Pro Landscaper February 2015

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February is the last month of winter, and at the time of writing it has been mild over most of the UK, although January did see snowfall in some areas.

Signs are that work is still plentiful for most, and 2015 is set to continue to see a rise in work levels within the landscape industry. We are hearing of some great contracts being won and started which all points to the research being correct.

This month sees 15 of the leading associations in horticulture and water supply working together to launch an innovative online course, leading to the new Certificate in Water Conservation, which will help industry professionals demonstrate high standards of sustainable, environmentally sensitive and cost-effective use of water in gardens, parks, sports grounds and all areas of amenity horticulture.

Available now via www.htalearning.org.uk, the course costs just £10 plus VAT. This is another fine example of how the landscaping industry can work together to benefit all – a great start to the year

Eljays44 Ltd 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA Tel: 01903 777 570 EDITORIAL editor@pro-landscaper.co.uk Editor – Lisa Wilkinson lisa.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 579 Editorial Assistant – Iszara Morgan iszara.morgan@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570

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Horticulture Careers – Jorjia Nye jorjia.nye@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 587

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Leader February TW.indd 3

Managing Director – Jim Wilkinson jim.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 589 MARKETING AND CIRCULATION Tel: 01903 777 571 Subscription enquiries jessica.garrard@eljays44.com

and something that should be seen as a giant leap forward for the industry as a whole.

We attended the BALI South Thames AGM in January. Paul Downer presented the facts and figures from 2014 and we wish him every success in his new role as vice chairman of the association.

The Perennial Party last month was a huge success and a fabulous networking event, read all about it on page nine.

We interviewed Ken White from Frosts Landscape Construction for this issue. Find out about his career, views on the industry and his charity work on pages 35-38. This, along with all our regular features, product pages and people section make this a must read issue.

We hope you enjoy it.

@jimeljays

Design – Kara Thomas Amy Downes Alan Wares

@lisaeljays

Pro Landscaper is proud to be an affiliate member of BALI

Printed by Pensord Press Ltd, Gwent, UK Published by ©Eljays44 Ltd – Connecting Horticulture Pro Landscaper’s content is available for licensing overseas. Contact jamie.wilkinson@ eljays44.com

The Association of

Professional Landscapers

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

Pro Landscaper is published 12 times per year by Eljays44 Ltd. The 2015 subscription price is £95.00.

Subscription records are maintained at Eljays44 Ltd, 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA, 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.

Whilst every effort has been made to maintain the integrity of our advertisers, we accept no responsibility for any problem, complaints, or subsequent litigation arising from readers’ responses to advertisements in the magazine. We also wish to emphasise that views expressed by editorial contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Reproduction of any part of this magazine is strictly forbidden.

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

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CONTENTS

February 2015 6 News Shed Round up of industry news over the last month

9 News Extra Out and about at the Perennial party

10 Streetscape

10

We catch up with Jay Osman to find out about social enterprise Streetscape

12 Emails To The Editor 15 Association News BALI updates us on events and news; efig talks about its current campaign and awards; a new book launch from the SGD; the annual RHS Awards Ceremony; networking events and APL Awards news OPINION

19 View From The Top How to ensure the contract transfer process is stress free. Phil Jones advises on setting a good example

20 David Dodd David Dodd believes the skills shortage will only be tackled if we remunerate accordingly

23 State Of Play Landscape Architect Adam White compares play space design 10 years ago with today’s more natural approach

24 Waste Not Want Not Why not consider using green waste to make your own compost, suggests Angus Lindsay

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February 2015

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SELL THE STORY How to increase sales in your business

KEN WHITE FROSTS LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION

VECTORWORKS

27 The Doctor Is In

TIPS & TRICKS

It continually amazes Andrew Wilson that professional advice is often overlooked

29 World Skills

LET’S HEAR IT FROM

STREETSCAPE

GROWING LIVES

LIVINGWALLS & GREEN ROOFS

It can be an exciting experience entering into a competitive arena, says Jody Lidgard

PARTY FOR PERENNIAL

30 Listen Up... It’s Story Time Steve Clarke explains the value of storytelling

31 How To Survive & Even Thrive As A Garden Designer

Janine Pattison discusses the issues that can arise when designers work with landscape contractors 4

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35

TECHNICAL

32 Hints And Tips For

Vectorworks Users

CHARLOTTE ROWE

THE NEW MODERN BUSINESS TIPS

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This month Tamsin Slatter and her team offer advice on how to translate files INTERVIEW

35 Let’s Hear It From Managing Director of Frosts Landscape Construction Ken White tells us about his journey into the industry www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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CONTENTS

CONTRIBUTORS

NURSERY

Phil Jones MD of ISS Facility Services Landscaping

53 Nursery News News and information from around the country including nursery notes from Readyhedge

David Dodd Landscaper and lecturer

57 Plantsman’s Plot A selection of plants and trees available from nurseries across the UK PRODUCTS

61 Living Walls 62 Green Roofs 65 Why Worry

About Water?

62

A Turfgrass Growers Association update

Adam White Landscape architect

Angus Lindsay Head of Fleet at The Landscape Group Andrew Wilson Garden designer and lecturer

66 Turf Jody Lidgard WorldSkills technical lead and landscaper Steve Clarke Sales mentor

EQUIPMENT

Janine Pattison Garden designer

69 Equipment News 72 Battery Powered Kit

Tamsin Slatter Director of Vectorworks Training

74 Mowers

48

75 General Latest Kit 76 Ecobuild 2015 A preview of the exhibitors you will see at Ecobuild 2015

ARE YOU GOING?

PEOPLE PORTFOLIO

78 Lifestyle We meet garden designer Adam Frost

41 On Reflection

20-21 RHS London, Plant & Potato Fair, RHS Horticultural Hall www.rhs.org.uk

Water Gems transforms an overgrown townhouse garden into a modern, easy to manage space

44 The New Modern

78

Charlotte Rowe Garden Design creates a stylish, contemporary garden

48 On The Level The complete restoration of a rundown park in Brighton by Gavin Jones Ltd

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FEBRUARY 11-12 Executive Hire Show Ricoh Arena, Coventry www.executivehireshow.com

80 What’s Your Role Adam Ralph from Greenspace Solutions

MARCH 3-5 Ecobuild 2015, Excel www.ecobuild.co.uk 13 APL Awards The Brewery, London www.aplawards.co.uk

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NEWS

NEWS SHED New chairman announced for leading contractor group BALI-NCF, a collaboration between the British Association of Landscape Industries and the National Contractors’ Forum, has announced that Phil Jones, managing director of ISS Facility Services Landscaping, has been elected as the forum’s chairman. He will assume the role with immediate effect. Established in 2012 following talks between BALI and NCF members, the forum represents mainly larger grounds maintenance contractors with regional or national coverage.

Commenting on his appointment, Phil Jones said: “I am delighted to be elected as chairman of the National Contractors’ Forum by its membership. The original idea of the forum was to bring coordination of and representation for the large grounds maintenance

LDA Design shortlisted for UCL Olympic Park campus LDA Design has been shortlisted to provide the masterplan for a new 125,000m² campus for University College London (UCL) on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, in London.

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Aralia-designed garden featured in ITV’s ‘Britain’s Best Back Gardens’ Hertfordshire landscape designers Aralia were delighted to have one of their gardens featured in the final episode of ITV’s ‘Britain’s Best Back Gardens’ in January. The show focused on the top ten gardens, selected by Alan Titchmarsh, best described as ‘flights of fancy’.

The small urban garden in Chelmsford, Essex, is owned by Paul Edwards who approached Aralia after being inspired by gardening programmes. The design uses sinuous curves to draw the eye away from the boxy lines of the house and boundaries and includes bespoke features including green walls, sculpture, stone benches, lighting and pergolas.

Designer Patricia Fox was thrilled that it had been chosen but thought Alan should have

contractors, who, prior to the creation of the NCF did not have a clear voice in the industry. I believe there is even more of a need for such a platform given the current challenges facing our customers, particularly in the public sector. I look forward to serving as chairman and representing this particular sector of our industry.” BALI’s chief operations officer Wayne Grills said: “Between them BALI-NCF members contribute some £2bn to the country’s GDP and are a powerful lobbying group. It is vital that BALI-NCF has a chairman who is known across the industry and who will represent the interests of the forum’s members and the wider grounds maintenance sector.

I am confident that Phil is the right person for the role.” www.bali.org.uk

Glendale promotion boosts arboriculture team Glendale has strengthened its senior management team with the promotion of James Thomson who has become the new director of utility arboriculture. James will take on the new role with immediate effect and will oversee the

company’s utility arboriculture work in the south west and Midlands regions. Andy Corcoran, managing director at Glendale, said: “James’ promotion meets our strategic aim to advance our existing staff and reaffirms Glendale’s intention to provide ongoing training and development to ensure our staff are the first choice when promotion opportunities arise.” Glendale’s arboriculture teams across the UK provide 24 hour emergency tree services, 365 days a year. www.glendale-services.co.uk

‘UCL East’ will be a second campus for the university. The 4.5 hectare UCL masterplan is backed by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) and will be located to the south of the ArcelorMittal Orbit and Zaha Hadid designed London Aquatics Centre.

The 50,000m² first phase will include

a design school, ‘museum of the future’, innovation centre and experimental engineering complex. It will also include accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Selina Mason, partner at LDA Design, said: “We are very pleased to be shortlisted for such a prestigious project. LDA Design has

spent many years designing and delivering the transformation of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – it really would be fantastic to be able to continue the creative journey by helping to deliver UCL’s new campus.” The winner will be announced in March. www.lda-design.co.uk

mentioned the landscape designer.

Patricia said: “Alan chose this garden as the client had been inspired by watching garden makeover programmes, but it’s a shame he gave the impression that a complex garden such as this can easily be designed and installed without professional assistance.” www.aralia.org.uk

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NEWS

Online course leading to new Certificate in Water Conservation An innovative online course leading to the new Certificate in Water Conservation will help industry professionals demonstrate high standards of sustainable, environmentally sensitive and cost-effective use of water in gardens, parks, sports grounds and all areas of amenity horticulture.

The course can be accessed via www.htalearning.org.uk.

For the first time 15 of the leading organisations in the horticulture and water supply industries have combined resources and expertise to help horticultural staff recognise and implement best practice in landscape water efficiency.

Through four client focused modules, this low-cost, hour long e-learning course provides landscapers, gardeners, designers and groundskeepers

with the knowledge to plan, build, establish and maintain grounds, landscapes and sites in ways that conserve water and manage it sustainably.

Horticultural professionals and volunteers will be well equipped to take a leading role in demonstrating and promoting best water management practice and by example, inspire and inform the public.

There is an introductory price of £10 plus VAT per learner (until mid-July 2015). The course comprises an inspirational video, e-learning module, assessment and download of a personalised certificate on successful completion of the programme. www.htalearning.org.uk

How do you pay for green infrastructure in an age of austerity?

This is the question to be asked at an event run by the Landscape Institute at 6pm on Monday 9 February as part of the Rethinking the Urban Landscape exhibition.

As election battles over investment in the health service and grey infrastructure loom, it seems similar importance is not attached to green infrastructure projects despite widespread acknowledgement of the importance of a healthy environment and the multiple benefits it provides.

This event brings together leading policymakers to discuss this increasingly important issue.

Speakers include Katherine Drayson (Policy Exchange), Ed Wallis (Fabian Society), Sue Ireland (Parks Alliance) and Noel Farrer (Farrer Huxley Associates/ Landscape Institute).

Cost to attend is £8.50, book at www.buildingcentre.co.uk/events

Cumbria garden festival announces celebrity guest The 23rd Holker Garden Festival has announced that TV gardening personality James Wong will be this year’s celebrity guest.

The festival takes place from Friday 29 May until

NewsShed.indd 7

Sunday 31 May 2015.

James will be taking part in Q&A sessions in the Holker Garden Theatre, signing copies of his book Grow for Flavour and offering expert advice and

top tips to amateur gardeners and visitors. James is best known for his regular appearances on BBC Gardeners World, BBC Countryfile, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and has also been a panellist on BBC Radio 4 Gardeners’ Question Time. www.holkerfestival.co.uk

NEWS IN BRIEF BALI Awards finalists in Association Awards

The BALI National Landscape Awards are finalists in the Best Association Awards category at the Association Excellence Awards.

Book now for 2015 APL Awards

Booking is now live for the APL Awards Lunch on Friday 13 March at The Brewery, London. Standard ticket Prices are £95 + VAT. For APL members the ticket price is £75 +VAT.

TrustMark announces record high

TrustMark announced it has recorded its highest number of tradesmen details displayed on its website, with garden landscapers and arboriculturalists seeing a rise of 45 per cent.

Prince Harry’s Sentebale charity at Chelsea 2015 Prince Harry’s charity Sentebale will be at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show with the ‘Hope in Vulnerability’ garden designed

by Matt Keightley of Rosebank Landscaping.

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NEWS

Tom Harfleet named as new RHS Chelsea Show Manager The RHS has announced the appointment of Tom Harfleet as Show Manager of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Now in post and based at Vincent Square, London, Tom will manage the day-to-day planning and logistics of the world-famous flower show. Bringing with him a wealth of experience from all aspects of the horticultural industry, Tom began his career working in garden centres before moving on to become an established landscaper. Tom has exhibited at four RHS Flower Shows, and his designs have received RHS Gold medals at both RHS Chelsea and RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Shows. Tom Harfleet said, “Having been a visitor to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show since my early teens, I’m thrilled to be joining the RHS and becoming custodian of such a fantastic event. In my eyes, Chelsea has always been the pinnacle of gardening so it is an incredible honour to become show manager.”

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2015 takes place from 19 – 23 May. www.rhs.org.uk

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£20.6m Lottery boost for public parks Seven much-loved public parks are set to be revitalised thanks to new investment by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund. The historic public parks have been awarded grants totalling £20.6m for important regeneration works, new community facilities and a range of activities that will generate income and involve volunteers.

This lottery investment in parks comes six months after the publication of HLF’s report State of UK Public Parks 2014: Renaissance to Risk which revealed that the UK’s public parks

are at serious risk of decline unless innovative ways of funding and maintaining them are found.

Carole Souter, chief executive of HLF, said on behalf of the Big Lottery Fund and her organisation: “Since our report was published, it’s

become even clearer that parks are facing an uncertain future, in spite of being more popular than ever. The investment will not only help to regenerate these historic parks, ensuring local people have access to high quality green spaces, but it also brings to life several exciting plans that will see parks used for training, events and activities.”

The parks earmarked for investment are Stanmer Park, Brighton; The Canons, South London; Cannon Hall Park and Gardens, Barnsley; Houghton Hall Park, Bedfordshire; Highfields Park, Nottingham; Poole Park, Dorset; Bishop’s Park, Carmarthenshire. www.hlf.org.uk

Barcham’s bio-security policy praised in House of Lords debate The voluntary code of practice devised, introduced and implemented by Barcham Trees regarding the bio-security of its tree stock has been praised by Lord Framlingham (Conservative) in a debate on the natural environment in the House of Lords.

Lord Framlingham said: “Following the importation of ash dieback from Europe, there was a call for a reduction in the number of imported trees and for much more reliance on home-grown stock to

reduce the ever present and very real danger to our tree population.

Sadly, figures that I obtained through a written question show that in the last planting season we imported more trees than ever. I acknowledge that this is not a simple matter. It involves long-term planning with appropriate commitments and contracts. But trees are a long-term business and getting it wrong again would be disastrous. Barcham Trees, based in East Anglia, has introduced its own quarantine system. It says that it will not import trees and sell to customers for

immediate planting and that all imported trees will be held on the nursery for one full growing season during which time they will be subjected to rigorous inspection for pests and disease. This includes systematic and regular DEFRA visits. I do not know whether other companies are doing this, but if it is not already happening, perhaps the Minister could look into the merits of that system. Audit trails for trees are also important, so that trees sold by any particular nursery can be easily traced.” www.barcham.co.uk

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NEWS EXTRA

The Grubby Gardeners fundraising team collect their Perennial Champion 2014 certificates

A view of the Roof Gardens, Kensington, at sunset

Lewis Normand and Alan Young (Coblands Nurseries), Rob and Rosy Hardy (Hardy’s Cottage Plants) and Giles Heap (CED, Natural Stone) collect Perennial Champion 2014 certificates

Roof Gardens Head Gardener David Lewis shares a glass of champagne with Sara Normand and Emma Davies from the Walled Garden

OUT & ABOUT A resounding success, the inaugural Party for Perennial raised over £20,000 in funds that will help horticulturists and their families during times of need. Over 300 people from across the horticulture industry attended the event, which took place on Thursday 15 January 2015 at The Roof Gardens in Kensington.

Pro Landscaper was proud to be a sponsor of the party, which is set to become an annual event in the horticulture calendar.

Money was raised through ticket sales and a highly successful raffle and auction, as well as sponsorship. Guests were also able to place pledges on the Pledge Tree during the course of the evening, promising their support for Perennial in the year ahead through volunteering.

The Perennial Champion Awards, also launched at the event, were presented by Rachel de Thame. The awards recognise those who have made an exceptional effort in their support for Perennial and winners included the Grubby Gardeners fundraising team, Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants, the Three Peaks Extreme Challenge team and Coblands Nurseries.

Perennial Chair Dougal Philip said: “There are certain people who really went above and beyond at their own personal expense to support Perennial, and we would like to thank those people for their dedication. The Perennial Champions Awards will become an annual award for people during the year who have done something exceptional.”

Chris Bassett from Fusion Media and Les Malin from Etesia UK receive their Perennial Champion 2012 certificates

Philip Turvil, Grow Wild Lead Partnership Manager, with colleagues

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Champagne glasses ready to be filled ahead of the party

The Integritas Three Peaks team will be raising money for Perennial on 22-23 May

Andrew Fisher Tomlin, auctioneer at the Party for Perennial, with Roof Gardens Head Gardener David Lewis

Mark Gregory, announced an industry ambassador for the charity at Party for Perennial, with Gerald Abrahams, part of the Grubby Gardeners team and owner of GA Landscapes

More than 300 people packed into the Roof Gardens to attend the Party for Perennial

The Extreme Three Peaks Challenge team receive their Perennial Champion 2013 certificates

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NEWS EXTRA

Streetscape GROWING LIVES Streetscape turns London’s young and unemployed into the next generation of brilliant landscapers. Pro Landscaper’s Jim Wilkinson met Head Landscaper and Trainer Jay Osman to find out more

What is Streetscape all about?

Streetscape is a social enterprise working with long term unemployed young people. Our over-arching goal is to help them develop the professional and personal skills they need to move into and retain work. We do this through apprenticeships in landscaping, leading to an NVQ Level 2 Diploma in work based horticulture.

