Pro Landscaper February 2014

Concept to Delivery

DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

February 2014

Three original AWARD-WINNING

PORTFOLIOS BARE ROOT

ADVICE AND GUIDANCE FOR SPECIFIERS

CHAINSAW FEATURES

explained

LET’S HEAR IT FROM

DAVID DODD The Outdoor Room

Cover FEBRUARY FINAL.indd 1

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Endorsed by

GET TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM

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Concept to DESIGN, BUI AND MAINTALD, IN

Delivery

February 2014

Three origina l AWARD-W INN

PORTFOLI ING OS

February 2014 | Volume 4, Issue 2

BA

ADVICE AN RE ROOT D GUIDA FOR SPECIFNCE IERS

Welcome to February 2014

CHAINSAW FEATURES LET’S HEAR IT

explained

FROM

DAVID DO DD The Outdo

Cover FEBRUA

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RY FINAL.in

The recurring question has arisen again lately concerning whether BALI and APL should merge to form one ‘super’ association serving landscapers in our industry. Ever since Pro Landscaper launched, this question has bubbled away on the back burner, with many different views as to whether it’s a good or bad thing. The debate was also one of the big subjects at FutureScape and will no doubt continue to be when members of the industry belonging to all their respective associations come together. It seems many meetings are spent debating this topic, when perhaps time would be better spent discussing matters of real concern and interest. This was demonstrated so well in the droughts of spring 2012, the associations all came together in a syndicate to get the hosepipe ban overturned – surely this is a more effective use of time and effort? As affiliate members of BALI and

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associate members of APL, we see the benefits of both associations, and it may be that landscapers just have to decide which one fits their particular organisation the best and go with that, or if they can afford the fees, join both. On another association note, we welcome eFIG to the Association News pages; eFIG stands proudly as the mark of distinction for the interior landscaping industry and is dedicated to promoting the benefits of indoor plants, and the training, information and accreditation available to all its members. Also, the SGD Awards has just taken place and we were very impressed with the projects entered and shortlisted, the designers and builders of the winning projects should be very proud, you will have seen some of these already on our Portfolio pages, look out for more to come... As always have a great month.

@jimeljays

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@lisaeljays

e Please not eta ils d ct a nt o c new ALL ENQUIRIES Tel: 01903 777 570 Eljays44 Ltd 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA EDITORIAL editor@pro-landscaper.co.uk

ADVERTISING Business Development Manager – Jamie Wilkinson jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 588 Sales Manager – Ben Chambers ben.chambers@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 584

Director – Lisa Wilkinson lisa.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 579

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Accounts/Admin Assistant – Ellie Downes ellie.downes@eljays44.com accounts@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 587

Equipment Editor – Joe Wilkinson joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 577 Reporter – Alex Farnham alex.farnham@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 573 EDITORIAL ADVISORY PANEL Mark Gregory Chairman of APL and Landform Consultants Sam Hassall LandPRO Ltd Russell Eales Lawn care expert Karl Harrison Decking expert David Dodd Hard landscaping expert

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Managing Director – Jim Wilkinson jim.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 589

The Association of

Professional Landscapers

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

PRODUCTION Design – Kara Thomas Olivia White Printed by Pensord Press Ltd, Gwent, UK

AND THERE’S MORE... www.prolandscapermagazine.com Read everything from up-to-date news to the digital version of the magazine

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

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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.

Landscape

www.futurescapeevent.com Save the date – 18 November 2014 Twitter: @ProLandscaperJW Facebook: Pro Landscaper LinkedIn: Join the Pro Landscaper group

MANAGEMENT Managing Director Jim Wilkinson Director Lisa Wilkinson Business Development Manager Jamie Wilkinson

February 2014

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Contents

February 2014 6 News Shed Round up of industry news

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11 Association News Details of BALI events taking place, eFIG give information on their INSAPE 2014 exhibition, details announced for the SGD Spring Conference, the RHS working with UK gardeners to oppose new European legislation, and the APL Networking Seminar and APL Awards are approaching OPINION

15 View From The Top Phil Jones asks if we, as an industry, have the ability to effectively engage with the outside world

16 What’s Wrong With Garden TV

Concept to Deli

very

February 2014

D, DESIGN, BUIL IN AND MAINTA

Three original ING AWARD-WINN

S

or Have We Lost The Plot?

PORTFOLIO

Andrew Wilson shares his thoughts on where garden TV is going wrong

OT BARE RO IDANCE

GU ADVICE AND SPECIFIERS FOR

17 Landscape Architects Have No Need To Worry

Noel Farrer responds to Andrew Wilson’s column in the January 2014 issue

IT LET’S HEAR

19 Blue For You New legislation concerning engine emissions will soon affect the industry, Angus Lindsay explains how

24 Designing a Front Garden

FROM

DD DAVID DorORo om

Practicality as well as aesthetics are important to consider, says Linsey Evans

The Outdo

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27 Garden Surveying

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Y FINAL.ind

Cover FEBRUAR

Janine Pattison’s technique for measuring irregular shapes

BUSINESS TIPS

28 Deck Cleaning and Aftercare

20 Managing Your Email Inbox

Karl Harrison reveals his secrets to keep a deck looking its best

Margaret McNeil advises on how to manage your inbox effectively

22 How To Make a Profit

31 Let’s Hear it From

in Landscaping

Sam Hassall looks at what costs you need to understand when pricing for profitTE

TECHNICAL

CHAINSAW URES FEATexp lained

31

David Dodd, Managing Director of The Outdoor Room

CHNICAL 4

February 2014

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Contents

NURSERY

CONTRIBUTORS

51 Nursery News News bites and information from nurseries around the country, including Nursery Notes from Palmstead

52 Plantsman’s Plot Plants recommended for February by some of the country’s top nurseries

55 Growing and Purchasing Bare Root Trees

Hossein Arshadi from Hillier Nurseries supplies advice and guidance for specifiers

Phil Jones MD of ISS Facility Services Landscaping Andrew Wilson Garden designer and lecturer Angus Lindsay Head of Fleet at The Landscape Group Margaret McNeil Owner of Onsite Training UK

57 Light Here, Light Now David Atkinson looks at four ways to use lighting in a garden

58 Lighting Latest Products

61 Equipment

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The latest equipment news, the features of chainsaws explained, chainsaws latest kit, general latest kit, and Trading With Countax

71 Trading With Namgrass, artificial grass producer based in Belgium

37 Animated Space

Karl Harrison Director of Exterior Solutions Ltd

21-22 RHS London Plant & Design Show, RHS Horticultural Halls, London www.rhs.org.uk

40 Adventure Time Baylis Landscapes create a school play space which was to be educational as well as fun, dynamic and encouraged adventurous play

MARCH 04-06 Ecobuild ExCeL London www.ecobuild.co.uk

44 Simple Pleasures

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Janine Pattison Garden designer

FEBRUARY 12-13 Executive Hire Show Ricoh Arena, Coventry www.executivehireshow.com

Christine Whatley designed an unfinished garden, turning previous problems into attractive assets

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Linsey Evans Expert on sloping garden design

ARE YOU GOING?

PORTFOLIOS

A professional couple requested a floral space for relaxation and entertainment, designed and built

by The Garden Company

Sam Hassall Specialist landscape cost consultant

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12 APL Awards Gibson Hall, London www.aplawards.co.uk

February 2014

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News

NEWS SHED Eljays44 Ltd launches new ‘Horticulture Careers’ website Eljays44 Ltd, the parent company of Pro Landscaper, FutureScape and Garden Centre Retail, has launched Horticulture Careers, a brand new job board for all sectors of the horticultural market, from landscapers, garden designers and architects to garden centre managers, buyers and head office staff. Fronted by sales manager Ben Chambers, Eljays44 Ltd is securing the place as the market leaders for horticultural information.

With the continuing success of Pro Landscaper and the most exciting event in the industry, FutureScape, and with the launch of Garden Centre Retail, Eljays44 Ltd are opening their net wider to offer a vital recruitment service to our audience.

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With a reach of over 70,000+ potential jobseekers in the UK horticulture and landscaping industry, your job will be seen by the people that matter. Horticulture Careers is a brand new, interactive job portal for those looking for junior to senior level jobs in the horticulture and landscaping market. Our aim is to allow our collection of candidates to meet with our clients, meaning both parties are satisfied with the service we offer.

We offer sensible prices for online, print and packages bespoke to suit your needs.You can find us at www.horticulturecareers.co.uk, or for more information, call Ben Chambers on 01903 777 584 or email ben.chambers@eljays44.com.

Follow on Twitter @horticareers

Landform expand landscaping team Landform Consultants have been busy expanding the team running their construction projects. The multi-award winning practice has recruited Brian Hawtin, formerly with Bartholomew Landscaping, as its new Contracts Manager, Rudi Swanepoel as their in house Quantity Surveyor and Fran Keith in the role of Project Manager.

Managing Director Mark Gregory said, “Having these great professionals joining Landform has

brought more than 60 years landscape experience into the company. We have a large number of exciting projects coming up, both in Britain and internationally, and we are looking forward into 2014.”

Landform are currently completing the installation of the first public park in Gibraltar, which was designed in house, in addition to several bespoke private projects across the South East. www.landformconsultants.co.uk

Jacksons launch 2014 design competition Following the success of the previous year’s show gardens project, Jacksons Fencing are pleased to announce the popular design competition aimed at garden designers and landscape architects, will run for a fifth year.

This year’s project will have a slightly changed format to keep it fresh, with some different design challenges. Fencing materials and garden structures will be supplied

by Jacksons Fencing. There is scope within the scheme for original designs for furniture and structures to the designer’s specification to be made from Jacksons materials.

Partner suppliers will supply hard landscaping materials, plants and other objects. To find out more and see the previous year’s show gardens log on to: www.jacksonsfencing.co.uk/show-gardens or email: showgardens@jacksonsfencing.co.uk by 7 February 2014 with your contact details and a brief outline of your credentials.

Please state if you are a student and where you are studying.

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News

miNiATURE show announces line-up of leading designers miNiATURE the new garden show created to provide a platform for new garden design ideas has announced the full list of designers that will be exhibiting at the show. Taking part from the UK are John Brookes, Jamie Dunstan, Sarah Eberle, Adam Frost, Andy Sturgeon, Jo Thompson and Wilson McWilliam. From Australia Myles Baldwin and Jim Fogarty will be exhibiting and from the Republic of Korea Jihae Hwang. Kajsa

London Stone to open in Essex

Bjorne, one of the co-curators of the show said “we are really fortunate to have these internationally recognised designers taking part. All were keen to discover how 3D printing, along with traditional modeling techniques, could support their design.” The show has also announced The Outdoor Room and Provender Nurseries will be sponsoring individual gardens and joining lead sponsors hobs3D and the London College of Garden Design. miNiATURE will take place from 5-8 March 2014 at The Strand Gallery in central London.

BALI works with ELCA to achieve compromise on tachograph regulations A decree passed by the European Parliament has lifted the threat of a requirement for all vehicles with a total weight of up to 7.5 tonnes to install digital tachographs, by extending the travel radius to 100km. This will come as a huge relief for a large number of companies working in the landscape industry and means that vehicles with a total weight

of up to 7.5 tonnes, working exclusively within a radius of 100km (62 miles) from their company base and that transport material, equipment and machines required by the driver of the vehicle to carry out his work, are exempted from the requirement to install a digital tachograph.

Neil Huck, BALI Technical Director and ELCA Vice

London Stone have announced the opening of a third natural stone showroom at the beginning of April 2014, located in Essex. London Stone have been working hard behind the scenes on this project for the past six months and the construction work got underway in January.

Managing Director, Steven Walley said “Having a presence North East of the M25 has always been part of our long term strategy and we are delighted that our clients in Essex, Hertfordshire and North East London will now finally have easy access to a London Stone showroom”. www.londonstone.co.uk

President, said: “This success demonstrates the importance of BALI’s representation within ELCA. The voice of the UK landscape industry must be heard when decisions made at European level can have such a potentially damaging impact on landscaping businesses.” www.bali.co.uk

NEWS IN BRIEF New appointments at the RHS

The RHS has recruited David Morley as Director of Gardens, Shows & Retail, Dr Tim Upson as Director of Horticulture and Sandra Parsons as Head of HR to complete the recently restructured RHS Leadership Team.

Perennial celebrates 175th Birthday

Perennial has celebrated its 175th birthday with a reception at Kensington Roof Gardens.

New Show Director for Harrogate Flower Show Nick Smith has been appointed as the new Show Director for Harrogate Flower Shows.

Little Wonder it’s cutting it with professionals The Little Wonder Hydro BRC-24 brushcutter with hydrostatic drive is cutting it with professional landscapers, groundsmen and hire outlets. It rips through rough and tough weeds and brush at speeds up to 4.2mph with reduced fatigue for the operator.

Constructed in welded steel with solid rod control and Honda GXV390 engine, this is a brushcutter built to last.

Schiller Grounds Care 0800 840 0888 lwdealer@littlewonder.uk.com www.littlewonder.uk.com Prac.indd 2

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News

Landscape Institute president issues statement on flooding Sue Illman, president of the Landscape Institute, has issued a statement in response to the recent flooding and the government’s statements on the Flood and Water Management Act. The statement says: “The recent floods across the country have once again exposed the UK’s lack of resilience when confronted by extreme wet weather.The existing sewer infrastructure can’t cope, and the government appears paralysed when it comes to fully implementing the Flood and Water Management Act. We have the means to better protect ourselves against flooding with the introduction of wetlands, reed beds, drainage channels and porous driveways (known as sustainable drainage systems: SuDS) – all accepted ways of helping to

prevent run-off flooding. Unless we start a comprehensive programme of retro-fitting SuDS alongside larger scale catchment management programmes, the problems will continue to get worse.

“The UK’s water supply chain needs to become more sustainable, so it deals with drought and flood effectively. Soft planted, green drainage schemes cost less whilst increasing property values and providing multiple benefits like increased biodiversity, better air and water quality, improved public health and enhanced land value. Until the government commits to addressing the problem, floods will continue, and our homes, businesses and transport systems will be severely disrupted.” www.landscapeinstitute.co.uk

The shortlist is as follows: ● Project Value Under £15,000 Garden Box Landscape & Design, Living Gardens 2008 Ltd, Muddy Wellies, Red River Landscapes, The Real Garden Company, Twigs Gardens. ● Project Value £15,000 - £25,000 Arbworx Ltd, Garden House Design Ltd, MJT Design Landscapes, Tendercare Nurseries Ltd. ● Project Value £25,000 - £50,000 Landspace, Oakley Landscapes, Robert Charles Landscapes, TKE Landscaping. ● Project Value £50,000 - £100,000 Garden Builders, Hambrooks, The Teamlandscapers. ● Project Value £100,000 - £250,000 Linden Landscapes Domestic Gardens Ltd, Millhouse Landscapes Ltd, Outdoor Space Design, The Teamlandscapers.

Surrey Police Headquarters, to create a special place to reflect and remember fallen colleagues. Tony

Begg agreed to work with the team, and a group of his students commenced work on the project in March 2013, with Tony supervising and dedicating much of his own time to make sure that each stage of the project was completed on time. The Chief

Head of Landscaping at Merrist Wood awarded a commendation Tony Begg, Head of Landscaping at Merrist Wood College, has been awarded a police commendation for outstanding voluntary commitment to the design and construction of the Surrey Police memorial garden.

The planning began in August last year for a memorial garden at the

APL Awards 2014: Shortlist announced! ● Project Value Over £250,000 Garden Art Designs, Stewart Landscape Construction Ltd. ● Soft Landscaping Big Fish Landscapes, Tendercare Nurseries Ltd. ● Hard Landscaping Landspace, Liverpool Landscapes Ltd, Millhouse Landscapes Ltd, Shore Landscapes,TKE Landscaping. ● Overall Design & Build: Frogheath Landscapes, Garden Art Designs, Garden Builders, Landspace, Roger Gladwell Landscapes. ● Special Feature Amenity Trees & Landscapes, Roger Gladwell Landscapes, Vandenberg-Hider Landscape Design and Construction. ● Young Achievers Award Hambrooks, Wildroof Landscapes. www.aplawards.co.uk

Constable commented “This project has demonstrated an exceptional example of community and partnership working at its best.

