Majestic Trees Supplement

To celebrate the Grand Opening of our Visitor Advice Centre and 15 years in business You are warmly invited to a Landscape Industry Symposium on

Biosecurity

How Xylella could put you out of business

Profitability

Debate: Why so many don’t make any money

Semi-mature trees Purchasing, handling and planting

Tuesday 12 September 2017 MEDIA PARTNER 1

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Majestic Trees | www.majestictrees.co.uk

17/08/2017 10:25

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An

Invitation

I

would like to personally invite the leaders of the garden design and landscape construction community to the Grand Opening of our new Visitor Advice Centre and celebration of 15 years in business. However, rather than focus on Majestic Trees, I would like to use this special occasion to hear about, and have a dialogue over, some of the most important issues that will impact our future.

Business wise, we have little to complain about, except for the serious threat posed by Xylella which has the potential to devastate all of our businesses. As a result, some of my UK nursery colleagues, for good reason, are calling for a partial or even complete ban on the importation of any plant material into the UK – they feel we are

Some of my UK nursery colleagues are calling for a partial or complete ban on the importation of plant material into the UK – they feel we are sleepwalking to disaster sleepwalking to disaster. Unfortunately, the fact remains that Xylella is not a disease like Chalara or Dutch Elm Disease that affects one type of tree, but one that to date has been found on over 300 species of plant. Is there no solution or way to stop Xylella? Come to our special event to learn more, so that we can decide what we should do before it is too late.

Whilst this is a serious challenge, I for one would not have invested so much in the future if I didn’t believe there was hope. We are an innovative people, one which when our back is against the wall comes out fighting, so let’s gather to enjoy this celebration, discover fresh ideas, be inspired to strive for excellence in all we do and go away with new tools to run our businesses.

As I have journeyed through my business life, I’ve learned so much from listening to others, watching how they do things, and applying what I learn to improve Majestic Trees and how we operate. I continue to learn every day and I hope that together we’re ready to share thoughts, address the threat to our biosecurity, and plan for the challenges we face in the year ahead.

So what better way to kick off the day than with one of the most inspirational horticulturists I know: Peter Seabrook.

After well over 60 years in horticulture he can still run circles around people half his age, and he still has the passion and drive that our industry needs. His honesty and willingness to challenge the status quo is always refreshing, and what better opener could there be for Nicola Spence, who will be here to present the challenges our industry faces and the need for all of us to do our part in the biosecurity debate.

I appreciate everyone who has kindly agreed to take part in the day, and the invaluable contribution they will make to the programme. There’s no doubt that their willingness to speak and participate will contribute significantly to the day’s success, as will Pro Landscaper’s partnership in the marketing and support of the event.

I’d also like to thank the Majestic Trees team who, through their hard work, have enabled this dream to become a reality. It’s this team that makes Majestic Trees what it is today.

Together, we have created a company committed to excellence and one which, in just 15 years, has been named UK Nursery Stock Grower of the Year a record four times. I may have vision, but without the dedicated workforce that delivers the ‘Quality, Service and Professionalism’ we’re known for – many of whom have been with us for over 10 years – we would not be the success story we are today.

Xylella is not a disease like Chalara or Dutch Elm Disease that affects one type of tree, but one that to date has been found on over 300 species of plant In the following pages you will find the not-to-be-missed programme for 12 September, surrounded by information on our history and the services we offer.

Additionally, there are a number of ads from a few of our valued suppliers, and we sincerely appreciate their support in helping us make this day happen.

In closing, thank you for your interest, and we look forward to meeting you at the Grand Opening of our Visitor Advice Centre. Don’t forget to pre-register, as we have a very special lunch planned!

Warm regards,

Steve McCurdy Managing Director

Majestic Trees | www.majestictrees.co.uk

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Programme of Events 08:30am -10:15am

Registration and refreshments – Why not enjoy a relaxed start by arriving early to avoid the traffic and spending some time browsing the nursery?

10:30am

Welcome, opening remarks and introduction – Steve McCurdy, MD of Majestic Trees.

10:35am

Grand Opening of the Visitor Advice Centre – Peter Seabrook, MBE, VMH., AH (RHS), MoH (RHS). Peter needs little introduction. He is still very active in the industry as a garden journalist, broadcaster and speaker, as well as serving on various committees and RHS trials. He has the energy of a man half his age and will share with you his passion for the future of our industry. Come and be inspired about what you can achieve if you have the drive, enthusiasm and willingness to work hard in the industry he still loves after 60 years.

11:00am

Keynote Address: Biosecurity: Risk and responsibility sharing; future threats and opportunities – Professor Nicola Spence, UK Chief Plant Health Officer and Deputy Director Plant and Bee Health, Varieties and Seeds, Animal and Plant Health Directorate, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. It is a great honour to welcome Nicola, as she challenges all of us to do our part in ensuring that there is a bright future for our industry by taking biosecurity seriously, especially in light of the emerging Xylella situation in the EU, and possible action on high risk hosts originating from the EU that will affect how we design and landscape our projects. Over the past three years as Chief Plant Health Officer, Nicola has spent a lot of time engaging with the nursery industry, and her openness has been refreshing. As garden designers and landscapers, her session is an opportunity not to be missed as we discuss the vital roles each of us in the industry must play to protect our nation’s landscape.

