: The Outdoor Room Ltd Plants supplied by: Kelways Plants Ltd Site number: MA3 ‘Stop the Spread’ aims to inspire the public to play their part in preserving our horticultural heritage, biodiversity and wildlife by adopting good practices to minimise their chances of unwittingly spreading plant pests and diseases, or encouraging invasive non-native species.

Transformation Designer: The Landscape Team, Stoke-on-Trent City Council Sponsors: Various local businesses Contractor: Bartholomew Landscaping Plants supplied by: Folia Europe Ltd, David Austin Roses, Lorenz von Ehren, Worfield Gardens Wholesale Nursery Site number: RHW7 Stoke-on-Trent Garden Partnership is unveiling its first garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.This unique garden aims to tell the story of Stoke-on-Trent’s journey from a rich industrial past into a modern, contemporary city. It is one of the greenest cities in the country with 20 per cent public open space, and www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Stoke-on-Trent is leading an innovative approach to using its resources to become a more sustainable city in terms of energy.

Crucial to the design is a skeleton of a pottery bottle kiln which represents the city’s pottery heritage.

In contrast, a sunken seating area at the front of the garden echoes the contemporary living spaces being created in the city. Staffordshire University and the British Ceramics Biennial have been working with hundreds of local

The garden presents two distinct characters: beautiful and ugly.The sunken garden features herbaceous planting and a sculpture by Tom Stogdon, bordered by quintessential native trees and lush shade-loving planting. In stark contrast is an avenue of dead trees, an ominous pool with an island holding a single sapling, and concrete-panelled walls surrounding the garden. Jo Thompson said “We can safeguard our heritage through simple actions such as the careful buying of plants and large specimen trees and shrubs from trusted growers and making sure any unwanted plants are composted carefully – never dumped in the wild.”

school children in the making of thousands of ceramic flowers that will form a key feature of the garden.

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RHS Chelsea Flower Show The Daily Telegraph Garden Designer: Christopher Bradley-Hole Sponsor: The Daily Telegraph Contractor: Crocus.co.uk Plants supplied by: Crocus.co.uk Site number: MA18

The Arthritis Research UK Garden Designer: Chris Beardshaw Sponsor: Arthritis Research UK Contractor: Keith Chapman Landscapes Plants supplied by: Hortus Loci Site number: RHW1 Arthritis Research UK made their debut at last year’s Chelsea Flower Show, and return this year with Chris Beardshaw. Chris was diagnosed with a type of rheumatoid arthritis at 17 but has successfully managed his condition, making him the perfect role-model of living an active and successful life with arthritis.The garden reflects the journey and emotions of an arthritis sufferer, from confusion and fear, to becoming informed and managing their pain – reflecting the charity’s ethos on how to deal with the disease.

The garden has three key areas; the Veiled Garden – a shaded woodland retreat; the Lucid Garden – a white, green and blue palette along with a reflective pool give the sense of clarity; and the slightly sunken Radiant Garden – warm and vibrant pinks, purples, oranges and blues create openness and confidence.

The Telegraph Garden will be designed by the Christopher Bradley-Hole, who returns to the show after an eightyear break. This garden is a contemporary, meditative composition inspired by the making of the English landscape, the Japanese approach to garden design,

and by modern abstract art. The garden is a representation of England’s wooded landscape from which openings were cleared to allow settlement, civilisation and cultivation. English native trees and shrubs are used symbolise the way field patterns are superimposed on the land.

Stockton Drilling as Nature Intended Garden Designer: Jamie Dunstan Sponsor: Stockton Drilling Ltd Contractor: Morgan & Neal Garden Construction Plants supplied by: Kelways Plants Ltd, Deepdale Trees Site number: MA7 Yorkshire man Jamie Dunstan, who has previously won two Silver, one Gold and ‘Best in Show’ at Chelsea returns with a garden that pushes the boundaries of garden design, building on a passion for nature and demonstrating versatility and creativity. ‘As Nature Intended’ sees a holistic appreciation of how

nature influences art, medicine and food production through sculpture and hard and soft landscaping.The garden is a natural progression from last year’s ‘Winds of Change’, contrasting with the more industrial and reclaimed elements.Thus alongside natural stone, and barley, yew and willow sculptures by Emma Stothard, and a sympathetic planting scheme, the garden will provide an oasis of peace and quiet amongst the hustle and bustle of Chelsea’s Main Avenue.

The Wasteland Designer: Kate Gould Sponsor: Kate Gould Gardens Ltd Contractor: The Team Landscapers Plants supplied by: Kelways Plants Ltd, Deepdale Trees, Euro Plants, ANS Site number: RHW4 Although a Chelsea regular in the urban garden category, this is Kate Gould’s first show garden.The theme is inspired by the many unloved spaces in London which can be renovated to create havens for both people and wildlife.The garden has 60

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The hazel, symbol of the working forest, is shown in a new ‘designed’ form, and a colonnade of columns crafted from English green oak.

The garden has a palette of subtle tones emblematic of the atmospheric composition of the landscape on a misty day.

been created on one such space – an abandoned water pumping works; some of the waste from the site’s industrial past is being re-used within the garden such as the storm drain and crazy paving for flooring.

The garden offers privacy, space to relax under tree canopies surrounded by small shrubs and pretty perennials, with the sound of water gently burbling in the background. Plants have been selected to juxtapose with the grey hardscape, for example lush green ferny foliage and bold leaf shapes to cast interesting shadows, with rich blue and deep red planting. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

19/04/2013 12:09

The RHS Chestnut Range

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29/04/2013 16:03

Latest Products

SCULPTURE AT CHELSEA Coombe Sculpture Garden will exhibit for the fourth time at Chelsea with the sculptor Paul Vanstone. Paul Vanstone is a renowned UK based sculptor who carves in marble. His work has been installed in many gardens throughout the UK and overseas.