Everyone who has met Tony has been immensely impressed with his passion for the project, and his energetic and dynamic approach.

He is a ‘hands-on’ inspirational leader whose contribution is of enormous benefit to Surrey Police”. www.merristwood.ac.uk

Horticulture CAREERS WWW.HORTICULTURECAREERS.CO.UK @horticareers News Shed.indd 8

01903 777 584

22/01/2014 12:24

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The all new Namgrass product portfolios for 2014

Call or email us for your updated sample and pricing pack 23/01/2014 14:45

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1952

Association

NEWS

The New Year has certainly put a spring in the step of BALI members across the country. Regional AGMs are currently taking place and plans are being laid in the regions and at Landscape House for opportunities to develop and promote professional excellence. Here’s a taster of what BALI members, and industry guests, can look forward to in 2014: BALI South Thames Region will host an afternoon event for garden designers and landscape contractors at Kew Gardens on Wednesday 26 February from 1pm-6pm.

Following a tour of the tree nursery, arboretum and Xstra Treetop Walkway with Tony Kirkham, there will be an open forum in the Jodrell Theatre with an industry panel comprising garden designers

eFIG outline INSCAPE 2014 eFIG, aka the European Federation of Interior Landscape Groups has joined ‘Association News’. As the smallest category in the landscaping sector, don’t be fooled into thinking interior landscaping is just plants in pots. Watch out for our latest batch of Award

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Association News

BALI briefing

Harrogate Show Garden 2014 design by Helen Voisey

Something for everyone James Aldridge and Andrew Wilson, nurseryman Nick Coslett, and landscape contractors David Dodd and David Sewell, to discuss forms of contract, materials supply, competitive tendering and codes of conduct. All industry colleagues are welcome – contact emily.feeney@ bali.org.uk or call 02476 698 658 to book. Just £12.50 +VAT BALI-NCF (National Contractors Forum) will host an HAVS and Occupational Health workshop in the Arthur Rank Centre, Stoneleigh Park, on Thursday 13 March from 10am6pm. Specialist speakers from the HSE, Ransomes Jacobsen and

entries to show there is more to it than that.

INSCAPE 2014 INSCAPE 2014 is our relaunched exhibition. We have a highly recommended pedigree when it comes to shows as this will be the sixth one that eFIG has organised – concentrating on, but not exclusively for this sector. We have had a five year break but now we’re back aiming for a better than ever show.

INSCAPE 2014 will be held at STEAM

Makita will join BALI’s Technical Officer in presenting the risks, responsibilities and preventative measures associated with HAVS and other occupational health issues. Trade stands will display industry related tools and equipment and technical advisors will be on hand with advice. Contact jonathan.tame@ bali.org.uk or call 02476 690 333 for further information and to reserve your place.

BALI Yorkshire and North East Region have had their design for a show garden at the 2014 Harrogate Spring Flower Show accepted and

will hope to repeat their amazing success at the 2013 show with ‘Premier Gold’. ‘Up hill ‘n down dale’, designed by Helen Voisey MBALI MSGD, will be built by BALI registered contractors from the region with materials supplied or sponsored by BALI Affiliates and others.

Visit www.bali.org.uk for information on BALI events, workshops and activities across the country throughout 2014.

just off the M4 in Wiltshire on 3-4 April. Here the industry can meet suppliers and take part in a stream of interesting seminars with some great speakers.

So far we have secured: ● Dr Craig Knight updating his latest research project about how plants in the workplace affect creativity. ● Mark Laurence of Mark Laurence Design, one of the founding members of Biotecture and an expert in green walls. ● Liz Kentish, ex deputy chair of the BIFM with an insight into what FMs want from interior landscaping. ● Post-graduate student Stuart Archer who has been assessing

the energy impact of green roofs and living walls. ● Neil Helyer of Fargro will be there with the latest on Biocontrol.

STEAM itself is a fascinating venue, a railway museum, where we plan to hold our Annual Awards Gala Dinner on the evening of 3 April on a railway platform! We hope you’ll join us there either as an exhibitor or a visitor.

Remember many interior landscapers also have an exterior landscaping department. www.inscape-efig.co.uk

February 2014

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Association Association News

NEWS

The SGD’s Spring Conference, Exotic, will celebrate gardens that invite us to enter an alternative world: to celebrate the flamboyant, the extreme, the extraordinary.

What is exotic? Gardens are by definition unnatural, even if their constituent parts are entirely natural – natural, but not necessarily native, or reflective of local landscape or culture.

Exotic can be defined as “alien, introduced from abroad, not indigenous; a plant or animal of foreign extraction; a foreign plant not acclimatised.”

When the term was first used, gardens were places where collections of newly discovered plants were displayed as prized possessions of the wealthy, the very

SGD bulletin

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The SGD Spring Conference: Saturday 26 April 2014 Imperial College, South Kensington, London

real fruits of discovery from voyages of exploration. Down the centuries, the division between those plants that are truly indigenous and introduced exotics has blurred in our collective memory, and the speed of change has accelerated over the last 50 years.

Making a garden can be about creating an environment that is deliberately different from its surroundings, a space that revels in being deliberately constructed.

Exotic is not static – plants that not so long ago were labelled as such are now widely accessible to all. Exotic is not necessarily tender, wherever garden making is taking place ‘right plant, right place’ still rules, and many plants have looks

1

that ‘read’ exotic but they are reliably hardy in most parts of the country.

Exotic will explore and examine the extraordinary – it promises to be an excellent adventure.

Leading the exploration at Exotic will be Made Wijaya, a master at creating tropical gardens whose underlying principles transfer to different latitudes and plant palettes.

What could be more exotic than creating the Life on Mars garden as Sarah Eberle MSGD did at Chelsea 2007? Her earthly portfolio includes small UK gardens as well as larger international projects – all of which are made extraordinary through her innovative approach.

Daniel J Hinkley is an educator, lecturer, horticultural consultant and plantsman. He’s also an intrepid plant hunter and has made lengthy

forays into the wilds of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres seeking out gardenworthy plants and making the exotic more widely available.

The line-up is completed with ethnobotanist, author and broadcaster James Wong, whose Gold medal winning garden at RHS Chelsea 2011 was a fusion of contemporary design and exotic planting. The day will be chaired by John Wyer FSGD. Tickets start from £104 (£77 for students) with early bird discount applied. Discounts expire on Friday 7 March 2014. For full booking details see the SGD website www.sgd.org.uk, or call 01989 566 695.

1&2 Gardens by Made Wijaya.

Photos: Susan Summers.

RHS report Working on behalf of UK gardeners The RHS has joined forces with leading horticultural organisations, including the HTA and the National Farmers Union, to voice its opposition to draft European legislation, which if left unchecked,

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February 2014

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could have a negative impact on the country’s £9 billion horticultural sector and on gardening in the UK. The proposed Plant Reproductive Material Regulation will impose the same stringent

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22/01/2014 09:11

Association News

APL update Networking Seminar and 2014 Awards APL Networking Seminar: ‘Growing Your Business – The Next Step’ Landscapers and designers are invited to an evening packed with advice and guidance on how to grow your business to the next level, whatever its size, at the Spring APL Networking Seminar on Thursday 6 March at Classiflora, Essex.

Come along to compare and share ideas and listen to a programme full of industry expert advice complemented by tangible success stories from APL members

The Association of

Professional Landscapers

including Marian Barker, Director of Andersplus – specialists in recruitment for the landscaping industry – who will offer advice on the different methods of hiring staff, the pitfalls to look out for, and how to attract and retain the best candidates.

The programme will also cover the process of becoming a limited company along with the simple steps of becoming VAT registered and Paul Baker, Holland Landscapes, will share his experience about the benefits this can bring to your business.

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requirements that currently apply only to food crops, to all plants propagated in the EU, including ornamentals.

The result of such a move could see UK growers burdened with the bureaucratic and financial cost of registering plant material at a cost of anywhere between £300-£500 per plant variety. The financial cost of registration, which would quickly mount up, would undoubtedly be passed on to British gardeners, while the range of plants available to the trade will be reduced.

The RHS is asking garden

lovers to write to their MEPs to express their opposition to proposed EU legislation.

For more information and to show your support please visit: www.rhs.org.uk/News/RHSoutlines-opposition-to-EU-plans.

Sustainable growing media funding The RHS and Defra have launched the second round of an initiative that will make £50,000 available to Britain in Bloom and It’s Your Neighbourhood groups in England to increase their use of peat free and peat reduced growing media.

Guests will be treated to a wealth of top tips, tools and advice to take away and apply to their businesses in order to progress to the next stage of expansion with ease, and for the very first time the seminar will feature an interactive panel session. This will include a line-up of APL members from a varying range of business sizes including Norman Hambrook, Hambrooks, and George Cook, Rural Landscape Construction, who will discuss their experiences and answer questions relating to growing their operations. The event will run from 4pm-7.45pm and includes buffet and refreshments along with ample networking time to discuss topics raised.

Places cost just £15 + VAT for members and £30 + VAT for nonmembers. Visit www.landscaper. org.uk to book your places today to ensure you know how to make your business grow!

Book now for the APL Awards 2014: 12 March 2014 The annual APL Awards ceremony, sponsored by Bradstone for the eighth year running, has recognised

To apply for funds groups must be local-authority led or working in partnership with a local authority.

Applications will close on 23 May 2014 with Defra aiming to confirm successful applicants in October 2014.

For more information on how to apply please visit: www.rhs.org. uk/britaininbloom.

Special offer! Book three or more places and pay just £60 +VAT per person! Visit www.aplawards.co.uk to book your place now.

1 APL Networking Seminar 2013.

2 Gibson Hall, London - the new venue for the APL Awards Lunch 2014.

2

This month don’t miss The RHS London Plant and Design Show is taking place at the Lawrence and Lindley Halls in Westminster, London on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 February – offering early spring plants, advice and inspiration to kick-start the gardening season. For more information please visit: www.rhs.org.uk/Shows-Events.

1 Plant Centre at RHS Garden Harlow Carr.

2

2 RHS London Plant and Design Show in the Lindley Hall.

Photo: RHS/Liz Grant

February 2014

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Association News.indd 13

and rewarded the high standard of landscape contracting carried out by APL members since 1995 and this year will be no exception.

As the highlight of the APL event calendar the hotly anticipated APL Awards 2014 is THE landscaping event to be part of. So come along and celebrate the best of British landscaping at the APL Awards and recognise the hard work and commitment of your staff, contactors and designers by bringing them too! Pro Landscaper are Media Partners of the Awards.

3

13

22/01/2014 11:18

prolandscaper jan 14_Layout 1 10/12/2013 17:11 Page 1

Jacksons Show Gardens Competition 2014 register your interest...

Following the success of the previous years show gardens project, Jacksons are pleased to announce, the popular design competition aimed at garden designers and landscape architects, will run for a fifth year. The competition has attracted attention from many in the industry who would like their design brought to life at the Jacksons HQ in Kent.

The project will be run along the similar lines to the previous years, but with a slightly changed format to keep it fresh, with some different design challenges. Budget for the show gardens will come from Jacksons: fencing materials and garden structures will be supplied by Jacksons. There is scope within the scheme for original designs for furniture and structures to the designer’s specification to be made from Jacksons materials. Partner suppliers will supply hard landscaping materials, plants and other objects. To find out more and see the previous year’s show gardens log on to :jacksons-fencing.co.uk/show-gardens To register your interest, please email: showgardens@jacksons-fencing.co.uk (before second week of Feb 2014) with your contact details and a brief outline of your credentials. Please state if you are a student and where you are studying.

Thank you, Louise Tomlin.

Jacksons Fencing Head Office Stowting Common Ashford Kent TN25 6BN Tel: 01233 750393

Jacksons Guaranteed Quality since 1947

The Sanctuary Garden by Joanne Winn, one of the 2013 winners.

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23/01/2014 14:29

Opinion

View from the Top

Phil Jones raises a discussion in which he encourages honest, and at times difficult conversations on how we portray our industry and what needs to change

With the Christmas break just a distant same group of people celebrating how good memory, and now that we are well into the we are and saying publicly they are making a new year, my mind is focused on how we can difference could be worrying to those who portray ourselves as an industry in a better light. care passionately for the custodianship of The BALI Awards in December were even the industry. Few people like repetition that further confirmation that we are inevitably becomes uninteresting. one, joined up, inclusive It would be good in striving industry that represents to achieve that important all that is good in recognition if we could landscaping and see some evidence of associated value being placed activities. in and indeed, However, was the benefits, of it proof that belonging to an we’re in good industry trade shape or are body. I believe our we fooling trade associations ourselves? As hold the key to us I look around being able to punch I wonder if we above our weight as have much proof an industry. If we felt that we are an that we were listened I see sufficient indications industry with a to and we saw real that we are still an insular group value and change, common cause. I believe that only of people who have a passion this would enable us the most optimistic to feel we want to for what we do, but with an would think so. participate and further inability to effectively engage I see sufficient the collective cause. indications that In this context, we with the outside world we are still an insular focus too much on how group of people who have well we are doing individually, a passion for what we do, but with an inability rather than changing things for the better, in to effectively engage with the outside world, to some seemingly misguided endeavour to further the extent that we can be heard, be prominent our profile, rather than further our collective and of some important significance. cause. In these examples we achieve absolutely We look inwardly very well. We pat each nothing, save frustrating everybody concerned. other on the back on a job well done and Are we willing to engage in common heighten our feel good factor in annual award activities that not only benefit each individual ceremonies. That it always seems to be the business but also the collective industry? www.prolandscapermagazine.com

View from the top.indd 15

My belief is, for example, that BALI, the association some of us were founding members of many years ago, has lost its way and no longer does any good for its larger members, except for those perhaps who are represented on the Board of BALI and a few others. I am sure, in saying this, that there will be many who disagree. If this is the case it would further prove my point. I say this because, for all those who are satisfied, there will be a number who are looking for more from those we pay to represent us.

Given that a number of people protest each time I raise these shortcomings, I have long thought that my perception may be just that, an unrealistic view of reality. If this is so it would be good to put it right by having a more consistent, more detailed flow of information showing what activity is taking place. That the current flow is way short of that, leads me to think there is little real difference being made.

Any company in any industry would look for a cost effective, hassle free solution that makes a real difference to its operation, when selecting a particular supplier or partner. That’s what I ask of our trade association, for us to feel that we are being fully represented by them and are getting a good deal from the partnership.

Far from ‘having a go’ I am once again trying to encourage some kind of meaningful information flow and relationship that will actually make a difference to the way our industry is seen. Any takers?

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

February 2014

15

22/01/2014 08:44

Business OpinionTips

What’s wrong with Garden TV or have we lost the plot?

Andrew Wilson’s take on the newest TV gardening show, Great British Garden Revival

The tweeting garden fraternity was all of a flutter in December last year as the first instalments of BBC2’s Great British Garden Revival took to the airwaves.To avoid bitter disappointment and lots of swearing I have elected in the past to avoid garden TV. On the whole this has proved an effective policy as I have been spared the crassness of the subject matter and the general mode of annoyance at the presenters and their mannerisms.

On behalf of my students who are all keen and excited about their new chosen profession, I decided to break with tradition and watch. I lasted half an hour into the first episode before the sequence on front gardens sent me into decline and off I went searching for the red wine – in fact searching for anything to take my mind off the horrors.

Some audience members seemed glad to see gardens on TV, albeit on Beeb 2 and in the build up to Christmas when the whole world is distracted. Some felt that there were new ideas but delivered by old faces and some like me just gave up. What is it with gardens and TV? It used to be so clear and straightforward being told what to do by Percy Thrower and Geoff Hamilton.

Part of the problem, I think, is that gardens are no longer spaces in which we exclusively practice horticulture.There is huge interest in design and the way in which a garden is planned. Others are interested in what they might grow or propagate – which seeds to buy and plan for in the coming season. Some are interested in productive planting and the connection between garden and kitchen, and some see their gardens as pleasure grounds 16

February 2014

Andrew Wilson.indd 16

Part of the problem, I think, is that gardens are no longer spaces in which we exclusively practice horticulture or play spaces for their children. With this diversity even in such a niche market is it any wonder that viewing figures are struggling?