11:40am

Comfort Break

11:55am

Panel Discussion: Biosecurity: Does Xylella really affect me? Where is our industry going with biosecurity?

– Mark Gregory, Dip Hort; Wayne Grills, BALI; Peter Seabrook, MBE., VMH., AH(RHS), MoH (RHS); Andy Sturgeon, Dip (Landscape), FSGD; and Jon Wheatley, AH (RHS) moderated by Professor Nicola Spence, Chief Plant Health Officer. Xylella is one of the highest plant pathogen risks to the UK because over 300 species are affected, with the potential to have serious economic impacts on the UK nursery and landscape industry. Come and debate what strategies would most effectively protect our industry in light of proposed legislation that will change how we do things. What precautions and protocols should we be implementing and what changes do each of us need to make, urgently, as we procure our trees and shrubs?

12:40pm

Majestic Trees Video Presentation & 15-year cake! (Peter Seabrook to act as Master of Ceremony)

1pm

Complimentary Lunch – Please remember to pre-register as we will be serving a delicious gourmet lunch.

2pm

Seminar: Buyer’s Guide to Specimen Trees for the Trade Professional – Steve McCurdy, MD of Majestic Trees.

An in-depth look at tree production, focusing on the cultural practices that produce a quality specimen, such as: key product specifications and their significance in terms of comparing relative quality; what to look for when selecting a specimen tree, and pitfalls to avoid when sourcing trees in today’s increasingly ‘sight unseen’ buying culture.

2:40pm

Seminar: Successful, But Are You Profitable? – Presentation by John Wyer CMLI, FSGD. No stranger to our industry, and with numerous awards, John is passionate in his belief that too many garden designers, landscape architects and contractors get caught up in chasing recognition at the expense of financial viability.

3:00pm

Panel Discussion: Successful, But Are You Profitable? – Jody Lidgard, BA; Ann-Marie Powell, MSGD; Andy Sturgeon, FSGD; with John Wyer CMLI, FSGD and moderated by Jim Wilkinson, MD of Pro Landscaper.

We provide a valued service to an affluent client base, so why aren’t we charging accordingly? Let’s debate what we as an industry need to do, and hear what some of our panellists have done to improve their profitability.

4pm

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Comfort Break

4:15pm

Seminar/Demonstration: How to Plan for, Handle and Plant Big Trees with Mark Gregory, Dip Hort., Landform.

Who better to talk about the practicalities of moving specimen trees than Mark Gregory, who in this in-depth presentation will outline the planning needed, pitfalls to avoid, and on-site ‘how-to’ of the job. We’ll then move outside to see a live demonstration of the machines in action.

5:15pm

Informal Social – Drinks, canapés and a cheese board will be served in our meeting and garden area, so why not relax with friends for an hour or two and miss the traffic?

Majestic Trees | www.majestictrees.co.uk

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Speakers Static displays Various static displays will be set up for viewing throughout the day, demonstrating the options and services we offer, including loaded trucks and equipment, machinery, and various lifting, slinging and handling techniques.

Nursery demonstration See the Electrostatic Sprayer and how it uses 50% less chemicals, has 80% less drift, is much more effective and dramatically better for the operator and the environment.

Peter Seabrook MBE, VMH, AH (RHS), MoH (RHS) Peter Seabrook needs little introduction, as he is still active in the industry as a garden writer, columnist, and podcaster – as well as serving on various committees and RHS trials. His broadcasting career began with the BBC in 1965, working on In Your Garden and Gardeners’ Question Time. From 1975, he is best known to most of us as the face of BBC Gardeners’ World, Pebble Mill at One and coverage of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. In the US, he hosted The Victory Garden on PBS for over 20 years, and he has also been The Sun’s gardening columnist for 40 years.

He was honoured with the UK Grower of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

Peter started his career working on a local market garden at weekends. He grew sweet peas to sell to a local florist, and raised enough money to fly to Holland and visit nurseries when he was only 16. After leaving school, Peter was employed on seed trial grounds for two years before completing his Diploma in Horticulture at Writtle College in 1956.

After two years of national service he went to Cramphorn Garden Centre Group, working in all areas of nursery production, mail order and shows before becoming nursery director. He then spent four years at Bord na Mona before becoming consultant to leading wholesale nursery companies, and a director of garden centre companies.

He is a supporter of getting youth into horticulture, donating his time and money to speak and sponsor gardening in schools. He is involved in the RHS Campaign for School Gardening and has been a judge for RHS School Gardening Champion of the Year, RHS Young School Gardener of the Year competition and the RHS School Gardening Team of the Year.