The Chelsea stand will display a number of his sculptures in a Stand garden setting – an environment that they are ideally suited for.

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Since Hamish Mackie started sculpting 20 years ago he has had the privilege to observe wildlife in many corners of the world bringing his passion for the outdoors into his sculptures. Through this close observation he is able to capture a moment in time. As his career progresses, he is emerging as one of the most talented British wildlife sculptors with works in public and private collections worldwide.

Featured is the Cheetah Life Size, bronze, signed Hamish Mackie, dated 2012, edition of 12, 130cm long x 143cm high x 112cm wide.

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Rachel Carter is creating a hand woven bronze sculpture to display at the 100th Chelsea Flower Show. The Bronze Grand Sphere will be created by hand-weaving with moulded wax in the shape of willow branches to create the spherical sculpture, before sending it to the foundry to be transformed into bronze. This new sculpture will be totally unique and the first of its kind, to capture and preserve forever the delicate features of the willow branch. Each sculpture can only be cast once as the wax weaving will be lost through the technique; it cannot be replicated or moulded, ensuring each piece is a one-off. The sculpture will be 80cm in diameter.

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Helen Sinclair of Sculpture Culture has been showing her work at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for 20 years. Her work is contemporary figurative sculpture – powerful, punchy work, large and small, cast in limited editions in foundry-cast bronze or a stone-resin composite. Helen has several works in public places – Brecon Cathedral, and Marie Curie’s state-of-the-art new Hospice in Solihull. Featured is “Winter Walking” – a larger version of which will appear Stand at Chelsea this year in stone-resin.

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Michael Speller will unveil three new works at RHS Chelsea this year, marking their centenary anniversary. Inspired by a poem by 11 year old Ciaran Powders, the runner-up in a national poetry competition organised as part of the arts programme for the London 2012 Olympics, one of the pieces is called ‘Joy’ – Michael was an Olympic Artist and these sculptures are part of his Olympic Legacy. Pictured is ‘Attachment’ which will also be shown at Chelsea this year.

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David Watkinson will be at the Chelsea Flower Show for the fourth year, wowing the public with more of his unique innovative sculpture. David will be unveiling striking new work that uses optical illusion; the new pieces consist of steel branchlike frameworks with an array of stainless steel or coloured optical cubes.

David is best known for his large kinetic sculpture but also creates beautiful contemporary pieces such as ‘Light’, where David manages to capture the ethereal qualities of light.

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Sitting Spiritually Stand To celebrate 100 years of Chelsea Flower Show in 2013 the RHS has granted Sitting Spiritually a license to produce “The RHS Centenary Bench” in FSC certified British Oak. This Arts & Crafts Movement inspired Bench is being made as a limited edition of 100, with the very first one being donated to the RHS by Sitting Spiritually, it will be placed at one of the RHS Gardens following Chelsea. The other 99 Centenary Benches will be available for sale exactly as it is being donated to the RHS, and shown in the photograph. The Bench may also be commissioned with the customer’s own choice of inscription, up to 30 characters, for the same price.

WWW.SITTINGSPIRITUALLY.CO.UK

MW5

Stand

PW31

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Harrod Horticultural A lattice arch can display an array of fragrant flowering climbers over a seating area, gate or walkway – an attractive feature in any garden. The Harrod system matches weather-resistant, maintenance-free steel lattice panels which are elegant and beautifully engineered, with Roman and Ogee arches, to form kits.

The arch frame itself is made from extra strength 1.5mm thick wall by 25mm² steel framework, it is galvanised inside and out, and then powder coated matt black for an attractive, long lasting finish that withstands the weather. All are made in the UK, come with a 10 year guarantee and are endorsed by the RHS. WWW.HARRODHORTICULTURAL.COM

Forest Avenue Forest Avenue supplies a truly unique range of fence panels, gates, pergolas and planters.

The patented “fibre” is available in 100 per cent polyethylene which is completely UV stable, or alternatively in polyethylene/wood fibre combination; this latter finish weathers like a natural hardwood to a natural silver/grey finish. Standard fence panels are available in a range of colours and sizes. The hand woven panels can be supplied in double or single weave; the double weave is completely opaque, whilst the single weave is translucent, and is also preferable for areas of high wind.

Bespoke orders are also welcome, to supply custom screens, fence panels and gates.

Forest Avenue is exclusively available in the UK through Encompass Furniture.

WWW.ENCOMPASSCO.COM

Stand John Deere John Deere will be exhibiting at Chelsea the John Deere X135R rear-discharge, rear-collect lawn tractor which is suitable for lawns up to 4000m². It comes with a smooth-running V-twin petrol engine, an automatic transmission with easy-to-use foot controls, a 92cm (36in) rotary mower deck that can be easily converted for mulching, and a 300-litre capacity removable grass hopper. Due to its manoeuvrability and compact size, the versatile X135R can travel along narrow paths and through small gates less than 1m wide. A rear hitch is included as standard for towing, and the tractor can also be equipped with a front-mounted brush or snow blade for true year-round versatility.

WWW.JOHNDEERE.CO.UK

RHW 23

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

18/04/2013 10:32

VISIT US AT

CHELSEA

Stand FR10

Modern, 20th century & contemporary sculpture for garden & interior designers, collectors & investors.

An extensive selection of sculptures in bronze, marble, granite, glass, wood, copper, slate, steel, stone etc. always available for immediate delivery or collection.

Moondance : Lucy Kinsella

Skaters : Michael Marriot

Expert advice on the acquisition of sculpture to suit all budgets freely given. Commissions undertaken.

Over 100 sculptors represented.

Venture capital investment welcomed.