The garden world is dominated by passionate supporters; now I love a bit of passion but one has to be realistic, for those passionate supporters are in a minority.The great delusion is that their passion is so all consuming that they are unwilling to accept this fact – a sure-fire case of clouded vision.

Most adults work, most have a family or other major commitments in their lives, most have a range of interests – you know, sport, cinema, reading, shopping, walking, television – oh, and perhaps some gardening. Did you know that the average time that we Brits spend in our gardens

per week is just 20 minutes?

Shocking I know for one of the greatest gardening nations on earth, but sadly the truth.That means that we are spending 99.9 per cent of our week doing something else.Talk to a non-gardener and they would say, of course – talk to a gardener and they would be speechless.

So what’s to be done? Well, surely we need to dwell on what’s fab in our world of gardening – what excites and inspires us. One of the things that keeps me going as a teacher is the joy of instilling my students with knowledge. Not simply the content of textbooks but first hand anecdotes, fascination and wonder in equal measure. By return, one of the most rewarding responses as they graduate is just how inspired they have been. I’m not simply blowing a trumpet here but communicating what it is that keeps me going and alert as a tutor and designer.

Where is this quality in our garden television?

Where is the inspiration and the wonder?

Sadly the answer is lacking. New formats please, I say, and new presenters – can we return to the delivery of well researched, inspirational and dare I say it, educational content as soon as possible? Forget the celebrities and concentrate on the message – old-fashioned I know but what’s wrong with that?

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

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/01/2014 08:46

Opinion

Landscape architects have no reason to be worried Noel Farrer, who will take over presidency of the Landscape Institute in July this year, responds to Andrew Wilson’s article in the January 2014 issue of Pro Landscaper magazine

Andrew Wilson’s article last month asked, “Should landscape architects be worried?” We should be concerned but not worried. We need to address the future of the profession, but that’s because so many of the issues of concern to landscape architects, are of concern to us all.

Andrew focuses on the idea that landscape architecture is vulnerable as it floats between the more recognised disciplines of architecture and garden design – I think he misses the point.

What matters is that our Landscape architects, designers, managers and clients understand what we do planners have a role that sets them apart from their colleagues in these other professions. for them and that we have the However it is interesting to note that neither confidence to ensure that they garden design nor architecture are immune to self doubt.The current edition of the Garden get the best possible results Design Journal includes articles expressing from our advice concern about the way in which garden designers are trained and recognised. A quick look at the architecture press reveals considerable – landscape architects and landscape architecture uncertainty about the future of the profession and was all over the papers and on the TV and met considerable concerns about challenges to its role. with a hugely positive response from the public.

Certainly there is often little awareness of what The interest in HS2, wind turbines, nuclear energy landscape architects do or how they conduct and most recently fracking are massive landscape their professional activities. But this is true of most architecture issues – and this is recognised by professions – do most people know what cost policy makers and clients and the public even if consultants do? How many people understand the they do not recognise that it is the profession of difference between a civil engineer and a structural landscape architecture which holds the key to engineer? What matters is that our clients their concerns. understand what we do for them and that we In January the BBC news was led by debates have the confidence to ensure that they get the about flooding; SuDS led the BBC news and best possible results from our professional advice. were debated in the Telegraph, Guardian and the If Andrew had asked this question two years London Evening Standard.There is an increasing ago, I might have sympathised with his position but awareness of the role that landscape architects he fails to notice how much has changed recently. play in these areas of work.

The Olympic Park has made a huge difference Many of the key issues for the profession www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Noel Farrer.indd 17

The Olympic Park (above) raised the public profile of landscape architecture, and the High Speed railway HS2 (below) will deal with many issues in the near future

are about design of public space, creation of new towns and settlements, management of the landscape, coastal erosion, power generation, flooding and water management. Above all it is about managing the conflict between the landscape that we want and the landscape that we need. And it is landscape architects who are best equipped to lead the way in ensuring we can have both.

Landscape architects are working on the new stages of the Olympic Park and on the development of HS2.They are advising on wind generation and could well be asked to advise on the impact of fracking. These are roles which will not be undertaken by architects and certainly will not be the work for garden designers. www.landscapeinstitute.org February 2014

17

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17/01/2014 20/01/2014 09:47 15:02

Opinion

Those of you who run large goods vehicles or operate within the London LEZ (low emission zone) will be all too familiar with Euro 4, 5 and recently introduced Euro 6 engines, with the use of urea based diesel exhaust fluids such as AdBlue® required to keep engine emissions in line with legislation. Did you also know that this same technology is now working its way into agriculture with all new tractors over 174hp having to meet Euro 4 standards from January 2014? “That doesn’t affect us” I hear you say, “we mainly use compact tractors or nothing bigger than 100hp”. No problem then; until October 2014 when new tractors of 75hp upwards will also have to comply.

The push for lower emissions and cleaner diesel engines started in the mid-nineties, first targeting the automotive sector with the aim of reducing the amount of harmful pollutants coming out of exhaust pipes.The initial Euro1 specification dealt with emissions such as nitrogen oxides, hydro carbons and carbon monoxide. Since then the various stages have seen improvements in engine design from lean burn engines and particulate filters to catalytic convertors, the technology is staggering.

The next change from the current Euro 5 to Euro 6 standard will see a further 80 per cent drop in nitrogen oxides and 90 per cent drop in particulate matter, making exhaust emissions almost breathable (although I wouldn’t recommend it!). Whilst currently hidden beneath the cabs of the HGVs that pound the highways of the UK, this technology is filtering down to the tractors in our fields and the mowers in our parks, but are we ready for it?

Blue for you Tractors, even those of 75hp and upwards, will soon be affected by new legislation concerning engine emissions, Angus Lindsay looks into what this means for you, and why it’s happening

The major tractor manufacturers have been working on their own set of solutions and are following a similar route to that taken by truck manufacturers, but trying to reduce the reliance on a second fluid having to be carried on the tractor. Clever use of turbochargers, exhaust gas recirculation and catalytic convertors has reduced the need for AdBlue® but ultimately we will see yet another tank with a blue cap on it somewhere on our tractors in the future. All these changes not only increase the complexity of the tractor engine but also its size, weight and fuel consumption; ironically to reduce emissions by forcing exhaust gases through filters, it takes more power and more fuel, a vicious and somewhat bewildering circle.

So what does the future hold for those in landscaping and amenity management? Other than changes to tractors the answer is ‘not a lot’ in the short term. Looking to the future there are some concerns, but nothing really to worry about other than a price increase – no change there then. We will start to see a standardisation

Date introduced

Acceptable level of N0x (oxides of nitrogen) g/kWh

Acceptable level of PM (particulate matter) g/kWh

Euro 1

1993

8.0

0.46

Euro 2

1996

7.0

0.15

Euro 3

2001

5.0

0.10

Euro 4

2006

3.5

0.02

Euro 5

2009

2.0

0.02

Euro 6

2014

0.46

0.01

EU Standard

Table showing EU emissions standards Euro 1 – 6 measured in grams/kilowatt hour www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Angus Lindsay.indd 19

Perfect on a 250hp field mover, but could it work on a 45hp compact in a park?

of Euro 3 engines in ride-on machines towards the end of 2014. They will look similar apart from the particulate filter which will add a bit of bulk and a slight increase in overall weight, the engines will be a bit more complex and of course the purchase cost will be greater.

That should be it for the foreseeable future as currently the legislation does not require engines below 75hp to meet more stringent emissions compliance, but that could change – watch this space.

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 1994 – 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 February 2014

19

22/01/2014 08:59

Business Tips

Managing your email inbox Managing your inbox effectively, explains Margaret McNeil, will result in higher productivity, better organisation and time management, help you avoid distractions, and help reduce your stress levels

Checking your email regularly during the day can be an effective way to keep your inbox at a manageable level. However, the constant interruption and distraction that occurs as a result can dramatically lower your productivity, and affect the quality of the work you do as you constantly break from longer tasks. One strategy you can use is to check email only at set points during the day.

For instance, you may decide that you’ll only check your email first thing in the morning, before lunch, and at the end of the day. Here, it helps to set your email software to “receive” messages only at certain times, so that you’re not distracted by incoming messages. If you can’t do this, at least make sure that you turn off audible and visual alerts.You can also reserve time to read and respond to email after a long period of focused work, or at the time of day when your energy and creativity are at their lowest (this means that you can do higher value work at other times).

(MindTools.com) When you read email, you can waste hours if you don’t use this time intelligently. First, try using the “two-minute rule” (a concept from David Allen, the author of Getting Things Done) when you read your mail – if the email will take less than two minutes to read and reply to, then take care of it right now, even if it’s not a high priority.The idea behind this is that if it takes less than two minutes to action, it takes longer to read and then store the task away “to do later” than it would to just take care of the task now. For emails that will take longer than two minutes to read or respond to, schedule time on your calendar, or add this as an action on your to-do list, to do later.

Many of us also get lots of internal notifications.These are those “FYI” emails from the office or from team members who want to keep us “in the loop”. If you see your name in the 20

February 2014

Onsite training.indd 20

When you read email, you can waste hours if you don’t use this time intelligently

“cc” field instead of the “To” field, chances are it’s an FYI email. Consider filing it in a “To Read” folder, and tackle it when you have time.

Can you imagine having an inbox with nothing in it? It almost sounds too good to be true! First, set up a simple filing system to help manage your mail. You could use broad categories titled “Action Items”, “Waiting”, “Reference”, and “Archives”. If you’re able to stay on top of your folders – particularly “Action” and “Waiting” folders – you could use them as an informal To-Do List for the day.

If four categories sounds too simple for your needs, you can set up a more detailed system. For instance, you could create a folder for every project that you’re working on, or have a set folder for each of your clients or sales reps.

The advantage when you create specific folders for processing email is that it makes it easier to search for past mail: instead of scouring your entire email system, you can simply search in that particular folder. It’s amazing how few people

do this simple activity, but if the emails were letters or memos, surely you would file them somewhere?

You could treat your inbox the same as you would an in tray on your desk. Anything in it requires action, or an answer. Everything else should be filed appropriately. Finally, take a few seconds to unsubscribe from some of the ‘junk’ or newsletters you get. It really does help reduce your stress and keeps you organised.

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

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

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/01/2014 09:05

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Business Tips

How to make a profit in landscaping

It is not possible to make a profit until you fully understand your costs. When your client asks you to submit a price for a job there are three questions you need to ask yourself: ● How much is this going to cost me to do? ● What is the minimum profit I am prepared to make on this job? ● What is the maximum profit I can put on this job and still win it?

The two latter questions and answers are a matter of your needs risk and acumen. The first question is simple – it’s just arithmetic and that is the one we will deal with now.

This article was first published in 2011 and is now shown with updated costs for the current year and improved contracting climate. As time has moved on, landscape companies should take a regular view at what their labour costs them to put out on site every morning. The following data calculations show how a professional landscape company arrives at the cost of their labour. The cost of labour is the absolute base cost without profit of getting your labour on site every morning.

THE COSTS OF LANDSCAPE LABOUR Ensuring you profit from landscape contracts: The theory ● There is no point in working if you are going to lose money. ● You have to understand your costs. ● As a landscape contractor, all of your revenue only comes via the workforce – i.e. the men and women with “spades” in their hands. ● Your salary, the office expenses and the Christmas party all have to come via the workforce.

Basic costs of your labour ● Most landscape companies base their team sizes on either two or three operatives.This is for ease of transport in vehicles and efficiency on sites. ● For purposes of this cost investigation we will examine the standard three person team.

Working hours per year (2013/2014)

1740

● There may be a number of three person teams on any site. ● Readers can customise these table tables for their own needs or can contact the writer for a copy of the Excel sheet via www.landpro.co.uk.

The following table provides basic rates for a three person team and a vehicle: ● Each operative is paid a basic salary. ● National insurance is added. ● An allowance for clothing is added on an annual basis. ● An allowance for replacement tools is allowed for each operative. ● The hourly rate shown is based on UK building industry working hours for 2013/2014 of 1795 hours. I reduce this further to 1740 to allow for sick and inclement weather down time. ● The basic pay rates are those for a typical London team.

Allows sick and weather down time

Number of

Labour team

NI

Net cost

Uniforms

Site tools

Foreman

1

26,500.00

3,312.50

29,812.50

200.00

200.00

Craftsman

1

20,250.00

2,531.25

22,781.25

200.00

200.00

Labourer

1

17,250.00

2,156.25

19,406.25

200.00

200.00

8,000.00

72,000.00

600.00

600.00

Vehicle Costs: Inclusive of fuel, insurances etc.

3

64,000.00

Working days

£/day

225.25

46.00

£73,200.00

£10,361.50 TOTAL:

Net average cost per man hour

TOTAL

three person team

£83,561.50

16.01

For a two person team add on £2.43 to give a total of £18.44 per hour 22

February 2014

Sam Hassall.indd 22

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/01/2014 09:44

Business Tips

ADMINISTRATION COSTS

The next part of this calculation then examines the administrative cost of the company. This is the cost of all your administration which is required to place your work force on the ground each day. It is all the lost time for lost tenders, your rentals insurances and your non site based staff. It also assumes that the managing director is paid a basic salary and that they takes the rest of their remuneration through profit. The model shown to the right is for a medium sized company with the overheads as shown. Again, the figures here should be adjusted to suit readers needs.

This table shows the overhead expenses for a fairly typical landscape company which costs £157K to run on an annual basis. ● Every possible expense of the company from new computers to toilet paper should be included here. ● Optimally this model would be for a medium sized company where the owner /director and the contracts manager each run three to four teams each with an optimum of 12-24people overall.

INDIVIDUAL STAFF COSTINGS

Now for the interesting bit; the big question is what should the cost be of every person on the workforce? The following table takes the value of each labour resource as per Table 1 and combines it with the administration cost of deploying that labour resource to give the total cost per person per hour to the organisation.The yellow figures are the optimal rates in the current climate for domestic contracting in the London area for a

COST CENTRE

Number of

Cost

Total

MD: Salary only, excludes profits

1

40,000.00

40,000.00

Contracts Manager

1

35,000.00

35,000.00

Secretary

1

20,000.00

20,000.00

Book keeper (part time)

1

20,000.00

20,000.00

Rental

12

800.00

9,600.00

Insurances

1

8,000.00

8,000.00

Telephones and mobiles

12

200.00

2,400.00

Office equipment

1

450.00

450.00

Stationary

12

25.00

300.00

Advertising

12

300.00

3,600.00

Vehicles not allocated to contract teams

2

4,000.00

8,000.00

Accountancy

1

4,500.00

4,500.00

Lights water

12

75.00

900.00

Other expenses

1

5,000.00

5,000.00

company of the size shown.

Notes on the below figures: ● Obviously a company that had an administration cost of £205,000 and deployed only three people would not be a very viable entity. The range of figures are shown for clarification, so that readers can examine the viability of their current labour costs. ● Companies doing specialised work and who are employed by reputation may be able to charge more but may have higher

Number of site staff

Admin cost/ hour

Three person

Two person

3

30.22

48.66

50.12

6

15.11

33.55

35.01

9

10.07

28.51

29.97

10

9.07

27.50

28.96

12

7.56

25.99

27.45

15

6.04

24.48

25.94

18

5.04

23.47

24.93

21

4.32

22.75

24.21

24

3.78

22.21

23.67

27

3.36

21.79

23.25

30

2.01

20.45

21.91

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Sam Hassall.indd 23

157,750.00

TOTAL OFFICE OVERHEAD

Total rate per man hour

administration costs. ● Companies who are doing tasks such as maintenance may be able to deploy a higher amount of workers with the same administrative cost.

As a guide, the optimum in today’s competitive market in London is a cost rate of between £23.00 to £26.00 for domestic contracting, pure cost of labour.

Conclusion Once you have your labour rate carefully worked out, you are well on the road to making a profit. You may not win as many jobs as you did with a lower labour rate but you will not lose money on a job provided your workforce executes the work efficiently.