Nicola Spence Professor Nicola Spence is the UK’s Chief Plant Health Officer, as well as the Deputy Director for Plant and Bee Health, Varieties and Seeds, Animal and Plant Health Directorate at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

She obtained her BSc. in Botany from Durham University, her MSc. in Microbiology from Birkbeck, University of London and her PhD in Virology from the University of Birmingham. Over the past eleven years she has worked in international plant health, serving as Head of Plant Health, then as the Chief Scientist at FERA. Prior to her work at DEFRA, Nicola worked as a horticultural research scientist in plant virology and plant health.

Those of you that have met Professor Spence will know that she is a breath of fresh air. While very learned, she is always practical and pragmatic, demonstrating a real understanding of the problems facing our industry and what she needs to do to sort the problem. She is particularly known for her ability to listen and rigorously debate the issues to a satisfactory conclusion, rather than kicking it into the long grass as is so often the case in government.

More speakers overleaf...

Majestic Trees | www.majestictrees.co.uk

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Speakers

continued

Wayne Grills Chief Executive, BALI Following an early career in the hospitality industry, Wayne Grills became Chief Executive of a range of awarding bodies and training consultancy companies and then Managing Director of the Lantra Awards in 2006. He joined BALI as Chief Operations Officer in 2011 and was appointed Chief Executive in 2015.

During his tenure Wayne has been instrumental in raising BALI’s profile at government level. He represents the association on the All Party Parliamentary Gardening and Horticulture Group and is BALI’s key protagonist for the industry’s skills shortage, overseeing the launch and development of the BALI GoLandscape careers initiative.

Jody Lidgard Bespoke Landscapes An award-winning landscaper, Jody’s team has won and contributed to numerous award-winning gardens at all the RHS shows – including Main Avenue gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show – as well as in Japan and New Zealand. He holds a City and Guilds National Certificate in Horticulture, Garden Design and Construction, a BTEC Higher National Diploma in Landscape Construction and Management and a BA (Hons) in Ethics and Sustainability. He is a qualified lecturer in landscape and horticulture ethics and sustainability.

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Mark Gregory Dip. Hort.

Managing Director, Landform Mark Gregory, Landform managing director and 20-time Gold medal winner at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, has won numerous industry awards. His energy and experience have given him a reputation for innovation and expertise within the landscaping community.

However, Mark is best known for his willingness to give his time to train and encourage others.

Mark lectures all over the country, delivering workshops and seminars for the Society of Garden Designers, BALI and APL, and is regularly consulted by other designers and contractors.

He has been a board member of the BALI and in 2010 was appointed as a director of the HTA and chairman of the APL, a position he served in for six years. Mark is a regular RHS Judge and Assessor and a former member of the Chelsea Gardens Panel. Since 2008 he has been co-director of the London College of Garden Design, as well as being a consultant to Bord Bia (Ireland’s National Garden Show) since 2006.

John Wyer CMLI, FSGD Chairman of Bowles & Wyer John Wyer has over 25 years’ professional experience and is a widely published and respected designer, lecturing in the UK and abroad. He has designed hundreds of landscape projects across London and the South East, many of which have won awards, ranging from private gardens to large scale development projects.

Majestic Trees | www.majestictrees.co.uk

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Andy Sturgeon

Steve McCurdy

MSGD

Dip. Landscape, FSGD

Ann-Marie Powell started her garden design practice in 1998, and has built an impressive portfolio of private and commercial gardens that combine contemporary design with innovative use of materials in a naturalist style. She has won a number of RHS Gold medals for her designs at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and other shows, but you will likely know her best from her TV appearances, including presenting BBC2’s The Great Chelsea Garden Challenge in 2015, and her ongoing BBC coverage of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, alongside the likes of Alan Titchmarsh and Monty Don. Ann-Marie has written no less than four informative and inspiring books, including ‘Plans for Small Gardens’ and ‘Landscaping Solutions for Small Spaces’. These books draw on her real-life experiences with trowel and spade, and her own love of unusual materials and hard landscape design.

She studied horticulture at Capel Manor College, where she graduated with a Distinction in Hard Landscape Studies and Garden Design.

Andy Sturgeon is the principal of the practice that he founded in 1988. He is considered one of the UK’s leading garden designers. He has won seven RHS Gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2016, and was awarded the coveted Best in Show in both 2010 and 2016. His many accolades are spread around the world, with gold medals at shows in Singapore, Korea and the USA. Closer to home, he has a considerable number of BALI and APL awards to his name.

He has worked all over the world, and his work has been featured on television and in books, magazines and newspapers worldwide. He is a published author, journalist and broadcaster, and an active commentator in the international horticultural sector. He graduated from the Welsh College of Horticulture in 1987, worked at RHS Wisley as a landscape gardener, and in his past life was an interior landscaper.

Managing Director, Majestic Trees

©Allan Pollok-Morris

Ann-Marie Powell

Jon Wheatley AH (RHS)

After graduating with a Landscape Architecture Degree from Manchester Metropolitan University in 1983, John became a Member of the Landscape Institute in 1990 and was recognised as a Fellow of the Society of Garden Designers in 2011. He is a past chair of the Society of Garden Designers and served on its council from 2004-2010.

John formed Bowles & Wyer with Chris Bowles in 1993 and takes a lead role in design, client liaison and planning.