Aida : Jonathan Loxley

Circus Troupe : Jim Unsworth

Dame Kind : Sean Crampton

Dancer : Patricia Peters

The Vault : Wilfred Pritchard

Two Worlds : Martyn Barratt

Divers : Nicholas Ruffe

w w w . thesculpturepark . c o m

Jumps Road, Churt, Farnham, Surrey GU10 2LH

Tel: 01428 605453 Mobile: 07831 500 506 email: eddiepowell@thesculpturepark.co.uk

OPEN: EVERY DAY 10.00am - 5.00pm Running Dogs: Marjan Wouda

AQ Aut11 Sculpture Park WPB.indd 1 2868_RAMagAdv13Apr2011__FP230x300.indd 1

•Full Page–in–page.indd 1 ADVERTS TEMPLATES.indd 101

White Eagle : Jane Rickards

Admission _ Adults - £6 • Children & Senior Citizens - £3 • Children under 5 - FREE

13/07/2011 13/4/11 1:12:5616:06 pm

10/5/11 14:40:42 17/04/2013 09:32

Create a buzz with

Lindum’s Biodiverse Range

Wildflower and sedum mats for green roofs, gardens and landscaping Green innovation to enhance biodiversity and combat climate change – pleasing to people and pollinators

Tel

+44 (0)1904 448675

Email

www.turf.co.uk

lindum@turf.co.uk

@lindumturf

ProLandscaper91x118mm Natselection_Layout 1 14/01/2013 15:09 Page 1

Natural Selection

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Treebox is dedicated to transformational urban greening by providing

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info@treebox.co.uk

0208 543 4530

Long Rake Spar Co Ltd Youlgrave, Nr. Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1LW. Tel: 01629 630133 Fax: 01629 636247

www.treebox.co.uk

www.longrakespar.co.uk admin@longrakespar.co.uk

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Vertical rain gardens Reusable living hoardings and screens High-impact green walls Vertical food growing Temporary or permanent leased options

21/01/2013 14:48

30/04/2013 09:23

Green Roofs and Living Walls

Urban Greening Scotscape Ltd examine the benefits of green roofs and living walls, as well as the different available types The benefits of green roofs are well known in terms of reducing storm water run-off, insulating buildings and offering a sustainable alternative to traditional roofing practices. However, they can also improve biodiversity in urban areas and support the life cycles of insects and bees.

Green roofs can be specified at development stage or retro-fitted onto existing buildings, working closely with structural engineers to ensure loading capacities.

Types of green roof: Intensive – these are ‘traditional’ roof gardens and require a reasonable depth of soil to grow larger plants. Trees or conventional lawns are considered Intensive as they require irrigation and maintenance.

Extensive – designed to be virtually selfsustaining, they require only bi-annual weeding and application of fertiliser. Established on a relatively thin layer of growing media (up to 135mm) and generally containing a mix of sedum and/or wild flowers, they are often grown off-site and transported on vegetation carriers or as ‘blanket sedum’ and then laid on the roof.

Both of the above are laid on a prewaterproofed structure, generally on a root barrier and protection fleece.

Brown roofs – help to preserve habitats that may otherwise be lost through brown field redevelopment.The growing medium is usually taken from site to allow the roof to self-colonise with local flora and fauna. Depending on the type of green roof installed; weather conditions influence the quality of varied plant stock so monitoring is recommended. It is also important to ensure that uninvited plants do not take hold – such as Buddleia, as the aggressive root system could compromise the roof ’s structure.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Green Roof.indd 67

Why use green roofs? ● Reduced energy and maintenance costs ● Long roof life – protects against UV and weather damage ● Provides a habitat for flora and fauna ● 70-90 per cent of rain water retained ● No reflected heat and prevents sealed surface heat build-up ● Cools buildings in summer and insulates in winter ● A useful, recreational space for roof gardens or terraces Living walls are currently very much in the public arena due to their aesthetic benefits, however research programmes are investigating their long-term benefits. Imperial College are studying which plants offer the best air-purification benefits on busy roads, in order to use living walls to improve air quality in cities. Scotscape’s research at the University of Sheffield is investigating water useage and thermal benefits to Biotecture system buildings; which will aid informed decisions on improving the bio-diversity and energy efficiency of a property.

Modular Living Wall systems (hydroponic or compost) arrive on site as fully planted, ready-to-hang modular units.These are installed either on an existing structure protected by a waterproof membrane or on a pre-designed support framework and linked to the irrigation system which is entirely hidden by planting.

Good design is essential for the plant content of living walls, to ensure that they are attractive and survive in the proposed location. On-going maintenance is essential, to monitor irrigation function, nutrient delivery, and tidy up or replace plants for seasonal variation.

Biotecture system

ANS system

Irrigation of living walls Irrigation pipes are fitted into specially designed holdings at the top of each module, and liquid nutrients can be introduced via an incorporated feeding device. Regular maintenance will ensure that irrigation works properly and nutrients and pesticides are delivered in the appropriate quantities and at the right moment.

Why use living walls? ● Instantly ‘green’ areas previously impossible to cultivate ● Improve aesthetics ● Improve thermal performance, and reduce the heat island effect ● Increase biodiversity, mitigating the environmental impact of new developments ● A vast variety of plants can be used – evergreen and seasonal ● Provide a unique opportunity for creative design and instant ‘wow factor’ ● May be used internally or externally ● Help reduce airborne particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide Green roofs and living walls offer greening opportunities which transcend gimmicks or aesthetics and offer legitimate solutions to not only improving biodiversity in urban areas but also reducing heat loss in buildings.

