Pro Landscaper June 2012 by Eljays44

Concept to Delivery June 2012

DESIGN, BUILD AND MAINTAIN

PC LANDSCAPES

STEP CHANGE Connecting all the levels at a steep-sloping site in Guildford

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hear it from...

BALI Anniversary

Portfolios

Andrew Wilson, Wilson McWilliam Studio

The association celebrates 40 years serving the trade

See how three companies implemented their projects

bringing plans to life, naturally... Natural Paving Products is a leading supplier of ethically sourced, high quality natural stone landscaping products.

Our latest offering includes an exclusive range of Fired Earth Products. Contact us for our new 2012 brochure.

0845 072 1150 www.naturalpaving.co.uk Join us on facebook.com/natural.paving for latest updates June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

Contents

June 2012

REGULARS

PORTFOLIOS

4 News shed

A round-up of news from the industry.

10 Association news Updates from the trade associations.

12 Business Tips

Regular features, including employment terms of engagement, costings for soft landscaping and how to win client presentations.

Garden Art Designs

21 Let’s hear it

PC Landscapes

from…

Andrew Wilson, Wilson McWilliam Studio.

Jill Fenwick

FEATURES

52 Site tour

Jacksons Fencing.

BALI Show and 40th Anniversary A 12-page special celebrating 40 years.

Paving A synopsis by Paving Superstore,

looking at the range of products available.

55 Topsoil

Which type of topsoil should you specify?

63 Trading with… Husqvarna’s Andy Eastaugh.

65 People

37 EDITORIAL editor@pro-landscaper.co.uk Director – Lisa Wilkinson lisa.wilkinson@pro-landscaper.co.uk Tel: 01903 234077 Content Manager – Joe Wilkinson joe.wilkinson@pro-landscaper.co.uk joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 234077 EDITORIAL ADVISORY PANEL Mark Gregory Chairman APL and Landform Consultants Sam Hassall LandPRO Ltd Russell Eales Lawn Care expert Karl Harrison Decking expert Keith Sacre Tree expert

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

The Little Interview.

56 ADVERTISING Business Development Manager Jamie Wilkinson Jamie.wilkinson@pro-landscaper.co.uk Jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 234077 Sales Executive – Luke Chaplin luke.chaplin@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 234077 Managing Director – Jim Wilkinson jim.wilkinson@pro-landscaper.co.uk jim.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 234077 GENERAL ENQUIRIES Tel: 01903 237779 CIRCULATION Subscription Enquiries: lisa.wilkinson@pro-landscaper.co.uk Tel: 01903 234077

MANAGEMENT Managing Director Jim Wilkinson Director Lisa Wilkinson

PRODUCTION Design and reproduction: Russell Cox Design & Production

Business Development Manager Jamie Wilkinson

Printed by Pensord Press Ltd, Gwent, UK

Marketing and Content Manager Joe Wilkinson Pro Landscaper is published 12 times per year by Eljays44 Ltd. The 2012 subscription price is £75.00. Subscription records are maintained at Eljays44 Ltd, County House, 3 Shelley Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 1TT, UK. Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Eljays44 Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, uncommissioned photographs or manuscripts.

Published by © Eljays44 Ltd – Business Intelligence

Business intelligence

Eljays44 Ltd County House, 3 Shelley Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 1TT Tel: 01903 234077

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

Leader

Combined strength Well, what a month. First of all, many congratulations to the Industry associations (HTA/APL, BALI and TGA) who finally got the UK water companies to see sense and overturn the hosepipe ban for the landscaping industry. This shows the strength of the industry when we come together as a collective, so well done to all concerned. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May was a real spectacle – congratulations to all the medal winners (see News Shed). Walking around the show was amazing, the gardens were unbelievably well designed and built to perfection. May was also a busy time for the Pro Landscaper team as we have been working “The HTA/APL, on a brand new event for the BALI and TGA industry (check out pages 8-9), finally got the water FutureScape, taking place on firms to see sense Tuesday 20 November 2012. The and overturn the event will be supported by the hosepipe ban for leading industry associations and landscapers.” suppliers. For up-to-date news on the event follow us on Twitter (@FutureScapeUK) or visit www.futurescapeevent.com. In this issue, check out the BALI 40th Anniversary feature and Show preview, if you are attending please visit us on Stand no T50/58. We also caught up with Andrew Wilson, one of the most passionate people within our industry plus the current BALI Chairman Paul Cowell showcasing one of his exceptional gardens. So enjoy reading this issue and remember what a great industry we are a part of… Jim and Lisa Wilkinson editor@pro-landscaper.co.uk

Concept to Delivery

DESIGN, BUILD AND MAINT AIN

June 2012

PC LAND SCAP

STEP CHAN GE

In the July Issue of Pro Landscaper… Let’s Hear

Andrew Wilson, from... Wilson McWilliam Studio

Let’s hear it from… MD

Connecting all steep-sloping the levels at a site in Guildfo rd

BALI Annive

The associatio rsary n celebrate 40 years serving s the trade

Portfolios

Have you of one of the biggest signed up to the new Pro landscape maintenance Landscaper Network? Log on to www.pro-landscaper. ﬁrms in the UK co.uk and click the network Preview of RHS Hampton tab to get involved in the latest Court Palace Flower Show member discussion Pro Mowers feature See how three implemented companies their projects

In-depth look at Training A selection of stunning portfolios

Plus all of our regular articles

See us on facebook, twitter @ProLandscaperJW and join our LinkedIn group to stay up-to-date with all that’s happening in landscaping

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

Preview: Palmstead Seminar 2012

This year’s Palmstead Seminar is on Thursday 27 September 2012 at the Ashford International Hotel, Kent. Approximately 300 people will be attending the event. Around 20 exhibitors and Michael Packard’s famous bookshop will add to the atmosphere. The ‘Survival of the Fittest’ theme comes on the tail of two previous cold winters where certain groups of plants have died back from cold, we need plants to survive and thrive once they have been planted. So it is about planting the right plant in the right place. More awareness of how we use the short term perennials and those which seed themselves down is needed. Ephemerality can be a charming feature in plantings but it needs a good eye and ﬁrm hand to prevent a visual riot. Speakers and topics include: ● Tony Kirkham, Head of Arboretum and Horticultural Services at Kew will talk on what he looks for when selecting a tree, and will also show delegates how to plant a tree properly, incorporating latest research and dispelling some common myths.

● Dr Glynn Percival, innovative scientist and tree doctor has been researching the establishment of trees for many years and his work on mulches and the use of sugar as a root stimulus will interest eveyone. ● Trend setter Landscape Architect Elco Hooftman from Gross Max has been setting the standard and style for Landscape Architecture in this century. ● Chelsea Gold Medal winner Sarah Eberle will be bringing a design element ● Jim Gardiner, Director of Horticulture RHS will offer advice on plant selection and discuss the beneﬁts of using the Award of Garden Merit plants. Each year the workshop produces audiences with a vast hunger for information and knowledge. Many delegates work alone or always in the business so the day gives them an opportunity to get out, network and pick up new ideas. To book a place visit the Palmstead website where there is a simple form to complete and a charge of £21 (to include lunch). Full details at www.palmstead. co.uk. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

News Shed

Cleve West wins Best in Show at Chelsea 2012 At the 2012 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Cleve West scooped Best in Show for his 250th Anniversary show garden for Brewin Dolphin. The formal yet contemporary garden constructed by Steve Swatton, used reclaimed limestone and a colour palette of delicate whites, lime greens and yellows with splashes of reds and purples

for contrast. Other Gold Winners included: ● Furzey Gardens designed by Chris Beardshaw and built by Carter Landscapers with help from the Furzey Gardens Charitable Trust. ● The Homebase Teenage Cancer Trust designed by Joe Swift and built by Willerby Landscapes. ● Lands End: A Rural Muse designed by Adam Frost and built by New Ground Landscapes. ● Quiet Time: DMZ Forbidden Garden designed by Jihae Hwang and constructed by gardenlink. ● The Brontes Yorkshire Garden designed by Tracy Foster and

built by Aire Valley Landscapes. ● The Laurent-Perrier Bicentenary Garden designed by Arne Maynard and built by crocus. co.uk. ● The L’Occitane Immortelle Garden designed and built by Peter Dowle. ● The M&G Garden designed by Andy Sturgeon and built by Creative Landscapes. ● The Telegraph Garden designed by Sarah Price and constructed by crocus.co.uk. The Best In Show for the new Fresh category was Green with… designed by Tony Smith and in the Artisan category the Satoyama Life garden designed by Ishihara Kazuyuki won Best In Show. 1 Cleve West’s 250th Anniversary show garden for Brewin Dolphin, winner of Best in Show award

at Chelsea. 2 ‘Green with...’ designed by Tony Smith won Best in Show for the new Fresh category.

Olympic Park legacy unveiled The London Legacy Development Corporation has revealed its plans for the opening of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. From October 2012 the Park will be transformed from an Olympic site into a brand new piece of the city. By spring 2014, the 560-acre Olympic Park will become an exciting new visitor destination and community park which will combine lush parklands and waterways, new neighbourhoods and world class sports and entertainment venues. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

The creation of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will be one of the biggest construction projects in Europe. The Legacy Corporation has carefully planned its works to re-open the Park in phases, the ﬁrst

area will re-open from 27 July 2013 – exactly one year after the Olympics Opening Ceremony. Andrew Altman, Chief Executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation, said: “The transformation will take the Park from an Olympic site, to a new piece of London that’s owned and shaped by the community in and around it. “Above all, it will create a place of practical beneﬁt for the surrounding community.”

NURSERY NEWS So there we were in early April fretting about hosepipes and a repeat of last year’s 12-week drought, and it’s rained regularly since Easter. Great, the soil moisture levels have come up and it’s now safe to mulch over your beds. Any new mulch will trap moisture in the soil and is less likely to prevent new rainfall from getting to the soil. Mulches are effective as long as 50-75mm deep. They can stop emergence of annual weeds just leaving you to tackle the perennial weeds. It’s not too late in June to apply a dressing of fertilizer to plants, especially before you mulch. For those which flower later in summer will still be growing, and can benefit from the boost. Good plants to look out for are the spectacular sight of flowering dogwoods: Cornus kousa Chinensis and my favourite C. Norman Haddon. Alliums, the ornamental onions, are also doing their stuff; Purple Sensation (pictured), a stalwart at shows like Chelsea and the larger Giganteum and Globemaster. I have A. Christophii seeding through my borders and their starry explosions last into the winter even though the colour fades. The foliage of these will have almost disappeared by the time they flower. But make a mental note they may still be available in pots now but come late August and early September they will be available as bulbs in plentiful supply and much cheaper.

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

Contractors News

NEWS in brief Genus opens new Cheltenham outlet Genus is opening a cash and carry in Cheltenham. Trade customers will receive a 25% discount. Visit www.genusplant sourcing.co.uk.

Networking event at Amex Stadium Albion in the Community is hosting a Landscape Industries Networking event at the Amex Stadium on Thursday 14 June at 5.30pm. To book a place contact robyn.steer@albion inthecommunity.org.uk.

Latest issue of Time for Trees The new edition of Time for Trees includes new photos, varieties and a Tree Index in both Latin and English. The guide focuses on species that are fully available in the UK. Visit www.barcham.co.uk.

Online plant species database to launch The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the New York Botanical Garden and the Missouri Botanical Garden are creating the first online database of plants covering approximately 400,000 species worldwide.

BALI anniversary dinner set for June BALI will be hosting a 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner, sponsored by Green-Tech on 19 June at Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth. Buy tickets at www.bali.org.uk or telephone: 02476 690333.

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

Roger Gladwell Landscapes bags Gold at APL Awards One of Suffolk’s most respected landscaping companies, Roger Gladwell Landscapes, recently won a 2012 APL award in the £30,000£60,000 Project Value category. The winning entry, a Mediterraneaninspired contemporary garden, featured stunning six-sided Walnut sawn sandstone flags from Natural Paving Products’ Premiastone range. Ben Gladwell said he was thrilled with the award win: “We are thrilled to have been given a

Roger Gladwell receiving his award.

Gold award. It was quite challenging technically so the award makes it all worthwhile.” Gino Bracco, sales director for Natural Paving said: “The garden was a truly stunning creation and thoroughly deserved to win Gold.” Natural Paving supplies high quality, ethically sourced natural stone landscaping products. The APL Awards promote the best in landscaping undertaken by APL members in a range of categories.

Seven apprentices join Hambrooks In partnership with Apprentices for Business (A4B), Hampshire-based Hambrooks, has taken on seven apprentices to add to its 80-strong workforce. Hambrooks chose to collaborate with A4B, as it has close connections with Sparsholt College, and understands the

challenges of the horticulture industry. A4B’s involvement continues throughout the two-year apprenticeship as it provides mentoring for the apprentices and supports them when they return to Sparsholt College during the winter months. The apprentices will be

ISS helps Wakefield feel ‘love’ Staff from ISS Facility Services Landscaping, Wakefield and District Housing, Wakefield District Council and ISS sister division Rainbow International joined forces with the residents of Minsthorpe Estate in Wakefield to prove they ‘love where they live’. The community project saw the volunteers work together to improve and brighten up their local estate. Love Where You Live is a Keep Britain Tidy initiative that aims to inspire, encourage and enable

people to enjoy their community. The landscaping works were guided by ISS which worked with local children planting a variety of species. ISS Facility Services Landscaping MD Phil Jones said: “This Campaign is all about bringing individuals, groups and businesses together. Engaging with the local community has been one of the key successes of this contract where our service is focused on the needs and aspirations of the residents.”

working alongside the company’s skilled teams to gain practical experience.

Burleys gains Ohsas 18001 Burleys has gained accreditation to OHSAS 18001 for Occupational Health & Safety Management in recognition of the comprehensive integrated management systems already in place and complementing its existing accreditations to ISO 9001and 14001 (Quality and Environmental standards). MD Richard Burton said: “It’s a great achievement… reinforcing our commitment to staff welfare and will provide clients with the confidence that our standards remain high.” www.prolandscapermagazine.com

K CK U BA HE T IN

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TURF RAKES

Classen Turf Rakes are versatile and portable dethatchers. Folding handles and a range of attachments make these turf rakes excellent for rental use.

TURF SEEDERS

Classen turf seeders make it easy and convenient to seed a new lawn, or overseed an existing lawn. Standard or self-propelled models available.

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LITTLE WONDER Professionals Demand Little Wonder™

HEDGE TRIMMERS

With double reciprocating blades for reduced vibration and heavier cuts. Little Wonder hedge trimmer blades last 6 to 10 times longer than other steel blades.

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Our design funnels airflow and material into the bag, resulting in less dust for the operator. The toploading bag compacts better than other leaf and debris vacs.