Where do your applicants come from?

We have good links with pretty much all the job centres in south London and we are starting to

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grow our name across the city. We have links with companies like GroundWork, Kids Co and SPEAR, who also work with disadvantaged young people. We have quite a presence on social network sites and recently we went on to a local youth radio station to promote Streetscape.

So how did Streetscape come about?

It was the brainchild of our CEO James Gubb and cofounder Guy Watts. James’ background is in research, working for the social research think tank, Civitas, after he graduated. Guy trained as an

accountant, but that was not where he wanted to go long term and he took inspiration from three years spent working at Architectural Plants in Sussex.

Both of them had a strong desire to work with young people and they came up with the idea of Streetscape, launching in 2010.

So are you out there pitching for work to help in training and development?

Yes. As a social enterprise we make surplus not profit to fund our apprenticeships. We offer a complete landscape service from design through to construction and maintenance and currently around 70 per cent of our income is through trade. The remaining income comes from donations though our aim is to become fully self sufficient. Although we need the trade to survive and are out there tendering for work, we don’t feel in direct competition with other landscaping firms. We train

OUR OVERARCHING GOAL IS TO HELP THEM DEVELOP THE PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL SKILLS THEY NEED TO MOVE INTO AND RETAIN WORK young people, the next generation of horticulturists and landscapers.

Our aim is to provide companies with a trained workforce.

How does it work in practice?

Do I work for the organisation and then you help me try and find a job with another landscaper?

It’s a rigorous three stage recruitment process from the start. We’re actually recruiting for two places in January. We hold apprentice recruitment days in the park where we’re based, looking

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NEWS EXTRA

to meet as many young people as possible to see if it’s for them. If they impress us and vice versa, they go for a day on site with us and our mobile teams, followed by an interview to get to know more about them. Finally, they go on to a trial week on site, after which we decide whether they are suitable for the apprenticeship.

Once someone is onboard

on work experience or come down

they’re here for a year. The core

fully qualified, with many years

of the apprenticeship is learning

experience. Our website shows

the practical skills on site, backed

off quite a bit of our work but the

up by theory sessions every two

best thing to do is to visit one of

weeks as they work towards the

our projects such as the Hugo

diploma. We also do a huge amount

Bugg garden, which was a

more with them, too. We fund

great achievement as we are still

driving lessons as we know how

quite small. And yes, we got the

important that is within the industry.

sign off from Hugo himself which

We also pay for them to do an

is fantastic!

to our base and showcase their skills to help our apprentices experience the breadth of opportunities that the industry has to offer them.

So it’s not just the social and moral issues, there is a good team who can do a good job as well.

Absolutely. Our team leaders are

external course such as for a spraying licence, bricklaying or

Do you keep in touch with

garden design.

your graduates and are most

They have work experience

of them still working within

opportunities with other companies

the industry?

such as Scotscape and

We keep in touch weekly for the first

Bartholomew Landscaping. One of

few months and then monthly and

our current apprentices is going on a two week placement in the

quarterly after that. All of our We’ve been involved at both

If landscapers and designers want

graduates went into work directly

glasshouse at Kew in January. We

Chelsea and Hampton Court over

to be involved and are hoping to

after leaving us and around 70 per

also work closely with them on

the past three years. Last year

find some really good apprentices,

cent have remained in work.

personal development and have an

we helped to build the Silver-gilt

what would you say to them?

in house CareerScaper scheme,

winning floral exhibit for the

Last year we worked with both

Would you loan some of the

which helps them with CV writing,

charity, Perennial. That was an

Jo Thompson and Fisher Tomlin &

apprentices to other landscapers?

interview techniques and applying

absolutely fantastic experience for

Bowyer at Chelsea, and we also

I know a few who allow the young

for jobs.

our apprentices.

relocated Hugo Bugg’s Chelsea

apprentices to come and get some

winning garden to the Vauxhall

experience at Chelsea.

LANDSCAPE COMPANIES CAN EMPLOY OUR APPRENTICES, TAKE THEM ON WORK EXPERIENCE OR COME DOWN TO OUR BASE AND SHOWCASE THEIR SKILLS TO HELP OUR APPRENTICES

Is there a fee for the landscaper

pleasure gardens. So we’ve worked

hiring your graduates?

with top designers.

No. If you’re willing to take

domestic and commercial work is

experience over the course of their

anything up to around £60,000.

year with us, we do ask for a

We can work with designers if they

donation. If you employ a

are looking for contractors,

Streetscape graduate there is

especially if they have got clients

no charge. We’re not an agency.

who are aware of our ethos and it’s

We try to provide apprentices

something they want to get involved

with the best opportunity to get

in, that’s a fantastic partnership.

our mission. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Streetscape 2.indd 11

Realistically, our budget for

on one of our apprentices for work

jobs when they leave us. That’s

Yes definitely unless we are building there ourselves!

Landscape companies can

CONTACT Streetscape The Old Depot, Myatt’s Fields Park, Cormont Road, London, SE5 9RA

Tel: 020 3542 3464 Email: info@streetscape.org.uk Web: www.streetscape.org.uk

employ our apprentices, take them Pro Landscaper / February 2015 11

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LETTERS

HAVE YOUR SAY YOUR OPINIONS, YOUR VIEWPOINTS Is something rattling you? Why not air your views on current landscape topics via email to the editor at editor@pro-landscaper.co.uk

A career in horticulture As the manager of Glendale Liverpool, I understand the importance of encouraging young people to follow career paths in the horticulture sector. Indeed, it is something I’m particularly passionate about through our continuous work with apprentices. I am pleased to see that perceptions are changing and people are viewing horticulture with a fresh perspective. It has been a great pleasure to witness the rise in courses and other training opportunities made available which has resulted in more young people pursuing careers in the field.

The variety of options available to young people interested in horticulture is one of the reasons there has been a rise in uptake.

Horticulture is not limited to gardening but

How much should we pay?

The whole industry is talking about how we recruit and inspire the next generation of landscapers – I think at nearly every event I attended last year somehow the debate got onto the subject. Even as I hosted the excellent View From The Top debate at FutureScape, some of the leading lights within the industry debated the issue – lots of problems were highlighted with very few solutions suggested. The question I have for the industry and would love to have your 12

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Letters page TW.indd 12

extends into business development, estate and golf course management, education, retail and research to name a few. This array of opportunities makes the horticulture sector one of the largest employers in the UK, providing career potential for people from all backgrounds.

The training courses made possible by service providers like Glendale cater for this variety and come in the form of apprenticeships, diplomas and graduate schemes. In return, these schemes attract a variety of applicants from people not in education, employment or training (NEETs) to university graduates.

Lastly, the horticulture industry is important.

At a time when climate change is becoming increasingly apparent, young people who are training and working in the sector can be proud that they are doing something positive that not only benefits them but the rest of society. Whether they are getting their hands dirty, designing landscapes or developing sustainable business schemes, these young people are making a difference.

Peter Cosgrove General Manager, Glendale Liverpool

feedback on is “do we pay enough to encourage the people within the industry?”

I guess the answer is no. I understand that you will earn more in a corresponding level job flipping burgers at McDonald’s. So would increasing salaries help encourage new entrants and increase the pool the industry can choose from when recruiting? I know people will be saying they can’t afford to pay additional salaries, but maybe now is the time to consider it.

Jim Wilkinson Pro Landscaper

Lead services

Over the last few years, I have worked hard in establishing my landscape business but however much I try, the winter months are always slow and I find there are gaps in my diary which need to be filled. So after reading the articles by Rated People in Pro Landscaper (October, November and December 2014 issues) and meeting them at FutureScape I decided to give their service a go. First of all I would like to say that the sign up system worked really well and on joining I received a £50 credit to spend with them. So early in January I used part of my credit to purchase a couple of leads, not massive in value but enough to keep my team busy for a couple of weeks.

Fortunately both leads have turned into work and will result in my team being fully employed for the next month. Maybe it was first time lucky, but for me it has certainly added value to my business and created some great new contacts.

Russell Eales Assured Landscapes

GET IN CONTACT editor@pro-landscaper.co.uk @ProLandscaperJW prolandscapermagazine 01903 777 570 Pro Landscaper www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/01/2015 10:49

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21/01/2015 11:17

AWARDS 2015 Friday 12 March, The Brewery, London

The judges have met, the shortlist has been announced – book your place at APL Awards 2015!

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

Mike Leeming of Bradstone presenting the Supreme Winner Award to Mark Richardson of Stewart Landscape Construction

www.aplawards.co.uk P18 Green tech.indd 1

19/01/2015 10:59

Association

ASSOCIATION NEWS

NEWS

BALI Briefing The New Year at Landscape House sees the team fully engaged in industry initiatives: ● Apprenticeship Trailblazer BALI, Lantra and other industry bodies are supporting the employer led development of apprenticeship standards for the horticulture and landscaping sector. This will create apprenticeships that reflect the needs of today’s employers while ensuring apprentices receive the very best training from vocational tutors and industry practitioners. BALI members willing to assist with drafting the standards should email jonathan.tame@bali.org.uk.

BALI briefing

● CDM 2015 Regulations

The CDM Regulations have been substantially revised with the new document due for publication in early April. An article detailing key elements of the new regulations, written

by Chartered Landscape Architect Colin Moore, will

of the Year which will be revamped this year, Working Christmas Tree Week in October and plans are afoot to add another special award to the year too.

efig outline New Year resolutions By the time you read this you will probably have broken any resolutions you made to start the New Year!

According to The Independent only about one in 10 of us who make New Year resolutions will stick to them, and they offer advice on how to do this. One of their suggestions is to make your resolutions obtainable and to set targets.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Association News 3.indd 15

appear in the spring (March) edition of BALI Landscape News. BALI designers and contractors are advised to pay particular attention. ● Invasive Alien Species Regulations Although these came into force on 1 January, a definitive list of said species has yet to be agreed by EU member countries.

This leaves growers, designers and contractors in something of a quandary when considering what plants can be safely used

efig gave everyone a helping hand to get off to a good start with our Healthy Plants, Healthy You day on 14 January reminding us that plants are great for our well-being in so many ways.

We’ll have a fuller report in next month’s column. Healthy Plants Healthy You day was just the first of our campaigns for 2015. We are carrying on our successful social media campaigns with follow-ups for National Plants at Work Week in July, Office Plant

A GSky wall installed at West Elm London store in cooperation with Urban Planters London South West – a 2014 Gold Award and Judges’ Commendation award winner

efig Awards In the meantime, January is a big month in the efig Leaf of Excellence Award’s calendar.

Members have until 21 January to submit their entries in a range of awards to show-off their expertise. These include Design & Installation and Maintenance

Last year’s efig Awards ceremony, held at Caerphilly Castle

in schemes. As the issue is larger than the UK alone it could be some time before a list is agreed. For now, Part 2 of Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Variation Order 2010) remains the list of reference. ● Free Amenity Forum meeting BALI is hosting a free Amenity Forum update meeting at Landscape House, one of a number of meetings to be held across the country between February and April. For details of the event on Tuesday 24 March visit the Events page on the BALI website.

And finally, Membership renewals – a reminder to renew your membership online before 20 February to save three per cent on your annual fee! www.bali.org.uk

in several cost determined categories.

Last year ten members scooped 26 gold awards, two of which received judges’ commendations, five silver and just one bronze award. The panel of independent judges visit all of the main sites and only retrospective events or those from abroad are judged using photos only. Members receive their awards at a gala dinner which this year is likely to be in April at a London location yet to be confirmed.

Pro Landscaper / February 2015 15

22/01/2015 10:35

ASSOCIATION NEWS

SGD bulletin Great Garden Design The Society of Garden Designers is pleased to introduce Great Garden Design, a showcase of more than 300 of the best garden designs over the last 10 years from some of its leading members.

Authored by Ian Hodgson and due to be published by Frances Lincoln on 5 March 2015, Great Garden Design is a survey of contemporary garden design showcasing the flair and innovation that the Society’s professional garden designers can bring to the smallest and most unpromising of plots.

Comprising planting schemes,

style guidance, practical insight and expert knowledge, the book will inspire new ideas for every situation, taste, budget and size of garden.

Great Garden Design features the work of some of the Society’s established members including Tom StuartSmith, Luciano Guibbilei, Dan Pearson, Andy Sturgeon, Joe Swift and Charlotte Rowe, alongside lesser known designers whose innovative work deserves wider recognition. The book examines the creative process of working with a designer from concept to completion and demonstrates how a professional designer can help to transform your

RHS report 2015 RHS Awards Ceremony On Thursday 26 February the RHS will hold its annual presentation of prestigious awards for contributors to horticulture. The RHS awards

16

Pro Landscaper / February 2015

Association News 3.indd 16

recognise both horticultural excellence and personal endeavour and are regarded internationally as being among the highest distinctions in horticulture. Throughout 2014

garden space. Encompassing garden rooms, ornamental details, styles and planting ideas, the book will appeal to every forward-looking garden owner, whether they manage a small or medium sized garden, a roof terrace, balcony or courtyard space. It offers

cutting edge solutions for those seeking an entirely new look as well, as key details that can make the most of your plot.

Great Garden Design is available in hardback priced £25 from 5 March 2015. www.sgd.org.uk

nominations have been coming in for those deserving of recognition by the society.

RHS Awards include: ● The RHS Lawrence Medal Awarded annually for the best exhibit shown to the Society during the year. ● Associate of Honour Awarded to British individuals who have rendered distinguished service to the practice of horticulture during the course of their working career.

● The Veitch Memorial Medal

Awarded annually to individuals of any nationality who have made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the science and practice of horticulture. ● The Harlow Carr Medal Awarded annually to those who have made a significant contribution to horticulture in the north of England.

The awardees will be listed in this section of the March issue of Pro Landscaper.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/01/2015 10:36

ASSOCIATION NEWS

APL update APL Awards 2015 This year sees the 20th anniversary of the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) Awards, and to kick the celebrations off in style it is taking place at the Brewery, London on Friday 13 March.

A delicious three course lunch will be followed by the announcement of the winners of 11 different award categories, including overall design and build, community

garden and also the APL Rising Star award.

The APL Awards will not only provide you with the perfect opportunity to see some award-winning garden builds, but also to catch up with old friends and network with like-minded people and key representatives from the landscaping industry.

Tickets are £95, but if you are an APL member tickets are discounted to just £75. To book yours now, please go to www.aplawards.co.uk Ponds, pools and planting Thursday 5 March, Classiflora, Essex This APL Networking Seminar will focus on the

This month don’t miss RHS London Plant and Potato Fair, 20-21 February The first of the year’s London shows will offer a wealth of early spring plants, advice and inspiration to kickstart the new gardening year. Visitors to the show will be able to buy produce and gain inspiration from some of the UK’s best nurserymen and growers.

The show will also celebrate the potato, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about the

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Association News 3.indd 17

many different varieties, browse and choose from a number of seed potatoes and onion sets available to buy, sample potato based produce and take part in a number of potato based crafts and activities.

construction of ponds and natural pools and provide the opportunity to meet with other landscapers and suppliers. The evening event will highlight technical difficulties and potential pitfalls and include a discussion on complementary planting

to ponds, pools and hard landscaping and features.

For more information on the seminar please contact the APL Events Team on 0118 930 3132 or events@thehta.org.uk. Book online now to reserve your place at www.landscaper.org.uk

APL Awards 2014 Winner – Teamlandscapers

RHS London Botanical Art Show, 27-28 February A new RHS London show for 2015 celebrating beautiful unseen artwork by some of the world’s finest botanical artists all hoping to be awarded a coveted gold medal.

Visitors will have the chance to meet the artists, learn about their processes, watch them work, gain tips and advice, and be inspired. Representatives from botanic gardens, florilegia societies and botanical art

and illustration societies will also be on hand to talk about their work and courses. A variety of art products will be available to purchase. For more information on the show please visit: www.rhs.org.uk/ shows-events

Pro Landscaper / February 2015 17

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OPINION

VIEW FROM THE TOP When a company loses a contract, some managers worry the employees they’re supposed to be safeguarding with empty gossip and inaccurate information. Time to act professionally, says Phil Jones

What is it about Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) that changes people’s behaviour? Why, when a company loses a contract, do some managers do their best to derail the process and unsettle the staff they have had in their charge for a number of years? Why is their number one priority not looking after their staff and ensuring that their transfer goes as smoothly as possible?

I’ve seen so called professional managers briefing their employees during the transfer process with all sorts of untruths about the incoming company, managers who spread what can only be termed at best as unhelpful speculation. I have wondered to myself in all this, what they are trying to achieve?

Are they trying to make the mobilisation process for the incoming contractor more difficult? Are they trying to derail the whole process in the belief that the inevitable will not come true? Is it simply sour grapes? Does the soreness they feel in losing a contract induce an irrational blindness which takes over their common sense and their sense of fair play?

WHY, WHEN A COMPANY LOSES A CONTRACT, DO SOME MANAGERS DO THEIR BEST TO DERAIL THE PROCESS AND UNSETTLE THE STAFF THEY HAVE HAD IN THEIR CHARGE FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS? What should be their number one priority (and has hopefully been of primary importance through the rest of their career) of engaging professionally with their employees and protecting those people it is their responsibility to represent, somehow becomes lost in the disappointment of failure. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

View From The Top 2.indd 19

We all work so hard and put so much time and effort into our work that seeing a contract go is not pleasant. That’s aside from sometimes having to say goodbye to our loyal and experienced staff, people we have worked with, in some cases, for a long time.

People who have become our colleagues and friends over the term of the contract.

This is all stressful and upsetting.

However, there can never be an excuse for the way I have seen employees treated in transfer processes, particularly recently.

Instead of fully briefing their charges with the correct, accurate information in a timely fashion, putting them at ease, some managers go out of their way to unsettle people and cultivate worry and discontent. How, then, should we behave in such circumstances?

Would it suffice to say ‘professionally’? Maybe that should be enough, but at the risk of labouring the point, a few more thoughts.

It strikes me that we only need to live the principles we usually uphold when working with our employees. Those principles founded in honesty and built on respect for our fellow colleagues, in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. I am tempted to say our behaviour

shouldn’t change from this norm in any circumstances. However, I believe we should change up a few gears and make sure we provide our people with even more commitment

WE SHOULD MAKE SURE WE PROVIDE OUR PEOPLE WITH EVEN MORE COMMITMENT AND SUPPORT THAN USUAL THROUGH WHAT CAN BE A VERY WORRYING TIME and support than usual, through what can be a very worrying time. We should make an extra special effort to ensure the smooth passage from one employer to another.

When our employees look to us to set an example and seek to take comfort from our leadership in difficult times, for them our behaviour becomes everything. The way we carry ourselves through these challenges dictates not just how we are judged but also how those we lead behave.