Scotscape Ltd specialises in commercial and domestic landscaping, maintenance, living walls, green roofs, installation of bio-top pools and also insect habitats. Scotscape are involved with either the installation or maintenance of over 90 per cent of living walls including a variety of systems in the UK. www.scotscape.net

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Green Roofs and Living Walls

keeping it green Six examples of the unusual and unexpected places green roofs and living walls have been installed...

Treebox was asked to help design, develop and install a living wall in Notting Hill in London to enhance an unattractive wall. Utilising a vertical planting system allowed the planting of established plants including evergreen ferns, ornamental grasses, Heuchera and Pulmonaria – all chosen for their year-round appearance and hardiness. An unusual feature of the installation was the inclusion of three Amelanchiers trees at height. www.treebox.co.uk

Evergreen Roof Gardens was asked to install a wildflower meadow roof on the new Interpretation Centre at Cardiff Castle.

The same wildflower turf that has more recently been seen at the Olympic opening ceremony was used, which is grown in this country and features an all native mix of grasses and wildflowers to provide a lovely array of colour in spring and summer. www.evergreenroofgardens.co.uk

This living wall by Biotecture was commissioned as a visual screen at the Kings Cross Gas Governor in London. The 240m² wall fronts a busy road and the client (Argent Development) was keen to extend the greenery in the area and for the wall to be an insect attractant. Species planted include: Bergenia purpurscens, Heuchera purple form, Carex Morrowi Irish Green, Pachysandra terminalis, Geranium renardii, Stachys Silver Carpet, Erysium Bowles Mauve, and Lavandula Munstead. www.biotecture.uk.com

Mobilane installed a 49m² Live Panel Living Wall at a new Waitrose store in Bracknell trialing new biodiversity features.

The site was recognised as an important habitat and subsequently featured a green roof covered with wild grass to improve drainage and provide an area for wildlife. There is also a living wall which will promote wildlife movement around the site, with hedges instead of conventional fencing. www.mobilane.co.uk

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MMA Architectural Systems Ltd supplied and installed over 500m² of its Jakob Webnet system for the newlybuilt sports hall at St Dominic’s College in Harrow for installation of a living wall on the building.

6ft of climbing plants were planted in custom-made containers and trained to grow up the Jakob Webnet structure. www.jakob.co.uk

Landmark Living Roofs installed a green roof to a new sewerage screening building in Polperro, Cornwall. The idea was that the building blended in with the surrounding cliffs overlooked by the coastal path. The plants specified were all indigenous to the surroundings and included sea plantain, thrift and various grasses. Local soil was also used, which meant that there was a better chance of self-seeding from the local vegetation. www.landmarklivingroofs.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

18/04/2013 10:29

Pro-Landscaper DS_Pro-Landscaper 10/04/2013 15:25 Page 1

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NEW!! AVAILABLE NOW FROM ONSITE TRAINING UK at your worksite

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Trainers: Dusty Gedge & John Little At our Gardening Academy at Lamport Hall, Northants

18/04/2013 15:00

18/04/2013 15:09

Site Visit

Site visit Lindum Turf

Lindum has been growing specialist turf for over 25 years; from golf courses to the finest lawns, from sports pitches to beautiful wildflower meadows, they have developed a reputation for high quality, innovation and excellent service.

The business was started by the current Managing Director, Stephen Fell, who began growing turf in 1984; Lindum currently employs 18 members of staff, with additional staff recruited on a seasonal basis.

Based in North Yorkshire on a 650 acre site, the turf is produced using top-rated named cultivators and is grown on stone-free, sandy loam soil to rigorously high standards. The company has invested in the latest technology and machinery to ensure that the turf reaches the customer in the best possible condition.

Working closely with seed breeders, Lindum have developed a range of turf grades for a wide variety of uses – including products to create a fine lawn turf that looks like a bowling green, hardwearing turf that will stand up to wear and tear, and turf that can cope with the challenges of a changing climate.

With 25 years of growing experience, Lindum ensures that the turf is top quality, strong, and stays looking good with easy care. Rather than a ‘one grade fits all’ policy, the company has a full range of landscaping turf so that you can choose the grade for your specific requirement or budget. Lindum puts a great deal of effort into developing the right products for the market.

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The following grades are particularly recommended for landscaping: ● Lindum Festival – LT7. For lawns and general landscaping, with outstanding appearance and strong green colour, it is hardwearing, dense and easy to maintain. ● Lindum Sports Turf – LT6. For high wear areas, with good regrowth ability for quick recovery. ● Rhizomatous Tall Fescue – RTF. For lawns and areas subject to water restrictions, and for soil stabilisation, it is deep rooting and drought tolerant. ● LT4 Smooth Stalk – LT4. A high quality ornamental turf with fine appearance and quick regrowth from rhizomes. ● LT Shade – LT10. A shade tolerant turf with high shoot density that is also wear resistant.

In recent years Lindum has developed a unique range of specialist products for green roofs, landscape architecture and soil stabilisation.

The range of wildflower, sedum and grass mixtures specifically for use on green roofs are UK grown and supplied as ready-to-roll-out green roof mats to provide an instant vegetation layer. ● Lindum SedumPlus is a pure sedum mat, sown with 16 stunning varieties of sedum to combine drought tolerance with extended interest and colour throughout the growing season. ● Lindum Biodiverse Green Roof Mat has been developed in conjunction with Professor Nigel Dunnett of the University of Sheffield, and includes a ready established mixture of drought tolerant sedum, wildflower, herbs and flowering perennials which will encourage biodiversity.

