Pro Landscaper July 2015

Concept to Delivery

DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

July 2015

STEPPING OUT

LIGHTING LEVEL CHANGES

PRODUCTS RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

TO CLIP...

SAFETY EQUIPMENT BRUSHCUTTERS WOODCARE PLANTERS

OR NOT TO CLIP

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FABULOUS

PORTFOLIOS IAN SMITH AND DEBBIE ROBERTS

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WELCOME Concept to Delivery DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

July 2015

STEPPING OUT

LIGHTING LEVEL CHANGES

July 2015 | Volume 5, Issue 7 RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

TO CLIP...

OR NOT TO CLIP

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Welcome to July 2015

PRODUCTS

SAFETY EQUIPMENT BRUSHCUTTERS WOODCARE PLANTERS

FABULOUS

PORTFOLIOS

IAN SMITH DEBBIE ROBAND ERTS

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Welcome to the July edition of Pro Landscaper.

At the time of writing I’m just about to pull on my boots and hi-vis and join Rae Wilkinson and the Living Landscapes team at Hampton Court to lend a hand on her forthcoming show garden HUG: Healing Urban Garden.

The experience will be invaluable in finding out what it’s like to be involved in an RHS show and I really can’t wait. It’s such a good idea to get involved with designers and landscape teams

At the SALI Awards Dinner

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 777 574

producing a show garden and most of them are crying out for extra hands so if you’d like to help, I strongly recommend you get in touch with them. It may even inspire you to submit an entry yourself.

A fascinating visit to South Africa and the SAGIC (South African Green Industries Council) and SALI (South African Landscapers Institute) convention and awards proved that many issues there are the same as in the UK, although they have a little way to go to reach the level of expertise we have here. The industry is similar and the landscapers and designers we met on our trip were extremely welcoming. They also loved Pro Landscaper, which is great news for us.

Our other latest venture – Pro Landscaper Gulf, sent out to landscapers, designers, architects and suppliers in the Gulf region, is also blowing up a storm. Now the resorts are being completed, it’s imperative they provide beautiful green spaces for people to enjoy. Both South Africa and the Gulf look to the UK for expertise and we’re very proud to be able to share our country’s great talent.

ADVERTISING Business Development Manager – Jamie Wilkinson jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 588 Account Manager – Luke Chaplin luke.chaplin@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 584 Sales Executive (FutureScape) – Ben Cumberland ben.cumberland@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 571

Equipment Editor – Jack Bacon jack.bacon@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 573

Horticulture Careers – Laura Harris laura.harris@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 587

Production Editor – Susie Duff susie.duff@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 578

Accounts Assistant – Lisa Woollard accounts@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570

Subeditor – Toby Wilsdon toby.wilsdon@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 578 EDITORIAL ADVISORY PANEL Mark Gregory Chairman of APL and Landform Consultants Sam Hassall LandPRO Ltd Russell Eales Lawn care expert Karl Harrison Decking expert David Dodd The Outdoor Room

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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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

On the home front things are hotting up nicely for this year’s FutureScape event so remember to put Tuesday 17 November in your diary. We have some innovative ideas for seminars and debates, and of course the premier suppliers to the industry have all secured their stands, so please do make a day of it and see as much as you can. Our team will be there in force and we look forward to catching up with as many of you as possible.

As for this great issue, we really enjoyed meeting Ian and Debbie from Acres Wild so their interview is a must read. Lisa Cox shares her experience of creating her first show garden at the RHS Cardiff Flower Show and as usual our contributors offer some thought provoking opinions – why not challenge them and let us know your thoughts?

@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

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

10 News Extra – Soil Conference Tim O’Hare is set to launch a new industry conference in October

12 Association News Efig talks about National Plants at Work Week; details about the Flower Show at Tatton Park from the RHS; the final 12 contestants are revealed by the APL for the WorldSkills UK Landscape Gardening Competition; the SGD announces its Autumn Conference and get an update on forthcoming events and member benefits from BALI

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OPINION OPINION

17 View From The Top Having just returned from a gruelling extreme challenge in aid of charity Gardening Leave, Phil Jones reflects on the charity name’s alternative meaning and support for the veterans who benefit from it

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Wild Almond at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden – the perfect natural play space BUSINESS TIPS Concept to Delivery

19 Woodland Workshops Adam White looks at client partnerships that have launched community projects to encourage children away from computer games and reconnect with nature

20 The Devil Is In The Detail Always read the small print on warranties when purchasing vehicles and machinery, advises Angus Lindsay, as things such as failure to keep up service records can make them invalid

23 Inspiring Our Future Being a garden designer is a rich and diverse career with results that also greatly improve the world around us. We need to educate future generations on the rewards achievable, says Andrew Wilson

25 Client Or Friend?

David Dodd discusses the management of client relationships. A good relationship can lead to recommendations and more work, but get too close and they may be expecting ‘mates rates’ 4

Pro Landscaper / July 2015

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DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

July 2015

STEPPING OUT

LIGHTING LEVEL CHANGES

PRODUCTS RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

TO CLIP...

SAFETY EQUIPMENT BRUSHCUTTERS WOODCARE PLANTERS

OR NOT TO CLIP

4

FABULOUS

PORTFOLIOS

Young landscapers learn quickly from those with experience, who in turn can feed off the positivity and determination of the new kids on the block, says Jody Lidgard

28 Too Busy To Speak To Customers?

Steve Clarke suggests using a personal answering service rather than risk potential clients not leaving a message to call back, it’s not as expensive as you’d think TECHNICAL

IAN SMITH AND DEBBIE ROBERTS

31 Stepping Out

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27 Getting The Balance Right

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Light levels wrongly and it can be catastrophic.

Robert Webber gives sound advice on how to do it well whilst also increasing safety INTERVIEW

33 Let’s Hear It From Ian Smith and Debbie Roberts of Acres Wild tell us about their business in Sussex

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CONTENTS

52 Designing My First Show Garden Garden designer Lisa Cox shares her experience of creating her first show garden at RHS Flower Show Cardiff NURSERY

55 Nursery News A look at what’s been going on at the UK’s plant suppliers, including Nursery Notes from Provender Nurseries

59 Hanging Out New columnist Ian Drummond, from leading interior landscaping company Indoor Garden Design, updates us on the latest trend in interiors – hanging baskets, but not as we know them!

60 To Clip Or Not To Clip

CONTRIBUTORS Phil Jones MD of ISS Facility Services Landscaping Adam White Director of Davies White Landscape Architects Angus Lindsay Head of Fleet at The Landscape Group Andrew Wilson Garden designer and lecturer David Dodd Landscaper and lecturer

Noel Kingsbury gives his opinion on hedge clipping practices

62 Plantsman’s Plot

Jody Lidgard WorldSkills technical lead and landscaper

A selection of plants and trees available from the UK’s nurseries

65 Out And About at

Gardeners’ World Live 2015

66 Creating Wildflower Meadows

Steve Clarke Sales mentor

With Turf

PORTFOLIO

39 Light Touch A fantastic combination of two sensory gardens with distinct differences constructed by Bowood Landscapes

42 Higher Ground Rising up from basement level, Oakley Landscapes’ project had to provide an open effect and good drainage

Wildflower turf mats are a simple and effective way of quickly establishing a meadow.

James Hewetson-Brown explains the mixes available, installation and maintenance PRODUCTS

69 Go And See At RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

TS Landscapes created a stunning country garden in Hampshire, sympathetic to its natural surroundings with year round interest

74 Woodcare EQUIPMENT

JULY 13-17 National Plants At Work Week www.efig.co.uk

49 The People’s Palace Alexandra Palace and Park in Wood Green, maintained by John O’Conner (Grounds Maintenance) Ltd

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82 General Latest Kit 83 Brush Cutters 85 Safety Equipment PEOPLE

86 The Little Interview 88 Trading With Green-Tree

ARE YOU GOING? JUNE/JULY 29-05 RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show www.rhs.org.uk

73 Planters

79 Equipment News

46 In Harmony

Robert Webber Founder of Scenic Lighting

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22-26 RHS Flower Show Tatton Park www.rhs.org.uk/tattonshow AUGUST 20-23 Southport Flower Show www.southportflowershow.co.uk

and Carbon Gold

Pro Landscaper / July 2015

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NEWS

NEWS SHED

Six acre Battersea Power Station public park unveiled Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC) has unveiled the latest images showing the redevelopment’s new public park, designed by LDA Design.

Gavin Jones plays its part in Magna Carta 800 celebrations with unveiling of statue of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Royal Warrant Holding Landscape Contractor, Gavin Jones Ltd, is proud to have been involved in events held to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta by King John on Runnymede Meadows.

Gavin Jones was initially commissioned by Natta Construction to undertake the fabrication of a paved area and base for the statue of Queen Elizabeth II. Works included laying a sub-base of 175m2 of Scoutmoor yorkstone paving and cladding the piled concrete plinth and

the steps surrounding the statue with Moselden yorkstone cut to size on site. The sculpture, created by James Butler MBE, was set within rectangular lawns, specimen trees, plant borders and topiaried plants.

Gavin Jones Ltd also supplied and planted two 40-45cm girth mulberry trees and new turf.

This is the first phase of a potentially larger scheme that will link the statue area with the river bank and car park area.

In addition, the events team at Gavin Jones dressed the area surrounding the statue, and landing area, as well as the entrance to The Runnymede Hotel and Hospitality Marquee with striking containerised specimen plants from The Plantation Nursery at their headquarters in Surrey. www.gavinjones.co.uk

Due to open in phases from 2017, the park will connect the power station, Circus West and Phase 6 to a riverside promenade.

Liverpool landscaper reaches WorldSkills UK semi-final

The Merseyside landscaper, who started as a junior at The Landscape Company, will battle it out with his remaining seven competitors in the semi-final at RHS Tatton Park Flower Show from 22-26 July.

The judges said: “The scores from each heat were all of a high

standard, but the eight highest scoring have now progressed.

“They will certainly be facing a challenge, having 18 hours over three days to individually build a full 6x2m show garden.

A young landscaper from the Speke area of Liverpool, Anthony Doran, 23, has reached the semi-final of the WorldSkills UK Landscape Gardening competition.

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The green space will form a highly flexible, multi-programmable space for use throughout the year.

The park combines industrial references, traditional park features and London street aesthetics.

Two large lawns flank a central north-south oriented axis and a series of garden terraces run broadly to the river.

A riverfront promenade is located at the foot of the terraces and there are two lawn-level ‘belvedere’ spaces at each end of the park, plus gardens to both the west and east. www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk

RHS and River Street Events grow apart at BBC Gardeners’ World Live The Royal Horticultural Society and River Street Events, organisers of BBC Gardeners’ World Live, are to part ways having jointly presented elements of BBC Gardeners’ World Live since 1991.

Nick Mattingley, RHS head of shows, said: “As part of our £100m investment plans and commitment to increase our presence across the Midlands and north of England, our key focus is to create new RHS Gardens and horticultural highlights in these parts of the

country. As such, we will not be continuing as the horticultural contractor for BBC Gardeners’ World Live after 2015. RHS Members will continue to benefit from a discount to the show.”

Laura Biggs, managing director of River Street Events, said: “We have exciting plans for the show, developing its brand values and continuing to invest and deliver fantastic shows. We thank the RHS for all the support it has given the show since its conception in 1991.” www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com

“Those who progress will take part in this year’s national final at The Skills Show at the NEC Birmingham in November.”

Anthony is one of six members of staff at The Landscape Company, which offers landscaping services across the north west. www.worldskillsuk.org www.prolandscapermagazine.com

18/06/2015 09:29

NEWS

Glendale scores housing contract hat-trick Glendale has secured three new clients in the housing industry, with a total annual value of almost £750,000.

The national green services specialist will provide grounds maintenance and landscaping services to The Bernicia Group, Shoreline Housing Partnership and Together Housing Group as it expands its presence in the housing sector.

For the Together Housing Group, Glendale will carry out work at 215 sites across Doncaster, Huddersfield, Hull, Leeds, Darlington, York and Wakefield as part of a two year contract.

Mike Brunskill, Glendale’s sales and marketing director said: “These contract wins are fantastic news for Glendale as we continue to grow our presence in the housing sector.

“In the past we have predominantly worked with local authorities and while we will continue to do so we are seeing strong growth in other areas, in particular with housing associations.

“Our main aim with these contracts will be to improve the overall standard of the estates and green areas and also to work closely with residents and local community groups to increase satisfaction levels whilst creating job opportunities and delivering added value initiatives and ideas.” www.glendale-services.co.uk

Bloom 2015 Awards

NEWS IN BRIEF

Bloom in the Park is Ireland’s leading horticulture and food festival, aiming to promote the high standards found within the Irish food and horticultural sectors to a national and international audience.

The festival, organised by Bord Bia, takes place annually at the beginning of June and is now in its ninth year.

The judging panel awarded 25 medals to show garden designers including seven Gold, six Silver Gilt, seven Silver and two Bronze.

The overall category winners were: Large Garden: Our Origin is Green, by Jane McCorkell; Medium Garden: Darkness into Light, by Niall Maxwell; Small Garden: Beech Park, by ITB Blanchardstown and Fingal County Council; and Concept Garden: Pan,

by Liat and Oliver Schurmann.

The Designers’ Choice Award was awarded to Darkness into Light – The Pieta House Garden, by Niall Maxwell. www.bloominthepark.com

Tree planted at seminar

Dragons to return to Great Pagoda at Kew after 200 year hunt A jewel in the crown of Georgian London, The Great Pagoda at Kew was so unusual that a sceptical public was unconvinced it would endure when it was built in 1762.

Designed at the height of the eighteenth century craze for Chinoiserie, it was famously adorned with 80 brightly coloured wooden dragons.

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The dragons were the talk of the town for 20 years before disappearing in the 1780s, rumoured to be payment for the Prince Regent’s gambling debts.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and heritage charity Historic Royal Palaces, which has already completed major restorations of Kew Palace and the Royal Kitchens

within Kew Gardens, have signaled that the dragons will return in a two year conservation project to restore the building to its former glory.

Gay Coley, director of public programmes, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, said: “We are delighted that our long-established partnership with Historic Royal Palaces has been extended.” www.kew.org

A new tree was planted outside Manchester Cathedral by Glendale’s Civic Trees division as part of the Netherlands Business Support Office’s recent seminar on urban landscaping solutions held in Manchester.

Urban Landscape on tour

Touring dates have been announced for the ‘Rethinking the Urban Landscape’ exhibition which was held at The Building Centre in London earlier this year. www.landscapeinstitute.co.uk

Garden Bridge fundraiser

Harrods hosted the first fundraising event in support of the Garden Bridge Trust and raised more than £257,000, adding to the £127m already pledged in support of London’s proposed new landmark.

Thriving charity golf event

Thrive, the charity that uses gardening to bring about positive changes to the lives of people living with disabilities or ill health, is holding its third annual golf day on Thursday 1 October at Hoebridge Golf Centre in Woking. www.thrive.org.uk

18/06/2015 09:29

North Hertfordshire District Council celebrates achievement of John O’Conner Following a review of a districtwide survey indicating that 93% of residents were satisfied with parks and open spaces, key members of North Herts District Council met the John O’Conner grounds maintenance team, including senior management and four apprentices, to thank them for all their hard work.

The visit was an opportunity for John O’Conner’s apprentices on the NHDC contract to meet councillors, and for key members to discuss their experiences.

Leader of North Hertfordshire District Council, Cllr Lynda

Needham said: “Apprenticeships are such a great way to kick start a career and we were delighted to hear all about how they work and learn on the job.”

Matthew O’Conner, managing director of John O’Conner, said: “As an Apprenticeship Ambassador for The National Apprenticeship Service, I am proud of our award winning apprenticeship programme and the opportunity for our apprentices to meet and discuss their experiences with NHDC councillors and the senior team.” www.johnoconner.co.uk

Award-winning Hants interior landscaping company celebrates 15th anniversary Green Team Interiors is delighted to be celebrating 15 successful years transforming working environments across south-east and south-central England through its passion for plants.

Founded by Ruth Neal and Chris Davis in 2000, Green Team Interiors is a great example of a Hampshire company that has thrived in tough economic times and become an industry pioneer.

The team has been recognised for its high quality service by eFig throughout this period.

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Founder and managing director of Green Team Interiors, Ruth Neal, said: “It is difficult to believe that it is 15 years since this fantastic adventure started. Our core values of quality, service excellence and ‘a better way’ remain as true today as they were then. Our commitment to customer service and culture continues to grow and evolve. It is a privilege to lead such a passionate and dedicated team.” www.greenteaminteriors.com

CONTRACTS WON

NEWS

Contractor: John O’Conner Services: Maintaining cemeteries Employed by: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council Start date: 1 June 2015 Duration: Five years with an option to extend for a further two years

Contractor: Glendale Services: Tree work, landscape construction and grounds maintenance services Employed by: Glasgow City Council (Trades Framework) Start date: 1 May 2015 Duration: Three years with the option to extend for a further 12 months

Contractor: Grace Landscapes Services: Landscaping to Eastwood Junior and Infant School, Sheffield Employed by: Wildgoose Construction Start date: August 2015 Duration: Four months

Contractor: Quadron Services Services: Providing grounds maintenance services to housing schemes in the Exeter area Employed by: Affinity Sutton housing association Duration: Four years

Contractor: Grace Landscapes Services: Landscaping to New Central Library and Digital Media Centre (The Word), South Shields Employed by: Bowmer and Kirkland Start date: August 2015 Duration: Four months

Contractor: Quadron Services Services: Providing grounds maintenance to housing schemes in the Plymouth area Employed by: Affinity Sutton housing association Duration: Four years

Contractor: Glendale Services: Grounds maintenance and landscaping services covering approximately 2,000 properties in Newcastle, North and South Tyneside, Gateshead, Chester-le-Street and Prudhoe Employed by: The Bernicia Group Duration: One year

Contractor: Glendale Services: Working with members of the community to improve the standard of green areas Employed by: Shoreline Housing Partnership Duration: Three years

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NEWS EXTRA

Soil – meeting the challenges of a changing landscape NEW INDUSTRY CONFERENCE ON 14 OCTOBER AT HOWBERY PARK, OXFORDSHIRE Pro Landscaper caught up with Tim O’Hare to find out about the forthcoming event: Soil – meeting the challenges of a changing landscape

What prompted you to put together the conference? What do you hope delegates will learn from attending?

I have been conscious for some time that while there is an awful lot of information out there on issues around soils, it is not necessarily up to date or even correct. This year is the UN’s International Year of Soils and it seemed the perfect opportunity to organise a comprehensive CPD event where well-known and respected industry experts would deliver interesting talks to dispel a lot of myths about soils and straighten out some recurring misunderstandings.

The subjects we’ll be covering include: SuDS and The Role of Soils, delivered by Sue Illman. The updated version of the SuDS 10

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manual is about to be released by CIRIA and both Sue and I worked on it with civil engineering consultancy HR SUE ILLMAN Wallingford.

The new version of the British Standard for Topsoil, BS 3882:2015 was published at the end of April and I will outline the main changes in my presentation.

I will also address some of the more common soil issues and misunderstandings that arise on landscape projects.

Urban trees are high on the landscape agenda thanks to some great work by TDAG [Trees and JOHANNA GIBBONS Design Action Group] and Johanna Gibbons will be looking at the value of the urban forest.

Soil scientist and colleague of mine at Tim O’Hare Associates, Rob Askew, will present ROB ASKEW on the significance of soil in Environmental Impact Assessment projects.

George Longmuir of Freeland

©Robert Taylor

Can you briefly tell us about the event?

It’s an industry conference on all things soil, targeted at landscape professionals including landscape architects, landscape contractors, specifiers, local authorities etc, with an impressive lineup of expert speakers delivering presentations that promise a full day of professional development, discussion and debate.

Horticulture, supplier of most of the soils to the Olympic Park, will talk about how advances in topsoil manufacture over the GEORGE LONGMUIR years mean that ‘designer’ soils are now available to the landscape industry.

John Melmoe of multi-award winning landscape contractor Willerby Landscapes will be giving the contractor’s perspective on selecting and applying the right soils for the job.

The point of the JOHN MELMOE conference is to provide delegates with useful, practical information that they can apply to their own projects.