Grounds Care

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Ideal for moving leaves, stubborn debris, and standing water; preparing asphalt or flat roofs for resurfacing, or for any job that requires hurricane-force air.

TRUCK LOADERS

Rugged, durable, efficient, and user-friendly, Little Wonder Truck Loaders offer the highest debris reduction ratio available of any debris loaders on the market.

Serving the industry for over 85 years, Little Wonder® products are the choice of landscape professionals who demand quality.

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www.prolandscapermagazine.com

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

FutureScape

AY 20 NOVEMBER 2012 AT KEMPTON PARK RACECOURSE…TUESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2012 AT KEMPTON PARK RACECOURSE…TUESD

SEMINARS

A day full of short and to the point seminars, covering topics such as lighting the garden, technology in landscaping, employment and employment issues, franchising opportunities, quoting and presenting your work, marketing and sales, ‘design is king’, soft landscaping and its true value, plus lots more – all delivered by industry experts.

MASTER CLASSES

Watch and learn additional tips from the experts including decking, paving, wood care, technology, planting, design and additional classes will be on offer. There will be limited spaces available and you will need to pre-book your attendance.

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND...

FUTURESCAPE FutureScape is an exciting new event which will bring all aspects of the industry together, whether you are a landscape contractor, designer or an architect – this single day event will be a must-attend. Tuesday 20 November 2012 will see our industry take over Kempton Park Race Course; and will consist of a full day’s seminar programme, masterclasses, a fantastic outdoor nursery section (10 of the UK’s leading nurseries), indoor exhibition, an array of new products and an excellent opportunity to meet and network with like-minded people – and best of all, it is completely free. The event is designed to help you grow your business, increase your supplier base, become more proﬁtable, get up to date with June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

the latest technology and legislation and discuss the latest issues affecting the industry. The venue is fabulous and is ideally located just off the M3, very close to the M25, M4, M40 and A3 and it is easily accessible by railway – via a direct route from London. INDUSTRY SUPPORT FutureScape is supported by the industry’s leading associations and Pro Landscaper magazine. Exhibition Director Jim Wilkinson said: “I am really excited about FutureScape, everyone I have spoken to about the event thinks it is something the industry is crying out for – a single-day event in a convenient location which is supported by the industry

associations and major suppliers, which is also informative, has excellent content and will help contractors, designers and architects to develop their businesses. “We have been delighted by the success of Pro Landscaper and want this event to bring the publication to life, taking all the aspects of the title which we know our readers read and enjoy and delivering them in a live environment.” We will be making some additional announcements and will be publishing a full events calendar soon, so please make sure you keep up to date by checking out our website: www.futurescapeevent.com. So block out Tuesday 20 November in your diary now and come and join in this unique event – learn, network and have some fun. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

FutureScape

E…TUESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2012 AT KEMPTON PARK RACECOURSE…TUESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2012 AT KEMPTON PARK RACECOUR

VIEW FROM THE TOP

This is an exciting early evening debate. We will have a panel of four of the key industry ﬁgures debating the topics of the day, with questions from an invited audience.

OUTDOOR NURSERY

We have lined up 10 of the UK’s leading nurseries. They have plenty of space with no height restrictions, and some wonderful displays on show.

EXHIBITION

We have assembled some of the leading industry suppliers from all sectors, from some extremely high-proﬁle companies through to bespoke suppliers and small and unique businesses. All have one common theme – they provide high quality products and services and they are leaders within their ﬁelds.

MEET THE TEAM

The whole of the Pro Landscaper team will be at the event and will be happy to discuss the STEP CHAN magazine GE and how it could work for you and your company.

Concept to Delivery

DESIGN , BUILD AND MAIN TAIN

June 2012

PC LAN DSC

APES

Connectin steep-slop g all the levels at a ing site in Guildford

Let’s Hear

it from Andrew Wilson, Wilso ... McWilliam n Studio

PRODUCT DEMONSTRATION We have lined up exciting demonstrations from some well-known brands; come and see machinery and kit being tested to their limits.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

BALI Anni

versary The associ 40 years ation celebrates serving the trade

Portfolios

See how three compa implemented nies their projec ts

FUTURESCAPE – THE EVENT FOR THE FUTURE OF THE WHOLE INDUSTRY Date 20 November 2012 Address Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Road East, Sunbury On Thames, Middlesex, TW16 5AQ Info www.futurescapeevent.com Telephone 01903 234077 Email jim.wilkinson@eljays44.com June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

Association News – APL

The lifting of the hosepipe ban is a major achievement by the industry bodies that have worked tirelessly on behalf of landscapers

The Association of

Professional Landscapers

TURFDECISION

he news that the water companies have decided to lift the temporary use ban as from 21 May is a major achievement by the industry bodies who have worked tirelessly on behalf of landscapers affected by the restrictions. This adjustment means that gardening businesses and their customers in the south and east of England can now use hosepipes to water newly laid turf and plants, for up to 28 days from planting. The decision comes as it was reported that April experienced record rainfall which continued into May, which has reduced the severity of the shortage, although groundwater levels still remain exceptionally low and the general hosepipe bans remain in place. Tim Briercliffe, Director of Business Development for the HTA and APL said: “We are delighted that water companies have reviewed the restrictions on the landscape trade in light of the recent rainfall. Our members were facing serious business challenges as a result of the restrictions and this was likely to get worse with lost contracts and job losses. Much of this can now be

2 June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

Industry bodies rejoice as hosepipe restrictions for landscape and turf industry are lifted

averted thanks to the decision which was made as a result of the business case we made with other landscape trade bodies. Our members fully support the need for water efﬁciency and will do all they can to carry out water-efﬁcient practices, such as the use of drip watering systems, and to promote these to their customers.” APL Chairman Mark Gregory adds, “Despite the rain, the restrictions have had a real impact on businesses and this was only going to get worse through the summer, so it’s a huge relief that the water companies have

The joint organisations are to meet the water companies again shortly to agree longer term plans on managing the impact of hosepipe bans in the future. Summer Networking Seminar: exploring sustainable and ethical landscaping Following the successful APL Networking seminar at Classiﬂora in March, make sure you don’t miss the next one which takes place at Greenline Plants, Solihull on 11 July. With a focus on sustainable and ethical landscaping, the seminar will provide an opportunity for

It’s a huge relief that the water companies have taken our concerns on board, and lifted restrictions for landscapers MARK GREGORY, CHAIRMAN, APL taken our very real concerns on board, and lifted the restrictions for landscapers.” A recent survey of member businesses providing garden design or landscaping services revealed that 25% had experienced customers cancelling work, 55% with customers postponing jobs and 75% saying that prospects and leads were putting off getting landscape jobs done as a result of the drought orders. 1 Tim Briercliffe, Director of Business Development for the HTA and APL. 2 Marke Gregory, Chairman, APL.

landscapers to get together to share ideas and consider how best to minimise the impact of landscaping on the environment. Among the speakers will be Andy Spetch from British Sugar. Having invested more than £1 billion in the last two decades, environmental protection is integral to British Sugar’s business. Andy will highlight the ways in which its investment in leading technology in energy efﬁciency, gas and water treatment has enabled the company to continuously improve its use of raw materials and explore new and exciting product streams. For further information and to book your place visit www.the-hta.org.uk/calendar or email calendar@the-hta.org.uk. ● DIARY DATE 10 October – Autumn APL Networking event, at Wyevale East Nurseries. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Association News – SGD

1 Wyevale East stand at the SGD Spring Conference 2012. 2 There are great opportunities for

networking with your peers. 3 A busy time at Mike Packard Books’ stand .

4 Raymond Jungles (on right) with Chairman of the SGD Charles Rutherfoord MSGD.

SGD Spring Conference Review, by John Wyer FSGD

THE BEST ACT IN TOWN

nyone who was at the SGD spring conference on 28 April was in no doubt that this was ‘the’ place to be for those with an interest in Garden Design. However, they would also have booked their ticket months ago. The conference sold out in record time, which was no surprise with a line-up that included Raymond Jungles from Florida, James Hitchmough of the ‘Shefﬁeld School’, leading landscape and garden designer Tom Stuart-Smith MSGD and an intellectual giant in the form of The Garden Museum Director Christopher Woodward. Add to this award-winning designer Cleve West MSGD who proved not only to be a very adept chairman but an extraordinary wit. These conferences occur twice yearly and have become immensely popular. Part of the appeal is their sheer ‘meatiness’ with really big names discussing their work and the burning issues of the day. The combination is something that is both challenging and inspiring. I always come away from the conferences with my head absolutely buzzing with ideas, although admittedly I sometimes leave in awe of the sheer talent on display. As Annabel Downs, former SGD Chair and one time Chair of the conference committee explains: “The Conferences is about taking a germ of an idea www.prolandscapermagazine.com

relevant to the work of a garden and landscape designer, and working out how that idea could be expanded in different and often unexpected directions to challenge and inspire our delegates. The response from our delegates is electric, the day is really charged and this is exactly what we want”. An equally interesting aspect is the exhibition that accompanies the conference. Previously a few tables displaying products and decorated with the odd pop-up poster, these days, the exhibitors turn up with truckloads of plants, furniture, paving and marketing materials ready to wow the 300 delegates who throng into the space looking for inspiration, information and good contacts. These slots are so popular with suppliers that in most cases they sell out before the tickets to the conferences. Lucy Bravington from Stockscape, a stone supplier exhibiting for the ﬁrst time at the conference, summed up why: “Exhibiting at the SGD Spring Conference enabled us to come face-to-face with designers from all over the UK. It was a great success and there was a real buzz around the stand.” The real opportunity is to address the delegates in the theatre, which is open to headline sponsors only. Many of these come back for more; both Wyevale East and Barcham

Trees are ‘second biters’. As Richard McKenna of Wyevale East puts it – “It is important for us to promote our range of plants and plant sourcing services to the right customer. Members of the SGD are professionals that keep on building on their knowledge of plants and this fits in very well with us. We love supplying plants to people who know how to use them to their full potential.” Details of the SGD Autumn Conference are being finalised now, but with John Brookes MBE FSGD and Andrea Cochran confirmed on the speaker line-up it promises to be one not to be missed. Tickets for the SGD Autumn Conference go on sale shortly. Please visit www.sgd.org.uk for further information.

ABOUT JOHN WYER John was recognised as a fellow of the Society of Garden Designers in 2011. He is a widely published and respected designer and his schemes have won many awards. He and Chris Bowles formed Bowles & Wyer in 1993 and John has been responsible for the design of hundreds of projects spanning private gardens, roof gardens as well as large commercial and residential development projects.

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

Business Tips

THE COSTS OF

SOFT LANDSCAPING Part 1: Topsoil ﬁlling

SCOPE We have cleared the site as addressed in previous articles. Where necessary we have reduced levels and demolished and removed

existing features for new topsoil (see excavation and demolition costs in previous cost investigations – Pro Landscaper April and May 2012).

Table 1: Topsoil weights and volumes Topsoil Weights (loose)

Volumes in your load in m3

tonne/m3

m3/tonne

20t

Grab

10t

Bulk bag

Topsoil

1.40

0.71

14.29

12.86

7.14

2.14

0.61

Earth (as dug)

1.80

0.56

11.14

10.02

5.57

1.67

0.47

Sand dry

1.70

0.59

11.76

10.59

5.88

1.76

0.50

Sand moist

1.80

0.56

11.11

10.00

5.56

1.67

0.47

Are you getting what you ordered? The ofﬁcial weights of topsoil are as follows. As you can see the weight of topsoil which is assumed to contain organic matter is relatively light. Many types of topsoil which are purchased by a contractor would be as dug or even recycled. These are slightly heavier, which means that on a load where it is delivered by

● Topsoil is sold per tonne. ● Generally speaking, better quality topsoil will cost you more per tonne but you get more tonnes to your m3. ● Many types of topsoil are currently manufactured. This may mean that a basic screened excavated material is enhanced by the addition of composts etc. ● The delivery costs also have a huge impact. ● Addition of composts and so on would tend to make the soil lighter so you would get more tonnes per m3. ● At the end of the day it is the m3 rate rather than the tonne rate that you are paying for.

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

weight you may be getting less for your money. Example If you were buying a 20 tonne load of a good topsoil (1.40 t/m3: at £22 .00 per tonne then the price per m3 loose is £30.79. If you are buying recycled or sandy topsoil (1.7 t /m3) at the same price then your price per m3 loose is £37.40 per m3.

PLACEMENT OF TOPSOIL The issues of clearing planting are as follows. ● Area and thickness – This impacts on the type of machines that will be used. The access here also has impact. ● Load size of delivery – The volume of topsoil being ordered and the price per tonne will affect the price. ● Moisture content – You will get less topsoil but more weight in wet weather. ● Quality – Topsoil quality can range in price from recycled to manufactured to speciﬁcation. TOPSOIL PRICES Topsoil is generally sold by the tonne these days. It would be better for the landscaper to buy topsoil in m3 but unfortunately the hauliers and suppliers wish to minimise their risk and so have tailored the market in recent years to supply in tonnes. NOTES ABOUT THE TABLES ● All items are shown at cost (readers should allow for proﬁt). ● The labour rate used is £19.50 per hour.

