Concept to Delivery August 2012
DESIGN, BUILD AND MAINTAIN
An ‘English garden’ is given a distinctly circular theme
WELL ROUNDED LOUISA BELL
Designing with trees
Advice on which species to choose for your projects
Portfolios
See how three companies implemented their projects
Let’s Hear it from...
Aidan Lane of Frosts Landscape Construction
Contents
August 2012
REGULARS
PORTFOLIOS
4 News shed
A round-up of news from the industry.
8 Association news Updates from the trade associations.
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12 Business Tips
All the regular features, plus a new page by landscape garden designer Andrew Wilson.
Aralia Garden Design
21 Let’s hear it from…
25
32
The Landscape Architect
Louisa Bell
Aidan Lane, Commercial Director, Frosts Landscape Construction.
43 Artificial grass
FEATURES Futurescape Ten more reasons why you can’t miss Pro Landscaper’s inaugural industry event
Designing with trees
Expert guidance on which trees to select for your future projects
Hampton Court Palace Photos of the highlights and standout gardens at last month’s flower show
Guide to artificial grass carpet adhesive systems.
52 Trending
Pro Landscaper looks at what’s different this month.
55 People
18 EDITORIAL editor@pro-landscaper.co.uk Director – Lisa Wilkinson lisa.wilkinson@pro-landscaper.co.uk Tel: 01903 234077 Editorial assistant – Rose Hales rose@pro-landscaper.co.uk EDITORIAL ADVISORY PANEL Mark Gregory Chairman APL and Landform Consultants Sam Hassall LandPRO Ltd Russell Eales Lawn Care expert Karl Harrison Decking expert Keith Sacre Tree expert FUTURESCAPE CO-ORDINATOR Joe Wilkinson joe.wilkinson@pro-landscaper.co.uk joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 234077
www.prolandscapermagazine.com
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Trading With… Mantis, Events Diary and The Little Interview.
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ADVERTISING Business Development Manager Jamie Wilkinson Jamie.wilkinson@pro-landscaper.co.uk Jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 234077
MANAGEMENT Managing Director Jim Wilkinson Director Lisa Wilkinson
PRODUCTION Design and reproduction: Russell Cox Design & Production
Business Development Manager Jamie Wilkinson
Printed by Pensord Press Ltd, Gwent, UK
Sales Executive – Luke Chaplin luke.chaplin@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 234077
Office Manager Joe Wilkinson
Sales executive – Sophie Abbott sophie@pro-landscaper.co.uk Sales executive – Ceri Pemberton-Bates ceri@pro-landscaper.co.uk Managing Director – Jim Wilkinson jim.wilkinson@pro-landscaper.co.uk jim.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 234077 GENERAL ENQUIRIES Tel: 01903 237779
Published by © Eljays44 Ltd – Business Intelligence
CIRCULATION Subscription Enquiries: lisa.wilkinson@pro-landscaper.co.uk Tel: 01903 234077
Business intelligence
Pro Landscaper is published 12 times per year by Eljays44 Ltd. The 2012 subscription price is £75.00. 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.
Eljays44 Ltd County House, 3 Shelley Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 1TT Tel: 01903 234077
August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
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Leader
Weathering the storm Following on from an awful May and June, July was set to be one of the wettest on record. This of course has a massive effect on our industry with numerous workdays lost because of the appalling weather. Hopefully by the time you read this the weather will have turned and we are in for a better August. This month we have heard a lot about the importance in the relationships between the contractor and designer – some good and some bad. Andrew Wilson from Wilson McWilliam Studio writes his first column for Pro Landscaper discussing this very subject. “Hopefully by the Also in this issue, the Society time you read this the of Garden Designers announces weather has improved its shortlist for the first awards and we are in for a – congratulations to all the better August.” finalists. Aidan Lane from Frosts Landscape Construction gives us an insight into his company and we have three very different but excellent portfolios; a review of the world of artificial grass plus the usual sections and a couple of surprises. We hope you enjoy the read… Jim and Lisa Wilkinson editor@pro-landscaper.co.uk PS: We’re pleased to announce that all the outdoor nursery space for Pro Landscaper’s inaugural event FutureScape has now been sold. We have lined up an excellent array of companies for you to visit on Tuesday 20 November 2012. Keep up to date with what’s going on at FutureScape by visiting: www.futurescapeevent.com Concept to
DESIGN, BUILD AND MAINT AIN
Delivery
August 2012
In September’s Pro Landscaper…
An ‘English garden’ is given a distinct circular theme ly
WELL ROUNDED LOUISA BELL
Let’s hear it from… one of the best known garden designers IOG Saltex – Preview Pro Landscaper 1st Anniversary
Have you signed up to the new Pro Landscaper Network? Log on to www.pro-landscaper. co.uk and click the network tab to get involved in the latest member discussion Designing
with
trees Advice on choose for which species to your projects
Portfolios
See how three implemented companies their projects
Let’s Hear
it from...
Aidan Lane Landscape of Frosts Construction
A look at nurseries More impressive portfolios See us on Facebook, Twitter @ProLandscaperJW and join our LinkedIn group to Business Tips section stay up-to-date with all that’s Latest Kit round-up happening in landscaping August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
Guerrilla Garden in Deptford destroyed by council ‘tidy up’
At the end of June a depressingly sparse and neglected flower bed in the middle of a gyratory along Edward Street in London’s Deptford was transformed by the Guerrilla Gardeners into a symphony of colour. In full bloom passers-by could enjoy poppies, daisies, nasturtiums, and even sunflowers, alongside other small colourful flowers – a delight in the all too few moments of sunshine we’ve received this
summer. The flower garden was very popular with bees and other natural pollinators too. Sadly, this flower bed has since been damaged by the council’s overzealous grounds maintenance contractors, while ‘tidying up’. Another local and much-needed habitat for bees and other insects has been lost, along with the beautiful colourful space which was such a pleasure for local residents. The Guerrilla Gardeners, founded by Richard Reynolds in 2004, is passionate about transforming urban space into beautiful oases, their guerrilla war is ‘against neglect and scarcity of public space as a place to grow things’. www.guerrillagardening.org
Garden Museum launches Plant Seekers exhibition In July 2012 the Garden Museum, in partnership with the RHS Lindley Library, opened its doors for new exhibition The Plant Seekers. This unique collection tells the inspiring stories of the extraordinary men who travelled the world, risking and sometimes losing their lives in the name of knowledge and discovery. In order to transform our landscape and our gardens these plant-hunters brought us lupins, rhododendrons and Geranium farreri – to name just a few. The exhibition reveals how international plant hunting has influenced
modern gardens, and also shows the wider impact of plant collecting on our world. As well as methodically kept notes and diaries, the exhibition reveals some never before seen by the public botanical illustrations, which are now seen as scientific artifacts. The exhibition runs until the 21 October.
www.prolandscapermagazine.com
News Shed
Industry bodies line up for IOG Saltex 2012 This year’s IOG SALTEX show held at Windsor Racecourse, Berkshire, from 4-6 September will include a host of exhibitions and demonstrations, alongside key industry associations, including: ● BALI, which will hold its AGM. ● The BAGMA Village feature, which will represent members of the British Agriculture & Garden Machinery Association, and also showcase a number of education/training organisations.
Sue Illman has been announced as President of the Landscape Institute, taking over the two-year elected presidency from Jo Watkins. During her speech at the President’s Reception, Illman (pictured) said “It’s time for the landscape profession to focus on the many areas where the government has already made a commitment to good landscape.” The government has signed up to the European Water Framework Directive and yet only a quarter of lakes and rivers are ecologically stable. In recent months, the UK has been confronted with major challenges www.prolandscapermagazine.com
NURSERY NEWS
No ordinary Hydrangea
● The Contractors Forum, which will host a networking lunch. ● Lantra, which will hold a series of meetings and discussions. ● There will be a major update on current pesticide law. ● Water management practices will be debated by an authoritative panel comprising representatives from the ‘industry co-operative’. More information can be found at: www.iog.org
New President for Landscape Institute – hose pipe bans have been lifted, but the issue of water scarcity remains. Illman stated that the government needs to recognise the ability of landscape professionals to solve a substantial part of this problem through integrated water management and water sensitive design. “As a body we need to be much more vocal about the traditional house builder model – where green space is seen only as a requirement not an opportunity – and we need convince those responsible that ‘green’ development has a lot to offer. “The Localism Act will bring more demand for better landscapes, as local communities are given the opportunity to shape their environment. The profession must seize the opportunity and help those communities to realise their visions.”
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BALI region to head for Floriade 2012 BALI Yorkshire and North East Region are organising a trip to the year’s horticultural highlight – Floriade 2012 in Venlo, Netherlands. This exposition, which happens only once every 10 years in different cities around the Netherlands, is a must-see event for any horticulture fanatic. Departing Thursday 27 September and returning on Sunday 30th, the cost will be no more than £245 per person. For more information or to book a place, contact Diane McCulloch at diane.mcculloch@bali.org.uk, or telephone: 0161 794 8588.
Whenever you think of a Hydrangea it is the traditional mophead types that spring to mind with their large spherical flowerheads, however, perhaps it is time to think again. In recent years there has been an upsurge in interest in Hydrangeas with long panicleshaped flowers such as paniculata and quercifolia types. Of particular interest is Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Ice Crystal’ (pictured, below). As with all Hydrangeas these are tough and great performers. Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Ice Crystal’ is a compact plant with a mounded habit and has robust, deeply cut oak-shaped leaves that, although deciduous, can hold on to the plant giving a display of red and bronze during the winter. The panicle clusters of flowers are creamy-white and freely produced throughout the summer into the autumn. For autumn colour this Hydrangea should not be overlooked and at this time of year it is coming into its own with a great display of the flowers held against the unusually shaped leaves.
For more information go to: www.wyevale-east.co.uk
August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
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Contractors News
NEWS in brief HTA gets behind guide to urban trees As part of its Greening the UK campaign, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is sponsoring a new guide on urban trees published by The Trees and Design Action Group (TDAG). The guide is aimed at all those involved in making or influencing the decisions that shape our neighborhoods towns and cities.
RHS pushes for school gardening lessons The RHS is urging school gardening to be high on the primary education agenda and recognised as a key teaching tool further to recent research.
Blakedown keeps its Achilles accreditation Blakedown Landscapes Operations has retained Achilles accreditation, which involves a demanding audit of management systems such as safety, occupational health, quality control, environmental, sustainability and human resources.
Wilson McWilliam scores Gold in APLD Awards Wilson McWilliam Studio has won two Gold Awards in the APLD International Landscape Design Awards 2012. The Savill Rose Garden (pictured) was awarded Gold in the Non-residential category, and its design titled Lake House also
Gavin Jones trains staff at Police college The Business Development team at Gavin Jones (GJ) recently descended on Bramshill Police Training College for its second Down to Earth Day; GJ has been maintaining the grounds at Bramshill since 2003, caring for the estate, lakes and white deer park. The team took time to
York Uni to open £9m sports facility to public York Sport Village, a new £9 million sports facility on the Heslington East campus will be open to University of York students and staff, in addition to the general public, throughout August. The external works and artificial football pitch installation as well as landscaping works have been undertaken by Brambledown Contracts Group.
understand a little about the challenges such as weather and heavy kit that operational colleagues experience day-to-day. The staff were given instruction on planting, weeding, plant identification, rotovating and mowing, with some being taught how to drive a tractor and use the bucket for scooping and dumping. The whole Bramshill team put in a huge amount of effort to schedule a range of activities for the day, focused on the Gavin Jones Diploma modules – which resulted in it being informative and great fun. www.gavinjones.co.uk
received a Gold Award in the Residential category. This is an international competition and Wilson McWilliam partner Gavin McWilliam said: “We are absolutely honoured and delighted with the result.” www.wmstudio.co.uk
Glendale tees off at park job
Glendale has commenced work at Richmond Park’s new golf clubhouse and golf academy. A new footpath into the park near Robin Hood Gate will be created, as well as a wildlife pond in front of the clubhouse. Using the latest green technologies, the roof of the clubhouse will be made of acid grass taken from the existing golf course. An external terrace for the clubhouse is also being created. www.glendale-services.co.uk
UPM Tilhill winner of top Scottish woods prize UPM Tilhill is celebrating after winning the top accolade at The Scottish Finest Woods Awards (SFWA) in recognition of its work on a large-scale planting operation which involved approximately 900,000 trees. Annelshope Forest in Selkirkshire, managed by UPM
August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
Tilhill, won the James Jones Trophy for New Commercial Woods and was also the overall winner of the Quality Timber Award at the presentation ceremony held at the Royal Highland Show. The Quality Timber Award is for newly planted commercial woodlands. SFWA Director
Peter Wilson, said: “These awards seek to identify and reward the very best woodland projects that are managed to the highest standards for the benefit of their long-term sustainability and for the benefits they deliver for our biodiversity, our communities, our people and our economy.” www.prolandscapermagazine.com
LADYBROOK N U R SE R Y
mature stock specialists www. ladybrooknursery .com LB ProL QT 06-12-V2.indd 1
0161 440 8060 14/06/2012 19:48
N U R S E R I E S
the plant world ...