There are many good examples in our industry of the correct behaviour I am describing. And all of our employees would benefit if this good behaviour was the norm.

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.

Follow Phil Jones: @philjonesISS Follow ISS Landscaping: @ISSLandscaping

www.isslandscaping.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / February 2015 19

22/01/2015 12:40

OPINION

IS THE LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY NOW SUFFERING ITS

WORST EVER SKILL SHORTAGE? In his column this month, David Dodd explores the reasons behind the skills shortage facing the landscaping industry and outlines a number of solutions including education, training and better remuneration For a lot of landscaping companies the order books are filling up nicely for 2015 and even 2016, but one thing that is still posing a real problem is just how this demand is going to be met with the lack of skilled people coming into the industry?

As I wrote in my last column, subcontracting is one solution to meet an increase in workload, but for me personally, I see that as a short term, slightly unreliable solution and I’ll always want to have greater control over my own directly employed staff and know who I’m dealing with

WITH SUCH A SKILL SHORTAGE, TO GET THE RIGHT PEOPLE, WE NOW NEED TO OFFER THE RIGHT REMUNERATION PACKAGE long term on a day-to-day basis. So just where is the next generation of hard working, skilled landscapers going to come from? It was great to see this topic debated at FutureScape, but I believe most of the questions went relatively unanswered and everyone more or less followed the same mantra of ‘we’ve got to go into 20

Pro Landscaper / February 2015

David DoddTW.indd 20

schools…we’ve got to speak to colleges etc etc’.

This to me is the preaching the bleedin’ obvious to the already converted!

Landscaping is one of the most diversely skilled careers in the world. We need to be bricklayers, horticulturists, pavers, and carpenters to name but a few. It’s always been regarded as a low paid occupation, but let’s look on the bright side here, this is changing. With such a skill

I BELIEVE THE BEST WAY FORWARD IS FOR COMPANIES, OF ALL SIZES, TO COLLABORATE WITH COLLEGES IN RAISING THE STANDARDS OF TRAINING shortage, to get the right people, we now need to offer the right remuneration package. To me this isn’t a problem; I think the wages paid by some companies are shameful and it’s about time this changes. It also means that when school leavers are looking at career choices, a higher salary will certainly help to entice them towards landscaping as a serious option.

Going into schools is a great way to initially get young people interested in landscaping and horticulture, but it’s the colleges who then need to up their game in getting their students up to scratch and ready for the real working world.

Education and training should be about getting people prepared to have the skills to earn a decent wage, and I’m sick and tired of seeing students coming out of colleges with a ‘qualification’ that’s about as much use to them as a spirit level without a bubble. I sympathise with colleges to the extent pressure is put on them to get bums on seats. Pass rates need to be high so their stats make them look like a glowing institution of excellence, and a few of those always look good for any government.

So what can we do to solve this skills

shortage? I believe the best way forward is for companies to collaborate with colleges in raising the standards of training. Companies understand the demands of the industry and colleges have the teaching facilities. I for one am prepared to sit down with other company owners and the colleges to discuss industry requirements. After one year at college, if these requirements have been met to a certain standard, I will commit to employing and continue training on site up to five students with a salary. This would be combined with a further fifty workshop/study days over the following two years. After each student has completed their three years they will be assessed in collaboration with the college and awarded a qualification of real value. I would want to aim for this qualification to be set as a benchmark of excellence for any future employer.

If anyone is interested in joining me with this idea, please don’t hesitate to call and we can get the ball rolling.

ABOUT DAVID DODD David Dodd has been in the landscape industry since the age of 17. After having studied and then taught at Merrist Wood College, he set up The Outdoor Room in 1995. In 2013, he went into business with Landscape Architect, Joe Perkins to form Longview Design Ltd. David has also lectured in design and construction for over 20 years.

www.theoutdoorroom.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

20/01/2015 09:14

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19/01/2015 16:38

OPINION

Adam White, Director of Davies White Landscape Architects, takes a look at the highs and lows of UK play space design over the past decade “The stereotypical image of England with its rural scenery, obsessive politeness and knitted tea cosies has, over recent years, made way for a new image. The frantic urban regeneration, cutting edge cities and new found cosmopolitan attitude that now stretches beyond the London boroughs has everyone expecting better quality of service.

When it comes to our towns and cities, communities and visitors expect standards to be on a par with anywhere else in Europe. So why has UK play space design missed the boat? Why does our approach to play space design continue to flatline?” Adam White 2005 This was the state of play ten years ago but a lot has happened in public play space design since then. Prior to 2005 almost no local authority was willing to give a landscape architect the opportunity to design a truly bespoke, exciting and challenging nature play space. They had grown too comfortable with the easy installation of metal, fenced and rubber surfaced playgrounds. Professor Helen Woolley captured this standardised, mechanistic and unimaginative approach with the fast food acronym ‘KFC’: Kit, Fence, Carpet.

In 2007, my fellow landscape architect Andrée Davies and I decided to challenge the norm and show what was really possible with our RHS Gold Medal and BBC People’s Choice Award-winning Nature Playscape Show Garden. We emphasised the play value of the total environment and highlighted the use of playful planting in open spaces. The project captured the public’s imagination and gained huge national support. It led to the establishment of our architectural practice Davies White Ltd and also more than 30 nature play spaces across the UK. By 2008 the UK began to see a more www.prolandscapermagazine.com

AdamWhite.indd 23

Giant climbing trees

Storytelling in RHS Gold Garden

STATE OF PLAY nature friendly approach to play space design, with a greater public understanding of the value of risk and challenge in play.

On a policy and strategy level, the Play England Design for Play, Risk in Play & Managing Nature Play guidelines were published in 2009, soon followed by a £250,000 investment from the Department for Culture, Media & Sport for more innovative ‘natural play spaces’. The UK’s most recent play projects now rival the best in the world. These include Crow Wood Playscape at Lyme Park in Cheshire, Pensthorpe Wild Rootz in Norfolk, Dinton Nature Play Park in Berkshire and Tumbling Bay Playground in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Project Wild Thing hit the big screen in 2012 with a film aimed to get more children (and their parents!) outside and reconnecting with nature. The film took a funny and revealing look at a complex issue, the increasing alienation of children from nature.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves; it hasn’t all been wonderfully successful. Public space regeneration was hit by the financial crisis and we have seen the downscaling of Play England and the loss of CABE Space and its enablers through government funding cuts – both champions and guardians of play value and quality design. The key to a great play space is a balance between a playful landscape and quality play equipment. However, some of the early nature play projects (not ours!) were poorly designed and dismissed all play equipment,

relying too heavily on grassy mounds, boulders and fallen trees. Five years on it’s no wonder some authorities have ripped them out and returned to the KFC approach. Designers need to remember that swings and slides have been around for a long time for a very good reason; they’re fun! In 2015, many local authority green space officers will tell you community engagement and the quality of playground design still isn’t the priority in their borough.

Pressures on staff resources and limited maintenance budgets mean a constant threat of a return to the KFC style playgrounds.

It is more important than ever that we take a collaborative approach to the design of play and challenge the risk adverse sceptics and lobby the funders and politicians using the case studies we have. Otherwise there is a real danger that UK play space design will have taken two steps forwards but four giant steps backwards when we review the state of play in another ten years.

ABOUT ADAM WHITE FLI Adam White is a director of Davies White Ltd, a multi award-winning Chartered Landscape Architectural practice in Kingston upon Thames.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Chartered Landscape Institute and an RHS Gold Medal and BBC People’s Choice Award-winning landscape architect. In 2012 Adam was the youngest ever landscape architect to be made a Fellow (for his services to ‘children’s health and well being’) and joins an elite group of just 75. Twitter: @davies_white www.davieswhite.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / February 2015 23

20/01/2015 10:07

OPINION

Organic waste is in plentiful supply in our industry.

Angus Lindsay explains the benefits of processing green matter into compost and explores some of the pitfalls and special considerations to be made before embarking on this potentially profitable venture.

So what do you do with your green waste? Is it waste or just an inconvenient by-product of our industry, and how many of us actually do anything with it? Recycling has been with us for many years; from turning bottles into road surfaces or beer cans into aircraft wings there’s very little we can’t recycle. But I’m still surprised at the quantity of green matter being sent to be recycled by others, so why not consider doing it yourself and making your own compost?

So what is composting? Simply defined, it is nature’s way of recycling. It is the breaking down of organic waste by micro-organisms in the presence of oxygen.

That’s the science behind it, but recycling green material to produce compost is not cheap. The investment required to operate a commercial composting operation can be frightening. Infrastructure, machinery, health and safety and ensuring a route to market, not to mention paperwork can all cause headaches. It’s no easy task and no surprise

A small simple approach to composting need not break the bank

Perfect end product but can we use it?

24

Pro Landscaper / February 2015

Angus LindsayTW.indd 24

WASTE NOT WANT NOT

that the majority of these operations are run by large waste management organisations.

However it can be just as effective on a local level on a smaller scale.

For a true closed loop recycling system you need to keep the whole process within

I’M STILL SURPRISED AT THE QUANTITY OF GREEN MATTER BEING SENT TO BE RECYCLED BY OTHERS SO WHY NOT CONSIDER DOING IT YOURSELF? the same environment, with the stock material produced, processed and the end product returned to the same place. This should all be fairly simple, but the ultimate success hinges on a final use for the end product. In many cases this can be the stumbling block. Local authorities in particular can be reluctant to accept a composted material back onto their land for fear of contamination with weeds or a pH imbalance, but if the process is managed properly these issues can be avoided.

Infrastructure is expensive; ideally you would have a concrete pad with storage bays and a lagoon to contain leachate run-off, but done on a small scale this need not break the bank. A ‘little and often’ approach to shredding, turning, monitoring and screening will help to keep feedstock to a minimum and ensure the composting process results in a weed free quality mulch or even a nutrient rich soil improver. Do it properly and there’s no reason you couldn’t produce a credible top dressing for your sports pitches.

The second biggest investment will be machinery – but don’t get carried away! We’ve all seen huge self propelled shredders and

screeners serviced by loading shovels processing hundreds of tonnes of material an hour in a cacophony of noise, dust and debris. This may be ideal if you have space and no neighbours, but smaller, cheaper and less obtrusive shredders utilising tractor power and integral loading cranes are much more realistic for smaller operations.

These can be towed between sites to process material at source and in the case of a shredder/ mixer can even transport the shredded material back to a central point. You could go even smaller and less expensive by opting for self propelled shredders, screeners and material handling equipment that can be transported by existing works vehicles.

Whilst equipment is available, infrastructure could still be an issue so look around and see what you have to hand and don’t get too ambitious. The main stumbling block is still the end use of the product. Producing something that is acceptable to clients will require basic testing to confirm that the product does what it says. More importantly you need significant buy-in from the end user at the beginning of the process so they have confidence in what you’re doing – no easy task and possibly the most difficult bit of the loop to close.

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

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

20/01/2015 08:54

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16/01/2015 19/01/2015 15:11 11:05

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19/01/2015 11:10

OPINION

Andrew Wilson bemoans clients who fail to see the basic point of the creative design process and who seem intent on finding the most effective ways of wasting money Meeting new clients is a fascinating experience and one of my favourite aspects of being a garden designer. Students are often keen to talk about this too, assuming that once you have a system or approach in place then off you go and all clients fall into line.

After 30 years in the business, I know nothing could be further from the truth and I often find myself wishing I’d paid more attention to psychology at university. I’m thinking that Gavin and I should install a couch in the office and run preliminary interviews of clients before we waste too much time finding out that they really need a different form of help.

Generally clients decide that they need a designer when they have no creative ideas of their own; have no time to work on their ideas; lack specialist knowledge or have no way of visualising their outdoor space.

We are currently working with an architect on a scheme in which a new build is being placed into a large garden. In making our joint proposal we have both warned the client on separate architectural and garden design issues that they are wrong in certain decision making but that we will each try to work with their requests. Do

WHY EMPLOY DESIGNERS AND THEN IGNORE THEIR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE AND EXPERIENCE? we walk away or try to make the best of what could be an amazing scheme? Why employ designers and then ignore their professional advice and experience?

We have had another recent experience of a client trying to bash a square peg into a round hole. As ever, the garden designer was the last to be commissioned but in this case should have been the first. The garden is a steeply sloping site into which the architect was asked to locate a gigantic new build. The cut required was enormous, leading to several 5-6m high retaining www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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THE DOCTOR IS IN...

“Do you solemnly swear to listen to my advice?” walls, hundreds of steps and an enclosed north facing rear terrace. The house was better suited to a flat site and the client better advised to fit the architecture to the topography. So far money has been lost in fees for engineers, architects and a garden designer, together with substantial planning costs when an informal conversation at the outset would have avoided such waste. At present, the project is shelved. How do we get the garden designer in first and clients to understand that this is money well spent?

We have recently been at pains to explain to a customer why a three acre garden will cost more than his London terrace garden, a mere fraction of the size. Maths wasn’t really my strong point at school, but I do understand that larger in size generally means greater in price. Three conversations and six weeks of reflection seem excessive to me in making this point. How do we make this simple formula easy to digest?

A commercial client has just topped this with a request to go to competitive tender from a list that included a contractor with little or no

experience of external work, against our advice.

Their returned price was unworkably low but the client appointed them over our heads and over that of his project manager. How should we respond?

It’s easy to get tired with this endless sequence of bad decision making and this phenomenon certainly wasn’t part of my training when I entered the world of garden design and landscape architecture. Can we give this some serious thought in 2015 and turn over a new leaf next year? Suggestions very much appreciated.

Have your say. Air your views on our letters page: editor@pro-landscaper.co.uk ABOUT ANDREW WILSON Andrew Wilson is a landscape and garden designer and a Director of Wilson McWilliam Studio. He is also a Director of the London College of Garden Design, an author, writer and lecturer. www.wmstudio.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / February 2015 27

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OPINION

Entering into a competitive arena can be an exciting and daunting experience, particularly in the early years of your working life. But it can also be a very rewarding one, says Jody Lidgard The WorldSkills UK landscaping competition is aimed at younger people entering the industry and focuses on promoting excellence in the next generation. At a national level, there is no age limit for participation. but to be eligible to train and potentially compete with Team UK in World Skills International, entrants must be 22 or younger.

The route into the competition is through initial registration on the Skills Show website.

Once registered, competitors take part in an active assessment day where basic skills are tested against specific criteria. At this stage we are not looking for the finished product but focus on basic skills such as measuring, following a plan, correct use of hand tools and safe working practices.

The eight highest scoring competitors will be selected to go forward to take part in a semi-final heat later in the year at RHS Tatton Park.

Constructing a technical piece of work from a given plan over three days is a real test of the competitor’s physical and technical abilities.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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WORLDSKILLS

EXPERIENCE THE WORLDSKILLS UK LANDSCAPING COMPETITION

What the judges are looking for at this stage is correct installation methods and quality of work throughout the build. Marking criteria are released several weeks prior to the event, giving competitors the opportunity to practise planning the project and establishing the tools required to do the job.

Entrants will be assessed on time management, running the site efficiently and working in a clean and safe manner. They must work to an exacting deadline, pushing themselves to the limit in a high pressure environment with the technical team looking on. These skills are readily transferred to the workplace and are much sought-after. I’m not saying competition is the be-all and end-all, but I can say with certainty that the competitors I have worked with are now among the next generation of industry champions.

Competitors who qualify at the semi-final stage are eligible for the national final held on 15 November at the Skills Show in Birmingham. What they can expect here is the additional detail on the garden completed in July coupled with a shorter timeframe in which to build the piece.

The highest scorer will become the National Landscape Champion 2015, an accolade well deserved and one that will be fixed on his or her CV.

In addition, the competitor will be shortlisted for the international training programme.

Those who have qualified and are 22 or under will be invited to go onto the next phase of training and take part in the International World Skills Competition, where 20 countries including Japan Switzerland and Australia compete over three days to be Landscape World Champions.

The scale and spectacle of this event is amazing. Standards are extremely high, with tolerances on paving and walling a matter of millimetres. Squad training for this year’s competition is nearing an end and the two successful competitors will be selected in late spring to attend the event, to be held in São Paulo this August.

For anyone looking to take part in the next round of competition, entry and heats will commence in February this year and the following world finals will be in Abu Dhabi in 2017. The APL has a dedicated World Skills competition team available to answer any questions you may have. www.theskillsshow.com ABOUT JODY LIDGARD Jody Lidgard of Bespoke Outdoor Spaces has been in the landscaping industry for 20 years.

After studying at Otley/Writtle college he worked as a landscape contractor and taught landscape construction and horticulture at Askham Bryan and UCS Otley. Working abroad in various locations for leading designers, his ability to gain the best from the people he works alongside has led him to his ongoing involvement with WorldSkills competitions. info@jodylidgard.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / February 2015 29

20/01/2015 09:33

BUSINESS TIPS

LISTEN UP...

IT’S STORY TIME There is nothing more natural than listening to or delivering a compelling story. A story that is intriguing and one that creates excitement... particularly those that stir up emotions. Steve Clarke explains...

Why are stories so important? The vast majority of buying decisions are driven by emotion. That’s certainly true in landscape design and build whether you’re involved in the delivery of products or services.

Just think about it. From a very early age most of us have been exposed to stories from our parents, grandparents, nursery school teachers etc. We’d sit on the edge of our seats hanging on every word.

As adults, when we talk to friends and family we naturally share stories.

When you tell people about an interesting situation that arose during your day or whilst on holiday, it’s not very likely you’d just detail the list of events in a dull monotone fashion, is it? I expect not.

One of the secrets of top salespeople the world over is effective storytelling. I don’t mean the ‘never let the truth get in the way of a good story’ type of fabrication. I mean compelling, anecdotal, real life experiences with other customers and clients that can be shared with your prospects. Engaging stories full of emotional attachment and spelling out the benefits to the listener.

Here’s a format that will help you. Try using ‘feel, felt, found’. Let me explain. Most people are more interested in themselves and their problems than hearing about how wonderful your products and services are.

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The thing that will fully engage people and allow them to express their problems so you can help solve them, is hearing that you know how they feel. They want to hear that other people you’ve helped felt just like they do.

Then you can use your story to explain what those people found that helped them solve their problem. So instead of bashing away at all the features of your latest product, gadget or gizmo, tell them about clients just

THE VAST MAJORITY OF BUYING DECISIONS ARE DRIVEN BY EMOTION like them who have solved similar problems to theirs and you will capture their interest.

Stories should focus on the drama, the emotion and the pain before you helped.

Whilst emotion will drive a buying decision, it’s actually pain that is the catalyst motivating change. People are motivated to move away from pain towards pleasure. Pain is a bigger driver than pleasure alone, so start your story

off with a painful situation, then lead people to your solution.