Table 2: Topsoil prices Lighter soils>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Heavier soils tonnes per m3 of topsoil

Cost rates/load £/ Load

tonne rate 1.4

1.45

1.5

1.6

1.7

1.8

440.00

22.00

39.88

41.25

44.00

46.75

49.50

38.50

400.00

20.00

35.00

36.25

37.50

40.00

42.50

45.00

350.00

17.50

30.63

31.72

32.81

35.00

37.19

39.38

300.00

15.00

26.25

27.19

28.13

30.00

31.88

33.75

250.00

12.50

21.88

22.66

23.44

25.00

26.56

28.13

200.00

10.00

17.50

18.13

18.75

20.00

21.25

22.50

180.00

9.00

15.75

16.31

16.88

18.00

19.13

20.25

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Business Tips

table 3: Spreading your topsoil Topsoil thicknesses per m2

m2 per

in mm

m3 topsoil

m3/hr

Spread topsoil

Load and transport by machine

By hand

Spread by hand 3 man team

m2/hr

Cost/m2

m3/hr

m2/hr

Load and transport by machine Spread by machine + banksman

Cost/m2

m3/hr

m2/hr

Cost/m2

100

10.0

1.5

15.0

3.90

50.0

1.64

90.0

0.91

150

6.7

1.6

10.7

5.48

40.0

2.06

9.5

63.3

1.30

200

5.0

1.7

8.5

6.88

6.5

32.5

2.53

50.0

1.64

450

2.2

1.75

3.9

15.04

6.75

15.0

5.48

10.5

23.3

3.52

500

2.0

1.8

3.6

16.25

14.0

5.87

22.0

3.74

600

1.7

1.85

3.1

18.97

7.25

12.1

6.80

20.0

4.11

750

1.3

1.9

2.5

23.09

7.5

10.0

8.22

16.0

5.14

1,000

1.0

2.0

29.25

8.0

10.28

12.0

6.85

● The thicker your topsoil, the lower your spreading costs are on a m3 basis. This is due to the accuracy required in spreading material to a thinner depth. ● Hand works are by a three-man team ● Machine works are by a three-man team with a 3 tonne excavator and dumper. The operators assist this person in spreading both by machine and manual final levelling. The table above gives you the cost per m3 of topsoil that you purchase. All figures allow

Example 2

for a 25% settlement factor. Example 1 Topsoil cost £440 per load Topsoil quality – very good 1.40 t /m3 Spread by hand to 200 mm thick Topsoil price = £38.80/m3 ● Price for 200mm thick = 38.80/5 = £7.76 (1/200 = 5) ● Price to spread (by hand and machine = £2.53 ● Total £10.29/m2; m3 rate x 5 = £41.45/m3

Table 4: Cultivating (for surface treatment as shown) m per hour

£/ m

Filled topsoil

Rotavate

Hand cultivate Grade

Rotavate

Hand cultivate

Grade

Planting

150

0.16

0.98

0.39

Turfing general

150

0.16

0.98

Turfing high grade 150

0.16

0.98

1.30

0.32

1.30

0.49

Existing topsoil Planting

Turfing general

0.32

1.30

Turfing high grade 75

0.32

1.30

1.63

Notes on Table 2 ● You get much less m3 for your money with heavier (sandy or clay soils – so check your quality carefully. ● Choose your load rate. ● Choose the type of topsoil you are buying. ● Read the m3 rate (including settlement already added in of 25%). ● All based on full 20 tonne loads. (Check that your load is full or ask for a weighing certificate.) ● This table gives you the cost per m3 of topsoil that you purchase. ●A ll figures allow for a 25% settlement factor.

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Topsoil cost £250.00 per load Topsoil quality – fair 1.60 t/m3 Move by machine – spread by hand to 450mm thick. Topsoil price £25.00/m3 ● Price for 450 mm thick =£25.00/2.22 = £11.26 (1/450=2.22) ● Price to spread (by hand and machine = £5.48 ● Total £16.74/m2; m3 rate x 2.22 = £37.16/m3

Cultivation and grading Now your topsoil has been prepared you need to grade it and prepare it to final levels. Depending on what the application is the topsoil will be graded to various tolerances and finishes. The table below shows indicative outputs and costs for one person. ● Planting – variable tolerance up to 40mm. ● Turfing Tolerance to 5-10mm depending on turf specification.

ABOUT sam hassall Topsoil is generally sold by the tonne these days. It would be better for the landscaper to buy it in m3 but hauliers and suppliers wish to minimise their risk and supply in tonnes The analysis performed within this article are only examples, therefore readers are responsible for accuracy of final calculations.

Sam Hassall is the UK’s only dedicated specialist landscape cost consultant. As managing director of LandPro Ltd he provides cost and implementation information to Landscape design professionals and Landscape contractors. As part of his portfolio Sam also compiles the Spon’s External works and Landscape price book and developed the market leading LiberRATE Estimating system which is available as a 90-day trial. For further info visit www.landpro.co.uk, or call: 01252 795030

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

Business Tips

greenDAY Having implemented formal management systems it is essential to maintain them. Once all of the obvious improvements have been made, some smaller companies struggle with how to promote awareness of the system in new and interesting ways. There are often global or national events which can be used as a means of giving new focus to the importance of a company’s own systems – World Environment Day is an example of one that can provide a welcome boost. World Environment Day is organised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It has taken place on 5 June annually since 1972 and has a different theme every year. Last year’s theme was ‘Forests: Nature at your service’, so it is easy to see how landscapers could have used that topic to promote awareness of the benefits of the trees they were planting or maintaining. the Green Economy: Does it include you? This year’s theme of ‘Green Economy: Does it include you?’ (visit http://www.unep.org/wed/ for full details) recognises that the current global financial crisis reinforces the need to work sustainably. UNEP defines a green economy as being “one that results in improved human well-being and social equity while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological sacrifices.” When thinking about the wide range of landscaping businesses that exist, it is clear that many landscapers are making a valuable June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

contribution to the green economy. Some of the benefits that immediately spring to mind are: ● Planting for biodiversity. ● Plants release oxygen into the atmosphere, and are therefore essential to life on Earth. ● Landscaping solutions can help to alleviate flood risk; using permeable membranes instead of hard surfaces, or from installing green roofs. ● Using trees to prevent soil erosion. ● Sourcing timber-based products (such as decking) from woods and forests that have been sustainably managed. ● Construction of new habitats for the conservation of fauna. No doubt this is the tip of the iceberg, and you can probably think of many more valuable ways in which landscapers provide green benefits. Let us know about other examples that you think should be on this list.

Global or national events such as World Environment Day can be used as a means of giving new focus to the importance of a company’s formal management systems, says Jodie Read Shout Out About It! If you recognise any of the topics above as being something that you provide, or indeed if you can think of any others, make the most of World Environment Day to share this information with staff and customers alike. If you have a formal Environmental Management System that meets the requirements of ISO14001, check that you have given yourselves the recognition for the positive contributions that your services provide to the environment, rather than purely focusing on detrimental impacts such as fuel consumption or waste generation. Knowing that World Environment Day is an annual occurrence, why not start planning now for next year’s campaign too?

ABOUT JODIE READ

J odie Read is the Managing Director of Penarth Management Limited; a company which specialises in the provision compliance consultancy and training for quality, environmental, health and safety management. She and her colleagues assist companies to implement and maintain management systems, such as ISO9001 (Quality), ISO14001 (Environmental) or OHSAS18001 (Health and Safety).

The company is an affiliate member of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) and Jodie is one of only a few approved ROLO health and safety trainers in the country and has always been passionate about environmental issues. If readers have any queries regarding ISO9001 and how to derive real value from the Standard, they are welcome to contact Jodie via e-mail: jodie@penarth.co.uk or by telephone on 029 2070 3328. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

Business Tips

talkingterms It is a legal requirement of employers to provide Terms of Engagement along with any formal job offer, as Yvette Etcell explains Once you have made your decision on who to employ, you will need to make a formal offer and provide the selected person with ‘Terms of Engagement’, which is legally required by the Employment Rights Act 1996 (and all subsequent amendments). This set of terms should accompany the offer letter. The fundamental information included should be: ● Employer name. ● Employee name and address. ● Job title – NB: refer to the company reserving the right to change or review job function and duties in accordance with the needs of the company, with consultation. ● Date of commencement. ● Probationary period – usually the first 12 weeks of employment will be probationary, with the possibility of an extension. The employee should be notified of the successful completion of the probationary period. ● References – the employee should be aware that any appointment is subject to satisfactory references and the company has the right to withdraw the offer or terminate the employment if they are found to be unsatisfactory. They can also terminate if it is found the applicant provided any false information on their original form. ● Remuneration – the salary details and date and method of payment should be clearly stated along with any details regarding possible expenses or overtime payments. ● Deductions – any possible deductions: eg end of employment payback for holidays taken, company property not returned, misuse of equipment, training courses, and so on. The employee should be fully consulted. ● Working hours – these should be clearly stated including breaks due and overtime requirements. ● Place of work – state the details regarding location. ● Responsibilities – clarification of duties and respsonsibilities. ● Notice – insert the company requirements June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

for giving notice to leave employment. ● Holiday entitlement – the dates of the holiday year should be stated and entitlement making it clear whether bank holidays are included. Dates of shut-down periods should be stated and notified well in advance. All holiday requests should be authorised by a line manager. ● Notification of incapacity – the company should request notification of sickness or absence within an agreed time. Details of the process should be clearly stated and when the employee would need to provide a doctor’s medical certificate. ● Sickness benefit – payments and benefits for sickness should be outlined, and that prolonged absences may require examination by a company-nominated doctor. ● Pension – details of any pension scheme entitlements. ● Company rules – company rules and regulations should be keenly observed. Explain that failure could lead to disciplinary action. ● Disciplinary procedure – company policy on the disciplinary procedure (usually via referral to the company staff handbook). ● Grievance procedure – details regarding reporting a grievance. ● Smoking – the rules for smoking on or around the premises. ● Training – explanation of the company training policy. ● Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 – The

employee should familiarise themselves with the Company Health & Safety Rules Handbook. ● Expenses – how and when expenses will be reimbursed. ● Conflicting interests – any possible conflict of interests should be reported. ● Appearance – employees should be informed of how they are expected to dress, with uniform and protective equipment used if applicable. ● Personal property – disclaimer against loss of personal property while on company premises. ● Company vehicles – thorough explanation of caring for and using company vehicles. ● Confidentiality – rules stated on breach of trust. ● Restrictive covenants – full and thorough documentation of compliance should be explained. ● Amendments – finally, there should be a clause relating to the right of the company to amend and update contracts. The document should be signed and dated by a representative of the employer and also the employee (stating that they agree to the terms and will adhere to them). Of course, any set of terms of employment is relevant to the specific employer and this article is purely a guideline to a contract of employment. Any terms of agreement document should be produced via consultation with a legal representative.

ABOUT YVETTE ETCELL Yvette Etcell is Director of Business Development and HR at Gavin Jones Ltd. With an early career in sales, advertising, marketing and assisting with personal injury litigation she then took a career break to spend time with her family. Yvette spent five years with English

Landscapes as an Operational Contracts Manager (Coventry City GM/Cleansing contract), then as Area Manager with a portfolio of circa £5m/pa contracts. Yvette joined Gavin Jones Ltd in 2003 as Business Development Manager, was promoted to Company Secretary in 2008 and to the board 12 months later. Contact: yvette.etcell@gavinjones.co.uk

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Business Tips

more powerfully, in person to your client or made available on your website, so that your potential clients can buy into the dream too. You can even create a PDF document of your presentation.

How can technology help you in winning client presentations? asks Tamsin Slatter

DECENT PROPOSALS

Conveying your design intention and proposals to your client is a key element in differentiating yourself from your competition and securing business. In the past, this may have entailed creating detailed hand-drawings, hand-rendered images and even hand-built models. However, as times have changed, so has the technology available to help us. Although I originally came from the IT industry, it was only after I retrained as a garden designer at Sparsholt, that I discovered computers are, actually, rather good fun as well as offering enormous time-saving beneﬁts to anyone running a small business. As well as discovering Vectorworks and the huge beneﬁts that could bring, I also realised there was so much I already had available to me which I had never really exploited. For those using PCs, Microsoft Powerpoint is the most widely used presentation tool, with Keynote being its Apple Mac equivalent, although there are others available and the information below refers to all. SAVING TIME As with design software such as Vectorworks (pictured above left), Powerpoint and Keynote can easily create templates which incorporate your logo, favourite fonts, company colours and styles. Once they have been created, templates can be re-used saving you time and ensuring consistency of style, branding and presentation. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS A major beneﬁt with such packages is the wealth of tools to show our information in an attractive and professional manner. The presentation can offer a selection of relevant images for the client which could include photographs of the site, scanned draft sketches or CAD drawings, product and plant images all on one page or set of pages. This can be invaluable in enabling the client to understand and agree to your proposed designs, shortening the time to a proﬁtable sale. COMMUNICATING WITH CLIENTS Typically, presentations have been shown as a slide show, which you can run through in person or provide to your client as a timed, standalone presentation. Elements of the slide show can be animated – so that the transition from one slide to the next is vibrant and dynamic. Alternatively, the pages can be used to create a movie, which may convey your message even

SHARING INFORMATION With the recent development of tablet and mobile technology, delivery of your key messages can even be made via these devices. Using a ‘sharing service’, such as Dropbox or Vectorworks Cloud Services, information including drawings, presentations and PDFs can be delivered to a variety of devices that both you and your client may feel more comfortable in using. Simply dragging a ﬁle into a particular folder will start the synchronisation process between your computer and mobile devices. Therefore all you need to take to your client is an iPad (pictured above right) or tablet to show your thoughts in a very professional and attractive manner. DON’T FORGET… Your business is about you, which leads me on to the most important hint I can give on using any of this stuff. It is a presentation aid. Unless it is a rolling slide show designed to draw a crowd to your exhibition stand, the software should back up your presentation, not control you. Avoid putting so much information on your slides that you end up just reading them out (your client or audience will get frustrated and think: “I can read this myself”). The ﬁnal advice with any presentation is: Keep it simple. Be yourself. Enjoy.

ABOUT TAMSIN SLATTER After a 20-year career in IT, Tamsin trained as a garden designer. Escape from the corporate world, the chance to work with nice people, learning about plants and how to draw was a dream come true and she

found Vectorworks invaluable. Tamsin now delivers courses and masterclasses to designers, helping them to work faster and more efﬁciently. Call 01488 658580, email info@vectorworkstraining.co.uk. View the course schedule at www.vectorworks-training.co.uk.

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

Business Tips

LEVEL PLAYING FIELD

1 and 2 Which do you think represents a safe and professional approach to banks mowing?

Cutting corners in order to gain a competitive advantage shouldn’t come from a dilution of safety standards, says Angus Lindsay I was always led to believe competition was a healthy thing; on the race track, playing field or in business. Succeeding through hard work, tough negotiation and that competitive edge makes the victory much more satisfying. We all price for work whether in the form of a tender, quotation or direct negotiation and we then reverse this process when we are looking to buy materials and equipment. The introduction of CCT in the 1980s opened up the whole of the local authority grounds maintenance and landscaping business to a much wider marketplace; bringing new working practices, improving cost effectiveness and raising efficiency. The CCT process evolved and we found ourselves with the new challenge of ‘Best Value’. This brought about consistency to the tendering process and some innovative thinking, and has resulted in more community engagement through user groups, a return of parks-based staff and raised profiles of public open spaces. SAFE OPERATING SYSTEMS During this time the perception and enforcement of health and safety was greatly increased. A safer working environment arose from increasing awareness of the risks associated with working on slopes, working at height, and the introduction of risk assessments. A tightening of rules and regulations surrounding vehicle and trailer use has seen an increased need for tachographs for longer journeys and more focus on weights and towing capacity limits. Also, greater June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

enforcement by HMRC on the use/misuse of red diesel in tractors has seen a significant increase in the cost of tractor operations. So, our industry and customers have seen benefits from a ‘best value’ approach, but is it really a level playing field? Are all contractors working to the same standards? There is usually some sort of guide price on tenders, so those submitted ought to be within a realistic range from which the customer/client can make their choice based on their evaluation criteria; and any unusually high or low bids discounted. You don’t mind losing out to a competitor if it is a close run thing and by a couple of points on your quality submission or that your pricing was a percentage or two high. Unfortunately it would seem that awards are more and more focused on price to a point where the tendering

process is becoming a farce with work being awarded at unrealistically low rates, in some cases up to 30% cheaper than the given guide price. SAFE OPERATING SYSTEMS With such a tight focus on cost, are we sure that the firms winning these tenders are as professional as the rest of us, in that they adhere to all the safe operating systems? And that those awarding the contracts, be they local authority or private sector, have undertaken their due-diligence and satisfied themselves that they are getting the best value for money and have ticked all the boxes in terms of their responsibilities to health and safety and legal/ environmental compliance? All of us in our industry, whether private sector or local authority, have a responsibility to maintain a fair and competitive marketplace especially in these difficult times when every penny counts – but we should not allow a lowering of standards that erodes our professionalism. Cutting corners to gain a competitive advantage should not come from a dilution of the standards that keeps our staff safe and our businesses legal and compliant. Far better that it comes from efficient management, innovation and a good working relationship with your customer.