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www.prolandscapermagazine.com
August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
Association News – SGD
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1 Garden designed by Dan Pearson MSGD. 2 Garden designed by Ian Kitson FSGD. 1
Society announces shortlist for the first SGD awards
FINALSCOUNTDOWN
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he first SGD Awards scheme has received a fantastic response. As the deadline for entries closed in early June, more than 80 designer Members had submitted projects across the 12 categories, with submissions ranging from a 400-hectare public garden in northern Japan to several inspired British urban landscapes. With a high standard of entries the judging panel had much to debate. The main judging panel included independent designers and commentators including landscape architects and university lecturers Bill Burford, Richard Sneesby and Trudie Entwistle; Gardens Editor at Homes & Gardens Arabella St John-Parker; and SGD Chairman Charles Rutherfoord MSGD. Together they spent a long day scrutinising the entries before the final shortlist was drawn up. Supporting judges in other Award categories included RHS President Elizabeth Banks and lighting guru Sally Storey, while Andy Sturgeon FSGD and Thomas Hoblyn MSGD led the judging of the Student Award category. Collectively, the judges praised the “lightness of touch” shown in several of the projects entered and the “good spacial sequences” demonstrated in many of the submissions. It was interesting to note that in several categories the judges felt there were many “clear and well-deserved finalists”. The main judges will now undertake a series of visits to selected shortlisted gardens to determine the individual category winners and to choose the project that ultimately deserves the coveted SGD Grand Award title. SGD Award Organiser, Helen Elks-Smith August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
MSGD said: “The Awards were open to projects with a practical completion period covering five years reflecting the important contribution of time in the creation of landscape. The Awards provide an important mechanism for designers to showcase and promote their work. We are delighted to receive such a fantastic response in the first year of the Awards.” The finalists in the 2012 SGD Awards are: ● Alex Johnson MSGD ● Amanda Patton MSGD ● Andrew Fisher Tomlin MSGD ● Andrew Wilson FSGD ● Catherine Heatherington MSGD ● Charlotte Rowe MSGD ● Dan Pearson MSGD ● Debbie Roberts MSGD ● Hugo Bugg – Pre-registered member ● Ian Kitson FSGD ● Ian Smith MSGD ● John Wyer FSGD ● Juliet Sargeant MSGD ● Lynne Marcus – Pre-registered member ● Patricia Fox MSGD ● Stuart Craine MSGD ● Tim Mackley – Pre-registered member The finalists in the Student Awards are: ● Benjamin Wilkinson ● Jens Haendeler ● Jon Sims The People’s Choice Award Next month sees the opening the People’s Choice category with SGD Awards media
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partner Homes & Gardens, where members of the public will be invited to cast their votes and determine which of the shortlisted gardens in the three Residential Garden and the International categories is their preferred winner. To see images of all the gardens competing for the People’s Choice Award and to vote for your favourite, visit the SGD website: www.sgd.org.uk. The winners of all the Award categories will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony on Friday 9 November at London’s Millennium Gloucester Hotel. The event promises to be one of the highlights of the horticulture calendar for finalists, designers and industry figures alike and with James AlexanderSinclair hosting the proceedings and in charge of the evening’s entertainment, it will be an occasion not to be missed. Tickets for the ceremony go on sale shortly. The John Brookes Award The Society will also be using the ceremony to announce the winner of the first ‘John Brookes Award’, an award gifted by the SGD Council to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to their profession. As Helen ElksSmith explains it has been a hotly contested title: “The industry is rich with inspiring people and we are assured of an exciting winner given the strength of the candidates under consideration.” For further information on the Awards and to purchase tickets for the SGD Awards ceremony on Friday 9 November, please visit the SGD website: www.sgd.org.uk. www.prolandscapermagazine.com
Association News – BALI
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1 Former BALI National Chairs at the 40th Anniversary gala dinner: Jeffrey Bernhard (right), 1972-1973 and Chris Baylis,1982-1983. 2 More guests enjoying
the 40th Anniversary dinner. 3 WorldSkills UK heats which took place at BALI 2012. 4 The BALI 2012 Landscaping Show at Stoneleigh Park.
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BALI BRIEFING
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hoever or whatever is responsible for our grim weather this summer gave us a timely break from the grinding drizzle on the two days of BALI – The 2012 Landscaping Show, encouraging visitors from across the landscape sector to attend. Held on 19 and 20 June at Stoneleigh Park, the BALI Show provided visitors with a great opportunity to see new products and services offered by BALI Affiliate members and other industry suppliers and to meet BALI contractors, including members of BALI-NCF – the National Contractors’ Forum – which was launched at the show by its spokesman Bob Ivison and BALI’s Chief Operations Officer Wayne Grills. The seminar programme, arranged by BALI National Chairman Paul Cowell, was another big draw and the introduction and facilitating of each seminar session was performed by former BALI National Chairs – Jeffrey Bernhard (Chair 1972-1973), Nick Coslett (Chair 2001-2002), Chris Baylis (Chair 1982-1983) and Jean Brent (Chair 1990-1991). WorldSkills UK Competition For the first time, the heats of the WorldSkills UK Landscape Gardening Competition took place at the show. Fourteen teams of two student landscapers competed over the two days to build identical gardens designed by Peter Killen, the competition’s Technical Director. Holding the heats at the BALI Show gave contractors a chance to spot potential new members of staff – and at least one www.prolandscapermagazine.com
Summer sunshine welcomes visitors to the BALI Show
competitor this year was approached and offered employment through building his competition garden. The competitors were scrutinised by judges Mitch Westwood, Roger Clarke, Brian Berry and Charlie MacLauchlan. The top four teams (see panel, below) will now progress to the national finals, to be held at WorldSkills UK – The Skills Show, at the NEC on 15-17 November: BALI project manages the competition on behalf of WorldSkills UK and our sincere thanks go to the sponsors: Marshalls plc, American Softwoods, Q Lawns, Wyevale Nurseries, Greenline Plants, Landscapeplus.com, Carpenters Mate and David P Fisher. Honours BALI was delighted to see landscaper Keith Chapman receive an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours’ list for promoting landscape sector skills through the WorldSkills UK competition. Twenty-six-year-old Keith was a competitor in 2007 and has been involved
WorldSkills UK heat winners POSITION
TEAM
COMPETITORS/AGE
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PM Training Steven Ellis (19) David Wilcox (27)
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Moulton College
Nick Lemmon (34) Samuel Baillie (18)
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Sparsholt College
Jack Stanford (18) Matt Hunt (20)
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Sth Staffs College
Ashley Brain (18) Jamie Malia (24)
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with the WorldSkills UK training team run from Askham Bryan College. Another success among the Queen’s birthday honours was BALI’s Peter Jennins, Chairman from 1978-1979 and still a BALI vetting officer and dispute adjudicator. Peter has been a stalwart supporter of BALI, both nationally and in the North West region. His OBE for services to charity and to landscaping in the North West is a much deserved acknowledgement of his tireless work in the landscape sector. Peter’s achievements were applauded at BALI’s 40th anniversary gala dinner, attended by 165 BALI members, former members and guests on the first night of the BALI Show, Tuesday 19 June. Held at the Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth, it was a very special evening with the past, present and future of BALI represented. Many of BALI’s 30 past Chairs and their partners attended and were thanked for their contribution to making BALI what it is today. BALI’s first Chairman, Jeffrey Bernhard OBE, spoke, as did current National Chairman Paul Cowell; past and present members can obtain copies of the commemorative brochure by contacting kirsty.wood@bali.org.uk. As this miserable summer fades into what is probably going to be a beautiful autumn, we look forward to the BALI National AGM, followed by the BALI-NCF Open Forum, to be held at IOG SALTEX on Wednesday 5 September. AGM papers and details of the Open Forum will be with members shortly. We look forward to seeing you. www.bali.org.uk August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
Association News – APL
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The Association of
Professional Landscapers
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BLOOMING GREAT
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Medals for APL members at Hampton Court Flower Show
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he RHS Hampton Court Flower Show in July was another great success for members of the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL), with many winning prestigious medals. The new Low Cost, High Impact category consisting of APL members swept the board with every garden winning a medal. Landform Consultants won Best in Show and Gold for Our First Home, Our First Garden. Designed by Nilufer Danis and built on a £7,000 budget, it is based on a young professional couple with little spare cash and little knowledge of gardens and plants which considers sustainability and the garden’s carbon footprint. Twigs Gardens and Garden House Design both won Silver Gilt medals for their gardens in the same category. A Compromising Situation, designed by Richard Wanless of Twigs Gardens was created on a budget of £10,000. The concept for this garden is a young couple who live in a Victorian terrace who both want
different things from their outside space. This garden also gained Twigs Gardens the People’s Choice award in this category. Live Outdoors, by Garden House Design was created on a budget of £13,000. Designed by Roger Smith, the garden aimed to demonstrate how a great design, with professional landscaping does not need to be compromised by budget restrictions. It featured a raised deck, styled with comfortable furnishings, covered by a living pergola and a living wall behind the cooking area. Arun Landscapes won Silver for Summer in the Garden, designed by Mike Harvey and built on a £13,000 budget. This modern ‘Mediterranean’-themed garden was designed to promote small, low maintenance gardens. Landform Consultants won Best in Show and Gold for The Landform Garden, designed by Catherine McDonald. It also won Silver Gilt for the construction of The Badger Beer Garden and a Bronze for Do Not Adjust Your Set.
Wyevale East Nurseries won Gold for its Coastal Drift garden – designed by Susan Wilmott and Adele Ford it won the Student Design & Build Award 2011 competition run by the nursery. Claudia de Yong Designs picked up a Silver Lindley for the World Wide Conservation feature in the Plant Heritage marquee which depicted five continents to show where different plants come from before they enter British cultivation. Morgan & Neal Ltd also won Gold for its Contemporary Contemplation garden designed by Daniel McCarthy of OneAbode. JDC Gardens Ltd won a Silver Gilt in the World Gardens category for The Azores Garden. The garden was designed by Stephen Hall Design and built on behalf of The Azores Tourist Board. Dingley Dell Nursery and Garden Design came joint 2nd in the Best Plant Village Exhibit. www.landscaper.org.uk 1 Live Outdoors by Garden House Design, Silver Gilt.
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August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
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2 World Wide Conservation by Claudia de Yong, Silver Lindley award. 3 First Home, First Garden by Landform Consultants, Best in Show and Gold. 4 Do Not Adjust Your Set by Landform, Bronze. 5 The Badger Beer
Garden by Landform, Silver Gilt. 6 Summer in the Garden by Arun Landscapes, Silver. 7 The Landform Garden by Landform, Best in Show and Gold. 8 Coastal Drift by Wyevale East Nurseries, Gold. 9 A Compromising Situation by Twigs Gardens, Silver Gilt.
www.prolandscapermagazine.com
Survival of the Fittest 27 September 2012 Soft landscape workshop with guest speakers including Tony Kirkham, Dr Glyn Percival, Eelco Hooftman, Sarah Eberle and Jim Gardiner Ashford International Hotel, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8UX Find details and book your tickets (ÂŁ21) online @
palmstead.co.uk
Online Nursery - One Stop Shop Box, Taxus, Citrus, Olive, Bay and Bamboo Shrubs and Perennials from 1ltr Herbs and Alpines 9cm to 25cm Palms and Spikeys, Grasses and Ferns Traditional and Bespoke Topiary Specimen Trees & Shrubs 10 to 1,000 litres 01590 683487 agrumi.co.uk info@agrumi.co.uk Nationwide delivery or Cash and Carry from Agrumi Limited, Meadow Farm, Sway Road, Tiptoe, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 6FR. For competitive quotes contact Stanley Jackson on 0778 606 4018
www.prolandscapermagazine.com agrumi-prolandscaper-quarter2.indd 1
August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8 24/4/12 15:35:24
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Business Tips
more for less
Lowering the cost of compliance – Part 1 of 2 Implementing a structured management system enables all-round improvements to your business, but how concerned should you be with the initial costs? asks Jodie Read
Structured management systems such as ISO9001, ISO14001 and OHSAS18001 can bring genuine business improvements, increase business opportunities and cost savings once implemented effectively. However, business owners often voice concerns about the initial costs associated with doing so. For companies wanting to demonstrate they have effective controls in place, without the normal costs associated with consultancy, there are ways to save money if you: ● take a different approach. ● are realistic about the internal skills and resources at your disposal. ● recognise that some expenditure can help save money in the long term. Hints, tips and links to free resources to help companies save even more money will be provided in Pro Landscaper’s September issue. Training Some parts of management systems (such as internally auditing) require specialist skills. By identifying where the skills gaps lie, it’s possible to attend relevant training course(s) to up-skill the person(s) tasked with implementing or August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
maintaining management systems. By investing once, the companies benefit from gaining the skills in-house for continued use. Management System Workshops For companies wishing to have access to consultancy expertise, it is possible to attend a series of structured workshops over several months. In this way, companies benefit from the input, guidance and support of professional consultants while paying less to develop the system alongside other companies striving for the
same goal. These sessions will require a higher investment of time for the designated management representatives to attend, but can be very rewarding for the participants. Knowing Which Bits Catch People Out Some companies can successfully implement basic systems without any consultancy support. Things get more complicated where environmental, health and safety systems are concerned. If you do want to develop a system yourselves, it may pay to have some support with complex topics such as legal compliance (developing the register and evaluating compliance) or identifying and documenting the Environmental Aspects. Failure to gain support with such topics can prove costly if your Certification Body is not satisfied with the system and ends up coming back to carry out additional day(s) before awarding certificates. Mock Assessment If you’ve decided to go ahead and put in the entire system using internal resources, you don’t want to fall at the last hurdle. It can therefore be extremely worthwhile making use of consultants with relevant landscaping sector experience to check your status before you go for certification. This will help to identify any issues that are likely to require remedial action, without the demotivating prospect of ‘failing’ the assessment. Although there will be a cost to this, it could well save you money if it means that the Certification Body doesn’t have to come back, and will be far better for morale after staff have invested time and effort in developing the system to the best of their ability.
ABOUT JODIE READ
J odie Read is the Managing Director of Penarth Management Limited; a company which specialises in the provision of compliance consultancy and training for quality, environmental, health and safety management. Jodie and her colleagues assist companies in implementing and maintaining management systems, such as ISO9001 (Quality), ISO14001 (Environmental) or
OHSAS18001 (Health and Safety). The company is an affiliate member of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) and Jodie is one of only a few approved ROLO health and safety trainers in the country. If readers have any queries regarding health and safety in landscaping, they are welcome to contact Jodie via e-mail: jodie@penarth.co.uk or by telephone on 029 2070 3328. www.prolandscapermagazine.com
Business Tips
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finderskeepers A well motivated and supported workforce are key to staff retention and in turn the growth of your business, says Yvette Etcell Having successfully recruited your team after considerable time and effort, the last thing anyone wants is to lose their “star performers”. Retaining key personnel is critical to business growth, offers continuity of service provision and prevents your competitors reaping the rewards of your investment in terms of training and development. Interestingly the key to employee retention has been researched to show that it is the quality of the supervision an employee receives which is the most critical factor in retaining employees. Bluntly put: People leave managers and supervisors more often than they leave companies or jobs. Clearly a well-liked manager may engender more loyalty than a miserable or controlling one, but it is the quality of the supervision which really makes the difference. empowerment Good supervision should leave the employee feeling empowered, supported and confident in their ability to undertake their work. This is usually associated with, although not limited to: ● Communication of clear expectations to the employee – both in terms of the performance of their role and the outcomes anticipated. ● Provision of frequent feedback - saying “thank you” for a job well done; giving constructive suggestions for improvements, involving the employee in decisions relating to their role and so on. ● Trust in their manager to encourage their endeavours, celebrate their successes and to support them where minor mistakes or failure occurs despite all their best efforts. The most common reasons given why employees leave managers include the failure to: ● Clarify expectations and give regular feedback/ recognition. ● Provide clarity about career development and earning potential. ● Provide a working environment in which the employee can flourish. Almost every manager can increase their www.prolandscapermagazine.com
ability to retain employees by developing their management skills and business leaders can provide the framework by: ● Communicating the set of succinct core values which are important to your organisation and the behaviours which are expected of managers to ensure these values are promoted. ● Offering management skills development (mentoring, coaching, training) which includes how to: — Encourage employees to set their own objectives which feed in to organisational goals; this encourages employees to take responsibility and ownership for their own performance. — Give and receive feedback – whether it be praise, recognition or constructive suggestions for improvement. — Develop a coaching management technique which encourages employees to recognise problems AND provide potential solutions. — Understand individual learning style preferences within the team and tailor development accordingly. — Motivate exceptional performance both individually and as a team. — Identify and communicate career development opportunities – with clear guidance as to the competencies and proficiencies needed at each stage and with learning opportunities provided to support such development.