Does the conference carry CPD points?

The Landscape Institute has given the conference its full official support as an event that would contribute to members’ annual CPD requirement.

How important is it to educate and inform landscape professionals about correct soil usage – what are the consequences of not being well informed on a project?

A good working knowledge of soils is important for any landscape practitioner, regardless of their specific discipline and there are

potentially serious technical and commercial consequences of being ill-informed.

Getting the soil wrong can result in poor quality landscapes; project delays and mistakes resulting in financial losses for contractors. This opens up contractors, designers and legislators to the potential consequences of breaking the law as a result of employing unsuitable practices; flood risk; you name it.

So it’s not just a case that the plants might fail!

Are there plans to make the conference an annual event?

Possibly. We’ll see what level of interest there is in this year’s event and then perhaps look at covering some other important areas such as sports pitch design, drainage, irrigation and habitat creation. We’ll see how it goes.

How can delegates find out more about attending the event?

There’s a page on our website at www.toha.co.uk with information and a link to book online. Details are also on the LI website at www.landscapeinstitute.org and on the BALI website at www.bali.org.uk.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Association

ASSOCIATION NEWS

NEWS

Coming up We can tell you that we are getting well and truly excited a out ational lant at Work Week 13-17 July. We are encouraging everyone taking part and their clients

to try our 7x7 initiative for the week and ideally longer. To get you started, we are inviting everyone to spend just seven minutes getting in touch with nature each day. The idea goes something like this: ● Bring nature inside: make sure your desk has plants on it or nearby and take the time to look at them and see if they have grown or changed ● Gaze on the beauty of nature: can you see a green space or a planted wall or roof? Use your seven minutes to really look at and enjoy your green view ● Get outside: take your coffee break outside and kick off your shoes and ‘breathe in’ nature from the feet up ● Nature at home: buy a new lant fo you offi e and lant bee-friendly plants outside ● Take a ‘greenselfie’– that’s a picture of you enjoying your seven minutes of nature – or a short Vine (video) and enter our competition to win tickets to Kew Gardens or a similar alternative.

innovative and inspiring gardens will combine with edible exhibits and fantastic displays to celebrate one of the North’s summer highlights.

The Inspire zone plays host

to the RHS Young Designer of the Year competition 2015, giving three young garden designers the chance to kick-start their careers and gain exposure at an RHS Flower Show. This year’s theme of ‘An English Country Garden’ will provide the inspiration e ind ea de i ne fi t e e Show Garden.

The Inspire zone will also debut the Year of Light Gardens, with three gardens championing the International Year of Light, an initiative set up by the United

efig outline A huge apology This month we start the column with a huge apology to Nina Lockyer of FloraTec Ltd. For some obscure reason she was misnamed in our May column when she collected the Lifetime Achievements Award on behalf of Alan Cornford.

What’s been happening this month?

Members and website visitors have been voting for their a ou ite ffi e lant y the time you read this, our panel of judges, including i and i a Wil in on of o Landscaper, will be about to meet to consider the top three plants and name one the winner for 2015.

New committee We will also be about to name the committee for 2015/2016 following our AGM. At the same time we will be announcing our plans for the o in yea ut we an t tell you that just yet; we’ll have to keep you guessing.

RHS report RHS Flower Show Tatton Park From 22-26 July the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Flower Show Tatton Park will return to Cheshire’s spectacular 1,000 acre deer park, where

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Of course we hope anyone who gets involved will continue with their daily seven minutes and maybe increase the time they spend getting green-connected. You can access more information

and our green guide at our website: www.efig.co.uk/ index.php/national-plantsat-work-week We hope you’ll get involved.

During this week, we will also be unveiling ways that members have helped an Oxfordshire school go green with plants. To be continued next month...

HS lowe S ow atton a

Nations to highlight the vital role light plays in providing solutions to global challenges.

In Grow, the ever popular Back to Back Gardens will make a long-awaited return with clever designs ideal for small spaces, alongside the

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/06/2015 14:09

ASSOCIATION NEWS

APL update Final eight competitors revealed for the WorldSkills UK Landscape Gardening competition Horticultural students and apprentices from across the nation have taken part in two knockout heats over the past few months, both run by the A e fi t at ea e eat College, and the more recent hosted by sponsor Makita UK Ltd in May. Kevin Brannigan of Makita

UK spoke to us about why they see involvement with Wo ldS ill a i o tant “We’ve been involved for a few years now, and have always thought it’s a great way for young people in the industry to progress. We’ve been working closely with the APL a lot more recently, not just as an organisation but with the members as well, and are pleased to be supporting the competition again.” u final entrants were tested on their timber and brickwork in a timed session and were marked on

brand new Blooming Beds, which feature beautiful displays based on the adventures of plant hunters. Grow also acts as the platform for this year’s amazing Show Gardens, while encouraging gardeners of all levels to enjoy the horticultural haven of the Plant Village and t e HS lo al a uee Feast is sure to engage the senses with live demonstrations and tips from some familiar faces in the Feast Theatre, along with

eation in t e di le S ool Gardens and Great British Allotments, both of which present home gardening at its best. New attraction Garden Hideaways will feature custom-made sheds.

On top of all this, the carnival spirit will make a welcome return, bringing with it a ferris wheel, carousel and great garden carnival parade.

The ever-popular Ladies Day will al o e o ted on iday 24 July, offering a range of

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t e uality of t ei wo and attention to detail by judges ody id a d and Si on A ott wit e ifi ation f o Phil Tremayne (APL National Account Manager). e e i final of t e Wo ldS ill and a e Gardening competition will once again take place at t e HS atton a lowe S ow uly and we a e t illed to announ e t e final eight competitors.

The scores from each heat were all of a high standard, but the eight highest scoring students, progressing to the HS lowe S ow atton a fo t e national e i final a e ● Anthony Doran (The Landscape Co) ● Mark Chapelhow (Wildroof Landscapes) ● Will Burberry (Gardenscapes) ● Christopher Shore, Finin Talbot and India Hill (Reaseheath College) ● Noel Taggart and Aaron Quin (Greenmount Campus, CAFRE)

talks from inspiring women in horticulture and a botanically in uen ed fa ion ow o fu t e info ation o to buy tickets visit: www.rhs.org.uk/tatton This month, don’t miss: HS Hyde Hall lowe S ow a fou day o al extravaganza from 30 July to 2 August set in the spectacular u oundin of HS

Before announcing the e ult we o e to ou final eight to see how they were feeling about the challenges ahead. Mark, Wildroof Landscape apprentice, said, “I’m really looking forward to it all. Being judged by experts puts your skills to the test and the support from my team at work is amazing.” ndia ea e eat olle e told us she was ready for the competition: “I’m so excited to have made it this far! I can’t wait to get stuck into doing a whole garden by myself.”

The competitors will have 18 hours over three days to individually build a full 6m x 2m garden. This year’s national final will e eld at e S ill S ow at t e i in a in November.

Garden Hyde Hall in Essex. The show’s popularity has grown from 7,600 visitors in 2010 to more than 18,000 in 2014. www.rhs.org.uk/hydehall

HS Hyde Hall lowe S ow

Ada

u wo t

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17/06/2015 14:10

ASSOCIATION NEWS

SGD Autumn conference: Small, But Perfectly Formed Saturday 28 November 2015, Royal Geographical Society, London.

Small spaces can provide some of the most challenging projects for garden designers.

Often wedged into the urban landscape, they can be shady, overlooked and awkward shapes, with poor oil and diffi ult a e ut some of the best designers can overcome these obstacles with enriching and extraordinary design solutions.

The SGD Autumn onfe en e S all ut Perfectly Formed – aims to show what can be achieved with plots of 150 sq m and less. Gardens where there is nowhere to hide, where every stone and leaf is highly visible, especially through the glass

SGD bulletin façades of modern houses. Every inch of these small gardens must earn its place. Plants are rarely allowed an ‘off-season’ and there is no room for one-day wonders.

Exploring the topic are designers who choose this as their natural habitat. Designers who thrive on diesel fumes and love the challenge of diffi ult a e ne of t e e i Charlotte Rowe. Her attention to detail is meticulous, her style unmistakable. Charlotte will let us in on some of her secrets of creating small inner city gardens to a very high spec.

BALI briefing Chelsea success A e e ad a e y successful Chelsea 2015, winning four Golds, seven Silver Gilt, and two Silver edal and A ont a to Wycliffe Landscapes of ou ne out wa o en to build Sean Murray’s garden, winner of The Great Chelsea Garden Challenge.

Staff on t e A tand were particularly successful in signposting the public

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Association News.indd 14

to members’ gardens, to the tand of ou affiliate u lie e e and to A members in their area for design and construction projects.

Sean u ay left wit Wycliffe Landscapes

a tin o

of

From the other side of the world, Takeshi Nagasaki of N-tree has designed gardens in London and New Delhi as well as his native Japan. You might think you know what a

Garden by Charlotte Rowe MSGD

Forthcoming events Our Landscape House team continues to organise some great training, networking and social events for members, details of which can be found on t e A we ite at www.bali.org.uk e ne t A Designer Day, open to members and non-members, takes la e on ue day Se t at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, Lower i ate eed e A il event at Landscape House was u ely o ula and A i now bringing the event to designers in the North of England.

A ational ai an o ield i een to u o t our domestic contractors and will e o tin A fi t A Domestic Forum for some years at A affiliate e e West Thurrock premises in

Japanese garden looks like, but you could be surprised as Nagasaki shares an insight into his design rationale.

Fresh from success at RHS Chelsea, Jo Thompson will show her approach to the eternal conundrum ‘space or plants, plants or space’ and invite you to peer into the smaller corners of her extensive portfolio. Joining the speaker line-up will be John Davies, winner of the ‘Future Designer’ Award at The SGD Awards 2014. Chairing the conference will be former SGD Chair Andrew Fisher Tomlin, who has created some of the smallest gardens ever seen and organised Miniature, an exhibition of tiny gardens created with a 3D printer.

To book tickets, please call t eS ffi e on www.sgd.org.uk

Essex on Thursday 15 October.

Details available shortly.

Member benefits e i te ed A e e an apply to be endorsed by Which?

Trusted Traders at a fraction of t e tanda d o t f you o e ate in the domestic sector this could be a great tool to generate leads.

Log in to the members’ section of t e A we ite fo full detail Offer closes 31 August 2015.

A e i te ed e e win an Add-Seal tyre sealant kit worth £100. Tweet a photograph of your company e i le di layin you A registered logo to @BALI_News with #BALILogo by close of play Friday 31 July 2015. The winner will be announced on social media on Monday 3 August.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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OPINION

VIEW FROM THE TOP Back from completing the Dolomiti Extreme Trail, Phil Jones reflects upon the work of Gardening Leave, the charity he was fundraising for, and how working with and on the land can be of powerful benefit

Last month I wrote about my forthcoming acquaintance with the Dolomiti Extreme Trail, which was to take place on the 13 June. The good news is that it is now done! I am back in one piece, reflecting upon the word ‘extreme’ and how appropriate a description it was.

of ‘rest’ at the end of one’s employment with a particular company. I can’t say that at anytime throughout my 12 hrs 20mins in the Dolomite mountains I felt ‘restful’ at all. As with all these things it was full on for every minute. It did, however, give me a chance to reflect on how

The most important news is that so far, through the kindness of a large number of sponsors, Gardening Leave, the charity that provides horticultural therapy for military veterans, has benefited from in excess of £6,000. Once again, I have been amazed by the generosity of both large and small donors alike.

I hope Gardening Leave has also benefited from an increased profile, as a result of numerous avenues of publicity and social media that I have taken advantage of. Profile is hugely important for any charity and Gardening Leave is no exception.

It is imperative that there is a wider knowledge of what our veterans are facing.

There is no doubt we as a nation have an affinity to our armed forces and this extends to caring for those who suffer as a result of war, particularly through the unique channels of horticultural therapy. In the landscape industry we often see the benefits of working with and on the land, whether it is children learning through landscapes or people enjoying gardening long into old age. To take it to another level and to put it to such good use is testament to its power.

The term ‘gardening leave’ also has another meaning, in the business world, that of a period

difficult it must be to operate as a soldier in remote mountainous areas, in hostile territory, carrying your own supplies.

Running through all of those gave me an idea of the environment some of our armed forces operate in. Of course, however hostile

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THANKFULLY, GARDENING LEAVE IS ABLE TO SUPPORT AND HELP HEAL A NUMBER OF VETERANS AND ASSIST THEM ON THE ROAD TO INTEGRATION INTO ‘NORMAL’ LIFE or uncomfortable the environment was for me, I wasn’t being shot at or fearing for my own safety or that of my team.

As isolated as I was at times in the Dolomite mountains I was also aware, as I passed through remote mountain checkpoints (I have no idea how these guys got up there!) that there was a solid network of professionals supporting me and the other participants along the way. I preferred to think at the time that should anything have gone wrong, there was someone there to assist.

I wonder if our veterans feel this when they leave our armed forces. Most anecdotal evidence suggests it is the opposite, that those who leave with or subsequently develop mental problems fall into a world of isolation and loneliness. Falling from a world where they have delivered their all and had every support necessary to the exact opposite, exacerbates the problem and compounds the feeling of isolation. It is a

downward spiral which some cannot reverse.

Thankfully, Gardening Leave is able to support and help heal a number of veterans and assist them on the road to integration into ‘normal’ life.

At one point of the Dolomiti trail, a moment when I needed that inner encouragement to keep focused, I remember thinking, “If you think this is tough, try being an armed forces veteran who has given what they have given for their country and who now struggles with everyday life, everyday!”

Well done Gardening Leave (well done horticulture), keep up your amazing work!

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 sits on the UK operational management board of ISS Facility Services and is Chairman of BALI-NCF. Follow Phil Jones: @philjonesISS Follow ISS Landscaping: @ISSLandscaping

www.isslandscaping.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / July 2015 17

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17/06/2015 15:41

OPINION

WOODLAND WORKSHOPS RECONNECTING CHILDREN WITH NATURE

Children today are rarely allowed into the natural world, and never without supervision.

Landscape architect Adam White looks at the impact this is having on our younger generations and explores how landscape professionals can do their bit to get communities reconnected with nature Traditionally, nature has served as humanity’s greatest teacher, the place where artists, poets and scientists go for inspiration. The natural world has the ability to draw us in and allow us to experience a sense of wonder. But what happens when we fail to bond with nature?

‘Nature deficit disorder’ isn’t a medical term but a social phenomenon identified by Richard Louv, the author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder. A book that rarely stays on my desk, primarily because I am always lending it someone in the office.

Nature deficit disorder describes the high cost of separation between nature and children

— including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, childhood obesity, higher rates of physical and emotional illness and vitamin D deficiency, to list a few. “There is very little that children do in their lives that compares with their first experience in nature,” Louv says. Think back to your own childhood experience of being outside on a quest to discover your surroundings.

Today, instead of hiking, swimming and telling stories around campfires, children are more likely to play video games indoors. These activities relegate nature to a non-reality for children. Indeed, a study reported that eight-year-olds could identify Pokémon characters more easily than they could name “otter, beetle and oak tree”. It is therefore unsurprising to hear that a study of four generations of nine-yearolds between 1970 and 2000 showed the radius around the home where children were allowed to roam on their own had shrunk to a ninth of what it had been in 1970.

In the late 1980s, while interviewing people for a book he was writing about the changing realities of family life, Louv recognised there was a profound change in the ways that people viewed nature, yet no one had a way to describe

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE FAIL TO BOND WITH NATURE?

that condition or an approach to tackle them.

Working in partnership with clients such as the Forestry Commission, National Trust, RSPB and Nene Park Trust, Davies White Landscape Architects has developed a successful community engagement approach that goes some way to addressing these problems. Our ‘Hands-on Woodland Craft Workshops’ now form a vital part of the physical build of our nature play projects.

Anyone of any age can spend anything from a day to a week volunteering and help build part of one of our bespoke structures. They learn traditional woodland craft techniques that date back to medieval times and create anything from a bridge to a wigwam to a tree-top walkway.

“I like to play indoors better ’cause that’s where all the electrical outlets are,” is what an eight-yearold recently told us. By the end of the day he was asking his mum if he could come back the next day to finish building the bridge across the stream with the timber from the trees he’d help to fell that morning. Never before in history have children been so plugged in, and so out of touch with the natural world. All landscape professionals involved in commissioning or delivering public space projects have the opportunity to help do their bit to tackle nature deficit disorder and as such help create positive bonds between different groups whilst reconnecting everyone with nature.

ABOUT ADAM WHITE FLI Adam White FLI is Director at Davies White Ltd, a multi award winning Chartered Landscape Architects practice in Kingston upon Thames. He is youngest landscape architect to be made a Fellow of the Landscape Institute and a RHS Gold Medal and BBC People’s Choice Award winner. His practice has recently completed the design and delivery of the new Commonwealth Games Legacy Park in Glasgow.

Twitter: @davies_white www.davieswhite.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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17/06/2015 10:56

OPINION

THE DEVIL’S IN THE

DETAIL

If there’s a chance you may need to claim on a warranty in future, Angus Lindsay says it’s wise to read the small print before using your kit. And honesty is always a good policy Warranties, dilapidations, retention clauses, KPIs… the list is endless when it comes to mechanisms to ensure work is completed on time, to standard, within budget and with some form of comeback should there be an issue in the future. While this all seems OK and works fairly well in practice, there are times when disputes can end up in the hands of insurers and lawyers, which is when it all turns a bit nasty.

Similarly, all new machinery and vehicles are supplied with some form of warranty. These can range from policies covering five years commercial use with all parts and labour included, to those that seem to prescribe the response to claims: “You’ve used the machine to cut grass! In that case sir, the warranty no longer applies!” A touch cynical, I appreciate but it seems that despite several manufacturers

As with many things in life – beware of the small print

claiming that their products are more reliable and they are therefore able to offer better warranties, when you come to claim on this, it’s a different story. There’s always a clause somewhere in the small print that can scupper what seems like a valid claim.

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In fairness to most manufacturers, if you do suffer a component failure and you’ve serviced and operated the machine as per the instructions (and have the supporting information to back this up) then a sensible dialogue can take place to resolve the problem.

But beware of the detail; a sticker on the oil filter may not be enough to prove the engine was serviced. Has the service book been stamped? Was the work done by an approved supplier using the correct oil and a clean spanner? Was the mechanic wearing clean overalls and did they wave at the postman on the way in? Again, cynical, but recent experience does make me wonder!

THERE’S ALWAYS A CLAUSE SOMEWHERE IN THE SMALL PRINT WHICH CAN SCUPPER WHAT SEEMS LIKE A VALID CLAIM A further word of warning, don’t take the mickey when pushing for a claim under warranty. If you’ve hit something, used a spurious part or not followed the manufacturer’s guidelines, own up and don’t try and blag it – you’ll get found out and the trust will be gone.

Be professional about it; it’ll pay dividends in the long term and will help the supplier or manufacturer to identify any potential issues with a machine or components.

Make sure you have your house in order when it comes to record keeping so that you can prove a vehicle or machine was serviced on time and you have the paperwork to show it. This also applies to spare parts or components as these too carry a warranty.

Where equipment is supplied with a commercial warranty, make sure you understand what this means as it may not cover bouncing up kerbs and mulching bricks. Similarly if the service

Don’t take the mickey with warranty claims but if in doubt discuss with the supplier

schedule on a vehicle says “12,000 miles or before the expiry of 24 months,” be sure of what this actually means. More importantly, make sure the driver understands as failure to appreciate this can be costly.

There is no doubt that more efficient manufacturing processes and higher standards of quality control make for better products, so warranty failures should be on the decline (at least that’s what we’re told). However this can fall apart if one of the components involved is of inferior quality, so it is important to give feedback. With regard to the small print, I’m not advocating that you read it chapter and verse; just don’t buy a new truck when there’s a Y in the month – only joking!

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

17/06/2015 11:10

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OPINION

INSPIRING OUR FUTURE Andrew Wilson extols the virtues of the breadth of work that garden designers and landscape architects get up to. It all adds to life’s rich pattern, and should be used to inspire a new generation Social networking is a godsend most of the time and I love the immediacy of accessing a wide audience. Generally we tweet or upload progress reports on Facebook, as uploading visual information with brief descriptors is easy and we chuck emails and photographs around as if we have been doing it forever. But sometimes these instantaneous processes make you pause for thought.