Stir up the emotions, expressing how it feels.

You can reassure them by letting them know that others felt just the same and then lead them to the ‘found’ or happy ending. Don’t waste too much time saying what you actually did for them.

You’ll know they are interested because guess what, they’ll ask you. Make some notes of all the key benefits of your products or services. Now think back to various situations where your product or service positively impacted on another person or company. Spend some time building emotions and feelings into these situations until you have compelling stories. When you’re with your friends you naturally trade stories. Selling is no different – be yourself. To sell more, sell less, if that makes sense.

In my experience, when using stories in general conversation, it is better to have your stories natural and unrehearsed rather than highly polished. Every feature has a benefit and every benefit has a story.

For your top ten marketing tips guaranteed to help you boost sales in 2015 visit www.eurekasales.co.uk ABOUT STEVE CLARKE An exceptional sales mentor and sought after motivational business speaker who draws upon his own first hand experiences. He built his last UK business to £30m in annual sales in just eight years, sold out and retired at 45. Now he helps businesses around the world generate more leads, more sales and more profits, and with less blood sweat and tears. www.eurekasales.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

20/01/2015 10:10

BUSINESS TIPS

HOW TO

WORKING WITH SURVIVE & THRIVE AS A GARDEN DESIGNER

LANDSCAPERS

Building strong and enduring working relationships is important.

Janine Pattison explores the issues that can arise when designers work with landscape contractors As designers we are nothing without the landscapers who realise our dreams and I believe there needs to be a close relationship between us.

This should not be too close, however, as there are times when there may be conflict over quality of work or materials, pricing of extras, site attendance and the rate of progress. The designer will be assessing the work and approving stage payments, insisting on rework where required and generally ensuring the best interests of the client are being met. After all, it is the client who is paying.

This brings me to the thorny issue of backhanders, the ‘commission’ or ‘introduction fees’ demanded by some designers. I believe that these payments are fundamentally wrong.

How can the designer protect the interests of the client while taking money from the contractor?

What you charge the client should be transparent and sufficient that there is no need to engage in underhand dealings.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Some designers also get involved in the supply of materials such as paving. This is another area fraught with potential problems.

Not only are you taking away the mark-up the contractor would expect to make on the supply, but you are also building a tricky liability issue. What if there are problems after the slabs are laid - who covers the cost of replacement and reinstallation? Establishing who is liable is tricky and you can be sure that the client will not agree to pick up the bill.

HOW CAN THE DESIGNER PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THE CLIENT WHILE TAKING MONEY FROM THE CONTRACTOR? It is perfectly reasonable to agree a fee direct from the client if you are required to source items for the garden. This can be time consuming and you should expect to be covered for your time. We recently organised some bespoke stone work for a feng-shui garden and it took ages to arrange. The client could have done it themselves but they wanted us to take care of it and they were happy to pay an hourly rate for the work. As it was, some items were found to be damaged on arrival and needed to be remade.

Thankfully, as we didn’t carry the liability, this didn’t end up costing us money.

Many designers rely on the profit from

supplying and installing the planting to supplement their design income. This means blurring the line between designer and contractor and brings additional complications.

By taking over the planting from the landscaper you are again potentially taking away a healthy portion of her profit as well as impacting her opportunity to offer ongoing maintenance to the client. Some landscapers are happy not to carry out planting and will prepare the beds and soil them up before leaving the designer to complete the works. However, the issue of liability can still arise if, for example, the beds turn out to have drainage or contamination issues and plants end up dying because they become waterlogged. Who is to pick up the cost of rectification works and replacement plants?

Clients come and go whereas a relationship with a contractor can last decades. The key is to be honest with each other and discuss potential issues in advance so that agreement is in place before anything goes wrong. I can guarantee that, even with the best intentions, in our line of work things can and do go wrong!

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

Pro Landscaper / February 2015 31

20/01/2015 09:24

TECHNICAL

Hints and tips for Vectorworks users

HOW TO

TRANSLATE FILES Tamsin Slatter and her team work full time training and supporting Vectorworks users. In this this regular feature, Tamsin’s team will offer hints and tips to help you get the best from Vectorworks Landmark CAD software.

Garden and landscape designers often work alongside other designers or surveyors on architectural projects. These professionals may be using other CAD systems and you may need to exchange files in different formats.

Vectorworks is extremely ‘open’ when it comes to working with others, and supports a long list of file formats. Choose the File > Import menu to see the range of file types that can be imported. The format that usually prompts the most questions is DXF/DWG, so this article offers some tips to help you understand how these files are translated into Vectorworks and how to avoid problems.

Above: How Vectorworks organisational features (in black) translate to their equivalents in an AutoCAD file (in red)

Understand the structure of a DWG file (AutoCAD file) import and export, so do make full use of It’s worth starting with an explanation of how the the organisation facilities available within the structure of a DWG file relates to the structure of programme. Use classes wherever possible to a Vectorworks document. The table below describe objects. AutoCAD layers will become compares the two. Vectorworks handles the classes when imported. translation of this structure for you during Vectorworks

AutoCAD (DWG)

Purpose

Class

Layer

Used to ‘classify’ the type of objects drawn. Can also be used to control the appearance of members of the class.

Design Layer

Model Space

The place where your design/model is created.

Sheet Layer

Paper Space

The part of the drawing that is printed/published/exported, displaying different views of the design/model at chosen scales, in Viewports.

Table to compare the organisational elements in both file formats and their purpose Explicitly state this unit of measure

Size, not scale!

The most frequent problem reported to us is that your survey or architect’s drawing imports at the wrong ‘scale’. It’s a common misunderstanding. In fact, scale is unimportant when importing – it’s the unit of measure that matters. Ask the surveyor or architect which unit of measure they’ve used in their CAD file and explicitly state that when importing the file. This will ensure that the elements are the correct size, and then you can choose the scale you want to use. Check the size of a known object. If it’s still the wrong size, you can change the size of all objects on the drawing with Modify > Scale Objects.

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Vectorworks needs to know what the unit of measure in the incoming file is

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/01/2015 11:32

TECHNICAL Old versions of Vectorworks can’t import files from newer versions of AutoCAD Software file formats usually change with each release. And older versions of software usually can’t work with files that are created with newer versions of the software. So, if you have an older version of Vectorworks, and a file created with the latest version of AutoCAD, you have two choices. You can upgrade your Vectorworks software to the latest version, or you can ask the author of the DWG file to export their work to an earlier version of AutoCAD to match the level of Vectorworks that you are using.

Navigate from the Sheet Layer to the Design Layer to access the geometry

You can’t select anything!

If the architect or surveyor has created a sheet layer (paper space) for you, ready for printing, you will find everything that’s been drawn is within a Viewport. Select it, and the Object Info palette will show you it’s a Viewport. There will also be a design layer with the same name as the imported file. Use the Layers pop-up menu on the View bar to navigate to the design layer and you’ll be able to work with the geometry.

Forget the ‘Page’ — maintain the location of objects The location/coordinates of the drawing could be important if your colleagues are looking to combine files. When importing a DWG file, click the Location tab and choose the first option: Center. After first import, align all subsequent imports (recommended).

This will move the imported geometry close to the ‘page area’, but maintain the original x and y coordinates so that your design will line up with the original work when brought together.

ABOUT TAMSIN SLATTER

Use the Location tab to ensure that original coordinates are maintained

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

VectorworksV2.indd 33

After a 20-year career in IT, Tamsin trained as a garden designer. Escape from the corporate world with the chance to work with nice people, learn about plants and how to draw was a dream come true and Tamsin found Vectorworks invaluable. She now delivers courses and masterclasses to designers, helping them to work faster and more efficiently.

Tamsin’s book, Residential Garden Design with Vectorworks Landmark 2015 will be published later this year. To find out more, contact Design Software Solutions on 01635 580 318.

www.vectorworks-training.co.uk Pro Landscaper / February 2015 33

22/01/2015 11:32

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www.harrodhorticultural.com 19/01/2015 12:57

Let’s Hear it From

INTERVIEW

KEN WHITE This month, Pro Landscaper talks to Ken White, Managing Director of Frosts Landscape Construction. We find out how he started on his journey in the industry, his early roles, what he is currently involved in and his plans for the future

What made you want to get into horticulture?

You may remember from previous chats that I first got into horticulture while being one of only three boys at a largely all-girls school. I used to help the deaf gardener so I could avoid the playground full of girls as I was only five or six years old. I got into horticulture after being made redundant from my job as an auto electrician (for which I am qualified).

In those days the dole office would pay for your travel to interviews and I saw that Bristol Zoological Gardens was looking for gardeners.

I thought I would go to the interview at the zoo for a day out at the taxpayer’s expense. I didn’t get the job advertised, but was offered a job at the zoo’s Hollywood Estate at Cribbs Causeway in North Bristol.

Tell us about your qualifications, what they are and why you studied for them I have City & Guilds 1,2,3; Advanced National Certificate of Horticulture; Certificate of Arboriculture and an International Diploma in Conservation Techniques (Kew Gardens). I was also in the last group of students to complete the Diploma of Horticulture at Edinburgh Botanic Garden before it became an HND. Whilst studying at Somerset College of Agriculture & Horticulture I was taught arboriculture by the very talented and enthusiastic Gerald Bonner (Omex), who lit a fire under me and suggested that Edinburgh Botanic Gardens would be a good next step.

Without doubt the best decision I made was to follow his advice, the DHE opened my eyes to just how vast, diverse and rewarding the world of horticulture is.

What was your first job in horticulture?

My first job at Hollywood Tower Estate for Bristol Zoo was a diverse role where I gained a good grounding. It was a fully working estate where we used to grow the fruit and vegetables for feeding the animals and for use in the zoo’s restaurant. There was a walled garden where we grew and propagated all manner of cut flowers and bedding plants for the zoo’s gardens. The job also involved grounds and estate maintenance including the production of cereal crops, straw and hay and the estate also had a large orchard.

Where did your progression take you?

I worked on a government led initiative in Mexico developing biological control measures for the coffee berry borer. Upon returning to Scotland, I found myself unemployed, so I took a job with a local www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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20/01/2015 11:00

INTERVIEW

building company called Ogilvie, who carried out landscaping on their new builds but also tendered for landscaping contracts.

I progressed fairly quickly to an operational role and under the mentorship of Tom Kennedy (now of Kennedy Arbuckle Landscapes), I began to learn the dark art of contract management. Tom was a real stickler for quality but also a wily old fox who taught me the numbers, contract Ts & Cs and how to do take-offs etc. Armed with this knowledge, I headed to London where the streets were paved with gold and I joined Glendale as a contracts manager working on both grounds maintenance and construction projects. From Glendale, I moved on and joined The Landscape Group working mainly on larger construction projects such as Vodafone World HQ in Newbury. My skills were further honed under southern managing director Phil Smith, who had put together an outstanding team.

Moving on to Frosts some ten years later, I joined Aidan Lane as Operations Manager in the commercial landscaping division. Aidan and I made (and still make) a very effective team.

I was promoted to be a director within five years and eventually took over from James Frost as

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Let's Hear it From Ken White TW v2.indd 36

managing director in May 2012. I have now been with Frosts for almost 11 years. I love working with Frosts where we continue to go from strength to strength thanks to the dedication and skill of the team.

So, on to your current role, what is your job title and what are your main responsibilities?

I’m managing director and my responsibility is to build and maintain an effective management team and be fully accountable to the board for all company operations. The role includes developing the strategic plans and implementation of company policy and controlling finance.

What is your involvement with industry associations?

Frosts is a member of many associations and was a founding member of BALI. We are also members of the APL and have been for a number of years. Last year I was asked by Mark Gregory and Carol Paris to join the APL committee, which I was delighted to do. There are a number of discussions taking place across the industry at the moment as to how we can

better work together and have a louder voice.

I am keen to be part of these discussions, I also would like to at some point represent the larger landscape companies as well as the small.

What was the turnover last financial year and how are the individual parts such as maintenance, build and design performing?

Turnover was down on last year in line with the business plan. However profit is up. The old adage of turnover is vanity, profit is sanity remains as true today as when it was first made. The commercial landscape side of the business remains the key driver with grounds maintenance growing steadily. Grounds maintenance has a key role to play as a steady profitable income stream, allowing the company

WE HAVE FOUR GARDEN CENTRES IN THE FROSTS GROUP, WHICH EXPERIENCE AN INCREASE IN FOOTFALL WHEN GOOD QUALITY GARDENING PROGRAMMES ARE AIRED

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/01/2015 10:42

INTERVIEW

THE KEY PEOPLE ARE THOSE IN THE FIELD WHO TRANSLATE OUR VISION AND VALUES. OUR STAFF ARE THE GREATEST ASSET WE HAVE What do you see as the toughest challenges facing Frosts in 2015?

Winning work at the right price. Unfortunately we are undervaluing ourselves as a sector and cutting each other’s throats. Recruitment will remain challenging in 2015 at all levels, good estimators are as rare as hen’s teeth!

to operate in the current climate of unreasonable payment terms from main building contractors. The garden design side of the business was restructured 18 months ago under Dan Blumson and is going from strength to strength. The company has had an outstanding year with Christmas tree installations for some very high profile clients.

How is the business structured and why.

The business has four loose divisions, garden design, maintenance, interior and commercial.

I use the term loose as we will utilise our teams’ key skills in whichever division requires them at any given time. This approach allows us maximum flexibility. Our main office is at Woburn Sands, close to the M1 and we have satellite offices in Birmingham, Hatfield, Oxford, and Cambridge.

What was the thought behind doing Love Your Garden? What was your overall experience of the show and will you continue with the next series?

Love Your Garden was a fantastic show to be involved in. Who wouldn’t want to be involved with David Domoney and Alan Titchmarsh?

They’re great ambassadors for our industry – millions of regular viewers can’t be wrong.

We’re looking forward to the new series this year. We’ve learnt a lot about working on a television programme thanks to the wonderful www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Let's Hear it From Ken White TW v2.indd 37

team at Spun Gold. The crew who worked on the builds had a ball and have all asked to be involved again this year.

Dan Riddleston once said to me, “You need to be able to answer yes to two of the following questions: ‘will it enhance your reputation?’ ‘will it make money?’ and ‘will it be fun?’” Well you can’t do better than three out of three!

We are in a different position from previous companies who have worked on the programme, inasmuch as we have four garden centres in the Frosts Group, which experience an increase in footfall when good quality gardening programmes are aired.

Who are the key people within the business?

It sounds clichéd but the key people in our business really are those in the field who translate our vision and values. Our staff are the greatest asset we have.

Does the business have growth plans for 2015?

The focus for 2015 will be to continue the growth of the grounds maintenance and garden design divisions and be more selective in the commercial projects we carry out.

How does the company deal with recruiting/training and supporting staff?

We use specialist recruitment firms that understand our business and our core values.

We hire on the basis of attitude and aptitude.

The rest can be taught. We set aside a considerable sum of money for training and development, not only to meet legislative requirements but also for career development.

What are the main reasons Frosts would lose out on a contract?

As the vast majority of our business is B2B with contracts being let through a competitive tendering process, unfortunately you win or lose a contract on price regardless of the scoring system used in the tender.

How do you source products?

We have a network of suppliers built up over decades, we choose our products on quality and service ensuring the client gets the right products for the job.

1

Jubilee gardens.

2

Newbury Parkway.

3

Staff at the Olympic Park North Hub

4

Love Your Garden in Burton upon Trent, sloping garden levelled using timber decking and a hot tub spa to aid recuperation

5-6 Love Your Garden in Bideford, the brief for a costal garden with a French, Shabby Chic feel Pro Landscaper / February 2015 37

20/01/2015 11:18

INTERVIEW

What are your views on the industry associations?

We have so many associations across the industry, some of which have resources but no voice, some have a voice but no resources and a few have both. It would seem logical to collaborate or amalgamate wherever possible.

While we all seem to be largely in agreement with the need to have a clear, powerful and influential voice, I am unconvinced that we are in agreement over what we need to articulate to benefit all. This lack of clarity, coupled with the difficulty in appeasing the plethora of associations is where the stumbling blocks lie.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF DISCUSSIONS TAKING PLACE ACROSS THE INDUSTRY AT THE MOMENT AS TO HOW WE CAN BETTER WORK TOGETHER AND HAVE A LOUDER VOICE What do you think will be the toughest challenges facing the industry in 2015?

The greatest challenges facing the industry in 2015 were discussed at length during the FutureScape event at Sandown last November and the main ones are creating a higher perceived value for our services, attracting school leavers into our industry and speaking with a clear, united voice.

I have had a number of conversations about promoting our industry as an entrepreneurial sector with Mark Gregory, the chair of the APL. This point was also made by Andrew Wilson in his column in last month’s Pro Landscaper magazine. As he said: “Most successful people in horticulture, landscaping and design are running a business and that is what’s attractive to school pupils and leavers”. I totally agree with this statement and believe that this is one of the best ways of enticing youngsters into our industry.

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Pro Landscaper / February 2015

Let's Hear it From Ken White TW v2.indd 38

In landscaping, what do you think the main trends will be for 2015?

Have you not seen my fashion sense? I will never be a trend setter, but rain gardens, SuDS and other forms of water attenuation need to grow in popularity along with other sustainable systems.

Looking at some of the issues the industry faces, how do you think we should (a) tackle the skills shortage (b) raise its public profile and (c) improve profit margins? (a) We can’t leave it all up to the colleges.

We need to get out there and promote our industry, take on proper apprentices at all levels and make the rewards meaningful. We need to increase the value of our services to pay rates that can compete. (b) Get out and about and tell everyone you meet what you do, what you get from it, and what our industry does to enhance the lives of the general public. (c) Get your price right, remember discounts come off the bottom line, do the job right first time and know your numbers. I am always amazed at the number of people who don’t know the difference between mark up and margin. If you want a gross profit of 25 per cent your mark-up is 33.3 per cent not 25 per cent.

So outside of work, what do you like to do in your free time?

Spend time with my family. I have two daughters, one aged 18 and the other aged 6. When time permits I like to play golf, swim and go for long walks with my Hungarian Vizsla. I like to spend

lazy summer days watching cricket and cold autumnal days watching the mighty Leicester Tigers play rugby.

Last year my wife and I founded Supershoes, a social purpose organisation that gifts customised canvas shoes to seriously ill and severely disabled children in the UK to help them smile and to raise awareness. We have a team of 90 super artists who donate their time and talent painting Supershoes to depict the things the children love such as Disney’s Frozen, Doctor Who or flowers and rainbows. We have gifted Supershoes to more than 350 children in the last 15 months. We also hold art workshops on ward 85 at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and collaborate with GOSH and CLIC Sargent.

You can Support Supershoes through our website: www.supershoes.org.uk or Facebook page www.facebook.com/supershoesgiving.