At Gavin Jones we encourage all staff to exchange constructive feedback and work hard to promote a no-blame culture. Regular team meetings, team-building activities and company events (based at our HQ and managed by a team of employee-volunteers) help to support this objective. staff surveys As staff numbers increase (currently in excess of 300) it’s important to constantly review levels of engagement, which impacts on customer perception and business success/growth. Three years ago we introduced an annual all-staff survey – the results of which are published anonymously so that all managers can use the feedback to inform/develop their own performance and behaviours. Keeping staff morale high in these straitened times need not be an extravagance. While we recognise and reward staff in a variety of ways, perhaps the most popular and fun include the in-house competitions and awards – for long service (10, 20, 30 and even 40 years!), ABCD (Above & Beyond the Call of Duty) Awards (voted by their peer group in each department), “Premier Crew” award for the best performing team of the year, Greener Driver monthly award for fuel-efficient driving behaviours, Health & Safety Awards, Environmental Awards – all of which support our core values: customer service, sustainability, H&S, equality of opportunity, integrity and last, but not least, recognition – be it a simple “thank you” or a glass trophy!
ABOUT YVETTE ETCELL Yvette Etcell is Director of Business Development and HR at Gavin Jones Ltd. With an early career in sales, advertising, marketing and assisting with personal injury litigation she then took a career break to spend time with her family. Yvette spent five years with English
Landscapes as an Operational Contracts Manager (Coventry City GM/Cleansing contract), then as Area Manager with a portfolio of circa £5m/pa contracts. Yvette joined Gavin Jones Ltd in 2003 as Business Development Manager, was promoted to Company Secretary in 2008 and to the board 12 months later. Contact: yvette.etcell@gavinjones.co.uk
August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
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Business Tips
aid work
Computer Aided Design has many benefits, says Tamsin Slatter Seven years ago, the drawing board which saw me through my landscape design training and the start of my design practice, finally left the house. During the last few months it had been employed more as a table than a design tool so it was time for it to find a new home. I was a convert to the use of Computer Aided Design (CAD). For me the choice was easy, I knew that if I was to have a profitable design business, I needed something which could help me draw accurately, incorporate changes quickly and easily and allow me to convey my design ideas to my clients. However, making the move to CAD initially concerned me, as I wanted to keep that hand-drawn look and not be constrained by technology. I need not have worried. The move to technology opened up many hidden benefits that I had not even considered. Planting Intelligence Like most designers, I have a reasonable knowledge of plants and planting, but the plant database is a useful tool for any practice. Containing just over 8,000 plants, the searchable database is used to create specific lists for any combination of environmental characteristics your design brief requires. The database can be expanded, to include your favourite plant lists or the list of your local nursery, prices or maintenance information. Not only that, but Vectorworks, for example, includes one of the largest photorealistic plant image libraries in any design package in both 2D and 3D views. And for me, the magic was in the counting of the plants. Reusable Component Libraries Drawing by hand, I thought nothing of re-drawing every design element from scratch in every drawing of each design. Every pergola, every August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
piece of furniture, I “lovingly” drew again and again for each drawing. Therefore, when I opened up my CAD software and realised how many resources were there already, I was delighted. Pergolas, furniture, lighting libraries (including a realistic light source), boulders, hardscape definitions – all of these are available to use straight away. Of course, anything I draw can be added to the library for next time it’s needed. All CAD systems offer some kind of library, and in most cases, libraries from other CAD systems are interchangeable so you can expand your collection and use elements created directly from manufacturers within the scheme.
rescue. I was impressed with the range of finishes that were available to me at the click of a mouse. I could opt for a photo-realistic look, applying textures from an extensive library, for example, making pools reflective and transparent. If you want to preserve a more hand-drawn look, CAD systems can offer sketchy, artistic presentation styles – or even a combination of approaches. Interestingly, some of our clients are still able to sell their CAD drawings as framed works of art to their customers – so if you are one of those designers who thinks that clients prefer hand-drawn designs, don’t let that stop you from investigating CAD and enjoying all the other benefits it has to offer.
Presentations that have the Wow Factor! At college, I was always aware that I was surrounded by people whose sketching and drawing skills were superior to mine. Even if my designs were as good as theirs, the way in which they could present hand-drawn and lovingly rendered perspective views, gave them an edge in client meetings. Once more, CAD came to my
ABOUT tamsin slatter After a 20-year career in IT, Tamsin trained as a garden designer. Escape from the corporate world, the chance to work with nice people, learning about plants and how to draw was a dream come true and she
found Vectorworks invaluable. Tamsin now delivers courses and masterclasses to designers, helping them to work faster and more efficiently. Call 01488 658580, email info@vectorworkstraining.co.uk. View the course schedule at www.vectorworks-training.co.uk.
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Business Tips
SHOW AND TELL Busy garden designers can save themselves extra work by taking time out of their schedule to identify and meet good quality, experienced contractors, as Andrew Wilson explains Finding landscapers who provide a quality fit in the realisation of a designer’s work can be tricky and time consuming. Certainly membership of the industry asscociations BALI and APL will provide a starting point but this says little about the teams, skill sets and personalities involved that can make projects sing. Each year as my students graduate I know that one of their most important tasks is to find
carefully at the quality of build and the attention to detail and discuss the way in which they approach both show and real gardens. With this year’s show season over you don’t have to wait until 2013 to approach your landscaper. Identify a shortlist of companies within your region and contact to arrange a visit. As a designer you need to be prepared to discuss your work, the scope of your projects
Try to determine the attitude of the landscaper to design and designers… A positive view of design, its value and its integrity is essential in any successful relationship contractors with whom they can work over the longer term as they start their careers. If ever there was a reason to have garden shows, then finding your ideal landscaper has got to be up there. Shows such as Chelsea and Hampton Court are not just plant fests and design celebrations but an opportunity to see the kind of quality and finish that landscapers can produce under pressure and to serious time constraints. What’s more, it is possible to compare directly a range of different deliveries. MEET THE TEAMS Apart from marvelling at their expertise, take the opportunity to meet with the teams. Look www.prolandscapermagazine.com
and the kind of skills you’re looking for. By visiting the office you can find out about the company structure and the efficiency of the team. You should also be able to see up to date insurance certificates, licenses and Health and Safety training. Having seen the administrative aspects of the company, ask to see examples of their work. This may be in photographic form as good landscapers tend to record their achievements. Also ask for progress images of the project underway and look at how organised and “clean” the sites are. Talk about the skill set and how the team deals with unusual detailing, specialist construction or the need to sub-contract
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specific elements. In addition, it is pertinent to request to visit a scheme that is currently underway as well as view at least one project that has recently been completed. Try to determine the attitude of the landscaper to design and designers. Obviously it’s important that everyone gets on and that you feel the relationship would be constructive, but a positive view of design, its value and its integrity is essential in any successful relationship between designer and landscaper. The crucial question lies in the response of the contractor to client requests for changes once a project is on site. Client and contractor are on site together – a relationship from which the designer is essentially excluded apart from monitoring visits and site meetings. It’s easy to see how design control can be lost and a supportive attitude that defers to the designer is vital. For the designer it is equally important to be decisive in these instances but also to be supportive of the contractor role – undermining this in your relationship with the client is a recipe for disaster. SUPPLY OF PLANTS Finally, it is imperative that you discuss your intentions concerning the supply of plants. No contractor wants to tender for a project only to find out later that the designer is taking responsibility for plant supply and planting. As a designer supplying plants, you are actually taking on the role of a contractor and losing your role as an objective agent. For the contractor, they are being offered a project with a reduced role. Clear and honest dialogue, as ever, lies at the heart of this whole process.
ABOUT ANDREW WILSON Andrew Wilson is a landscape and garden designer and a Director of the Wilson McWilliam Studio. He is a Director of the London College of Garden Design, an author and an RHS judge of Show Gardens. www.wmstudio.co.uk
August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
16
Business Tips
ON TOP OF SAFETY Assessing risk is vital to your business, as Angus Lindsay explains
‘Risk assessment’ is a simple phrase to describe a straightforward task, but it’s a necessity in almost everything we do, from the simple act of crossing the road to overtaking at speed on the motorway. As an important part of day-to-day operations we need to ensure that the risk assessments we carry out and the resulting systems of work put in place are ‘suitable and sufficient’ in order to keep our staff and those affected by their actions safe and free from harm. However, this also has to be reasonably balanced against getting the job done as well. SAFETY IN PRACTICE Unfortunately, one of the biggest challenges is getting people at the sharp end (excuse the pun) to act on the findings of a risk assessment, which seems strangely at odds with the premise that risk assessments and safe systems of work exist for their benefit. How often have we seen workers who wear their hard hats backwards, their hi-vis trimmed down or a pair of safety glasses balanced on the top of their heads? Not to mention using strimmers without guards or driving machines across sites with the ROPS frame folded down. As a more specific example, the image August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
(above) shows a cavalier disregard to the potential dangers of working at height. How has this action come about and what are the potential impacts of this individual’s behaviour? It is fair to assume there is a risk assessment for the hedge-cutting task, and that standing on the truck roof is not included as one of the control measures. This is a perfect example of an activity where the method statement does not meet the suitable and sufficient requirement. The operative involved should be part of the risk assessment process. He is, after all, the person who will see the site and carry out the task. Once agreed, it should be sense checked and communicated to all those affected. The suitability of a risk assessment should be constantly monitored and updated, using
operative feedback. Don’t forget that this process is not a ‘one size fits all’ solution. While a generic risk assessment is a good foundation, site-specific variations should include site conditions and obstacles such as weather, power lines, waterways, traffic, schools, and so on. When putting together a safe system of work there will inevitably be an element of equipment checks, so give your operatives time to check their machines to ensure all is in order and act on any failures or breakages which could affect the safe execution of the task. If you say “we’ll fix it when you get back”, this may be too late to avoid an accident. CRIMINAL CHARGES Sadly, I still see examples of equipment being operated with missing or defective guards or worse still, bypassed safety systems. This contravenes the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER), in effect, breaking the law. A sobering reminder is that in the event of an accident occurring in which someone is injured as a result of a guard having been removed or a safety system immobilised, it could result in criminal charges being brought against the operator, supervisor, manager or director. Finally, there is the role of the risk assessment in defending a potential claim for compensation. It could be the operative cutting the hedge from the roof of the vehicle that slips and falls to the ground breaking an arm, or a member of the public who trips over hedge clippings when walking on the pavement. If the risk assessment is not suitable or sufficient and doesn’t actually cater for risk of the actual work being done on site, a ‘no win no fee’ lawyer will tear holes in your defence resulting in significant insurance payouts and increased insurance premiums.
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.
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August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
18
FutureScape
20 NOVEMBER 2012 AT KEMPTON PARK RACECOURSE…TUESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2012 AT KEMPTON PARK RACECOURSE…TUESD
Stand 1
Stand 2
Nicholsons Plants is a specialist supplier of trees, screening and hedging. Growing a wide range of native hedging and screening – Beech, Hornbeam, Yew, Laurel, Box and Holm Oak etc, as well as hawthorn and mixed native hedging – the plants are container grown and of excellent quality. It will also be showing its selection of mid-range ornamental trees 2.0-2.5m tall at very competitive prices. Nicholsons is known for its “passion for plants” and advice is freely given. It offers a supply and plant service and a full landscaping service for larger schemes. WWW.NICHOLSONSPLANTS.COM
Crowders Nurseries is a wholesale grower of native and ornamental trees, shrubs, and all hardy plants for the trade, landscape contractors, farmers, landowners, estates, golf courses, local authorities, and government agencies. Crowders specialises in cell-grown trees, transplants and feathered trees of British native provenance, as well as container grown shrubs and trees. Still a family business, many of the team members at Crowders have long horticultural backgrounds, and will be ready to advise you with their specialist knowledge. WWW.CROWDERSNURSERIES.CO.UK
Stand 5 Rochfords is a leading supplier of nursery stock hedging and herbaceous perennials to the landscape industry. Rochfords Cash and Carry is the largest in the UK offering probably the most extensive range of hardy plants anywhere in Europe. Check our availability online or email plant schedules or tender documents to us at sales@rochfords.net for prompt quotes for shrubs, trees, herbaceous, grasses, hedging, groundcover and much, much more. WWW.ROCHFORDS.NET
Stand 7 Wyevale East Nurseries is a young, innovative wholesale plant supply business which started trading in 2003 and is currently forging ahead in the industry; our philosophy is to stand out from the crowd with great customer service and knowledge. We hold a diverse range of plants in stock. The nursery is continually well stocked with plants ranging from tried and tested stalwarts to the new and interesting. Our plant buyers are constantly on the lookout for new, improved varieties to add to the already long list of plants held on site. WWW.WYEVALE-EAST.CO.UK
August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
MORE REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND… Stand 8 Coles Nurseries will showcase an impressive selection of trees and shrubs for landscape and amenity markets, home-grown by the UK’s largest grower of nursery stock. Promoting the National Plant Specification as a vital tool for buyers, the display will be indicative of the range and quality of stock from over 6,000 lines, 2 million shrubs and 1 million trees – all meeting this industry-recognised standard. Coles’ sales team will be on hand to advise plant selection, suitability, variety and availability of stock, bursting with colour, foliage, shape and height. WWW.COLESNURSERIES.CO.UK
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FutureScape
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E…TUESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2012 AT KEMPTON PARK RACECOURSE…TUESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2012 AT KEMPTON PARK RACECOU
S U
…
Stand 3
Stand 4
As the largest grower and supplier of nursery stock into the UK landscape market, Johnsons of Whixley consistently offers commercial and domestic clients the highest quality, hardy grown shrubs, trees, herbaceous perennials, grasses and field-grown hedging along with unrivalled service and support. With ISO9001 and ISO14001 accreditation, our sustainability commitment is delivered within a quality systems framework. We look forward to welcoming you to our stand to discuss how we can help meet your soft landscaping needs. WWW.NURSERYMEN.CO.UK
Agrumi supplies a wide range of quality plants to landscapers and designers from our nursery in The New Forest. We specialise in importing the best plants from the best nurseries around Europe and providing a bespoke service for our customers. Whether you’re a landscape contractor needing plants for certain jobs, a garden designer looking for particular varieties for particular customers or a landscape architect needing tenders for specific projects then visit our stand at FutureScape and see how Agrumi can help you. WWW.AGRUMI.CO.UK
Stand 6 Great news! All the outdoor nurseries at FutureScape have now been allocated. So there are 10 more excellent reasons not to miss this event. Also look out for the seminar and masterclass programme next month. For regular updates visit: www.futurescapeevent.com
FUTURESCAPE Stand 9 Established 45 years ago, Palmstead Nurseries occupies a 52-hectare site near Wye, Kent. The nursery has a container capacity of 1 million-plus and a field grown tree production of over 150,000 per year. Field stock ranges from transplants to extra heavy standard trees. Plants are grown in up to date systems, producing quality plants at economic rates, with a low environmental impact and soft carbon footprint. We focus on customer support, providing comprehensive/responsive quoting, collating, plant sourcing and delivery using our own fleet. WWW.PALMSTEAD.CO.UK
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FUTURESCAPE THE EVENT FOR THE FUTURE OF THE WHOLE INDUSTRY Date Tuesday 20 November 2012 Address Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Road East, Sunbury On Thames, Middlesex, TW16 5AQ Info www. futurescapeevent.com Telephone 01903 234077 Email jim.wilkinson@ eljays44.com Twitter @FutureScapeUK
Coblands nurseries was founded in 1963, growing a wide range of shrubs, herbaceous, grasses, ferns and trees in the ‘coblands’ of Kent. The production nursery extends over 120 acres on a number of sites in and around Tonbridge, growing approximately 1 million plants at any one time. We provide a service dedicated to the trade customer, through our nurseries and three trade plant centres. We are passionate about plants and our team of horticultural experts will be on hand on our stand to discuss your future needs and how we can help. WWW.COBLANDS.CO.UK
Stand 10 The Plantation near Weybridge, Surrey is a source of inspiration for all visitors whether they be garden designers, landscape architects or contractors undertaking commercial or domestic projects. We specialise in specimen trees, shrubs, palms, bamboos, topiary, climbers, grasses and ferns with plants ranging from 2LT to 1,500LT in size. We also provide a range of horticultural related products and services including composts, fertilisers and garden machinery sales and servicing. The Plantation sales team are available to advise at all times. WWW.THEPLANTATIONNURSERY.CO.UK
August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
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Let’s Hear it From...
