Pro Landscaper May 2023

RHS PREVIEW

Captivating gardens at Chelsea this year

LET’S HEAR IT FROM RHS sustainability manager Malcolm Anderson

PRO LANDSCAPER

BUSINESS AWARDS

2023

All 16 winners revealed

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Welcome

Welcome to Pro Landscaper’s May 2023 edition, our annual Royal Horticultural Society special. The RHS is a topic that will always have our industry talking, but this year, the headlines are more encouraging than ever. For the first time in Chelsea Flower Show’s 110-year history, there will be more female (58%) garden designers competing than male (42%). To put this into perspective, in 2013, women made up just 27% of the garden designers at the show. Our core Chelsea theme offers more variation than ever. The Let’s Hear It From series continues with RHS sustainability manager Malcolm Anderson (p53), while Lewis Normand calls show gardens a “double-edged sword” (p23). Pro Landscaper also catches up with the Fane brothers as the pair aim to deliver what they’re calling “the most sustainable show garden ever” (p73). Naturally, our traditional show preview makes a return, complete with a foreword from RHS director general Clare Matterson (p59).

As I sign off on this issue, some of you may already be aware that my fifth edition of Pro Landscaper will also be my last. As I depart to head up Eljays44 sister title Garden Centre Retail, I return you to the extremely capable hands of our head of content Nina Mason. My thanks go out to all of you for welcoming me into such a passionate, innovative community. I wish you all the best.

Pro Landscaper is proud to be an Accredited Supplier member of BALI

Professional Landscapers

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

RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW 2023: CENTRE FOR MENTAL HEALTH’S THE BALANCE GARDEN. DESIGNED BY JONATHAN DAVIES AND STEVE WILLIAMS (WILD CITY STUDIO) CONTRACTOR: STEWART LANDSCAPE LTD, SPONSOR: PROJECT GIVING BACK

7

Could confidence rise with UK temperatures?

Inflation remains at record levels in the UK. Amidst public sector strikes, however, chancellor Jeremy Hunt says it would be a “terrible mistake” to offer pay rises above inflation. Our UK Landscape Barometer looks at what this could mean for those in the sector.

14

Pro Landscaper Business Awards 2023

Discover the winners and event highlights from this year's ceremony

17

An APL Awards success story

JJH Landscapes was the runaway winner at this year’s APL Awards, no doubt owing to managing director Justin Himpson’s ability to overcome adversity and the remarkable talent of his team

CONTENTS May 2023

23

Must the show go on?

Lewis Normand believes show gardens are a “double-edged sword”

25

Getting growers on board Chelsea is a show of flowers – but the RHS must do more to entice nurseries to get involved, says Mark Straver

41 More habitat, fewer hives

Dom Knower explains why landowners and site managers should prioritise habitat creation to enhance site biodiversity and avoid introducing beehives

FEATURES

53

Let’s hear it from…

Malcolm Anderson

Pro Landscaper sits down with the RHS sustainability manager as he reflects on environmentalism, fresh challenges and dream jobs

59

RHS Chelsea 2023 preview

Clare Matterson looks ahead to her first Chelsea as director general, while Pro Landscaper presents highlights for the show’s 110th annual event

73

The most sustainable show garden ever?

The Fane brothers are joining forces with Sarah Price to create a landmark show garden at RHS Chelsea this year

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE 73

20

30 Under 30:

The next generation 2023 launches Find out how to nominate industry members for these 2023 awards

51

Ask the experts

How do you plan ahead for the construction of a show garden? Jake Catling shares insight into building award-winning show gardens

105

Little interviews: RHS special

As we draw closer to the prestigious and well-loved event, we learn more about those behind the scenes, featuring Harriet Johnston, Gemma Lake and Sarah Poll

PORTFOLIOS

79

Mediterranean muse

When garden designer Cristina Bergamin first viewed this small back garden in St Albans, it was a tired-looking and cramped space, dominated by four overgrown trees...