1 Woodwharf 2 Peacehaven roof, near Brighton 3 Customised canvas Supershoes

ABOUT KEN WHITE Ken trained at both the Royal Botanic Garden Kew and Edinburgh, with a view to working in developing countries, but after a change in personal circumstances moved into Landscape Construction over 20 years ago.

Tel: 0845 021 9001 Email: info@frostslandscapes.com Web: www.frostslandscapes.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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19/01/2015 11:02

PORTFOLIO

ON REFLECTION WATER GEMS Water Gems transformed the garden of this Edinburgh townhouse from an overgrown storage dump into a practical mix of classic and modern

www.prolandscapermagazine.com Pro Landscaper / February 2015 41

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20/01/2015 14:45

PORTFOLIO

PRINCIPAL WINNER

Domestic Garden Construction Cost Between £30K – £60K

T

he clients requested a low maintenance garden that would provide them with flowers, foliage, seasonal interest, and fruit and vegetables. They required storage, a secure back gate, compost bins, lighting and a seating area. A bird bath was suggested as a low maintenance means of adding reflecting water to the garden and a polished sandstone patio was included to give a close match to internal floor tiles. The clients live in the US and so were not on site during construction. All communication was carried out via email.

The contract The designer and the clients wished to have all work carried out as smoothly as possible and so Water Gems coordinated all trades. The garden was cleared of all vegetation. It was completely overgrown and had been used as a storage and working area during the renovation of the house.

A stonemason was brought in to repair pointing and copes. Stone from an internal wall that had been taken down was used to repair the garden walls. Electrical work was carried out by a garden lighting specialist, the scorched oak bench top was created by local craftswoman Michaela Huber, and plants were supplied through the garden designer. All other work was carried out by Water Gems.

ABOUT WATER GEMS Water Gems is an award-winning landscape and water feature specialist. We are based in Edinburgh and work all over Scotland creating beautiful gardens and stunning water features. In recent years we have built two gold medal-winning show gardens at Gardening Scotland and have been regular national BALI award winners.

www.watergems.co.uk

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Pro Landscaper / February 2015

Portfolio1WaterGemsTW.indd 42

edges had been delicately planted up by residents in the neighbouring properties and this had to be protected. Nonetheless, Water Gems managed not only to get a micro digger into the garden, but to keep all neighbours on board despite the disruption, noise and access issues.

One neighbour even allowed Water Gems to use her parking space for the duration of the build to ease the situation. She received a large bouquet of flowers at the end of the project! A second issue was the question of soil quality. It was unclear whether or not the soil within the garden would be good enough to reuse in the raised beds and so a clause was put into the contract offering to make a substantial reduction in the event that it was possible both to get a digger into the garden and to reuse the existing soil. We were able to do both.

Clients’ satisfaction The clients have been delighted with the work carried out. They have been overwhelmed by the quality of the workmanship and attention to detail from Water Gems. Keeping the neighbours happy was another main concern and they are relieved that relations have actually improved rather than deteriorated as a result of the garden project. They have also been delighted that despite not being on site, work was carried out to a very high standard and to the planned timescales.

Construction detail The Cedec pathways around the garden were laid over the correct depth of hardcore but with planting holes left for a number of trees planted through the Cedec. Bespoke woven and welded rebar raised beds were created in situ. The garden shed was designed and built by Water Gems using locally sourced larch in the vernacular style to contrast with the contemporary materials elsewhere. Two compost bins were installed at the rear of the garden with soil bases. The solid garden gate was constructed from oak, matching the material of the bench and the vernacular style of the shed.

Construction difficulties The main issue for this garden was that a narrow passage and low doorway on the rear wall of the garden was the only available access. The passageway also posed the problem that the www.prolandscapermagazine.com

20/01/2015 14:35

PORTFOLIO

PROJECT DETAILS Project value ÂŁ46k Build time April 2013 to March 2014 Size of project 170m2

REFERENCES Designer

Garden lighting

Secret Gardens Carolyn Grohmann

MGD Electrical

11/2 The Steils, Edinburgh EH10 5XD Tel 07796 457 537 Email cgrohmann@yahoo.co.uk Web www.secretgardensdesign.co.uk

8 Barons Gate, Bothwell, Glasgow G71 8SJ Tel 07973343844 Web www.mgdelectrical.co.uk Scorched oak bench top Michaela Huber

Landscaper and bespoke shed Water Gems Alba Ltd

2a East Craigie Farm, Dalmeny Estate, South Queensferry EH30 9TQ Tel 0131 317 8585 Email nick@watergems.co.uk robin@watergems.co.uk Web: www.watergems.co.uk

The New Cabinetworks No 22 Workshop, Newbattle Abbey Midlothian EH22 3LJ Tel 0131 660 9534 Web www.michaela-huber.co.uk Repointing of garden walls Sousa Stonemason

Tel 07529344520 Email sousabuilding@gmail.com Web www.sousabuilding.co.uk

Paving slabs CED Ltd

Plants

Castlecary Depot, Allandale Falkirk FK42HJ Tel 01324 841321 Email castlecary@ced.ltd.co.uk Web www.ced.ltd.uk

Binny plants

Binny Estate, Ecclesmachan, West Lothian EH52 6NL Tel 01506 858931 Email contact@binnyplants.com Web www.binnyplants.com

1 Polished sandstone slabs, scorched oak bench and Urbis Design lily bowl

7 Overhead view of spiralling bench and patio area

Bird bath bowl

Wildflowers

Urbis Design

Scotia Seeds

2 Annual wildflower mix from Scotia Seeds

8 Rebar raised bed with Carex elata aura planting

30 Full Sutton Industrial Estate, Full Sutton, York Y041 1HS Tel 01759 373839 Web www.urbisdesign.co.uk

Mavisbank, Farnell, Brechin, Angus DD9 6TR Tel 01356 626425 Email scotiaseeds@btconnect.com Web www.scotiaseeds.co.uk

3 Urbis Design lily bowl as a bird bath

9 Completed rebar raised beds

4 Setting out the rebar raised beds

10 Urbis Design lily bowl, scorched oak bench and planting of box balls and Stipa tenuissima

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Portfolio1WaterGemsTW.indd 43

5 View from back of garden before work began 6 Block work for random rubble bench

Pro Landscaper / February 2015 43

20/01/2015 14:40

PORTFOLIO

THE NEW MODERN CHARLOTTE ROWE Charlotte Rowe uses formal planting and swathes of limestone to bring an uninspiring London garden bang up-to-date

T

his was a large, long established 650m² garden in Wimbledon, South West London, with a number of mature trees and shrubs, some in poor condition. The terrace was paved with old York stone that had seen

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Pro Landscaper / February 2015

Portfolio 2 Charlotte RoweV3.indd 44

better days, there was a garden house that was attractive but located in the wrong place and a large lawn surrounded by beds. The garden was underused and aesthetically not on a par with the house and its interiors.

The clients wanted a more stylish, classically contemporary garden with formal, clipped planting and they particularly wanted to include a fireplace, a dining area and a pétanque court. We created an upper terrace of buff coloured English limestone with a long water feature cutting through it, surrounded

with ‘cloud’ planting of Buxus sempervirens.

The water falls over the edge of the stone down a 1.2m water wall of deep brown polished granite. At the end of the garden the water feature is mirrored by a long polished granite strip in the ground with a vertical monolith, acting as a focal point from the house.

Below the terrace at ground level is the partially enclosed, private fireplace garden with a western red cedar arbour and a log fire as its main focus. We designed a wide built-in day bed for which we commissioned a mattress and cushions in outdoor fabric to match the cushions of the teak armchairs. There is also a store cupboard.

Next to the fireplace garden is the full size pétanque court, planted with tall multi-stem Amelanchier lamarckii trees which are uplit at night and bounded by a row of box pleached www.prolandscapermagazine.com

21/01/2015 11:01

PORTFOLIO

PROJECT DETAILS

Carpinus betulus. To fulfil the client’s wish for formal planting, we created a structural garden using ‘green architecture’ in the form of hornbeam, yew and buxus hedging to give a layered effect.

The planting uses a limited colour palette of greens, limes and creams featuring clipped Pittosporum tobira ‘Nanum’, Ilex crenata, Prunus lusitanica, Hebe parviflora angustifolia and Myrtus communis tarentina interplanted with perennials and ground covers.

A number of existing trees were removed and replaced with mature specimens including a Parrotia persica and a Fraxinus angustifolia ‘Raywood’ as well as a wonderful mature Osmanthus heterophyllus and box pleached and fastigiate Carpinus betula. In total more than 20 new trees were planted in the garden. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Portfolio 2 Charlotte RoweV3.indd 45

Project value Hard landscaping and lighting £160k Soft landscaping and planting £70k

Construction challenges ● The terrace to the rear Build time of the house was 1.3m January to July 2012 above the main part of the garden. For this Size of project SHORTLISTED 650m2 reason we decided to put the water feature on two levels. We could not be sure of the stability of the 1 Island beds on terrace with cloud planting sub-structure of the terrace until the York and reflection water feature. Timber arbour stone had been removed, so test pits were in background first excavated to ascertain what works were 2 Row of fastigate Carpinus and low Buxus hedging with subtle garden lighting glimpsed needed. Although the existing retaining wall through formal row of box-pleached Carpinus could not be used as it was neither 3 Fireplace seating area with timber structure structurally sound nor parallel with the overhead and horizontal screens on two sides house, the remedial works were ultimately 4 Island bed with cloud planting and reflection not extensive. However, the provisional sum water feature allowed for the terrace did increase.

Photographs © Marianne Majerus Pro Landscaper / February 2015 45

21/01/2015 11:10

PORTFOLIO

ABOUT CHARLOTTE ROWE Award-winning London based garden designer Charlotte Rowe started her studio in 2004 after training as a landscape designer in Oxford. Since then she has worked on urban and rural design projects in the UK and overseas including an olive estate in Northern Italy and roof terraces in Manhattan. Her work has featured in a number of TV garden and design programmes, in newspapers and magazines as well as specialist books. She won a Gold for her show garden at last year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, ‘No Man’s Land’.

www.charlotterowe.com

● In total, 13 different stones were considered.

Baycliff Lord from Burlington Stone in Cumbria had been the first choice and was ultimately what was used, but as it is a relatively expensive option the client wanted to explore other possibilities before making a final decision. The limestone we had specified for the upper terrace varies in colour from slab to slab so this needed to be selected and laid very carefully to achieve the look we were after. ● We decided to use self-binding gravel for the pétanque court which presented a few problems as it took two attempts to achieve the correct colour and texture. ● The design required the garden house to be uplifted and relocated and this was carried out successfully. However, the garden entrance was narrow and would not permit the delivery of some of the larger, more mature trees. Rather than crane them in, the gateway was widened instead by removing some of the brick wall and a more generous gate was designed and constructed.

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Pro Landscaper / February 2015

Portfolio 2 Charlotte RoweV3.indd 46

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21/01/2015 11:05

Formal planting beds outside the window to be planted with existing climbers and small evergreen structural plants such as a Laurus nobilis, Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Tom Thumb’ or Buxus globe

Two steps down to fireplace seating area with timber structure overhead and horizontal screens on two sides. Garden side to be kept open to allow view to be seen. Storage space for cushions to be built under the staircase and a large shelf or cupboard opposite the fireplace to balance this. Log store on either side of the fireplace. Retaining wall on garden side can be used as additional seating

Long gravel path leading to pétanque court with two rows of multistemmed Amelanchier trees and possibly two stone benches inbetween, mixed planting bed on one side Large planting bed with new large tree cloud planting next to the seating area to echo the upper to soften the boundary terrace. Moving towards the low Buxus hedge away from the fireplace, cloud planting gradually mixed with perennials and informal shrubs

PORTFOLIO Formal lawn edged with long stone strips on two sides with low Buxus hedging at each end Tall horizontal trellis to screen relocated garden house Combination of hedging with tall Taxus (yew) to screen at the end, medium height hornbeam hedge, row of box pleached hornbeam next and low Buxus hedging in front

Three large planters planted with clipped Buxus Two steps up Terraced planting beds with evergreen hedges such as Taxus baccata (yew) to create layered vertical green and soften the retaining walls

Sculpture point at the end of the main gravel path

Eight steps up

Existing Salix Seating area in gravel terraces with insets of stone on two sides to create sense of enclosure

Dining room

Long rill of water cutting through the hedging with a dark stone wall at the end on the boundary with some kind of water spout.

Existing Quercus suber Mixed planting bed with some existing trees and shrubs

Orangery

Existing Gleditsia Existing Sorbus aria

Eight steps up

Row of large fastigate trees and low Buxus hedge along the edge of the lawn add formality

Existing Laurus

L-shape outdoor kitchen/bar with built-in BBQ with access gate to the side

Staircase to be clad in stone to match paving

Gravel path edged with tall evergreen hedging, for example Taxus (yew)

Mixed cloud planting bed with evergreen small shrubs and scented perennials including winter interest plants such as dogwood and hazel

DESIGN PLAN

Three large Island beds with cloud planting and reflection water feature cutting through the bed. Water feature to planters have stepping stone and infinity edge with water disappearing over the edge to the half-way raised bed to be uplit for dramatic effect at night, visible Outdoor dining area large from inside the enough for seating ten people REFERENCES orangery or more. Horizontal screens and overhead structure with Europlants Stone paving Designer pull-out canopy system to create enclosed ambience.

Great North Rd, Charlotte Rowe Burlington Stone Screen to have a ‘picture Bell Bar. Nr Hatfield, 118 Blythe Road, Kirkby in Furness, window’ framing raised Herts AL9 6DA London W14 0LR Cumbria LA17 7UN planting bed behind, and Tel 01707 649996 Tel 020 7602 0660, Tel 01229 889661 additional trellis behind that.

Light fittings and heating strips Email enquiries@europlants.net Email design@charlotterowe.com Email sales@burlingtonstone.co.uk possibly to be attached under Web www.europlants.net Web www.charlotterowe.com Web www.burlingtonstone.co.uk the overhead structure

Landscape contractor

Arbour and all joinery

Other planting

Garden Link

Garden Link

27 Lesbourne Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7JS Tel 01737 243224 Email enquiries@gardenlink.co.uk Web www.gardenlink.co.uk

27 Lesbourne Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7JS Tel 01737 243224, Email enquiries@gardenlink.co.uk Web www.gardenlink.co.uk

Evergreen Exterior Services

3 View across terrace before works

Lighting design

Trees

4 Back of the house from the terrace before works

Light IQ

Deepdale Trees Ltd

1 Rylett Studios, 77 Rylett Crescent, London W12 9RP Tel 020 8749 1900 Email enquiries@lightiq.com Web www.lightiq.com

Tithe Farm, Hatley Road, GB-Potton, Sandy SG19 2DX Tel 01767 262636 Email mail@deepdale-trees.co.uk Web www.deepdale-trees.co.uk

1 Petanque court with uplit multistemmed Amelanchier lamarckii with box-pleached trees in the background 2 Looking down the garden from the terrace before works

5 Lawn and house before commencement of work 6 Lawn and trees before works 7 Steps up to terrace before works

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Portfolio 2 Charlotte RoweV3.indd 47

Croydon Lane, Banstead, Surrey SM7 3BW Tel 020 8770 9200 Email admin@evergreenext.co.uk Web www.evergreenext.co.uk Hortus Loci

Hound Green, Hook, Hampshire RG27 8LQ Tel 0118 932 6495 Web www.hortusloci.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / February 2015 47

21/01/2015 11:07

PORTFOLIO

WINNER

Hard Landscaping (Non-domestic) Cost over £1.5m

ON THE LEVEL GAVIN JONES LTD Gavin Jones Ltd’s spectacular restoration of Brighton park The Level has given a tired and run-down area of the city a new lease of life

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Pro Landscaper / February 2015

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www.prolandscapermagazine.com

20/01/2015 14:58

PORTFOLIO

I

n 2012 Brighton and Hove City Council received a £2m National Lottery grant to develop The Level, an underused park in Brighton in need of investment.

Gavin Jones Ltd completely restored the 8.5 acre park, which now provides a thriving city centre open space including a children’s play area, fountains, sensory gardens and a new skatepark.

Construction The site was split into two phases to minimise disruption.

The landscape and associated works contract included: ● Demolition and removal of small buildings being used as the Ranger’s Hut, skate park ramps, play equipment, hard surfacing, old fencing and park furniture. ● Restoration of the 1930s configuration of the south end of the park, including the original symmetrical layout of the paths and planting beds and the two pavilion buildings, bridges, columns and pergolas.

PROJECT DETAILS

● Restoration of full footprint of the original boating

pond as a new interactive water fountain feature. ● Restoration of the dolphin lamps and shrub beds and improvements to the access ramp and surfaces at the south entrance. ● Replacement of fencing, gates, hedging, lawns, paths, lighting and seating throughout the site. ● Restoration of Rose Walk as a horticultural showpiece. ● Creation of a new sensory garden, lawns and pétanque area in the south end of the park.

1 Play area including woodland sculptures and bridge 2 Rope climbing net 3 Interactive water play feature 4 Play houses with seaside theme

Project value £2m Build time Aug 2012 to Sept 2013

ABOUT GAVIN JONES LTD Gavin Jones Ltd offers a wide range of landscape services, including commercial landscape installations and domestic landscape design and build, commercial ground maintenance and treeworks. The business operates from the Plantation Nursery which offers specimen plants and garden machinery to trade and retail customers. Est 1919 and Royal Warrant Holders – HM The Queen.

www.gavinjones.co.uk

Size of project 34,500m2

BALI Grand Award Winner 2013

5 Play area and sand pit with seaside theme

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Portfolio 3 Gavin Jones 4.indd 49

Pro Landscaper / February 2015 49

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PORTFOLIO

● Boundary planting around the new skate park. ● Installation of new signage for information

and interpretation. ● New playground including supply of equipment and installation.

Special requirements Public safety was of paramount importance during the works, safe access was provided along with clear signage and directions and protective perimeter fencing where necessary.

We were very mindful of the site’s location and engaged with the necessary stakeholders, advising them of our delivery management system, working considerately, avoiding deliveries at peak times as well as noisy works in the morning or evenings. We engaged with these stakeholders through leaflet drops and site meetings. In addition to leaflets, the contracts manager also issued detailed monthly progress reports on the programme to ensure that the work was developing to schedule and to meet our and the client’s expectations.

Due to the project being a National Lottery funded grant, materials were primarily specified by the client. However, where possible, if a like-for-like match could be found and agreed by the client then an alternative was used. Samples were submitted to the client for materials and products where alternatives were to be used.