Other products include: ● Lindum Wildflower Turf is a mix of native wildflowers and meadow grasses, supplied ready established to create an instant wildflower meadow. ● Lindum Lokturf, a fibre-reinforced turf, is designed for overflow grass car parking, emergency

vehicle access routes, walkways and other areas of heavy wear. ● Lindum Grassfelt is a mature soil-less grass, grown in a moisture retentive felt resulting in a flexible living carpet, ideal for erosion control, difficult contours and unusual landforms. ● Lindum Low Maintenance Turf is an environmentally sustainable, slow growing mixture, requiring reduced mowing, irrigation and fertiliser inputs, making it ideal for grass roofs, drought prone areas, and difficult banks.

A choice of delivery options are available, but customers can also collect directly from site if they have their own transport; all turf is freshly cut to order. Trade customers are welcome to visit the nursery, however booking an appointment is necessary to ensure that someone is available to show you around, Lindum are open for visitors 8.00am-4.00pm Monday to Thursday or 8.00am-2.00pm on Friday.

Lindum is a member of the Turfgrass Growers Association and all the turf is grown to TGA Standards and conforms to BS:3969. Lindum is an affiliate member and an active supporter of BALI.The company has been accredited Investors in People for over 10 years.

Lindum Turf West Grange, Thorganby,York,YO19 6DJ Tel: 01904 448 675 Email: lindum@turf.co.uk Web: www.turf.co.uk Twitter: @lindumturf www.prolandscapermagazine.com

18/04/2013 11:20

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18/04/2013 09:35

Latest Kit

ARBORICULTURE The Arborist 150 from award-winning manufacturer GreenMech, has been especially engineered to meet the tough demands of today’s landscaping

Solo’s chainsaw range is ideal for landscaping professionals. A top product pick is the 646 SP power chainsaw. Featuring an ergonomic design, high acceleration and Solo anti-vibration dampers, this chainsaw remains comfortable to use even when cutting for

prolonged periods. This is thanks to Solo’s anti-vibration system, which minimises vibration while an

Forestry timber handling grabs, cranes and forestry trailers from Swedish manufacturer KTS have been introduced by Ryetec.

Developed over a number of years these machines offer robust and effective timber handling for all kinds of forestry operations and manufactured from heavy duty hardox steel to withstand years of

Perfect for arborists with particularly demanding needs, the STIHL X-FIT Design C trouser is a top quality choice, with the latest breathable stretch fabrics ideal for those who are working in trees. In addition the trousers are lightweight to wear.

Advanced 3XDRY® fabric technology transports moisture away keeping the suit keeping it dry on the inside and dry on the outside; it is

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water and stain repellent and stimulates a cooling effect. Practical design features include four well-placed zip pockets and tough reinforcement to vulnerable and high-wear areas including the front of legs from knee to ankle plus rear ankle patches. That adds hardwearing functionality to the benefits of this range.

WWW.STIHL.CO.UK

professional. Using a remit that includes durability, performance and ease of maintenance, the six inch professional wood chipper ticks all the boxes and comes at a price that gives value for money.

The Arborist 150 is below 750kg in weight and built with a choice

of either a 26hp or 34hp Kubota diesel engine. The simple to use and cost-effective model comes in a traditional in-line format with a wide letterbox-style throat of 150mm by 230mm that allows bulky and heavily forked branches to feed in easily.

WWW.GREENMECH.CO.UK

aluminium handle makes using the saw practical and comfortable.

Solo chainsaws offer a 75 per cent reduction in emissions plus 20 per cent improvement in fuel economy on recommended levels.

SOLO.UK@LELY.COM OR WWW.SOLO-GERMANY.COM

service. The loading grapple fits a tractor rear linkage, front loader or telehandler to convert the machine into a highly effective forestry crane for a fraction of the price, combining one metre of extra reach, a hydraulic grab and a three ton 360° rotator which allows logs to be lifted easily and placed exactly where required.

WWW.RYETEC.CO.UK

Makita has introduced three new 35cc models; the new EA3500 chainsaws are powered by environmentally friendly, 35cc 2-stroke motors that deliver 2.3hp and high torque. They are very compact and lightweight which makes the complete machine, at just 4.9kg, a light and comfortably controllable saw for forestry operations. The two-stage air filter system protects the engine, provides long service life and simple tool-less air filter cleaning. These new Makita chainsaws are fitted with catalytic exhaust converters to meet the toughest European exhaust emission standards. All Makita chainsaws provide the important safety feature of chain brake system, which can be activated both manually and by inertia. The new Makita EA3500, EA3501 and 40cm bar models are supplied complete with chain bar, chain, bar cover and tool kit.

WWW.MAKITAUK.COM

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

18/04/2013 10:35

5/4/13

11:54

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to arrange a demonstration through your local GreenMech Approved Dealer

Get on

track in 2010 2013 in

Swing Out Control Station

When you need a compact stump cutter with the go-anywhere traction and flotation that only tracks can provide, the Trac Jr is your solution. This all-new design from RAYCO raises the bar for compact stump cutters by offering a small machine that is truly full-featured. Rubber tracks provide excellent traction and ground pressure of less than 4psi. Huge, 47-inch cutting width tackles big stumps, and a hydraulic backfill blade makes easy work of clean-up.

A RAYCO-exclusive swing out control station provides excellent visibility of the cutting action while swinging forward www.raycomfg.com to travel through gates. Powered by a 35hp Vanguard gasoline engine. Available with a custom trailer.

Westcon Equipment (UK) Limited, Unit 2 Bridge Street, Bailie Gate Industrial Estate, Sturminster: Marshall, Dorset. www.raycomfg.com 800.392.2686 WestconorEquipment for further details: Contact RAYCO your Authorized Dealer for details.