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Aidan Lane COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, FROSTS LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION
Aidan’s path from college to procurement and overseeing tenders How did you get into landscaping? I got into Landscaping by accident. I left school early and saw a job being advertised for a landscape labourer. I didn’t have a clue what a landscape labourer was, but applied anyway and that was that. Was Frosts the first company that you worked for? No I worked for London Landscapes near Croydon for a few months and then ACH Landscapes, which used to subcontract a lot of country estate work from Hilliers. All of the work was done by hand rather than machines in those days, which gave me a good grounding and work ethic. After a couple of years with ACH my mother persuaded me that I should go to college. I went to Merrist Wood completing an NCH in Landscape Construction before going to the Welsh College of Horticulture. At Merrist Wood on your Landscape Construction course, how important were plants? They were a major part. Every other week there was a plant identity test. We had to pull out around 40 plants and identify 20 from memory. I realised that I had a passion for plants and trees so I picked it up pretty quickly. The lecturers at Merrist Wood were incredibly influential and also very knowledgeable. www.prolandscapermagazine.com
Did it benefit you having a year out of education to go to work before college, or do you think it would have been better to go straight to college from school? For me personally it was definitely more beneficial to have worked first. It allowed me to find out what I wanted to do before taking the
plunge into further education. When I was landscaping, I was also doing a lot of planting and I would always ask questions so I began to build up my knowledge and passion for plants. At Merrist Wood everyone had been working first, but at the Welsh College the majority of the students were straight from school. After College, what did you do? I was offered two jobs, one in Wimborne and another in Shrewsbury. Both were good offers, but for some reason I chose to work for Stewarts in Wimborne. I worked there for a couple of years as a foreman undertaking mainly domestic gardens and a few commercial schemes, after which Stewarts decided to close the landscape department and concentrate on the interior landscaping and garden centres, which was its main market. At that point I picked up a magazine and saw a job at Frosts for assistant landscape manager. When was that? That would have been about 20 years ago, around 1991.
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Is that where you are now then? I initially joined Frosts for two years, and then moved to Hasmead for four years which was during the recession period. Hasmead was very aggressive and competitive and grew the company very successfully. While at Hasmead I was asked to come back to Frosts to get things rolling. It was a much tougher task than I thought it would be, it was almost like starting August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
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Let’s Hear it From...
sbeg
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at the beginning again and building the business back up to where it is today. So moving on, is it your job to sell Frosts Landscaping to the architects and practices? Yes, that’s my main role. As Commercial Director I am involved in pre-construction, overseeing tenders and bid submissions, as well as the procurement of trees and shrubs. I am also responsible for the marketing of Frosts Vertiscapes – our green roofs and living wall services. I meet with clients and potential clients to market the company, and identify
projects of a similar type of work and references from architects who have undertaken similar types of projects. We recently completed Jubilee Gardens on the South Bank which was a very large project but with a very tight timescale. We were up against four main contractors that are major players in the construction industry; we were the only landscape contractor on the list. I don’t think we were the cheapest, but we won it on our technical ability. I think the work that we have been doing at Stratford, London and our track record for completing large quality projects was key.
We were up against four main contractors [for Jubilee Gardens on the South Bank]; we were the only landscape contractor on the list. I don’t think we were the cheapest, but we won it on our technical ability those that we would like to work with and develop those relationships. In terms of winning those contracts, how much is purely based on the price you are prepared to charge to do the work, and how much of it is because of the confidence people have in your ability to do the job properly? I think it depends who you are working for. We looked at a new tender recently and the price was 45% and 55% technical. Part of that is the detail you put together for that project, i.e. past August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
What is the overall structure of the Frosts business? The Frosts Group of companies consists of four Garden Centres (Woburn Sands, Brampton, Oxford and Bedford) and the Landscape Construction company. There are no plans to expand at the moment as our focus is on horticulture, service and quality rather than quantity. What’s the turnover of the landscape part of Frosts? Last year we were just under £15 million.
The garden centres would be around that sort of figure as well. Inside the landscaping business, was construction your biggest source of income? Yes, as always really. Is that £16 million turnover an increase on last year? Yes. This year we are going to do about £17.5 million. How many people do you employ? At the moment we have around 175 spread across the country. The majority of our employees are based in the South East. Are you winning the additional business purely on the reputation of the company and the jobs you did last year? We are winning business on our previous works (not just the last year) as well as our reputation. Our expertise and knowledge in major roof and podium works as well as our ability to design and develop the system have won us many contracts, including the works at Stratford, London. How do you choose your suppliers and partners for the hard and soft landscaping? Do you stick to the same ones or do you always look for new ones? We do look for new suppliers to work with to help us improve and get ahead of competition. www.prolandscapermagazine.com
1 Hard landscaping at Parkway in Newbury. 2 Jubilee Gardens, South Bank, London. 3 Green roof at
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Peacehaven, near Brighton. 4 NEO Bankside, London. 5 Corinthia Hotel, London.
year BALI has been improving with the support from its CEO and committee members. BALI has over the last five years been very proactive within the Industry. The APL is relatively new (17 years old) and is also portraying the industry in the right way. You need these bodies to represent the industry in a professional manner.
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We also have worked with many of our suppliers for many years because they have a proven track record and know what is expected of them. We are all trying to get things cheaper, but it is not always about price, it is about quality, delivery and the whole package. You need the trust between all parties involved. We usually try out new suppliers on smaller projects and see how that goes. Do you scout around UK, Europe and the world for products? Yes we do. We still get a few supplies from China, such as granite, and have looked at products in the USA. The majority of our trees come from Europe and I have been scouting around there for the right quality suppliers for more than 20 years. It’s like any business, we’re always trying to adapt to different markets and not sticking to just one, because if you do you can end up losing out. What do you see as the trends over the next couple of years that you need to keep an eye out for? It is becoming evident that some of the main contractors are letting larger packages to a large number of ground working companies that further sublet these works, which will be priced much more competitively. As Frosts is a much larger company now, and having completed a number of prestigious projects, we hope to be able to compete with the larger companies within this tiered subcontracting system. It is www.prolandscapermagazine.com
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going to get tougher to win the right works at the right price. Although the next couple of years are going to be challenging, we have a healthy order book for the next 12 months, which in the present climate is very satisfying. In terms of companies that you compete with, are there any that you admire and can understand why they have been chosen from a tendering list? Yes. I believe we are currently one of the leading landscaping contractors in our market areas: soft and hard landscaping, podiums, intensive and extensive green roofs, green walls. There are other reputable companies within each of these areas with the same ethos and are looking to achieve the same things in terms of quality and service, however, in large hard and soft landscaping we believe we are at the forefront and regularly complete against the likes of Willerby Landscapes and Gavin Jones. What are your views on the associations and what they are doing for the industry? Frosts was a founding member of BALI. Year on
What about the way the next generation of landscape contractors are being developed to come into the industry, do you think enough is being done regarding apprentice schemes, qualifications and so on? Yes, for example the Olympic Park ran an apprentice scheme, for which we took on three apprentices who are still working for us. At Frosts we also took the decision last year to launch our own apprenticeship scheme with one of the directors working closely with a local college, taking on an additional four apprentices. And finally, what do you do to relax? I am married and have a four-year-old son who is a major part of my life. I like to play golf and have a handicap of six, but I don’t get enough playing time. I have been involved in a number of charity events including charity rides, such as cycling from Edinburgh to London a couple of years ago with former athlete Kriss Akabusi. He’s a nice guy and I have also been involved in charity golfing days with him. It’s probably about time I organised another event. I think I’m quite good at switching off from work but my wife would probably say otherwise!
contact Frosts Landscape Construction Ltd Wain Close, Newport Road, Woburn Sands, Bucks MK17 8UZ Tel: 0845 021 9001 Email: info@frostslandscapes.com Web: www.frostslandscapes.co.uk
August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
Marcus Harpur
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Growing through caring August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
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HIGHCLIMBERS
The Landscape Architect An elegant and modern solution to a client’s steep sloping garden in Hampshire www.prolandscapermagazine.com
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he brief was to turn the redundant steeply sloping garden in North Wallington, Hampshire into a useable space. This was the final hurdle for my clients who were nearing the end of a much bigger project. The house had been given the ‘grand designs’ treatment and they wanted the garden to reflect its new modern feel. There would need to be a safe area for the young children to play and an entertaining/ dining area with a built in table and benches for the summer barbecue parties. A decentsized lawn was also required for the boys to play football.
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THE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT The Landscape Architect was founded by Adam Shepherd in 2006 and has quickly developed a reputation for modern garden and landscape design. We aim to produce unique spaces with an emphasis on creative design solutions, choice of materials and bold planting schemes. Experimentation with innovative materials such as rubber, concrete and timber is an essential part of the design process and more recently, we have created a number of living walls. www.thelandscapearchitect.net
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DESIGN The garden was divided fairly equally into three level areas connected down one side by a set of timber steps. On the top, rear level wild flower meadow grass was laid around an existing summerhouse creating a simple
relaxed atmosphere. A hornbeam hedge runs the width of the garden further enhancing the sense of division and gives this area a feeling of seclusion. The middle part consists of a lawn with planting beds either side. Feathered birch bring height and structure to the boundaries and are under-planted with masses of colourful perennials including Persicaria amplex, ‘Atrosanguinea’ and Rudbeckia Goldsturm. Hydrangea Quercifolia and lilac are used for additional structure with ferns, hostas and various grasses filling in the gaps. The space nearest the house consists of an Ipe hardwood deck with a cantilevered Ipe hardwood table and matching benches. There is also an area just for the children where the floor, walls and seats are all covered in a green granulated rubber. This is the same material as used in children’s playgrounds and is designed to avoid injury when falling over. Perfect for young children and adults alike.
Feathered birch bring height and structure to the boundaries and are under-planted with masses of colourful perennials including Persicaria amplex, ‘Atrosanguinea’ and Rudbeckia Goldsturm www.prolandscapermagazine.com prolandscapermagazine
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Project duration 7 months Size 300m2 (approx) Cost ÂŁ70,000
1 Planted seating area. 2 Timber steps with inset lighting lead to the house. 3 Plan drawing. 4 Perennial planting scheme.
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5 Before worked commenced. 6 The patio before the redesign.
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REFERENCES Designer The Landscape Architect 1 Ossian Road, Stroud Green, London N4 4DX Tel: 0207 684 5413 Email: info@thelandscape architect.net Web: www.thelandscape architect.net
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Timber deck, bench and seating Tim Horner
Waratah Gardens, 5 Howberry Close, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 2NU Tel: 01428 654464 Web: www.waratah gardens.co.uk
Plants Dingley Dell Nurseries Windlesham Road, Chobham, Woking, Surrey, GU24 8SP Tel: 01276 857181
Web: www.dingleydell.co.uk North Hill Nurseries Scotts Grove Road, Chobham, Woking, Surrey GU24 8DW Tel: 01276 858800 Web: www.northhill nurseries.co.uk
Trees Deepdale Trees Tithe Farm, Hatley Road, Potton, Sandy,
Bedfordshire SG19 2DX Tel: 01767 262636 Web: www.deepdale-trees. co.uk
Granulated rubber flooring supplied/installed Flexflooring The Mill House, Pympes Court Farm, Busbridge Road, Loose, Maidstone, Kent ME15 0HZ Tel: 01622 747909 Web: www.flexflooring.co.uk
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ARALIA GARDEN DESIGN Aralia Garden Design provides high quality, innovative yet functional outdoor spaces. Established in 2004 by Patricia Fox, Aralias’ portfolio ranges from contemporary to traditional; small suburban gardens to large country estates. Based in Hertfordshire and working in Britain and abroad, the company believes that empathising with the client and understanding their needs is paramount to good design. www.aralia.org.uk August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
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RAISE THE ROOF Aralia Garden Design This stunning show garden was the winner of a Silver Medal at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show
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his 10x20m plot was presented as a ‘Roof Garden’, an extension to the working office utilising unused rooftop space. The objective of the garden is to inspire people to make better use of unused commercial space by demonstrating that office rooftops can be used as viable gardens in over-crowded and urbanised environments and cities. It also aims to create a practical yet stimulating work environment combining the requirements of an office within a relaxed and creative outdoor setting. The space is both practical and beautiful, offering an innovative, thought-provoking environment providing ambient space for collaboration and inspiration. There are spaces for individual workers in addition to group collaborative areas. The brief for the garden was that it should capture and enhance the networked world we live in and be the ‘iPad
The garden needed to capture and enhance the networked world we live in and be the ‘iPad of the Garden World’ – flexible and innovative
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of the Garden World’ – flexible and innovative. This is portrayed through the use of technology throughout. Sustainable features and recycled elements have been used wherever possible. chelsea medal Rooftop Workplace of Tomorrow was awarded a prestigious Silver Flora Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May. Featuring an LED sports screen emitting calming and relaxing sounds and visuals, along with Wi-Fi, laptops and tablets, this garden is where cutting-edge technology and tranquillity unites. As well as introducing 21st-century
technology to the Show Gardens category at Chelsea, Patricia also selected a number of innovative materials that are environmentally friendly, including bamboo decking made from fast-growing bamboo which proves extremely ecological. All the tabletops were built using a brand new material, Richlite, produced from compressed recycled paper. The furniture and planters in the garden were manufactured using cutting edge ‘up-cycled’ materials, i.e. made using Grade A plastics (including black plastic plant pots) which previously went to landfill. Aralia commissioned these bespoke items
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from Thomas Bramwell which were launched for the first time at Chelsea. In addition, quirky hanging ‘C’ Shaped chairs were commissioned to hang from the bespoke wood and metal pergola frame. Functionality is key to this garden, and it doesn’t stop with the planting, as a stunning ‘herb wall’ was included where users can pick their own herbs of choice to make some revitalising herbal tea such as lemon, ginger, pineapple and even chocolate. The wall also included a vertical ‘Buxus Parterre’. The modern ‘cube’ building provided weatherproof office space within the
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garden together with a green roof which offered biodiversity. PLANTING Calm and understated planting was used to create a very textural, structured yet beautifully delicate space. The colour scheme was a mix of green and silver-blue foliage, and simple white flowering plants such as Yarrow (Achillea Millefolioum), Rocket Candytuft (Iberis Amara) and White Campion (Silene Latiflora). The main focal plant was a stunning Pleached Field Maple (Acer Campestre) to give some stature to the garden. A West Himalayan Birch (Betula
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1 View showing planter containing a Betula Pendula in foreground. 2 Umbrella tree worktop workstation, and cube building with green roof. 3 Visitors enjoying the herbal tea wall. 4 2D Plan. 5 Measuring up. 6 The cube under construction. 7 Alan Titchmarsh with Patricia Fox. 8 Bamboo decking. 9 Bespoke upcycled plastic furniture and LED sports screen.