85

For the community

The £5.34m Reconnecting Boston Manor Park Project has restored and unlocked the heritage of the site

91

Investing in the landscape Financial services company Fidelity International sought enhancements to its spaces to foster community cohesion and interaction by providing areas that would actively encourage socialising and engagement

COULD CONFIDENCE RISE

along with temperatures?

IN THE LANDSCAPING INDUSTRY

It was starting to look as though confidence was growing as the year went on; from only 21% feeling more confident than the previous month back in January, to 27% in February, and jumping up to 50% in March. It’s now taken a bit of a tumble, though fortunately not back to the same level as the start of the year; 41% reported feeling more confident compared to last month. Only 9%, though, reported feeling more confident than the same time last year.

“Overall spend is down,” says one design and build company. “Anyone in the middle of a construction project is being crucified by high inflation and so we have a noticed a marked reduction in budgets and/or major adjustments to projects.”

Inflation remains at record levels in the UK; prices were 10.4% higher in February than in the same month last year. Amidst public sector strikes, though, chancellor Jeremy Hunt is saying that it would be a “terrible mistake” to offer pay rises above inflation, telling the BBC that the government’s aim is to “put this inflation period behind us.” Its goal is to bring inflation to below 3% by the end of the year, but for some in the landscaping sector this will mean a difficult year. One garden

designer says that, whilst there are “increasing enquiries” these are becoming “very difficult to close.”

Nurseries aren’t having a much better time of it, with one commenting that people are reluctant to press the ‘go’ button of projects, so quotes from six

months are “getting pushed back or cancelled.” They expect this to change, though, as soon as the sun comes out. So, it’ll be good news that after a miserable month so far of April showers, the Met Office is predicting the first ‘mini’ heatwave of the year towards the end of the month.

PERCENTAGE OF RESPONDENTS MORE CONFIDENT COMPARED TO LAST MONTH

BY THE NUMBERS

Turnover

If you were to look at turnover alone, a rosy picture is painted for commercial landscapers and design & build companies; the majority (67% and 50% respectively) saw an increase in their turnover this February, compared to the same month last year. But turnover only tells part of the story. As one commercial landscaper says,“Although turnover is showing an increase, I am unsure whether this is due to an expanding market or a reduction in our local competition.”

Half of the nurseries and garden designers reported a decrease in turnover from February 2022 as well, whilst domestic landscapers reported either no change (67%) or a drop.

Domestic Landscaping

Conversion rate is the only area which saw an increase for some domestic landscapers in February compared to the same time last year, and even that was for just a third (33%). For turnover and number of projects they are working on, most saw no change, and the majority saw a drop in enquiries. There “seems to be a wider concern for 2024,” says one domestic landscaping. Another says that they continue to notice a trend for phasing works. They add that requests for artificial grass are “declining rapidly”, saying they are going to “adjust [their] business accordingly – not just because of a decrease in enquiries for this, but also because of the SGD campaign against it.”

WELLBEING GARDEN COMPLETED IN LEWISHAM

The Wellbeing Garden at University Hospital Lewisham (UHL) has been completed. The original concept for the garden began in 2020 when Maria Leong, an anaesthetist registrar at the hospital, applied to the Healing Gardens Programme, a collaboration between the RHS and NHS to create green spaces at hospitals where “staff and patients can reflect and recharge”.

Designed by award-winning landscape designer Adam Frost in consultation with the RHS and UHL community, the first phase of the Wellbeing Garden opened in June 2022, with the remaining elements scheduled to take place later.

ROUNDUP

Industry Updates

The garden makes use of an existing but under-utilised area.

Blakedown Landscapes, in collaboration with UHL, the RHS and Adam Frost, was part of the project team that delivered the community space, along with volunteers, community groups and NHS staff. Initial works, delivered in 2022, included the demolition of old steps and paving and the cutting back of overgrown shrubs. Hard landscaping works saw the laying of gravel and brick paving paths and the installation of outdoor seating, together with planting and wildflower turf to complete. blakedown.co.uk

Trees for Life is opening what it is calling the world’s first rewilding centre near Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands on Saturday. It hopes to showcase how large-scale nature recovery “can give people inspiring experiences, create jobs and benefit communities.”