ABOUT SAM HASSALL Sam Hassall is the UK’s only dedicated specialist landscape cost consultant. As the managing director of LandPro Ltd he provides cost and implementation information to landscape design professionals and landscape contractors. Sam also compiles the Spon’s External Works and Landscape Price Book and he developed the market leading LiberRATE Estimating system which is available as a 90-day trial.Call: 01252 795030 or visit www.landpro.co.uk February 2014

23

22/01/2014 09:44

Technical

Designing a front garden A front garden is the public face of a house, explains Linsey Evans, it creates the first impression of both the property and its owners to the outside world. It’s important that the front garden of the house is designed to be practical, but also deliver that all important kerb appeal

The main practical aim when designing a front garden is to provide easy access to the house. However, the front garden is often needed for other purposes such as bin storage, bike and wheelchair access, and car parking.

To accommodate these requirements and create a beautiful garden the key is to keep the layout simple.

The design should use geometric shapes without fussy details; a formal design with strong, crisp lines always looks good and is easy to keep tidy. If the scheme looks too bland and flat, you can create interest by introducing some raised borders or even a small water feature. Planting will also add height, texture, and colour, and soften hard edges.

A straight path, around 1.2m wide will allow unhindered access to the front door and room for plants to overgrow and soften the edges.

The entrance to the house should be obvious and welcoming, framing the doorway with some Box topiary in containers looks elegant and is easy to keep tidy. Climbing plants must be well tied in and pruned otherwise they become prickly and make the entrance damp and smelly. Having a lawn in a front garden often doesn’t work well – if not mown regularly it will make the house look scruffy.

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February 2014

Linsay Evans.indd 24

Clients will want a seating area in the front garden if it is their only outside space. Creating a sunken area will give privacy, and the level change will provide visual interest without cluttering the space.

A formal design with strong, crisp lines always looks good and is easy to keep tidy A water feature can also add interest, but must be in scale with the house and garden.

A drilled sandstone sphere or a raised pool with a steel spout are simple, elegant, and low maintenance and will work in most situations.

Having provided a path from the gateway to the front door, if there is another shorter route into the garden, for example, over a low front wall, regular callers will soon create an ugly, informal route through the garden. Some strategically placed spiky plants will help stop this.

Security is another practical issue when designing a front garden. High hedges offer ideal cover for would-be burglars. Use movement sensors for lights, and secure pots and sculptures by cementing them in place, attaching them to the house or a ground spike with chains.

Boundary walls and fences adjacent to the road or pavement cannot be more than one metre high

without planning permission. Some house deeds contain covenants stating a maximum height for front boundaries lower than one metre. Check with the local authority, look on the Planning Portal and check house deeds before erecting garden boundary walls and fences.

Front garden lighting should be subtle but practical. Wall-washers either side of the front door frame the entrance to create a nice warm welcome.

Or try adding some pathway lighting and decorative spotlights to light key plants and features and wash up the house walls.This will provide drama and a gentle illumination rather than flattening the garden with the bland wash of floodlights.

A front garden that balances conflicting practical requirements whilst providing an attractive

entrance to the house needs thought, creativity and a plan. It is a shame to waste the chance to add value and aesthetic appeal to a property by not investing in a good design to get it right.

ABOUT LINSEY EVANS Linsey Evans is a garden designer based in Bracknell, Berkshire with projects in London and through the Thames Valley and Home Counties.

Linsey is a specialist in designing sloping gardens with extensive knowledge of the technical aspects of garden construction. Linsey Evans Garden Design has been designing and constructing gardens for 10 years with the emphasis on strong structures and geometric layouts softened by elegant planting schemes. www.linseysgardens.com

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/01/2014 10:11

AWARDS 2014 Wednesday 12 March, Gibson Hall, Central London

The judges have met, the shortlist has been announced – now it’s time to book your place at APL Awards 2014!

Book online today at www.aplawards.co.uk to avoid disappointment

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Simon Quinton-Smith of Quinton Edwards presenting the winning award for Category 5 to Martin Shaw of Walmsley Shaw

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20/01/2014 15:47

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20/01/2014 15:44

Technical

Surveying Following on from last month’s information on triangulations, Janine Pattison discusses a technique for measuring irregular shapes

The key to carrying out an accurate survey technique starts out with establishing a base is to have a number of measuring techniques line more or less parallel to the feature to be up your sleeve. Last month we discussed measured. Roll out the tape, pegging the start end triangulations which are the key skill for any down firmly. You don’t want it to move while you surveyor. Triangulations are great for measuring are taking your measurements! Pull the tape taut fixed points like a tree, a boundary corner or the length of the feature and secure the end. Then an outbuilding. Often we using another tape (probably need to measure a feature your 10m tape, rather than The key to carrying which is an irregular shape another 30 or 50m one) out an accurate survey (like a pond or planting measure the distance from bed) or curved (like a your base line to the edge of is to have a number of path or driveway). Using the feature every one metre measuring techniques triangulations to do this along the base line. Your 10m up your sleeve would require dozens of tape must be at right angles measurements and would to the base line for it to be be very time consuming. It would also be prone accurate. If the feature you are measuring is a to errors creeping in which would not be very complex shape then readings every detected until back in the studio drawing it up. half a metre might be more appropriate. See This month I want to introduce a technique diagram 1 (left). for measuring these difficult shapes. This I would use the triangulation method to establish the ends or corners of the feature to make the drawing up of your survey easier. The Diagram 1 offset method is also very valuable for establishing the position of points where it is not possible to establish a direct line of sight or a straight tape measure. These might be dense shrubs or bodies of water. Decide on a base line and then carry out offsets at right angles to the tape to get accurate locations.

These shorter measurements are likely to be more accurate too. See diagram 2 (right).

Before leaving the site take a look at your sketch and measurements and do a ‘sanity check’ on them. Do the numbers look sensible? The offset measurements of a smooth curve will increase and then decrease so any rogue measurements should stand out and can be corrected before leaving site. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Janine Pattison.indd 27

Diagram 2

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

February 2014

27

22/01/2014 09:57

Technical

Deck cleaning and aftercare Decking expert Karl Harrison reveals his secrets to keeping a deck looking its best for as long as possible

What product for what deck?

There are too many products on the market; of course they all say they’re brilliant, but are they really? I have my favourites for one simple reason, they work.

Removing the old stuff Sand paper, you’ll need shares in a company that manufacture the stuff if you choose to go down this route. If you have to sand off the deck, start with a very course sand paper and work down to a medium. I wouldn’t use a floor stripper as old deck boards won’t be perfectly square and due to cupping you will have to sand too much of the deck to get a result that looks consistent for the entire deck.

It is always best to strip off the existing products by using Prepdeck. This is a stripper cleaner product and works by sodium hydroxide. This product does work very well and even removes the sticky old oil as well as acrylic products. All of this can be done in the rain, so anytime of the year is great for this. If you have the anti-slip strips or disks in your deck, these can be brought back to life with a stiff wire brush.

Making good The first thing to do is to reverse the chemical corrosion happening to the deck, this is achieved by using Net-trol. This does a couple of cool things, it neutralises the sodium hydroxide and brings the natural colour back to the timber. It also gets rid of any unsightly water marks. This can be done in the rain, as 28

February 2014

Karl Harrison.indd 28

long as it’s not too heavy. This product needs to soak into the timber without drying out for about 45 minutes to work best.

Once this is dry I would inspect the deck, a great tip is to lift the boards that have splits in them, place a fixing screw into the side of the deck adjacent to the split, two or three may be needed. This will close up the gap and prevent it getting any worse.

Retreating Soak, soak and soak some more... This sounds like the oil company want to con you into buying twice as much oil, it isn’t, it is for a good reason. Too many times I have seen oil being applied by a quick wipe on and wipe off technique, this lasts for about two weeks to a month at best and is simply not worth the effort.

When the deck is dry, soak as much of the deck that you can reach in one area, then soak and soak again, leave for as long as it takes for the oil to soak in. For hardwood this is usually about 10 to 15 minutes, more for softwoods. Any pooling and residual oil needs to be wiped up to prevent unsightly effects once dry. Owatrol Deks Olje® D1 Wood Saturating Oil for hardwoods and Textrol for softwoods as this oil is much thicker.

My deck is au naturel, “no oil, thank you” In some cases the client does not want oiling and prefers the natural look of the silver grey timber. That’s fine; I would recommend an initial soaking in D1 or Seasonite to enhance stability for a new deck, and then leave well alone. For old deck maintenance a soaking with water, mild bleach and a long handle scrubbing brush would do the trick; leave to dry and job done.

Is it worth it?

If you want your decks to look as good as they can for as long possible then these are the tips of the trade to ensure it does. Oil will also enhance the stability of the timber and is well worth the effort.

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

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/01/2014 10:09

LAYING DOWN THE STANDARD

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23/01/2014 15:07

LET'S HEAR IT FROM

DAVID DODD

Managing Director of The Outdoor Room and landscaper for over 25 years. Here he tells us how the great storms of 1987 launched him into the industry and how his company has progressed and diversified to ensure its continual success

This month, we went to meet David Dodd, Managing Director of The Outdoor Room.

“I got into the landscaping industry completely by accident. I’d signed up for the Royal Navy as an artificer in marine engineering and whilst waiting to hear when I was going to be taken on, along came the great storm of 1987. I somehow got involved in clearing up and repairing the damage to a football and rugby pitch in Putney and I absolutely loved it. The head gardener at Whitelands College then started to teach me pruning and other skills and I later learnt practical landscaping and the rest is history!

“I went to college two years later when I decided I needed to get qualified to do the job, I applied for Merrist Wood.The requirements for the course were five O-levels including maths, English and a science.

I had seven O-levels but because one of these wasn’t maths I then had to do GCSE maths!

Back in the 1970s and 80s Merrist Wood had the reputation of being the best in the world along with Writtle and Askham Bryan. For me it was always going to be Merrist Wood. I can well remember the staff recruitment days when companies had to fight to get into the college as the students were so highly sought after. I did the National Diploma in Landscape Design and Construction which lasted for three years. It finished in 1992 and I was back by 1993-1995 to teach”. At this point we hear that David’s eldest son, Sam, has just joined

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David Dodd FINALLL.indd 31

The Outdoor Room. “He’s currently looking for a course to enrol onto – I have advised him to look around at what is available. Tony Begg is the lynchpin of Merrist Wood’s landscaping department and there would be something great about him having taught both of us!”

During his middle year at college, David worked at Landscape Management Construction in Richmond, “it was a high end domestic landscape company and it made me realise that this was the sector of landscaping that I wanted to be a part of. It involved really interesting work ranging from big estates to small town gardens – a complete variation.”

He goes on to explain that this experience enabled him to shape his own company,“We pride ourselves on the diversity of our business, it works really well with a team of 14; some really enjoy working on town projects, whilst others much prefer being out in the country – everyone gets to work on the projects that suit them.”

THE OUTDOOR ROOM By 1995, things had started to change, David’s wife was expecting their first child, and his father very sadly passed away. Also, Merrist Wood changed from being part of Surrey County Council to being independent, “staff changes were made which prompted me to take a new direction and start up The Outdoor Room. I started with a beaten up pick up, hand mixing concrete, working seven days a week (working 5am til late it was almost midnight by the time I had caught up with paperwork) and for around

February 2014

31

22/01/2014 12:29

Let’s Hear it From...

1

Whether we win a project or not, I know we have given the right price so I never wish I had gone in cheaper two years this was how my life was. I took on a labourer after six months and through leaflet drops and word of mouth the business progressed. In the spring I had leaflets printed offering lawn maintenance which also went very well. In 1997 I had the chance to run an office out of Chessington Garden Centre nearby to where I lived at the time and picked up lots of work from that. We remained there for seven years until we moved the family and business to Billingshurst where we have now been for 10 years. Our family grew (we now have four children ranging from 8-18) and the business developed and grew to what it is now.”

FUTURESCAPE At the FutureScape event in November, The Beauty is in the Build panel debate (of which David was a part) threw up the question of how and when members of the panel felt they had stepped the business up to top level, we asked David about when this happened for him. “I guess things changed for us around 15 years ago when we were introduced to Debbie and Ian of Acres Wild around 1999. We got on really well with them and did a fantastic job on a large project which then led to constant work over the next 10 years. This changed a little once the recession hit but we still have a very good relationship with them and I’m sure this has led to us working with other top level designers.”

32

February 2014

David Dodd FINALLL.indd 32

BALI SOUTH THAMES This leads onto how David became a member of BALI. He explains how the designers he was working with were keen to be entered for Awards and this was one of the main reasons he originally joined, although now he is heavily involved having been the Chairman of the BALI South Thames region for two years, which he believes is his way of giving something back to the industry.

PRICING AND COMPETITION We ask where he feels his business sits in terms of pricing, when looking at companies competing for the same work.

“Whether we win a project or not, I know we have given the right price so I never wish I had gone in cheaper. We don’t price to win work, but it seemed back in 2012 we may have been heading that way in order to keep our staff. More or less out of principle we decided against it.

This is also why I’m less keen when jobs are put out to tender – I understand that it’s often client driven but I’m much happier and more committed to detailed pricing if we’re seen on a preferred contractor basis. I can see how this can be open to abuse but I feel it’s the opposite – we’re given a level of trust and we want to do the best for the client. We’re very transparent about costs.”

THE TEAM Talk turns to the structure of the business. “We’re now a team of 14, I’m Managing Director, Joe Perkins is also a Director who came to us via a client about five years ago; Gavin Barnett and Alex Gordon are Directors and Foremen; Ali and Keith are the other two Foremen giving us four separate teams. Mark Britton has just joined us from Landform and will be working alongside the other teams. We use specialists when and where needed, including a carpenter, metalworker and lighting engineer”.

3

2

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/01/2014 12:32

Let’s Hear it From...

SHOW GARDENS The conversation turns to show gardens. Whilst at Merrist Wood David was involved with show gardens at Chelsea as part of his course, but his own first build was in 2007 for Andy Sturgeon.The year before that, his first foray into the world of show gardens (other than trade stands) was at Hampton Court with a garden sponsored by Volvo and designed

by Tom Hoblyn, which won a Gold medal. Did this bring work? “It brought recognition and it was also when Andy Sturgeon approached me to build for him at Chelsea the following year”.

CHELSEA 2014 What about this year? David and his team have their work cut out for them with a total of three show gardens at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. “We have two on Main Avenue: The Cloudy Bay Garden for Wilson McWilliam Studio and The Homebase Garden for Adam Frost, and Jo Thompson’s Fresh Garden, London Square. We’re working with Wilson McWilliam and Adam Frost for the first time and of course have been involved with Jo’s last two Chelsea show gardens. My role will be to oversee each build, but the

respective teams will have everything under control.”

We ask if he thinks it’s fair that landscapers are permitted to build more than one garden at Chelsea, when designers are only allowed one entry. “That’s a very good question – I guess the landscaper is the silent partner in that the designer gets all the accolades of winning medals so this balances things out a bit. It may sound conceited but there are only a limited number of contractors that are of the calibre to build a Chelsea garden which may be why it happens this way – but I’ll think more about that one!”

1.Buriton, Hampshire – garden designed by Acres Wild. Photo © Ian Smith 2.Vicarage Gardens, Kensington – designed by James Aldridge – BALI National Awards 2013 Principal Award Winner. Photo © Natalia Odescalchi.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

David Dodd FINALLL.indd 33

February 2014

33

22/01/2014 12:32

Let’s Hear it From...

So with that much work focused on Chelsea does the rest of the business shut down during May? “All our clients are made aware that there may be some disruption during Chelsea but most of them are happy to boast that their contractor is building at the Chelsea Flower Show and of course it helps if we can get tickets for clients to soften any inconvenience they may be caused during the show!”

Is working at Chelsea purely for profit, a marketing exercise or to raise the profile of the company? “I would never advise any landscaper to do a show for anything other than profit – I’d also advise designers that it’s a huge mistake to self-fund a garden, always find sponsorship”.