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Pendula) was selected for its ashy bark which complemented the white flora. A Norway Maple (Acer Globosum) was included to provide a natural ‘umbrella’ for the floating workstation providing subtle shade under which to relax with the laptops or tablets provided. Buxus cubes, Thymus balls and Buxus hedging provided the necessary structure to the garden, mimicking the ‘rounded square’ tablet inspired shape which has been used consistently throughout. Rooftop Workplace of Tomorrow brought a lot of ‘firsts’ to this year’s Chelsea Flower Show and it proved very memorable, inspiring and innovative.
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REFERENCES Design/construction Aralia Garden Design The Studio, Clipped Hedge Cottage, Dunmow Road, Hatfield Heath, Hertfordshire, CM22 7EE Tel: 01279 721 461 Email: info@aralia.org.uk Web: www.aralia.org.uk Landscaping Giles Landscapes Ltd Bramley House, Back Drove, Welney, Cambs PE14 9RH Tel: 01354 610453 Email: info@gilesland scapes.co.uk Web: www.gilesland scapes.co.uk Decking CF Anderson Timber Products
228 Old London Road, Marks Tey, Colchester, Essex CO6 1HD Tel: 01206 211666 Web: www.smithfong bamboo.co.uk
Cube and modular buildings Hot Spring World Watkins Distribution UK Ltd, HotSpring House, Little Boyton Hall, Roxwell, Essex CM1 4LN Tel: 0800 849 8111 Web: www.cubeuk.co.uk Indoor and outdoor furniture collection Thomas Bramwell Collection Ltd Tides Reach, 127 East Beach Road, Selsey, West Sussex PO20 0HA
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Tel: 01243 381207 Web: www.thomas bramwell.com
Electrician G Sides Electrical Ltd Trafalgar Industrial Estate, Sovereign Way, Downham Market, Norfolk PE38 9SW Tel: 01366 386444 Web: www.gsides electricalnorfolk.co.uk Document solutions; optimising business processes/reducing costs Toshiba Tel: 01932 580100 Web: www.toshiba.co.uk/ imaging Audio visual presentation Mr Paul Edwards Independent technology
consultant specialising in Multimedia and software development Tel: 01245 349749
Aluminium edgings Kinley Systems Exceledge 3 Hayward Way, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4PL Tel: 01424 201 111 Web: www.kinley systems.com Resin bound gravel SureSet UK Limited 32 Deverill Road, Trading Estate, Sutton Veny, Warminster BA12 7BZ Tel: 01985 841180 Web: www.sureset.co.uk Richlite composite paper products, Richlite
Rainshadow, Rainscreen, Richlite countertops CF Anderson Timber Products 228 Old London Road, Marks Tey, Colchester Essex CO6 1HD Web: www.richlite.com Sound system Storm Events Tel: 0207 993 6077 Web: www.storm-events. co.uk CAD software Design Software Solutions Vectorworks, Lambourn Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG20 8BL Tel: 0845 003 7066 Web: www.vectorworkstraining.co.uk
Turf Rolawn Limited Elvington, York YO41 4XR Tel: 01904 608661 Email: info@rolawn.co.uk Web: www.rolawn.co.uk Walling Haddonstone Limited The Forge House, East Haddon, Northampton, NN6 8DB Tel: 01604 770711 Web: www.haddonstone. com Water cooler/heater Virgin Strauss Water UK Henley Business Park, Pirbright Road, Guildford, Surrey GU3 2DX Tel: 0845 051 7919 Web: www.strauss-water. co.uk
August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
different view Louisa Bell The design retains the wonderful vista from the house
“You’re right,” she said, “move the drive and the garage area.” We were off.
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EnglisH garden The levels of the site were complex, falling in three directions, and I wanted to keep the wonderful oak tree in the centre. The new drive and garage building were now relocated to the side of the property and we laid a driveway on a nidagravel system and the concrete garage base. The garden space could now become a real English garden. The house refurbishment was opulent, with a Clive Christian kitchen, French ornate
hen I first saw this project my client’s builders were working on a total refurbishment of her house. They had dug out a driveway right the way through the gardens and were preparing for tarmac. It’s not easy suggesting to a prospective client that her new driveway should move to a completely different location; especially when the builders have already been August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
paid. But, I knew that the current position would be a disaster. I gulped, and told her. We went inside the property, climbed up a ladder to the location of her proposed bedroom and leaned out of the window to see beyond the scaffold. I explained how her wonderful views out to the open countryside would now take in a black, tarmac driveway. The next morning she called me at 7.30am and said she’d been awake all night.
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1 The client’s English garden. 2 Vintage limestone edged in brick. 3 Bespoke gates and tree seat. 4 The meadow links to the countryside.
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furniture and chandeliers in every room. The outside of the house was surrounded by fields and I had to link the gardens out to the landscape and back to the new interior. I decided to wrap the ho use around with a large terrace and to build retaining walls using bricks that matched the house, incorporating a Flemish bond and wall capping. I spent all weekend driving around taking photographs of walls to find the look I wanted. The steps would have a brick detail and be a feature of the terrace. I believe that it’s imperative that a garden looks as though it belongs to the house and period; as www.prolandscapermagazine.com
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1 Before photo – on survey day.
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though they were built together. It also has to be the client’s garden – not mine. I’m there to help the process along. The stone for the terrace was Vintage Limestone, laid in a random pattern and edged in brick. I love the colour of the Limestone and it looks great wet and dry, which is important in our English climate. Around the entire terrace I created wide borders for my client’s ‘English’ garden, with roses, alchemilla and eremurus. The terrace and planting now had the formality to ‘belong’ to the house, but beyond this I needed to link to
tree is mown in the same way, but it’s encircled by a wide swathe of meadow flowers to begin the link back to the open countryside. The other lawns, radiating out towards the boundary, are treated as less formal and are only mown fortnightly. The grass cutters are really excellent at mowing the circles. Around the oak tree I designed a bespoke tree seat, with an Alice in Wonderland feel and planted 1,000 snowdrops at its feet for a winter view. The fence and gates securing the garden are also bespoke and match the
It’s not easy suggesting to a prospective client that her new driveway should move to a completely different location; especially when the builders have already been paid. the landscape and fields. The garden lawns were designed in circles so that my client could see these as clearly defined shapes from her bedroom window. I even arranged for the telegraph pole to be moved so it didn’t spoil her view. The lawns have slightly different levels with small banks to enhance the circles. In the lawn along the back of the flower borders I planted 12 massive box spheres to add to the circular theme. The first lawn is a ‘formal’ space and is mown weekly. The circular lawn around the oak
tree seat. I loved designing these. I needed a path to wind through the garden to the proposed new oak garages, but I felt that using the same limestone would be too formal. I chose granite setts so the path feels more ‘countryfied’. The setts enabled us to lay a perfect circle around the edge of the lawn. A bank to the right of the path is planted with mature multi-stemmed Betula Jacquemontii, under-planted with spring bulbs to screen the eventual garage building. At the far end of the garden I wanted the
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boundaries to blur and the triangular shape of the garden obscured so I planted all of this with instant Lindum meadow turf. I love the way you unroll the turf and the wild flowers pop up like a children’s picture book. SEASONAL COLOUR I made one final link back to the more formal garden by planting three mature Pyrus Chanticleer, backed with seven mature Liquidambar in perfect lines – to give Spring and Autumn colour. This is a garden that will develop over the years. I believe that all gardens should be designed and built this way. The trees will mature and each part of the garden will perform for my client in different seasons. The box spheres looked fantastic in the snow last winter – like a regiment of my client’s own snowmen. I wanted this garden to be fun and a source of real pleasure to my client each time she looks out of her window. I am so glad that she trusted me and we moved the driveway. Louisa worked with her own contractors on the site – Matthew Belchamber, Ben Hayes and Peter Flude were the foremen.
LOUISA BELL Louisa Bell has designed and built more than 300 gardens during the last 20 years and is currently working on projects in London, Berkshire and Sussex. www.thelovelygarden.co.uk
REFERENCES Design/construction Louisa Bell MSGD MBALI The Lovely Garden The Studio, The Old School House, Rectory Lane, Ashington, West Sussex, RH20 3AS Tel: 01903 892285 Email: info@thelovely garden.co.uk Web: www.thelovely garden.co.uk
Vintage limestone B&S Natural Stone Newbrook Farm, Pound lane, Upper Beeding, West Sussex BN44 3JD Tel: 01903 810420 Email: admin@bandsltd. co.uk Web: www.bandsnatural stoneltd.co.uk
Red Oak Farm, Hulcott Lane, Hulcott, Nr Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP22 5AX Tel: 01296 399585 Email: info@instanthedges. co.uk Web: www.instanthedges. co.uk
Trees, hedging, box balls Instant Hedges
Granite setts Benton Weatherstone
August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
53 Ferringham Lane, Ferring, Worthing, West Sussex BN12 5NT Tel: 01903 243 202 Web: www.benton weatherstone.co.uk
Bricks and capping bricks – Weinerberger Travis Perkins Clapham Common, Near Worthing, Sussex BN13 3UR
Tel: 01903 871224 Web: www.travisperkins. co.uk
Tree seat, fences, gates Roundstone Joinery Arundel Court, Chalk Springs, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 0AA Tel. 01903 889999 Email: info@roundstone joinery.co.uk
Web: www.roundstone joinery.co.uk
Meadow turf Lindum Turf West Grange, Thorganby, York YO19 6DJ Tel: 01904 448675 Email: lindum@turf.co.uk Web: www.turf.co.uk
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SPECIALBRANCHES Janine Pattison MSGD MBALI offers guidance on how to select the best trees for your next project
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rees are invaluable in gardens. They provide a vertical aspect and guarantee a three-dimensional look to the smallest of spaces. A well-placed tree informs the atmosphere of the whole garden for generations. Trees play an important role in adding structure to a space; creating screening to improve privacy, creating shade and shelter, providing a habitat for wildlife and adding ‘amenity benefit’. These benefits can come in the form of flowers, berries, decorative bark or leaf colour at different times of the year. Trees can be evergreen or deciduous, different shapes from fastigate to weeping and anything from small to massive. Garden designers and landscapers weigh up all of these factors and then decide on how to use trees in design proposals to clients. They are looking for carefully thought-out recommendations about what trees to select, what effect will be created and how big they should be when planted. The checklist for designing with trees includes some of the following factors: ● How much space are we working with and what is the maximum size of tree that the site can accommodate? ● Why do we want a tree in the design at all? Is it to provide height and structure, or is it critical for screening an ugly view? Would a large shrub do a better job? ● Must its habit be tall and thin (fastigate), dome-shaped or would a weeping cultivar suit best? ● Do we need to select an evergreen or would a deciduous tree provide a greater August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
season of interest? ● Will the tree be a lone specimen or within a group? ● What site conditions are we working with? A site on chalk will suit different species to one with sandy, acid soil. ● What are the main attributes we are looking for from the selected tree; flowers, berries, decorative bark or leaf colour? SIZE MATTERS The main consideration when selecting a tree is to take into account the size. Regarding ultimate size, trees are usually classified as: small (5-10m high), medium (10-20m high) and large (20m-plus high). Considering that a tree may take decades to reach ultimate height and the lifespan of various species can be anything between 30-300-plus years, it is worth having an
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idea what your chosen tree might achieve in 25 years in terms of height and diameter spread. The garden designer also needs to decide what shape the tree needs to bring to the design. Evergreen trees tend to have a more definite outline shape while deciduous trees often have a more indeterminate shape, especially during the summer. For these trees, the bareness of winter will show off the tracery of the branches and reveal the outline more clearly. As flowers, berries and leaf colour are ephemeral, it is important to select a tree that offers a graceful shape. There are shapes that trees naturally grow into. These include; columnar (Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata Aureomarginata’), conical (Picea abies), domed (Prunus maackii), round-headed (Sorbus aucuparia) and weeping (Betula pendula ‘Youngii’). All of these shapes have their place in the garden designer’s repertoire but it is important to check the selected cultivar will display the habit required. GROWING CONDITIONS Another factor to consider is the conditions the selected tree will be expected to cope with. Every site is different and it is important to match the tree to the site with care. The beech tree (Fagus sylvatica) that thrives in a garden with chalky soil will struggle in light sandy soil
Matching trees with conditions Trees for chalk 1. Catalpa bignonoides 2. Juglans nigra 3. Morus nigra 4. Paulownia tormentosa 5. Sophora japonica Trees for clay 1. Acer sp. 2. Carpinus betulus
3. Fraxinus excelsior 4. Malus domestica 5. Quercus robur Trees for acid/sand 1. Ailanthus altissima 2. Alnus cordata 3. Eucalyptus gunnii 4. Koelreuteria paniculata 5. Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Frisia’
Trees for damp conditions 1. Amelanchier lamarkii 2. Cedrus deodara 3. Parrotia persica 4. Prunus padus 5. Pyrus ‘Chanticleer’ Trees for exposed sites 1. Acer campestre
2. Betula pendula 3. Gleditsia triacanthus 4. Sorbus aucuparia 5. Tilia cordata Trees for coastal sites 1. Acer pseudoplatanus 2. Populus alba 3. Sorbus aria 4. Sorbus intermedia
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1 Tilia cordata – a tree for an exposed site. 2 Acacia dealbata. 3 Picea abies. 4 Sorbus aria ‘Lutescens’.