John writes a blog that explores the design process, ponders the roles of landscape and maintenance, shares his passion to mentor, asks why so many in our industry undervalue their skills, and relates his adventures in cycling and pond swimming.

Jon Wheatley has served on the RHS Council since 2012, as well as being a member of the RHS Horticultural Board, Education Committee, Tender Ornamental Plant Committee and Awards Committee.

He is committed to promoting gardening and UK horticulture in all its aspects and values. As chairman of RHS South West in Bloom he leads a valued and expansive community horticultural initiative, aimed at improving the environment and volunteering with more than 600 groups in the South West.

Judging and showing is high on Jon’s list of interests, and he has been involved in designing and building many successful

Steve McCurdy has been working in the industry for 40 years.

He is an awardwinning grower, Majestic Trees having been four times awarded Nursery Stock Grower of the Year (UK Grower Awards) and twice awarded Silver at the IAPH (International Grower Awards). He is passionate in his advocacy for ever higher standards of quality and professionalism in the industry, which includes promoting proactive dialogue with legislators to ensure that new regulations for the horticultural industry are practical and effective.

Steve received his initial commercial horticultural education at Oaklands College of Agriculture and Horticulture, and trained at Thomas Rochfords & Sons. In 1979 he was selected to do a year’s work experience in California, and after his return worked in horticultural sales before moving to the US to marry Janet in 1982. Together they built the largest independent interior landscape company in Southern California, winning 93 national and state awards.

He and Janet returned to the UK in 2000 and sold their US company to focus on Majestic Trees. Steve has served on the HTA Ornamental Management Committee since 2012.

exhibits at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and other RHS shows over the years.

Jon’s career started in commercial horticulture and, after training at RHS Garden Wisley, focused on urban parks, landscape design and management.

With his dedication to the industry he loves, he can always be found mentoring others in the art and craft of show gardens as well as horticulture in general – besides finding time to run his nursery and landscape management company. Jon feels that horticulture truly matters and is committed to RHS values and the involvement of the wider community, particularly children and young people in the industry.

Majestic Trees | www.majestictrees.co.uk

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Registering To register for a free ticket simply contact us on 01903 777 581 or email amber.bernabe@eljays44.com

How to Attend LONDON LUTON AIRPORT

M1

JUNCTION 9

Majestic Trees is only ¼ mile from the M1, and eight miles north of the M25.

While we have a St Albans address, we are seven miles northwest from it, with our nearest town being Harpenden. If you come via the M1, exit at Junction 9 and go west (follow the A5/Whipsnade Zoo sign). Immediately on your left is a Harvester restaurant and Premier Inn complex. Take the next left turn, signposted ‘Flamstead’, onto Chequers Hill. On your immediate right is common land and a pond, followed by the entrance to the nursery.

Don’t forget to RSVP for a delicious gourmet lunch

If coming by train, the closest station is Harpenden, though Luton is not much further. Occasionally we will have customers fly in to Luton Airport.

If the weather dictates, we have a lovely selection of Hunter wellington boots for you to borrow. However, we always recommend that customers might prefer to bring their own work boots, as, being a production nursery, some areas do get muddy when it’s wet.

Chequers Hill, Flamstead, Nr St Albans, Herts AL3 8ET 8

Majestic Trees | www.majestictrees.co.uk

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Amenity Land Solutions

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Supplying professional landscaping, planting and amenity horticultural products for over 25 years

Trained and experienced Account Managers Access over 2000 products including market leading brands Shop Online www.amenity.co.uk Call 01952 641949

‘Go Nuts’ for Perennial Majestic Trees is a Gold Partner of Perennial and has contributed to and taken part in various events over the last few years. Majestic believes that Perennial’s support for those less fortunate, who fall on hard times through ill health or accident, is the best way to give back to our fellow horticulturists.

Last year the Majestic team took part in the ‘Go Nuts’ fundraiser under the leadership of our Sales Manager, Sarah Shynn, where the team’s training and competitive spirit swept the event! Winston won by over five minutes, but then he does do triathlons as well as marathons in his spare time! He was followed home by other Majestic Trees team members in third, fifth, and sixth positions, with our last two being much further back in the pack. Together, the industry was represented by approximately 63 competitors who raised funds for this worthy cause, and not only did Winston win but we were awarded the ‘First Team’ to finish and raised a little over £1,800!

Someone had to, so Hortus Loci

took the honour of being ‘Last Team’ home, but I’m sure they are in training to make sure they do better this year!

All told, the teams raised £13,800 last year, so if you want to take part in this year’s Go Nuts there is still time, as it’s being held soon, on Sunday 17 September in Dorking, Surrey. Or why not sponsor one of the teams taking part?

Majestic Trees | www.majestictrees.co.uk

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Company History

T

he story of Majestic Trees begins almost 20 years ago in California, where company founders Steve and Janet McCurdy lived at the time. Although born and raised in Britain, Steve’s horticultural training at Rochford’s Houseplants – then the largest nursery in the UK with 400 employees – had taken him to California many years previously. There he met his wife, Janet, and together they built a successful interior landscape company, servicing prestigious hotels, high profile commercial buildings and celebrity residences.