Talk to most people and their take on garden design or landscape architecture is plants, roses, flower beds and trees. Talk to most garden designers and their take is something much wider. We currently have a scheme on our books in West London in which the whole garden is an excavation for the basement extension to the town house. A few weeks ago it was a black hole and soon it will be a roof garden with little space for the bespoke planting.

FEW CAN LAY CLAIM TO LITERALLY IMPROVING THE WORLD AROUND US IN QUITE THE WAY WE DO AND WE MUST SERIOUSLY CONSIDER, EDUCATE AND INVEST IN THOSE WHO MIGHT BE UNDERTAKING THIS ROLE IN THE FUTURE The detailing however is exquisite, from hinges, wood finishes and handles to tree grilles and paving, quite apart from the clever drainage, soil provision and planting for privacy. The garden will be examined as if through a microscope to ensure that everything fits and works to perfect precision down to the last joint and screw fixing. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Our recent Chelsea garden shared many of these virtues with the construction and setting out millimetre perfect. Three dimensionally the garden included complex level changes, steel fabrication, stone cutting and fixings in complete contrast to the more traditional brick laying and stone quoins that recreated Wellington College in the Chelsea arena. The craftsmanship and attention to detail was staggering and the planting design complex to match. It’s a joy to work on such schemes and to explore materials and their associations in fine detail.

Alongside Chelsea, we were working on a 27ha masterplanning scheme for a residential development in Beijing, in which detail was a somewhat different concept. It’s difficult to be specific with that sort of scale in mind. Whole landscapes were conjured out of billowing images of fine silk, making the connection between the commodity and the landscape that

defined the ancient silk route between east and west. The stark contrast in approach is fascinating and exciting.

Whilst fretting over the placement of individual plants and detailed associations at the top end of Main Avenue we were simultaneously planting thousands of Lavandula, Salvia and Molinia in a commercial scheme in Milton Keynes. Well, our contractor Kings Landscapes was! The character and delivery of impact in these schemes could not have been more different and yet we need to adapt and change our mode of operation in both the creation and delivery of these projects. It’s captivating, demanding and exhilarating all at once and possibly something only those involved in the world of landscape and garden design would understand.

The variety and scope of our work makes me happy and proud; we have a skill set in our small office that generates inventive and creative ideas and solutions, makes clients happy, provides employment for many and an ongoing demand for skilled craftsmanship and technical knowhow.

There are similar small design offices and landscapers around the UK and beyond doing this every day. We need to capture and package this process to excite future generations, to inform teachers and educators of the rewards involved in this sector, both financial and spiritual, in the work we do on a day-to-day basis. Few can lay claim to literally improving the world around us in quite the way we do and we must seriously consider, educate and invest in those who might be undertaking this role in the future.

1 The attention to detail in both construction and planting for the Chelsea Living Legacy garden is incredible in comparison to larger scale schemes

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 / July 2015 23

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17/06/2015 15/12/2014 12:44 09:39

OPINION

CLIENT OR FRIEND? WHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE? Where does friendly end and friendship begin?

David Dodd discusses how to maintain a professional relationship and avoid the potential pitfalls of getting too close to your clients It’s always lovely when you get a good client.

You get on well with them, you have a few things in common and you get a gut feeling that they’re going to be great to have a working relationship with. As the project progresses, you find out that they are the lovely people you thought they would be. The bills are paid on time, they really appreciate the beautiful work you’re doing for them and you find out you share even more interests as your relationship grows. However, should that professional relationship be allowed to blossom into a full blown friendship, or should it be kept strictly business?

Everyone is different and we all have different ways of dealing with clients so I’m not here to tell you how to behave with your customers. I’m just letting you know how I deal with mine.

I’m usually friendly, positive and interactive with new customers. I want and need to know their likes and dislikes. I want to know what they want out of their garden and how they will use it. Do they entertain and if so, for how many people? What colours do they like etc. If they respond positively to this mild interrogation www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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from me and ‘get on board’ so to speak, I know it will result in a good end product and the relationship with the client will flourish.

However, no matter how well I get on with them, I always keep it at the back of my mind that they are a paying customer. Yes, I’ll have a cup of tea with them during a site visit. Yes, we can have a spot of lunch to discuss the project and “thank you, yes I’d love to come to your barbecue or garden party when we’ve finished.” Never miss a

NO MATTER HOW WELL I GET ON WITH THEM, I ALWAYS KEEP IT AT THE BACK OF MY MIND THAT THEY ARE A PAYING CUSTOMER good networking opportunity. I’ve even had dinner with clients, but I generally feel uncomfortable in these situations, as I think this is where the lines start to blur.

I address customers the way they address me and I expect the same from my staff. If someone introduces himself or herself as Mr or Mrs, then Mr or Mrs it is. I only use first name terms if induced to do so.

I never accept friendship requests from clients on my personal Facebook page as I usually just post nonsense about Crystal Palace, pictures of my favourite beers and wine and then of me after I’ve drunk them – not really the sort

of thing I want clients to see! For other, more ‘professional’ forms of social media, I do accept clients and try to steer them towards The Outdoor Room Facebook page.

Sometimes with commercial projects the more impersonal the nature of the contract is, the easier, as it sets up clear boundaries and ways of communicating. Don’t get me wrong, I love the more personal direct contact that develops with domestic clients and over the past 20 years I have managed to maintain some fantastic relationships, and this has always led to recommendations and more work.

I have never once phoned a customer for a chat or asked them if they fancy popping out for a pint, however. If a client became a personal friend I would always be wondering how that friendship would fare should something go wrong with our work or whether if they wanted more work done, they would suddenly expect ‘mates rates’?

I’m not saying become a cold hearted businessperson. What I am advising is to be friendly, be attentive, but above all be professional.

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

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16/06/2015 16:11

BUSINESS TIPS

GETTING THE

BALANCE RIGHT Integrating new talent with old hands can mean a period of upheaval and uncertainty for a small business. There is every reason to persevere says Jody Lidgard Having recently worked on a garden build at RHS Chelsea, we then moved part of the team on to Gardeners’ World Live in Birmingham to build a stand titled “Right Plant Right Place” under the watchful eye of Adam Frost, who designed the plot.

We used a relatively young and perhaps inexperienced mix of people at Chelsea coupled with the Homebase Academy students. A core of very skilled individuals ensured pace and quality were maintained throughout the builds.

My observations and feelings on the subject remain resolute insofar as these people we parachuted down behind enemy lines provided an energy and enthusiasm that, yes, at times felt slightly frustrating to say the least, but on the whole that buzz and naïve determination to strive for the best was evident throughout the period.

It’s easy to overestimate the negative impact of inexperience on the team. I have to be honest here and speak from the lower end of the employer/company-owner spectrum as we are a tiny fish in a big pond. So any impact on productivity has a rapid knock on to the bottom line. But the very fact that we used Homebase www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Academy learners and new team members had a galvanising effect. They were able to see issues from a different perspective and not be daunted by the bigger picture. This enabled those leading the process to manage the build schedule and project without being continually dragged into trivia.

Over a relatively short period of time, I have seen people develop and blossom and integration into the team has been quicker with

IT’S EASY TO OVERESTIMATE THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF INEXPERIENCE ON THE TEAM the camaraderie from top to bottom visible to everyone. Initiatives such as Adam Frost’s Homebase Academy are a positive for the industry, exposing the learners to all aspects of the trade.

I will be at Tatton Park this year and will watch with interest as the RHS Young Designer of the Year is announced after competitors go head to head. What frustrates me here though is the fact that I see a lack of input into the potential for Young Landscaper of the Year.

We all know that for every designer plying their trade, there must be three landscapers out there bringing these designs to life. Why are we not celebrating this more through channels such as the RHS? I get that there is a place for

everyone in the greater scheme and you cannot have one without the other, but we need to expose the young landscapers to the general public and show that they have something to say as well.

I believe a new and emerging garden designer will be taken under the wing of an experienced landscape contractor far more quickly than an established designer would take on the services of a new and emerging landscaper.

Don’t get me wrong here. I can see the obvious as much as the next person, however if we dig into this further surely there must be a way forward for greater collaboration and celebration of young landscapers entering the industry. With a little thought and joined-up thinking, designers and established contractors may be able to offer more of a step up into the industry for apprentices and new companies.

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 / July 2015 27

18/06/2015 09:24

BUSINESS TIPS

TOO BUSY TO SPEAK TO CUSTOMERS?

YOUR COMPETITORS MIGHT NOT BE… What do you do when you’re sent to voicemail?

Chances are your potential customers do the same. But there is a solution to this says Steve Clarke Ditch the answering machine As a business, large or small, what happens when your phone lines are busy or your office is left unmanned for any period of time?

I often ask business owners this at conferences. The answer is invariably the same – we have voicemail or an answering machine.

But here’s how crazy this is. Imagine someone is looking for your product or service and they want an answer to their questions quickly. They go online, tell Mr Google what

YOU’RE SPENDING TIME, EFFORT, ENERGY AND YOUR HARD EARNED CASH GETTING PEOPLE TO CALL YOU – GET THE CALLS ANSWERED

28

Pro Landscaper / July 2015

Steve Clarke TW.indd 28

they’re looking for and bingo – up pop your contact details and website.

They dial your number and an answer machine kicks in: “Thank you for calling, your call is really important to us (really, but you can’t be bothered to actually speak to them,) please leave your name and number after the tone...” And click, they’re gone!

Think about it, if there’s a choice, are you prepared to leave a message or do you hang up and dial another company? More than 80% of us would do the latter. Right?

If you want to increase sales – stop losing business. You’re spending time, effort, energy and your hard earned cash getting people to call you. For goodness sake, get the calls answered.

We live and work in an ‘always on’ world today. People could be surfing the net after work or your line may be busy when someone calls. You don’t have to take the call but you can have a real person do it for you.

I’ve been using the same company to answer my calls for four years now. They are available to answer calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year.

I never answer my phone but I never miss a call. Go ahead, call me and test it out. And, with no standing charge and no fixed overhead, I only pay for the calls they answer. Just type this address into your browser to find out more: www.eurekasales.co.uk/ alldaypa. Don’t miss another enquiry. Ditch the answer phone and step up to your personally answered calls – you’ll see results in no time at all.

Give out a landline number – not just your mobile This is more applicable to the owner/operators among us. Larger companies, which may be your competitors, will have an office with a landline.

You might assume that you need to be contacted and therefore just hand out your mobile. The answer service can give you a landline number, you don’t need to install one.

This will allow you to act as a more professional business in most people eyes, and again – never miss a call.

Hand out your mobile number only to select clients as added value to let them know they have your personal attention too.

Use tracking phone numbers in any adverts and marketing “Half the money I spend on advertising is wasted; the trouble is I don’t know which half,” said John Wannamaker – a pioneer in marketing.

This may have been true when he penned it in the early 1900s but there’s no excuse today.

You can buy or rent specific phone numbers to place in your marketing. Different number, different campaign. The calls are forwarded to your usual number, but there’s now a count of how many calls you received from any element of your marketing. Then, do more of what works!

Half your advertising works, half doesn’t… but you can now tell which is which.

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

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16/06/2015 16:18

TECHNICAL

Garden illumination has multiple functions.

Robert Webber discusses lighting options for steps and multi-tiered gardens from a practical and aesthetic perspective One area of lighting that always presents a challenge is subtly but sufficiently lighting steps and changes in levels. This was highlighted to me recently when a client called upon our expertise after having his garden lit by a recommended installer. He wasn’t happy with the finished product and the installer had suddenly gone AWOL. The garden was on three levels and while walking up the central steps the client tripped, landed against the top step and dislocated his jaw, smashed his glasses and badly cut his hand!

Not my average meeting. A quick trip back to my van produced a couple of towels, first aid kit and sutures. Enough of a ‘patch up’ until I dropped him at A&E. The issue was the way in which the steps had been lit. The recessed hooded lights had been placed too low down, causing a nasty shadow to the riser and overhang of the step.

So you couldn’t see where the tread finished and the riser started.

Step lighting comes under the layer of functional lighting, one of the three basic ‘must light’ areas we always seek to address. The others are feature lighting (covered in a previous article) and aesthetic lighting.

There are a few standard methods of lighting that we employ.

Hooded lights recessed in the side retaining walls to cast light down onto the step without the glare into your eyes.

Linear LED strip lighting under a step to downlight the risers and the treads below.

Architectural bollard or post lights to cast light back towards the steps, this helps illuminate the dangerous shadow that can occur. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Robert Webber TW.indd 31

STEPPING OUT Simple solutions for lighting steps and changes in levels

An alternative to standard hooded lights is a more architecturally pleasing light like the layered glass and stainless light (below). We often specify these on more contemporary projects. They are hand made by Gwyn Carless Designs based in Derbyshire, which can make any bespoke light we require.

Another alternative is the Smile in-light by Wever & Ducré (below). These lights work best against more contemporary hard landscape materials. We recently completed a commission with Joe Perkins, landscape architect for Longview Design, using Wever & Ducré lights. The whole effect was stunning and complemented his design perfectly.

I specified this light (right) for an exclusive villa we lit in the Caribbean a few years ago for Frank Lloyd Wright. We installed the lighting on a scene setting control system.

As the client moved through the garden the lights intensified in brightness for a while before dimming back down to 25% luminance.

The shadows cast were dramatic.

When your client asks you to ‘step up’ and help create something beautiful, don’t forget to think about lighting those keys areas so the garden is just as usable at night as it is in the day. If you plan to use linear LED lighting under the step overhang then design an overhang of approximately 35mm to accept the light and receptor.

If the steps are framed on each side by small walls remember that the light will be most effective at approximately 25mm up from the tread top, so make sure the walls are high enough to accommodate this.

If the design uses bollard lighting these can be placed in planting pockets along the edge of the steps to avoid the light becoming a hazard. Most bollard lights can illuminate an area three times their height, so a 500mm light will concentrate most light within 1.5m. So, check out, step up and be light years ahead.

ABOUT ROBERT WEBBER

Linear lighting is a favourite of mine. I love the effect it gives down the riser and the way it washes across the tread. When we mention bollard lighting, designers often cringe until they see the way it’s changed in the last few years.

Robert Webber is the founder of Scenic Lighting, a specialist exterior lighting company based in Berkshire. He designs and installs garden lighting throughout the UK and internationally. Robert can be contacted on rob@sceniclighting.com or via his mobile on 07766 051 000.

www.sceniclighting.com

Pro Landscaper / July 2015 31

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16/06/2015 16:24

INTERVIEW

Let’s Hear it From

ACRES WILD Pro Landscaper visited the rural offices of Acres Wild, the Sussex-based design practice led by Ian Smith and Debbie Roberts. They talk us through how they started out in design, the way they work together in the business, their ‘invisible’ style and how their designs evolve

So how, when and why did you both begin careers in garden design?

Debbie: We both trained in landscape architecture at Leeds, and although that’s where we met, we are both from Sussex. There were very few places at that time where you could study landscape architecture and Leeds had a reputation of being quite arty, which suited both of us – we are both art students really. But when we graduated it didn’t feel like there would be enough creativity and design work to continue in the profession and we fell into garden design almost by accident. We met John Brookes, who was encouraging. We signed up to the enterprise allowance scheme and received a bursary from the Princes Youth Business Trust.

Ian: I originally went to art college and intended to go on to do illustration which is why I still www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Let's Hear it From 2.indd 33

enjoy that side of things. But I took a year out and side stepped into landscape. The attraction was the outside and the connection with nature.

Of course, ironically, when you get into landscape architecture you realise it is pushing you more and more into the office. Following the degree, we both felt a little disillusioned with landscape architecture – the attitude was quite elitist, it didn’t chime right. We moved back to Sussex, made some contacts and somebody we met through a garden centre asked us to design a garden, so we thought it would be interesting.

1 Ian and Debbie at the 2014 SGD Awards Ceremony 2 The BALI award-winning garden at Nursted Barns 3 Norneywood, designed in the Art & Crafts tradition 4 An intimate courtyard at Le Haut on Guernsey

Pro Landscaper / July 2015 33

17/06/2015 14:26

INTERVIEW

When did you start your business?

Ian: We started in 1988, on 17 October. I don’t think we knew what we were doing. We spent time learning about business plans, all that sort of thing, then it just grew from there.

Debbie: At Leeds we tended to focus our studies on community based projects and ecological schemes. So when we came back to Sussex we linked up with the Sussex Wildlife Trust and worked with them for a while to provide design advice on various local community wildlife projects.

How did the name Acres Wild come about?

Ian: Because we are from a landscape architecture background, we feel much more

comfortable working on larger scale projects, so we knew the name had to reflect that in some way and we started off doing a lot of ecological schemes. First of all it was going to be Wild Acres and then we thought about turning it round to become Acres Wild – it was only later that we found out it was a song.

Debbie: It’s actually from an album called Heavy Horses by Jethro Tull! Rather touchingly it was played when Ian received the Grand Award at the SGD Awards earlier this year.

Did you start the business in Nuthurst, your current location?

Debbie: We started quite close to here, in a town called Billingshurst.

WE AIM TO CREATE TIMELESS AND ENDURING GARDENS. WE LIKE THE IDEA OF INVISIBLE DESIGN – IF IT WORKS, YOU DON’T NOTICE IT

Ian: I’m from Crawley originally and Debbie is from Brighton, so it’s our local patch.

What were your first jobs as a business?

Ian: We designed a show garden for a local garden centre, so I suppose we were quite proactive about trying to make contacts with people in related businesses. We also linked up with an interior designer who was working on some big schemes in Surrey.

Another landscape architect was moving to America, so wasn’t available to do the work and recommended us. We must have designed four or five very large gardens through that contact.

Debbie: Then after only three years in business we had a horrible recession that lasted three years. We were working on some amazing projects, and then in the space of one week about seven clients pulled out on us – this was October 1991. We struggled along for the next three years, supplementing our income by lecturing and tutoring at various design colleges. That was great because it filled in a gap when there was very little work.

I think everyone was struggling then, but it was also a good experience because teaching makes you analyse what you are saying and consolidate what you know. On my way back from teaching at the Inchbald one evening I met an old school friend on the train who was then deputy editor of the business section in The Times. We got talking and he said he’d like to write a piece about us for a feature on small businesses. He did so, and that one little article led to so many projects and contacts with whom we are still in touch with now.

How does it work between the two of you, do you work on the same projects together?

Ian: We both meet clients initially, usually because we don’t know at that point which one of us will take on the project and also we both need to understand the issues. We undertake site analysis visits together. Then what invariably happens is that one of us takes the lead.

What happens if one of you doesn’t agree with the other?

Ian: If it is a matter of opinion or taste there isn’t a right or wrong and so we’ll discuss. Ultimately if it’s your project, you have to decide if it’s what

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www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/06/2015 14:21

INTERVIEW

YOU ALWAYS LIKE TO WORK WITH PEOPLE THAT YOU KNOW AND TRUST, WE TRY TO PITCH CONTRACTORS WHO ARE RIGHT FOR THE JOB AND ARE ON THE SAME LEVEL you’re comfortable with, or if you think it is a better idea, you go with it. Design is a very practical process, in which you are answering questions and organising the space and the flow. It’s actually just a question of practicality.

Would you say your style is more traditional or contemporary?

Debbie: We try not to have a style as we don’t feel it is our role to impose ourselves on a site or a client. Our designs evolve from the site and according to our clients’ wishes and aspirations. We are very grounded – every site, every property is completely unique, we respond to a particular house or site, and also the lie of the land.

Ian: Usually the client determines the direction your work takes. If we are presented with a modern house, we respond to that, however, inevitably through work you have done in the past you get steered in a certain way.

I suppose with us that would be a mix of contemporary with honest materials – if anything, we wouldn’t want to do something that is ‘of the moment’, because of course it’s going to date immediately.

Debbie: We aim to create timeless and enduring gardens.

Ian: It should look like it’s always been there.

We like the idea of invisible design – if it works, you don’t notice it. So in a way you are hiding what you do.