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while the Snowy mespilus (Amelanchier lamarkii) will be happiest in acid soil conditions. Very wet, dry or very exposed sites will all require care in selecting suitable trees. FIT FOR PURPOSE The designer needs to consider what purpose the tree is going to serve in the design. If a single impressive specimen tree set in the lawn is needed, then Prunus sargentii would be a good choice for the medium-sized garden. A larger space could support a Catalpa bignonoides which produces large trusses of white flowers with purple and yellow spots in summer, followed by long, thin seed pods. If evergreen screening is required, consider Eucryphia x nymansensis ‘Nymansay’, a stunning
these seeding mechanisms can be used to extend the season of interest. If young children are going to be using the garden avoid the varieties that produce poisonous issue. The Sorbus genus are reliable producers of bright berries in late summer and the ornamental crab apples (Malus spp) produce both flowers and vivid-coloured fruits. Some of the best trees for attractive bark include; the Snakebark maple (Acer davidii) with vertically striped green and white bark, the River Birch (Betula nigra) with distinct pinkish-orange shaggy bark and the Paperbark Cherry (Prunus serrula) with polished red-brown bark. FOLIAGE EFFECT For year-long interest select trees that have
As flowers, berries and leaf colour are ephemeral, it is important to select a tree that offers a graceful shape tree that produces fragrant white flowers in late summer. The Wild Service Tree (Sorbus torminalis) is a British native and will provide food and habitat to wildlife. CHARACTERISTICS Colour and the distinct characteristics of the various species of tree will be very important. Flowers, berries, leaf colour and interesting bark will all find favour. Flowering trees include the yellow-flowering mimosa (Acacia dealbata), the white-flowered magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) and the pink of the flowering cherry (Prunus pissardii ‘Nigra’). Many trees produce attractive berries, seed pods, fruits, nuts or cones and www.prolandscapermagazine.com
striking and beautiful leaves. Gold and yellow foliage brings sunshine into the garden even on dull days. Two of the best to achieve this are Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Frisia’ and Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Sunburst’. Silver and grey leaves reflect the light and bring a Mediterranean look to a garden. Many grey leaved trees can cope with drier than usual conditions and they work very well with white flowering plants. The olive (Olea europea) and the Whitebeam (Sorbus aria ‘Lutescens’) are two excellent examples. Red and purple foliage can have a dour effect on a space as it absorbs light but can work very well if used as a foil for lighter coloured plants around it. The purple-leaved
plum, Prunus pissardi ‘Nigra’ has leaves and shoots of dark purple while the weeping copper beech ‘Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea pendula’ makes a small but perfectly formed tree suited to smaller spaces. Variegated foliage can be very effective as the two colours are clearly visible close up but give a hazier look from a distance. The variegated maple ‘Acer platanoides ‘Drummondii’ has large mid-green leaves with a creamy-white margin. The evergreen holly Ilex x altaclerensis ‘Golden King’ will produce grey-green leaves with a broad gold margin. AUTUMN COLOUR As some trees prepare to drop their leaves for winter they give a last great display of gold, yellow, bronze, red, orange and crimson. The Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum) turns gloriously red and scarlet while the Persian Ironwood (Parrotia persica) opts for orange and gold.
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
August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
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Latest Kit
ARBORICULTURE vertical or horizontal format. The Contractor Processor combines all the experience of the independent saws and splitters in an automated system with a hydraulically driven saw blade for high-speed cutting with minimum maintenance. Logs are sawn and then depending on size either elevated directly into a waiting receptacle or tipped in to a 14 ton splitter with splitting axe.
Ryetec will introduce the Contractor range of log processing machinery at the APF show in September. These machines offer a complete range of log saws, horizontal and vertical log splitters and also complete processors. The Ryetec Contractor Saws offer electric, tractor PTO and engine-driven options. The Contractor log splitters are available with 12,13,16, 22 and 30 ton splitting force in either
WWW.RYETEC.CO.UK
Seko Eco Green’s bio chopper mixers are designed for shredding and mixing waste for composting – achieved by the fibre dissecting action and laceration of two slow-moving contra rotating augers with convergent windings, fitted with blades and counter blades. Ideal for dealing with a
The AS65 Scout is three times as effective as a brush cutter and quickly and effortlessly cuts a swath into thicket, shredding the cuttings and laying them flat so removal is not necessary. A permanent differential lock keeps it on a straight path at all times. Precise changes in direction are easy to control using the differential coupling. The machine has an electric start and heated handles for winter use. To increase off-road capability and cutting intake, the front wheel has been replaced by massive skids. For further information about PSD’s range of AS Motor equipment contact Stuart Mercer on 07973 454005, or email stuart@psdgroundscare.com. WWW.PSDGROUNDSCARE.CO.UK
Buxton’s Ltd now has stocks of the Dragon wire core flip line – a new flip line on the market that offers advantages over many of the existing products. It is available
The CS100 wood chipper can process a wide range of material on-site and at the point of production. Combining ease of use with high productivity, it can be transported in the back of a van or truck. The Briggs & Stratton engine uses just 2-3 litres of fuel per hour. The chipper blades are removable for easy maintenance. The emergency stop button and
August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
wide range of material cuttings and excellent blending creates an end product ideal for composting. The machines range in size from 5cu metre to 30 cu metre capacity and can be fitted with self loading crane weigh systems and varying lengths of discharge elevators. WWW.HARRYWEST.CO.UK
in 3m, 4m and 5m lengths (other lengths can be made to order) and can be supplied with plain ends, a three-way swivel snap hook or a three-way swivel Karabiner. The wire core rope is made by Marlow and the fittings
are made by ISC and DMM. A new technique has been developed to form the eyes in the end of the flip lines, which means the eyes are small, neat and easy to use. The Flip lines have been certified by SATRA and conform to EN:354.2010. WWW.BUXTONS.NET
double rubber flaps on the in-feed chute ensure safety. The CS 100 can chip branches up to 13cm in diameter, and has a wide in-feed throat. Softer material can be broken down into a fine or coarse mulch, perfect as natural fertiliser. The machine can discharge chips to 5m-plus into a trailer or barrow or spread directly as a mulch. WWW.GREENMECH.CO.UK
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Safety Check!
Using normal petrol can cause fatique, nausea and dizziness. BE SAFE – Aspen alkylate petrol lowers toxic emissions by 99%.
A Complete and Comprehensive Tree Care Service since 1907 For over 100 years, Bartlett Tree Experts has led both the science and services that make your landscape thrive. No matter the size or scope of your needs, our arborists bring a rare mix of groundbreaking research, global resources and a local service approach to every task at hand. Trees add so much value to our lives; Bartlett adds even more value to your trees. Tree & Shrub Pruning | Planting | Tree Removal | Tree Stock Surveys Woodland Management | Health & Safety Reports | Disease & Insect Control For a free consultation please contact your local arborist
0845 600 9000 enquiry@bartlettuk.com | www.bartlett.com
• Ready mixed • No benzene • No sulphur • No solvents • No olefins • No ethanol • Will not go off
Anglo American Oil Company Ltd 01929 555975 • aspen@aaoil.co.uk • www.aspenfuel.co.uk To find your nearest dealer: www.find-aspen.co.uk
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August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8 AAOC Aspen Pro Landscaper ad.indd 2
17/05/2012 17:44
HAMPTON COURT
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2012
uring a showery July week more akin to Spring, visitors were treated to some fabulous show gardens and plant displays at this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. Pro Landscaper was there to admire the weeks and months of work that had gone into the design and build of the gardens and would like to congratulate all the medal winners. The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show was originally created by Historic Royal Palaces and Network Southeast, and in 1993 the RHS held its first RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show which has gone on to become the world’s largest flower show. Some new features in 2012 included The Urban Oasis area in conjunction with Groundwork and RHS Community
Gardening. With Chris Beardshaw as designer, a large area was transformed into an urban setting, with a series of small projects integrated as a whole design. The World of Gardens feature was a new area
hosting a number of gardens representing different countries or regions of the world. The Low Cost, High Impact Gardens, a new competition launched this year in conjunction with APL (Association of Professional Landscapers) and the HTA (Horticultural Trades Association) demonstrated to the public that high quality design can be achieved within a fixed budget.
More images at: www.prolandscapermagazine.com
Hampton Court Flower Show – Review
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1 Chris Beardshaw introduces Sophie Countess of Wessex to the Urban Oasis feature. 8 6
2 The Edible Bus Stop feature by Will Sandy. 3 Jubilation & Celebration by Jayne Thomas Garden Design. 4 Spectacular display of Lupins. 5 Old & New by Imogen Cox Associates.
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6 Possession by Tony Smith & Easigrass. 7 The Italian Job Show
Garden by Jack Dunckley’s Birchfield Nursery. 8 Discover Jordan Garden by Paul Hervey-Brookes Associates. 9 Protea Cynaroides. 10 Wyevale East’s Coastal Drift Summer Garden.
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11 Summer Garden – Corner of the World by NPB Garden Design. 12 Contemporary Contemplation by Morgan & Neal Ltd and OneAbode Ltd.
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Contact us for more information on our range or to request a trade sample pack.
www.hitechturf.co.uk | 01244 289 182 | info@hitechturf.co.uk
We have exciting opportunities available to join our nationwide network of agents. Our artificial grass is the most natural looking range of fake turf on the market We pride ourselves on: A national network of installers ■ Training to qualify for accreditation ■ Customer service and quality account management ■ Best range of artificial grass products ■ Next day delivery ■
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Are you in the Landscaping Industry? Looking for an artificial grass supplier? Looking for new opportunities to increase profit? Looking for a bolt on to your current portfolio? Want a steady supply of leads from our top ranking website?
If you answered yes to any of the above... Call us on 0845 057 0777 or visit our website on www.perfectlygreen.co.uk
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Perfectly Green 0845 0570777 sales@perfectlygreen.co.uk www.perfectlygreen.co.uk
August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
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Artificial grass
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places to use artificial grass
Rob Redcliffe, Director of Namgrass UK explains the versatility of Artificial Grass Replacing your natural lawn This is becoming an increasingly popular choice for many now, and why not, the artificial grass products of today have come a long way – make the right product choice, and install it correctly and a ‘fake lawn’ will be almost indistinguishable from the real thing, but with a fraction of the maintenance and upkeep, allowing more time to enjoy the garden or concentrate on other jobs. The main element to consider here is product choice; with such a wide variety available, it is recommended that you concentrate on products produced in Europe, with ISO certification.
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Children’s play areas Not only are high quality artificial grass products now so realistic, they are also very soft to touch, and at the same time very durable. This makes them an ideal solution for children’s play areas, whether it be for a school/nursery, or at home in the garden. Elements to consider here are: be sure to choose a high quality product (preferably with ISO9001 certification, guaranteeing its suitability for the job); and is there any existing play equipment in place? If so, you will need ‘shockpad’ underlay to conform to certain critical fall height regulations.
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Roof terraces and balconies With more and more people living in apartments and flats, having your own ‘green space’ is becoming more difficult to come by. Just by simply adding some artificial grass to a balcony, roof terrace, or even covering an ugly roof, can completely transform the outlook of an apartment/flat. Elements to consider here are: drainage of the proposed area – will it require underlay/drainage underlay? What is the existing surface and can you glue to this surface?
www.prolandscapermagazine.com
Pet areas/gardens With the obvious advantages of artificial grass not staining (as long as it’s a high quality product), nor becoming muddy and messy, many pet owners are converting to artificial grass for their gardens, having become fed up with their patchy, muddy lawn. Once again here it’s important to choose a good durable product, and consider the drainage of the sub-base – you want it as free draining as possible.
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Other uses With the increasing popularity of artificial grass, it is now being used for a wider variety of applications, such as artificial hedging/ screening, and it can be applied on top of old slippery decking as a quick, effective remedy to a common problem. Shops and exhibitions are using artificial grass increasingly for displays, with it being a relatively economic product that can be rolled out time and time again, and it’s even being used to clad buildings. August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
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Artificial grass
Left: LawnFix all-in-one tape being installed.
MAKE IT STICK A GUIDE TO ARTIFICIAL GRASS CARPET ADHESIVE SYSTEMS
Brian Spencer, Technical Director of Envirostik Adhesives has over 25 years’ experience advising on the correct use of adhesives when fitting synthetic lawns. He passes on his grass carpet installation tips
I
n a time when people have less free time but still want to enjoy a beautifully landscaped area, the requirement for low-maintenance surfaces is on the increase. The rise in popularity of artificial grass carpets brings new challenges to the landscaping contractor used to dealing with traditional turf and seeded grass. Now contractors are looking at how to create a longlasting, realistic surface of artificial grass – the different adhesive systems can appear complex but are really quite straightforward when chosen properly and used correctly. Correct choice of adhesive and tape is vital, artificial grass carpets are joined at the seam and correct seam bonding is essential to provide an area that lasts. There are three types of adhesive systems for seam bonding: two component polyurethane-based adhesive with special seam tape, single-component adhesives with the tape; or a complete adhesive-coated fixing tape. The choice may often depend on the size of the area to be landscaped. TWO COMPONENT POLYURETHANE ADHESIVES Two component polyurethane adhesives from Envirostik are specially formulated for seam bonding of larger artificial grass leisure and landscaping installations. Being more economical and providing more flexible workability, two-part systems would always be recommended for larger jobs and higher trafficked areas.
bonding synthetic grass carpets to the periphery surround or for joining the carpet seams on to a specially constructed geotextile-based seaming tape, 20cm or 30cm wide. The adhesive is tolerant to use in damp and cold conditions, with the final bonds being fully resistant to climatic conditions. Aqua-Bond comes in cartridge format and thus is easily applied, making it ideal for the smaller lawn installations where less skill is required. ALL-IN-ONE FIXING TAPES Lawn Fix Tape is a new innovation in the market and is specially designed for seam jointing artificial grass in small landscaping areas of low traffic use. The tape is ready to use after rolling out and removing the protective film. The carpet is positioned over the tape and firm pressure applied to secure the bond. BEST PRACTICE INSTALLATION ADVICE 1 Protect adhesives from extremes of hot or cold by storing at between 5° and 20°C. 2 When using a two-part adhesive ensure the components are thoroughly mixed before use. Look for consistent colour in the mix.