DESIGNERS AND TEACHING We talk about designers he would like to work with that he hasn’t had the chance to as yet and he puts Cleve West at the top of the list, along with Kim Wilkie and James Alexander Sinclair. Would he like to get back to teaching in any shape or form? “Not at the moment, things are far too busy with The Outdoor Room and BALI. However, if I were to get back to teaching it would more likely be practical skills to young

people and apprentices, there is nothing that gives me more satisfaction than seeing a young person who thought they’d never be good at

THE FUTURE 2014 brings renewed optimism with some great projects and hopefully collaboration with some excellent designers. “I want to forge those good relationships now and work for a better industry.

I also joined the APL last year as I would still like to see a united industry, perhaps this can be best achieved by much more collaboration between the two associations. I am impressed with the drive and enthusiasm Phil Tremayne puts into APL, and I’m also lucky to have Nick Coslett helping me in my role as Chairman of BALI South Thames.”

Anybody who knows David Dodd will no doubt be aware his biggest passion outside of work and family is Crystal Palace Football Club, which he has supported since the age of nine years old. He also likes fine wines which he keeps in his cellar – and occasionally drinks of course!

1

anything proud of themselves for achieving the task of laying paving or building a wall, and then see their realisation that they could actually make a decent living from doing it”.

CONTACT The Outdoor Room High Seat, 1 High Street, Billingshurst, RH14 9PJ Tel: 01403 780354 / 785585 Email: enquiries@theoutdoorroom.co.uk Web: www.theoutdoorroom.co.uk

3

4 2 1. Chelsea Flower Show 2008 show garden for Cancer Research UK – designed by Andy Sturgeon 2. The Homebase Garden – Chelsea 2014. Designed by Adam Frost 3. The Perennial Garden – Chelsea 2014.

Designer Jo Thompson 4. Cloudy Bay Sensations Garden – Chelsea 2014.

Designed by Wilson McWilliam Studio

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February 2014

David Dodd FINALLL.indd 34

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22/01/2014 12:33

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24/01/2014 09:29

Portfolio

ANIMATED SPACE

WINNER Big Design, Small Budget

Sylvan Studio Christine Whatley took on the unfinished garden of a striking modern house, designing previously unused spaces, maximising views of the property whilst making the previously problematic trees the focal points of the garden The brief given to me was to design the awkward outer areas of a garden where the architect of the striking modern glass and zinc house had stopped short. The areas of garden adjoining the house had been designed with the house and these were to remain unchanged.

The first corner to be tackled was at the back of the house and was dominated by a large protected Horse Chestnut tree, which created a dry barren unused area in full view of the house. This corner needed DESIGN PLAN PHASE 1

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Portfolio 1.indd 37

to present a clean and bright outlook from the house, in a form that would be useable to play on.

The second corner, on the opposite side of the house, was dominated by an even larger protected tree in the centre of an unevenly sloping lawn. There was plenty of space to sit outside the house looking out at the garden, but this part of the garden presented a stunning view of the house itself which the owners wanted to take advantage of.

February 2014

37

03/02/2014 09:20

Portfolio

More images at: www.prolandscapermagazine.com

ABOUT SYLVAN STUDIO At Sylvan Studio in Wiltshire, Christine Whatley MSGD MBALI creates gardens across the South of England, each a unique response to her clients and the site.

She is a versatile designer employing architectural form, planting, light and the changing seasons to create gardens with atmosphere and enduring appeal. Christine combines strong problem solving skills and clear communication with natural creative flair, producing imaginative and elegant solutions that delight her clients.

www.sylvanstudio.co.uk

THE DESIGN Both trees are splendid specimens and the designs have changed them from being a problem to a focal point.

Phase 1 The new rear garden has a series of raised beds and lawn. As well as creating level areas and strongly architectural changes of level that blend well with the existing garden area, the increased soil levels give new planting a good chance of getting established without having to compete with established roots.

The materials used for the existing garden are predominantly grey painted decking and slate chippings, tying in with the look of the house. The boundaries are much more natural and wooded, so softwood sleepers introduce a more natural material whilst still hard edged to blend from the house to the wooded areas. Using slate chippings again in the step treads and bench area ties everything together.

Phase 2 The second corner took its inspiration from the name of the house, Kinesis, which means movement in response to a stimulus. I designed

a garden full of movement centred around the tree. A sharply defined slate chipping path edged with aluminium leads gracefully down to a terrace jutting out into the lawn (originally designed to include a pavilion) from which to view the house, the strong juxtaposition reflecting the architecture of the house. The path continues around the garden in a Fibonacci spiral.

A second spiral emerges from the tree, with planting rising gently to the existing pond above.

The lawn slopes gently around the spiral down to 1 the viewing terrace and a play area.

The new rear garden has brought to life a previously unused corner of the garden – it provides a pleasing view from the kitchen in which the horse chestnut takes centre stage, a place to sit within the garden, and a new place for the children to play.

The spiral garden has created a strong connection between house and garden that had previously been absent. The view of the house at night from the terrace is simply stunning.

Project details Size of project: 1500m² Appointed April 2009; Phase 1 build September 2009, time on site three weeks; Phase 2 build August 2011, time on site three weeks Cost: each phase £15,000

1 The house from the viewing terrace.

2 The elegantly sweeping path.

3 Raised beds being constructed.

4 Laying the viewing terrace.

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3

5 Before and during construction.

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View

2

Portfolio

Deck with slate chipping inďŹ ll Bamboos Existing multi-stem cherry and birch

Banked planting spiral around tree with low retaining edge

View of pavilion from terrace

Aluminium edged slate chipping path

Pavilion

Existing multi-stem birches

Bulbs in grass

Post and wire support for climbing roses

View of house from pavilion

Trampoline

Lawn

Bark chips Garage Drive

Sun deck Terrace

Pond

Shed

KINESIS New fence

Phase 1 corner

DESIGN PLAN PHASE 2

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REFERENCES Designer Christine Whatley MSGD MBALI Sylvan Studio 5 High Street,Erlestoke, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 5TX Tel: 01380 830 262 Email: design@sylvanstudio.co.uk Web: www.sylvanstudio.co.uk

Sleepers, chippings and paving R.F.Landscape Products Ltd A19 Doncaster Road, Whitely, East Yorkshire DN14 0JW Tel: 01977 782 240 Email: info@rflandscapeproducts.co.uk Web: www.rflandscapeproducts.co.uk

Contractor Silva’s Gardens 120 New Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 8QH Tel: 01344 886 499 Email: nick@silvasgardens.com Web: www.silvasgardens.com

Aluminium edging ExcelEdge AllEdge Premium 3 Hayward Way, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4PL Tel: 01424 201 111 Email: sales@exceledge.co.uk Web: www.exceledge.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Plants Chichester Trees & Shrubs Ltd The Mill Studio, Beaulieu, Hampshire SO42 7YG Tel: 01590 612 198 Email: jameschichester@ctsplants.com Web: www.ctsplants.com West Kington Nurseries Ltd West Kington, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN14 7JQ Tel: 01249 782 822 Email: sales@wknurseries.co.uk Web: www.wknurseries.co.uk

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ADVENTURE TIME Baylis Landscapes The challenge was to create an outdoor space in a Hackney school, which was educationally beneficial, but fun, dynamic, and encouraged adventurous play

S

ebright Primary School is situated in Hackney, London. Most of the children who attend the school have very little access to outside green spaces. This was a clear message that came out of our initial meeting with a group of teachers at the school and our collective objective was to transform their outside space to benefit the children’s development and well-being outside. Originally 40

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the space had a large area of un-kept grass and tarmac, which provided us with a blank canvas to work from. It was underutilised and in the winter the grass area was out of bounds as it got too wet. The initial consultation produced a variety of ideas and key words to design to and provided inspiration for the themed areas which made up the end design.

One challenge which arose in the design stage was the request for a large sand pit.

Being in London and with health and safety in mind, it was important to make the area animal proof.

After a variety of ideas were dismissed and with an 3 objective of creating something

which would promote children to discover, the fossil cove idea was produced with 1.8m high palisade fences and a simple close square mesh net for the roof, creating a large sealed off area to construct our sandpit with fossils in the base.

The existing trees on site became the perfect location for the Enchanted Forest.The Treetop Walkway at Kew Gardens provided inspiration for getting children up into the canopy of the trees.Two raised decks (maximum height of 2m) were installed round two trees and were linked by walkways which provided the main structure for this area. Risky and adventurous play were the objectives of the area, brought to life with a climbing wall, scramble net, artificial grass slide, talk tubes, wooden www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/01/2014 10:19

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2

ABOUT BAYLIS LANDSCAPES

2

Project details 1

Winner: Community and Schools Development

carvings for wax rubbings and teepee camps. We were able to recycle a canopy structure with a UV protective roof which existed on site.This had been installed in a place where it wasn’t being used and therefore we incorporated it into our design to give the creative workshop a shaded cover, so lessons could take place whatever the weather.

Other zones included a secret garden, music zone, outdoor classroom, sports stadium, water zone, outdoor teaching and performing, a role play area and play mound. The whole area was linked with a sensory cycle track with educational road markings. At various points along the track were buddy bus stops to www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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4

Timeline of development: 12 weeks

Baylis Landscapes are highly experienced and professional contractors specialising in quality landscaping in the large scale commercial, municipal, sport and educational sectors. Our landscaping roots extend back as far as 1967 and this experience coupled with a versatile and skilled management and workforce ensures that we are able to undertake complex multi-faceted contracts.

With 35 employees based at Gravesend, we are well placed to undertake projects throughout London and the southeast.

www.baylislandscapes.co.uk

Cost: £100,000

promote friendship building.

During the project we experienced some constraints, one being that for part of the project we knew the school would be ‘live’. Our work would begin at the start of the summer holidays and run into the beginning of the autumn term. This meant that we approached 1 Overview of completed project.

2 Concept 3D drawing used to visualise the project.

3 Stainless steel water play trays.

4 Foreground: wooden carving for wax rubbings.

Background: Play den teepees.

5 Fossil Cove showing boat wreck, shade sail and marine themed planting.

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DESIGN PLAN

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the project with this in mind, getting the sports stadium, fossil cove, the secret garden and the teaching and performing area complete so we could potentially hand that back to the school when the children returned. Access was across two separate playgrounds with two different timetables for playtime.This meant that delivery of materials had to be well coordinated and as much material as possible was forward planned and delivered before the new term started.The weather of 2012 was testing for all landscape contractors, including our site! We had to work in a exible way as many of the processes in our construction required dry weather and therefore we had to exploit every chance we had when the weather was dry.

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CONCLUSION The end result was beyond the expectations the school had and the children loved the grand opening when they were shown round and told how to use each individual area. Our design incorporated everything they had requested and they were particularly impressed with fossil cove, saying it was like we had brought a slice of Margate to Hackney. Our themed spaces now provide children with an experience of sea and sand, nature and wildlife, adventure and woodland discovery, role play and performing along with sport and physical exercise. We have provided them with a space they can use all year round and somewhere that teachers could now use as a resource in planning

their lessons. Being an extension to the classroom meant the children’s learning is not just conďŹ ned to being inside, but they now have the chance to experience their learning in a practical way, working things out for themselves through risk play in areas like the enchanted forest and discovering things in fossil cove and the secret garden.

The entire scheme was designed and built

by Baylis incorporating natural and long lasting materials.The chestnut logs used in some areas of the design were sourced sustainably from a local Kent woodland coppice.

The end result provides a fantastic space for learning, playing and discovering and delivers outside experiences of the wider world. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/01/2014 10:20

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1 Overview of Enchanted Forest with chestnut log wall, play decks in the trees and flexi-chip soft mulch safety surface.

2 Outside teaching and performance area with hand carve benches, anti-slip decked stage and artificial lawn.

3 Before Fossil Cove was filled with sand, genuine fossils were set into the concrete floor. Here we have a whale vertebrae.

4&5 The site before we started work.

6 Role play area with interchangeable signed kiosk.

7 One of four Buddy bus stops to encourage children to socialise and include each other.

8 Sport stadium with artificial sports surface.

7

REFERENCES Construction Baylis Landscapes Tel: 01474 569 576 Email: info@baylislandscapes.co.uk Web: www.learningthroughplay.net Artificial Lawn Artificial Lawn Company Tel: 01474 364 320 Email: sales@artificiallawn.co.uk Web: www.artificiallawn.co.uk Timber Tate Fencing Tel: 01977 782 240 Email: sales@tatefencing.co.uk Web: www.tate-fencing.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Flexi Chip rubber safety surface Baylis Landscape Contractors Information regarding product at: www.learningthroughplay.net Q Grip Anti-slip decking Forestrall Tel: 01474 444 180 Email: sales@forestrall.co.uk Web: www.forestrall.co.uk

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Project details Size of project: 150m² Timeline of development: January 2012 to June 2012 with a build period of three weeks Cost: £30,000 44

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SIMPLE PLEASURES The Garden Company Ltd A professional couple had humble demands for their small outside space, needing an area for relaxation and entertainment, with lots of flowering plants and room for a vegetable patch www.prolandscapermagazine.com 22/01/2014 10:29

Portfolio

Winner: Domestic Garden Construction Cost under £30k

2

The sensitive blending of materials and shapes lead the eye around the garden from one space to another

1

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his was a small garden belonging to a professional couple with no plans for children.Their principal requirements were for a garden they could entertain and relax in, with a strong all year round impact.

It also needed to be easy to maintain as they wished to look after it themselves.They wanted the garden to look good all through the year, but also to let them enjoy the changing seasons, and have lots of flowering plants Encouraging bees and butterflies to the garden was important. Another aspect of the brief was that the clients wished to have a kitchen vegetable garden. Of course a shed for garden tools and bikes was necessary. All this had to be achieved in a space a little over 150m².

SCOPE OF WORKS The Garden Company was employed on a design and build basis.The deftness of design and carefully selected planting palette, mixing herbs www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Portfolio 3.indd 45

and ornamentals, native plants and cultivars alongside the high quality construction have led to a garden that the clients love to be in and enjoy viewing from their house all year round The sensitive blending of materials and shapes lead the eye around the garden from one space to another. Although it is a small garden, there are still several distinct areas to explore.

Careful consideration was given to reducing overgrown hedges to open new views to trees beyond and create a space for a new dining terrace. Some sensitive screening was introduced to ensure privacy and a sense of security.

The fact that the clients love to potter in their new garden as well entertain and just relax is testament to the success of the scheme. It is an example of the importance of listening to your clients’ requirements carefully, then using subtle skills as a design and build landscaping company to achieve a result that not only meets but exceeds the clients’ expectations.

3

4

1 Herbs were mixed with ornamental plants in the gravel area for culinary use and to add interest.

2 View across lawn to a more secluded terrace.

3 Late flowering planting softens the terrace area and provides long season of interest.

4 Bronze fennel with Anemanthele adds texture to the planting.

ABOUT THE GARDEN COMPANY The Garden Company has 20 years’ experience at the top end of the landscaping industry. It is a design led landscaping business.

Projects range from large scale commercial landscaping, large domestic design and build through to smaller garden projects. MD James Scott is a Registered Member of the Society of Garden Designers. The Garden Company offers a landscape construction service to garden and landscape designers and a full maintenance service.

www.thegardenco.co.uk

February 2014

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1

2

3

THE GARDEN BEFORE

REFERENCES Design James Scott MSGD The Garden Company Ltd Chipperfield Home & Garden Centre Tower Hill, Chipperfield, Hertfordshire WD4 9LH Tel: 01442 832 666 Email: sales@thegardenco.co.uk Web: www.thegardenco.co.uk

Orchard Dene Nurseries Tel: 01491 575 075 Email: enquiries@orcharddene.co.uk Web: www.orcharddene.co.uk

Build The Garden Company Ltd Tel: 01442 832 666 Email: sales@thegardenco.co.uk Web: www.thegardenco.co.uk

Stone CED Ltd Tel: 01708 867 237 Email: sales@ced.ltd.uk Web: www.ced.ltd.uk

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Plants Joseph Rochford Gardens Tel: 01707 261 370 Email: sales@rochfords.net Web: www.rochfords.net

4

1 Plants were chosen to peak late in the summer, attract birds and butteries, and have a naturalistic feel.

2 Before view to the house.

3 Existing terrace.

4 Before view of the smaller terrace area. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/01/2014 10:28

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Nursery

NURSERY NEWS Biochar – helping trees stand strong when every carbon capturing leaf counts Those who plant and protect trees know the active role they play in mitigating climate change. It is estimated that during its full lifetime, a 100 year old broad leaf tree will capture over 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Indeed, a quarter of a living tree’s weight is locked away – or sequestered – as carbon, which is only released back into the atmosphere when the tree dies, rots or is burnt.