Debbie: But that is typical of us, we keep ourselves under the radar, we’re not big names, we have always ploughed our own furrow (like those Heavy Horses!) and tend to hide behind the company name. We don’t work for famous people, but very often we work next door to famous people!

Is there a size of project that you work to?

Debbie: One acre is a good size, three to five acres is a normal size for us. We have done small gardens as well as much larger projects www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Let's Hear it From 2.indd 35

that can last four to five years.

Ian: It’s nice to do smaller gardens for a change.

Does most of your work come through recommendation and repeat business?

Ian: Yes it definitely does. I would say 60% to 70%, but we haven’t analysed it. Our website is a good shop window for acquiring new contacts.

Do you charge for the initial visit?

Debbie: We do, a potential client visit takes two of us out of the studio for half a day, plus another couple of hours writing a quote.

Another thing about charging is that it does keep the meetings focused. You can share ideas and give advice freely whereas if you’re not charging there might be a tendency to hold back. It is an interesting debate.

How do you choose the landscapers you work with?

Debbie: We try to use contractors who are local to a particular project. There are those we work with a lot like The Outdoor Room and Outdoor Creations and others we’d like to work with more including Steve Swatton, Transform, Belderbos and James Scott at The Garden Company. We try to ensure that everyone who is competing is the same sort of company.

Ian: You always like to work with people who you know and trust. We try to pitch contractors who are right for the job and on the same level, so the quotes should come in quite closely.

1 The garden at Millwater won the 2014 SGD Large Residential and Grand Award 2 The garden at Le Haut won the 2014 SGD International Award 3 Lush and tropical BALI award-winning garden in Surrey 4 The garden at Brightling Down Farm won the 2012 SGD Large Residential Garden Award 5 This Surrey water garden was inspired by surrounding willows and water meadows Pro Landscaper / July 2015 35

17/06/2015 14:22

INTERVIEW

OUR DESIGNS EVOLVE FROM THE SITE AND ACCORDING TO OUR CLIENTS’ WISHES AND ASPIRATIONS. EVERY SITE, EVERY PROPERTY IS COMPLETELY UNIQUE, WE RESPOND TO A PARTICULAR HOUSE OR SITE, AND ALSO THE LIE OF THE LAND Do you manage the tendering process or let the client deal with it?

Ian: We manage it. We will send out all the drawings and specifications and ask the contractors to itemise everything so that we can compare like for like. When it comes back to us we can advise the client, and liaise with the contractors if there is something they’ve missed or encourage them to call us with questions while they are putting the quote together.

Who buys the plants, you or the contractor?

Ian: It depends on the project, we try to be involved with the sourcing of the plants, as we obviously have contact with the nurseries. If the contractor is supplying the plants or the clients themselves, then we would charge for the time involved in liaising with that.

Do you carry out planting yourselves?

Debbie: Sometimes the clients, specifically on bigger projects, have gardeners, so although the landscape contractor might prepare the borders, that may be where they stop and then we come in, the plants arrive, we set out and the gardener plants.

some would be layout plans, and others planting plans. Then there are the projects under construction and at the setting out stage.

If and when you are not thinking about gardens what do you like to do?

Ian: I like to cycle a lot, mostly on road stuff.

It is my exercise and my headspace away from designing. But funnily enough you do still end up thinking about work. I also like seeing live bands.

Debbie: I immerse myself in the cultural and gastronomic life of my hometown of Brighton, and enjoy roller blading and jive dancing.

I also holiday in Italy at every available opportunity, in fact I’m probably there now!

1D etail of the garden at Le Haut including kinetic sculpture by Ivan Black etail from the water garden at Brightling 2D Down Farm he garden at Le Haut was inspired by the 3T characteristic plant-festooned granite walls of the island

ABOUT ACRES WILD 1 Helm Cottages Nuthurst, Horsham West Sussex RH13 6RG United Kingdom Tel: 01403 891084 Email: enquiries@acreswild.co.uk Web: www.acreswild.co.uk

Who do you use for plant supply generally?

Debbie: It would be Provender, Palmstead and Coblands.

Do you offer a maintenance manual on completion of a project?

Debbie: We produce maintenance guides, set out seasonally, which show a client how to care for their plants.

How many projects would you have on the go at any one time?

Debbie: Six or seven each, maybe more, all at different stages – some are at master plan, 36

Pro Landscaper / July 2015

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LIGHT TOUCH BOWOOD LANDSCAPES Building sensory gardens for two of Ravenswood Village’s care homes required meticulous planning

PROJECT DETAILS Project value £102,500 Build time Oct-Dec 2013 Project completed in March 2014 (after heavy winter rainfall disrupted work) Size of project Tager garden: 445sqm Pamela Barnett garden: 490sqm

I

n early 2013 Greenstone Design UK was invited by Norwood Charity’s facilities director to tender for the design and build of two specialist sensory gardens for residents of neighbouring care homes within Ravenswood Village. Home to 130 people with learning disabilities living in 13 care homes set in 120 acres of Berkshire countryside, Ravenswood was set up in 1953 by four families aiming to provide education and care for their children and for others with a learning disability.

Bowood Landscapes was asked to create two sensory gardens on a plot of land between two of the residential homes, Pamela Barnett and Tager, which was at that time laid to grass.

The project was unusual in that the two groups of residents had different requirements due to differing disabilities – the majority of the Pamela Barnett residents were in wheelchairs. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Portfolio 1Bowood.indd 39

The build Being asked to build two communal gardens for people with special needs made a pleasant and challenging change from building the everyday garden patio. Indeed, this was the biggest project that the Bowood team (six employees on this project) had undertaken in its 22 year history.

Following rigorous preparation and planning, Bowood commenced work on 16 October 2013. From the start weekly review meetings were held with the client managers and designer. This worked extremely well and avoided any big surprises. The team envisaged a nine-week installation period, but the weather had other ideas! The winter was one of the wettest on record, and although by Christmas Bowood had completed 75% of the build and most of the hard landscaping structures were in place, the team was unable to complete the

paths, beds and planting due to the very wet conditions. With the full support of the client, Bowood took the regrettable decision to put the project on hold while waiting for more favorable conditions.

ABOUT BOWOOD LANDSCAPES Bowood Landscapes has been creating beautiful and unique outdoor living spaces since 1992. Based in Reading, Berkshire our team of landscape gardeners have built up an outstanding reputation for quality, with over half of our work coming from personal recommendations and repeat business. We also offer maintenance and soft landscaping contracts. One of the gardens we maintain was featured on ITV’s ‘Love Your Garden’ in July 2012, Alan Titchmarsh called it “one of the most beautiful and inspiring gardens in the county”.

www.bowoodlandscapes.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / July 2015 39

17/06/2015 15:21

Challenges Aside from the weather, another major factor was the poor ground conditions. The team was expecting plenty of nice topsoil underneath the grassy area where they were to create the gardens. In reality, after the first five inches they met a layer of rubble and spoil, the results of old buildings demolished a decade ago. This hampered every hole dug and every bed and border created. A lesson was learned on the importance of carrying out a preliminary ground condition test! The project opened officially on 12 May. It was fantastic to see the residents using the gardens and hearing the positive comments.

1 Welsh slate monolith water feature

6 Raised vegetable beds

2 Thatched gazebo and window pond

7 Raised bed doubling up as seating

3 Textured planting in Pamela Barnett

8 Simple planting in the Tager garden

4 Themed raised bed

9 Straight lines and simple planting

5 Living willow arbour

10 A place to rest and reflect

Pamela Barnett Garden ● Water features contribute both aesthetically and as a sensory experience. ● A pond with transparent side provides an alternative view of life. ● There is an emphasis on the natural world, with features to encourage wildlife – birdfeeders, hedgehog houses, insect houses and feeding stations. ● The garden appeals to the senses, particularly touch, using plants and hard materials such as sand and rock. ● A tall water feature monolith emphasises the central point of the garden, surrounded by a variety of ‘pods’. ● The garden has value all year round.

PAMELA BARNETT GARDEN 40

Pro Landscaper / July 2015

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17/06/2015 15:22

TAGER GARDEN

REFERENCES Designer

Paving

Katy Bott at Greenstone Design UK

Bradstone

Email katy@greenstonedesign.co.uk Web www.greenstonedesign.co.uk

Tel 01335 372289 Web www.bradstone.com

Contractor

Aggregates/self binding gravel

Bowood Landscapes Ltd

Willis & Ainsworth

37 Southlake Crescent, Woodley, Reading, RG5 3QJ Web www.bowoodlandscapes.co.uk

Terence House, 24 London Road, Thatcham, Berkshire RG18 4LQ Tel 01635 865679 Web www.willisandainsworth.co.uk

Machinery hire and sundries Travis Perkins

Plants

9 The Lakes, Lakeside Northampton NN4 7HD Web www.travisperkins.co.uk

Johnsons of Whixley

Timber and fencing

Gilsthwaite Lane, Kirk Hammerton, North Yorkshire YO26 8 Tel 01423 330234 Web www.nurserymen.co.uk

Bouchier Fencing Ltd

Goring Road, Woodcote, Reading, Berkshire RG8 0QD Tel 01491 681265 Web www.bouchierfencing.co.uk

Tager Garden ● The garden is clearly structured and logical, with no mystery or surprises. ● Larger spaces enable social interaction. ● Gardening opportunities allow residents to learn about the soil, pots

and growing plants. Raised beds give access to all. ● The garden is divided into separate spaces to create activity centres

where young clients can burn energy, helping with concentration. ● All paths are of the same material and natural colour, to aid navigation. ● A summerhouse provides space away from the normal internal

environment and can be used in all weathers. It is enclosed and robust with heating and lighting. ● Planting is controlled, with uniform gentle shapes and little seasonal change. It is all non-toxic. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Portfolio 1Bowood.indd 41

‘Off the shelf’ gazebos

Turf Turf Services: Ladds Garden Centre

Bath Road, Reading, Berkshire RG10 9SB Tel 01189 402505 Web www.turf-services.com

Dunster House

Caxton Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire MK41 0LF Tel 01234 272445 Email enquiries@dunsterhouse.co.uk Web www.dunsterhouse.co.uk Metal edging for paths Kinley Systems

Northpoint, Compass Park Junction Road, Bodiam, East Sussex TN32 5BS Tel 01424 201111 Email sales@kinleysystems.com Web www.kinleysystems.com

PROJECT STATISTICS ● 2450 man hours ● 222 tons of sand and sub base material ● 360 bags of cement ● 340m of metal edging ● Six different digger and dumper machines ● ...and not forgetting the 240 holes dug by hand! (mainly for fence posts)

Pro Landscaper / July 2015 41

17/06/2015 15:22

HIGHER GROUND

PROJECT DETAILS

OAKLEY LANDSCAPES

Opening a semi-basement with drainage issues to a garden 1.8m higher while avoiding a steep elevation and preserving an existing tree presented challenges on this Richmond Hill site

Project value £24k Build time Oct–Dec 2013 Size of project 140m2

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www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/06/2015 15:50

PORTFOLIO

HIGHLY COMMENDED

PROJECT VALUE UNDER ÂŁ25,000 HARD LANDSCAPING

1 Raised beds planted with perennials 2 Looking down to the main patio 3 Showing the different levels of the garden 4 Jura Beige Limestone steps leading up to the main garden 5 View of the raised beds and steps 6 Looking straight up from the patio

T

he clients approached us in August 2013. They were having major work done to their house on Richmond Hill, Surrey and needed the back garden relandscaped. There were a number of issues as there was a magnolia tree the client wanted to keep. To complicate things further the kitchen and lower patio were 1.8m below the rest of the garden and they wanted as few steps as possible to get up into the garden, not wanting to feel enclosed when they looked out from the kitchen and hoped to achieve a more open effect. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Portfolio 2 Oakley TW.indd 43

They were adamant that they wanted lawn not paving at the top of the steps, with the further requirement that the retaining wall leading to the top part of the garden should have a brick edge with the bricks matching the house to suggest entry to a more relaxed area.

They wanted a large grass area in the main part of the garden for their two young children to be able to play.

They already had a basic plan that simply didn’t work, for example having too many steep steps. To make things worse no

provision had been made for retaining the magnolia, which was up at the garden level.

We were asked to rethink the whole design of the garden, whose classy hillside location is in an area full of historic associations above the River Thames.

The builder who was renovating the house had to put down a very thick reinforced concrete base to avoid flooding the kitchen, which is in the basement. However, they immediately hit a major problem since as soon as they dug out the foundations they found water. Accordingly, Pro Landscaper / July 2015 43

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PORTFOLIO

ABOUT OAKLEY LANDSCAPES Oakley Landscapes has been designing and building gardens for 15 years. Owners Hilary Oakley and Daniel Dunford aim to offer high quality bespoke designs and construction services in south west London and Surrey. Projects range from small London gardens to public gardens. It is a small company priding itself on working in a friendly and reliable way. It has won eight awards from Marshalls Paving and won an APL award in 2014. The company is equally happy to help those who start with no clear idea of what they want and those with ambitious schemes already in mind.

www.oakleylandscapes.com

when we excavated the rest of the site we had to take into account the drainage issues down the slope while ensuring the steps were not too high or steep.

We worked out the different heights of the retaining beds in order to accommodate the Magnolia while still allowing the garden to look naturally balanced, relaxed and un-forced. Once we had started work we decided that as well as putting a drainage channel by the bi-fold doors it would be necessary to put a channel at the bottom of the steps.

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We needed to make sure that there were no overflow issues given the fact the kitchen and patio are so much lower than the rest of the garden. This meant that the fall of water had to go in both directions and yet the paving still had to give the illusion that it was level so we hid the two drainage channels under cobbles. We built a pizza oven and constructed an integrated bench made from deck boards with a trellis behind it.

We started work in October 2013 and finished just before Christmas of the same year.

The layout of the site and the clients’ specifications meant the project required careful thought and tricky calculations, in order to make the garden a place of ease and delight.

1 Steps leading from the kitchen to the lawn 2&3 The foundations for the bi-level steps with Magnolia tree to the right 4&5 The lower level patio under construction and completed with pizza oven to the right 6 The completed lower patio with bench 7 The Magnolia tree, an attractive feature which was central to the overall design www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/06/2015 15:52

PORTFOLIO

REFERENCES Design and build

Deckboards

Oakley Landscapes Ltd

Elmwood Fencing

22 Coval Road, London SW14 7RL Email hilary@oakleylandscapes.com Web www.oakleylandscapes.com

10 Sheen Lane, London SW14 8LL Tel 020 8878 0993 Email info@elmwoodfencing.co.uk Web www.elmwoodfencing.co.uk

Jura Beige Limestone London Stone

Tel 01784 455 433 Email info@londonstone.co.uk Web www.londonstone.co.uk

Planting design, realisation and maintenance Dinah Cole

Tel 07771 744 515 Email dinah@dinahcolegardens.com

Turf Spooners Turf

Plants

Hesters Yard, Oak Hill, Wood Street Village, Guildford GU3 3E Tel 01483 277 715 Web www.spooners-turf.co.uk

Sempervirens

General building materials Travis Perkins

Morden Road, Mitcham, Surrey CR4 4GL Tel 020 8640 7260 Email mitcham@travisperkins.co.uk Web www.travisperkins.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Portfolio 2 Oakley TW.indd 45

Bridge Farm Nursery, Hospital Bridge Road, Twickenham, Middlesex TW2 6LH Tel 0208 898 7131, Email office@sempervirens.co.uk Web www.sempervirens.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / July 2015 45

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PORTFOLIO

IN HARMONY TS LANDSCAPES TS Landscapes created a naturalistic garden sympathethic to the local landscape using local stone, brickwork and wildflowers

COMMENDED

PROJECT VALUE £25,000 – £75,000

ABOUT TS LANDSCAPES Based in West Berkshire, TS Landscapes offers full landscaping construction services across all southern counties. Whether working with garden designers, landscape architects or to a customer’s own specification, it strives to build on trusted relationships that allow cost certainty with product quality to be hallmarks through all their projects. Senior landscaper and proprietor of TS Landscapes, Tom Seward, believes that it is the choice of garden structure in equal measure to the planting and colour palette that is the real win for money invested in the landscape.

www.tslandscapes.co.uk

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S

et among the chalk meadows of north Hampshire, this characteristic farmhouse, already surrounded by a front garden with entrance area and a rear terrace, was required to become a spectacular, colourful and naturalistic setting for its owners, with an all year round display of plants.

Working with garden designer Christine Whatley from Sylvan Studio, the brief was to use construction materials and features that would link the garden spaces and complement the main farmhouse by the use, for example, of reclaimed bricks and natural stone paving with their own particular colour palette as an integral part of a comprehensive design of both hard and soft landscaping that was to be introduced over a number of seasonal phases.

Design and build The design, inspired by the surrounding countryside, centred on the creation of two formal areas that would not be immediately visible to each other, introducing an element of surprise.

Working from a carefully surveyed and drafted layout, each area was designed to invite visitors to walk around the individual spaces and rest a while at specific viewing points to take in and contemplate other features in the surrounding areas.

A new large terrace was encompassed by low brick retaining walls and a sunken water feature was introduced to break up the expanse of paving and give the terrace its own unique characteristic. Among other introduced ’surprises’, the terrace area was designed to

Pro Landscaper / July 2015

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17/06/2015 16:10

PORTFOLIO

PROJECT DETAILS Project value £30k lead the visitor down a stepping stone path set among a local gravel colour palette up to a set of feature iron gates at the end of the garden.

All terrace and surrounding garden beds and borders were then planted to match the local countryside environment.

Hard landscaping A list of hard landscaping features specially requested to be used in the project included: ● Raised brick beds – reclaimed bricks to match the exterior of the farmhouse with mitred corner detailing and weather-struck profile to match the house on all facing brickwork www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Portfolio 3 TS Landscapes TW.indd 47

● Blacksmith forged iron gate that was to

provide a focal point ● Basket weave path formed from paviors to colour match house brick ● Parterre beds with sandstone paved centres ● Terraces laid with sandstone ● Installation of irrigation system to front and rear garden areas ● Retaining walls and steps ● Sunken water feature ● Cottage and meadow garden planting to beds ● Grass/turf – wildflower meadow turf in a natural setting

Build time First phase 2012 (7 weeks) Ongoing phases in 2014 Completed 2015 Size of project 0.33 acre

1 Planting on the terrace 2 The new view across the garden 3 The terrace and pond on completion 4 The rear terrace 5 Parterre beds with brick and sandstone Pro Landscaper / July 2015 47

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PORTFOLIO

Fields

Lonicera hedge removed

Existing gate replaced

Oak gate

Tap

Lime

5 New Trees

Apple

Planting beds with Beech hedge blocks

Existing Lonicera hedge removed and replaced with new Yew hedge Existing planting bed reshaped

Apple

Mown grass path

Rough grass and meadow flowers

Box hedges

2 New trees forming entrance to Play Garden

Flag and gravel path with planting spilling across

Lawn Apples

Widened grass path to Side garden

New planting at front of bed

Lawn

Weeping Cherry

The Birdbath Terrace Randon flags set in gravel with planting pockets, within low Box hedges 1 2

Planting bed in raised brick wall

1 Rear terrace and farmhouse beforehand

Bench area

2 Front garden with flint wall prior to remodelling

Conifer Arch

2 3

Planting bed replacing Lonicera hedge Low brick retaining wall 0

1

2

Terrace

2

New Yew hedge extending existing

3 Rear terrace under construction

Yew

4 Front parterre under construction

Birdtable

3

Existing stone birdbath, relocated 3 4

RWP

New arch over existing piers

MH CL 49.79

Conservatory

0 1

Apple

Tap

Yew

Drawing

RWP

MH CL 50.00 .00

Breakfast

Pond

Bench area

Sitting

BBQ area

RWP

THE OLD FARMHOUSE

Existing paving

Conservatory

Parking

Existing flagstone welcome area Utility

Kitchen

Larder WC

Hall Dining Room

G M

G

Tap Gate 1.17h

Yew

The Old Farmhouse

SylvanStudio

MH CL 9.94

RWP IC CL 10.20

Irish Yews

Project

IC CL 9.89

New Barn Farm

DESIGN PLAN

Irish Yews

Winchester SO21 2PP

Hugh & Patricia Sergeant Date

May 2012

Sketch Plan (Design 4 - agreed Aug 2011)

1:150 on A3

Brick wall

Client

Scale

Drawing no.