BH21 4DB. Tel: (01258) 859100 Fax: (01258) 858434 Email: sales@westconuk.co.uk www.westconuk.co.uk

Westcon.indd 1

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18/04/2013 14:47

Trending

Pro Landscaper looks at what’s different this month INSTITUTE OF HORTICULTURE YOUNG HORTICULTURIST OF THE YEAR 2013

ARTISTS SEE GRASS IN A NEW LIGHT Grass may not be an obvious medium for art but it certainly inspires artists Ackroyd and Harvey. Their stunning pieces are photographic images grown on a grass

canvas which adds a haunting, ethereal quality to their

subjects. To ensure their ‘living art’ has longevity they use

Jez Stamp, currently working with the BBC Gardeners’ World production team, has won the much sought after and nationally acclaimed Institute of Horticulture 2013 Young Horticulturist of the Year competition (YHoY) at the Grand Final, held at the Liverpool University Ness Botanic Gardens on Saturday 13 April.

He wins the £2000 Percy Thrower Travel Bursary, provided by the Shropshire Horticultural Society. After the competition, Jez said ‘It was an excellent competition that highlights all the exciting opportunities that horticulture has to offer as a career.

Plants are my passion. I have thrown myself in 100 per cent and am proud to have won this competition.’ www.horticulture.org.uk

THE VERY MERRY MONTH OF MAY!

AberNile perennial ryegrass from British Seed Houses for its

SCH (Supplies) Ltd are giving away one of their fantastic little budget towed metal tipping trailers to one lucky customer. The trailer is a very popular model, with a carrying capacity of 8cwt, and measures approximately 48 inches long by 33 inches wide and retails for around £275.00. All you have to do to have a chance of winning is to go online to www.schsupplies.co.uk, order a copy

not use soil, the blades of grass are hydroponically grown

May 2013

Trending.indd 74

or in a sticky clay base. Warmth and water ensure the seedlings grow, yet where light falls the grass will create green tonal change from very dark green to lime green; where no light falls the grass is yellow.

www.britishseedhouses.com

of the free SCH brochure and quote the words ‘May Madness, Pro Landscaper’ on the ‘where did you hear about us?’ line. No purchase is necessary.

Please ‘like’ the company Facebook page to spread the word!

The winner will be drawn at random on Tuesday 4 June and notified by email the same day. Good luck! NB. This free prize draw is open from 1-31 May 2013. Employees of SCH and their families, and non UK residents will not be eligible.

WORKFORCE SOCKS

LECHUZA LAUNCH IN THE UK

At the end of a hard day’s work all you want to do

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is put your feet up or give them a nice long soak in

manufacturer of self-water-

the bath. However, if your feet are aching, it could

ing planters and pots, is launching in the UK. The injection-moulded plastic planters and pots offer excellent design, high quality and value for money. The pots, which are widely used by professional landscapers, are famed for their sub-irrigation system, which provides plants with the exact amount of water they need for optimum growth for up to 12 weeks, including an easy to read water level indicator, and water supply shaft for easy fertilising and watering. When outdoors, the removable drainage plugs prevent excess rainwater from damaging plants. A wide choice of sizes and styles are available, RRP from £10. www.lechuza.co.uk

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ability to maintain its green colour even when dried. They do

be your socks! Most socks are not manufactured to withstand the pressures of physical work, either not offering enough protection or warmth, or they are uncomfortable and slip down to the ankle.

However, Workforce socks are specifically engineered to meet the demands of strenuous employment. The Workforce range includes boot socks, wellie socks, walking socks and socks specifically designed to wear with steel toe cap safety shoes and boots.

www.workforcesocks.co.uk www.prolandscapermagazine.com

18/04/2013 11:23

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Trading with...

Trading with...

Rigby Taylor regional directors is Chairman for the BALI North West region as well, so we are definitely committed to the landscaping sector!

Give us a brief outline of your company...

Rigby Taylor was formed in 1919; the company launched its first turf fertiliser products in the 1930s so we have a long-standing heritage in this market.

Since then we have concentrated on developing products for professional groundsmen, landscapers and greenkeepers.

What additional support do you offer the landscape contractors?

What is the ethos of the company?

The company has a policy of continuous improvement and by creating close working partnerships with a number of key research-based suppliers has introduced many new products to the UK market and will continue to do so. Having been purchased by Origin Enterprises PLC as part of their strategic development we are excited to be able to deliver even greater numbers of products and expand our customer base.

What is your route to market? Do you have a network of dealers?

Rigby Taylor sells directly to the user through a highly qualified and experienced sales force operating throughout the UK. Having close links with the users of the products means we can ensure that the developments are focused on customer needs, innovation and technological advancement. We also have three trade counters throughout the UK which allows for some regional collections to be available to our customers.

How important is the landscape contractor to your business?

We have long-standing relationships with many national and local contractors, and by investing in our first fully dedicated landscape products brochure in December 2012 we are now able to offer a fuller and more varied range of landscaping products. We have been the lead sponsor for the BALI Awards for two years and will be repeating this in 2013, and one of our 76

May 2013

Trading with Rigby Taylor.indd 76

We have a nationwide network of experienced sales representatives who can provide on-site support and advice, most of them are BASIS registered so can offer chemical advice and solutions as well.

Do you think landscape contractors will be spending more or less with you this year?

The economic climate is going to dictate overall money available and prices are generally under pressure across the board. However, we have invested in personnel, infrastructure, and products to make us capable of delivering a first class range of products with the service to back it up.

Do you expect business turnover to increase, decrease or stay the same?

We grew as a company last year in very difficult trading conditions, so with product and range development, increased market potential, and other initiatives, we believe that we will continue to grow in 2013.

2

1

1

To order a copy of the Landscaping Products brochure, call 01904 428 760 or download via the website www.rigbytaylor.com How are you going to organise the sales team, and does your new role reflect a new strategy?

We will be utilising a lot more sales and customer data and communicating this within the sales team, the product managers, and in our marketing. A recent investment of over £1m on IT programmes is part of the strategy, along with additional training.