By 2001, their company was the largest independent in Southern California and had amassed 93 national and state-wide awards, which Steve and Janet attribute to their team’s quality, service and professionalism.

By 1997, a new business ambition had captured their imagination: years of planting large specimen containergrown trees had made them think there was the same opportunity in the UK. In July 2000 they took the plunge, moving the family back to the UK. After finding the current site and completing their business plan, they realised that they would have to sell their landscape business to fund the new operation.

In 2009 we completed an additional 3,500,000L rainwater harvesting reservoir to irrigate our trees

Majestic Milestones

10

May 2002

Feb 2003

Dec 2004

Feb 2008

Sept 2008

2011

Grand opening after a big advertising campaign for the trade. Our first month’s sales weigh in at £38!

Sales have dramatically improved, so we hire our first sales person, Christina Jones – the first of many longterm staff members.

After only 20 months, we rocket past £1m+ in turnover, with £1,326,000 in sales.

Majestic Trees wins the UK Nursery Stock Grower of the Year for the first time. The company would go on to be awarded this prize again in 2011, 2015, and 2017.

We purchase an adjoining 6.5 acres, expanding our site by 30% for a total of 19 acres.

Our team is awarded Investors in People, Silver on the first attempt.

Majestic Trees | www.majestictrees.co.uk

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During the summer of 2001 we built our first office and production shed, and lived in it for three years

The nursery today is a far cry from the waterlogged meadow we bought in 2001

The ambition was to tap unrealised market potential to grow mature trees in containers, and to provide in-house advisory and planting services to facilitate their sale – overcoming a significant obstacle to the growth of this market.

Steve and Janet would craft a unique new company for the horticultural industry: a production nursery with the visitor-friendly ambience of a destination shopping experience; a closely knit professional team whose commitment would be rewarded financially as the business grew, and a a bona fide horticultural grower that could service both the retail and trade market.

After two years of planning, construction and growing-on of trees, Majestic Trees opened for business in May 2002. We hit the ground running, quickly establishing ourselves as a ‘nursery to watch’; by autumn 2002 we were pressing

We are committed to providing industryleading ‘Quality, Service and Professionalism’

ahead with development of the remaining three acres of our 12.5 acre site. With the business growing rapidly, we soon found acreage to be our biggest limitation, so in January 2008, after 38% growth the previous year, we purchased an adjoining 6.5 acres, where a second reservoir was built for rainwater harvesting.

These efforts were swiftly rewarded.

In 2008, after eight years, our peers awarded Majestic Trees the coveted Nursery Stock Grower of the Year at our annual industry awards, making the company the youngest ever to win the award. Little did we know that our nursery would again be honoured in 2011, 2015 and 2017, as well as twice winning Silver at the International Grower Awards in 2011 and 2016.

Since those early days the company has continued to expand, buying additional land in 2012 and 2017. Our team has grown to over 30, and is the

key to Majestic Trees’ success. We have been fortunate enough to attract some of the brightest and best in the industry, and they bring tremendous experience and training to the company.

The building of our Visitor Advice Centre in 2017 celebrates those high standards. We’re thrilled to now be able to host cluster groups for trade organisations, seminars, training and social events for the industry, as well as provide a pleasant environment for our employees, customers and industry colleagues to do business within.

Majestic Trees is committed to providing industry-leading ‘Quality, Service and Professionalism’ that exceeds customer expectations. We achieve that through our commitment to developing an ambitious, hardworking team of passionate horticulturists who are proud to work for an innovative and principled organisation, and who have together achieved so much.

There will always be challenges, such as the current Xyella threat, and in general the many threats to our biosecurity, but if we face them with resilience and wisdom, and seize the opportunities, we believe that the future is bright!

2012

July 2012

Nov 2015

Feb 2017

Sept 2017

We represent the UK at the International Grower of the Year Awards in X’ian, China, and win the Silver Rose. We would go on to win again in 2016.

We purchase the adjoining Walnut Cottage 1.5 acre plot to improve the entrance and expand the nursery.

We recieve planning permission for a major office expansion, and for the construction of two agricultural tied workers flats and a nursery manager’s cottage.

The company exchanges on an adjoining 7.5 acre field so we can expand the nursery once again, to allow increased depth of stock as sales continue to grow.

The team gathers friends, colleagues and loyal customers to celebrate the opening of the Visitor Advice Centre and 15 years The nursery of Majestic Trees. today

is a far cry from the waterlogged meadow we bought in 2001 Majestic Trees | www.majestictrees.co.uk 11

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Meet the team There’s not enough room on these pages to introduce you to every team member who makes a valuable contribution to the success of Majestic Trees, but you can visit our website to meet everyone

HELEN MORGAN MCIPD, MAAT HND in Business & Finance HR & Finance Manager, Senior Management Team Member Years of Service: 9 Helen keeps our company running smoothly when it comes to personnel management and financial affairs. She brings a wide range of experience in finance, HR, insurance matters and recruitment, and has continued her professional development here at Majestic by working towards ACCA accreditation.