Bench area Brick edged gravel

Holm Oak

Shrubs, incl.

Lonicera purpusii

Crawley

© Copyright SylvanStudio 2013

Drawing title

Yew

New Barn Lane

PROFESSIONAL GARDEN DESIGN

by Christine Whatley

Gate 1.8h Fence 0.7h over wall

Bay

Flint & Brick wall

Flint & Brick wall

Parterre garden with planting beds and low Box hedges between brick and flagstone paths

Existing Irish Yews Flagstone path

Drawn by

CJW/025/04 Rev2

Rose Clematis

Flint & Brick wall

Tarmac drive

Christine Whatley 0

1

2

3

4

5

10

Note: All dimensions must be checked on site and must not be scaled from this drawing

M

REFERENCES Designer

Raj Green Calibrated Sandstone

Christine Whatley from Sylvan Studio

RF Landscape Supplies, RF Paving

5 High Street, Erlestoke, Devizes Wiltshire, SN10 5TX United Kingdom Tel 01380 830262 Web www.sylvanstudio.co.uk

A19 Doncaster Road, Whitley, Goole, East Yorkshire DN14 0JW Tel 01977 782240 Web www.rflandscapeproducts.co.uk Gate

Landscape contractor

Gothic Gates

TS Landscapes

Web www.gothicgates.co.uk

79 Andover Road Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 6JH Tel 01635 569251 Email tom.seward@tslandscapes.co.uk Web tslandscapes.co.uk

Chichester Trees & Shrubs

Plants The Mill Studio, Beaulieu, Hants SO42 7YG Tel 01590 612198 Web www.ctsplants.com

Aggregates

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Worthy Sand and Ballast

Turf

Old Station Yard, London Road, Winchester, Kings Worthy SO23 7QA Tel 01962 883708 Web www.worthysandandballast.co.uk

Spearhead Turf

Bricks and paviors

Wildflower turf

J Brant (Reclamation)

Wildflower Turf Company

Lakeside Garden Centre, Brimpton Common Road, Reading RG7 4RT Tel 0118 981 3882 Web www.jbrant.co.uk

Ashe Warren Farm, Overton, Basingstoke, Hants RG25 3AW Tel 01256 771222 Web www.wildflowerturf.co.uk

Lord’s Ground Drove, Cambridge, CB25 0LQ Tel 01638 743431 Web www.spearheadturf.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/06/2015 16:12

PORTFOLIO

THE PEOPLE’S PALACE JOHN O’CONNER

Open all year round, the Alexandra Palace and Park is a historic north London landmark presenting many diverse grounds maintenance challenges

J

ohn O’Conner has been providing a parks maintenance service to the Alexandra Palace and Park in Wood Green, London, for the past six years. Alexandra Park has held a Green

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Portfolio 4 John O'Conner TW.indd 49

Flag Award since 2008. Other park awards include the 2007 BALI Award for hard landscaping construction costing over £100,000, a Silver Gilt award for a Large Park or Public Garden by London in Bloom in 2009, 2011 and 2012, and The Green Heritage Award every year since 2010.

The local population is diverse and the park receives a huge range of visitors from dog walkers, exercise groups and concert goers to the general public.

It has a number of recreational activities for young children including a playground, deer enclosure and ice rink in Alexandra Palace, a pitch and putt course, plus tree climbing events, a boating lake, skate park and soft play centre.

The natural habitat is quite varied. Trees range from arboreta to veteran oaks predating the park with their origins in the hedgerows

of the dairy farm. Meadows, scrub, woodlands and ponds provide a semi-natural feel in places, while summer bedding and shrubberies offer greater formality.

Maintenance John O’Conner has six members of staff on this contract, including a contract supervisor, a charge hand and several seasonal/general grounds maintenance operatives.

Visitor numbers increase in good weather from Easter to autumn, so litter, park bin collections and minor damage are a constant challenge. In the winter there are problems associated with surface water and boggy ground, plus there’s over 170,000m2 of general amenity grass to cut and maintain all year round.

The company uses a variety of mowers from John Deere to Hayter/Toro ride-on mowers.

Pro Landscaper / July 2015 49

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PORTFOLIO

Alexandra Palace and Park is open 24 hours a day and the palace is a historic entertainment venue for exhibitions, concerts and conferences, which means access roads and car parks must be accessible at all times.

During the winter months John O’Conner has specialist equipment to clear snow from car parks and its own salt gritter to keep roads and car parks from freezing over. It operates a SnowEx SP-6000, SnowEx Mini-Pro SP-575 as well as a Strimech Stoll rear mounted 7ft snow blade.

Alexandra Palace and Park Address: Alexandra Palace and Park, Wood Green, London N22 7AY Opening times: 24 hours a day, all year round Park manager: Mark Evison Annual maintenance cost: £400,000

Planting and wildlife The park is a local nature reserve and Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), it is home to a large and varied wildlife from pipistrelle bats to its own herd of fallow deer.

In 2010 the park hosted London’s first ‘bioblitz’ in a major park. With the help of the Natural History Museum and plenty of families and volunteers, a huge range of wildlife was discovered from common trees and birds to rare heath grass and little known invertebrates.

The grounds maintenance team carries out various planting within the park ranging from tree and shrub works and annual bedding displays, which are very popular with park users. The team also carries out yearly bulb planting with help from local schools and friends groups.

John O’Conner has also worked recently with the Urban Orchard Project, planting a new orchard in the grounds of the park with a variety of fruit trees including apple, pear, medlar and quince.

ABOUT JOHN O’CONNER John O’Conner is a market leader in public and private sector grounds maintenance services.

Initiatives include apprenticeships, work experience placements, volunteer, community and environmental projects. Memberships and achievements: • Member of BALI and the Institute of Groundsmanship • BALI Principal Employer of the Year 2013 and 2008 • Regional Newcomer Employer of the Year 2013 by The National Apprenticeship Service • Finalist for Supporting Young People Award by the Hertfordshire Business Awards 2014 • ISO 9001, 14001 and OHSAS 18001 • Constructionline, Chas and Safe Contractor Approved

www.johnoconner.co.uk

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www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/06/2015 15:34

PORTFOLIO 1 Hot air balloon ride at Alexandra Palace’s 150th anniversary celebrations 2 Deer enclosure 3 Planting project with John O’Conner apprentices 4 Volunteers on the Urban Orchard Project 5 Helter Skelter at Alexandra Palace’s 150th anniversary celebrations 6 Poppies planted to commemorate WW1 7 Contract Manager Michael Conway preparing poppy bed 8 Volunteers on the Urban Orchard Project

Green Flag Award Alexandra Park has held a Green Flag Award since 2008. The Green Flag Award Scheme recognises the best green spaces in the country, and applications are judged against eight key criteria: • Health, safety and security • Maintenance of equipment, buildings and landscape, plus litter, cleanliness and vandalism • Environmental sustainability • Conservation of heritage and nature • Community involvement • Marketing strategy • Overall management

REFERENCES Alexandra Palace Charitable Trust

Plants, shrubs and trees

Web www.alexandrapalace.com

Pipers End, Letty Green Hertford, Herts SG14 2PB Tel 01707 261 370 Email sales@rochfords.net Website www.rochfords.net

Joseph Rochfords Nursery

Grounds maintenance John O’Conner

2 Great North Road, Welwyn, Hertfordshire AL6 0PL Tel 01438 717 175 Web www.johnoconner.co.uk

Small landscape and amenity tools and sundries Tudor Environmental

Grass seed, chemicals and fertilisers

9 The Royal Parks Guild marks 150th anniversary with John O’Conner’s apprentices 10 Working with volunteers on the Urban Orchard Project 11 Area near the rose garden 12 Carousel at Alexandra Palace’s 150th anniversary celebrations 13 The rose garden 14 Boating lake 15 Alexandra Palace’s 150th anniversary celebrations

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Portfolio 4 John O'Conner TW.indd 51

Rigby Taylor

Rigby Taylor Hse, Crown Lane, Horwich, Bolton, Lancs BL6 5HP Tel 0800 424 919 Web www.rigbytaylor.com

1 Falkland Close, Charter Avenue Ind Estate, Coventry CV4 8AU Tel 02476 856 846 Web www.tudorenvironmental. co.uk Power tools and machinery

Landscape and amenity products

Briants Of Risborough Ltd

AHS Ltd

Green Close Works, Thame Rd, Longwick, Princes Risborough, Bucks HP27 9SG Tel 01844 343 663 Website www.briantsltd.co.uk

Coppards Lane, Northiam, East Sussex TN31 6QN Tel 0333 207 0440 Web www.ahs-ltd.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / July 2015 51

17/06/2015 15:34

NURSERY

DESIGNING MY FIRST

SHOW GARDEN RHS FLOWER SHOW CARDIFF 2015

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Pro Landscaper / July 2015

Lisa Cox TW.indd 52

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/06/2015 11:54

RHS CARDIFF

Lisa Cox talks about the experience of building her debut show garden at the RHS Flower Show, Cardiff earlier this year

R

HS Flower Show Cardiff is the first RHS show of the year and where I designed my first show garden, this April.

It was such a lovely show to have been a part of. From the logistics guys on site, to show manager Katie Draper, to the other designers and contractors, there was a lot of friendly banter to help us through the long and tiring days!

In January I relocated to Monmouthshire so when I was approached by Victoria Park Mazda in Cardiff about designing a garden for them I jumped at the chance – what better way to start the relaunch of my business in south Wales.

The show coincided with the launch of the new Mazda2, a small car celebrated for its eco-credentials. We wanted to demonstrate that it’s possible to retain the essence of a garden whilst still fulfilling the functional requirements of a front garden.

I’m really passionate about front gardens because I think they’re so often overlooked as green spaces but the reality is that we walk through them every day of the year, whatever the time of day and whatever the weather.

Building a show garden is very different from a regular design project and I learned a huge amount during the process.

Highlights The show had many highlights for me.

The first and foremost was of course being awarded a Bronze medal for my show garden debut. I’d be fibbing if I said I wasn’t at least a little disappointed initially, but the response from the public was absolutely amazing and made all the hard work absolutely worth it.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Lisa Cox TW.indd 53

Feedback on the planting was a real pleasant surprise. I thought it would divide the crowd, but it seemed to capture imaginations.

RHS Cardiff show manager Katie Draper and the other designers at the show were really supportive too. Of course there’s a bit of healthy rivalry but all in all we just wanted to do a good job and enjoy the ride.

Scott Hadley (SH Landscapes) and Pete Watkins built the garden with me and were brilliant all the way through. We had lots of fun, surviving mostly on cake and adrenaline!

I’M REALLY PASSIONATE ABOUT FRONT GARDENS BECAUSE I THINK THEY’RE SO OFTEN OVERLOOKED AS GREEN SPACES BUT THE REALITY IS THAT WE WALK THROUGH THEM EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR

Challenges In the main, the build phase went really well, helped along by the warm sunny weather. I’d tried to pre-empt any challenges before the show, which helped a lot, but we still had a few decisions to make on the hoof, as you’d expect.

The main challenge presented itself two weeks before the show when we had to change the way we were going to construct the façade of the house. One of the restrictions of the site at Bute Park is that no excavations are allowed, so we had to rethink our initial plan to sink posts into the ground. The final structure was stabilised by water ballast tanks at the back – a blessing in disguise as it certainly made the breakdown easier to contend with.

The planting presented some challenges too. As Cardiff is an early show, finding plant stock at short notice was difficult. Despite massively over-ordering (by 50%) I still ran out of plants and this made for a very stressful couple of days at the end. If I do another show, I’ll most definitely be ordering double the number of plants I think I need!

PLAN DRAWING

1 Log storage underneath bench 2 The finished garden 3 Vibrant spring planting 4 Lisa Cox with her medal 5 Sett detail with the gravel driveway 6 Structure for the house façade 7 12m x 2.5m printed façade 8 Setts detailing being laid 9 Hard landscaping finished

ABOUT LISA COX Lisa’s interest in creating gardens began 12 years ago when she transformed her own back yard into an outdoor space where she could relax. She undertook training, joined the Society of Garden Designers and now enjoys helping clients to turn their dream garden into reality from her base in Monmouthshire.

www.lisacoxdesigns.co.uk info@lisacoxdesigns.co.uk

Pro Landscaper / July 2015 53

17/06/2015 11:54

READY-SPACED, READY TO PLANT, READY WHEN YOU ARE.

READYHEDGE

RH 'Hand-crafted' half-page Pro Landscaper:RH 'Hand-crafted' half-page Pro Landscaper

Page009_Advert.indd 3

3/10/14

16:39

Page 1

Introducing hand-crafted hedging.

At Readyhedge, before our instant hedging is dispatched to customers it is inspected, tidied-up and cleared of any imperfections by hand. We call it hand-crafted hedging.

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c a l l t o d a y o n 0 1 3 8 6 7 5 0 5 8 5 E m a i l l i n d s a y @ r e a d y h e d g e . c o m o r v i s i t w w w. r e a d y h e d g e . c o m

16/06/2015 16:26

NURSERY

NURSERY NEWS Pershore College student wins Peter Williamson Travel Award Alex Muller from Pershore College was presented with Wyevale Nurseries’ annual Peter Williamson Travel Award in May. The 25-year-old won after wowing the judges with a written submission and an interview.

Steve Ashworth director at Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford explained: “We would like to congratulate Alex on winning. Alex won the award by displaying an inquisitive and adventurous spirit well-grounded with current, active participation in practical horticulture.”

The Peter Williamson Travel Award was started in memory of Wyevale Nurseries’ former owner

and is presented to a student at Pershore College in Worcestershire.

The award subsidises the successful applicant to work in the Netherlands during the summer vacation.

Alex will be working for six weeks during the summer at Combinatie Mauritz, a tree producer in the Netherlands. It grows a broad selection of ornamental and fruit trees on 145 hectares of land. Alex was also presented with £500 from Wyevale Nurseries to help pay for his travel costs.

Alex said: “I am over the moon to have won this award and can’t wait to get stuck in at Combinatie Mauritz. It’s such a great opportunity

Specification manual launched by Barcham Barcham Trees has published a 44 page specification manual as a guide to specifying young trees from the nursery. It explains the nursery production processes involved in young tree production, highlighting the good and bad practice found in the three main production methods used in UK tree nurseries.

The manual also includes clear, concise statements for use in the drafting of specifications for the procurement and supply of young trees.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Nursery News TW.indd 55

Written and illustrated by Barcham’s Keith Sacre, the specification manual gives the nursery’s perspective on what is important when constructing young tree specifications, but Keith also recommends referring to the following texts: BS8545: From Nursery to Independence in the Landscape;

for me. I would like to say a huge thank you to Wyevale Nurseries.”

For further details about Wyevale Nurseries, Hereford, please call 01432 845 200. www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk

The European Technical and Quality Standards for Nursery Stock; and the National Plant Specification Guide www.gohelios.co.uk The manual has chapters on tree health, branch, stem, crown development and root system development and management. To request a free copy of the Barcham Specification Manual, please call 01353 720 748 or visit the Barcham website. www.barchampro.co.uk

NURSERY NOTES

The main season is behind most suppliers now and July is the perfect time to reflect on last year’s trends, review the plants that were most popular and see if there are any plant introductions of merit. July is not only a time to reflect, it’s also the ideal time to look forward and plan ahead for the autumn and spring.

Having built a relationship with our suppliers, our buyers still like to visit. Buying trips are crucial to ensure the quality, regularity and horticultural practices of our suppliers satisfy us and ultimately our customers. July is spent planning trips for September and later in the year.

While the plant buyers are busy planning ahead there is still a fantastic range of stock in the nursery in July. The last few years have not seen much of a lull in demand at this time of year so the purchasing team is still buying large volumes of quality plants.

Is July, a time for quiet reflection? No. It’s not a time to rest on our laurels, it’s a time to get out and reserve them!

Provender Nurseries has appointed Dario Spagnoli as a member of the sales team. Dario has a background in sourcing plants for garden designers and many years’ experience in both garden centres and sales. www.provendernurseries.co.uk Pro Landscaper / July 2015 55

17/06/2015 12:01

FREE ENTRY Register online

Day 2015 Don’t miss our open day on Thursday 3rd September!

For demonstrations and talks on new and leading industry practices plus a tour of a local brewery with lunch provided.

colesnurseries.co.uk/ coles-open-day

Demonstration from Coles & TSD on a new remote stock control system.

Talks on The National Plant Specification.

Demonstration from JCB on their Teletruks.

Coles Syston Nursery, 1500 Melton Road, Queniborough, Leicester LE7 3FN 0116 241 2115 www.colesnurseries.co.uk

Soft Landscape Workshop “Strictly Sustainable”

Noel Farrer PLi

Dusty Gedge

Mary Reynolds

Tim O’Hare

Discussing all aspects of what sustainability can mean to landscape & plantings.

From macro scale to surviving Box Blight.

September 16th 2015 Ashford, Kent 09:00—16:00 £33 incl VAT A great line up of speakers: Noel Farrer PLi, Mary Reynolds, Sue Biggs (RHS), Tim O’Hare, Dusty Gedge, Ken Trew from Argents the Kings Cross developer, plus others, more details and registration on web site.

01233 813340 From the Smallest Garden to the Largest Park Leading Producers of Quality Nursery Stock

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Ken Trew

Sue Biggs (RHS)

16/06/2015 16:28

NURSERY

Sustainability report reveals: we could do better A survey of 100 landscape professionals, garden designers and landscape architects has revealed that only 19% are asking for sustainability to be part of the brief.

The survey for Palmstead Nurseries’ forthcoming “Strictly Sustainable” workshop on 16 September questioned the participants on their plant choices, their carbon footprint and their clients’ appetite for sustainability.

The results showed that only half of those questioned were using sustainably sourced plants, with under a quarter using recycled concrete and only 39% integrating sustainably sourced water into their builds and designs. Half felt the industry was on the right track but more could be done, while a quarter of those questioned said they didn’t

Howard Nurseries find funding for University Internship Howard Nurseries in, Diss has recently hired a new graduate intern to assist the business with sales and marketing. Matthew Everett is a graduate of the University of East Anglia and applied for the position through the university’s graduate employability programme. He said: “I’m looking forward to this opportunity. It will be a great introduction to marketing for a business this size and I have learnt so much already.” www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Nursery News TW.indd 57

feel sufficiently equipped to know enough about their carbon footprint.

When asked what factors prevented them from planting as much as they’d like sustainably, 80% put it down to the client with 58% saying the client lacked interest or understanding and 22% saying it was down to clients’ budgets.

Responsibility for affecting change was spread evenly between the industry, government and planners, showing a belief in a shared responsibility for tackling the issue of creating sustainable designs and schemes.

Nick Coslett, marketing manager at Palmstead Nurseries said: “The results reveal a need for us as an industry to tackle how we can better sell-in the concept of sustainability.

Howard Nurseries has funded the internship through a grant with the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership and the New Anglia Growth Hub, providing enough resources for an internship lasting nine months.

Matthew has already been hard at work running the nursery’s Twitter feed during the RHS Chelsea Flower Show (where Howard Nurseries won a gold medal in collaboration with Sarah Cook) and updating the company’s website with all the latest news from the nursery.

The biggest change Matthew has made so far has been adding

We are really looking forward to the workshop and have some wonderful speakers including Dusty Gedge, Noel Farrer, Sue Biggs, Mary Reynolds, Tim O’Hare, Ken Trew and Brita von Schoenaich.

Sustainability is definitely on our agenda as an industry and we are thinking about sustainably sourced plants, water systems etc but it’s not actually translating in practice.

“Whilst the larger high profile projects have sustainability built in, this is not as clearly apparent in the smaller scale schemes and especially not at the domestic level.”

Ken Trew, a landscape architect working with Argents on the King’s Cross site said: “Given the responsibility of the professions within the development and delivery process, it is interesting (and surprising) to see that the survey results suggest that it is the employers who are failing to take action. I think that sustainability has become part and parcel of everyday life in 2015.” www.palmstead.co.uk

photos to the company’s availability list so customers can see how they look before they buy them: “We want to show our customers the exact quality of product they will get when they buy from us and what they will be selling on to their customers.