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

During this time he also spent a year at Silsoe, gaining an MSc in Agricultural Engineering and Mechanisation Management. Returning to the UK he joined Glendale as machinery manager in l994 – going on to become Company Engineer – before joining The Landscape Group in 2009 as Group Head of Assets and ﬂeet. Contact: alindsay@thelandscapegroup.co.uk.

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June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

Let’s Hear it From...

Andrew Wilson WILSON MCWILLIAM STUDIO

The designer and college lecturer discusses his career path and why he is so enthusiastic to pass on the knowledge to his students A stunning project designed by Andrew Wilson of Wilson McWilliam Studio featured on the front cover of the March Pro Landscaper. Recently, in between his busy schedule as a garden designer, landscape architect, and tutor and co-founder of the London College of Garden Design, we were able to catch up with him at his studio, where we discussed the industry and his passion for teaching which is helping shape the future for the next generation of garden designers.

How did you get into the industry? At 13 I became interested in Landscape Architecture when a friend of the family suggested it to me. It incorporated all the things that I wanted; I even arranged for a landscape architect to come into my school’s career evening and things took off from there. I did a landscape design degree at Manchester Metropolitan University with a year out working in British Rail’s architects department in Croydon. There was a lot of investment in the railways at that point and it was fantastic experience. I returned to Manchester for my post-grad in landscape architecture and afterwards the ofﬁce invited me back. Through my work I met Peter Thurman, who introduced me to Tim Rees who taught garden design at the Inchbald School of Design. He asked me to teach surveying, which I hated, but agreed to. I thought my ﬁrst lecture

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was possibly the worst thing I had ever done but the students really loved it and Tim asked me back. I was freelancing at that stage and I slotted the teaching in. In 1988, Tim left Inchbald but proposed me as the next course director. I really enjoyed the teaching but I still wanted to design so I focused more on private garden design. I just thought I’d try it, but in 1989, the television programme Gardens by Design with David Stevens was commissioned. Suddenly the whole world seemed to be wake up to garden design and I realised I’d made the right decision. What do you think about the quality of education for landscape architects and landscape designers now? It is hugely variable; I recently gave a lecture in Birmingham on landscape architecture regarding the lack of planting design education in landscape architectural programmes. When I was at university, there was a signiﬁcant horticultural and planting design element in the programme. But some of my recent experience of university teaching has revealed that this has all but disappeared leaving a huge knowledge gap in the profession. Post-graduate teaching with Kathryn Moore at BCU allowed me to deliver detailed planting design projects – now a rarity – concentrating on the design approach, quite different from pure horticulture and plant knowledge. Landscape architects are now much more urban design and hard landscape oriented with little real attention to good planting design. Planting doesn’t have to be complex or garden-esque; it just needs to be really good. If a June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

Let’s Hear it From...

landscape architect was building a structure, they would consult with an engineer, but when it comes to the planting they just think that they can do it themselves. What I proposed in the lecture was that garden designers who have a much better planting design awareness and skill, should be employed as consultants to landscape architects in the same way? I’d quite like to promote that idea. What would stop them doing that? Additional costs? Probably. Perhaps it’s a way of saving or

How do you value public spaces? At British Rail, I was ridiculed in most meetings because I was seen as profligate, wasting money on planting that earned nothing for the business. It’s really hard to answer this question because there is no financial value on planting. Car parking spaces earned money. But in Redhill the local authority realised that British Rail needed planning permission for its new car park. This was granted on the basis that extensive tree planting would be undertaken. The engineering department responsible ignored this and tarmaced the lot. The council demanded the

As a nation we visit fantastic gardens, or we cultivate them in our own back yard yet we walk through urban deserts, accepting them without a thought – it’s weird diverting money or perhaps it gives in too easily to low maintenance needs. What it delivers is mundane and soulless spaces which have little identity – covering the country in a sea of Photinia ‘Red Robin’. Our public space designers need to engage with plants and how to put them together. The design process should equate to the way in which spatial and construction design is being taught and delivered. That would be good for garden designers – who would naturally get more work and good for the public who get to enjoy better public spaces. Yes but there are issues such as ongoing maintenance which is often cited against inventive or ambitious planting design. As a nation we visit fantastic gardens, or we cultivate them in our own back yard yet we walk through urban deserts, accepting them without a thought – it’s weird. When people ask you if you are a garden designer or a landscape architect, how do you reply? If I go to a meeting and I’m talking to architects and other professionals, I might venture that I’m a landscape architect. If I’m at a private dinner party, I’m more likely to say I’m a garden designer. It depends on the audience. Most of the British population has no idea what a landscape architect does. June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

reinstatement of the trees, otherwise the car park would be demolished and the territory shifted. Suddenly the boot was on the other foot – new development such as car parks would not be granted permission without substantial planting. No planting, no income generation. Somehow we need to defend and champion our public spaces. After British Rail, did you set your business up or was there something in between? I was at Inchbald for 14 years running its programme, but I longed to own it or

establish my own college. I was always designing alongside though. Is teaching a passion? It is a passion, and I love the whole process of it. I’m still inspired by some of the stuff that the students produce – it’s not just a one way process. It is fantastic when you come across this raw energy in someone. My students often have a very different view on the whole garden design and landscape thing. It keeps you fresh in a way. You find that their ideas still challenge you then? Yes and I really like and respect that. I’m not the kind of tutor that just says this is how you must do it. I aim to develop and nurture a student’s ability. In terms of landscapers, do you offer anything to extend their knowledge of design? It’s an interesting point – we have Info-Bursts at The London College of Garden Design aimed at integrating students with practising professionals. The three directors at LCGD have talked a lot about bringing landscapers in, but they don’t seem to want to come.

1 (Previous page) Contemporary garden, Chorleywood. 2 Hyde Park, Hayes.

3T he Savill Rose Garden. 4 Rill, Wimbledon project.

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Let’s Hear it From...

Do you generally stick to the same ones? If somebody is good then you are no doubt going to use or recommend them again. There is a pool of contractors that we will be aware of and will invite to tender. Not all clients want to go to competitive tender but if they do then we will invite from that pool. What percentage of your work is public and private? I think at the moment it’s about 80% private and 20% public. We try to go for interesting public spaces. What we don’t want to be doing is supermarket car parks and highway schemes.

How do you get the message out to people and let them know what you are offering? We are constantly expanding our database. We keep the Info-Bursts seasonal and themed, so the autumn/winter term might be construction, spring term might be planting and summer term is more of a debating platform. Do you teach people how to succeed in business? Does this work alongside the creative process? We emphasise this in the main programme and ensure an integrated approach. Although information is delivered in specific lectures a more holistic philosophy permeates the entire programme and its structure. Did you want to teach as your full time job? No, I have always seen it as compatible with my design work. I don’t want to isolate my teaching from my design. How does your company work? Is it design and build? No we are exclusively design. I have always been purely a designer, perhaps because of my landscape architectural background. Landscapers take on the build. When we established the Wilson McWilliam Studio we took the decision that we would continue down that route. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Do you think that contractors give designers backhanders to try to win the job? The backhander thing is really interesting. For the Society of Garden Designers, that is strictly illegal. The point I make to students or workshop attendees is that it is always the client that ends up paying as the contractor would simply add this into their costs. Do you think this happens? I’m pretty sure it does. At several workshops I have talked about taking a percentage from the contractor, who does it and why they do it. You should actually be saying I want you to work with me because I admire your work and approach. The contractor is then entitled to charge what they feel is necessary for their work, and you as the designer are entitled to charge for your ideas, detailing, professional support and quality control. How do you choose your contractors? We choose our contractors purely on the quality of their work and their ability to deliver successful schemes. Do you check if they are a member of an association? Yes. We look at their ‘on paper’ credentials and we look at how they have performed on other schemes, and also projects on which we have worked together.

How do you generate your leads and work? We talk to everybody, especially architects. How is business looking for you? It’s moving in the right direction. It has been a difficult two years for everyone really. And Chelsea and Hampton Court; do you recommend these shows to designers? Yes I do actually. Undoubtedly, whatever people think about any of the shows, they offer an unrivalled platform and opportunity for designers to show what they do. At the moment, the RHS shows offer a huge boost to a designer’s career. The college then, what is the future? I hope the future of the college will be at Kew for a long time. I wander in through the front gates in spring and it is just glorious, I think: ‘what a great place to be’. The school is going well and we have a lot of interest for the coming year. With our meeting at an end, we can understand why Andrew inspires his students – no doubt he will feature more in future issues of Pro Landscaper.

contact Wilson McWilliam Studio London office – Tel: 020 3002 6601 Surrey office – Tel: 01932 563 293 Buckinghamshire office – Tel: 01494 721 974 Email: info@wmstudio.co.uk Web: www.wmstudio.co.uk

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

pro landscaper - June_Layout 1 14/05/2012 09:01 Page 1

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Growing through caring

steel the show

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Garden Art Designs This simple but effective design beautifully marries overabundant planting with pergolas and steel infinity pools www.prolandscapermagazine.com

apl AWARDs 2012 â&#x2014;? Winner â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Overall Design & Build June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

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3 1

Project duration 21 months Cost £40,000

he clients are a retired couple who had recently downsized to a new bungalow. They are keen gardeners who are members of the local gardening club. They wanted a contemporary garden with the maximum amount of plants in a strictly green and white theme. The garden was a typical new build blank

GARDEN ART DESIGNS Garden Art Designs offers a full design and build service, specifying ethically sourced recourses and environmentally aware building techniques. The company can manage the build of a new garden from start to ﬁnish, or allow the client the satisfaction of being involved with any particular aspect of the construction, planting or maintenance. Sue McLaughlin BA hons, is a fully qualiﬁed registered BALI designer, who has worked on a range of domestic and commercial gardens; she is able to design in a range of media, including Auto Cad, Photoshop and 3D modelling. www.suemclaughlin.co.uk

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

canvas with a lawn and miniscule patio. It also had the challenge of six drains on the property that had to be worked round. It was decided to dispense with a lawn in favour of a large patio area and reﬂective stainless steel inﬁnity pools to form the negative space. Overabundant planting is intersected by gravel paths. Existing hedging was clipped back, and new beech hedges created green walls. An aluminium pergola frames the back of the garden, linking the cool grey paving and water features, and incorporates a more intimate seating area away from the house. As this is a relatively small garden a false path was created through the existing hedge to give the impression of a garden beyond.

An aluminium pergola frames the back of the garden, linking the cool grey paving and water features, and incorporates a more intimate seating area away from the house

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1 The garden looking back to the bungalow. 2 Ceramic ammonite bird bath sculpture by Sue Mclaughlin. 3 Glass and stainless steel sculpture, by Jane Bohane. 4 Aluminum pergola. 5 Before photo. 6 Water feature construction detail, by Sue McLaughlin. 7 Concept plan. 5

REFERENCES Designer/contractor Susan McLaughlin Garden Art Designs, Fircroft, Barrow Hill, Henfield BN5 9DN Tel: 01273493996 Email: sue@ suemclaughlin.co.uk Web: www.gardenart designs.co.uk Paving (Spacific Blue, sawn edges) Pinks Hill Itchel Lane, Crondall, Hampshire GU10 5PX Tel: 01252 852586

Email: info@lovestoneuk. com Web: www.lovestoneuk. com

Plants Coblands Nurseries Ltd Trench Road, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 9NG Tel: 01732 770999. Email: info@coblands. co.uk Web: www.coblands. co.uk Pergola â&#x20AC;&#x201C; designed by Sue McLaughlin,

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components supplied by Octanorm RTD Systems Ltd, Unit 10, Mole Business Park, Randalls Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7BA Tel: 020 8545 2945 Email: solutions@ octanorm.co.uk Web: www.octanorm. co.uk Water feature Privett International Ltd Unit 3, Little Shellwood Farm, Clayhill Road, Leigh,

Surrey RH2 8PA Tel: 01306 611040 Email: sales@privettint. co.uk Web: www.privettint.co.uk

Gravel Parker Building Supplies (Head Office) Westminster House Bolton Close, Bellbrook Business Park, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 1QZ Tel: 01825 761661 Email: headoffice@ parkerbs.com Web: www.parkerbs.com

Glass sculpture Jane Bohane Tel: 07855 149566 Email: info@janebohane. com Web: www.janebohane. com Ammonite ceramic sphere designed by Sue McLaughlin Web: www.suemclaughlin. co.uk Hedging Readyhedge Ltd Court Gate Nursery,

Station Road, Eckington, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 3BB Tel: 01386 750585 Email: simon@ readyhedgeltd.com Web: www.readyhedge ltd.com

Trees Palmstead Nurseries Limited Harville Road, Wye, Ashford, Kent TN25 5EU Tel: 01233 813340 Email: sales@palmstead. co.uk

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

Portfolio

LEVEL BEST PC Landscapes A steep-sloping site in Guildford with an 11m height difference between front and rear posed an obvious set of challenges to surmount for the design and build contractor

PC LANDSCAPES Paul Cowell founded PCLandscapes in 1993. We are a multi award-winning design and build company that works closely with a range of clients from concept to completion on any commercial, construction, parkland, urban or large domestic project. As a company we are committed to providing environmental and sustainable solutions on all our projects. Paul Cowell is a Chartered landscape architect, a registered MSGD, MBALI and incumbent Chairman of BALI. www.pclandscapes.co.uk