An ancient technique for locking up carbon for longer is currently making a comeback. Biochar – a fine-grained and highly porous form of charcoal used as a soil amendment – is made by kiln-charring woody waste. As well as being an effective growing medium, biochar can reduce atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide by burying the carbon stored in trees back into the soil.

As is the cyclical nature of things, biochar improves the health and

survival rates of living trees. Over the 2012/2013 growing season, Bartlett Tree Experts conducted biochar trials, replicating stressful conditions typical in tree transplanting. Some trees were planted with Carbon Gold’s Tree Growth Enhancer, a formula in which biochar is enriched with mycorrhizal fungi, seaweed and wormcasts.

Preliminary results from horse chestnut trials showed that, with the addition of biochar-based Tree Growth Enhancer, photosynthetic efficiency increased by 5 per cent and tree height increased by half a metre. Most significantly, trials with beech hedging saw a survival rate of 100 per cent compared to 60 per cent losses of those planted without the biochar treatment.

Carbon Gold has also developed Tree Protector, which increases trees’ resilience against soil borne diseases including Phytophthora and honey fungus.This is currently being used in

ash dieback trials that are showing promising interim results.

Carbon Gold’s biochar-based tree care range is suitable for all new and established tree types, bare root stock, shrubs and hedging. Its unique formula promotes quick establishment and reduces losses, encouraging vigorous root growth and healthy soil biology. It also helps retain moisture, minimising plant stress at times of drought and reducing watering by up to 30 per cent.

Approximately £600 million is spent on planting new trees across the UK every year. Each year a quarter of these die, costing the industry £150 million per year.

Carbon Gold’s biochar could mitigate tree losses at a time when every carbon capturing leaf counts. www.carbongold.com

NURSERY NOTES

Saturated soil is no help to either nurseryman or landscaper.

We had one of the windiest and wettest Decembers on record and it’s not been much drier since. Thankfully there’s been no flooding on the nursery but nearly everywhere the soil is at field capacity with additional rain running off. It’s muddy, as a recent party of garden designers discovered, most in shiny Hunter wellies but a couple in expensive UGG boots. We all need it to dry out a bit and drain to make the soil accessible so we can get on with cultivations and not damage soil structure by working it in these conditions, hopefully clients will understand.

The wind on the nursery is a bind, and minor damage to tunnels has now been repaired.

You may also need to check recently planted trees to make sure they have not moved and are still planted upright. Perhaps we need to get used to these more frequent bursts of intense weather and adapt.

www.palmstead.co.uk

“Big, beautiful and even better” The latest celebrity at The Plantation is going from strength to strength. Not content with being just big and beautiful, the large bonsai Camellia sasanqua ‘Shishi Gashira’ is now even better, being covered in bright pink spectacular semi-double flowers.This stunning www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Nursery News.indd 49

vision is enhanced even further by the intoxicating scent. Although, like all nurseries,The Plantation is busy preparing for spring, at risk of plagiarising the famous poem...

“We really must take time to stand and stare”. www.theplantationnursery.co.uk February 2014

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Considering planting semi-mature trees?

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23/01/2014 15:59

Nursery

NURSERY NEWS Bio-security policy document Barcham Trees has published a six-page document which outlines its commitment to bio-security. It is believed to be the first UK tree nursery to do so. Central to the commitment is the pledge it will continue not to import trees and sell them to customers for immediate planting into the UK landscape. All imported trees are held on the nursery for a full growing season, during which time they are subject to regular rigorous inspection for pest and disease, including those conducted

by DEFRA. More than 15,000 trees across the entire species range also undergo annual random and independently examined tests for physiological health using leaf fluorescence, chlorophyll content and cell electrolyte leakage.

Every consignment of imported trees is given a unique batch number on arrival, clearly visible on every tree the nursery sells, thereby providing a complete audit trail from supplying nursery to planting in the UK landscape.

This precautionary measure facilitates a recall in the unlikely event of a subsequent outbreak of pest or disease.

Barcham’s Keith Sacre says “Bio-security is a real and ever-present issue all users of trees must face. It cannot just be left to the authorities to take a lead. Our policy is taken voluntarily and at significant financial cost to the nursery, but we know it is the right thing to do”.

To request a copy of Barcham’s bio-security policy document, please e-mail keith@barchamtrees.co.uk www.barcham.co.uk www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Nursery News.indd 51

Clinging on!

We all know that the average garden is getting smaller and that this in turn influences plant choice.

Many clients still hanker after an instant look with the resulting factor that walls and fences have become more important in creating that ‘finished instant look’.

This is reflected in the raise in demand for larger, taller, robust specimen climbers, in particular evergreen climbers.The quality of specimen climbers available to us as a supplier has certainly improved over the last 10 years or so compared to many years ago.

Provender Nurseries have expanded their area dedicated to specimen climbers by three fold in the last four years or so in direct response to customer enquiries.

Trachelospermum jasminoides, a must for a sunny spot, is one the most popular lines at Provender

Nurseries with over 1000 plants sold each year at a height of 1.75m-2.5m and above.

Unsurprisingly another ever popular evergreen climber is Clematis armandii at 175/200cm which hardly even have a chance to hit the ground before they are snapped up and taken off site to be planted. In contrast rather surprisingly Akebia quinata

(semi-evergreen), in particular the cream flowering form has risen quite drastically in popularity with it now being requested on many quotes.

Hedera (ivy) is also enjoying an upsurge in popularity due its versatility to climb up as well as trail over walls etc. Many requests have been received for 2.5m-3m Hedera for use in planting troughs at the top of walls or on balconies to trail down over the edge creating a Hanging Gardens of Babylon effect almost instantly.

With a decent ratio of height compared to pot size (for example a 10L / 15L pot size will result in a plant with a height of 2.5m+), a relatively small planting hole will be needed for large results, which may indeed be the reason behind the rise in popularity in evergreen specimen climbers. www.provendernurseries.co.uk

Coles expand Air-Pot Production Coles Nurseries, the UK’s largest grower of trees and shrubs for amenity supply, have recently invested in a new production area designed to hold over 4500 Air-Pot trees, in girth sizes up to 20cm+.

The trees, available all year round in a range of sizes and species, are becoming more and more popular with the amenity market due to their

higher survival rate after planting, when compared to container, root-ball or bare-root alternatives.

Air-Pots encourage an incredibly fibrous root system and eliminate root-circling by ‘Air-Pruning’; the cone shaped design of the Air-Pot restricts woody growth, encourages even root distribution and dramatically reduces losses after installation.

Currently available in Air-Pots from Coles are varieties of

Acer, Betula, Carpinus, Fagus, Pinus, Pyrus, Quercus, Sorbus and Tilia.

To download a full factsheet please visit: www.colesnurseries.co.uk February 2014

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Nursery

Plantsman’s PLOT A round-up of trees and plants available at some of the country’s best nurseries To appear in Plantsman’s Plot, please send your plant of the month, details and image to editor@pro-landscaper.co.uk February is a good time to appreciate the various coloured stem trees that can be used in garden and landscape design.

Against a cold, clear sky, the sap is rising in the leafless stems and the colours of birches, such as Betula spp, and maples, such as Acer griseum is very intense. www.thornhayes-nursery.co.uk

Sometimes called “Poor man’s Box” the Sarcococca confusa AGM are really useful plants and are increasing in popularity. A good hardy evergreen from China, which prefers semi to full shade. At this time of year their scent flood the tunnels and glasshouses, walking in to their tunnel on the nursery is like hitting a wall of fragrance. All

Sarcococca deliver on scent this but S.confusa is a good nursery plant, a reasonable grower (while some other species are not happy growing in pots) and will ultimately get to about a metre high.

Also they are very tolerant of growing in chalk soils. www.palmstead.co.uk 52

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Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ is a form of our native Hazel that really is a ‘marmite’ plant – some love the architectural twisted, contorted stems while others simply turn their noses up and move on. I am in the former camp – this Hazel really comes alive in the winter with its bare twisted stems dramatically outlined against a crisp winter sky. In February and later into spring the long yellow catkins, 10cm long approximately, droop gracefully from the bare branches truly creating an image that makes you stop and stare.

Originally discovered by luck in the Cotswolds in 1863 in a native hedge proving that it is always worth scrabbling about in the undergrowth when on a spring walk. www.provendernurseries.co.uk

Acacia dealbata, commonly known as Mimosa, is a beautiful evergreen shrub with fern-like silvery-green foliage and bright, fluffy yellow flowers. Its nectarrich blooms are the first splash of colour you’ll see in your garden after the winter, making it a brilliant addition to a sheltered border, and a great food-source for bees and other insects. Once established it is fast growing, ideally positioned in a sunny spot, with free-draining soil. www.agrumi.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/01/2014 10:36

Nursery

For anybody looking to add a vertical accent plant to the garden, Taxus baccata Fastigiata Aurea is definitely high on the list. This stylish Irish Golden Yew is a slow growing evergreen, forming a naturally dense, compact, upright shape without any pruning or trimming. Eventually growing up to 3 or 4m high, this attractive plant can grow almost anywhere, but the beautiful yellowgreen foliage is brighter in sunnier spots, resulting in the distinctive golden appearance associated with this plant. The red yew berries are toxic to humans and animals but much enjoyed by birds. www.theplantationnursery.co.uk

Pinus nigra Austriaca is one of the most popular plants sold at Deepdale Trees. Known as Austrian Pine or Black Pine, this tough evergreen plant grows well in a wide range of conditions. It is the ideal plant for screening and windbreaks, tolerant of urban, coastal and exposed environments. When young it has a conical form, broadening and becoming more irregular with age and reaching up to 30m in height. The needles are arranged in pairs, longer and greener than Scots Pine and with a denser habit.

Pinus nigra Austriaca is available from Deepdale as a standard or feathered plant. www.deepdale-trees.co.uk

In the depths of winter this unsung hero bursts into glory, producing clusters of sweetly fragrant, golden yellow flowers from December to March. Each flower consists of four, delicate, ribbon like petals arranged in red-brown cups creating a most distinct appearance.

Hamamelis mollis may not be as bright in colour as some of the witch hazel hybrids, but its wonderful scent is so captivating that it is worth growing for this characteristic alone. In addition it has lovely golden autumn colour and is easy to grow. www.majestictrees.co.uk

Betula ermanii, or Erman’s birch was originally from North East Asia and Japan, and was first cultivated in the 1880s. It is always the first tree to emerge with new leaf in the spring at Barcham, and one of the first to fall in autumn. Importantly it tolerates reflected heat and light very adequately so is a great urban tree that requires little maintenance. An elegant and vigorous medium to large tree, the bright green, often heart shaped and prominently veined leaves which appear very early in spring become clear yellow in autumn. It grows well in most soils. www.barcham.co.uk www.buythetreeyousee.com

Carpinus betulus Low Panels make a great living fence, creating an attractive boundary and a habitat for beneficial wildlife. They are ideal for use as a dividing screen in the garden where a normal hedge would be too thick.

They are also good for replacing damaged fence panels and are low maintenance and environmentally friendly, creating the screening by holding a proportion of their old leaves during the winter. They are available now 180cm tall 120cm wide rootballed, and later in the season pot grown. www.readyhedgeltd.com

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Photo by Prof J Hitchmough

With proven success on many complex and prestigious planting projects and over 2000 species grown, Palmstead can make a real difference to your schemes. Call or visit us online and start benefiting from our award winning quality plants and excellent service.

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23/01/2014 15:16

Nursery

Growing and purchasing

bare root trees

Hossein Arshadi – Director of Hillier Nurseries, spoke to Rose Hales about bare root trees, offering advice and guidance for specifiers during the bare root season You’re also not moving soil around the country so if peat is an issue, for example, there is no problem when buying bare root. When planting, the Firstly, it is important that the trees are grown in the soil that the tree is going to get planting into is field properly; this means with a minimum of one directly in contact with the root system, the roots go metre space between each tree as they grow, for straight into that soil. Buying bare root also allows the standard sized trees. In most cases bare root trees customer to see the root system clearly and if it isn’t can be up to 16cm in girth, a tree of this size needs good the customer can see this and reject the plant. to be transplanted three times before being lifted The only challenges really come from how for sale. the customer handles the trees. When wrapped Protecting the root system is key.The best way correctly the trees can sit in to do this is to lift trees with the bags for several weeks a mechanical machine, and When specifying trees don’t just ask for a with no problem. Once the then immediately, as soon as bare root tree. Otherwise some nurseries pits are prepared, the very the tree is out of the may send trees where the roots have been last thing that should be ground (ideally in seconds, left bare and uncovered. done is to remove the trees but within one minute) the ● Remember to ask for root wrapped from the bags, prune, and tree needs to go into a ● Insist to the supplier that the tree is dug, then plant at the correct special double skin black and then immediately wrapped in a black and depth so that the root white co-extruded bag white co-extruded bag – not a black bin liner flares are just below soil (black on the inside and ● If the trees arrive bare, with no cover, level, the same as they were white on the outside to reject them in the nursery. It’s a simple reflect the light).Time is system and process, if crucial, the tree needs to be planting contractors follow it correctly then bare lifted and wrapped, and then dispatched to the root planting is a far more efficient system. customer as soon as possible.These bags will protect We transplant 100,000 trees a year, around 90 the root system for a long period of time. per cent of which are bare root, and we have close The season begins as soon as the leaves fall off to zero failure rate.Therefore, as long as people the trees, or they have gone far enough in autumn handle the trees correctly, from nursery to customer, colour.This dormant period lasts for five or six there’s no problem. months, milder temperatures in late winter can cut the season short.

What’s the process of growing and preparing bare root trees?

What are the advantages and challenges of bare root trees?

There are many advantages; they’re lighter to handle, and cheaper to buy at often less than half the price of an identical container sold specimen; more and more customers are asking for bare root due to financial pressures, which I think is a good thing – they’re more environmentally friendly, easier to transport and plant with less man power needed. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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What is the average age of the trees when they’re lifted and sold bare root?

Different nurseries sell trees of varying ages, at Hillier the trees are usually a minimum of four years old.

This is based on the needs of the customer, at four years the tree is more recognisable as a tree, it’s got a proper trunk and branches in the crown. Although trees can be lifted and sold much younger. www.hilliernurseries.co.uk February 2014

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Latest Products

LIGHT HERE, LIGHT NOW

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HOW TO USE SECURITY LIGHTING TO BEST EFFECT IN A RESIDENTIAL GARDEN SETTING

Position PIR (passive infrared motion detector) lighting fixtures as discreetly and as high as possible, without hindering the efficiency and illuminated coverage. PIR security lights are now available with LED as opposed to inefficient tungsten halogen and in various finishes that include black, white and silver. So as not to destroy the effect of a garden lighting scheme, the PIR fixtures should be turned off and only used when required.

2

USING LIGHTING TO HIGHLIGHT PLANTS AND TREES(PUBLIC AND PRIVATE)

There are some limitations when it comes to lighting plants and trees within public spaces, due to the obvious concern of vandalism. We are currently designing the lighting for a large park, where we have chosen a combination of buried LED fixtures, that can be internally tilted by 15 degrees with various optics and surface mounted robust fixtures that can be locked into position. There is obviously more scope with the types of fixtures that can be used in a private garden lighting scheme, surface mounted spike light fixtures are a useful tool in up and back lighting shrubs and planting. Less is more when lighting a garden.

It is important not to over light shrubs and planting, which will help to add depth and vistas through a garden. Trees in particular should not be over lit and be treated almost as iconic sculptural objects. Single point sources positioned strategically to either up light a trunk or set away from a tree to illuminate the canopy will add perspective. The choice of the correct LED colour temperature is crucial in enhancing the true colour of the planting.