REFERENCES Landscape architect

Russell Play

LUC (Land Use Consultants)

43 Chalton Street, London, NW1 1JD Tel 020 7383 5784 Email luc@landuse.co.uk Web www.landuse.co.uk

Bridgewater House, Market House, Market Place Ringwood, Hampshire BA24 1AP Tel 01590 675652 Email info@russell-play.com Web www.russell-play.com

Main contractor

Timber structures

Gavin Jones Ltd

Sarum Hardwood Structures Ltd

The Plantation, Woburn Hill, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 2QG Tel 01932 833866 Email matt.stevens@gavinjones.co.uk Web www.gavinjones.co.uk

Unit 1b, Chilbolton Down Farm, Stockbridge, Hampshire S020 6BU Tel 01264 811600 Email info@sarumhardwood.co.uk Web www.sarumhardwood.co.uk

Plants

Sculptures

Hillier Nurseries

Woodland Centre Ltd

Ampfield House, Ampfield, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 9PA Tel 01794 368733 Web www.hillier.co.uk

Whitestone Farm, Selsfield Road, West Hoathly, West Sussex RH19 4QN Tel 01342 810748 Web www.woodlandcentre.co.uk

W Crowder & Sons Ltd

Lincoln Road, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 5LZ Tel 01507 525000 Web www.crowders.co.uk Play equipment

Turf Tillers Turf Ltd

Springwood Farm, Drinsey Nook Lane, Thorney, Newark NG23 7DP Tel 01522 704949 Web www.tillersturf.co.uk

Timberplay Ltd

1 Original play area

4 Original entrance

2 Original sand pit

5 Original pathway

3 Original boat pond

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Pro Landscaper / February 2015

Portfolio 3 Gavin Jones 4.indd 50

Aizlewoods Mill, Nursery Street, Sheffield S3 8GG Tel 0114 282 3474 Email info@timberplay.com Web www.timberplay.com

Water features Waterscapes Ltd

1 Murray Court, Wincanton Business Park, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 Tel 01963 824166

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

20/01/2015 14:59

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NURSERY

NURSERY NEWS Working day and night If you are in horticulture in any way shape or form, then you have to love the arrival of spring. Having spent the last month or two inside, trawling through plant books (if you are anything like us lot at Provender Nurseries), now is the perfect time to dust off those boots and get visiting nurseries and plant suppliers. Much goes on in the winter months in terms of buying and reserving stock for the

year ahead and February/March is the time when large reserves of plants come in to Provender Nurseries. Over the winter months our buyers have been tagging and

Agrumi’s expanding bespoke topiary New Forest-based nursery Agrumi is looking forward to a special year for its expanding bespoke topiary business. 2015 marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and Agrumi’s talented topiary artists have made an extraordinary set of figures based on images from the

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Nursery News TW v3.indd 53

original book. Fashioned on 3D metal sculptures, up to two metres tall and covered in living ligustrum delavayanum, the nursery will be displaying the figures at RHS and other shows around the country to demonstrate Agrumi’s expertise.

Alice Liddell, inspiration for the Alice books, lived and is buried near Agrumi. Stanley Jackson, Agrumi’s Director, said: “All Agrumi’s bespoke topiary pieces are made on-site at the nursery and not imported.

We can make pretty much any shape or size design (see the Radley Dog photograph) and take great pride in delivering client commissions.” www.topiaryart.co.uk

reserving Betula, Cornus kousa, Camellia japonica, multistem Liquidamber, multistem Amelanchier and specimen Viburnum plicatum ‘Mareisii’, literally working from dawn to dusk to bring you quality plants.

So if you want to plan and plant some lovely specimens in the oncoming season turn off the computer and get out there. A plant list can only tell you so much. Get visiting and refresh your plant choice from the great new stock landing at a nursery near you! www.provendernurseries.co.uk Pro Landscaper wants to hear from you!

For 2015 Pro Landscaper really wants to support the industry’s nurseries, which provide a vital service to landscapers and designers. This is a great opportunity to raise people’s awareness of what you have to offer. We have a widely read

NURSERY NOTES

February is a month of production and construction in the nursery. On the production side the deciduous potting is in full swing and soon it will be the turn of the evergreens. On the construction side we have new roadways being built, there is a new 1330m³ water tank and four beds being constructed that will hold another 6000m of hedging.

With all this going on, the nursery is a busy place. We are also in the peak sales period for the field grown products especially our Taxus root balls, this does not take away from the instant hedging which is also a very popular product in this period.

Readyhedge is being specified in some very interesting projects for the end of 2015 and 2016. With all this going on it is shaping up to be another busy season.

nursery section where you can report your achievements, update us on contracts and contractors you have supplied, inform readers about new lines, special offers, events, promotions, or even new members of staff.

Don’t miss the chance to let our readers know about what’s going on. However big or small, we want to hear your news.

Email any details or images to Iszara.morgan@eljays44.com

Pro Landscaper / February 2015 53

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NURSERY

Classiflora announces dates for 19th annual trade show

Germinal launches new amenity grass seed, wildflower and fertiliser catalogue Germinal has launched the 2015 edition of its amenity grass seed, wildflower and fertiliser catalogue.

This year’s edition incorporates a full fertiliser guide as well as a range of technical advice articles and product guides aimed specifically at landscapers, groundsmen and greenkeepers.

The catalogue will be officially launched at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) in Harrogate on 20 January 2015.

Germinal’s amenity sales manager, Richard Brown, looked forward to the catalogue’s launch: “Each year we put a great deal of effort into producing the most comprehensive amenity product guide. High quality grass seed

mixtures such as Germinal’s Grade ‘A’ mixtures proved as popular as ever in 2014, but for 2015 the focus has moved on. We have introduced a selection of articles to help our customers achieve the very best results. The new catalogue is an excellent guide to Germinal’s products, but is so much more.

It is an invaluable reference guide to professionals in the golf, sports and landscaping sectors, all of which can be backed up by our FACTS (Fertiliser Advisers Certification Training

scheme) qualified technical sales representatives.

For more information contact Germinal on 01522 868714. www.germinalamenity.com

Order now from Thornhayes Nursery for late winter planting

that large parts of the country are not submerged. This means that tree planting is progressing well as the ground conditions are good. So if you intend to plant trees this winter/spring we suggest you get them ordered now, to avoid the

disappointment of stocks of certain items running out. Some fruit varieties have been in great demand this season. Thornhayes has a good selection of ornamentals in all sizes, and as usual Kevin and his staff will be able to help you in making your choice. www.thornhayes-nursery.co.uk

Classiflora is pleased to announce its 19th Annual Open Day Trade Show on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 March 2015, open from 10am to 6pm daily.

The most beautiful hand sourced plants from around Europe will be on view along with more than 1,700 new and exciting lines, many of which can be retailed at £59.99 or less.

Additional discounts will be available across the two days with more than 180 shelf deals and trolley combinations.

With a vast variety of plants at the show, attendees will be able to build a selection tailored to the specific needs of their audience and do so in the most cost effective way. www.classiflora.com

Penny Fryer, Production Director at Boningale Nurseries said: “The machine will make a real difference to the way in which we work and make the flow of our output much smoother. Its compost delivery

system produces less compaction of the growing media and the knock-on effect will be less wastage and better plant growth.”

Boningale has also invested in a bark topping machine.

“Liverwort is an unsightly problem and can inhibit growth on smaller plants,” explained Penny. “The bark mulch will help stop liverwort getting established and will also help control weeds. This will save labour, reduce our

reliance on chemicals and help produce a better established and cleaner product.”

Boningale Nurseries recently celebrated the achievements of several clients at the BALI National Landscape Awards 2014, notably, in the ‘Soft Landscaping Construction (Non Domestic) under £300,000’ category where all three winners were supplied with the company’s stock. www.boningale.co.uk

For late winter/early spring planting contact Thornhayes now to secure the trees and shrubs you require.

Well, the new year is with us and thankfully, unlike last year, it appears

Boningale invests in new machinery Boningale Nurseries has committed to further improving the quality of its stock by investing in two top-ofthe-range pieces of machinery.

A new potting machine will enable the nursery to pot bare root and larger pot sizes more efficiently, with minimal root disturbance.

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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

Pinus strobus (Weymouth pine) is native to eastern North America, where it was once the region’s tallest tree, reputedly growing to over 80m. This five needled pine has long, bluish green needles that are soft to the touch and when young it is somewhat similar in appearance to the Bhutan pine (Pinus wallichiana). Younger trees are conical in shape but broaden with age to an oval crown. The smooth dark grey bark becomes furrowed on mature trees. Will grow best on a fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Available from Deepdale Trees as a feathered plant up to 4m high. www.deepdale-trees.co.uk

Whilst suitable for all soil types, Quercus palustris (Pin oak) performs best in an acidic soil. Its main feature is stunning autumn colours of deep orange, red and purple. The broadly pyramidal crown is made from obviously horizontal branches which give it a unique appearance in the winter. Its regular form makes it a wonderful avenue tree in streets and parks but it also works well as a specimen parkland tree. It’s a medium to large tree so needs plenty of space to develop in and while not as longliving as some oak species, it is still good for 100 years or more. www.civictrees.co.uk www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Steeped in folklore as far back as the Greeks, the native Sorbus aucuparia (Mountain ash) makes an attractive single or multi stemmed tree. With features in three seasons, this versatile tree has white flowers in spring, which when pollinated turn to clusters of orange-red berries in late summer. When not devoured by birds, these can last well into winter.

In autumn, the pinnate green leaves turn vivid orange-red shades. Where uniformity is required, such clones as Asplenifolia, Cardinal Royal, Edulis, Rossica Major and Sheerwater Seedling should be considered. www.jajones.co.uk

A cross between Acer saccharinum and Acer rubrum that inherits the best of both, Acer x freemannii ‘Jeffers Red’ is far more reliable with its autumn display in this country than Acer rubrum tends to be and is one of the first trees to colour in autumn. Mature height in the north of England is around 15m, but it has the vigour and potential to reach taller on a sheltered site. Prefers rich, well drained acid soils, but will also grow happily in neutral conditions if humus-rich. www.wykehammatureplants.co.uk

A medium sized evergreen shrub, Viburnum Tinus ‘Eve Price’ is a favourite in any planting scheme, providing colour and interest when all else has faded. Small clusters of pink buds appear in early autumn, continually forming and opening into dazzling white flowers, all the way through to late spring. The small blue/ black berries that follow the flowers in autumn are great for attracting wildlife into the garden. Growing well on nearly any soil or even in a pot, ‘Eve Price’ is commonly used as an ornamental hedging plant with its dark green, compact foliage providing screening up to two metres in height. www.colesnurseries.co.uk

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NURSERY

The lovely Prunus serrula ‘Tibetica’ (Tibetan Cherry) was introduced from Western China in 1908 by Ernest Wilson and is surely one of the best trees available for bark interest. Available as single or multi- stemmed, this wonderfully dramatic tree can provide great contrast within a garden or urban environment.

Its many horticultural honours culminated in the Award of Garden Merit in 2002. It has really shiny, mahogany-brown bark that just keeps on getting more sensational with age, making it worth growing for this reason alone. It has narrow, willow-like leaves and small, white flowers that are produced in April.

Like most cherries it thrives best on free draining soils. www.barchampro.co.uk

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena’ is a witch hazel with a difference. It has marmalade orange spidery flowers, as opposed to the usual bright yellow. This can be a big shrub to small tree in time though it responds well to regular pruning, which encourages further flowering.

The flowers are remarkable and highly frost resistant and in the right conditions they are fragrant too. These shrubs are deciduous and prefer acid to neutral soils in sheltered eg woodland edge sites in sun to part shade, but they deliver a colourful autumn display. www.palmstead.co.uk

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For instant impact, high level screening or shelter, look no further than our extensive range of evergreen full standards. We all like our privacy and creating a stunning living screen costs less than you think with our special offer on evergreen full standards. Until 13 February we’re offering special discounts on all evergreen full standards so don’t delay, visit us soon! www.theplantationnursery.co.uk

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Spring is around the corner, it’s time for Ribes to do its thing. You’ve probably pictured floppy pink dangling racemes of pendulous flowers. Think again – try green/ yellow flowers that are long lasting and well worth a look. With new foliage emerging a yellow to light green colour fading to green over the summer followed by dark red berries in the autumn Ribes alipinum ‘Aureum’ has appeal for three seasons out of four. Not bad for an upright, shade tolerant plant that reaches as tall as it is wide in maturity – 1.5m. Oh and apparently it’s deer resistant too! www.provendernurseries.co.uk

Edgeworthia and mimosa come to life in February.

The former has a powerful scent that seems to wake up the bees in their hives at the Agrumi nursery in the New Forest. The plant is also noteworthy because, like deciduous magnolia and some wisteria, its flowers bloom before its foliage. The bare branches of Edgeworthia laden with flowers are striking at an otherwise dreary time in the garden. Mimosa has an over-abundance of blossom that sets off Agrumi director Stanley Jackson's hay fever!

Its hardiness is questionable in the north, but there are plenty of 30 year old trees in southern England. It makes a striking hedge. www.agrumi.co.uk

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Mobilane’s newest sustainable LivePanel system uses the latest technology and is a great product to cover exterior and interior wall spaces. The panels are stacked onto the face of a building or wall and secured by an aluminium frame. The plants are fed using an integrated irrigation and drainage system that usually only needs to be refilled once a week, depending on the size of the wall. There’s a wide selection of plants to choose from, plus the LivePanel system is quick to install, easy to maintain and one of the most cost effective living walls on the market.

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ANS Group is the market leader when it comes to providing modular living walls globally. The ANS Living Wall System is a compost based modular system made from fully recycled and recyclable materials. The system incorporates 96 plants per m², eliminating any unsightly plastic and ensuring full coverage on the day of installation. With a fully integrated irrigation system, controlled remotely from their offices, their huge gallery of completed projects shows just what a success the system is. The company guarantees an expert tailored service and quality products that are always delivered on time.

WWW.ANSGROUPGLOBAL.COM Garden House Design is the proud supplier of Woolly Pockets, a smart solution for creating living walls for commercial and domestic projects. Simply attach the pockets (fixings included) to brickwork, fences or walls, fill with soil and get planting. The pockets’ breathable front allows excess moisture to evaporate while naturally aerating the soil. This reduces any need for drainage and is the best way to grow healthy plants. A simple drip-feed irrigation system can also be added. Woolly Pockets come in three sizes and two colours and are made from 100 per cent recycled plastic water bottles. Garden House Design can install or supply only.

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Boughton Loam manufactures and supplies green roof substrates for both domestic and commercial projects. They contain recycled secondary aggregates and an organic component to provide the

Lindum Wildflower & Perennial Mat is a ready established green roof vegetation mat designed to be attractive to pollinators and promote biodiversity. It has been developed as an alternative to pure sedum and includes a pre-grown mixture of drought tolerant wildflowers, sedum, herbs and flowering perennials that will flourish on the conditions created on a green roof. The vegetation mat is drought tolerant and includes a range of plants that flower from April to September, providing visual appeal and an excellent habitat for bumblebees, butterflies, birds and invertebrates.

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The Green-tree range of green roof substrates are designed to meet the GRO green roof code. Available as an intensive and extensive substrate, both are a blend of lightweight aggregate and award winning Green-tree topsoil. Green-tree Intensive Roof Garden is ideal for green roof construction projects and containerised planting whereas Green-tree Extensive Roof Garden substrate is ideal for expansive green roof projects requiring little maintenance. Green-tree also supplies gt Roofdrain, a lightweight drainage layer and reservoir to sustain plant growth and gt Deckdrain, a system designed to replace stone drainage layers.

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essential properties for any green roof habitat. Boughton can supply intensive and extensive green roof substrates to meet your project requirements. Its substrates have been analysed for their chemical and physical properties by Sheffield University, enabling Boughton to offer off the shelf, lightweight green roof soil for various design criteria.

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Ecogrow is an innovative support mat for the cultivation of sedum mats. It is made of renewable resources (the plant based biopolymer, PLA) and is 100 per cent biodegradable and compostable. Ecogrow has optimal pore size, allowing roots to easily penetrate and anchor the mat. It has good dimensional stability and is easy to roll up and roll off even after two seasons on the field. Unlike coir support mats, Ecogrow has no weak zones and will not retract once installed.

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ANS Group Global is the market leader in providing modular green roofs. The InstaGrufe modular system is an ideal way to install a cost-effective lightweight green roof without the expense of employing specialist trades and complicated layers of build-up. Simply lay the fully established sedum modules on to your waterproof surface for a satisfying long-term green roof.

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TGA UPDATE

WHY WORRY ABOUT WATER? UPDATE FROM THE TURFGRASS GROWERS ASSOCIATION

Turf production in 2014 was helped by a fairly good growing season with sufficient rainfall and warmth to produce good quality turf. At the beginning of the year some of our growers in the west and south west of the UK were wondering if aquatics would be a better alternative with the horrendous floods they experienced. So now we have no problems with water? That statement could not be further from the truth.

There will be another drought in the UK. That is a fact, it will happen but we don’t know when.

When it does happen it will have an impact upon all of us in the turf supply chain. The initial impact will be a Temporary Use Ban (TUB), which used to be called a hosepipe ban. These have a damaging impact on our ability to install turf and

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then keep it damp for the 28 days that it needs to establish successfully. However, the horticultural industry has been working with the water industry to try to help conserve water in the garden. There is no doubt there have been wasteful practices in the sector in the past. Now that water is increasingly being seen as a precious commodity there have been improvements but there could be more. To help with this, the new e-learning course launched on 12 January will provide landscapers with the skills to plan, install and maintain gardens and features in a water efficient manner. The scheme was pump-primed by the horticultural trade bodies and further funded by some water companies. The hope is that collectively, we can help reduce water wastage in the landscape. When the next TUB’s are announced it is hoped that those who have demonstrated these skills and are certified as water efficient will be considered for any possible exemptions in the initial stages. Time will tell on this but it is a unique collaboration and one that the TGA thinks is a worthy and imaginative way to approach the issue.

In early December 2014 the TGA held its annual conference near Peterborough with irrigation high on the agenda. We were fortunate enough to have two speakers from the NFU, Guy Smith, Vice President, (who farms land in Essex that is officially drier than parts of the Sahara Desert!) and Paul Hammett, their water resources specialist.

Where turf production is concerned, irrigation is vitally important. Defra and the Environment Agency are undertaking a review of the Abstraction Licencing System. This is a very complicated task when all interested parties, from power stations to environmental interest groups, are considered. The outcome is not yet known,

but it is clear that the current system has its flaws, however what the new licences will look like is still up for debate. This may not affect you directly at the moment but the ability to irrigate turf is vital for the landscaping industry.