Howard Nurseries takes great pride in the high quality of the plants it sells and we want to take every opportunity to showcase that.”

To see Matthew’s work you can follow @Howardnurseries on twitter and visit their website to see their latest availability list. www.howardnurseries.co.uk

Practical Plants

Practical Plants is a new name in the nursery industry set up

by Philip Rusted on the back of 25 years’ experience in the landscaping sector. The company’s goal is to offer a plant supply service second to none in the commercial landscaping industry with excellent customer service, an almost limitless range of plants and the ability to take projects from initial conception to completion.

The aim is to retain a personal service throughout the projects and offer levels of support and customer service over and above the industry standard. Plants will be supplied from a wide range of nurseries throughout the UK and Europe, giving a complete one stop shop for high quality plants. www.twitter.com/philrusted

Pro Landscaper wants to hear from you!

In 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 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 stories or images to Iszara.morgan@eljays44.com.

Pro Landscaper / July 2015 57

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NURSERY

THE PLANTING IS UPSIDE DOWN – SURPRISINGLY, MOST PLANTS WORK VERY WELL WITHIN THIS FORMAT

HANGING OUT Ian Drummond starts a new monthly update on trends in the interior landscaping sector, beginning with hanging baskets Hanging baskets are everywhere this season, but one of the most interesting trends is to literally turn this on its head. The Boskke container is at the forefront of this look, a very contemporary and comparatively lightweight planter of fibreglass construction. The planting is upside down – surprisingly, most plants work very well within this format. All the magic of its construction and the containment of the plant is concealed within the planter. We secure the root ball with a terracotta plate (which also retains moisture) before further securing with a concealed plastic cover. We first used this last www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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year at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for the World Vision Fresh Garden, to great effect, and since then this quirky and innovative look has gone from strength to strength.

More recently, we were commissioned by the Flower Council of Holland and the Greenhouse Project to create visual interior impact and showcase how to use plants at home. Again we focused on upside down hanging planting. In this instance we harnessed the trend for recycling as art and used glasses and jars as the framework for hanging Vanda Orchids down a staircase – the Venus Fly Trap is surprisingly effective for this look too.

Recycled plastic containers in vivid ice cream colours were created to provide visual contrast, or to harmonise with an existing interior palette.

I am a big fan of the 1970s as a period and am having great fun with its revival of Macramé.

It’s very popular currently and the key is to combine different sizes, shapes, colours and

textures to maximise group impact. To continue the retro theme still further, I’m pleased to say that spider plants look just as good now as they did back then and Boston and stag ferns are still a great hit in this setting. Macramé calls out for the classics – whether a feathery fern or trailing ivy, the look is perfectly on trend.

1 Thejoyofplants.co.uk hosted the Open Green House in April 2 The hanging orchid is happiest in areas with moisture in the air, such as the bathroom 3 These planters decant water, giving the plants enough without dripping 4 Unused drawers make unusual planters

ABOUT IAN DRUMMOND Ian Drummond is the creative director of Indoor Garden Design, Europe’s largest interior landscape designer company. Based in Highgate, North London, 2015 sees IGD celebrate its 40th year in business.

www.indoorgardendesign.com

Pro Landscaper / July 2015 59

18/06/2015 09:41

NURSERY

TO CLIP OR NOT TO CLIP? Noel Kingsbury examines hedge clipping practices over time, from the naturalistic to the manicured

Over the last few years I have noticed a development in how the evergreen shrubbery used in many landscape projects is being clipped. It never used to be as such. It was not designed to be so. So what’s going on?

The current way that shrubs are used in landscapes dates back to the 1960s when a planting style first developed in Holland began to be employed in Britain. It used a limited, predictable, range of shrubs, many of them evergreen, planted in informal ways as part of a landscape of mown grass with occasional trees.

It owed something to American practice too, as the car began to dominate the way landscape planning was done.

Many of us in the horticulturally-minded sector tend to be rude about much of this planting but, to be honest, it is often an improvement on what would have been done before. When well planned and executed, the range of different colours and textures of the shrubs, in contrast to the grass, could be very pleasing. The shrubs make very good nesting and roosting sites for birds and if the grass cutting can be reduced in frequency, then the biodiversity aspects of the trees, shrubs or grass can be positive. Key to the look however, was that the shrubs would follow their own natural inclinations and develop natural shapes.

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All this is now in question since it seems so many contractors up and down the country have started doing an annual clip, shaping the shrubs with hedge trimmers. This adds to the expense of maintenance and it makes plantings less sustainable in terms of CO2 output. It is also invariably done badly, with little skill or creativity. I am not aware of any arguments put forward for doing this, practical or aesthetic.

It just seems to be one of those ‘memes’ – concepts that get spread unconsciously and accepted without anyone really thinking about it.

WHEN WELL PLANNED AND EXECUTED, THE RANGE OF DIFFERENT COLOURS AND TEXTURES OF THE SHRUBS, IN CONTRAST TO THE GRASS, COULD BE VERY PLEASING Where did the idea of clipping and shaping what was not intended to be clipped and shaped come from? I blame an American influence, though how it was transmitted to our shores, I don’t know. American landscape contractors are clipping maniacs. Driving around the US it is common to see rows of shrubs all clipped into tight little balls – known to some as ‘meatballs’. Part of this may be blamed on the general US tendency to over-maintain but I suspect a lot of it is to do with the fact that grounds maintenance crews are overwhelmingly Hispanic. Except that back home in Mexico they do it a lot better! Trees clipped into gigantic cubes (commonly seen in

northern Mexico) are not my idea of landscape beauty but at least someone has some sort of artistic idea. The British hedgetrimmer-art usually seems directionless by comparison.

Are landscape clients worried about shrubs getting too big? If so, they can be selectively pruned, old leggy growth taken out etc. Or they can be cut back to base to regenerate on a cyclical basis, say, taking a fifth down to ground level every year. The trouble is that all of this requires some knowledge, skill and decisionmaking ability, qualities that can only provided by well trained personnel. In today’s economic climate, where employers seem determined to drive down labour costs as much as possible, the application of skill is something that is easily factored out. Intelligent shrub management needs some horticultural knowledge and this needs to be recognised and rewarded.

Above: Hedging can be creative, and contemporary.

The Mien Ruys Garden at Dedemsvaart, Holland

ABOUT NOEL KINGSBURY Noel Kingsbury has been involved in the horticulture industry since the mid eighties, as a nurseryman, garden designer and writer, with features appearing in The Garden, The Daily Telegraph and Gardens Illustrated. He has played a major role in introducing the British gardening public and the horticulture profession to naturalistic planting with a series of books since the mid nineties, four of which he has written with Dutch designer Piet Oudolf. He teaches and lectures widely on planting design with a particular interest in running workshops on long-term plant performance. He lives and gardens in the Welsh Borders.

www.noelkingsbury.com

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/06/2015 12:58

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16/06/2015 16:22

NURSERY

PLANTSMAN’S PLOT A round-up of trees and plants available at some of the country’s best nurseries To appear in Plantsman’s Plot, please send your plant of the month, details and image to editor@pro-landscaper.co.uk

Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diablo’ is a stunning plant for use in any planting plan. ainty ea y w ite owe ont a t wit dark purple foliage in the summer months, followed by small brown fruit. The leaves are bronze-green on new growth and threelobed in shape. With a suckering habit, this little e an a ily fill a a e in t e a to middle of a border eventually reaching heights of up to 2m. The dark leaves act as perfect foils for lighter leaved plants with either lime or silver leaves. Less well known is Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Donna May’ which is a more compact variety and well worth searching out. www.provendernurseries.co.uk Prunus ‘Shirofugen’ is a late, long la tin owe e int odu ed in t e e y early 1900s by Ernest Wilson and it won the Award of Garden Merit in 2002. Considered by many to be the e t owe in e y on t e a et it is a superb garden tree but also thrives in an urban environment.

A spreading tree with a rounded own S i ofu en e ain all t la e dou le w ite owe fini pink, contrasting well with the young, copper coloured foliage. The tree is a wonde ful i t w en in full ow wit an in edi ly lon la tin o al display. It thrives best in free draining soils. www.barchampro.co.uk

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A medium sized, deciduous shrub with compact, arching branches, Philadelphus ‘Belle Etoile’ is a must-have in any sunny border. a e in le w ite owe wit u ed a oon ent e and i ant yellow stamen are produced in early spring and summer. These emit a beautifully heavy scent reminiscent of orange blossom, giving the plant its common name Mock Orange.

Deep green, oval leaves contrast wonde fully wit t e owe of t i hardy plant and will appear fresh and luscious if cut back annually afte owe in www.colesnurseries.co.uk

Euonymus japonicus ‘Bravo’ is a striking evergreen plant. It has variegated leaves which make a bold statement even on dull days. Although commonly seen as a bush it can be successfully grown as a standard and easily kept in shape by regular Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’ is a great performing Nepeta with aromatic soft grey-green folia e and iolet to lue owe w i will owe until Se te e i e t e lant ea ly une owe a light trim and it will keep on owe in all u e until t e fi t frosts. It’s a good ground cover plant up to 45cm tall – plant four to fi e e in two lit e ot to gain a closed canopy quickly, or use it for border edging or mini informal hedges. It is deciduous and will die back over winter, so a cleanup cut back in early February is recommended and will ensure dense plants and avoid leggy growths. Once established it tolerates drought conditions well. www.palmstead.co.uk

trimming. Also cultivated into ball shapes, Euonymus japonicus ‘Bravo’ is a generally trouble free addition to the garden which anyone can be u e of en oyin Standa d placed either side of a doorway look especially welcoming. www.agrumi.co.uk

There are few trees that give more to the landscape than the stately Fagus sylvatica ‘Atropunicea’ (copper beech) This beautiful large tree can grow to over 40m in height and is the perfect specimen for parklands or large estates. The eye-catching purple foliage is ideal for giving contrast to an otherwise green landscape and the beech nuts provide a feast for local wildlife. Beech will thrive in almost all locations on a fertile but well drained soil. Available from Deepdale Trees as a standard or feathered specimen. www.deepdale-trees.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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OUT & ABOUT

Gardeners’ World Live 2015 A look at the show gardens from this year’s event at the NEC, Birmingham

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With show season in full swing, Pro Landscaper visited Gardeners’ World Live 2015 to see all the great gardens created by the designers and landscapers taking part. See below a snapshot of some of the gardens, and what they achieved. Congratulations to all medal winners.

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4 1 A Garden for All Ages – Joan Mulvenna, Cutting Edge Gardener & Walker Landscape Design (Silver) Metamorphosis category 2 Greener Pastures – Tracey Parker & Keyscape (Silver Gilt) Lifestyle category 3 Ron’s Garden: A Gentleman’s Retreat – Andy Tudbury & Halcyon Days Garden Design (Nottingham) (Bronze) Show Garden category 4 Our Place – Paul Harris & Keyscape (Gold) Lifestyle category

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5 Sociability – Neil Sutcliffe & Creative Roots (Gold) Lifestyle category 6 The Family Garden – Owen Morgan & Mosaic Garden Design (Bronze) Lifestyle category 7 The Flow Garden – Lucinda Parish & Woodstone Landscaping (Gold) Metamorphosis category 8 The Slow Burn Garden – Bridget Robinson, Sid Stratton & Big Fish Landscapes (Gold) Metamorphosis category 9 Plant Heritage exhibit

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10 Right Plant, Right Place exhibit by designer Adam Frost and landscaper Jody Lidgard

17/06/2015 15:27

NURSERY

James HewetsonBrown, managing director of Wildflower Turf, gives the lowdown on the establishment of wildflower meadows

There have been many drivers that have contributed to the resurgence in demand for wildflower meadows. These include a commitment to reverse the loss of suitable habitat for pollinators, a demand from authorities for low maintenance areas to cut the cost of mowing, fertilisers and pesticides and a desire from the client for visual impact and the physical sense of wellbeing that wildflowers will bring.

Wildflower Turf is a mat of pre-established wildflower plants, nursery grown and set in appropriate quantities to provide an even distribution of species. The turf is a densely networked root mat that supports established and instantly competitive wildflowers, while acting as a weed suppressing carpet, smothering any seeds that are in the soil and on the point of germinating. The result is a complete meadow much further along the evolutionary scale than one could hope for after five years of seeding or naturalising, giving the landscaper a guarantee of an instant wildflower meadow.

CREATING WILDFLOWER MEADOWS WITH TURF

Specifying the mix There are certain situations that might require a more specific pre-grown mix. In areas of high shade, whether from trees or buildings, wildflowers are increasingly popular to make creative use of what otherwise might be an ignored space. Shade Tolerant Wildflower Turf can thrive where there is a minimum of one hour a day of dappled sunlight. For clients who are looking for a prolonged colourful display, a non-native mix will add the visual impact that is often required in urban areas. Border Turf can be used in instances where traditional bedding plants would normally be planted. A Bespoke Annual Wildflower Mix will give the wow factor that is often required for public displays.

Species Rich Turf provides a different feel altogether, the length of a lawn but with a species count that meets biodiversity regulatory requirements.

For areas over 400m², the meadow maker can specify exactly the mix of seeds that they would like grown. Should they be working on a project where maintaining the local mix of flora is important, locally harvested seed can be used to create a turf. In general, a native perennial mix, Landscape Turf, will be suitable for most soil types in the UK, while some species will do better than others according to the soil, it is the lack of competition from grass and weeds that allows the many species of wildflowers to do well in established turf.

Installation Accurate measurements are required to ensure there is no excess or shortage of turf while working on site. The turf can be laid throughout the year except when there is frost or snow on the ground. If laying in the summer, turf will

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require a good water every couple of days until the roots are down. The turf is relatively light and being soilless, it is easily manipulated on uneven ground and embankments.

Maintenance One annual cut is required, the timing of which can be experimented with. A mid-season cut can keep control of meadow growth but in most situations it is an autumn cut that is essential.

The sward should be taken down to 2-3cm and completely cleared of all clippings. This ensures that rotting plant material will not disease existing plants within the meadow and not feed back into the soil to re-invigorate grass growth.

Wildflower Turf offers a pragmatic approach, providing the sensible, realistic solutions that are essential if our natural landscapes are to benefit from the current resurgence of interest in wildflower meadows. It is now possible to avoid the many nemeses of the landscaper seeking to create wildflower meadows and the lengthy wait for results and risks of failure have been eradicated.

ABOUT WILDFLOWER TURF Wildflower Turf Ltd was founded in 2003 by James Hewetson-Brown. With 20 years’ expertise in the lawn turf market, he wanted to find a solution to the problems faced when growing a meadow from seed. He went on to create the UK’s first, soilless growing system for wildflowers and grasses to meet the demand for superior quality, ready-made wildflower meadows without the establishment problems associated with traditional seeding methods. Wildflower Turf continues to add innovative products to their wildflower range, whilst also providing landscapers with outstanding training opportunities in biodiverse landscapes.

01256 771 222 www.wildflowerturf.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/06/2015 11:58

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PRODUCTS

GO AND SEE AT

RHS HAMPTON COURT PALACE FLOWER SHOW Babyllon

Stand

G123

Textice Ltd has been trading for over 23 years, designing and manufacturing our Babyllon Garden Products range. We will be exhibiting our Twisters extendable plant supports and Spirals rotary plant supports at this year’s show. Both products have been featured on Gardeners’ World Live, showing the Twisters with Alys Fowler and the Spirals with Carol Klein. The Twisters are great for clematis, tomatoes, beans etc and the Spirals for peonies, poppies, lilies, delphiniums and many more.

www.babyllon.co.uk

STIHL

Stand

IN585

Exhibiting at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show for more than two decades, Stihl GB will be presenting show-goers with its impressive new cordless power tool range. The power of cordless will be brought to life via live working demonstrations of a selection of the new cordless tools by Stihl’s professional product team. From chainsaws to leaf blowers, all sixteen tools are powered by the same universal batteries and chargers. Visitors will also see the impressive new iMow robotic mower at work, among other innovative Viking products.

www.stihl.co.uk

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Go see at HCPFS TW.indd 69

Chic Teak Ltd

Stand

IN314

Hartley Botanic

Stand

IN317

Chic Teak is the UK’s leading supplier of sustainable teak luxury furniture for landscaping professionals and garden designers. The garden furniture producer’s enviable portfolio of corporate clients includes: The National Trust, English Heritage, Edinburgh Botanical Garden and most county councils throughout the UK. Managing director Carl Drake showcases his ‘new for 2015’ FSC range at this year’s Hampton Court Flower Show. A new three metre ornamental bridge in solid teak is available from stock, while bespoke commissions are welcome. A new high level Chelsea planter with galvanized liner also carries the Forest Stewardship Council logo.

Since 1938 Hartley Botanic greenhouses have been synonymous with innovation, style, excellence, unsurpassed performance and enduring structural strength.

Manufactured from BS1474 aluminium and powder coated in a choice of colours, with safety glass throughout, Hartley greenhouses are engineered to cope with unpredictable weather conditions. With a much expanded range of superior glasshouses and particularly the bespoke service, Hartley continues to serve discerning growers, garden designers, landscape architects and horticultural institutes around the globe. On display will be the Victorian Terrace coloured in ‘umbria light’, Victorian Planthouse in ‘vista grey’, the Wisley 8 in ‘forest green’ and the Tradition 8 Planthouse in ‘country stone’.

www.chic-teak.co.uk

www.hartley-botanic.co.uk

Stand

Breeze House IN546

Yorkshire Swing Seat

Stand

IN422

Breeze House, is the original designer and manufacturer of timber and thatch or cedar shingle garden buildings. These stylish rondavels are hand crafted by skilled carpenters in the Staffordshire market town of Leek and offer year-round relaxation and outdoor living. An extended range will be exhibited at this year’s show.

The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show was rewarding for Yorkshire Swing Seat last year.

Orders were up considerably compared to other shows and we were approached by retail outlets, which is exactly where we now need to be. Everyone loves a garden swing seat. Ours are all bespoke and handcrafted in Yorkshire to the highest standard. The frame is sturdy tubular steel with interior sprung cushions and the upholstery fabrics are marine quality which are fade and rot proof. The colours are carefully chosen to blend and enhance any landscape garden design.

www.breezehouse.co.uk

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Pro Landscaper / July 2015 69

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PRODUCTS

Griffin Glasshouses

Stand

IN550

Griffin Glasshouses creates beautiful bespoke aluminium glasshouses for discerning gardeners in the UK and internationally. With more than 50 years’ experience in the industry, the family run business based in Ropley near Winchester, offers a range of low maintenance, unique design glasshouses from lean-to and freestanding, to its National Garden Scheme (NGS) collection. The majority of its made to measure designs reflect the specialist features that were common in structures created in the Victorian era. On display at Hampton Court will be a Griffin Glasshouses small freestanding glasshouse and a ¾ span 3x5m glasshouse with porch.

Stand

Scotts of Thrapston

IN321

Scotts of Thrapston has exhibited at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show since its beginning 25 years ago and is delighted to display a selection of beautiful, traditionally styled summerhouses and garden buildings, including the RHS Centenary Arbour, designed in conjunction with the Royal Horticultural Society. The quintessentially English summerhouses from Scotts have had a starring role in many professionally designed gardens and have regularly been seen on award winning show gardens at the RHS Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows. They are the natural choice for designers and landscapers to supply the perfect garden hideaway for their clients.

www.scottsofthrapston.co.uk

www.griffinglasshouses.com

Wolf Garten and Wilkinson Sword Alitex

Stand

N406

Alitex, a family business started in 1952, creates the finest looking aluminium Victorian glasshouses and conservatories, functional havens for plants and people. In-house expertise enables them to create beautiful bespoke structures nationally and internationally, while their portfolio ranges from small greenhouses in urban gardens to large structures in country estates. This year’s stand features a Mottisfont greenhouse from its National Trust collection and they will be working in collaboration with The Pig restaurant, recreating the enviable kitchen gardens. All vegetables will be home grown by Alitex and The Pig.

www.alitex.co.uk

The Wood Company

Stand

G142

WOLF-Garten and Wilkinson Sword will be at this year’s RHS Hampton Court Flower Show showcasing their quality gardening tools.