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HOW TO GET SAFETY LIGHTING RIGHT (E.G. PATHWAYS AND STEPS)

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When we start to a design a scheme the first thing that is considered is the lighting on steps and paths, this is important for health & safety reasons. Equally by lighting the steps and paths this gives another focal point within a garden. Treads can be illuminated either by recessed fixtures set into walls or by surface mounted units. Bollard fixtures or recessed units are often the most appropriate way of lighting paths, in particular for public parks.

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DECORATIVE LIGHTING TO GIVE THE WOW FACTOR IN A PRIVATE GARDEN SPACE

There is now an extensive range of decorative lighting fixtures that can be used externally within a garden. For example by introducing a floor lamp to a terraced space it not only acts as a nice feature but gives a practical level of illumination for an evening BBQ. Suspended pendants and globe lights from trees can equally add dynamic quality to the garden.

February 2014

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Latest Products

LIGHTING ‘Stone’ Globe Lights are a unique new dual purpose outdoor light by designer and BALI Affiliate member Joanna Wallis. These convincing ‘stone’ balls can be used in series to line paths, steps and driveways or to enhance and illuminate gateposts, walls and balustrades. With their unique rough surface and carefully blended colour finishes to match natural stone products, they are virtually indistinguishable from stone with no ugly light fittings to shatter the illusion. The lights are 28cm diameter and supplied in both 12V and 230V. WWW.STONEGLOBELIGHTS.CO.UK In gardens where mains electricity is not readily available, solar powered lighting is the answer.

Smart Solar’s Glass Candle Stake Light is a delightful crackle glass lantern stake with an amber candle. Standing 61cm tall, this sophisticated stake light can be placed in flower borders and looks as attractive by day as by night.

The Glass Candle Stake Light has a slim black stake with two small subtle integral solar panels that power the amber coloured LED in the candle, creating a real statement in any garden.

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Lighting for Gardens has expanded its Modula range of recessed garden uplights with a new dark green option.

Modula is a flexible range of 12V and 240V recessed lights, now available with round dark green top for use in lawns.

Modula’s lampholder bracket is adjustable up to 20 degrees from vertical for directional lighting with 12V MR16 or 240V GU10 halogen or LED lamps. MR16 clip-on lenses are optional to create alternate lighting effects, including glare control, spread beam or coloured lighting.

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Equipment

EQUIPMENT NEWS Kubota launch updated and improved F90 Out-Front Range

Tractor and groundcare specialist, Kubota, has increased its popular out-front range of mowers with the launch of its updated F90 fleet, improving its existing models with enhanced cutting and discharge performance.

The revamped F3090 and F3890 deliver professional performance with Kubota’s 30.6HP and 37.3HP diesel-powered engines, fabricated durable mower deck, easier maintenance and superior operator comfort; as well as increased levels of productivity and reliability. Bolstering the existing range, Kubota has also added the F2890E 2WD model to its fleet, designed for operators with less challenging demands.

The improved F90 range

Welcome to the equipment pages of Pro Landscaper, where we will be looking at new products and developments in the market. If you have any stories, please email them to joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com or tweet me @ProLanKit

comes with rear and side discharge mower decks, available in 60in or 72in fittings, with both decks raising a full 90 degrees, providing unobstructed access to the blades and deck underside for simpler cleaning and maintenance.

The front discharge deck also features front lift arms that attach directly over the centre of gravity for greater user control.

The F90’s enhanced sidedischarge professional mower deck copes better with longer grass blades too; its 5.5in deep deck design helps the sward to stand tall, allowing for a more efficient, accurate cut and cleaner appearance. www.kubota.co.uk

New Holland multi-tasks role for the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s garden team – which is behind five of the world’s most photographed gardens in the world – has taken on a compact tractor to help tend the gardens based at five Shakespeare family homes in and around Stratford-upon-Avon.

Since the introduction of a New Holland TZ24 compact tractor, time for staff at the charity, which cares for the world’s greatest Shakespeare heritage sites in Stratford, has been freed up to tend to other tasks, results are better and fuel use is more www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Equipment.indd 61

efficient. The versatile and highly dependable machine was delivered in a deal with the Warwickshire-based Compact Tractor Centre. It came complete with a mid-mounted mower and Lewis trailer.

Nick Jackson manages the five gardens. He explained his preference for New Holland: “The reasons we chose New Holland were the adaptability of the unit to do multi-tasks, and ease of use for the operatives, and low running costs plus the convenient location of the dealership for parts and

after-sales service.

“In the way of performance the machine has also demonstrated reliability and adaptability when working on our grounds department.” www.agriculture.newholland.com

Limited period 0% offer from Polaris

Polaris is offering a limited period zero per cent finance offer on all new Polaris utility ATVs and UTVs.The world leader and European No.1 in ATV and side by side utility vehicles, Polaris has the widest choice of proven all-terrain options and accessories. Business users can arrange interest-free finance on all new Polaris ATVs and Rangers through finance partners Rural Finance.

The scheme offers payments over 24 months at zero per cent up to a maximum 80 per cent of the recommended retail price and can include up to £1,000.00 of accessories, excluding VAT, on genuine accessories. Polaris recommends contacting your nearest dealer as soon as possible for full details and any special deals available.

The Ranger side by side utility vehicles with the midsize, full-size and CREW offer versatility and muscle, in petrol, diesel, electric 4x4 and Brutus versions with PTO.The legendary Sportsman quads promise the hardest working, smoothest riding, most powerful and rugged ATVs for all types of work, with Value, Premium and 2-up models available. A Pro-Steel™ Cab for the Ranger, Polaris Winch and Lock and Ride accessories complement the hallmark Polaris features of on-demand true all-wheel drive and smooth ride. www.polaris-britain.com February 2014

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Equipment

Chainsaw features explained

There are many features of a chainsaw, and all are designed with the safety of the user at the forefront of the mind. They may look menacing, mainly due to horror films using them as a weapon, but they have certainly evolved with the times to make them as safe as possible.

Chain brake Also known as the front handguard, the chain brake is designed to minimise the risk of injury from kickback: if the blade is thrown upwards and backwards towards the user, their left hand will touch the chain-brake lever, which activates this brake.

Trigger switch and lock-off button You will find the trigger switch and lock-off button on corded electric chainsaws.They work in exactly the same way as the throttle trigger and throttle lock-off switches on petrol machines.

Chainsaw chain Most of the chainsaws you find today will have anti-kickback or low-kickback chains. Low/anti-kickback chain does not eliminate kickback, but it decreases the likelihood and/or intensity.

Guide bar This is the long metal bar the chain runs around at high speed.These range in length depending on the size of wood you need to cut.The longer the guide bar, the thicker diameter of log the chainsaw can cope with, but the more difficult it becomes to manoeuvre.

Cutting teeth

Chain catcher

Throttle trigger and throttle lock-off Petrol chainsaws have at least two switches that have to be engaged for the chain to spin.This is to prevent the chainsaw starting unintentionally.

Both are located on the rear handle: the throttle lock is usually operated by the palm of the hand gripping the handle and the throttle trigger is pressed with the index finger.

If a chainsaw has a chain catcher, you will find it on the base of the machine, below the guide bar. It is designed to block the chain if it slips off the guide bar, preventing it spinning off and hitting your legs.

If your chainsaw is not cutting easily and you have to push, or if it’s cutting a crooked line, your chainsaw teeth could be blunt. A blunt chainsaw can be dangerous – inspect and sharpen teeth regularly.

Chain tensioning device

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

During use, a chainsaw chain loses some of its tension and will need tightening.The tension of the chain should be checked every time you use the chainsaw; if the chain’s too slack it could come off during use.The chain tensioning device will either be a thumbwheel lever you can grip and turn or a screw that you tighten with a screwdriver.

Replacing the chain

Petrol chainsaws vibration minimisers

Check the user manual carefully. ● Make sure you buy a chain with the correct pitch, gauge and number of drive chains as fitting the wrong chain can be dangerous. ● If in doubt, get a professional, or your local chainsaw dealer to supply and fit it for you.

Power from the engine and tension from cutting causes vibrations that can be transferred to arms and shoulders, which can become painful after a while. Some chainsaws come with anti-vibration features to reduce this.These are called vibration dampeners or anti-vibration mounts.

●

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February 2014

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For information on the correct legislation for using chainsaws, visit www.hse.gov.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/01/2014 10:43

The professional’s choice

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Equipment

CHAINSAWS Innovation and reliability are proven key factors In Husqvarna’s chainsaw success and the wide range available means whether you’re a professional logger, demanding landowner or a pro aspiring consumer there is a chainsaw to suit you. The 550XP and 560XP professional chainsaws are optimised for

precision cutting and make limbing and felling tasks smoother than ever. Revolutionary ergonomics and manoeuvrability mean these saws boast an excellent power-toweight ratio with a compact and light-weight design, featuring rapid acceleration and high chain speed.

WWW.HUSQVARNA.COM

Following the UK launch of the Hyundai range of chainsaws at SALTEX 2013, Hyundai have seen strong sales in this competitive market. Although new to the UK these chainsaws have been sold worldwide for over six years. The range is fitted as standard with a long-lasting Oregon Bar and Chain producing safe and smooth cutting in a range of woods.

Hyundai also specify the worldrenowned Walbro carb ensuring reliable starting whether the engine is hot or cold. With three models to choose from the 38cc 16in blade to the 56cc 20in blade Hyundai have a product to suit most requirements.

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Tree pruning requires specialist knowledge and appropriate equipment. Pellenc offers arborists a model which meets their needs in terms of lightness, balance, ease of use and power. Weighing only 2kgs, the Selion C20 is the lightest hand-held chainsaw in the world.

With an unrivalled power/weight ratio and a standard assembly of

Oregon ¼” chain, the C20 cuts cleanly and with precision. For your safety, an electronic safety sensor instantaneously actuates the electric chain brake in case of falling or kickback. Compared to petrol chainsaws, you save almost 30% oil and extend the lifetime of the chain.

WWW.ETESIA.CO.UK

The latest addition to the Makita professional chainsaw line, the EA6100P45D, is a 61cc machine developing 4.5hp and running up to 13,800rpm with a 45cm chain bar. The 61cc two-stroke engine

STIHL is renowned for its innovative power tools and advanced technologies that bring benefits to users and their environment too.

The STIHL M-Tronic engine management system is another classic example: its self-tuning technology ensures optimum engine performance day in, day out and makes M-Tronic power tools

very easy and efficient to use.

Launched on the hard-working MS 441 C-M chainsaw in 2010 and subsequently on the MS 241 C-M, the M-Tronic system heralded yet another significant stride in two-stroke engine technology, and its benefits will soon be available on even more STIHL chainsaws. What makes the M-Tronic model truly special is that all its advantages come with not a gram of extra weight. This easy-to-use chainsaw remains at just 5.2kg – exactly the same as the standard model MS 261, and vibration is un-changed at a low 3.5m/s2.

WWW.STIHL.CO.UK

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develops 4.5hp with a power rating of 3.4Kw. This new compact, slim-line engine installation reduces the overall width of the machine making it even more manoeuvrable in operation, improving both comfort and safety. This engine features the Makita-designed SAS, Stratified Air Scavenging, system which ensures that any excess fuel mixture is recovered from the exhaust and re-burnt for power and the cleanest possible emissions. The EA6100P45D weighs just 6.0kg. Makita chainsaws are the exclusive choice of the British military.

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February 2014

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Equipment

LATEST KIT

Turf Teq’s Surface Preparation rake with its 915mm working width, is the quick way to prepare soil for turf, grass seed or wildflowers. It’s quicker than a rotavator, working stones into windrows for easy collection.

Produces a fine tilth and because it tills only the top few millimetres of soil, you don’t have to re-consolidate the ground. The soil is immediately ready for use and will not slump when the first fall of rain comes along. The rake can be used for breaking up, levelling self-binding gravel and similar surfaces.

WWW.GROUNDSCARE-PRODUCTS.CO.UK

McConnel has launched ROBOPOWER, a nextgeneration unmanned remote control tractor. Driven by a high-performance 140hp Deutz turbo diesel engine, ROBOPOWER features three-point linkage (CAT II) and PTO at the front and rear, and is compatible with all suitable agricultural and industrial attachments. ROBOPOWER works at speeds of up to 10 km/h; is powerful enough to drive two attachments simultaneously; and is agile enough to tackle slopes of up to 55 degrees thanks to a unique low centre of gravity design

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March will see the UK launch of the brand new TurfMaster™ professional pedestrian mower from Toro. The 76cm wide deck combined with the unique twin-blade cutting system on the TurfMaster™ offers professionals savings of up to 40 per cent on mowing time. Increased productivity

and excellent manoeuvrability, combined with the versatility of collection, recycling or side discharge options, make this machine perfect for busy contractors working large grass areas. Excellent quality of cut is assured, whether you cut-and-collect in the TurfMaster’s large 88 litre

The CAMON Lawn Scarifier range comprises three machines, the CAMON LS42 Lawn Scarifier with free swinging blades, the CAMON LS42R Lawn Rake with springs, and the LS42F CAMON Verticutter with fixed blades. The reels for the three machines are also sold separately and can be

and piston-driven high-grip 400mm tracks. Proven remote control technology ensures an effecting working range of up to 150m – enhancing safety by removing the operator from the danger zone and opening up previously hazardous, hard-to reach and restricted access areas.

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grassbag, or utilise the Toro recycling system.

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interchanged between each different machine, offering a truly flexible and versatile scarifier. CAMON scarifiers are designed to ensure that they can stand up to the heaviest of workloads as they understand that reliability is as important as performance.

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Kanga Loader’s new 900mm, hydraulically driven, heavy duty rotary mower has been developed to fit the very popular Kanga 2 Series Loaders, with a cutting width of 800mm, and a total width of only 900mm, it makes accessing those tighter spots much easier for all concerned. The introduction of this smaller unit follows the very successful launch of the heavy duty mower to fit all the 5,6,7 and 8 series machines at SALTEX show last year, where interest and indeed orders,

exceeded all expectations. It’s a narrower unit, using the same gauge steel and metal work as the bigger version, with the same quality, that will make a superb job of cutting down very tough grass and smaller whips too.

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February 2014

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Latest Kit Equipment

LATEST KIT Briggs & Stratton portable generators, renowned for their high quality and consistent performance are a potential alternative for some industrial applications. They are now, for the first time, available nationally from Henton & Chattell’s 1500+ network of UK dealers at competitive prices. All Briggs & Stratton generators feature a large fuel tank and an extra-large muffler to minimise noise pollution whilst maximising functionality. The user-friendly generators benefit from effortless starting and have easy to access sockets with an extended runtime, which saves refilling time and increases efficiency.

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Good aeration is vital for the health of any lawn and it has never been easier to achieve than with the CAMON LA20 Aerator. Built to the highest standards in the UK, the CAMON LA20 Lawn Aerator is incredibly reliable, durable

and most importantly it provides fantastic performance.

In terms of features, the “off-set”

The patented ‘Sure Drive’ four-wheel system of the innovative Multihog, with two stage differential lock, allows for all terrain accessibility to work on steep gradients with guaranteed stability and enhanced manoeuvrability in all conditions as a result of the compact and

articulated design and low centre of gravity. Attachments are front mounted for greater precision, performance and safety; from hedge cutting to flail, rotary and cylinder mowing in addition to tree stump grinding or wood chipping as well as winter maintenance and other operations

John Deere’s updated 2R Series small-chassis compact tractors

from 25 to 32hp feature a new reverse implement option. This is an extra standard feature that allows the operator to mow safely when reversing. These 4WD tractors are powered by Stage 3a Yanmar three-cylinder diesel

Simon Richard Ltd has introduced the MU-FM Hydro flail in collaboration with Ransomes Jacobsen. He said “Ransomes’ HR300 is the ideal tractor for the MU-FM Hydro out front flail, featuring high rotor speed and Muthing’s “C” type self-cleaning blades, together with

proven “Shark Fin” shredding bar technology for optimum cut quality, in wet conditions, rough bramble areas or on fine turf.

Available in

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engines, producing lower emissions while providing more power, increased torque and lower fuel consumption. Features include a two-range, two-pedal hydrostatic transmission, power steering, cruise control on the two

crank operating system allows the power of the engine to punch the tines into the ground resulting in perfect aeration, and is supplied with both hollow corer tines and solid spikes as standard.