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

BALI AWARDS 2005 ● Principal Award – Winner ● Design & Build Award – Winner

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his project in Guildford is one of the most challenging we have come across. After the first meeting with the client it became apparent that this was far more than a few small walls and a pond as initially outlined in the phone enquiry. Armed with a laptop we explained exactly what a design and build company can offer and the work stages necessary to achieve the project. The clients were suitably impressed and a visit to another steep-sloping site we currently had running close by secured the job. We arranged for the site survey and proceeded to take the brief. The survey showed an 11m difference from front to rear, the geology was chalk with 200mm topsoil coverage. The brief was simple: “Create a series of usable entertaining spaces incorporating the existing materials, while providing a more light, spacious feel to the rear garden”. During the consultation we gathered historical information about the house and garden. The one-acre plot stretched between two roads and as such the driveway connected to both, which were quiet residential roads. These residents had known the previous property owner and frequently used the drive and garden as a cut-through with his permission. Things were about to change. DESIGN CONCEPT The concept was developed based around the reflected architecture, symmetry, shadow lines, levels and available materials on site, mostly the abundance of Bargate stone. We produced a masterplan and arranged for the planning officer to call round to run through the project prior to submission. While awaiting planning approval we engaged the structural engineer to undertake the wall calculations and subsequent drawings and so on, and made contact with the tree officer and highways department. The neighbours were

The brief was to create usable entertaining spaces that would incorporate the existing materials, while providing a more light and spacious feel to the rear garden www.prolandscapermagazine.com

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

Portfolio

1 Banking against the house. 2 and 3 Construction of terracing. 4 and 5 Garden on completion.

We completed the project and ﬁnished pointing the last ﬂight of steps at 8pm on the Friday night. The birthday party started at midday on Saturday

6 Excavation in progress.

invited to review the new garden plans and application which proved effective as they were approved with only one objection. The costs had been approved at just over £100,000, build contracts signed and then the client mentioned that they would like the garden ﬁnished in just over 12 weeks’ time for their daughters 21st birthday at which stage we hadn’t even started digging. Work started in organised haste, storing materials that were being reused higher up the garden (always easier to push wheelbarrows full of stone down hill) removing bulbs and shrubs into a temporary nursery bed. As we were on chalk we site-stripped an area at the front to June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

provide additional space for loading and unloading (for grab lorries) and to minimise damage to the driveway. However, 150mm down we hit and broke the gas main, which was repaired by the gas company. Highways placed parking restriction notices outside and opposite the address as we needed the entire width of the road to reverse in the large lorries. Due to time constraints we also had to ensure we were ahead of any material lead times as the coping stones (although one of the last items to be placed) were on a 10-week lead from Cranborne Stone. The excavation went smoothly, only coming across two unknown subterranean chambers. A quick call to the

structural engineer resulted in one being pumped full of concrete and the other turned into a rain water harvesting tank and system. We moved around 500 tonnes with 350 being removed offsite and the remainder used as backﬁll and to level other areas. We used a marquee on site to dress the stone during those rainy days, the steel reinforcing took slightly longer than expected but was ﬁnally approved by the engineer. CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS The concrete was pumped in with all foundations, steps and pads poured, vibrated and levelled in one day. A gang of builders did the blockwork, which kept our team fresh so they could www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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6 5

concentrate on the stone finishing and detail work. The drainage pipes and vertical drainage systems went in along with the conduit runs, lighting and power cables. The flow of work progressed well, remembering we had to have certain areas to finished levels and turfed to allow the lawn to root enough prior to the party guests trampling all over it. We used all the stone and only needed an extra 4 tonnes, but we’d allocated a PC sum for ten. The extra money saved was spent quite willingly by the client as she loved her plants. For the planting scheme we took the red of the bricks and the blue of the slate to reflect the cool blues and grey foliage plants on the left www.prolandscapermagazine.com

through the spectrum to the hot flowering colours on the right. We completed the project and finished pointing the last flight of steps at 8pm Friday night. The birthday party started midday Saturday – lots of time. Since completing this project it has won a BALI Principle Award as well as a Design and Build award. It has proved popular with new clients to this day who still engage us based on this project alone, along with numerous recommendations. We are frequently engaged as consultant landscape architects on design-only projects as well as being fortunate to work with other well known garden designers and building architects to construct their visions.

REFERENCES Designer/Contractor PC Landscapes Ltd Abbott House, Hale Road, Farnham, Surrey GU9 9QH Tel: 01252 891150 Email: info@pcland scapes.co.uk Web: www.pcland scapes.co.uk Coping Stones Cranborne Stone Butts Pond, Sturminster, Dorset DT10 1AZ

Tel: 01258 472685 Email: team@cranborne stone.com

Plants North Hill Nursery Scotts Grove Road, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8DW Tel: 01276 858800 Email: sales@northhill nurseries.co.uk Web: www.northhill nurseries.co.uk

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

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artistic licence

Project duration 7 weeks Cost ÂŁ60,000

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

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Jill Fenwick As an art school graduate who gained several years’ experience as an illustrator, Jill was the perfect choice to design this garden for her creative clients y clients were looking for a creative designer with an artistic background to create an attractive setting for their highly individual house. The architect was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, and my clients were used to working in the creative arts. My ﬁve years at art school, several years of working as an illustrator and then garden designer, ﬁtted the bill. Their must-have list included a pond, a terrace, a vegetable garden and compost bins. Beyond those requirements, I was given a free hand, which for a designer is the perfect brief. Like many new-builds, the back garden was very short in length, so my main aim was to extend the garden visually into the wonderful view beyond. By using a simple black iron balustrade that the eye hardly sees, the ‘borrowed landscape’ then becomes part of the garden. The terrace was set away from the house, which meant that it was exposed to longer periods of sunshine and caught the last rays of sun in the evening. This gave me an excuse

JILL FENWICK

The clients’ must-have list included a pond, a terrace, a vegetable garden and compost bins. Beyond those requirements, I was given a free hand, which for a designer is the perfect brief

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Over the past 20 years, Jill Fenwick has created outstanding gardens ranging from small town plots to large country estates in the south and south-west of England. Several of these have been featured on TV and have included ‘Landscape Man’ for Channel 4. Among her many awards, Jill’s design for the landscape contractor Artscape was the winner of the Overall Design and Build Award in the APL Awards 2010. www.jillfenwick.co.uk

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

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1 (Previous page) The circular pond. 2 Plan view of the site. 3 Drawing showing the path down to the terrace. 4 The front entrance to the house. 5 Stepping stone path to the back garden.

to use one of my favourite devices, seen in many Japanese gardens – the ‘yatsuhashi bridge’ or zigzag path across to the terrace. Set among a planting of Miscanthus sinensis ‘Flamingo’ it makes one view the garden from different angles. The simplicity of the design works well with the ﬁne lines of the house, and the herbaceous and grassy planting softens the whole look. A great deal of the success of the garden lies in its upkeep. The clients are very involved in maintaining the garden, and have personally made it their own. TRICKY PROBLEMS The main problem was trying to construct the

garden at the same time as the builders were ﬁnishing the house and the 3m-high retaining walls and steps in the front garden. The build took place through a very wet winter and the dense clay soil had been both thoroughly compacted and waterlogged by the developers’ heavy machinery. They were contracted to lay the paths and steps around the house, which were not laid to the exacting standards of a good landscape contractor. A large proportion of the garden costs involved were in preparing the soil ready for planting. Access on site was extremely difﬁcult, but The Outdoor Room coped very well. Both the hard and soft landscaping were of a very high quality.

REFERENCES Designer Jill Fenwick MSGD St Martins, 32 Horse Street, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol BS37 6DB Tel: 01454 326714 Email: jill@jillfenwick.co.uk Web: www.jillfenwick. co.uk Contractor The Outdoor Room Ltd High Seat, 1 High Street, Billingshurst, West Sussex RH19 9PJ Tel: 01403 780354 Email: inquiries@ theoutdoorroom.co.uk

Web: www.theoutdoor room.co.uk

Architect Martin Eagles JS Partnership, 77 High Street, Caterham, Surrey CR3 5UF Tel: 01883 330 130 Email: martin@ jsarchitects.com Paving and gravel Rock Unique Ltd c/o Select Garden and Pet Centre, Main Road (A25) cnr, Dryhill Lane, Sundridge,

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 6ED Tel: 01959 565608 Email: stone@rockunique.com Web: www.rock-unique. com

Plants North Hill Nurseries Scotts Grove Road, Chobham, Woking, Surrey GU24 8DW Tel: 01276 858800 Email: sales@northhill nurseries.co.uk Web: www.northhill nurseries.co.uk

Plants Limited Woodcock Lane, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8TS Tel: 01276 855855 Email: Sales@Plants. co.uk Web: www.plants.co.uk

Sleepers AVS Fencing Supplies Brookside Rural Park, Church Street, Rudgwick West Sussex RH12 3AU Tel: 0800 019 7405 Web: www.avsfencing. co.uk 5

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June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6 24/4/12 15:35:24

Join Green-tech on stand C6

at the BALI 2012 Landscape Show 19th-20th June The The Green-tech Green-tech team team will will be be profiling profiling aa range range of of products products to to Protect, Protect, Enhance Enhance and and Improve Improve Plants Plants and and their their environment. environment. •• Topsoils Topsoils & & Growing Growing media media •• Tree Tree grilles grilles & & Guards Guards

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ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

BALI – 40th Anniversary

What are your thoughts about your first year? My first year at BALI has gone so quickly. When I took up the role of Chief Operations Officer I had underestimated the phenomenal amount of work that the BALI team get through. I must congratulate and thank them all as they have been extremely supportive and have helped the Association to move forward greatly. We plan to keep BALI progressing in the right direction so that members feel the benefit of all our work. What feedback have you received on your meetings with members, and what are their views on BALI? I’ve met around 240 BALI members over the past year at various meetings. Some members felt that BALI could do so much more for them but I am pleased to report that in the last four to five months feedback has been positive. I am very grateful to all those whom I have met along the way so far, for being so welcoming and keen to work with me to ensure we are providing for our members’ needs. Members attending BALI meetings and events find the networking is fantastic, and I would urge them to take part in both the regional and national opportunities that arise. Has membership grown? It has grown over the past 12 months, but my biggest concern is for the members who have had to lapse their membership for one reason or another. This year the attrition rate for member companies which have gone into liquidation or administration has been particularly worrying. This is a saddening sign of the impact of the current economic climate. BALI’s role at times like these is in supporting members and facilitating opportunities for them to benefit from colleague referrals and joint working relationships. Have your opinions about the industry changed? I believe that we are working in a fantastic

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

INTERVIEW Pro Landscaper met with Wayne Grills, BALI Chief Operations Ofﬁcer industry. The camaraderie is excellent and everyone that I have had the pleasure of meeting (whether BALI member or not) has a common goal of wanting it to progress and be seen and perceived as a professional industry that delivers quality projects and schemes. What have been your main challenges? Two of my main challenges have been, and continue to be, getting members to feedback and understand the membership potential. We are now beginning to get very constructive feedback that will help shape the association for the future. As far as understanding the membership potential is concerned, we have commissioned market research that will help us to gauge what potential members would look to gain from membership of an association. We’ll be asking the same question of lapsed BALI members too. We have to be sure that what we’re offering is what they need and not what we think they need.

country. BALI is well represented among the landscape construction companies working in the park and the many product suppliers whose materials have created it. I am proud that BALI’s contribution has paved the way for our members to be involved in its construction and maintaining its legacy. The BALI Show 2011 was a huge success, with more than 1,200 visitors and great feedback; the 2012 event this June is already promising to be even better. Of course, the superb BALI National Landscape Awards in December 2011 provided a great opportunity to celebrate the quality and excellence that this fantastic industry achieves. And now that we are in our 40th year as an association, we will celebrate BALI’s success at a gala dinner on 19 June. Throughout 2011/12 BALI has been working collaboratively with other industry associations for the good of the wider industry. The most recent example is the frustrating drought situation and the range of associations that have come together to form one industry voice.

What are the success stories? The biggest success story to celebrate this year is the contribution of BALI members to the construction of the amazing Olympic Park and other Olympic venues around the

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BALI – 40th Anniversary

BALI has also been in discussions with the NCF (National Contractors Forum), resulting in the two parties agreeing to work together. The BALI Show will see the ofﬁcial launch of the new BALI-NCF partnership. BALI has rejoined the All Party Parliamentary Gardening and Horticulture Group (APPGHG) and also, as the UK landscape industry’s representative body within the European Landscape Contractors Association (ELCA), it is uniquely placed to act as a conduit between the European and UK industries and lobby the UK government on issues that affect our members. Our presence within ELCA also gives us access to lobby the European Parliament on EU Directives.

LOOKING AHEAD What are BALI’s future plans, short and long term? The BALI Strategic Plan covers a ﬁve-year rolling period – as we achieve one objective another takes its place so it is constantly being updated. In the short to medium term our plans revolve around retaining our existing membership and attracting new members by making sure that we are delivering the right package of beneﬁts and support. We will also be actively promoting the BALI brand and the quality message that underpins it to the consumer while ensuring that our members in the public and commercial sectors have the very best chance of being invited to tender for major works. Have you set targets to grow membership? Yes, although once we have completed our market research we will have a better understanding of how realistic and achievable those targets are going to be. Using this research we’ll also be able to identify how best to reach that market in the future.

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Where do you think that BALI can grow its influence? I believe that BALI is already influencing decision-making in the UK at central government level in collaboration with other industry bodies, and in Europe through its ELCA membership. However, we have much to do at local government level to ensure that BALI Registered contractors are recognised for their professionalism and commitment to safe working and staff training. With the introduction and vigorous promotion of so many accreditations – CHAS, SafeContractor, ISO 9001, NHSS 18 and so on – the criteria for achieving BALI Registered status have perhaps been overshadowed. This is definitely something we must address.

informative seminar programme, and in addition, this year we have the new Contractors’ Zone, as well as the heats of the WorldSkills UK Landscape Gardening Competition. I would encourage everyone in the industry to come and visit as it promises to be a great event. What do BALI hope to achieve from the show? BALI aims to bring the industry together to learn about new products, techniques and services. Speciﬁers will be able to discuss projects with designers and contractors and identify those that might deliver the scheme they need, and contractors and designers in turn will be able to identify business opportunities.

We have much to do at local government level for BALI Registered contractors to be recognised for professionalism and commitment to safe working and staff training. Do you hope to grow your events/ awards and increase members’ interaction? Absolutely. The BALI Awards are a fantastic opportunity for BALI contractors and designers to achieve recognition for professional excellence. Winning an award has an immediate positive effect on a business, acting as an amazing marketing tool and boosting the morale of those working in the winning business. The Awards ceremony is a unique opportunity to network with the great and the good of the industry and experience the outstanding levels of achievement.