CARLOS GUINAND MSc. Agronomy/ Crop Science Nursery Manager, Senior Management Team Member Years of Service: 9 Carlos is passionate about trees and growing high quality stock and is dedicated to high standards of production and presentation. He is a team player of great integrity and instils these values in his team.

What is the best bit of kit/machinery that you use and why? I like to drive the Manitou when no one’s looking.

If you could meet one person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and what would you talk about? My grandfather, an architect who died before I was born. We would talk about his passion for preserving and recuperating green areas for people.

FERN SNOWLING

CHRISTINA JONES

Logistics Manager, Senior Management Team Member Years of Service: 10

MSc. Horticulture

Fern started at Majestic when she was just 16 years old, so we could hardly begrudge her a three-year sabbatical to travel. We are so delighted that she’s now back, as her amiable leadership, positive attitude and ability to drive pretty much any type of machinery is invaluable, especially when it comes to moving very large trees.

Christina is largely responsible for overseeing our website, as well as many other marketing and communications projects as the need arises. Her natural instinct for marketing is underpinned by a strong academic background in both crop science and English, bringing a real depth of understanding to our communications programme.

If you could choose to have one talent, real or imagined, what would it be? To speak Spanish.

What is your favourite time of year on the nursery and why? December and January.

The nursery has that hushed, uplifting feel that you only get from nature in winter.

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Marketing Manager Years of Service: 14

MARIA LUMB MHort Pruning & Stock Control Manager, Senior Management Team Member Years of Service: 6 Maria brings both academic and practical skills to the team. She has an excellent eye for pruning, so spends much of her time overseeing our pruning programme. She also possesses strong analytical and writing skills, which supports her well in her role as stock control manager.

What is your favourite variety of tree and why? Fagus sylvatica – beech. There’s something awe-inspiring in its smooth, grey bark, strong limbs and simple leaves.

SARAH SHYNN HND Commercial Horticulture, C&G Garden Design Sales Manager, Senior Management Team Member Years of Service: 13 A third generation horticulturist, Sarah worked initially as a grower before moving on to garden design and landscape contracting.

She is the longest serving and most experienced member of our sales team, leading the department with great design skills, pragmatic business sense and a good sense of humour.

If you could choose to have one talent, real or imagined, what would it be?

Invisibility.

Majestic Trees | www.majestictrees.co.uk

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ANDY MILES HND Horticulture Commercial Manager & Horticultural Advisor Years of Service: 9 Andy spent a number of years in garden centre management before joining us in 2008.

His experience shows in his sharp buying acumen, as well as his rapport with customers. Andy is also renowned for his knowledge of trees!

If you could meet one person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and what would you talk about? Charlie Croker, The Italian Job – how did he plan to escape from the coach hanging over the cliff?

ANDY PORTER Planting Supervisor Years of Service: 13

What is your favourite time of year on the nursery? October to May, as this is our busiest time of year. I much prefer to be busy when I’m at work.

Customer Service & Reception Years of Service: 11

ANDREW AUSTIN

BA (Hons), NOCN Cert. Garden Design

OND Amenity Horticulture

Horticultural Advisor Years of Service: 4

Horticultural Advisor Years of Service: 10

Helen is a very gifted designer and garden illustrator, having spent 12 successful years in the fashion industry prior to retraining as a garden designer in 2008.

She has a natural ability when it comes to interpreting site drawings and plans, which makes her well suited to advise on larger projects – especially those that call for a high level of design input.

With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, Andrew is one of our most experienced advisors.

His career began in tree production, and he works closely with Sarah in the management of the sales office. He is renowned for his product knowledge, patience and reliability, out of which has grown a loyal following of repeat customers.

If you could choose to have one talent, real or imagined, what would it be? To be able to predict the future would be pretty handy.

What is your favourite variety of tree and why? Liquidambar styraciflua, for its great autumn display and long leaf retention.

WINSTON WOODWARD

CARL BATCHELOR Planting Supervisor Years of Service: 13

OND Horticulture

Andy has been with the company for many years and his experience within this very specialist operation is evident on site. An able machine driver, Andy is logical, thinks outside the box and is often the lead person when planting 10m+ trees.

He rises to a challenge magnificently.

JANE POYNER

HELEN THOMAS

Planting Supervisor Years of Service: 11 As a passionate horticulturist with over 25 years’ experience, Winston is a great asset to the planting team.

Alongside his sound horticultural knowledge, he brings versatile machine skills, an eye for detail, and a nothing-is-too-much-trouble attitude.

Carl has worked in horticulture for well over 25 years. He is licensed to drive every conceivable machine, right through to 44t lorries, and is always willing to do whatever it takes as he leads his team to provide customer satisfaction, whatever the weather.

If you could choose to have one talent, real or imagined, what would it be?

Control over the weather.

What is the best bit of kit/machinery that you use and why? The digger, because it makes life easy.

In this automated age, we are proud to say that Majestic Trees’ first point of contact is a genuine person. Jane Poyner has worked with us full time for over 10 years, tirelessly greeting and facilitating for our customers.