What would you like to have achieved by this time next year?

If I have helped the sales team to achieve their individual goals, and our customers say the company has delivered an increased level of service, then I will be satisfied. We are always looking to improve year on year.

Where are your products manufactured?

Mainly in the UK and Europe.

Have you got any new products planned?

There is an entirely new range of products for landscape projects, plus we have made some significant developments introducing some fertiliser products and grass seed ranges.

Which exhibitions will you be attending this year?

We had a successful stand at BTME and will be at FutureScape in November.

1 Rigby Taylor’s new landscaping products brochure.

2 Mark Whiting, Sales Director.

Rigby Taylor Ltd. Rigby Taylor House, Crown Lane, Horwich, Bolton BL6 5HP Tel: 0800 424919 Web: www.rigbytaylor.com Twitter: @rigbytaylor

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

18/04/2013 10:42

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18/04/2013 09:18

People

THE

LITTLE INTERVIEW Naomi Parsons Garden Designer and Contractor naomi@naomiparsons.co.uk What is your most important piece of machinery/equipment?

My pruning saw, it goes to every job I do and nearly always makes an appearance!

Name one thing unique about your business.

I’m always searching for unusual plants to enhance a client’s garden above the norm.

What is the busiest time of year for you?

Usually spring through to autumn.

How is sustainability embedded within your business?

Where possible I use double compost which is made of recycled green garden waste and quality hardwood chip from a local tree surgeon. Plants are re-used wherever possible.

Ed Heeley

Principal Scientist, Glendale Recycling www.glendale-services.co.uk In business terms, do you expect 2013 to be better than 2012?

I hope so. Hopefully better weather will improve compost sales.

Name one thing unique about your business.

We are fairly unique in having clients at both ends of the business: those with waste to process and those wanting compost.

What is the busiest time of year for you?

Spring and autumn.

How important is social media as a means of communication with clients?

Not important for us.

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A small insight into the world of other professionals from our wide and varied industry. If you’d like to appear in a future issue please email enquiries to editor@pro-landscaper.co.uk How important is social media as a means of communication with clients?

Social media has gained wider acceptance in many industries. However, as a sole trader I find correspondence is normally via email/phone calls.

How do you find new clients?

Mostly word of mouth, but I will be placing adverts this year to gain more clients.

Describe yourself in three words.

Hard working individual.

What are your unfulfilled career ambitions?

To finish my degree in garden design and improve my career prospects.

Best book you’ve ever read?

Designing with Grasses by Neil Lucas.

Your most inspirational garden?

Christopher Lloyd’s at Great Dixter.

How do you find new clients?

In terms of waste coming in we approach waste collectors, for sales of compost we advertise in local press and use word of mouth.

Describe yourself in three words.

Optimistic, enthusiastic, shy.

David Andersen

David Andersen Contemporary Gardens www.davidandersen.co.uk What is your most important piece of machinery/equipment?

Haha, it’s the spade... it’s what we still always use for planting.

Name one thing unique about your business.

We only do contemporary gardens.

What do you think the trends/changes will be in 2013?

We are finding that clients are more interested in sustainability, e.g. improving soil on-site by conditioning it with compost rather than importing soil.

Also things like rainwater harvesting are being incorporated.

How is sustainability embedded within your business?

We try to recycle, and also design gardens with the general idea of taking very little off-site to landfill.

How do you find new clients?

Mainly word of mouth, but the website helps with finding new international clients.

What are your unfulfilled career ambitions?

To design and build an infinity pool high in the Swiss Alps.

Best book you’ve ever read?

The Poldark Novels by Winston Graham.

Best book you’ve ever read?

Autobiography of a Yogi

by Paramahansa Yogananda

Your most inspirational garden?

The Lost Gardens of Heligan.

Your most inspirational garden?

Anything by Vladimir Djurovic.

What’s your favourite meal?

Roast beef.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I meditate twice a day.

First album you ever bought?

ABBA, The Album.

If you could be any Superhero – who would it be?

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi!

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

18/04/2013 11:29

People

Craig Ratcliff C.A.R. Gardens www.cargardens.co.uk What is your most important piece of machinery/equipment?

Pencil and tape measure.

Name one thing unique about your business.

All the team are qualified.

What do you think the trends/changes will be in 2013?

An increased interest in wildflower meadows, and naturalist planting, alongside an increased interest in sustainability of hard and soft landscaping materials.

Cecilia Litvinoff Cecilia Litvinoff Garden Design www.cecilialitvinoff.co.uk In business terms, do you expect 2013 to be better than 2012?

It’s difficult to predict, it depends partly on the weather and how people choose to spend their money in this economic climate.

Name one thing unique about your business.

My business is completely female, I work with like-minded women gardeners and designers and we bring a female perspective into everything we do.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Little Interview.indd 79

How is sustainability embedded within your business?

Our garden maintenance service is organic.

Our landscaping from design to creation considers our impact on the local environment, here on the Isle of Wight, and on the wider environment overseas.

How important is social media as a means of communication with clients?

Since 2011 this has been key to our promotion and ongoing communications.

Describe yourself in three words.

Husband, father, gardener.

What are your unfulfilled career ambitions?

Writing a book.

Your most inspirational garden?

Ventnor Botanic Garden.

First album you ever bought?

Really by JJ Cale.

Do you monitor your competitors’ progress?

Yes, with little real commitment, but rather a friendly inquisitive approach.

What is the busiest time of year for you?

Spring; clients and gardens seem to wake up at around the same time. Then autumn when there’s suddenly so much to do again.

How is sustainability embedded within your business?

I use organic methods and increasingly practise permaculture, a design system that works with nature.

How do you find new clients?

Through networking, social media and word of mouth.

What are your unfulfilled career ambitions?