THE BALI SHOW 2012 What can we look forward to this year? Exhibitors at this year’s BALI Show will be showcasing an impressive range of products and services aimed speciﬁcally at landscapers, speciﬁers and designers. There will be an

40TH ANNIVERSARY What are BALI’s anniversary plans? BALI will be celebrating formally with the gala dinner on the evening of 19 June at the Chesford Grange Hotel, near Stoneleigh Park. Tickets are selling rapidly. For anyone considering joining us I would urge them to visit the BALI website at www.bali.org.uk or call Kirsty Wood on 02476 690333. How can members get involved? Several member companies, including headline sponsors Green-Tech Ltd, are helping BALI celebrate by sponsoring the gala dinner and we thank them for their support. We hope our members will celebrate with us at what promises to be a wonderful evening and will undoubtedly compare notes and anecdotes in between enjoying a fabulous meal and dancing. It will be a night to remember.

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

BALI – 40th Anniversary

When a handful of luminaries decided 40 years ago that the landscape industry deserved its own dedicated trade association, the British Association of Landscape Industries was born. Until that time, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) had provided a home for those working in areas allied to, but not exactly in, horticulture. But as the landscape and grounds maintenance sectors grew, landscape practitioners wanted a strong, independent voice and their own organisation that would support them and their businesses. Jeffrey Bernhard of Bernhard’s of Rugby, who was Chairman of the Executive Committee of the HTA’s Landscape Group in 1971, headed up the steering committee for the new association and, with the support of other industry names including Geoffrey Chalk (managing director of Gavin Jones Nurseries at the time) and Les Bailey (then director of Blakedown Nurseries), BALI began to attract many well known landscaping companies as members. Jeffrey Bernhard became BALI’s first National Chairman and the Association’s very first conference and AGM was held that same year at Merrist Wood College near Guildford. Merrist Wood is holding its own 40th anniversary celebration on 1 November in recognition of the college’s introduction to its curriculum in 1972 of the very first landscaping course in the country and, quite

Celebrating 40 years

BALI HISTORY 1972-2012 possibly, the world. BALI will be joining in their celebrations in November in recognition of both the college’s support for BALI in the early days of the Association and its continuing commitment today. Looking back over the years there have been a number of notable achievements of which BALI can be justly proud. It was thanks to BALI, following a suggestion and

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

subsequent lobbying by the National Chairman from 1978-1979 (and current BALI vetting officer) Peter Jennins and his committee, that the National Garden Festivals were eventually given the go ahead. Taking place in Liverpool, Stoke on Trent, Glasgow, Gateshead and Ebbw Vale between 1984 and 1992, these wonderful advertisements for the landscaping and horticulture industries resulted in the much-needed regeneration of socially and economically derelict industrial areas across Britain. BALI’s contribution, alongside other key industry and professional bodies, to the planning and construction of the Olympic Park is a present day parallel. But whereas generations of Londoners and visitors to the capital will be enjoying the benefits of the legacy park in its current form for generations to come, none of the five original Garden Festival sites has remained as it was when it was first constructed, albeit all have undoubtedly regenerated the former industrial areas in which they took place. The BALI Awards were introduced not long after BALI was established. Originally

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BALI – 40th Anniversary

sponsored by Fisons, they have developed over the years into the industry’s premier awards event. Their purpose in those early days, as now, was to draw attention to the standards of professionalism achieved by BALI members and, in so doing, raise standards across the wider industry. Winners over the years have received their awards from such names as Chris Beardshaw, Lord Sebastian Coe KG, David Domoney and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and each December the Awards ceremony attracts 800-plus guests from among the great and the good of the landscape industry to the Grosvenor House in Park Lane, London. Developing the landscapers of tomorrow

the show in its present manifestation, there have been BALI shows before, some years ago. Only when BALI felt the time was right to resurrect a landscape-focused external exhibition was BALI – The Landscaping Show conceived and now we look forward to a bumper second show at Stoneleigh in June. The BALI membership has grown from circa 230 in 1975 to more than 700 today and the disciplines represented among the membership have grown too. In the early days of BALI, garden design, as opposed to landscape architecture, struggled to receive acknowledgement as a profession in its own right and those garden designers working in the industry had no natural home until the

Membership has grown from circa 230 in 1975 to over 700 today and the disciplines represented have grown too has been another cause celebre for BALI over the years. The Association continues to work with schools and colleges to promote landscaping as a career and for the past six years has project managed the WorldSkills UK Landscape Gardening Competition. This has provided a public platform for young landscapers to demonstrate their landscaping skills and compete against their peers from the UK and, for some particularly talented youngsters who win the UK competition, from across the World. This year the national heats take place at the BALI Show at Stoneleigh Park on 19 and 20 June; surely there can be no tougher environment for a young landscaper to demonstrate his or her skills. BALI has had only a few homes in its 40-year history, starting in West Yorkshire (Bingley, then Keighley) and, since its opening in July 2000 by Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy, Landscape House at Stoneleigh Park – former home of the Royal Show. Stoneleigh is a perfect location for BALI; at the centre of its national membership, close to other industry bodies, and with the ideal surroundings and infrastructure for the BALI Show. Although this is only the second year of

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Society of Garden Designers was formed in 1981. As the importance and undeniable benefits of designers and contractors understanding each other’s disciplines became more apparent, BALI introduced its Designer Membership and welcomed designers into the Association. Subsequently, the achievements of BALI Registered Designers at Chelsea and other prestigious events, and at the BALI Awards, have demonstrated the absolute sense of designers and contractors working closely together to their mutual benefit and the

benefit of their clients. BALI events and regional workshops are all the better for the contribution of our Designer members. The number of support staff at Landscape House has grown over the years. In the early days there was a General Secretary who oversaw the administrative function and day to day member support. As the Association grew, and the support staff along with it, the role developed into Chief Executive, held in recent years by Paul Kerr, David Spencer, and Sandra Loton-Jones. Its latest manifestation, reflecting the increased complexity of the appointment, is Chief Operations Officer, held currently by Wayne Grills. As if to demonstrate the sea change in how the Association is run, his remit is to implement the aims and objectives of BALI’s Strategic Plan, which reflects the ever-changing demands of the industry and needs of BALI’s members. What is particularly special about BALI is that there are still founder members, including Jeffrey Bernhard, who continue to take a keen interest in BALI’s future. He, along with 200 plus guests at the 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner who will include many former Chairmen and Chairwomen and their guests, will be celebrating the Association’s past while ensuring those currently at the helm continue to steer the ship into the future for the benefit of the members and the wider industry.

3 4

News, published in 1 (Previous page) 1972. The original BALI steering committee, 3 A gathering of past chairmen in 1993. with Jeffrey 4 The Olympic Bernhard seated at Park wildflower the head of the table. meadows. 2 (Previous page) The 5 Landscape House at very first editions Stoneleigh Park. of BALI Landscape

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

BALI – 40th Anniversary

LITTLE INTERVIEW

THE

NIGEL JEFFRIES Owner, Nigel Jeffries Landscapes www.nigel-jeffries.co.uk What would you say is the best thing about your job? Seeing our teams take ownership of their work and engage with our customers to produce high quality work. What made you want to get into the industry? A love of all things plants. After leaving Writtle College I backpacked around the world for a few years. In both Canada and Australia I worked for landscape gardening companies and knew that this was for me.

JOE WATSON Managing Director, Cotswold Estates and Gardens Ltd www.estatesandgardens. co.uk What would you say is the best thing about your job? Creating beautiful gardens. I also relish the challenge of the more technically demanding projects. What made you want to get into the industry? Nepotism. I joined the company following my father’s retirement in 1992.

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

A small insight into the world of BALI-registered contractors

Challenges ahead in your work? While I enjoy immensely the day to day running of the company I would like to delegate to be able to have more time for ‘other things’. How is the bulk of your work made up? It used to be hard landscaping but over the past 10 years we have moved more into grounds maintenance. Your company’s plans for the next ﬁve years… To continually grow the business but at the same time to be able to maintain margins and offer our customers the personal touch.

Learn to ﬂy, although according to my children I am too old already. Your proudest achievement? Winning Gold and Best Small Garden in Show at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show last year. Favourite song? Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin. Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter? Spring. Where’s your favourite holiday destination? Hong Kong.

One thing you want to do before you’re too old?

Challenges ahead in your work? Both the economic and meteorological climate present significant challenges that mean you have to be increasingly flexible and responsive. How is the bulk of your work made up? The construction of top end domestic gardens. Current trends in the market? Indian sandstone is relatively cheap and is being used instead of concrete slabs. Environmental issues are becoming more important with wild flower areas for pollinating insects increasingly common, as is rainwater harvesting. Olives have become increasingly

commonly speciﬁed in planting schemes in anticipation of Global Warming, however, many have died during the past couple of winters. Your company’s plans for the next ﬁve years… Survival. I think that the trading environment will continue to be extremely demanding for some considerable time to come. How do you remain competitive? Constantly reviewing working practices and trying to work smarter rather than harder.

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BALI – 40th Anniversary

ANDREW SPINK Managing Director, Vale Contract Services Ltd www.valecontracts.co.uk What would you say is the best thing about your job? Winning new contracts always gives you a great buzz, however, we are a people-based business and working with a great team has to be one of the best parts of my job. What made you want to get into the industry? I wanted to be a salesman at 15 and my career advisor said I need to ﬁnd a subject matter to sell. I liked being outdoors and growing things so I started a career in horticulture.

overview across the business and a substantial part played in business development and customer relationship. How do you remain competitive? Be innovative, harness technology, drive down cost and increase productivity – effectively you must be able to do more with less. Who are you inspired by? Business leaders who have balls. For example Michael O’Leary (love him or hate him), Sir Richard Branson, Steve Morgan, founder of Redrow. Politicians – Margaret Thatcher who gave entrepreneurial inspiration to thousands of people in the 1980s after the dark ages of the 1970s (literally – power cuts) by opening up huge markets – like grounds maintenance in the public sector.

Favourite ﬁlm and TV shows… The Godfather. Sky Sports channels and a really good Premier League game – helps me switch off for 90 minutes. One thing you want to do before you’re too old? Visit many destinations that are already on my “got to do list” including New Zealand, Australia and the Far East. Your proudest achievement? I guess building up a successful business from ground zero into a nationally recognised operator in a relatively short space of time. Favourite song? One day like this by Elbow, and Rule the World by Take That.

How is the bulk of your work made up? Strategic management of the business,

JIMMY GILCHRIST Managing Director, GP Plantscape Ltd www.gpplantscape.co.uk What would you say is the best thing about your job? Enjoying seeing our customers using the landscaped spaces we create and maintain, whether it be interior or exterior, combined with seeing people grow and develop within our organisation.

investment in landscape maintenance reaps dividends in good long-term sustainable landscaped areas. How is the bulk of your work made up? All commercial business to business customers of which are 30% interior, 70% exterior and support services such as Christmas displays and gritting and snow-clearing services.

What made you want to get into the industry? It’s in my roots. I am fourth generation of a horticultural family, so I grew up with my hands in the soil from an early age.

Current trends in the market? The interior market – less but with more impactful displays, for instance there are less interior plants in buildings, but the displays are more elaborate. The exterior market wants to embrace bio-diversity by reducing seasonal bedding and move towards basic but modern planting schemes.

Challenges ahead in your work? To get our customers to realise that an

Your company’s plans for the next ﬁve years…

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Over the past three years we have diversiﬁed into green waste recycling, producing a quality compost and will continue to do so, due to the reduction and use of peat. We have also recently started to produce bio-fuels for the energy plants of the future. How do you remain competitive? We’re very focused at continuously looking at our workload and processes to ensure the most effective ways of operating our teams, including machinery and vehicles. We continually develop our teams to ensure their skills and knowledge are at a high standard. All of which makes us compete on service. Who are you inspired by? My Granny. She worked in the family business, seven days a week until she was in her seventies.

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

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A-Z OF EXHIBITORS Addagrip Ltd ALS Ltd Azpects Easy Joint Ltd BALI Barkston Plastics Ltd Bartletts Tree Experts Ltd Boughton Loam & Turf Management Bradstone Ltd British Sugar TOP SOIL Burlington Stone Ltd CED Ltd David Austin Roses Ltd DMMP Ltd Enterprise Ltd Envirostik Ltd Euro Grass BV Filcris Ltd Gavin Jones Ltd G Burleys & Sons Ltd Glendale Services Ltd Global QA Consultants Ltd Global Stone Ltd Grace Landscapes Ltd Green Tech Ltd

T43 T33 A9 D5 T36 C5 A10 T56 T26 T70/T71 C5b T60 B9 G13 T51 T42 T21 G9 G7 G2 T34 A12 G8 C6

Grono Lawns Ltd Ground Control Ltd HFN Landscapes Ltd Hort Week Hy Tex Ltd Inscapes Ltd Institute of Lighting Professionals Inturf Ltd James Coles Nursery Ltd John O’Conner (Grounds Maint.) Kings Residential Landscapes Ltd Kyoeisha UK Ltd Landscape Amenity Product Update Landscapeplus Ltd The Landscaper Limagrain UK Ltd Long Rake Spar Ltd Marshalls Natural Stone Ltd Melcourt Industries Ltd MJ Abbott Ltd Natural Paving Products UK Ltd Norris & Gardinar Oakridge College Oak View Landscapes Ltd

D4a G10 G4 T65/T66 T52 T38 T72 T27 B8 G5 G12 B11 T67/T68 T69 T31 T59 T44 B12 T46 T61 C7 G1 T47 G3

Onsite Training UK Ltd Outdoor Places Ltd Oxford Plastics Ltd Penarth Management Ltd Perfectly Green Ltd Pro Landscaper Power Supplies Ltd PC Landscapes Ltd Q Lawns Ltd Ransomes Jacobsen Rigby Taylor Ltd Robert Field Landscapes Ltd SAPCA Serco Ltd Sheriff Amenity Ltd Smart Direct Ltd Soft Mulch Ltd Tango Rail Ltd Toro Grounds c/o Lely ( UK ) Ltd Vectorworks Woodland Horticulture Ltd Wyevale Nurseries Ltd

T73/74 12x12 E4 B14 T49 C5a 10x15 T50/58 A1 T20 G6 B10 A11 T39/T40 G11 T41 G14 T64 B7 D4b T32 B6 T57 T53 A6 T2

SEMINAR PROGRAMME Tuesday 19 June 11.00 – 12.30 pm NEW DEVELOPMENTS & INNOVATIONS – Dr Tom Tew will talk about Biodiversity Offsetting and Dr Anne Miller presents on Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services following the publication of the Natural Environment White Paper. 12.30 Launch of BALI-NCF 1.30 – 3.00 pm THE OLYMPIC LEGACY – Neil Mattinson of

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

LDA Design gives an insight into the collaboration on the design of the Olympic landscapes and Mike Ogden of Gavin Jones Ltd will talk about his team’s experience working on the Olympic Park/Athletes Village. Wednesday 20 June 11.00 – 12.30 pm THE IMPACT OF LANDSCAPING IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT – In this session Peter Wilder of Wilder Associates talks about The Nature of Innovation and Joanne Kwan

of CIRIA covers Large Trees in the Built Environment and their impact on climate change. 1.30 – 3.00 pm WORKING TOGETHER The implications of the JCLI Consultancy Agreement and Landscape Contract by Alex Johnson of Elemental Landscape Architects; and Tamsin Slatter of Vectorworks gives an overview on Site and Building Information Modelling in terms of designers working with other professionals.