3 Use a notched trowel to apply sufficient adhesive according to the carpet backing type. The beading structure created by the adhesive applicator should fill the stitch ribbing of the underside of the carpet to ensure total surface contact. 4 Apply the adhesive evenly down the tape strip to the non-shiny surface, leaving approximately 5cm uncoated at either edge. Position carpet joint down the centre of the tape. 5 Consolidate the adhesive bond by applying light, even pressure until curing is complete. If sand is used as an infill, do not apply until the adhesive bond has fully cured thus preventing sand penetrating into the joint. 6 If using a lawn-fixing tape roll back the carpet edges, then simply roll out the tape and position the joint down the centre. After ensuring the joint is positioned correctly apply firm pressure to form the bond. Provided the correct attention is given to the fixing process then seam joints and other bonded areas should last for the life of the carpet. More detailed information can be found in Envirostik’s Good Practice Guide – visit www.envirostik.com.
Tape/adhesive application
SINGLE COMPONENT MOISTURE CURING POLYURETHANE ADHESIVE AquaBond is a single component moisturecuring polyurethane adhesive formulated for August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
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August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
Adhesive Systems for Artificial Lawn Installation
THE BEST DEALS FOR ARTIFICIAL GRASS ASS EXPRESS NATIONAL DELIVERY
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When it comes to installing artificial grass, Envirostik are undisputedly the expert in the field of innovative and trusted products formulated to last a lifetime.
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beautiful outdoor spaces...
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For more information call us on 01299253966 or email landscape@tigerturf.co.uk www.tigerturflandscape.co.uk
August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
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Latest Kit
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ARTIFICIAL GRASS Artificial Grass Direct Ltd offers competitively priced products and uses the latest technology to produce a range of unique, natural-looking grasses to suit all lifestyles and tastes. Each product has been tested to the highest performance standards ensuring quality, durability and colour
Approaching its 25th year in business, Verde offers an established range of exclusive products, designed and manufactured in the UK. Verde’s newest development is Verdelawn – a super-soft surface that looks highly realistic and over the last 12 months has been its best-selling product. For a unique design use Verde’s funky Groovy Grass, an eye-catching range of vibrant colours. Jet Black Groovy Grass has recently been supplied for the Olympic Games, at the Millennium Stadium, Manchester United Football Club and The David Beckham Academy. Huge Olympic Flags have also been created for Basildon Council.
Lawn lovers will no longer be beholden to our temperamental weather with the launch of Grono, one of the most realistic artificial grasses currently on sale in the UK. This year has been a particularly bad one with both drought and excessive rainfall occurring. Not only does Grono look like grass, it also feels like grass. It’s extreme
With its soft, slim blade construction and rich green colour, Argyll is an artificial grass that stands out from the rest. Perfectly Green is proud to offer this versatile, hardwearing grass as one of the top selling
products of its range. The thatched lower pile adds to the authentic look of the grass. When installed, Argyll has the appearance of a newly laid fertilised lawn. This is an artificial turf that has a proven track record of excellent customer feedback, being popular for patios, roof terraces, pool surrounds and decking areas, as well as traditional gardens. Contact Perfectly Green on 0845 057 0777.
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stability. Luxury Club has a tactile pile and complex chocolate brown thatch structure containing memory pile technology to reduce flattening, creating an immaculate manicured lawn. It’s easy to install in a play area or to give patios, decking or roof gardens a face lift. WWW.ARTIFICIALGRASS-DIRECT.COM
durability makes the product suitable for pets, children and even as a lawn for playing sports on, and it’s completely maintenance free – no watering or mowing is required. Lionel Gilmartin, Managing Director of Grono said: “When we say that Grono is hard-wearing, we mean it. Come rain or shine,
kids or pets, Grono is sure to stand the test of time.” WWW.GRONO.CO.UK
The Grass Factory’s range of top quality artificial grass products at affordable prices are made in the UK and Europe and have an eight-year warranty against colour fade, as well as a 10-15 year lifespan. We operate a partner network of landscape/ groundwork companies
HT Majestic is ideal for your landscaping projects and is ideal for creating a stunning, natural-looking lawn. HT Majestic has a 30mm pile height and is constructed of two-colour green blades and a brown thatch layer. The turf can be laid with or
throughout the UK that are approved by us, having received our in-house training. Product support, samples, marketing, media, and brochures are provided along with a professional service. Contact sales@thegrassfactory.com. WWW.THEGRASSFACTORY.COM
without a sand in-fill. This artificial grass will create the look of a perfect lawn that feels real and looks fantastic – ideal for lawns, roof terraces and patios. The turf is very soft to touch and is safe for children and pets. WWW.HITECHTURF.CO.UK
August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
Turf Treatments made easy Electrically-powered, lightweight pedestrian sprayers ideal for applying liquid fertilisers, insecticides and turf management products in sports, amenity and horticultural applications.
EvenSprey 300
EvenSprey 250 • • • • •
Lightweight 3 wheel machine 1110mm boom 25Litre tank – enough for 500m² 7.2 amp/hour battery Optional spray lance attachment
• 4 wheel machine equipped with 1600mm wide spray boom • Handlebar controls • Instantly adjustable spray pressure • 30 litre tank • Spray lance attachment for spot treatments
Call 01530 510060 or visit www.supaturf.co.uk
INJECTISYSTEMS N
singlen seaadiscaotion er
The Stem Injection System is the most target specific, ecologically sound and effective solution for the eradication of Japanese Knotweed.
0845 643 1162 www.steminjectionsystems.com August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
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Latest Kit
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SPRAYERS The Vitax EvenSprey range offers more than just value for money. These pedestrian sprayers are ideal for applying a wide range of liquid fertilisers and chemicals to all types of surfaces. The battery-operated sprayers come in two sizes: the 25 litre EvenSprey 250 which treats
Combining easy-to-use applicators with highly effective, ready-to-use herbicides, Nomix TDC delivers targeted application, accurately and safely. The ready-to-use herbicides eliminate the need for mixing/measuring and refilling, reducing downtime and saving money. The system provides complete peace of mind that herbicide applications are being executed in line with all best practice and legislative requirements. Nomix TDC is safer for operators, bystanders and the environment. The targeted, uniform spray pattern significantly reduces the risk of spray drift and run-off, as well as ensuring no breathable droplets – the responsible way to spray. For more details call the technical helpline on 01264 388056 WWW.NOMIX.CO.UK
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Environmental organisations are increasingly looking to stem injection as their long-term solution to invasive weed management. Stem Injection Systems is now seeing its patented equipment used on a broad range of environmental initiatives including major clean-up projects on many rivers and nature reserves. Lancashire Wildlife Trust now uses stem injection to tackle Japanese Knotweed on its own nature
500m² from a single fill; and the 30 litre EvenSprey 300, which has a variable pressure control to vary the output as needed. Visit www.supaturf.co.uk to view short demonstration videos of the range of Supaturf spray machines. WWW.VITAX.CO.UK
reserves, as well as to support local authority clients with their land management programmes. The Trust’s Steve Cowell comments: “We have been using Stem Injection Systems’ equipment for the past two years and find it more effective and easier to use than spraying equipment. Another significant advantage is that we can continue to stem inject even while it is raining.” WWW.STEMINJECTIONSYSTEMS.COM
The Chariot Trailed Sprayer is a popular piece of kit that can be fitted with a 300-600 litre tank and manual or electric fold booms from 3-8m. Standard equipment includes engine and diaphragm pump (73Lpm); manual three-section spray
controls, electric in-cab spray on/off; chemical inductor; clean water tank rinse; clean water hand wash; clothes locker and wide flotation tyres. Contact Team Sprayers on 01353 661211 for details. WWW.TEAMSPRAYERS.COM
August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
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Latest Kit
GENERAL PRODUCTS Gas Firepits provide instant clean heat, run off natural or LPG bottled gas, providing a great focal point for any outdoor gathering. This innovative product consists of a stainless steel gasSTONEER burner, designed to 100% Natural Irish Stone Cladding be installed permanently into a brick or concrete surround,
commonly known as a ‘Firepit’. Fully CE approved for use as an outdoor patio heater, the burner provides 18kw of heat, which is more than enough to keep both you and your guests nice and warm well after the sun has gone down.
Colour • Texture • Durability • Timeless Beauty Light Weight • Easy Installation • Cost Saving • Maintenance Free
WWW.GASFIREPITS.CO.UK
www.stoneer.ie
McMonagle Stone is one of the largest manufacturers and suppliers of natural stone in Ireland and operates five quarries
in Donegal, two sandstone quarries, two quartzite quarries and one granite quarry. McMonagle supplies an extensive range of products which include building stone, paving and kerbs, architectural stone, decorative chippings, garden furniture and garden features. McMonagle Stone has been associated with quality stone
Councils and contractors operating Wessex ProLine RMX roller mowers can now benefit from the new ProMulcher blade. This new mulching blade is designed to improve performance where, due to budget cuts, grass is being allowed to grow slightly longer and is not being collected. The RMX series mowers already offer
superb cutting ability with the ProLine ‘Goldcut’ blade tips. The same technology has been applied to the mulching blade with the zone-hardened cutting edge for longer life and greater resistance to stone damage. Cut grass flows up and over the blade on to the mulching edges where the clippings are shredded and pulverised, sliced and
August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
for more than three decades and has been supplying natural stone and bespoke stone products on a national and international basis. Check out McMonagle’s new product Stoneer, which is natural stone cut to 30mm thick making it quick and easy to install and suitable for new and existing buildings.
heavily bruised, which helps promote fast break-down and decomposition.
As part of its latest campaign, The Comfort Zone, Suzuki has announced two exciting new offers for its customers to take advantage of, including a free branded workwear kit and a new courtesy ATV scheme. Any customers who buy a new Suzuki utility ATV between now and the end of March 2013 will automatically qualify for an exclusive free workwear kit, consisting of a set of high-quality Suzuki-branded overalls and body-warmer. The other innovative initiative from Suzuki is its new courtesy ATV scheme. This offers customers the use of a new Suzuki ATV when any utility ATV is taken to an authorised dealer for service or repair work, regardless of the make and model.
WWW.BROADWOODINTL.CO.UK
WWW.SUZUKI-ATV.CO.UK
WWW.MCMONAGLESTONE.COM
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All Terrain. All Weather. All Polaris. Whatever you need in an All-Terrain Vehicle, Polaris delivers.
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Talk to your Polaris dealer for full details. 5% special discount for NFU members*
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Simple and accurate spraying
ControlMix innovation • Single product or dual product application • Dosage rates from 0.15% up to 5.5% • Available on Polypul wheelbarrow sprayers, Actis and Omnis tractor mounted sprayers, and on some other models.
Kuhn Amenity Pro’s amenity sprayer range covers hand-held through to tractor-mounted models, with controlled dosing being a good illustration of the company’s commitment to technological advancement. ControlSpot and ControlMix dosage systems treat clean water with either plant protection product or fertilisers immediately prior to the boom or lance, thereby improving accuracy and avoiding wastage from unused tank residues. Robust construction and innovative application technology are the hallmarks of Kuhn Amenity Pro’s extensive sprayer range.
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August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
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Out and about
Fencing company Jacksons had a double celebration for its 65th Anniversary and the preview of its new Show Gardens. Guests were treated to champagne and anniversary cake at the Kent company’s anniversary garden party, along with the unveiling of its two newest show gardens: Natural Reflections, by local Kent designer Alison Coxhead; and Within the Weave, by Kari Beardsell. The remaining five show gardens have been refurbished and are open to visitors at Jacksons HQ in Stowting during the company’s usual opening hours. www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk
out and about
Our team meets people in the industry
We were treated to a tour around the 500 acre Hillier Tree Nursery in Liss last month; James Hillier’s knowledge of trees is impressive and we learnt a huge amount about trees by the end of our visit. He started by giving us some history and background of the company, moving on to a demo of how a tree is raised from a cutting by splicing it to a host, then a tour of the nursery, with explanations on how the trees are nurtured and developed before they’re sold on either as bare root or root-balled specimens. Stocking hundreds of species and using different growing methods, Hillier welcomes visits from professionals and can also supply digital images for presentations. To organise a visit or for any help with specifying trees, contact: trees@hillier.co.uk.
With the Olympics upon us, we recently attended a tour of the park to see the magnificent landscaping which visitors to the Olympics and athletes competing will be lucky enough to be able to enjoy in between events. Also present on the visit, organised by Gavin Jones Chairman Martyn Mogford, were members of the APPGHG (All Party Parliamentary Gardening and Horticulture Group). Phil Askew, Project Sponsor for Parkland and Public Realm, provided a detailed commentary about the landscaping works undertaken by BALI contractors which were highly praised by all on the tour. www.bali.co.uk
As BALI Affiliates (well very shortly to be) we joined a four-day trip organised by the Association to Belgium and Holland, with the highlight of the long weekend being a day at Floriade 2012 in Venlo, Holland. The World Horticultural Expo – held every 10 years since 1960 – is a must attend event which will keep you busy for the whole day (even then you won’t get to see everything). It consists of 66 hectares of land with 5 unique themed worlds (Environment; Education and Innovation; Relax and Heal; Green Engine and World Show Stage) with wooded areas separating each. The highlights were the Rabo Earthwalk (stand on a glass floor and take a trip around the globe underneath you), the cable car which takes you on a journey from one end of the park to the other above ground; the World Show Stage with exhibits and show gardens from around the world and the 15 show gardens in the Environment section. The park is also filled with some beautiful displays which any plant lover will delight in. If you are considering a visit to Floriade you won’t be disappointed. www.floriade.com
Majestic Trees had a recent nursery open day and new Show Garden launch, together with a celebration of its 10 years’ trading. Helen Thomas, who designed the winning garden, and April Cameron, Head of School of Garden Design at Capel Manor who was a judge for the competition, explained why Helen’s design was chosen. Then came an explanation of the process of planting a tree and decisions to make when buying one. The morning ended with a tour of the nursery. www.majestictrees.co.uk
August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
www.prolandscapermagazine.com
Trending
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Pro Landscaper takes a look at what’s different this month. This year the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show chose to highlight the current UK butterfly crisis through an exhibition and garden called the Butterfly Jungles Transitions. Inside, visitors were taken on a journey through butterfly-friendly planting styles, from wildflowers all the way through to exotic planting. The experience ended in a tropical glasshouse featuring a jungle-style sustainable habitat bursting with beautiful butterflies. The garden aimed to educate visitors, and encouraged them to do their bit for butterfly conservation; with fewer than 60 species of butterflies in the UK, it is clear that they need protecting. Andrew Halstead, RHS’s Principal Scientist stressed the importance of natural pollinators to the ecosystem and advised that cutting down on the use of pesticides and leaving fallen fruit underneath trees could encourage butterflies into gardens.