WWW.TRACMASTER.CO.UK

such as flood water pumping or drain jetting.

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larger models and an optional deluxe quiet cab, plus a choice of AutoConnect mid-mounted rotary mower decks and optional front hitch and PTO. Maximum rear lift capacity is 650kg.

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140cm and 160cm widths, the MU-FM’s easy to use height adjustment allows perfect contour following and even cut for a fine, pleasing visual finish. Cut shredded material is left evenly distributed behind the mower.

WWW.SIMON-RICHARD.CO.UK

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/01/2014 10:58

Equipment

Trading with...

Countax David Sturges, Managing Director of Countax Limited talks British manufacturing and Countax’s plans for the future Give us a brief outline of your role.

As MD of Countax, I’m responsible for the day-today operations of both the manufacturing and distribution side of the business. I’m also Managing Director for Ariens International – a division of Ariens Company responsible for international sales of the Ariens lawn and garden, Ariens snow and Gravely commercial brands.

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

We predominately distribute through our nationwide network of garden machinery dealers.

We believe the customer experience extends past the initial purchase of the product. It is the overall product advice, after sales and servicing which really makes the difference. We are lucky that in the UK, we have so many excellent dealers.

Are your products made in Britain?

We are very proud that all our Countax David Sturges, and Westwood garden tractors are Managing Director designed and built in the UK. We don’t just assemble products either; most components found on our tractors are fabricated at our Great Haseley factory.There are very few UK manufacturers left in What is the ethos of the company? this industry which is such a shame.

Like our parent company, Countax shares the vision statement ‘Passionate People... Astounded Customers’. We have a unique company culture How will you remain competitive for at Countax which breeds creativity and a belief next year? in a continuous improvement mentality.

In 2010, Countax began the process of moving to lean manufacturing. Within six months, we had significantly increased the productivity of the What is the structure of the company? plant and substantially improved the quality of our Countax is the UK division of Ariens Company, products. Four years into the ‘lean journey’ we US manufacturer of snow throwers, lawn and garden products and commercial zero-turns.The continue to see significant improvements every day.

Countax business is split into two sides. At our Great Haseley factory we manufacture Countax Why do contractors choose your brand and Westwood garden tractors and accessories. over competitors?

Just five miles from the factory is our distribution I believe the financial crisis of 2008 has led centre in Thame where we distribute ECHO commercial operators to reassess their product and Shindaiwa power equipment as well as requirements.They are focused on highECHO Bear Cat chippers, Ariens and Stens performance, highly-durable products which are replacement parts. In total we manage a comfortable to use over longer operating times. portfolio of eight brands.

Downtime is lost money for contractors and

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ECHO has gained a reputation as being a brand that outperforms much of the competition for performance and durability.

Much of our success comes from wordof-mouth on forums and from operator recommendations.

What are the next steps for your company?

As we strive to ‘astound our customers’, Countax will continue to invest in product development and aftersales support. We believe we have the best products available in this market and we want to ensure that the whole customer experience matches the quality of the machinery we sell. 2014 will also see us expanding our dealer network, especially for the ECHO brand.

Are you introducing any new products in the next few months?

February sees the launch of the new Countax C Series as well as the Westwood T Series garden tractors.These products are ‘ground-up’ new designs but share the same functionality as our existing products. Listening to our customers, we have designed these products to be tougher and harder-wearing, adding features such as a reinforced cutter deck, cast-iron front axle and tie-down points.

Countax Limited Countax House, Great Haseley Oxfordshire OX44 7PF Tel: 0800 597 7777 Email: support@countax.com Web: www.countax.co.uk

February 2014

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FINDWILLOW

Contact Alyson info@onsitetraininguk.co.uk

01604 642 555

www.onsitetraininguk.co.uk

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Established since 1989

© Jennifer Gayler Garden Design. Photographer Amanda D’Arcy

HORTICULTURE TRAINING WHEN, WHERE AND HOW YOU WANT IT

Fine quality landscape & building

Award winning landscape construction throughout the South of England

21/01/2014 09:02

It thinks like you do

In whatever trade, tendering accurately for contracts has always been a difficult job...

LiberRATE is the Estimating System of Choice for the UK landscape industry. It is no wonder that most of the award winning contractors use LiberRATE to secure and manage their Landscape and Garden contracts.

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w w w. f i n d w i l l o w. c o . u k Walnut Hill Nurseries • Walnut Hill Road Gravesend • Kent DA13 9HL Tel: 01474 708 106 Email: office@findwillow.co.uk

18/03/2013 11:42February 14.indd 2 Findwillow

06/01/2014 16:22

21/01/2014 09:47

Site Visit

Namgrass

Factory The Namgrass factory occupies eight acres in all and boasts the largest ‘latex’ oven in Europe.

With the latex backing of any artificial grass product being one of the most crucial factors in its integrity, this ensures that all Namgrass products are more than fit for purpose. When materials arrive at the factory they pass through numerous processes until being set on what can only be described as a large-scale sewing machine – known as the tufting process.There are dozens of machines allowing the factory to produce numerous products at once on a mass scale.The ‘tufted’ grass ribbons then pass through the 80m long oven, which performs the delicate process of applying the latex backing.The benefits of having such a long oven allow the grass and latex to bond at precisely the correct temperature and time.

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Namgrass site visit.indd 71

Gold label – two high end, revolutionary products.

Green Collection – eight different products to suit every requirement, including a new ‘multi shaped’ yarn product.

Blue line products – installers can use as own label product so can price as they wish.

Global Development Namgrass are a fast growing global brand, with extensive experience, knowledge and facilities behind them. Namgrass UK Managing Director Rob Redcliffe explains “We have been working very closely with the factory in Belgium over the last 18 months to ensure we continue to offer the very best products on the market in 2014, we are particularly excited about our new ‘multi shaped’ yarn products, as there is nothing else like them on the market in terms of look and feel, but also resilience – gone are days of coarse, abrasive landscape products”. Business development manager Peter Van Praet adds “With these new product portfolios we’re able to cover and supply each target segment in the artificial grass market supported by a 360° marketing strategy – something unseen in this industry”.

The new products are now in stock and by the beginning of March a ‘white label’ range, with which landscapers can brand themselves should they wish to do so will be available.

It’s clearly been a busy few years for Namgrass UK, they completed construction of their new 18,000² ft distribution centre last May (pictured), and have invested heavily in two ‘state-of the-art’ rolling, measuring, cutting and packing machines which ensures that all products can be cut to length and sent out in ‘kit form’ next day if needed.There is also a new pricing structure in place, which enables products to be purchased in ‘whole roll’ form with a further discount.

NAMGRASS CAN OFFER INSTALLERS ● Installation training ● Experience and knowledge

of artificial grass ● No franchise system ● Transparency ● Unrivalled product range ● Professional structure

To find out about becoming a trade customer, or for our latest samples and pricing Namgrass UK Redcliffe, Bashley Road, New Milton, Hampshire BH25 5RY Tel: 01425 627 832 Email: info@namgrass.co.uk Web: www.namgrass.co.uk Twitter: @Namgrass Facebook: facebook.com/namgrass

USINES SM SS B RA Research Innovation & Development Manufacturing Distribution

EL OD

R&D In terms of product research and development, Namgrass are relentless in perusing not only new, fresh looking products boasting the latest fibre technology, but also new manufacturing techniques.This intensive R&D is now reaping its rewards – for 2014 five new landscape products are launching, two of which are like nothing else available on the market.Their product ranges have been divided up into ‘portfolios’ which cover every aspect of artificial grass, so whether it’s a high end, ‘revolutionary’ product you or your client is looking for, or a low cost, high quality product for a lawn or play area, through to multi sports, golf and expositions, Namgrass will stock the product, and promise unrivalled

service and quality no matter which price point or product is chosen.

PRODUCT LINES FOR 2014

NAM G

Trading with...

All under one roof

February 2014

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MOUNTAINS OF LEAVES? NO PROBLEM THE SCH LEAF SUCTION UNIT, PSU

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Building Stone & Flint

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www.deepdale-trees.co.uk 21/01/2014 09:14

23/01/2014 16:33

Jobs GARDEN DESIGN CONTRACTS MANAGER FROSTS LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION Location: Woburn Sands, HP

For full details on all jobs, please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

A full time opportunity has arisen for a Contracts Manager to join the Frosts Landscape Construction Garden Design team in Woburn Sands (Milton Keynes). Reporting to the Garden Design and Construction Manager, the Contracts Manager will be responsible for: managing day to day contract activities; programming and delivering scheduled work, managing site teams, identifying and pricing additional works; managing costs within budget.

Extensive experience in the landscape construction industry is essential.

Call 01903 777 570 or email hortijobs@eljays44.com with your vacancy.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

LANDSCAPER

HARD LANDSCAPE FOREMAN

LANDSTRUCTION Location: Chester, CW

ANDERSPLUS Location: London

Landstruction are looking to recruit an individual with a real passion for landscaping to join the dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have experience in: establishing site levels/layout (using lazer levels); construction of detailed paving; construction of brick and blockwork; installation of hardwood decking; installation of bespoke fencing; soft landscaping; working on construction sites (CSCS card preferable). All work is carried out to the highest standards, so a keen eye for detail is essential.

Our client has run his own landscape design and build company for over 10 years and operates in the high end domestic end of the market. We are looking for a Hard Landscape Foreman to oversee a team of three.You will be responsible for overseeing projects to completion, ensuring they are completed to deadline and to standard. Please let us know if you have a portfolio.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

GROWER MANAGER

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER

MORE PEOPLE Location: SW England

NAMGRASS Location: New Milton, BH

Based in the South West of England, our client is looking for an experienced Grower Manager for a thriving, modern, family-run produce business supplying supermarket customers. With a number of years relevant experience in horticulture or produce you will be ready for the next level of management. With the required technical skills, alongside proven man management, you will be able to make a difference alongside and through a long established group of staff.

Namgrass are looking for a Nation Sales Manager to sell artificial grass as required in line with being the main revenue generator in the UK artificial grass market, and to meet or exceed sales targets and call / meeting KPIs.You will be need to be fully conversant with the products you sell, the customer, the market and any other factors that are material to sales success. Our client would like someone who is self-starting and assertive with an outgoing, positive disposition and highly self-motivated and ambitious. They would like an entrepreneurial person who is articulate, resilient, goal driven.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

SALES EXECUTIVE

LANDSCAPER

London Stone are looking for an experienced sales executive to join our team and help to sell our market leading range of natural stone products. Candidates must have construction based sales experience. Experience of natural stone and hard landscaping would also be advantageous. Our client is looking for a confident individual with excellent communicational and analytical skills. Attention to detail and a willingness to understand the importance of following internal processes is essential.

Our client is looking for an experienced landscaper to join their award winning, family run business.You would be trained to eventually run a small landscape team.You would be taking on roles such as: paving, bricklaying, planting and turfing. They mainly work with designers on hi-spec projects where attention to detail is essential. A full, clean driving licence is required.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

INSTRUCTOR / ASSESSOR IN HORTICULTURE

UK SALES MANAGER

LONDON STONE Location: Langley, GU

(INCLUDING LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION, SPORT TURF AND WORK BASED LEARNING) GUILDFORD COLLEGE Location: Surrey

Our client is looking for a new Instructor/Assessor in Horticulture on a full time basis.This is a very exciting role to be based at their Merrist Wood Campus but with regular travel to learner appointments.You will be a member of a team who is responsible for the delivery of quality training and assessment for a number of qualifications, including apprenticeship frameworks and professional short courses, associated with horticulture, landscape construction and sport turf.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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HOLLAND LANDSCAPES Location: Colchester, CB

HAYGROVE Location: Ledbury, HR

Haygrove employs over 200 people throughout Europe, South Africa, Australia and North America. With their head office based in the UK, they are the world leader in the design and manufacture of field scale Tunnel Greenhouses. In 2013, they’ve built Haygrove Tunnels in 50 countries and are now looking to appoint a UK Sales Manager, to join an existing team. Excellent salary, plus profit related pay, company pension, company car and private health provision, laptop, iPhone and tablet.

For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

February 2014

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22/01/2014 10:47

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ALL MATERIALS The New Prof 5 Shredder • • • •

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ALL YEAR QUALITY GRASS SEED THAT PERFORMS.

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The Green Velvet Lawn Seed range from Barenbrug has been specially designed for landscapers looking to achieve the best possible results on lawns.

A quality simple range at sensible prices.

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Wholesale Herbaceous Growers We have grown and supplied herbaceous plants to the landscape trade for the past 93 years!

Habitat Aid is a one stop shop for top quality native wildflowers, trees, hedging and pond plants, as well as local heritage fruit trees. Sourced from a network of small British growers. UK provenance guaranteed, local provenance often available.

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For all your golf, sportsturf and landscape irrigation needs.

www.oxfordplanters.co.uk Buy online at www.lws.uk.com

Providers of English Handcrafted Planters and Outdoor Furniture in Oak, Iroko or Accoya.

Other services include a bespoke joinery service for all interior & exterior design.

For more information email info@oxfordplanters.co.uk or call 01608 683022 For all horticultural and Garden design enquiries please contact Martin on 07765 188725 or email info@martincadams.co.uk

Tel 0345 230 9697 • www.lws.uk.com All products manufactured in the Cotswolds using sustainable timber.

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Do you have a tractor / teleporter? We need you to clear on products including: 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. Sleepers Railway

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Compact Tractors John Deere 6430 Premium specification, 125hp - 1155hrs John Deere 4520 (Ex Demo) 61hp, cab, turf tyres – low hours John Deere 4720, 66hp, cab, turf tyres – 286hrs John Deere 3720 (Ex Demo) 45hp, cab, turf tyres – low hour John Deere 3036E c/w front loader, 36hp, roll bar – low hours John Deere 2720 (Ex Demo) 31hp, roll bar, turf tyres – low hours John Deere 1026R c/w: deck (Ex Demo) 26hp, roll bar – low hours John Deere 3036E, 36hp, roll bar, turf tyres – low hours John Deere X748 c/w: 48” RD deck, roll bar, turf tyres - 249hrs John Deere 3320, 33hp, roll bar, turf tyres – 1230hrs John Deere 4115, 24hp, roll bar, turf tyres – 1976hrs Kioti DK551C, 54hp, cab, turf tyres – 612hrs Kubota L3830D, 38hp, gearbox, roll bar, turf tyres – 319hrs Kubota ST30, 30hp, roll bar, turf tyres – 3601hrs Massey Ferguson 1528 c/w front brush, 28hp – 430hrs New Holland T6010 Plus, 100hp c/w: euro hitch brackets, cab New Holland T5060, 105hp, full cab, turf tyres – 1208hrs New Holland TN55D, 55hp, cab, turf tyres – 1751hrs Yanmar FE280H, 28hp, roll bar, turf tyres – 234hrs

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Utility Vehicles John Deere XUV855D (Ex Demo) c/w: glass canopy, Homologated – low hours John Deere TH6X4 Diesel, 24hp, powerlift tip kit – 83hrs John Deere XUV550 Gator (Ex Demo) – Low hours John Deere HPX 4X4 Gator, 21hp, glass canopy John Deere 6X4 Diesel Gator, tipping kit, bedliner – 898 hrs John Deere TE4X2 Gator, electric, 2WD, manual tip kit – 921hrs

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Chippers Greenmech Quadtrak 160 - 6” tracked chipper – 161hrs Greenmech Quadchip 160 – 6” road towed chipper – low hours Greenmech 19-28 Safe Trak – 7.5” tracked chipper – 1919hrs Greenmech Arborist 15-23 – 6” road towed chipper – 160hrs Timberwolf TW150DHB – 6” road towed chipper – 222hrs Timberwolf TW75-230 – 9” road towed chipper – 690hrs Greenmech 15-23 – 6” road towed chipper – 1344hrs

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Winter Maintenance Management Vale TS500 road towed salt spreader Howard Marshall 72” snow blade – excellent condition John Deere 54” quick hitch snow blade, hydraulic angling

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