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June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

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BALI 40th Anniversary

STONELEIGH PARK, WARWICKSHIRE CV8 2LZ

GO AND SEE AT BALI 2012

At Perfectly Green we are extremely excited about our new range of artificial grass products and are delighted to be showing them off in this year’s BALI Landscaping Show. This year’s range is even better than before, with products that are more realistic than ever. From Perfect Hampshire, a luxurious product which boasts a long, dense structure with high quality fibres, to Perfect Kent, which is soft to the touch but hardwearing and realistic all at the same time. Come and see for yourself – find us at Stand C5A.

Visit the leading industry magazine, Pro Landscaper,, on stand T50/58 for your chance to meet the team, discuss the exciting content, and let us know your thoughts about the publication. Pro Landscaper contains the most up to date, informative content, inspiring portfolios and tips on how to maximise your business. You can also sign up to receive the magazine by completing a subscription form at the show. We look forward to seeing you all there.

Capturing the essence of soft landscaping in the UK commercial sector, Coles Nurseries will be on hand to advise you on plant selection, suitability, variety and availability. Hedging material for structure and boundaries – herbaceous perennials and shrubs for colour, contrast and functionality – trees for creating statements, avenues and the ultimate in planting design impact. With a capacity of two million shrubs and one million trees, ﬁeld-grown and in containers, ﬁnd us at the crossroads of BALI and Playfair 2012, bursting with colour, foliage, form, shape and height – everything for the most diverse of planting schemes. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

How JoHn o’Conner delivers more For less We knoW that our most valuable asset is our people. that’s Why We put such investment in them. The personal pride our staff take in delivering quality work for clients comes from ensuring our employees feel valued and supported. That’s been the major reason for our success over the past 40 years, growing from a small family business to one that now serves clients throughout the UK. John O’Conner offers the complete range of external grounds maintenance services to a diverse client base which includes local authorities, housing associations, educational establishments and the corporate sector.

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BALI 40th Anniversary

STONELEIGH PARK, WARWICKSHIRE CV8 2LZ

GO AND SEE AT BALI 2012 Visitors to Stand T59 will have the opportunity to ﬁnd out more about Limagrain’s two very well established brands of amenity grass seed mixtures – Designer and MM. In addition, there will be information on our range of wildﬂower mixtures and the recently introduced Colour Splashes – the latter being ideal for an easy way of adding some stunning colour to parks, municipal gardens, golf courses, roundabouts and other locations. Visit www.limagrain.co.uk/amenity for more details.

Wyevale Nurseries of Hereford will be exhibiting at the BALI Show as a production nursery offering the whole range of hardy nursery stock to the Landscape Industry. Delivery is offered nationwide and to increase our availability to customers for instant landscaping we have two wholesale Cash & Carry nurseries: one is Wyevale East, located at Swanley near London; another, Greenline Plants, is located near Solihull, Birmingham. Let us at Wyevale Nurseries help you put a capital ‘Tree’ into Britain’s landscape as we all strive to keep overcrowded Great Britain a green and pleasant land.

During the show Penarth Management Limited will be running discounted ROLO courses from Landscape House. ROLO is a mandatory pre-requisite for the LISS/CSCS card, which in turn is required for NHSS18. Course details can be found at www.penarth. co.uk/training/rolo. To book your place, contact training@penarth.co. uk or call 029 2070 3328. At the show, Jodie and John will be on Stand T49 to discuss how Penarth Management Limited can help to implement and maintain Quality (ISO9001 & NHSS18), Environmental (ISO14001), Health and Safety (OHSAS18001) management systems.

Hy-Tex will be showcasing two new, fully biodegradable, environmentally friendly fabrics: Ecotex MulchMat is an organic weed control fabric offering reliable performance for up to five years, it is also naturally fire resistant, light and easy to install and visually pleasing; while GrassMat Supreme is a preseeded erosion control blanket that provides a stable and safe environment for effective vegetation restoration in a wide variety of locations. The blanket is also available with wild flower seed mixes incorporated – making it the ideal solution for creating wildflower havens to benefit bumblebees, butterflies and wildlife. The company is a family business with more than 20 years’ experience supplying landscaping and groundwork fabrics, nets and meshes for such applications as erosion control, weed suppression, tree root and Japanese Knotweed barriers and grass reinforcement, and these will also be featured on their stand. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

Site Visit

SITE VISIT

JACKSONS FENCING

Pro Landscaper visited the family-run fencing manufacterer as it celebrates its 65th year in business estling in the rolling hills of Kent is the home of Jacksons fencing. Started by current Managing Director Richard Jackson’s father Ian, along with his father Harry Sands Jackson who migrated to Kent from London to run a farm, some 65 years ago, they began to sell fencing when some stakes for the farm laid outside the entrance were bought by another local farmer. Mr Jackson sold them on and bought some more which were once again sold for a profit. This led them to thinking that fencing maybe more profitable than farming. H S Jackson and Son was born. Originally purely agricultural supply due to the local landscape, the business went into the supply of garden and equestrian fencing when the first pressure-treatment plant was installed on the site in the mid-1960s. As time passed garden fencing became more important with the main emphasis being on producing a quality product which is a philosophy continued to this day. The 20-acre site in Stowting Common, Ashford has as many as 200 employees split June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

between sales and production (steel and timber), and another 25 staff are based at Jacksons Bath and Chester sites. Supply of raw material products is primarily from south of England, Scandinavia, the Russian republics, Chile, New Zealand and the USA, with Jacksons having achieved PEFC and FSC certiﬁcation for its supply of timber.

company deliver all over the UK with 80% of products in stock at all times. Jacksons ﬁnd that most supply and installation is through recommendation, endorsing that the quality speaks for itself. Jacksons Expert Installers provide an excellent service and are put through a quality process to ensure the standards are consistently met. Currently,

Each stage in production requires scrutiny as to whether the product passes the test. Jacksons’ trademark brass badge that appears on every panel is testament to this STEEL AND TIMBER PRODUCTS Manufacturing at Jacksons is equally split between its steel and timber products – steel security fencing was introduced by the company in the 1980s to supply schools and factories with steel security fencing solutions. Exports currently amount to 8% of the business, servicing Europe and other countries as far and wide as Kazakhstan and Nepal with the remainder being throughout the UK. The

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Site Visit

1 Aerial view of Jacksons site in Kent. 2 Metal panel in the powder coating plant. 3 Timber manufacturing workshop. 4 Richard Jackson shows preservative in a stake. 5 Detail of the new Woven panel. 6 One of the ﬁrst show gardens – the Haven. 7 Jacksons badge of quality. 8 Jacksons lorry, circa 1947. 9 Ian Jackson with fencing stakes, circa 1947.

company performance records are regularly being beaten which is a good sign for business following the recession which affected many UK companies four to ﬁve years ago, giving hope that the industry is emerging from tough times. Turnover is £24m, which is growing year on year. Most of us may know Jacksons primarily as manufacturer and supplier of top-quality timber fencing; for posts, decking and joists that are going to have ground contact, its insistence on the use of four types of wood (Scots pine, Corsican pine, Southern Yellow Pine and Radiata Pine) ensures that it can offer a 25-year guarantee on the product. The company’s conﬁdence in the longevity is due to the initial kiln drying to take the moisture content down to below 30%, intense pressure treatment the wood receives through penetration of preservative chemicals – and strict rules on rejected wood due to imperfections and methods of cutting. Quality is uppermost in all

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stages of production, each stage requires scrutiny as to whether the product passes the test. Jacksons trademark brass badge that appears on every panel is testament to this. POWDER-COATING PLANT Steel gates and fencing are galvanised and powder coated in the company’s own powder-coating plant in a variety of colours, and it offers a 25-year guarantee on its steel products as well. Whatever a customer’s requirements it seems nothing is too much trouble for Jacksons and the answer is always “yes, we can do that”. Another valuable service offered to contractors is 7 the ability to create bespoke gates or decorative work required on gates. Fixtures and fittings can also be supplied, along with hand tools and automated access control systems. All fixings are stainless steel or heavily galvanised to match the quality of the timber product itself. The company introduced show gardens on to the site in 2010 by running a competition for garden designers and landscape architects to design gardens that visitors would find inspirational using Jacksons products partnered with other suppliers of plants and hard landscaping materials. The gardens, numbering

seven in total, were a huge success and have developed with two gardens being replaced in rotation each year so that up-to-date styles and products can be displayed. With the 65th anniversary of the company this year, celebrations include a trade day, monthly promotions, the two new show gardens, and a monthly prize draw seeing winning customers receiving tickets to the RHS Hampton Court Flower show and other goodies throughout the year. Anyone visiting Jacksons will leave with the feeling that they have been welcomed into the ‘family’ – the majority of employees are long serving, and rack up more than 300 years of experience between them, an impressive fact being that staff turnover in most businesses is upwards of 15% per year. The company is sure to be around for many years to come with the next generation of Jacksons eager to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors.

CONTACT Jacksons Fencing Stowting Common, Ashford, Kent TN25 6BN Tel: 01233 750393 Email: esales@jacksons-fencing.co.uk Web: www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

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Topsoils,Growing Media and Landscaping Materials

Quality? Consistency? Reliability C

Three very important words when considering the supplier of your growing media. Choose Boughton and you really will get a quality and consistent product, delivered to site when you want it. From Natural Topsoil to Bespoke Compost Mixes, Boughton are able to supply nationally, loose or bagged. We really do have every surface covered!

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Turf For Professionals With over 50 years experience in the turf industry we understand the high demands on turf professionals. With this in mind we have specifically tailored our products to offer the best possible service to every sector the turf industry nationwide. Whatever the turfing requirement contact Spearhead Turf today. For more information visit us online: www.spearheadturf.co.uk Or call 01638 742901 Spearhead Turf LTD

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June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

Visit our website to download A Guide To Topsoil www.bourneamenity.co.uk Bourne Amenity Ltd, The Wharf, Rye Road, Newenden, Kent, TN18 5QG Tel: 01797 252299 Fax: 01797 253115

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Topsoil

ON With a broad range of topsoils available for planting areas, Janine Pattison MSGD MBALI, discusses which option will best suits your needs

esigning fabulous planting schemes and sourcing perfect plants will be wasted if the soil they are being planted into is poor. The landscaper/garden designer needs to make sure the planting areas are correctly prepared before reaching for the plants. On many sites, there is insufficient topsoil to meet landscaping needs, so it is worth understanding the materials that are available. The term ‘topsoil’ can mean a variety of things and there are now a broad range of ‘soilbased’ materials sold as topsoil in the landscape industry, not all of them suitable for the intended purpose. The three main varieties of topsoil available are: ● Natural topsoil ● Manufactured topsoil ● Skip waste soil. During recent years, the last two have increased in availability due to the promotion of recycling and reduction of landfill. There has also been a decline in the availability of natural topsoil, while organic soil improvers such as green compost are increasingly produced. NATURAL TOPSOIL Natural topsoil is derived as a by-product of development of greenfield sites. Not always suitable for landscape use, it can range from a crumbly loam to an acid, nutrient-deficient sand or a strongly alkaline clay. While many topsoils are suitable for general landscape applications, those with more extreme characteristics are not, and they can facilitate

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Check that the soil has been tested in accordance with BS3882:2007.

● Accept topsoil that is too cloddy or wet or containing visible evidence of plastics, concrete or plant remains.

SKIP WASTE SOIL Unfortunately, one of the main alternatives to natural topsoil is ‘skip waste soil’. This is offered to the unsuspecting landscaper as ‘general purpose topsoil’ or ‘turfing soil’ or ‘screened topsoil’, from suppliers who cannot confirm the quality and suitability of their ‘product’. In terms of its physical and chemical soil properties, the material is usually extremely alkaline, saline, infertile, and often contains elevated levels of chemical contaminants and ‘sharps’ such as glass and ceramic shards. It has a fine granular structure and may slump or cap when used as a landscape soil, leading to drainage and growth problems. The landscaper/garden designer should avoid this soil. It is well worth a visit to the production facility to see how the soil is produced to satisfy yourself it is suitable for your project and in my experience, there is no substitute for being on site to check the load before it is tipped.

widespread plant failures. If in any doubt, inspect the soil and get the supplier to provide authentic certiﬁcation as to its quality. All soils traded should be tested in accordance with BS3882:2007.

● Thanks to Paul Brewer of Terragen Environmental Consultants Ltd (www. terragenenvironmental.co.uk) and Tim O’Hare, Principal Consultant, Tim O’Hare Associates LLP for their assistance with this article.

MANUFACTURED TOPSOIL Manufactured topsoil is two or more components mixed to form a rooting medium. Traditionally, these are ‘rootzones’, and consist of sand and natural topsoil at varying proportions, (i.e. 70 % sand and 30 % topsoil). A broader range of manufactured topsoil is now available, a blend of soil and subsoil with various bulky organic materials, such as green compost. In many instances, these materials provide a good alternative to natural topsoil as long as the correct components have been selected and blended to the correct ratios.

ABOUT JANINE PATTISON

DO ● Fully investigate on-site resources before considering importing topsoil. ● Use a reputable supplier. ● Establish the source of the topsoil and whether it is natural or has been manufactured. ● Ensure, through appropriate analysis, that the topsoil imported is suitable for the intended planting.

DON’T ● Accept non-documented or unveriﬁed loads of topsoil.