The Dundreggan Rewilding Centre in Glenmoriston offers a gateway for visitors to explore the 10,000-acre estate, where Trees for Life is restoring the Caledonian forest and its wildlife.

“We want to breathe life into the huge potential of the Highlands to help nature return in a major way; providing people with fantastic experiences while boosting social and economic opportunities, and tackling climate and

nature emergencies," says chief executive Steve Micklewright.

Year-round events will take place at the centre, which also features a tree sculpture created from reclaimed metal by artist Helen Denerley. Twenty new jobs have been created and Trees for Life says it will “generate an ongoing economic boost”.

Dundreggan is part of Affric Highlands, the UK’s largest rewilding landscape which will potentially cover over 500,000 acres. Trees for Life launched the Affric Highlands initiative in 2021, in partnership with Rewilding Europe and an initial coalition of communities and landowners. treesforlife.org.uk

Noemi Mercurelli has joined PC Landscapes as an associate designer to head up the expansion of its design branch. Mercurelli will also be supporting PC Landscapes in its ambitions to be carbon neutral. The company has a strong focus on sustainability, and Noemi will be applying her passion for the environment to support this.

One of Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation winners in 2016, Mercurelli joins PC Landscapes from a large multi-disciplinary practice. She had worked at PC Landscapes previously for three years, up until 2021.

“The business has always been known for the contractor element; it has won numerous awards and has a brilliant reputation. But there has always been a parallel design side that has been less known and that’s what I’m here to expand,” explains Mercurelli.

The Italian designer brings with her 13 years’ experience, in which she has gained a degree in Applied Bioecology, People’s Choice Award at Hampton Court and has been granted a bursary for a mentorship scheme for emerging leaders.

The company is owned by Paul Cowell, who shares Mercurelli’s ambition to create projects which are as sustainable as possible. pclandscapes.co.uk

“WORLD’S FIRST REWILDING CENTRE” OPENS NEAR LOCH NESS

©Paul Campbell Photography

PC LANDSCAPES APPOINTS ASSOCIATE DESIGNER TO LEAD EXPANSION

TUBEX EXPANDS TREE SHELTER AND RECYCLING NETWORK

Tubex has announced a major expansion of its Tree Shelter Collection and Recycling Programme as a “convenient way” for customers to handle the products “responsibly” at end of life.

The tree shelter specialist is providing hubs around the UK where tree shelters can be dropped off to be recycled. Tubex will be covering the costs to ensure the service is free of charge. This includes bailing, washing, recycling and repelletizing the material so that it can be used to create more shelters. All types of tree shelters will accepted, providing they are made from Polypropylene.

The scheme is a joint initiative with charity Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, which opened several hubs of its own in 2021. There will be a total of 14 national hub locations launched this year. Tubex’s parent company Berry Global will provide five of the hub locations, while forest and woodland management company Tillhill is also supporting the scheme by offering two locations for shelter collection. tubex.com

O2 CENTRE ‘MASTERPLAN’ APPROVED BY CAMDEN COUNCIL

TIME TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT MEASURING BIODIVERSITY IN URBAN LANDSCAPES

Mobilane's Alexander Ilsink emphasises the need to boost biodiversity across both built and natural environments. prolandscapermagazine.com/timeto-get-serious-about-measuringbiodiversity-in-urban-landscapes

Landsec’s ‘O2 Centre Masterplan’ is set to go ahead after Camden Council granted planning permission in Finchley Road, London.

The ‘Masterplan’, said to be the largest planning application in Camden since Kings Cross, will deliver a new mixed-use urban neighbourhood on a 14-acre site. “At the heart of the proposal is a plan to deliver new homes and green, public spaces on an under-utilised car park sitting behind the O2 retail centre, in a highly sustainable urban location well-connected by five train stations," read a Landsec statement.

According to Landsec, the development will bring 1,800 energy-efficient homes alongside 180,000 sq ft of retail, leisure and other community space.