Her dedication is exceptional: nothing is ever too much trouble.

What is your favourite variety of tree and why? The English oak.

You see ancient oaks standing alone in fields, having lost many of their branches, but still they live.

There is something beautiful in the willingness of that sacrifice – to me that is something to be admired.

NICK WILD

Yard Supervisor Years of Service: 3

After spending too many years in an office, Nick decided to combine his love of the outdoors with his natural ability with machinery and join us at Majestic. His appreciation for rural life fits in perfectly here, and his amenable nature, measured approach and willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done have resulted in him becoming an invaluable member of the team.

If you could meet one person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and what would you talk about? I’d ask Sir Ernest Shackleton about his Trans-Antarctic Expedition.

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The Hallmark of a M Our Trees

Crown formative pruning makes such a difference to a tree’s development

The Air-Pot produces the finest fibrous root and no spiralling

With trees at our nursery that are as old as 50 years, it’s obvious we don’t propagate from seedlings. Even if time were on our side, we would need a nursery of at least 300 acres!

Instead, we source our stock at a more mature age, availing of the opportunity to pick the best stock on the market. We explore hundreds of the best nurseries across Europe that regularly undercut their field grown stock, are vigilant in their pest and disease control, and observe best practice in biosecurity protocols.

Furthermore, we do not have to compromise our standards, as so often happens when a nursery has had a tree crop under production for many years, but instead our MD spends weeks each winter being very selective and tagging the stock we will grow on. We bring in this new stock every winter, potting the new trees into Air-Pots and bringing them on until each one meets the high standards of a Majestic tree.

Our Range To our knowledge, we stock the widest range of container-grown, semi-mature sizes and varieties of trees and hedging in the UK. There are around 10,000 specimens on the nursery comprised of over 400 varieties. With girths ranging from 12-14cm to more than 1m in circumference, our specimens range in height from 2m to over 13m; the vast majority are Air-Pot grown.

Root pruning of newly arrived trees

Growing Practices The vast majority of our new stock is brought in over the winter, either in rootball or bare root form. The trees are planted into Air-Pots to promote rapid development of an exceptionally fibrous root system that can withstand transplanting in any season.

Once established in the Air-Pots, the trees can be grown on indefinitely at the nursery, being potted on seasonally and undergoing regular formative pruning to promote the development of a balanced crown. We are scrupulous about pest and disease control, employing the latest electrostatic sprayer technology to minimise environmental impact and health risk.

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a Majestic Tree Service and Advice Our team is made up of seven sales advisors who are highly experienced in the industry, including some with garden design or landscape training.

As such, they can be trusted to recommend stock, select specimens on your behalf, and facilitate efficiently through the delivery and/or planting phase. We have an open nursery policy, so you’re welcome to drop in and browse our 19 acres any time during business hours. We aim to always have an advisor on hand to assist if needed, but you can also make an appointment to be guaranteed priority service. You are also welcome to bring your clients along with you to the nursery, as our trees are clearly labelled with cultural instructions, but without any pricing shown. We can offer use of our garden consultation room at no charge, should you wish to go over your plans and discuss your thoughts in private over tea or coffee. You may wish to call ahead to reserve it for assured availability.

THE EXPERTS’ CHOICE

15 years working together, to grow majestic trees.

www.air-pot.com

An overview of some of our smaller birch and acer production

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Delivery & Planting Services Delivery Service With the finest range of specialist equipment in the country, we have no need to scurry about with rental companies or non-specialist operatives in order to deliver our trees. With significant investment, forward planning and years of experience, we’re able to access a wide range of planting positions safely and efficiently.

Offloading to a designated position, whether kerbside, rear garden, or planting position, is available on all our deliveries by prior arrangement.

Our HGV trucks come equipped with a truck mounted telescopic forklift to offload your trees

Planting Service We have always offered a complete in-house planting service. Trees can be anchored invisibly underground, aboveground using a crossbar and stake, or overhead using a guy system. Optional extras include timed irrigation watering systems, root barriers, rabbit and deer guards and so on. These options are demonstrated at the nursery in our ‘Planning for Planting’ demonstration garden. All stock planted by our team carries a guarantee of establishment (conditions apply).

We stock hundreds of metres of matting to protect your projects, available if requested for an additional fee

‘Delivery to Tree Pit’ Service (Best Professional Product or Service 2014, UK Grower Awards) Our ‘Delivery to Tree Pit’ Service sits halfway between a delivery and a planting service, and is ideal for experienced landscapers who already have a team on site and all the standard machinery required for preparing and backfilling a tree pit. Our team delivers, offloads and places each tree in its respective tree pit using our specialist lifting machinery, with a key aspect of the service being that Majestic Trees retains liability for any damage to the trees that might occur during the offloading and placement process.

The peace of mind is priceless.