There is currently a lot of debate about the loss of active ingredients in the crop protection arena, with particular interest in Endocrine Disruptors (EDs). You may well have seen the sometimes very passionate debate about this in the media. The impact of these activities on wildlife is an area of very heated discussion with honeybees one of the main concerns. Wherever you stand on this, the fact of the matter is that we have lost a lot of our defences against problems such as annual meadow grass in the past few years without being able to find effective replacements. Turf growers work extremely hard to combat this, but in the end decisions on the removal of the active ingredients from pesticides will be made at an EU level. The industry is lobbying for an informed, independent, debate on the impact of EDs and we hope that whatever decision is made will be based upon good scientific research and not a knee-jerk reaction to pressure and lobby groups.

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In many situations maintaining grass can become costly both economically and environmentally. Lindum has developed LT2, a low maintenance turf, requiring fewer fertiliser inputs, less irrigation and a reduced mowing regime so grass can still be used as an environmentally and financially sustainable option. LT2 Low Maintenance is the first turf to incorporate crested hairgrass renowned for its slow growth habit and ability to survive in dry, low fertility situations. LT2 is ideal for areas where reduced mowing and maintenance is required such as difficult banks and highway verges or for exposed drought prone areas. It is also a perfect solution for areas where reducing fertiliser input is beneficial to the environment, such as the edges of water reservoirs.

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Q Lawns turf boasts a deep natural green colour which continues to look fantastic months after installation.

Volume turf growers, Q Lawns uses a blend of grass species in its turf. Its seed mix contains fine-leaved perennial ryegrass for drought hardiness and colour all year round; cultivated fescue grasses for that velvety texture and tolerance to close mowing and smooth stalked meadow grass to lend an element of self repair. Mowing regimes will produce family and show lawns.

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for large scale landscaping projects, Paynes’ big roll allows turf to be laid quickly and effectively, reducing laying times and manpower costs.

Thanks to Paynes’ high efficiency big roll harvester, Paynes’ turf can be harvested just hours before delivery, ensuring that it arrives on site extremely fresh and ready to roll.

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The Earth Cycle range from the Woodhorn Group is cut from the sandy soils of Suffolk. Regal is a hardwearing utility turf with a mix of 25 per cent dwarf amenity rye, 20 per cent smooth stalked meadow, 10 per cent chewings fescue, 25 per cent strong creeping red fescue and 20 per cent creeping red fescue. Xeris is drought tolerant and comprised of 70 per cent tall fescue, 20 per cent smooth stalk meadow and 10 per cent dwarf amenity rye. Elite is comprised of fescue and bents and widely used for bowling greens or those wanting a more luxurious lawn.

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Trent Turf is the flagship brand for Sherborne Turf. It is a quality lawn turf, grown from seed without netting using a blend of grasses designed to produce a hardwearing grade suitable for domestic and commercial properties. It is cut to order in rolls equivalent to one square yard and deliveries are made using Sherborne’s own vehicles and drivers experienced in the handling of its products.

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Rolawn uses the highest quality blend of grass seed sown on the most suitable soil type using highly evolved growing and harvesting techniques to produce renowned market leading lawn turf. Its award winning Medallion is the first choice for landscapers, groundsmen, landscape architects and home owners who demand the best. Attention to detail makes sure Rolawn always keeps quality in focus.

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01/08/2014 08:45 19/01/2015 11:43

EQUIPMENT

EQUIPMENT NEWS

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

Bobcat launches new high performance loader

Management changes at Ransomes Jacobsen Karen Proctor is taking on a new role at Ransomes Jacobsen as Marketing and Communications Manager – international, moving from her previous role as Key Account Manager in the sales team. She will lead the marketing team to deliver a fully integrated marketing communications strategy across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, APAC and Latin America. She will report to Ransomes Jacobsen’s Managing Director, Alan Prickett.

Nick Brown is moving to the new role of Manager, Corporate

Accounts – EMEA, to continue the management and development of relationships with key customers.

This role includes responsibility for the E-Z-GO and Cushman brands within the UK. John Quinton will be returning to the sales team from the customer care department, taking up the position of Municipal Sales Manager – UK & Ireland. Here, he will be responsible for Ransomes’ product sales into the municipal and landscape contractor markets. www.ransomesjacobsen.com

Professional brushcutter BCV5020 includes bumper five year warranty If you are after a professional brush cutter, look no further than the Maruyama BCV5020, which features an anti-vibration driveshaft with www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Equipment News TW v2 2.indd 69

oversized volumetric dampers, to ensure low vibration.

Martin Woodhouse of Woodgrow Horticulture said: “Without doubt the

Bobcat has expanded the company’s range of compact tracked loaders with the launch of the new T450 model. Filling the gap in the range between the T110 and T590 models once occupied by the discontinued T140 loader, the T450 offers a massive increase in power combined with hydraulic and hydrostatic efficiency improvements that translate into significantly increased productivity.

Manufactured at the Bobcat plant in Dobris in the Czech Republic, the T450 is powered by the Bobcat D24 45.5kW (61hp) turbocharged diesel engine, providing 25 per cent more power than the T140 model, ensuring the T450 has the best performance and engine power to weight ratio in its class. The D24 engine in the T450 meets the current European Stage IIIB emission requirements through the use of cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC)

after-treatment technologies, with no diesel particulate filter (DPF).

The T450 features the same new generation cab design used on the recently launched S450 skid-steer loader and larger new generation Bobcat compact loaders, providing class-leading entry and exit through the largest cab door opening on this size of machine. The cab is also fully

most impressive feature is the reduced whole-life cost of owning a Maruyama BCV5020. The engine has an industry-busting five year warranty while the drive shaft and ignition module carry a lifetime warranty. We found the BCV5020

to be very fuel efficient and the large fuel tank meant fewer fill ups.

With a very competitive purchase price, buying and owning the Maruyama BCV5020 is a no-brainer in our opinion.” www.dmmp.co.uk

enclosed as standard, including a front door and a wiper system. One of the many advantages offered by Bobcat compact tracked loaders is the ability to extend the working seasons and for customers looking to do this, the enclosed cab offers added value in the form of comfort and protection from the elements. www.bobcat.com

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22/01/2015 10:31

EQUIPMENT

Revolutionary new way to install fences dramatically cuts costs

Wiedenmann UK adds three Terra Rake models and doubles efficiency The Terra Rake, a perennial favourite of Wiedenmann UK customers, has been re-engineered to double both its output and width. A brand new folding frame means the verticut harrow becomes significantly more time efficient for those with sizeable areas to cover.

Previously only available in 1.6m and 2.1m widths, it now adds 3.2m and 4.4m variants to its range, the two wider machines taking advantage of

Warranty and service schedule extensions to be introduced for all Avant Machines in 2015 Compact, multi-purpose wheeled loader specialist Avant Tecno (UK) of Thetford in Norfolk has announced a major change to its standard warranty and service schedule interval policies.

With effect from 2015, all machines manufactured after 1 January will carry a two, rather than one year warranty, 70

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technology developed as part of Wiedenmann’s continuous R&D programme. The folding frame means that two separate samesized units either 1.6m or 2.1m wide can be transported together and joined when in work mode to create twice as much output, the folding mechanism working hydraulically from the operator’s in cab controls. Huge economies of scale can now be realised as a single tractor and operator can in effect do double the work or half the time required for a specific task.

Ultimately contractors, estates and course managers are now further empowered when making their selection from the range. www.wiedenmann.co.uk

restricted only by the number of hours worked. For this new warranty to remain valid for the full two years, Avant insists that every machine has a full,

A Warwickshire based company is launching a revolutionary new way to install fences, decking and signposts without the need for concrete foundations. Stop Digging Ltd uses hot dip galvanised ground screws that are suitable for projects ranging from temporary hoardings and timber outbuildings to bus shelters, terraces and climbing frames.

Managing director Darryl Gregory said: “The ground screws save time and money because there’s no need for digging and concreting. Each installation is quick because each screw takes only five minutes to insert into the ground.

“The reusable screws are corrosion free and can be installed in any weather. There’s limited disruption as there’s no need to use heavy plant on site. It makes all jobs much easier compared to conventional concrete foundations.

“The 865mm ground screw

documented service history from an approved dealer, using only genuine parts.

In addition, the company is doubling the service intervals from

supports up to 600kg so a garden room, for example, might require 15 posts. The 15 ground screws can be inserted within two hours, compared to what would be a whole day’s work digging concrete foundations.

“At this stage we are planning to appoint installers throughout the UK from fencing, decking and signpost companies as well as small house-building companies.” www.stop-digging.co.uk

200 to 400 hours for models in its 500, 600, 700 and R Series from 2015 onwards, with a first service at 50 hours as before.

Commenting on the changes, Avant’s UK managing director Raimo Ala-Korpi said: “We have been able to introduce these improved warranty and service interval policies thanks to a continuous programme of development in terms of both build and component quality. For example, we now use highly reliable piston drive motors on all our larger models.” www.avant.co.uk www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/01/2015 10:32

Get on

track in 2010 2015 in

Swing Out Control Station

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

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

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

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

Excellence and efficiency as standard “ ” We have around 250-300 Etesia pedestrian rotaries in our fleet, so we see them as our pedestrian mower of choice and Etesia is a key supplier.

Stuart Derbyshire, Glendale’s Commercial Director

Etesia pedestrian mowers are trusted for their quality, efficiency and excellent cutting capability in all weather.

Seeing is believing Greenway House • Sugarswell Business Park • Shenington • Oxon OX15 6HW Tel: 01295 680120 • email: sales@etesia.co.uk

www.etesia.co.uk Etesia UK

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@EtesiaUK

EtesiaUK

19/01/2015 11:47

EQUIPMENT

BATTERY POWERED LATEST KIT The EGO Power+ chainsaw is fitted with a 350mm (14in) Oregon bar which can make up to 100 cuts of 4x4in softwood per charge of the 2.0Ah 56V lithium-ion battery (supplied separately). Operating at 6300rpm, the chainsaw has a

Pellenc has launched the lightest, quietest and most environmentally friendly handheld electric blower.

The Airion is a blower intended for cleaning roads, parks and gardens. Weighing only 2.6kg and with a noise level of just 80dB, it is the lightest and quietest professional blower on the market and can be used near sensitive areas such as hospitals and schools. It is very comfortable to hold owing to the soft touch new generation handgrip and is optimally balanced for natural tilting towards the ground.

WWW.ETESIA.CO.UK/PELLENC

Makita has introduced more tools powered by twin 18V lithium-ion batteries designed to deliver 36V performance whilst offering an economic purchase solution for existing Makita tool owners. Within the new range is the 300mm DUC302 chainsaw generating 800W output from the twin 18V batteries. This provides ample power to run the 3/8in chain over the 300mm bar at up

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Petrol performance with battery convenience? Husqvarna have achieved just that with the battery series, certain to make a large impact on professional

to 8.3m per second. The battery warning indicators show capacity measurements and when this drops below a pre-set level the machine stops and indicates which battery requires replacement. Tool-less chain adjustment is by a new and easier to operate single lever positioned on the side of the housing.

WWW.MAKITAUK.COM

kickback brake, tool free chain tensioning and a chain scabbard as standard, as well as an easy to see oil level indicator. The D-shaped handle and a weight of just 5kg ensures easy manoeuvrability and

landscapers nationwide. The 536LiXP / T536LiXP chainsaws, 536LiHD60X hedge trimmer and 536LiR/LiL trimmers have been crafted with professional landscapers in mind. Issues such as noise pollution and emissions regulations are important factors for many landscapers to consider.

Eliminate these issues by switching to the Husqvarna battery series that introduces the possibility of working in noise sensitive areas for longer without any harmful emissions. The machines offer outstanding genuine Husqvarna petrol power with additional battery benefits.

WWW.HUSQVARNA.COM/UK

maximum operator comfort and safety. The EGO Power+ takes chainsaw operation to a new level of safety, convenience and comfort.

WWW.EGOPOWERPLUS.COM

New from STIHL, the powerful HTA 85 cordless pole pruner extends between 2.7 and 3.9m overall, so you can quickly trim branches up to 5m high easily, efficiently and with your feet safely on the ground. Like all STIHL cordless power tools the STIHL HTA 85 produces remarkably low running noise, so it is ideal for use in noise-sensitive environments like residential areas. Joining the already expansive STIHL family of cordless outdoor power tools, the practical pruner is fully compatible with a choice of STIHL batteries and chargers, making its cordless power even more versatile and cost efficient, too.

WWW.STIHL.CO.UK

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20/01/2015 11:40

Copyright © 2014 Husqvarna AB (publ). All rights reserved.

PETROL PERFORMANCE BATTERY CONVENIENCE No petrol means less maintenance, less noise and no direct emissions. But still with the same power. We call it petrol performance with battery convenience.

For more information visit husqvarna.com/uk

HUSQVARNA 536LiXP A lightweight, high performance chainsaw. Features excellent ergonomics, high performance and high chainspeed.

36V, 4.2 Ah, rec. bar length 25-35 cm, 3.9 kg incl battery

£350.00

I N C L . VAT ( U N I T O N LY )

HUSQVARNA 536LiHD60X Lightweight with double-sided cutter bars. Adjustable rear handle makes cutting vertically and horizontally easier.

36V, 4.2 Ah, 60/70 cm, 5.1/5.2 kg

£355.00

I N C L . VAT ( U N I T O N LY )

HUSQVARNA 536LiR Lightweight with excellent ergonomics. 2-way rotation trimmer head and long-lasting brushless motor. Comfortable harness included.

36V, 4.2 Ah, 5.1 kg incl battery

£345.00 NEW COMING SOON!

HUSQVARNA 536LiB Low noise level and high performance with class-leading ergonomics and usability. Can be used both outside and for indoor tasks, such as cleaning stadiums. Perfect balance, instant start, cruise control and boost power mode.

36V, 4.2 Ah, 700 m³/h, 0.5 m/s, 3.7 kg incl battery

£420.00

HQV_Batt_Range_PROL_Feb15.indd 1 P59 Jacksons.indd 1

I N C L . VAT ( U N I T O N LY )

I N C L . VAT ( U N I T O N LY )

14/01/2015 09:42:17 19/01/2015 11:52

EQUIPMENT

MOWERS The Spider Mini from Ransomes Jacobsen is the smallest and newest of the Spider range and is targeted at the smaller landscaper or high-end consumer. It has a simple design while preserving the unique performance

The professional gardener and landscaper need look no further for a powerful machine designed to lighten a heavy workload. The Harrier 56 Pro is robust, vigorous and flexible, enabling you to tackle a variety of grassed areas.

Maximum power is obtained

Designed to offer a powerful and robust mowing solution, the 21hp G21E boasts a host of innovative features including Kubota’s revolutionary ‘Glide-Cut’ system, a three-blade, rear discharge cutting deck that both cuts and collects grass.

The G21E is available in both high and low dump grass collector variations and features a 48in cutting width. With simple to use HST transmission and a highly economical and powerful liquid

characteristics typical of all Spider mowers. The mower deck has a working width of 56cm and is driven by a 190cc Briggs & Stratton 850 series petrol engine.

The drive to the wheels is hydraulic and the steering is electric. The remote control unit has been limited to provide four functions: engine start, forward and reverse drive, left and right steering and emergency stop.

WWW.RANSOMESJACOBSEN.COM

Designed to meet the rigours of a wide variety of commercial grass cutting applications, the Etesia Pro 46 pedestrian rotary mowers are specified by contractors who want to profit from grass cutting. The special

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shape of the mowing deck produces a powerful suction and blowing effect to ensure a quality cut with maximum collection. Combined with the PZ 46E blade, it ensures particularly efficient grass

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from a Briggs & Stratton overhead valve engine giving you superb reliability and enabling you to maintain all fine turfed areas with ease.

WWW.HAYTER.CO.UK

cooled diesel engine, the G21E has ample horsepower and torque rise to complete the toughest of commercial and large domestic jobs, all year round.

WWW.KUBOTA.CO.UK

With features like easy to use hydraulics to raise and lower the mowing deck, a hydrostatic transmission, power steering and a low centre of gravity, the X750 Series diesel mowing tractors from John Deere are perfectly suited for long hours of work. An optional rear three point hitch with 540rpm rear PTO and optional front hitch add the versatility to run even powered implements. Enjoy the power and performance of an X750 Series Tractor, in an efficient two-wheel drive package. Excellent manoeuvrability and precise handling characterise this mower.

WWW.JOHNDEERE.CO.UK

collection. As an option, a PR46E mulching kit and PZ46M mulching blade convert the Pro 46 mowers into formidable mulchers.

WWW.ETESIA.CO.UK

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20/01/2015 12:58

EQUIPMENT

GENERAL LATEST KIT The CR550H compact power rake from Billy Goat manoeuvres small properties effortlessly, removing matted thatch from turf in 20in passes. It can tackle 13,200ft² per hour. The CR550H features a 5.5HP Honda engine, coupled to a free-swinging flail blade reel that can be changed to an optional slicing reel in just 10 minutes. The Billy Goat compact scarifier boasts improved operator comfort with padded, ergonomic handles that are stiff under operation and fold for easy transport and storage. The Billy Goat CR550H scarifier is available from Henton and Chattell dealerships nationwide and is priced at £1229.99 including VAT. WWW.BILLYGOAT.CO.UK

Kubota is set to cement its position as leader in the diesel-powered utility vehicle market with the launch of its latest model, the RTV-X900.

The new model, while boasting the same rugged build qualities and superior reliability of the original RTV900, comes with a host of new features and benefits, all designed to meet the evolving demands of the market. The RTV-X900 is fitted

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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A pressure washer from Briggs & Stratton makes outdoor cleaning faster, easier and effortless. It can deliver up to 75 times more power than an ordinary garden hose, enabling users to instantaneously blast away dirt, moss and mould. For heavy duty application where increased power is required, the

2900 pressure washer from Briggs & Stratton is on hand to help. The 2900 features a Briggs & Stratton 900 Series engine which provides a 200 bar pressure and a 9.5litre per minute flow rate.

WWW.BRIGGSANDSTRATTON.COM

Popular with landscape professionals, the Bomford Raven has a reach of 4.7m and is powered by a 74litre per minute twin gear pump.

The Raven requires a tractor of just 40hp, is three point linkage mounted and can be used with a wide range of direct drive grass and verge cutting heads of up to 1257mm wide, with a choice of flail types, as well as the Sheartrim cutterbar and Pro-Saw, which has four

circular saw blades and can cut material of up to 20cm diameter.

Options include proportional electronic controls and arm and head float systems.

WWW.BOMFORD-TURNER.COM

with a powerful, robust 21.6hp three cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel engine, ensuring

dependable performance in even the most challenging weather conditions. Variable hydraulic transmission has been improved with a new advanced VHT-X, offering a wider torque band and large coolers to boost performance and durability.