“The decision gives the green light to an [approximate] £1 billion long-term investment in the borough, with a significant package of social, financial and community benefits,” claimed Landsec, adding that the ‘Masterplan’ will create 1,000 new job opportunities and up to £34.5m in additional annual spending in the local economy.

Mike Hood, CEO of Landsec’s regeneration arm said: “Our O2 Masterplan brings our purpose to life and is an important step for our business as we focus on shaping more mixed-use urban neighbourhoods that champion communities, the environment and quality of life.” landsec.com

WHY A HORTICULTURAL APPROACH TO GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WILL BEAR FRUIT Adam Brindle explains why the race to the bottom in grounds maintenance is bad for sites and bad for business prolandscapermagazine.com/ why-a-horticultural-approach-togrounds-maintenance-will-bear-fruit

THREE COST-OF-LIVING EFFECTS THAT MAY BE HERE TO

STAY

From Brexit to COVID-19 to the cost-of-living crisis, businesses worldwide have had to adapt to a host of unpredictable, evolving economic conditions. Pro Landscaper looks at which changes are unlikely to revert. prolandscapermagazine.com/three-cost-ofliving-effects-that-may-be-here-to-stay

Readyhedge hedging plants, like the mixed native hedging shown here, are container-grown in the UK and fully acclimatised to UK conditions. With over 20 years’ expertise, Readyhedge delivers hedging to rely on, wherever you are.

Nicholsons Ltd has been unveiled as the Supreme Winner at the Pro Landscaper Business Awards 2023, in association with Caribbean Blinds.

The multi-faceted company, which offers numerous landscaping services as well as owning its own nursery, scooped the top prize at the ceremony held at Old Billingsgate, London on Friday 21 April.

Judges said Nicholsons had “a clear vision and approach to staff training, CSR, technology use and future growth plans” with “excellent initiatives”. They called it an “impressive company which places much emphasis on sustainability as part of its delivery.”

It also won the award for Landscape Company Over £5m Turnover in partnership with Trex Arbordeck, one of 16 categories at the event. Two new categories were introduced this year, including Apprentice of the Year in partnership with the APL, which was awarded to Chloe Ryman of Azpects. Utopia Landscapes topped the second – New Company (Under 2 Years’ Old) in partnership with Azpects.

Jamie Wilkinson, managing director of organiser Eljays44, says: “The Pro Landscaper Business Awards is a much-awaited event in the UK landscaping industry, giving recognition to exceptional businesses that stand out in areas like team training, development, financials and more.

“This year, the event will be hosted at the impressive venue of Old Billingsgate, adding to the excitement of the exceptional quality of submissions and the presence of top professionals. What sets the Pro Landscaper Business Awards apart from other industry ceremonies is its consistent ability to identify and highlight the best business practices.”

The Pro Landscaper Business Awards are the only industry awards which focus on how well companies run their business. Commitment to the landscaping sector, sustainability, corporate social responsibility, profitability and client/supplier relationships are all areas reviewed in the process of identifying the shortlist and overall winners.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST FOR THE PRO LANDSCAPER BUSINESS AWARDS 2024: PROLANDSCAPERBUSINESSAWARDS.COM

THE WINNERS

LANDSCAPE

INDUSTRY

COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE COMPANY: TONY BENGER LANDSCAPING LTD

NEW COMPANY (UNDER TWO YEARS OLD): UTOPIA LANDSCAPES

GARDEN DESIGN COMPANY: RACHEL BAILEY GARDEN DESIGN LTD

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR: GROUND CONTROL LTD

COLLABORATION: CONQUEST CREATIVE SPACES

ARCHITECTURE STUDIO: FIRA LANDSCAPE LTD

TRADE NURSERY OF THE YEAR: PROVENDER NURSERIES LTD

LANDSCAPE COMPANY OVER £5M TURNOVER: NICHOLSONS

NICHOLSONS: SUPREME WINNER AND LANDSCAPE COMPANY OVER £5M TURNOVER

DLM432CT2, DLM432PG2, DLM460PT4, DLM460PG2, DLM462PT4, DLM462PG2, DLM480CT2, DLM481CT2, DLM530PT4, DLM530PG2, DLM532PT4, DLM532PG2, DLM533PT4, DLM533PG2, DLM538CT2, DLM539CT2, DUA301PG2, DUA301PT2, DUB362PG2, DUB362PT2,