WOLF-Garten’s fixed hand tools will be on display alongside its new 1400W A340E-UK electric lawnmower, launched earlier this year.

The brand’s innovative Multi-change range of 14 handles and more than 60 tool heads, all of which are interchangeable, will also be on the stand. Wilkinson Sword has more than 100 years of experience and its name is synonymous with premium gardening tools classically designed for the professional and home gardener. The tools on display range from traditional long handled tools through to contemporary polished stainless steel and carbon steel selections.

www.wolfgarten-tools.co.uk www.wilkinsonsword-tools.co.uk

Stand

G148

Armadilla

Stand

F508

The Wood Company, exhibiting for the third year at Hampton Court, will show case its range of planters and window boxes. All the UK designed and manufactured bespoke wooden planters and window boxes are handmade using traditional woodworking techniques but modern construction methods and feature its signature routing on the panels.

Products are all finished in Farrow & Ball colours and the wood used is certified FSC/ PEFC. Products are suitable for urban, rural and coastal environments. An additional service is the design of custom built planters for those tricky garden eyesores and awkward corners. Delivered fully assembled and ready for planting.

Armadilla creates beautiful, functional and iconic eco-pods that ‘wow’. Using sustainable, high quality materials and the latest manufacturing technology, Armadillas are quick to install, easy to maintain and provide a cost effective way to increase living space in your home or business.

www.thewoodcompany.co.uk

www.armadilla.co.uk

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From tree benches to dining sets, bar stools to planters, look out for the FSC logo and our 10 year guarantee. Visit us at Stand IN314 at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show this month.

PLM150701

Southwood Farm, Dummer, Basingstoke, RG23 7LU Tel: 01256 398 008 Web: www.chic-teak.co.uk

G EXHIBITOR 2015

TEAK

1ye0ar

TEE

• • •

NHBC Compliant BS3882 Topsoil Certified Subsoils PAS 100 Compost 50/50 Sand Compost Blends Primary & Recycled Aggregates Tree Soil Top Dressing Green Waste

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CHIC

Products

U A RA

the finest decking for beautiful projects Exterior Decking supply the finest decking materials to commercial and domestic projects across the UK and Europe IPE AND KURUPAY UK STOCK NOW AVAILABLE NEXT DAY DELIVERY FOR LONDON AND SURROUNDING AREAS +44 (0) 1494 711800 office@exteriordecking.co.uk www.exteriordecking.co.uk

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16/06/2015 09:37 17/06/2015 15:23

LATEST PRODUCTS

PLANTERS

The perfect table planter to create impact and ideal for herbs and orchids, Lechuza’s Delta 10 offers a slightly smaller variation of the popular Premium Delta 20 and is available in five colours, including ice blue, pastel violet, shiny taupe, charcoal metallic and white. Each planter comes complete with an easy-to-use self-watering system for perfect plants that last and thrive. This ensures plants receive the exact amount of water and nutrients they need for optimum growth for up to 12 weeks. Famed for their sub-irrigation system, high quality finish and beautiful design, Lechuza planters have won numerous awards since their debut in Germany in 2000.

WWW.LECHUZA.CO.UK

The Sphere planters offer a basic spherical design with a modern feel for inside or out. Made from tough glass reinforced plastic they will last for 20 years or more and won’t crack in frosty conditions or shatter if blown over. Available in a variety of colours, including the recently added light copper, the planters are an attractive mix of elegance and chic.

Add orchids or simple succulents and the resulting aesthetic is modern and minimalistic. Perfect as an architectural floor piece at home or on the patio.

Available in two sizes, 300mm and 500mm diameter.

WWW.EUROPLANTERS.COM

With its all-round subtle curves and pearlescent glossy finish, the design of the elegant Twister planter is chic from every angle, transforming any simple space into a stylish statement.

The multi-layer gloss finish is weather resistant if used outdoors, and is available in a choice of colours. Or bring the night alive with the subtle glow of the lighted version. Both styles are available in two sizes, and have an internal planting space for pots or plants. They are made to order and hand finished in Italy within five to six weeks.

WWW.ADVANTAY-GARDENIA.CO.UK

The Flowerbox Collection of planters from Encompass is built to the highest standard using galvanised steel finished in a gloss anthracite powder coat. These materials ensure a robust planter that can be left outside year round and still look as good many years down the line. Its architectural design lends itself to contemporary gardens and outside areas and can also work well indoors. There are four standard sizes available from a small trough style planter of just 25cm in height to the largest at 100cm high and 122cm wide.

WWW.ENCOMPASSCO.COM

Cedar Nursery has an ever-increasing range of British-made fibreglass planters to view at our showroom in Cobham, Surrey. Suitable for both interior and exterior projects, fibreglass offers a lightweight, maintenance free and frost-resistant solution, whether it is for planting or water features. Troughs, cubes, window boxes, urns, water-tanks and cisterns, to name a few of our designs, come with the flexibility of bespoke sizes in many of our ranges. Our planters are available in any RAL colour and many special finishes including bronze, antique lead, rust effect and copper blue.

WWW.LANDSCAPING.CO.UK

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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LATEST PRODUCTS

WOODCARE Sansin Dec is a low-VOC, environmentally friendly wood decking finish that will last much longer than other products available in the UK. Available exclusively from Silva Timber in over 70 colours, its high solid formulation penetrates deep into the wood rather than forming a film on top, thus allowing it to breathe. This makes the decking durable and enhances moisture control and UV protection. For added peace of mind, Sansin will not crack, peel or blister. Maintenance is easy – simply clean your deck and apply another coat in a few years. WWW.SILVATIMBER.CO.UK

Owatrol offers a wide range of high quality products and its fantastic service is beyond compare. Exterior Solutions’ most popular products are Decks Olje D1 and Decks Olje D1 Pro. This is a saturating oil for exterior use that penetrates deep into the timber.

Exterior Decking has been using Owatrol products for 10 years. It trusts them for its installation works and recommends them exclusively for finishing and maintaining all wood projects.

WWW.EXTERIORDECKING.SUPPLIES

Osmo UK, the eco-friendly wood and finishes expert, has developed a product to protect, maintain and restore exterior oak furnishings in the summer months. Osmo’s UV-ProtectionOil ensures a professional finish that will enhance and protect wood for many years to come. Dry after just 12 hours, this environmentally friendly solution is safe for humans, animals and plants, complying with DIN 53160. The range includes UV-Protection-Oil Clear, Cedar and Oak formulations.

WWW.OSMOUK.COM

Time, footfall and the elements take their toll and Bond It has launched two products that enable decking that has seen better days to be revived rather than replaced. Drive Alive Decking Cleaner removes dirt, deposits and organic growth. It can be used before treating decking with stains and oils to leave a long lasting finish. Drive Alive Decking Oil can be used to nourish wood and replace lost oils to leave an attractive, natural appearance. It is UV resistant, provides a waterproof barrier and prevents mould and algae growth.

WWW.BOND-IT.CO.UK

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Protek’s premier wood finish, Royal Exterior, is a high quality water based protective coating. This joinery grade product is long lasting, hard-wearing and suitable for hardwood, softwood, planed and rough-sawn timber. Royal Exterior is perfect for all external timbers on buildings and garden features from summerhouses to garden benches and obelisks, enabling designers and architects to truly carry a design through from the house to the surrounding landscape. Being of a paint-like consistency it applies beautifully, creating an opaque satin coating that allows the nature of the wood and grain to show through. It is available in 58 colours.

WWW.PROTEKWOODSTAIN.CO.UK

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/06/2015 14:37

15-08 WM Pro Landscaper Advert new services 118 x 91_Layout 1 26/03/2015

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Pro Landscaper / July 2015 51

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vitax2.pdf

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We’ve listened to our customers and, as a result, the world’s most popular line marking machines are now better than ever!

Complete with fac ffactory-fitted tory oryory y-fitted flush tank and improv rove rov oved re rreturn turn to tank fe ffeature. ature r . Up to 5 hours re improved use in a single batt t ery tt rry ch arge rrge (a ppro rox ro ox. 15 pitches). battery charge (approx.

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The new TXE 606 and 353 machines retain all the virtues of the original machines, but come with a series of customer driven design features that improve the quality and accuracy of the line and make filling and cleaning easier.

TTXEE 353 TX 353 Pro r ro

Complete with fac ffactory-fitted tory oryory y-fitted flush tank and improved use impro rov ro ove ved re rreturn eturn to tank fe etur ffeature. ature r . Up to 2 hourss us re e charge pitches). in a single battery rry cha rrge ((approx. appro rox ro ox. 6 pi tches).

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New 8” screw lid and filter basket

New equipment compartment

Easier filling with less chance of spillage.

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In-line eyelet

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Perfect circle marking.

Increased control when emptying or cleaning the tank.

Marking discs kit is an optional extra.

For more information call

01530 510060

or visit

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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. a l E s t a t e , S t u r m i n s t e r : M 800.392.2686 a r s h a ll, D o r s e t.

C o n t a c t RAYCO W e s t c o n orE your q u i p m Authorized e n t f o r f u r t Dealer h e r d e t for a i l s details. : Westcon Equipment (UK) Limited, U n i t 2 B r i d g e S t r e e t , B a i l i e G a t e I n d u s t r i www.raycomfg.com Contact B H 2 1 4 D B . T e l: ( 0 1 2 5 8 ) 8 5 9 1 0 0

ProLand Jul15 P78 Vitax/Westcon.indd 67

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www.westconuk.co.uk

17/06/2015 15:44

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 jack.bacon@eljays44.com or tweet me @ProLanKit

Godfreys acquires Tylers garden distributor Machinery supplier Godfreys Golf and Turf has announced a transfer of assets from garden equipment distributor, Tylers.

The Sussex-based company has a reputation within the garden machinery dealer network for excellent service, having most recently focused strategically on developing the Windmill Feeds business.

The acquisition of Tylers provides Godfreys with an established and well respected distribution vehicle to

supply John Deere’s commercial range from its three branches located in Sevenoaks, Hailsham and Wokingham.

Peter Bateman of Godfreys said: “We share the same values and believe the Tylers team will fill a regional requirement; supplying quality brands to dealers, supported by excellent service.” www.godfreys.co.uk

Pellenc releases new helion hedge trimmer Pellenc has launched its latest hedge trimmer, the Helion Compact 2, the lightest battery-powered trimmer on the market.

Improvements with this model include reduced vibration levels and greater cutting power. The new Helion hedge trimmer is an efficient tool that meets the needs of professionals in terms of power

Equipment News TW.indd 79

and trimming quality. Its odourless operation and light weight allow the user to work comfortably when trimming hedges, ornamental trees and pruning.

A swivel head is available on the pole models and this can be adjusted by +90°/-45° meaning you can work in all trimming positions. The swivel handle is also

adjustable by +/- 90° for vertical work without bending the handle. www.etesia.co.uk/pellenc

Toro showcases latest zero-turn lineup Toro has unveiled nine new zero turn mowers, including three Timecutter Zero Turn Tractors operated by a steering wheel rather than levers.

With deck widths ranging from 81-127cm, these three new models offer zero turn manoeuvrability and speed with the familiarity of tractor steering and an easy to use forward/ reverse drive pedal. Steerable front castors ensure great performance on hills and sloped lawns.

Another innovation with these new machines is a Torodeveloped 22hp 708cc V-twin engine, designed specifically for zero-turn to match the exact torque-curve needed by the decks for optimal performance. www.toro.co.uk

17/06/2015 15:01

EQUIPMENT

Etesia marks the dawn of new ride-on range The latest new-look Etesia Hydro 100 III ride-on mower builds upon the strengths of the previous model. The innovative machine offers commercial users even greater efficiency, operator comfort and faultless collect and mulch service.

The Hydro 100 III is derived from a unique concept to allow mowing and collection in all weather conditions meaning it is the perfect mower for professional users who demand the ultimate machine for extreme mowing and collection requirements.

Complete with a powerful new 18hp Kawasaki engine, the mower’s 500L grass box can be emptied in seconds thanks to its hydraulic tipping mechanism. www.etesia.co.uk

Equipment News TW.indd 80

A wet and windy summer’s day on site with Ground Control gave me my first chance to get hands-on with kit at its Bursledon Towers Tesco contract in Southampton.

Under the watchful guidance of East Dorset and South Hampshire area supervisor Darren Griffiths-Hayles, I received grass cutting and blowing operative training as part of the contract’s core works before learning about the purpose and functions of Ground Control’s ‘Live Reporting’ mobile application technology.

On arrival, Darren showed me the real-time app, which requires the operative to log on then tracks their location using GPS. He explained how the app reduces paperwork and provides the client with ongoing photographic evidence of the contract’s progress. Other features include reporting accidents, weed control and logging disposable green waste in kilograms.

My first task involved mowing a grass verge in front of the store using a heavy duty Scag 48in walk behind hydro mower, with a user-friendly zero-turn circle.

After I’d familiarised myself with the dual hydraulic wheel pumps, the SWZ Hydro-Drive delivered a

CTHKE JA ON

S TOOL

smooth performance. By applying or relieving pressure on the handlebar mounted controls, each wheel could be independently manoeuvred, offering close control when cutting in tight areas around obstacles such as drains and lampposts.

Next, Darren showed me how to safely fuel and start a Stihl 2-stroke BR600 magnum backpack blower before asking me to clear the accumulated debris on the pavement. I found the blower incredibly powerful and sensitive and it easily dispersed grass cuttings and even hedge trimmings.

At the entrance to the car park, Darren demonstrated an Efco 8250K long-reach hedge trimmer before cutting the hedges around the car park

and petrol station down to size. The trimmer provided great versatility thanks to the adjustable blade which could operate in 12 different positions and cut at heights of up to three metres.

Later in the day, Darren put the features of Ground Control’s Live Reporting app into practice after he identified Japanese Knotweed in the car park.

He photographed the invasive and potentially damaging weed and automatically reported it to the contracts manager.

Ground Control’s bespoke in-house designed app is now in its 31st version. It offers great boons to both clients like Tesco who manage a multi-site portfolio of stores, and to Ground Control itself in managing its work.

18/06/2015 10:06

Crusader Power Scythes and Commander Mowers

IDEAL FOR WILDFLOWER MEADOWS ! HAY RAKE & MINI BALER ALSO AVAILABLE y Other attachments available

y Nationwide dealer network

y Unbeatable after-sales service

y Bank mowers for steel slopes

y Demonstrations easily arranged

y Over 30 years’ experience

Visit www.tracmaster.co.uk for more details, or call us on 01444 247689.

G N I H C L U M T A S R E T S MA OWERS

ING M H C L U M S A

GREATER VERSATILITY

Option of 2 stroke and 4 stroke engines.

COMPACT MACHINES

Perfect for use in restricted areas.

FLEXIBLE MULCHING

Deep cutter deck for high and short grass mulching.

To request more product information, locate your nearest dealer or arrange a machine demonstration please contact PSD Groundscare.

08450 773 773 sales@psdgroundscare.com www.psdgroundscare.com www.as-motor.com

ProLand Jul15 P58 BS/Lindum/ClearStone.indd 81

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EQUIPMENT

GENERAL LATEST KIT John Deere has launched the ZTrak Z997R, the biggest mower in its commercial zero-turn range.

Featuring a powerful 37.4hp Stage Four diesel engine, heavy-duty frame, shaft drive and flat free front tyres, it is designed to work in tough conditions, including tall and wet grass. The fuel efficient and durable Z997R is available with a

The Toro Mid-Size Hydro mower’s three interchangeable 32in, 36in and 48in deck options are available (including the flail attachment) with 24 independent blades and can

choice of 1.5 or 1.8m 7-Iron Pro side-discharge rotary decks, or a 1.5m 7-gauge steel fabricated rear-discharge deck. It comes as standard with a power deck lift, ergonomically angled padded hand grips and a convenient power take-off cut-off switch, and a fully adjustable suspension seat is also available.

WWW.DEERE.CO.UK

General LK.indd 82

The 56V lithium-ion cordless string trimmer from EGO Power + has a bump, dual feed and spiral twist 2.4mm diameter line which provides a 38cm cutting width. The aluminium shaft is 96cm long and lightweight, making it comfortable to use.

handle the toughest overgrown areas. Adding the 48in deck and Dual Wheel Assembly kit makes the unit ideally suited for bank work, as well as improving traction in wet conditions. Designed to withstand the demanding commercial environment, the unit is powered by a 603cc Kawasaki OHV V-Twin petrol engine with electric start. This pedestrian zero turn unit has pistol grips with independent control of each hydraulic pump and motor for excellent manoeuvrability, and can be converted into a ride-on by the addition of a Tru-Trak Sulky kit.

WWW.TORO.COM

The strimmer features a variable speed throttle so you can be extra careful when strimming close to prized plants. The powerful 56V battery, which can be used in any of the EGO Power+ products, will give up to 30 minutes of operation time on a single charge, and provides a quiet, comfortable and low vibration experience.

WWW.EGOPOWERPLUS.COM

The Koppl Gekko is the latest addition to the range of multiattachment power units from leading German manufacturer Koppl. It’s a powerful pedestrian unit that can also be remote controlled. Recently upgraded to deliver even better performance and efficiency, it sets new standards for single-axle equipment carriers. Its low centre of gravity and optimised engine position make it especially suitable for heavy working conditions on slopes and difficult to access areas. The Gekko is powered by a 23hp four-stroke petrol engine. The device is driven mechanically via a PTO. WWW.PSDGROUNDSCARE.CO.UK

17/06/2015 14:41

EQUIPMENT

BRUSH CUTTERS Etesia’s range of Attila ride-on brush cutters are powerful workhorses which effectively deal with clearing vegetation from a wide a iety of ite f you find yourself having to deal with tricky slopes you may need a powerful four-wheel drive brush cutter, meaning the Etesia Attila 180 could be for you as it has been designed for safe mowing on banks and uneven terrain. There are four other two-wheel drive models available, the Etesia Attila 98, 95, 88 and SKD models, w i an al o fitted wit an optional dual wheel kit allowing use on steep slopes of up to 27° and uneven terrain.

WWW.ETESIA.CO.UK

Designed and built for professional operators, the ECHO SRM-420TES brush cutter uses multiple technologies to enhance productivity and

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

LK Brush Cutters TW.indd 83

The FS 360 C-E brush cutter is the perfect tool for demanding mowing and thinning jobs, cutting large areas of tough grass, clearing scrub and thorny hedges as well as shredding and sawing. This brush cutter boasts the STIHL ErgoStart

system, which enables it to be started up with little effort and no kickback. Its new four point anti-vibration system means vibration levels at the handles are very low, for seriously

Tackling tough, challenging, conditions need never be an issue with Husqvarna’s 545 RXT brush cutter. Experience a superbly balanced machine through the adjustable offset handlebar, enhanced by a comfort grip for added manoeuvrability. An optimised shaft length means the 545 RXT’s cutting performance is maximised for prolonged use, while still maintaining high efficiency. Air Purge, Auto Return and Smart Start all combine for effortless starting, with the X-Torq

engine ensuring class leading vibration levels and excellent fuel economy. Compatible with an optional saw blade and guard, the 545 RXT has been created for occasional forestry clearing, giving professionals the capability to take on the most demanding tasks.

WWW.HUSQVARNA.COM/UK

comfort. This brush cutter has a unique high torque gearbox. With a 1:2.07 gear reduction ratio, the cutting head spins at one and a quarter times per engine cycle.

The SRM-420TES generates outstanding levels of torque. With a new stage 2 emission

compliant 41.5cc engine, the 420TES boasts an output of 1.78kW, over 10% more than its predecessor. The cutting head has been upgraded, with a wider cutting radius, operators can cut wider swathes, reducing the number of passes required to complete the job in hand.

WWW.ECHO-TOOLS.CO.UK

comfortable usage. The machine is powered by a low-emission, fuel-efficient STIHL 2-MIX engine, a powerful engine ideal for contractors, landscapers and property owners with large areas to maintain. The machine’s ergonomics are further enhanced by its multi-function handle.

WWW.STIHL.CO.UK

One of the strongest, most reliable brush cutters is the McCulloch B40 Elite. It is built for heavy duty trimming and clearing and comes with a bullhorn handle (B40B Elite) or loop handle (B40P Elite).