WWW.KUBOTA.CO.UK

John Deere’s latest 5G Series two or four wheel drive tractors with 75 to 100hp are designed to provide high levels of comfort, power, hydraulic performance and manoeuvrability, combined with compact dimensions and a narrow tread width. The 5GF, 5GN (pictured) and 5GV Series offer an open operator station or a redesigned cab, plus a wide range of transmission, Power Take Off and hydraulic options, from entry level to premium alternatives. The tractor’s three-point hitch has a

standard lift capacity up to 2590kg, or an optional maximum of 3100kg, while the hydraulically steerable hitch makes it easier to operate rear-mounted implements in confined spaces.

WWW.JOHNDEERE.CO.UK

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EQUIPMENT

GO AND SEE AT

ECOBUILD LONG RAKE SPAR

Stand

S6105

With over 145 years’ experience in the decorative aggregate sector, Long Rake Spar has gained national status as one of the UK’s leading suppliers of hard landscaping products. Its range is responsibly sourced from both its own quarries and other sites throughout the British Isles, Europe and Asia enabling Long Rake Spar to offer the most comprehensive selection of materials in the UK. This broad supply sector keeps Long Rake Spar at the forefront of product development, while allowing the company to offer extremely competitive prices on exclusive imports and market favourites.

WWW.LONGRAKESPAR.CO.UK

SCHELLEVIS

Stand

S5104

A must see at Ecobuild, Schellevis has brought a fresh look to paving design in the UK since launching here in 2014. Acclaimed by designers and architects, Schellevis paving has a unique broken basalt finish and comes in a wide variety of colours and formats, making it versatile to work with in parks, public spaces and gardens.

Distinctive style is combined with maintenance free, non-slip durability and impressive environmentally friendly credentials, being purely natural and completely recyclable. Head to stand S5104 in the South Arena to be inspired and discover a brand new approach for your paving design project.

WWW.SCHELLEVIS.CO.UK

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03-05 MARCH 2015 • EXCEL LONDON

Stand

TENDERCARE

S5112

Tendercare’s credentials in greening projects are well-established with iconic living wall projects such as Imax cinema Waterloo and the Kia Oval OCS stand, and the company has now sought out European partners to provide the best greening solutions for elevations and boundaries.

Showcasing at Ecobuild 2015 will be the Vertiss green wall – modular units, cleverly designed and easy to install for both interiors and exteriors. This patented system accommodates larger plants than most rival systems, minimising the growing-on period. A complementary roofing system allows sedum roofing to be fitted on steeply pitched roofs. Significant noise reduction within the landscape can be achieved using Kokowall acoustic fencing. Climbers are pinned on to panels formed of coco fibre-wrapped tubes set within a steel framework. The framework can achieve noise reduction of 41dB and can be constructed as a freestanding structure up to 8m in height.

WWW.TENDERCARE.CO.UK

GREEN-TECH

Stand

S6118

Green-tech is the leading UK supplier of products that protect, enhance and improve plants and their environment and is proud to be an exhibitor at Ecobuild 2015. With over 20 years experience of providing landscape solutions to architects, contractors and garden designers, Green-tech has supplied urban tree planting equipment, soils and irrigation methods to some of the most high profile projects across the UK. At Ecobuild 2015 the company will be showcasing its extremely popular and effective ArborRaft system for use in urban tree planting projects, in addition to an extensive range of soils and growing media for landscapes and green roofs. Green-tech’s own brand of British native wildflower seed, John Chambers Wildflowers, will be profiled at the event promoting biodiversity into urban landscapes.

WWW.GREEN-TECH.CO.UK

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

21/01/2015 10:43

EQUIPMENT BIOTECTURE

Stand

S2124

Biotecture is a designer and installer of hydroponic living walls. It is an innovative, UK based company, managing projects across the country and internationally. The company’s patented modular panel system brings a new level of sustainability to vertical gardens. Biotecture’s living walls are used in a huge variety of contexts, from retail outlets and large commercial buildings to private homes and gardens. They form the perfect blend of beauty and functionality.

Not only do they create striking façades and impressive feature walls, but they also offer a number of health, wellbeing and environmental benefits.

WWW.BIOTECTURE.UK.COM

HANSON FORMPAVE

DEEPROOT

Stand

S4106

Plant a big idea, watch it change a city. DeepRoot was founded in 1976 and is a leading urban landscape products and ecosystem services supplier focused on integrating trees, soil and stormwater in to the urban environment, improving the ecological function of urban sites. The company’s flagship product is the Silva Cell tree and stormwater management system, an underground framework containing lightly compacted soil that supports large trees and absorbs run-off from rain, nurturing trees for a long life in their communities. Other products include root barrier, geomembranes (WaterBarrier/ BambooBarrier) and ArborTie staking and guying material.

WWW.DEEPROOT.COM

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Ecobuild.indd 77

Stand

N6077

Visit Hanson Formpave to see how its permeable paving and sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) can help alleviate the risk of flooding and comply with planning regulations. Hanson Formpave’s Aquaflow SUDS allows water to drain through the permeable paving blocks and upper filter layer, which cleans the water before being stored within the sub base for release back into the environment. Also, unlike other SUDS, it requires builders to dig to a depth of only 480mm, saving valuable time and money.

WWW.FORMPAVE.CO.UK

PENTER

Stand

S6111

Penter, the paving brand of Wienerberger, the leading provider of wall, roof and clay landscaping innovations, offers a wide range of products such as the Baggeridge Blue pavers, Multi Brindled pavers and Dutch Pavers. The recently expanded range of Dutch Pavers offers a variety of colours and tones, alongside the new 200x200mm square paver.

WWW.WIENERBERGER.CO.UK

TOBERMORE

Stand

S4014

Come visit Tobermore at Ecobuild 2015!

Established in 1942, Tobermore is a world class paving and walling manufacturer with a firm focus on sustainable landscaping and building solutions. Tobermore specialises in the supply of block paving, permeable paving, paving flags, steps, kerbs, walling and masonry and facing brick for the domestic and commercial markets throughout the UK and Ireland.

Additionally, Tobermore offers a range of eco products, produced with all the aesthetic and practical benefits of the standard product range. Product samples will be available to view at Stand S4014 on 3-4 March.

WWW.TOBERMORE.CO.UK

HAHN PLASTICS

Stand

S6108

For over 20 years the Hahn Group has been the point of contact for recycling plastic into new products. Hahn Plastics Ltd is part of the Hahn Group, leader in the development and manufacture of outdoor, technical plastic products. Using state of the art technology and moulding tools, along with their technical expertise, it develops high quality, innovative products from recycled plastic. Hahn Plastics Ltd market and manufacture over 1,000 products under the hanit trademark. The company’s range comprises of not only landscaping items for garden and park design, along with beams, sleepers, ground reinforcement and outdoor furniture, but also includes complex industrial products, exclusively manufactured in accordance with customer specifications.

WWW.HAHNPLASTICS.CO.UK

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PEOPLE

WORK Best project The next one!

say as I’m not a royalist particularly. The low point was when Gardener’s World

Issues to address Getting young people into horticulture

presenter Geoff Hamilton (right) died in

is something I’m really passionate about. I’m so pleased

1996 and I really didn’t have a clue what

to be involved with the Homebase Garden Academy as

was going to happen next.

it’s really important to me to help encourage young people into our industry.

Leadership style It’s probably better to ask other people. I’m not sure I always get it right

Steepest learning curve Going self-employed and

but I do like to lead from the front.

becoming a dad.

Objectives for the next 12 months Everyone High and low points of your career There have been

laughs when I say I’m doing one more Chelsea

lots of highs so it’s difficult to choose. The launch of the

and then having a break, so I want this to be a really

Homebase Academy is one and I would have to pick

good one. I also want to finish my own garden at

Chelsea 2014 where the garden was built with

home and continue my work as RHS Ambassador to

Homebase Academy students and I met the Queen.

encourage young people into horticulture.

That was a huge honour, something I didn’t think I’d ever Views on TV garden shows To be honest, there aren’t enough TV shows. All we have is Gardeners’ World on a Friday night and a couple of others. On Sky you have a channel for the arts/home/cooking. You are never going to have a gardening programme that suits all, it would be better to have more choice so people can watch the one that suits them.

INSPIRATION In a nutshell, I’m inspired by nature, architecture and people.

People Sir Terence Conran, the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright and designer Sir Paul Smith. My latest inspiration is Marcel Breuer, a modernist designer of the Bauhaus movement, who is the inspiration behind my Chelsea 2015 garden.

Gardens What I love about gardens is that you don’t stop learning and over the years my fascination has just grown and grown. Creating a garden gives you a connection with the changing seasons. I think gardens can be healing, they are something we should all connect with. Our relationship with our environment enhances the quality of our lives and great gardens feed the soul.

Places I think you can find inspiration everywhere, you just need to look.

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LIFE/STYLE Adam Frost

Winner of five consecutive RHS Chelsea Flower Show Medals, garden designer Adam Frost says it’s the simple things that matter most – working outdoors, playing sport, good Italian food and a pint of ale...

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

20/01/2015 10:41

PEOPLE

TRAVEL Favourite places you’ve been San Francisco, Marrakech, Kenya, Italy, France.

Places you’ve yet to go I’ve not walked the High Line in New York yet but I will.

Mode of transport By car.

Favourite continent Africa.

Ideal holiday With my wife Sulina and the kids somewhere private with a pool and outdoor kitchen.

PERSONAL Hobbies Sport, sport and sport! I also love cooking, beer and good red wine.

Design tastes I love architecture and the changing natural landscape through the seasons so I take inspiration from both. I once had my work described as ‘strong, masculine structure with feminine planting’. I’m happy with that.

E

Shopping I’d only do this once a year if I could get away with it!

Most treasured possession My music collection gets me through anything and, of course, the next pint!

Favoured dress style Jeans, Eton shirt and a jacket.

Mentors Geoff Hamilton, the former TV presenter, and the garden designer David Stevens. They’ve both helped me enormously along the way.

Food I love cooking and if I had to choose a cuisine it would have to be Italian.

Drink Adnams ale and Italian red wine.

The most fun you’ve ever had I’m not sure I have just one but I have lots of special memories including spending time enjoying belly laughing with Sulina (my wife) and the kids.

Looking back, I miss playing football, the craic with the lads and the tours! www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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PEOPLE

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE? ADAM RALPH

Tell us about your role...

My role is varied and I wear many hats. One day I’m tendering, the next I’m working on marketing and sales. The past year has been a big one in terms of improving our operating processes.

We’re evolving from being a one man band to an SME which is exciting but hard work.

We’ve got a good management structure in place and are now looking to broaden our geographical horizons.

What do you like most about your job?

Company name Greenspace Solutions UK Ltd Where are you based? Leeds How long have you been in the role? 7 Years We’re a grounds maintenance company that specialises in Housing Association contracts. We look after clients in other sectors too, but housing associations are our bread and butter. The company was initially set up in 2007 to provide domestic gardening services to clients in Leeds, and to keep cash coming in while I completed a degree in Environmental Conservation. In 2008 everything took off and I got into commercial contracting. We now employ 25 people and cover all of Yorkshire and the North West.

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I enjoy meeting clients, discussing ways we can improve sites and problem solving. I also really enjoy meeting other people who work in the industry, we became BALI accredited in 2008 and I attend as many of their networking events as I can, I often come away with some wise words from people who have been in the industry for years.

The bit I’m not that into is the number crunching but it’s an essential part of my role until we bring in a financial director.

Do you focus solely on grounds maintenance?

We’re noticing that many of our clients want one point of contact for all external works, as a result we’re getting asked to provide caretaking and cleaning services, window cleaning, road sweeping, tree works and gritting and snow clearing services. Some of these services, like the gritting, we’ve developed into a lucrative side of the business – other areas we sub contract out and have a network of preferred

suppliers. This has helped us compete against some of the national contracting companies.

My passion and our core business will always remain landscape though, and I’m currently completing a masters degree in Landscape Management at the University of Sheffield with the intention of developing a landscape management consultancy.

What does the future hold for the landscape industry?

There are still issues with restricted budgets and low operating margins but my view differs from recent articles that say budget cuts restrict innovation. I think we have to become more innovative, make use of technology and modern grounds care equipment, provide better service and run more efficiently. The companies that do this will prosper and the ones that don’t will gradually disappear.

It’s also important to ensure our teams thrive and develop. We’ve been running an apprentice scheme since 2013, the first intake have just qualified and are gearing up for level 3 courses, while the 2014 intake are showing real signs of becoming our future team leaders, regional managers and directors. We’re starting a horticulture focused CPD programme in January for all staff to ensure the basic principles of horticulture are applied when carrying out our service. Maintenance contractors sometimes forget to apply basic horticulture skills that can be the difference between delivering a high or low standard of work. As we expand we want to ensure the quality of service we supply is never compromised.

The next five years are going to be huge for Greenspace, you might even see our vans down south! www.greenspacesolutionsuk.com www.prolandscapermagazine.com

20/01/2015 13:53

JOBS

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

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

TECHNICIAN LANDSCAPE ASSISTANT

LANDSCAPE FOREMAN

Bowles & Wyer is a leading practice in the field of prime residential development, country estate and garden design. We are looking for an experienced technician or landscape assistant with expertise in hard detailing to work at our office on a highly prestigious private estate on the Beds/Herts border in the south of England. Post is initially for three months.

Seeking an experienced landscape foreman to work on prestigious domestic projects, predominately around west London and surrounding areas.You must have proven experience in successfully running large domestic projects, ordering materials, interpreting plans and performing a wide variety of hard and soft landscaping.You will also be responsible for reporting to management regularly and delivering projects on time and on budget.You must be well presented and able to liaise with clients and designers effectively.

A current driving licence is required.

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

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

LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION FOREMAN

SKILLED LANDSCAPER – TEAM LEADER

BOWLES & WYER Hertfordshire

BLUE FISH LANDSCAPING Surrey

The candidate will be responsible for day-to-day management of the site and supervision of staff on site; carrying out general landscaping works; liaising with the management regarding daily/weekly scheduling, ordering of materials; setting out the site in accordance with plans and agreeing with management prior to work commencing; overseeing and managing subcontractors if required. The person will also carry out all required health and safety checks including risk assessments, competence forms, vehicle health and safety; keep a site diary and monitor staff to ensure correct admin, personnel and health and safety procedures are being followed.

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

GARDEN FOREMAN TEAM LEADER PRO-GARDENS LTD Oxfordshire

We are looking for a talented individual to join Pro-Gardens Ltd. Pro-Gardens is an experienced team of horticulturists and landscapers undertaking garden maintenance and landscape design through to project implementation and completion.You will possess a combination of garden maintenance and landscaping experience. Day-to-day jobs will require you to have basic knowledge of machinery and effective plant and pruning techniques.You must possess a full UK driving licence as work will be based in a rural area.

Work will be set around the ongoing rejuvenation of the gardens we already maintain and managing co-workers to complete jobs punctually and efficiently in a team leader position.

LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATES London

GARDEN HOUSE DESIGN Sussex

Garden House Design is an award-winning Sussex based company specialising in garden design and landscape construction in the domestic and commercial markets. We require a well presented, self-motivated person capable of leading a small team to create awardwinning projects. At least three years’ experience as a hard landscaper and a full driving licence are required. Necessary skills: broad-ranging landscape skills and experience to include paving, decking, block paving and groundworks. Main duties: running a small landscaping team on both domestic and commercial projects.

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

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE/MANAGING OPERATIVE BLUE FISH LANDSCAPING Surrey

The candidate will be responsible for day-to-day management of the maintenance sector; organisation and supervision of staff on site; creating and following maintenance programmes tailored to our clients’ requirements; liaising with the management regarding daily/weekly scheduling, ordering of materials etc. They will also assist in the development of the garden maintenance sector of the business; carry out all required health and safety checks including risk assessments, competence forms, vehicle, health and safety etc.

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

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

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE OPERATIVE

SKILLED LANDSCAPE GARDENER

My client is looking for a grounds maintenance operative based in Hitchin.You will be working on a mobile round with high-end domestic and commercial properties.

Candidates should have previous experience within a similar working environment and be able to organise and manage their work efficiently. Applicants for this post must be well presented, a good communicator and have a full driving licence.

Andres Garcia Landscaping is looking for an experienced, self-motivated and well presented landscape gardener to join its team working around Milton Keynes, Bedford and Northampton.You will work as part of a team but also on your own initiative. The right candidate should have at least four years’ experience and be proficient in paving and slab laying, timber framework and decking, block paving groundwork, fencing, soft landscaping and garden maintenance. Full driving licence and own transport essential.

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

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

ANDERSPLUS HORTICULTURE Hertfordshire

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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ANDRES GARCIA LANDSCAPING Buckinghamshire

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£1’500 £2’500 £3’000 £5’500 £6’250 £6’750 £2’250 £4’750 £ POA

John Deere GT235, 48” SD deck, 18hp petrol, 2WD, HST – 355 hrs John Deere X320, 48” SD deck, 22hp petrol, 2WD, HST – 195 hrs John Deere GX355D, 48” SD deck, 16hp diesel, 2WD, HST – choice of 2 John Deere X495, 48” SD deck, 24hp diesel, 2WD, HST – 1922 hrs John Deere X740, 54” SD deck, Low-Tip Collector – choice of 2 John Deere X748, 48” RD deck, 24hp diesel, 4WD, HST – 1380 hrs Etesia Bahia, 32” RD deck & collector, 2WD Etesia H124DS, 48” RD deck, Hi-Tip Collector, 25hp diesel – 828 hrs Etesia Attila Bank Mower (Ex Demo) – low hours

Tractors Tel Compact 0345 230 9697 • www.lws.uk.com

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John Deere X748, 54” Snow Blade, 24hp diesel, 4WD, HST – choice of 2 £6’750 JD 4600 & Front Loader, 43hp, 4WD, G.Box, Power Reverser – 4331hrs £7’750 John Deere 3320, 33hp, 4WD, HST, turf tyres, roll bar – 1230 hrs £9’000 JD 4410 & Front Loader, 34hp, 4WD, G.Box, Powerwww.prolandscapermagazine.com Reverser – 2279 hrs £9’750 Kubota B2410, 24hp, 4WD, HST, turf tyres, roll bar – 1720 hrs £6’900 Kubota B2410 & Front Loader, 24hp, 4WD, HST – 1076 hrs £7’900 Kioti DK551C with Cab, 54hp, 4WD, Gear Box – 612 hrs £13’750 New Holland TC27D, 27hp, 4WD, HST, turf tyres, roll bar – 2312 hrs £7’500 New Holland TN55D with cab, 55hp, 4WD, Gear Box – 1751 hrs £12’500 Yanmar FE280H, 28hp diesel, 4WD, turf tyres, roll bar – 262 hrs £7’500

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