STORY Success

JJH Landscapes was the runaway winner at this year’s APL Awards, with managing director Justin Himpson ’s ability to overcome adversity and the remarkable talent of his team

Afew years back, Justin Himpson was told he’d struggle to ride mountain bikes again. He’d broken his tibia and fibula whilst racing, something which he had been doing since he was child. He says he rode his first motorbike at the age of two and a half and was competing in Motocross by the age of five, so when Himpson was told by the doctor that he might not win another race, it drove him to do exactly that.

The following year, Himpson went on to win all but one of the races he entered. In other words, Himpson is determined to prove his capabilities, and he says his work ethic likely stems from his passion for racing.

Whilst he continues to race mountain bikes, he unfortunately no longer competes in Motocross after a lockup containing his

equipment and bikes – as well as most of his belongings as he was moving house – was robbed and burnt. “I lost everything,” he says. It was at a time when Himpson was also starting up his own company. The theft was a huge setback, and Himpson decided to go back into groundworks and civil engineering.

Himpson worked in groundworks and civil engineering for 13 years, and during this time gained a huge amount of experience as well as a vast number of qualifications within the sector. Towards the end of this time, he was managing multi-million-pound projects with large teams of workers with great success – winning the company more work due to his work ethics, attention to detail, and deliverance. This all undoubtedly contributed towards his current success, gaining the confidence of clients and designers to manage their detailed designs. His winning mentality continues with his landscaping work. Himpson’s company’s name, JJH Landscapes & Construction Ltd, was on repeat at the APL Awards in March. Himpson was first announced as the winner of the Matthew Bradley Memorial Cup, awarded by Landform Consultant’s Mark Gregory, named after the awardwinning landscaper who tragically died six years ago at the age of 24 .

“It was an honour and a privilege to receive that,” says Himpson. “Anyone in the landscaping industry knows of Mark Gregory; he’s one of the most inspirational people...and for him to present the award to me was just amazing.”

THE CONTEMPORARY COURTYARD GARDEN: WINNER 2023 APL COLLABORATION. DESIGNED BY ADAM VETERE LANDSCAPE & GARDEN DESIGN

©Ellie Walpole

L-R: HARRY MAGUIRE, JUSTIN HIMPSON, DARYL JAY

This award was swiftly followed by two more: JJH Landscapes topped the Project Value £75,000-£100,000 category with its Escarpment Garden and, with Adam Vetere Landscape & Garden Design, won the APL Collaboration award for The Contemporary Courtyard Garden. When it came to reveal the ultimate award, the Supreme Winner 2023, there could be only one company name announced – JJH Landscapes. Himpson invited design Adam Vetere to join him on stage to collect this final award.

It was through joining the APL that Himpson met Vetere. “We work so well together, and I have a lot of respect for him. We do a lot of work with Adam, and there’s also a small network of garden designers we work with, such as Brian Halliday, Katherine Lee, and Solstice Gardens. Joining the APL opened up a new door for us to network with designers.”

Himpson says he also turns his hand to design for small projects, though prefers to provide work to garden designers when there is the budget to do so.“I’ll always feed the garden designer work as much as they feed us work. That’s what they’re trained in and what they’re best at; I’ll introduce them to clients and they’ll do the same for me. I have a young family” – Himpson has a wife and two young children, with a third due in August – “so trying to juggle design and build is hard; you need to have the head space. So, it works better at the moment to work with someone else’s design, but eventually, we’d like to have an in-house designer.”

This year is about growth for the company, says Himpson, who runs a team of four. “It’s been hard to get to where we are now.

We have a good core team, though, so it’s about building on that. It’s not about taking on loads of people or loads of projects; it’s more about delivering top quality work and I think that’s achievable by having a small close-knit team. The number in my head is to reach eight to 10 team members working on two projects or one really large project.”