McCulloch’s OxyPower technology makes it more energy efficient and optimises performance. The machines have low emissions, reduced fuel consumption and several features to help get you started, with anti-vibration and a one litre fuel tank making it easy to work long hours. The B40 is powerful enough to deal with invasive tall grass, unruly shrubs and rough brushwood.

WWW.MCCULLOCH.COM

Pro Landscaper / July 2015 83

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• Compact size – machine weights 650 - 1700 kg.

Easy transport on standard plant trailer • Strength – lifting capacities 350 - 1500 kg • Manoeuvrability – articulation and compact size allows access to area other machines cannot reach.

• Light footprint – can be operated on sensitive surfaces • Power – massive power to weight ratio and auxiliary hydraulic capacity • Versatility – one machine for many jobs!

One machine, many jobs Avant loaders have been imported into the UK for over 20 years and there is now an experienced dealer network plus an extensive userbase of very satisfied customers. Avant mini loaders are available in seven different series and can be equipped with a variety of useful options. In addition, there is a choice of over 150 attachments to enable almost every job imaginable to be tackled with ease.

AVANT Tecno (UK) Ltd.

Manor Farm, Bridgham, Norfolk, NR 16 2RX Tel (01953) 714 896 Fax (01953) 714 897 E-mail: sales@avant.co.uk

www.avant.co.uk

0800 015 8482

The best just got better! ● Cut and Collect ● Cut and Drop ● Mulch ● Stripe Easy, effortless striping – in all weathers.

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

Page009_Advert.indd 3

@EtesiaUK

EtesiaUK

16/06/2015 16:32

EQUIPMENT

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

The STIHL G500 is professional combination face/ear protector ideal for extensive brushcutter work. Perfectly balanced, the protector includes adjustable straps that ensure it will fit any head size using the adjustable ratchet system. Ear defenders can be removed for use in summer or according to the job at hand. Forehead protection is provided by sturdy materials but not at the expense of comfort, with ventilation slots along the top of the facepiece. The G500 face/ ear protector is also available with a polycarbonate visor.

WWW.STIHL.CO.UK

Husqvarna brushcutter trousers are designed to offer unmatched quality for professional users.

Proven to perform in demanding conditions, the Technical Brushcutter Trousers have been rigorously tested to ensure increased levels of durability and stability while tackling tough areas. Constructed from 4-way stretch material and

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

LK Safety Equipment TW.indd 85

Protective equipment from Universal parts and accessories, ensures you can use your products with optimum comfort and safety. The new Universal Powered By McCulloch Leather Boots are functional, well designed boots offering both comfort and protection. As well

as saw protective material Class 1, the boots have a steel toecap, non-slip sole and water repellent leather, making them perfect for working with your brushcutter.

The full inner sole and breathable lining make them comfortable and easy to wear.

WWW.MCCULLOCH.COM

Workwear brand Scruffs is making it easy for you to stay stylish, safe and protected this summer with its new Eagle safety glasses. Made from performance materials, the lightweight, durable Eagle Specs are designed to be smart enough for business, strong enough for work and #ScruffsEnough for anything.

The Scruffs Eagle Specs have polycarbonate lenses with UV protection and anti-fog technology to keep your eyes and sight well protected in any conditions. Colours available –

white frames with a clear lens, black frames with a smoked lens and orange frames with a mirrored lens. One size fits all RRP: £12.95 WWW.SCRUFFS.COM

reinforced with Cordura and Aramid materials for improved ventilation, the Technical Brushcutter Trousers offer the most advanced protection available. Pre-bent knees and ventilation zippers offer professional users extra comfort, with a tailored fit that maximises movement while brushcutting.

WWW.HUSQVARNA.COM/UK

These premium quality work gloves come from Dickies in collaboration with Kong, one of the world’s best known glove manufacturers. They have the maximum level of cut resistance (level 5) and are designed for some serious abuse with a four-layer palm for maximum durability and abrasion resistance.

There is also a DuPont Teflon treatment for oil and water resistance. The padded foamednitrile palm offers high visibility, grip and impact absorption whilst there is an excellent level of protection.

Across the metacarpal the percentage of protection is 80% of impact absorption, whilst the knuckle protection is an incredible 90% impact absorption.

WWW.DICKIESWORKWEAR.COM

Pro Landscaper / July 2015 85

17/06/2015 14:55

PEOPLE

RICHARD KIDGER MLA Garden Designer/Landscape Architect at RK Design UK

Your most referred to gardening book of all time My most referred to gardening book is Garden Design Details,

by Arne Maynard.

Best garden in the UK The best garden that I can relate to is Helmsley Walled Garden and the nearby Rievaulx Abbey Ruins in North Yorkshire.

Biggest life influence My biggest life influence is Alistair Baldwin, designer and teacher.

Top plant Crocosmia: Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’.

Favourite Tipple Maker’s Mark, bourbon.

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Most treasured gift An Armani watch from my brother.

Lifelong fan of (sporting team) Eric Cantona.

Your most used saying or cliché If you claim to know everything about your job, you’ve already failed.

Your prediction for newest gardening trend for 2015 A lot of designers don’t like the thought of gardens becoming a part of the home like a new room or extension but most of my past clients preferred outdoor living mixed with sustainability and the reuse of materials in design and construction. This is key for the future.

Three people you’d like to invite to dinner James Corner of Field Operations, Arne Maynard, whom I have already had the pleasure of meeting and Leonard Nimoy who sadly recently passed away.

Pro Landscaper asks quick-fire questions to get a small insight into the people that make up our industry. To take part email lisa.wilkinson@eljays44.com

JOSH CHAPMAN Josh Chapman Garden Design www.joshchapman.co.uk

Your most referred to gardening book of all time Planting – A New Perspective

by Noel Kingsbury and Piet Oudolf.

Best garden in the UK Scampston Hall.

Most treasured gift A pen I use every day, from my much missed Auntie Sue. Your most used saying or cliché Good work!

Your prediction for newest gardening trend for 2015 Contemporary woodland gardens.

Biggest life influence My ever supportive parents.

Top plant Amelanchier lamarckii.

Lifelong fan of (sporting team) Wharfedale Harriers.

Favourite tipple Masons Yorkshire Gin.

Three people you’d like to invite to dinner Beth Chatto, Sir Ian McKellen, Victoria Coren Mitchell.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/06/2015 16:29

PEOPLE

ISZARA MORGAN Editorial Assistant, Pro Landscaper www.prolandscapermagazine.com Best garden in the UK Agatha Christie’s garden at Greenway.

Favourite tipple Something fizzy and pink – can’t go wrong!

Biggest life influence I’m influenced by various different things so I don’t think I can pick one.

Most treasured gift My wardrobe, although I wish it was walk in!

Top plant Alliums, especially the blue ones.

Leeds United, not that I know who plays for them now.

Your prediction for newest gardening trend for 2015 Outdoor living, eco outdoor offices and pizza ovens.

Lifelong fan of (sporting team) When I was younger I used to be huge football fan and have always supported

CRAIG POTTER

HELEN TAYLOR

Business Development Manager, London Stone

Hosta Consulting

Best garden in the UK Hestercombe.

Biggest life influence My father. Stone is in the blood.

Top plant Azaleas at Augusta Masters.

Favourite tipple Kraken dark rum.

Most treasured gift JFK’s autograph.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Little Interviews TW.indd 87

Three people you’d like to invite to dinner George Michael, Peter Kay and Robin Williams.

www.hostaconsulting.co.uk

www.londonstone.co.uk Your most referred to gardening book of all time The Tree and Shrub Expert.

Your most used saying or cliché It’s not ideal!

Lifelong fan of (sporting team) Leeds United.

Your most used saying or cliché Without sounding cheesy – before coming out with a very cheesy statement.

Your prediction for newest gardening trend for 2015 A move back to traditional planting.

Three people you’d like to invite to dinner Charlize Theron, Henry VIII and Denzel Washington.

Your most referred to gardening book of all time RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants.

Best garden in the UK Levens Hall.

Biggest life influence Nature.

Top plant Hosta.

Favourite tipple Gin.

Most treasured gift Freedom.

Lifelong fan of (sporting team) England Rugby.

Your most used saying or cliché Cheeky!

Your prediction for newest gardening trend for 2015 Use of corten steel.

Three people you’d like to invite to dinner Aristotle, Caravaggio, Caitlin Moran

Pro Landscaper / July 2015 87

17/06/2015 16:31

PEOPLE

TRADING WITH GREEN-TREE & CARBON GOLD Green-tree’s soils blended with Carbon Gold’s enriched biochar are taking the market by storm. Richard Kay of Green-tree and Craig Sams of Carbon Gold explain why

Green-tree, the soil division of award winning landscaping supplier Green-tech, recently announced an exciting product partnership with world leading biochar company Carbon Gold to help tackle tree disease and transplant stress, increasing the survival rates of trees and plants. This is a significant step forward for the industry and Pro Landscaper caught up with leaders from these dynamic companies.

Richard Kay is cofounder and chairman of Green-tech, the largest supplier of landscaping supplies in the UK and Craig Sams is the executive chairman of Carbon Gold.

How did your partnership with Carbon Gold come about?

Richard: Our soil division Green-tree has been leading the way in soil production for some time and we are always looking at new opportunities to improve our products. We looked at the Carbon Gold range and saw that they have the same innovative approach as us and the products complemented each other well. We knew the market was missing a soil product that could address all areas of tree and plant health and Green-tree soils blended with Carbon Gold’s enriched biochar offers the perfect solution.

Richard Kay, co-founder and chairman of Green-tech

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Why is Carbon Gold’s biochar so special?

Craig: It has been proven to significantly reduce losses and improve the health of transplanted and established trees. It was trialled at the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory at the University of Reading so has great credentials. It encourages successful establishment, healthy growth and activates natural defence systems. It is ideal for decompacting and amending waterlogged soils, which reduces oxygen depletion. It also stabilises soil moisture in sandy soils, preventing drought stress and associated losses. Our enriched biochar products Tree Growth Enhancer and Tree Protector also defend against pests and diseases such as Phytophthora, honey fungus, grey mould, powdery mildew and horse chestnut leaf miner.

What will your partnership offer the industry?

Richard: Unique access to organic rich topsoil blended with Carbon Gold’s biochar to improve health and survival when transplanting and establishing new plantings. Being able to offer customers increased survival rates and protection

Craig Sams, executive chairman of Carbon Gold

CONTACT Company name Green-tree Topsoil Tel 01423 332 100 Email info@green-tree.co.uk Web www.green-tree.co.uk Company name Carbon Gold Tel 0117 244 0032 Email info@carbongold.com Web www.carbongold.com

against drought and disease is really well received especially as research tells us industry losses are high while maintenance budgets are slashed.

What does biochar actually do?

Craig: Biochar is a highly purified form of charcoal created by pyrolysis – low oxygen baking of woody waste. To maximise the beneficial effects of biochar, Carbon Gold is enriched with mycorrhizal fungi, seaweed and wormcasts, which are essential for healthy root systems.

Biochar acts like a sponge, significantly improving the water-holding capacity of soil or compost. It induces systemic resistance to soil-borne fungal and bacterial diseases, boosting a plant’s natural immunity to infection. There is also potential for biochar to absorb heavy metals, preventing contamination of soils for tree planting purposes, especially at subsoil level. Biochar also reduces fertiliser input as it helps retain mineral nutrients that would otherwise be leached away by rain.

Is this being blended with all of your soils and growing media?

Richard: Yes, our Green-tree Topsoil, Amenity Tree Soil and Roof Garden Substrates can all now be pre-blended with optimum amounts of Carbon Gold’s Tree Growth Enhancer. Our soils are manufactured to British Standard BS3882:2007 and already have high nutrient content, fertility value and structural components. Carbon Gold’s Tree Protector, a unique blend of enriched biochar and potassium phosphite, is also available from Green-tech for additional disease protection. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

17/06/2015 11:42

JOBS XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX Location:

Xxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx xxxx xx xxxxxxxx xxx xx For more details please go to www.horticulturecareers.co.uk.

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

Call 01903 777 587 or email ellie.downes@eljays44.com with your vacancy.

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

LANDSCAPE GARDENER

CONTRACTS MANAGER

RAMSCAPES LANDSCAPING SERVICES Location: Nottinghamshire/Leicestershire

URBAN PLANTERS Location: Reading

The right candidate will have: the highest horticultural standards; excellent understanding of amenity horticulture; skills to plan and prioritise over a weekly and monthly time horizon.

The role will include: routine maintenance of lawns, grounds, shrub borders, hedges and pathways. Lawn treatments, ad hoc landscaping work. Will ideally have: a PA1 and PA6 Pesticide NPTC Spraying Certificate. Full driving licence (including B+E classifications).

IT literate. Benefits: salary up to £19,500 per annum, vehicle, tools and training. Working hours: Mon to Fri 8.15am to 4.30pm, plus two Saturdays each month April to Sept.

Urban Planters is a respected interior and exterior landscaping brand looking to appoint a contracts manager to lead all operational activities, including account development. Must have strong track record in the delivery of B2B horticultural services and be known for excellent people management skills. Accountable to the MD for a broad range of activities including tendering, presenting proposals, negotiating, performance management, providing technical knowledge, cost control, procurement, recruitment and HSEQ. Qualifications required in horticulture and H&S. c£35K salary + bonus + Audi A3 + benefits.

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

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

GARDENER/GROUNDSPERSON

ESTIMATOR

Role includes maintaining parks and leisure services amenity areas, open spaces, sports facilities and preparing grounds for events. Must have NVQ Level 2 or equivalent and grounds maintenance experience. A good knowledge of the Health and Safety at Work Act, including manual handling and working on highways is essential, along with full driving licence. Salary: £17,795-£19,633 per annum. Seasonal hours: 41 hours per week from Mar to Oct and 29 hours per week from Nov to Feb. To apply online go to www.guildford.gov. uk/jobs. Closing date: 5pm on 15 June 2015. Interviews: 17 and 19 June 2015 in Guildford.

Blakedown is one of the largest landscaping contractors in the country and is currently looking to recruit an enthusiastic and self-motivated estimator, ideally with a landscaping background, to join its existing team at its Surrey office. The roll will involve all aspects of tendering from sending out pricing enquiries to compiling full tender submissions and liaising with the contract manager at handover. All levels will be considered but an interest in the landscaping industry is essential.

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

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

GUILDFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL Location: Guildford

LIVING WALL OPERATIVE

BLAKEDOWN LANDSCAPES (SE) LTD Location: Chobham, Surrey

EXPERIENCED LANDSCAPE GARDENER

SCOTSCAPE Location: South London

EVOLUTION LANDSCAPING Location: Surrey

This role involves driving to properties across London and the south east to evaluate and maintain a series of living walls to a high standard. Horticultural training or long term experience as a gardener is essential. The applicant must be able to work alone and to a high standard as well as being able to communicate with clients. The applicant will be provided with a van which they will be able to take home but not for personal use.

Salary: £22K. Must have full drivers licence. Desirable qualifications: Pesticide spraying; cherry picker; PASMA. Email applications to: niallm@scotscape.net

We are recruiting for an experienced landscape gardener in the Surrey/Sussex area on high profile domestic and commercial landscaping projects. This is a hands-on role for an outdoor oriented individual with a minimum of three years’ experience in a similar field of work and a land-based horticultural qualification. The role demands the highest levels of: communication; interpretation of hard and soft landscaping design; safety for staff and projects and all-round plant knowledge. The position is provided with a company vehicle.

21 days holiday pro rata. Salary according to experience and qualifications.

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

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

REGIONAL DIRECTOR – NORTH

LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS

Glendale is a £50m+ company delivering ‘green services’ throughout the UK.The company is seeking to appoint a regional director to join the senior management team. Reporting to the managing director, the successful candidate will be a member of the Glendale Board and take full profit and loss responsibility for the north, one of four operating regions. Applicants should be of graduate calibre with a strong operational background. An understanding of the ‘green market place’ is desirable; however, candidates with a proven track record in the delivery of multi-site service operations from any sector are encouraged to apply.

We are looking to fill two roles, one in the north of England and one in the south. The construction manager is responsible for delivering construction projects on time, to the specified quality and generating the budgeted profit margin. Projects are both hard and soft landscape commercial works, ranging in size from £30K to £2m. The successful candidate will possess a commercial horticultural background and/or construction industry experience with proven people skills. We are offering competitive salaries, semi-annual bonuses, company stock options, company pension and other benefits.

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

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

GLENDALE MANAGED SERVICES Location: North West

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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GROUND CONTROL Location: Nationwide

Pro Landscaper / July 2015 89

18/06/2015 10:29

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equipment 45 Market Way, British Tel: robust 01775 723320 / 766028 For all horticultural andbuilt, Garden design enquiries please contact Martin www.landmarktimber.co.uk 0808 129 3773 or email info@martincadams.co.uk Spalding, 01775uil 760451 714970 ePinchbeck, po e o on e07765ta188725 en Fax: e can to /ou pecification All products manufactured in the Cotswolds using sustainable timber.

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JD 4410 & Front Loader, 34hp, 4WD, G.Box, Power Reverser – 2279 hrs Kubota B2410, 24hp, 4WD, HST, turf tyres, roll bar – 1720 hrs Don’t scrap it - SELL it at Tamlyns Outdoor Auctions PSD2700 - ELIET ProLandscaper Adverts 58x90.indd 2 HST – 1076 hrs Kubota B2410 & Front Loader, 24hp, 4WD, Simmons3 PL Apr15.indd 1 19/03/2015 11:44 QP advert templates.indd 24 18/07/2013 15:43 Kioti DK551C with Cab, 54hp, 4WD, Gear Box – 612 hrs Next Sale Days: nursery of distinction New Holland TC27D, 27hp, 4WD, HST, turf tyres, roll bar – 2312 hrs Saturday 21st March: The Sale Field, New Holland TN55D with cab, 55hp, 4WD, Gear Box – 1751 hrs W e h a v e g r o w n a n d s Since u p p l i e 1936 d h e r b a c e o u s p la n ts to th e Blakes Road, Wembdon, Bridgwater, For all your golf, sportsturf and landscape irrigation la n d s c a p e tr a d e fo r th e p a s t 9 3 y e a r s !

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John Deere 900 Commercial Triple, 30” fixed units – choice of 2 JD 2653A, 26” 8 blade units, spiral rollers, scrapers – choice of 4 JD 2500 (A) (E), 22” 11 blade units, groomers, brushes, grass boxes -choice of 3 JD 3235B with Cab, 22” 8 blade units, grooved front rollers – 2708 hrs JD 3235B, 22” 8 blade ESP units – 2691 hrs JD 3225C, 7 blade light-weight units c/w rear roller brushes – 2217 hrs Jacobsen G Plex, recently serviced & extra set scarifying units available Hayter LT324, 6 blade units with 10” fixed heads – choice of 10 Tel 0345 230 9697 • www.lws.uk.com Hayter T424, 5 gang, 6 blade – 30” units – choice of 2 Plantoil 59x91mm_Layout Ransome Highway 3 – choice 1of 216/09/2011 15:56 Page 1 Ransome Parkway 3, 30” 6 blade units – 1970 hrs

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Pro Landscaper / July 2015

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Pro Landscaper / July 2015 91

18/06/2015 11:08

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

“Makita 4-stroke machines give Glendale 20% fuel saving” Mark McKinnon Company Engineer Glendale, the national grounds maintenance contractor, has cut operational fuel consumption by 20% simply by switching to Makita’s 4-stroke blowers, line-trimmers and pole hedge trimmers.

“This saving gives us a significant advantage on tight, fixed term contracts. Oil costs have also been reduced by 78%. Makita 4-strokes cut the risk of complete machines being ‘lost’ due to fuel and oil mixing issues.

“The lower levels of vibration, noise and pollution all add to the higher environmental credentials that Makita 4-stroke machines promote.”

The investment in Makita Mini 4-stroke powered tools for Glendale’s fleet is in line with their commitment to ensure maximum efficiency and safety, coupled with minimum environmental impact.

Grounds Maintenance & Landscaping Scan the QR code or visit www.makitauk.com to view the full range and find out more information Pro Landscaper.indd 11 Page009_Advert.indd

Follow Makita UK 10/06/2015 16:13 15:53 16/06/2015