New London Awards recently honoured the capital’s very best architecture, planning and development as London’s centre for the built environment announced the winners of the awards at a lunchtime ceremony at Guildhall in the City. The New London Awards celebrate the best schemes in the capital both built and on the drawing board, temporary and permanent – giving recognition to the impact that projects have on their surroundings and their contribution to London, as well as to their architectural quality. Two entries shared the top slot by being awarded the prestigious Overall Winner accolade: the King’s Cross Station Redevelopment and the Olympic Legacy Communities Masterplan – both commended for their outstanding contributions to the way London works now and as it shapes up beyond the Olympics. www.newlondonarchitecture.org
GGM Groundscare – a leading specialist supplier of tractors, high quality professional land-based equipment and after-sales support throughout the North-West of England and Yorkshire, has been working very hard over the past few months to launch its new website. The site, having been re-designed from the ground up, is modern and ‘easy to use’, with access to straightforward detailed product information regarding the many features and benefits of the kit that GGM sells. To ensure a seamless service for end users, GGM can supply online spare parts lookup and ordering. www.ggmgroundscare.com
An under-used car park in the heart of London’s West End will be transformed with 7,000 military-grade sandbags into a temporary urban park for 10 days this summer as part of the London Festival of Architecture. The installation, Oculus, designed by Roz Barr Architects and engineers Ramboll, and sponsored by Derwent London, is the latest in a series of temporary interventions in Store Street’s South Crescent driven by NLA and The Building Centre to test ideas for the future use of this small but significant piece of public realm in the heart of the West End.
www.prolandscapermagazine.com
Wouldn’t we all rather see wildflowers than barren, neglected land? Guerrilla Gardening is possibly the opposite of meticulously and beautifully designed gardens, but it’s a brilliant idea all the same. The Guerrilla Gardening network is selling limited edition Pollinator Seedboms which contain a specially selected bee-friendly wildflower mix, perfect for urban bees that badly need our help. Simply soak the Seedbom in water, throw it (carefully) somewhere with a fair amount of soil and natural light, and watch the wildflowers grow. Twenty-five per cent of sales go to the Guerrilla Gardening cause and its mission to beautify London. http://kabloomshop.co.uk/product/the-pollinatorguerrillagardening-org-limited-edition
August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
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Long Rake Spar has developed this range of Eco Aggregates as part of our commitment to the environmentally responsible management of natural resources. These recycled eco products are sourced from previously unused waste materials or by-products from the ceramic, building and quarrying industries.
EcoRoc green roof substrates
Intensive System Substrates (ISS):
An ultra lightweight blend of highly absorbent aggregates with composted bio-waste to be used as a substrate within recreational garden-scapes.
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A blend of reclaimed aggregates with composted biowaste designed to promote regeneration of the biodiversity of wildlife sites which have been lost to construction.
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A blend of lightweight, water absorbent aggregates with composted bio-waste to be used as a substrate in un-maintained rooftop environments.
Long Rake Spar produce three categories of Green Roof substrates, each containing a blend to specific proportions of recycled and lightweight aggregates with composted bio-waste products. The three products have been designed to suit most landscaping and ecological specifications.
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August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
Our methods of construction are superior to most other trellis manufacturers. Our panels have a greater strength and a distinctive appearance that puts them into a quality and durability class of their own.
Visit www.trellisdirect.co.uk today www.prolandscapermagazine.com
Trading with…
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TRADING WITH…
MANTIS Managing Director David Goose discusses the ethos, products and future plans of the company
1
Give us a brief outline of your company Mantis UK Ltd was formed in 1998 following the takeover of G W Thornton & Sons Ltd which had been operating in the UK groundscare market since 1990. Mantis UK Ltd is an affiliate company to the US parent company Schiller Grounds Care Inc, which manufacture and distribute turf, ground care and debris management equipment.
landscape contractors of all capabilities.
What is the ethos of the company? The Schiller Group prides itself on its reputation for both the durability and reliability of the equipment it provides for the golf, landscape and amenity industries. Products which are fit for the purpose required are a key element of the range. These include Little Wonder, Classen, Mantis, Bobcat, Bunton mowers and Steiner tractors.
Do you think landscape contractors will be spending more or less with you this year? Despite budgetary restrictions being in place, the landscaper will still be required to produce high quality results. Our product range will continue to provide the solution to this requirement for all aspects of landscape work and indeed our market share is increasing as a result.
What is the structure of the company? The Schiller Grounds Care Group is based in Southampton, Pennsylvania with production facilities in Nebraska and Winsconsin in addition to the UK and French facilities.
Where are your products manufactured? The Classen and Little Wonder range of
What additional support do you offer the landscape contractors? Our dealer network, which is spread across the UK and Ireland provides a knowledgeable point of contact for our customers. All dealers have direct contact with ourselves as part of our technical support programme.
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Do you have any new products planned? If so, are you adding to your range, or just expanding it? A number of new products will be launched at Saltex 2012 including turfcare machinery, debris management equipment and groundcare machinery. How do you market your company? Schiller Grounds Care believes that by constantly improving the performance and range of products, this is the perfect way to ‘market’ the brands associated with their name. Why would landscapers choose your brand over your competitors? Our products are designed and built to last. A professional landscaper demands hard working and reliable products; we believe these products fulfil the requirements. How do you ensure that the contractor using your product is safe? We bring together a range of safe operating technology to all our equipment. Procedures for safe operation are paramount and are communicated to all customers at source.
What is your route to market? Within the UK and Ireland, a network of approved dealers service the local requirements of the industry. A combination of our in-house sales, after sales and technical support to our dealers and customers provides a national solution for our customers. How important is the landscape contractor to your business? We see this sector as extremely important to the success of our business. Our wide range of machinery and equipment can service jobs for
products are manufactured at our US-based in-house facilities with some of our new Mantis cordless range manufactured in Europe.
2
1 Little Wonder HPV (High Performance Vac).
2 Classen Hydrostatic driven Sod Cutter.
Which exhibitions will you be attending this year and why? IOG Saltex is our major show platform in the UK. It attracts the broadest range of our current and potential customers which is reflected in the range of products we exhibit and launch there. August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
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People
THE
LITTLE INTERVIEW
A small insight into the world of other professionals in our wide and varied industry. If you would like to appear in a future issue please email lisa.wilkinson@pro-landscaper.co.uk TRACEY FOSTER
HARRY HITCHCOCK Sales and Marketing Manager, King & Co – The Tree Company www.kingco.co.uk What would you say is the best thing about your job? Helping customers around the nursery; most of the people who come in don’t know what they want, I enjoy finding the plant that fits the purpose. Challenges ahead in your work? Trying to stay profitable while competing with other nurseries in a struggling economy. How is the bulk of your work made up? Mostly speaking to customers and helping them find the plant they need. I also spend a lot of time on Twitter and Facebook! Current trends in the market? Abelia and Viburnum Tinus ‘Eve Price’ are both very popular, probably because they
flower at times of the year when everything else looks a bit plain. How do you remain competitive? We always try to deliver the highest standard of plants and services to all of our customers, whether they need one shrub or 50 trees. Favourite film and TV shows… Pulp Fiction and The Simpsons. Countryside or seaside? Countryside. Favourite song? Mr Brightside by The Killers. Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter? Spring. Where’s your favourite holiday destination? Egypt (Sofitel is one of the greatest hotels on Earth!)
HUGH BUNTING Landscaping and Habitat Manager, Manchester Airports Group www.magworld.co.uk What would you say is the best thing about your job? The huge diversity – no two days are the same. And the opportunity to practice horticulture in such a unique environment is truly amazing. What made you want to get into the industry? A very convincing careers officer, a rural studies curriculum at school and a family history of working in parks and open space management. Challenges ahead in your work? Balancing the provision of pleasant, aesthetically pleasing green space against the operational requirements of a busy airport. How is the bulk of your work made up? Site visits, meetings with various airport August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
stakeholders, liaising with in-house labour teams and contractors, and approving and organising work programmes. Who are you inspired by? Everybody who works in horticulture and the delivery of high quality green space. Favourite film and TV shows… Film – Taken with Liam Neeson; TV – any decent documentary.
Tracy Foster Garden Design www.tracyfostergardendesign. co.uk What would you say is the best thing about your job? Plants – I love them and it’s a joy to be able to think about them for a living. How is the bulk of your work made up? Most of my work is designing and building fairly small gardens, but I have worked on roof gardens, orchards, meadows, factory grounds and school gardens. Current trends in the market? Everyone is growing veg at the moment and I am frequently asked to include a patch for home grown food. How do you remain competitive? I never lose sight of the fact that I am there to please my customers. Favourite film and TV shows… My favourite film of the last 12 months is The Artist. One thing you want to do before you’re too old? I missed out on a student gap year and I’m determined to have one sooner or later! Countryside or seaside? Seaside, I’ve never lived by the coast so that makes it special.
One thing you want to do before you’re too old? A coast to coast tour of the States.
Your proudest achievement? Winning a gold medal and the People’s Choice Award at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show for sponsors ‘Welcome to Yorkshire’.
Countryside or seaside? Seaside.
Favourite song? How Soon is Now? by the Smiths.
Favourite song? Galway Girl by Steve Earle ranks pretty high.
Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter? Autumn is my favourite season – I love that melancholy feeling that something beautiful is about to end.
Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter? Spring.
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People
57
BRIAN HAWTIN Maintenance Manager, Bartholomew Landscaping www.bartholomewlandscaping. com What would you say is the best thing about your job? The exceptional people I work with and the diversity in our work, it’s endlessly fascinating and always interesting. What made you want to get into the industry? I started working in gardens with a friend and realised how wonderful it is working creatively outside. Thirty years on, I’ve gone from trimming edges and loading skips to working at the top end of the industry. Challenges ahead in your work? Being based in and working throughout central
London can be a challenge. After the Olympics we are aiming to raise the bar with our quality and service to gain more clients. Your company’s plans for the next five years… To be better at what we do and to do it for more clients. How do you remain competitive? We don’t compromise on quality, but remain competitive by having excellent scheduling and organisational procedures. Who are you inspired by? Kemal Mehdi, who was the backbone of the Garden Design degree at Greenwich, and my wife Lisa. Favourite film and TV shows… Film – the Godfather Trilogy. TV – Northern
Exposure and Green Wing. One thing you want to do before you’re too old? Our hobby is dog showing so I have always wanted to win Best in Show at Crufts and at Chelsea Flower Show. So far I have a Gold Medal and Best in Category at Hampton Court and we’ve had a champion dog, so I’m in with a shout. Your proudest achievement? Gaining a Garden Design honours degree from Greenwich University and the RHS Gold Medal at Hampton Court. Favourite song? In My Time of Dying by Led Zeppelin. A bit left field, but what a track!
MARK PAYNE
Payne Landscapes www.paynelandscapes.co.uk What would you say is the best thing about your job? Working in the sun when others are stuck in their offices, although this feeling can be reversed during the winter. And I also really enjoy the satisfaction of completing a high quality job for clients. Challenges ahead in your work? I suppose like everyone else the economy, and seeing whether my body can cope with any more lifting.
How is the bulk of your work made up? We work for private houses carrying out mainly hard landscaping, but we also do mowing and hedge cutting.
Countryside or seaside? I’m very lucky to be working in the peak district which is a stunning area, but I do like being near the sea.
How do you remain competitive? Always do as you promise, be reliable, do a great job every time and charge a fair price.
Your proudest achievement? Getting my black belt in tae kwon do.
Favourite film and TV shows… Meet the Fockers. One thing you want to do before you’re too old? I love motorbiking and do some good tours in Europe, would love to ride down the length of the Americas on my ZZR 1400.
Favourite song? Bruce Springsteen’s The River. Where’s your favourite holiday destination? Holland, very friendly natives and never had a bad meal there.
DIARY AUGUST 16–19 Southport Flower Show, Victoria Park, Southport www.southportflowershow.co.uk 26–27 The Plant Hunters Fair, Dorothy Clive Garden, Market Drayton www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk SEPTEMBER 4–5 Four Oaks Trade Show,
Macclesfield, Cheshire www.fouroaks-tradeshow.com
17–19 Glee, NEC Birmingham www.gleebirmingham.com
4–6 IOG Saltex, Windsor Racecourse www.iog.org/shows-and-events/ iog-saltex
29–30 RHS Malvern Autumn Show, Malvern Showground www.rhs.org.uk
13–15 APF 2012 International Forest Machinery Exhibition, Alcester www.apfexhibition.co.uk
OCTOBER 9–10 HTA Garden Futures Conference, One Great George Street, London www.the-hta.org.uk
NOVEMBER 20 Pro Landscaper presents FutureScape, Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Road East, Sunbury On Thames, Middlesex TW16 5AQ www.futurescapeevent.com
YOUR EVENT If you have a diary event you wish to publicise, email details to the editor: lisa.wilkinson@pro-landscaper.co.uk www.prolandscapermagazine.com
August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
58
ClassiďŹ ed
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Classified
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SNOW CLEARANCE NEEDED ON A NATIONAL BASIS Do you have a tractor / teleporter? We need you to clear snow as part of our winter maintenance programme. Ideally we would like you to work locally to your base and clear snow from our clients’ sites. Competitive rates offered dependant on machinary type. Contact us at gritting@ground-control.co.uk
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August 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 8
K CK U BA HE T IN
Turf Equipment Built To Use and Designed To Last
SOD CUTTERS
Gets the job done faster, easier and with precision, enhancing lawn quality and reducing labour costs. New Hydro Drive model also features reverse drive.
AERATORS
Classen have a turf aerator for every application. Our Split-Drive models are designed to turn without lifting the tines out of the ground for non-stop aeration.
TURF RAKES
Classen Turf Rakes are versatile and portable dethatchers. Folding handles and a range of attachments make these turf rakes excellent for rental use.
TURF SEEDERS
Classen turf seeders make it easy and convenient to seed a new lawn, or overseed an existing lawn. Standard or self-propelled models available.
With over 30 years of excellence in the lawn care industry, backed by an industry leading 2 year warranty for commercial and rental use.
Find our more at www.classen.uk.com or freephone 0800 840 0888
LITTLE WONDER Professionals Demand Little Wonder™
HEDGE TRIMMERS
With double reciprocating blades for reduced vibration and heavier cuts. Little Wonder hedge trimmer blades last 6 to 10 times longer than other steel blades.
VACUUMS
Our design funnels airflow and material into the bag, resulting in less dust for the operator. The toploading bag compacts better than other leaf and debris vacs.
®
Grounds Care
BLOWERS
Ideal for moving leaves, stubborn debris, and standing water; preparing asphalt or flat roofs for resurfacing, or for any job that requires hurricane-force air.
TRUCK LOADERS
Rugged, durable, efficient, and user-friendly, Little Wonder Truck Loaders offer the highest debris reduction ratio available of any debris loaders on the market.
Serving the industry for over 85 years, Little Wonder® products are the choice of landscape professionals who demand quality.
Find our more at www.littlewonder.uk.com or freephone 0800 840 0888 For more information on Little Wonder® or Classen® products go online or call us free today.
FREEPHONE 0800 840 0888
Schiller Grounds Care UK, Orchard House, Hempshaw Lane, Stockport, Cheshire SK1 4LH
grounds care uk
Schiller Grounds Care UK is an operating division of Mantis UK Ltd
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June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6