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

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

Paving

NATURAL STONE PAVING UNDERSTANDING THE CHARACTERISTICS

Paving Superstore has provided the following synopsis of typical paving materials used for domestic and commercial projects to ensure you have a broad knowledge of the properties and uses for each stone type. For further guidance through the various types of stone for your project visit www.pavingsuperstore.co.uk SANDSTONE PAVING Sandstone is a type of sedimentary rock formed of gritty sand grains and is available in a wide variety of colour shades. The beauty of sandstone is the colour variation between the slabs highlighting the fact that it is a natural product and the price is often reasonable. Most sandstone paving is sourced in India. Sandstone is available in a range of different textures, which include: 1 HANDCUT RIVEN SANDSTONE The surface texture of this stone is rough with occasional ridges and the edges of the slabs are tapered requiring the smallest face of the slab to be laid downwards. This is the most economical sandstone. It may be of random thickness, ranging between 25-40mm but is available as thinner 15-22mm thickness slabs. Some major paving brands offer a consistent thickness in the region of 22-24mm. This makes laying much quicker as the paving can be laid without the adjustments needed to level the stone. 2 ANTIQUE, TUMBLED SANDSTONE Antique style sandstone has been through June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

a secondary process to make it appear aged and weatherworn. This process smoothes the surface to provide a more gentle timeworn texture and softens the edges of the stone, making it suitable for period homes. It is often produced in a calibrated thickness where the variation in the thickness of the slab is kept to a minimum. The colours selected for tumbling tend to be muted colours typical of stone used in old period properties. This costs a little more than standard riven surface ďŹ nish. 3 SMOOTH, SAWN SANDSTONE This has a level, smooth surface and machinecut edges to give a sharp, clean appearance suited to contemporary styles. The surface texture is usually either honed or sand-blasted. It is produced in a calibrated thickness of around 20mm. This paving can often be laid with minimal pointing to add to the contemporary appeal of the stone. A subtle colour variation may be seen. This form of sandstone is the most expensive as a result of the additional processing.

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June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

Paving

In addition to its sandstone products, Paving Superstore supplies a wide range of other slabs which include: 4 LIMESTONE PAVING Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock formed mainly from calcium carbonate as a result of the accumulation of shell, coral and algal matter. It has a textured feel and a gently undulating surface and is available in a range of ﬁnishes. The key colour ranges with limestone are buff/grey, blue/grey and grey/black. The grey/black limestone is almost black in appearance and is often sealed to try and prevent colour loss from exposure to sun. Most limestone is sourced from India and offers good value for money. 5 SLATE PAVING Slate is a metamorphic rock, usually formed deep below the earth’s surface by heat and pressure which is formed in layers or strata. Slate paving is predominantly grey in colour. Its surface is fairly smooth with a slight sheen although it does have an occasional riven texture. It is very hardwearing, but exposed edges can be sharp. Slate paving is most often sourced from China or Brazil although British slate is also available. Slate works well in both traditional and contemporary style garden settings. 6 GRANITE PAVING Granite is an igneous rock formed from cooled, solidiﬁed lava. It is a hardwearing stone suiting contemporary style gardens and has a speckled appearance often containing crystals. It has a textured, non-slip surface. Colours range from light silver grey to yellow, pink, dark grey and black (basalt). It is sawn on all six sides and is offered as a 25 or 30mm thickness. Most granite paving is sourced from China or Portugal. 7 TRAVERTINE PAVING Travertine is a sedimentary rock, formed as calcium or limestone deposits made by hot springs. It is mainly seen in cream and beige June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

tones. Travertine paving is smooth to the touch and the paving is sawn on all six sides offering a clean, contemporary style although in the UK the up-keep may be challenging due to the pitted surface and the tendency to mildew in damp environments. Most travertine paving originates in the Mediterranean area. 8 YORKSTONE PAVING Yorkstone is a British sandstone usually sourced from Yorkshire and is a sedimentary rock formed from gritty sand grains. It is a hardwearing and durable material and can be supplied as a traditional, natural finish and often as a reclaimed material. Sawn and honed Yorkstone is increasing in popularity for use in contemporary styled gardens as its muted shades of warm beige or pale grey and the quality of material attract more discerning clientele. 9 CLAY PAVING Clay is the wet form of sandstone fired in a kiln to produce a resilient building material. It is formed into brick pavers suited to pathways and occasional driveway use and is ideal for period country homes. Colours include terracotta, pink, grey, yellow and black and the interesting traditional texture provides a striking alternative to sandstone or concrete cobble setts. 10 MARBLE PAVING Marble is a metamorphic rock mainly formed from limestone and then crystallized through heat and pressure. It is a finely structured stone polished to achieve a smooth surface with veining throughout. For exterior use, it is mainly found in silver grey shades. Marble usually originates from Italy. 11 PORPHYRY PAVING Porphyry is a metamorphic rock formed from lava and translates to ‘purple’ in Greek which describes the rich colouration in the stone. Porphyry paving most often has a riven surface and split sides and is commonly used in commercial projects such as cityscapes and

town-centre pavements due to its exceptional strength. It is also suited to high-scale domestic projects. Porphyry stone paving originates from Italy. 12 QUARTZITE PAVING Quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed from sandstone crystallized through pressure mainly from movement of the earth’s tectonic plates. It is mainly grey and white in colour and has occasional red and yellow mineral deposits. It has a rough texture and is a strong stone suited to projects requiring an unusual interesting paving material. Quartzite paving often originates in Norway or Ireland. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Clean fuel= clean air

• Aspen, alkylate petrol, especially developed for forest and garden machinery, reduces toxic hydrocarbons by 99%. • We also stock Ecopar, a toxic free, 100% biodegradable alternative to diesel – reduces carbon footprint by up to 50%. • Both are free of benzene, aromatics and sulphur. The ultimate health & safety product

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June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6 AAOC Pro Landscaper Aspen Ad.indd 2

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Marshalls Award

MARSHALLS CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR Darren Smith– Darren Smith Award Winning Driveways and Patios (formerly Maurice Smith & Sons Ltd) How long have you been trading? Around 40 years but I started to specialise in driveways, patios and gardens about 10 years ago. My father, Maurice, is semi-retired but is still involved in the business.

a limited budget and it included an unusual design feature adding interest and colour to the front of the property giving a unique focal point.

What geographical area do you cover? The Louth area and surrounding villages, covering a 25-mile radius. How is most of your work made up? Driveways and patios involving a design service. I enjoy brickwork, garden ponds and water features (some of which have been published in magazines), working with stone which is very individual, and creating award-winning gardens with unique design features. How long have you been on the Marshalls Register and why did you join? I’ve been on the register for 8-9 years and joined for the status it brings – it shows

customers you are a competent and reputable business and take pride in your work. Has being on the register helped you win work? Yes, people know you are trustworthy, and I’ve won contracts over non-registered members. Why did you enter this project for the Awards? I felt I’d created something different and special on

Why do you believe it won? I believe I managed to give the area that wow factor, by going that bit further you can create something eye catching with a limited budget – it’s so easy to be put off by the amount of cutting involved in such designs but the satisfaction I get from the ﬁnished result far outweighs the hard work involved. How do you hope winning will help grow your business? I hope it will show customers I offer something different and special, I wanted to go to art college after I left school but went into the family business so now I can use my artistic skills in landscaping. Already the amount of interest received in winning this award and has generated lots of local interest.

LATEST KIT: PAVING

A unique SUDS-compliant paving system comprised of recycled car tyres is being used on pathways within the residential courtyards of the Olympic Athletes’ village. Landscape Architects Macfarlane Wilder chose the SUDSCAPE System because it does not require a concrete or tarmac base, a key consideration for rooftop landscaping where access is difficult. The risk of standing water or flooding is eliminated as the SUDSCAPE system has porous and flexible layers, water is held within the voids within the sub-base until it is naturally absorbed. It is relatively quick to install, easily maintained with no weeding required, and also cost effective. WWW.SUDSCAPE.CO.UK www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Cranford Community College had grounds with old fashioned planting and dark uninviting conifer trees. The college decided to transform the area into the “Circle of Life” memorial garden. Designed by Wendy Stokes, the brief was for a calm contemporary, easy to maintain setting, with drought-resistant planting. A water feature was too costly, but the desired effect was created by a circular flow of aquamarine glass, a reflective steel ball, and a surround of warm Sienna resin-bound paving installed by Clearstone Paving. Alan Fraser of the college said: “The students find it a peaceful place, and I am very pleased with the quality of workmanship of the team involved.” WWW.CLEARSTONEPAVING.CO.UK

June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

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Trading with…

TRADING WITH…

HUSQVARNA UK Trade Marketing Manager Andy Eastaugh discusses the company’s ethos, products and future plans Give us a brief outline of your company Husqvarna Group has a history spanning more than 300 years and is the world’s largest producer of outdoor power products including chainsaws, trimmers, lawn mowers and garden tractors. We also own the Gardena brand. The Group product range is sold in more than 100 countries worldwide. What is the ethos of the company? Our ethos focuses on cost-efﬁciency, customer care and a passion for developing innovative products. We have also increased our focus on environmentally friendly products which has led to a major new product category launch. What is the structure of the company? Husqvarna Group comprises key ﬁve business units and manages several brands, including three global brands in the forest, lawn and garden business: Husqvarna, Gardena and McCulloch. The Husqvarna Group product categories include: ● Ride-on products. ● Walk-behind products. ● Handheld products. ● Watering products. ● Accessories and garden tools. ● Construction. What is your route to market? Do you have a network of dealers? Husqvarna branded products are sold exclusively through dealers to professional users and consumers. Our dealers also offer technical support, spare parts and accessories. How important is the landscape contractor to your business? Husqvarna is dedicated to providing innovative www.prolandscapermagazine.com

products to the landscaping professional. We’re launching two new diesel front riders, as well as brushcutters, hedgecutters, blowers and the relaunched electric K3000 wet powercutter, so this substantial investment reflects the importance of the landscape contractor to us. What additional support do you offer the landscape contractors? All products are supported by a two-year parts and labour warranty and telephone and in-field support for sales and technical-related enquiries. Where are your products manufactured? Our production is global and includes factories in the USA, Brazil, Japan, Sweden, Germany, Poland, China and of course the UK. Have you got any new products planned? If so, are you adding to your range, or just expanding it? We’re about to add another chapter to the Husqvarna history – battery-powered professional products, which means direct emissions are eliminated and maintenance, noise and vibration levels are all reduced. During 2012/2013, users will be able to experience a unique combination of high efficiency and clean operations, in a battery range consisting of hedge trimmers, grass trimmers, riders and chainsaws. How will remain competitive in 2012? By improving product service and training programmes for dealers, and spare parts availability, we’re aiming to increase dealer channel sales, reduce cost and have a more efficient customer service. How do you market your company?

We ensure the products available allow tasks to be completed with high performance, comfort and usability. We work closely with our dealer network, in the press, social media, digital marketing and exhibitions to ensure everyone is aware of the latest product news and developments. Why do landscapers choose your brand over your competitors? We give our professional users unique cutting results, cutting-edge engine technology and optimum user ergonomics. All of our innovations are the result of extensive development programmes in consultation with end users. How do you ensure that the contractor using your product is safe? Husqvarna has a proud history of the safety of products to reduce risk of injury and fatigue. We also offer a range of protective clothing and online ‘how to’ guides, so dealers and contractors can see how to use the equipment safely. What exhibitions will you be attending this year and why? We’ve been concentrating on developing our own shows and this Spring, the Husqvarna product experience-day tour focused on communicating the latest on the business, new products, promotional offers and opportunities for dealers to get hands-on with our latest products. In the Autumn the CLG productexperience tour will support development in the ‘Commercial Lawn & Garden’ sector of the market. The tour will provide ‘real life’ demonstration test areas for hands-on experience and cater for all hand-held, wheeled and ride-on commercial products. June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

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June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

TW 18/100G Impressive performance at an affordable price

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People

THE

LITTLE INTERVIEW

A small insight into the world of other professionals in our wide and varied industry. If you would like to appear in a future issue please email lisa.wilkinson@pro-landscaper.co.uk MARTIN FORD

LIZ PECK Greenroom Landscaping www.greenroomlandscaping. co.uk What would you say is the best thing about your job? Every day being different, the creativity, being outdoors and meeting interesting characters. What made you want to get into the industry? My love of plants, design, power tools and the outdoors. Challenges ahead in your work? Keeping competitive in this economic climate. So far we’ve weathered the storm, but you can never get complacent – you’re only as good as your last job! Current trends in the market? Our clients want sustainability and a garden that is both practical and environmentally friendly.

How do you remain competitive? By doing what we do well, being approachable and by taking our clients through every step of the process so that they always feel in control. Who are you inspired by? My mum and dad – they’re legends! Favourite ﬁlm and TV shows… Lord of the Rings and NCIS One thing you want to do before you’re too old? Win a gold medal at Chelsea. Your proudest achievement? Getting my degree and my marriage to my partner Russell Patterson of Greenroom Landscaping – he’ll hate me for saying that. Favourite song? Gosh, I have so many from so many different eras, but I suppose it’s got to be Queen’s You Take My Breath Away.

CHRIS MORTIMER a ﬁrst class job is done every time is the key to keeping ahead.

Chris Mortimer Grounds Maintenance, Suffolk What made you want to get into the industry? I followed my father into the industry. He started out in forestry before moving into grounds maintenance. Challenges ahead in your work? With our client list including many councils, budget cuts are the biggest worry. We help them with their budgets and look for extra services we can provide. How is the bulk of your work made up? Around 70% is grounds maintenance contracts. The other 30% is made up of tree surgery, landscaping and installation of street furniture. Current trends in the market? Being ultra-efﬁcient and cost effective. Ensuring www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Your company’s plans for the next ﬁve years… We will be looking to maintain our client base and add to it wherever possible. We will also be looking to diversify into other markets.

Business Development Executive, Gavin Jones Ltd What would you say is the best thing about your job? Visiting the many iconic sites we construct and maintain and meeting our dedicated, talented and enthusiastic workforce. What made you want to get into the industry? Landscaping chose me; it’s in the genes. My dad, uncle and grandad are all award-winning gardeners. Challenges ahead in your work? To convince those in charge of budgets that a well-maintained sustainable landscape can bring immeasurable beneﬁts. How is the bulk of your work made up? Developing relationships with potential clients, ensuring that I am well briefed on news and developments, as well as meeting existing clients and colleagues to help develop their areas/ divisions. Current trends in the market? The drought is the latest challenge: Gavin Jones has developed a sustainable, cost-effective solution to the problem many decision makers have when it comes to achieving seasonal colour – all will be revealed.

How do you remain competitive? We study the equipment market and get the best machines for each job, and do the best job for the most competitive price that is possible. With the cost of fuel we are looking to combine jobs in the same day to avoid unnecessary journeys.

Favourite ﬁlm and TV shows… Apart from Gardener’s World? The West Wing, Homeland, Masterchef and anything on Sky Sports.

Favourite ﬁlm and TV shows… The Great Escape is my favourite ﬁlm and River Cottage, Grand Designs and cookery programmes.

Countryside or seaside? Surprisingly, the seaside. Just. My childhood summers were spent on the beach and I went to university by the sea, in Portsmouth.

One thing you want to do before you’re too old? A sky dive.

One thing you want to do before you’re too old? Climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Your proudest achievement? Completing the London Marathon. June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

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June 2012 | Volume 2 | Issue 6

PREPARE FOR THE

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