To create, plant and look after a forest garden.

Best book you’ve ever read?

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela Your most inspirational garden?

My own! A neverending source of frustration, beauty, chaos, experimentation and joy, a waiting game and a refuge. Hidcote also has so many beautiful surprises.

What’s your favourite meal?

Spaghetti, in all its versions.

If you could be any Superhero – who would it be?

Masanobu Fukuoka will always be an inspiration for growing plants and crops following nature’s design.

May 2013

79

18/04/2013 11:29

Jobs GENERAL MANAGER

The Landscape Group Location: Warwick

JOBS For full details on all jobs, please go to www.prolandscapermagazine.com and click on the ‘Jobs’ section.

Call 01903 234 077 or email jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com with your vacancy.

For this new post, we are looking for a dynamic General Manager to be part of The Landscape Group team and be responsible for our Warwick District Council contract and oversee our Stratford-upon-Avon District Council and Orbit Housing South Warwickshire contracts. The role is based at our Warwick depot and reports directly to the Assistant Operations Director.

Please send a covering letter and CV to tlgrecruitment@thelandscapegroup.co.uk.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 12 May 2013. For more details please go to www.prolandscapermagazine.com and click the ‘Jobs’ section.

skilled LANDSCAPEr

GARDEN MAINTENANCE MANAGER

High quality design and build company based in Essex are seeking a Skilled Landscaper to join their company. Projects ranging in value 5k -150k. Reporting to the Landscape Manager you will be responsible for all aspects of hard and soft landscaping. A team leader who can work to a deadline, producing accurate work. Good pay and benefits.

We are looking to recruit a Garden Maintenance Manager. You will manage the two gardeners, as well as doing some garden maintenance yourself from time-to-time when required.You will work closely with the two Directors and the Operations Manager, to ensure an excellent standard of maintenance of client gardens and outside spaces.

A full job description is available.To apply please email your CV and covering letter clearly stating which role you are applying for to: admin@theconstant-gardener.com. A portfolio of your work should also be available for interview. For more details please go to www.prolandscapermagazine.com and click the ‘Jobs’ section.

If you would like to be considered, please send a covering letter and up to date CV to claire@belderbos.co.uk. For more details please go to www.prolandscapermagazine.com and click the ‘Jobs’ section.

JUNIOR MANAGER

TECHNICAL SALES ADVISOR

The Landscape Group Location: Stratford-upon-Avon

Green-tech Location:York

For this new post, we are looking for an energetic Junior Manager to be part of The Landscape Group team at our Stratford-upon-Avon contract, based at this ‘world destination’ location.This would be an ideal opportunity to take the first step into contract management and a career in the green services industry. A full driving license is essential.

We are looking for a new Technical Sales Advisor to join our dynamic team:

the constant gardener Location: Essex

Belderbos Landscapes Location: Richmond, South West London

To maximise the sale of Green-tech’s goods and services across all possible markets by proactive customer contact. Plus, responsibility for the negotiation and conversion of enquiries to sales orders in line with company policy and targets.

Please email your CV to: tlgrecruitment@thelandscapegroup.co.uk.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 12 May 2013. For more details please go to www.prolandscapermagazine.com and click the ‘Jobs’ section.

Please email your CV and salary aspirations to careers@green-tech.co.uk. For more details please go to www.prolandscapermagazine.com and click the ‘Jobs’ section.

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE OPERATIVE

LANDSCAPE DESIGN CAD TECHNICIAN

Gavin Jones are looking to recruit a Grounds Maintenance Operative based on a static site in Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire. Previous grounds maintenance experience and good horticultural knowledge is essential. Applicants will also require a full driving licence and PA1/PA6 spraying licence. A competitive salary and excellent career opportunities.

Reporting to the Creative Director, the successful applicant will be responsible for the following tasks: Site surveys and site analysis, drawing up site surveys electronically for the design team, importing dwg. files and cleaning up files, and preparing landscape plans, schedules and reports. This position is a technical one and you will need a strong working knowledge of Vectorworks Landmark 2013 and Apple Macs.

GAVIN JONES Location: Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire

Please forward your CV to nicola@gavinjones.co.uk or to request an application form please call Nicky Prior on 01932 833 817. For more details please go to www.prolandscapermagazine.com and click the ‘Jobs’ section.

JANINE PATTISON STUDIOS Location: Bournemouth, Dorset

Please email your CV and a covering letter (both as PDFs) to denise@janinepattison.com by 31 May 2013. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in late June 2013.

For more details please go to www.prolandscapermagazine.com and click the ‘Jobs’ section.

HARD LANDSCAPER

CONTRACT MANAGER

Our client designs and builds domestic gardens in the Twickenham and Richmond areas. The work is all hard landscaping including setting out, paving, decking, driveways, and construction of outdoor offices.The client is seeking well presented, personable candidates with a positive attitude and experience in all areas of hard landscaping.

Salary: 22-24k.

An opportunity has arisen for a Contract Manager to be part of the Winchester and East Hants team. This role is responsible for managing the day to day contract activities including programming and delivering the work schedule, managing and motivating the team, maintaining a positive relationship with the client and its representatives and achieving the required financial results.

Please apply with full CV (Ref. 18135) to andrea@andersplus.com.There will be an interview and then trial day with the client. Please let us know if you have a portfolio.

For more details please go to www.prolandscapermagazine.com and click the ‘Jobs’ section.

Please send a covering letter and CV to recruitment@thelandscapegroup.co.uk quoting reference: GM WIN (contract location). The closing date is 12 May 2013. For more details please go to www.prolandscapermagazine.com and click the ‘Jobs’ section.

andersplus Location: Twickenham

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May 2013

THE LANDSCAPE GROUP Location: Winchester

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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