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Invest in Vermeer equipment to get tough landscaping work done Supplying Vermeer skid steer loaders to Majestic Trees for 10 years Contact Vermeer UK on (01933) 274400 or 07879 6000 50 Vermeer UK 45-49 Rixon Road, Finedon Road Industrial Estate, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN8 4BA Email: leslie.goodman@vermeeruk.co.uk

A Platipus underground anchor is installed

www.vermeer-uk.co.uk

Our Mooroka can tiptoe over your lawn with very large trees

PROUD TO SUPPORT MAJESTIC TREES

Rootball Fixing System with Plati-Mat ®

Aftercare Service We are pleased to offer an aftercare service to support establishment of your stock. Services include pruning, tightening or adjusting of stakes or anchors, pest and disease control, fertilising, watering checks and adjustments to automated watering systems, all with a full written report. Service calls are available on a one-off basis, or regularly by contract. All trees under contractual care of our aftercare service are covered under warranty (conditions apply).

D-MAN System ®

Piddler Irrigation System ®

www.platipus-anchors.com

01737 762300

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Supplying the UK’s Best Growers

Our unique woodfibre, Forest Gold™, promotes fast and strong root growth

Batch mixed production for crop specific recipes and full technical support

Proud to work with Majestic Trees to develop and produce their own brand speciality compost Bulrush Horticulture Ltd. Newferry Road, Bellaghy, Co. Derry, N. Ireland, BT45 8ND Tel 028 7938 6555 www.bulrush.co.uk

Made in

ITALY

CLABER IRRIGATION PRODUCTS

WWW.CLABER.COM/UK DESIGNED BY PROFESSIONALS FOR PROFESSIONALS AND GARDENING ENTHUSIASTS

Adverts.indd 4

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“Every single person involved went above and beyond to provide an exceptional service. The guys on site were fantastic and for a big job to get wrapped up in seven days was amazing. Thank you all.”

Matthew Keighley, Farr & Roberts

Testimonials “Another excellent service, thank you. Carl was as helpful as ever and patient with our team.”

Honoured by our industry Ben Pollard, Flora Earth Ltd

“Excellent service, second to none.”

Roger Kirby, Landscape contractor

p

NURSERY STOCK GROWER OF THE YE

“The customer focus at Majestic Trees is very impressive, there is a genuine team enthusiasm for the client’s needs and the love of their trees is evident. The nursery runs with an air of confident efficiency, care and attention to detail that is conveyed right until the trees are delivered to site. It’s easy to do business with Majestic Trees.”

Mark Gregory, Landform Consultants Ltd

“A fast and efficient service – many thanks.”

Honoured by our industry Paul Downer, Oak View Landscapes

peers

NURSERY STOCK GROWER OF THE YEAR GROWER OF THE YEAR ORNAMENT

International Grower of GROWER OF THE YEAR ORNAMENTAL the Year INTERNATIONAL GROWER OF THE YE SILVER SILVER Honoured by our industry peers INTERNATIONAL GROWER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2011

INTERNATIONAL GROWER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2016

NURSERY STOCK GROWER OF THE YEAR

INTERNATIONAL GROWER OF THE YEAR

Awards

SILVER

Honoured Honoured by by our our industry industry peers peers NurserySTOCK Stock GROWER Grower the Year NURSERY NURSERY STOCK GROWERof OF OF THE THE YEAR YEAR

INTERNATIONAL GROWER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2011

SILVER

INTERNATIONAL GROWER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2016

Ornamental Grower Of The Year GROWER OF THE YEAR ORNAMENTAL

GROWER GROWER OF OF THE THE YEAR ORNAMENTAL INTERNATIONAL GROWER OF THE YEAR Honoured byYEAR theORNAMENTAL best judges… our industry peers!

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Helping achieve the the perfect perfect outdoor outdoor space space Helping you you achieve Supporting our industry by providing high quality Supporting our industry by providing high quality natural stone products, bespoke services and advice natural stone products, bespoke services and advice

Majestic Trees Garden Majestic Trees Garden Designer: Helen Thomas Garden Design Designer: Helen Thomas Garden Design Contractor: Majestic Trees In House Team Contractor: Majestic Trees In House Team Materials: Buff Sandstone Plank Paving, CEDAdrive, Flint Gravel, Golden Flint Materials: Buff Sandstone Plank Paving, CEDAdrive, Flint Gravel, Golden Flint Gravel, Yellow Quartz Paddlestone Walling and Porphyry Setts Gravel, Yellow Quartz Paddlestone Walling and Porphyry Setts

Showrooms Showrooms Nationwide enquiries@ced.ltd.uk London LondonEast East (West (WestThurrock) Thurrock)

London London West

(West (WestDrayton) Drayton)

Midlands (Langley Mill)

01708 01708867237 867237 01895 01895 422411 01773 769916 ProLandscaper fP--September September 2017 2017 -- .indd .indd 11 9.9.

ProLandscaper Adverts.indd 8--fP

www.ced.ltd.uk www.ced.ltd.uk Ireland Ireland

North West

Scotland Scotland

01513 275555

02882258457 258457 01324841321 841321 02882 01324

Stone) (Corfe Stone)

(Castlecary) (Castlecary)

(Omagh) (Omagh)

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