JJH Landscapes is currently working on projects ranging from around £40k to £200k, but Himpson says this “seems to creep up as we’re developing as a company” and there are projects in the pipeline “that are far above that”.

“We’ve been given some opportunities before to build bigger gardens, but I didn’t think we were right; they were too big for what we were at the time. But now that we’re developing, I think the projects are going to get bigger.”

Working on a garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year can only aid this growth. Himpson has been invited by Gareth Wilson to help build the RBC Brewin Dolphin Garden, designed by Paul Hervey-Brookes.

It would put JJH Landscapes amongst some of the companies Himpson aspires to most in the industry, such as Landform and Landscape Associates.

“For us, it’s about bringing quality through. We strive for perfection and that’s what keeps the team wanting to progress and learn. Winning the APL awards has really given everyone a massive drive to better ourselves and keep pushing to raise the bar.”

Himpson is not one to let anything – including broken bones –get in the way of what he wants to achieve, and there’s no doubt JJH Landscapes will be on repeat far beyond the APL Awards.

We strive for perfection and that’s what keeps the team wanting to progress and learn. Winning the APL awards has really given everyone a massive drive to better ourselves and keep pushing to raise the bar

©Ellie Walpole

THE ESCARPMENT GARDEN: APL AWARDS 2023 WINNER: PROJECT VALUE £75 k-£100 k CATEGORY. DESIGNED BY ADAM VETERE LANDSCAPE & GARDEN DESIGN

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Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation is back for its ninth year. To date, we have celebrated 240 winners from a variety of sectors within the industry. These awards should not only highlight the up-andcoming talent within the industry, but also the diversity of horticulture and those working within it. Why not put forward yourself or a deserving colleague for a chance to be recognised?

The rules are simple. You can nominate yourself or a colleague, as long as the nominee was aged 30 or under on 1 January 2023 and currently works within the horticulture, arboriculture, garden design or landscape sector. Entrants must have worked in the industry for at least one year.

31 August 2023

Awards ceremony: FutureScape, 21 November 2023

AN EDGE YOU CAN TRUST

Gardeners across the world have discovered, for many years now, the unobtrusive attractiveness of EverEdge.

It’s the Chelsea Preview edition, so what better a time to discuss some of my thoughts and feelings on shows and show gardens? I work on a lot of show gardens across the year as a sales manager for a UK grower. Invariably, I get to see designs and plant lists for show gardens long before they make it to the show ground and always before embargoes are lifted for the media. I have seen and priced many gardens that for, multiple reasons – usually money – were never made.

Show gardens are a doubled-edged sword; they bring out the best of us as growers, designers, contractors and the myriad other roles involved in the production of a garden. They are a huge challenge and demand a detailed understanding of the way plants grow and can or can’t be made to grow for the job at hand. They showcase the talent of everyone involved and stretch the skills of even the most accomplished in the industry. Millions of people – billions, if you believe some experts –around the world will engage with a show garden at Chelsea. The exposure has made some designers household names.

I am a fan of show gardens; they’re a huge amount of work, but the reward can be huge too. I am lucky enough to work with several highly skilled and talented people each year and their creative efforts challenge myself and the team at Bernhard’s as they do the handful of other nurseries who grow specifically for show gardens. ‘Every day is a school day’ is something that I firmly believe and show gardens are an excellent example. Knowing when to sow a seed, or to pot up a plant; what flowers to remove to encourage others later on in time for a show – these are the skills that make show gardens special and showcase the talent of the grower.

Must the show

GO ON?

Where their magical nature is their strength, it can also be the weakness of show gardens. At their worst, they are hugely wasteful and consumptive of resource. Ten plants may be produced for a single to be used. Historically, many show gardens ended up in a skip after the show. This has never sat well with me. I have seen semi-mature trees cut to the base and sent to landfill, trolleys of plants skipped, and well-made features, walls and paving broken and ruined in an effort to get ‘off site’ as quickly as possible. The pressures of commercialism and a need to return the site to its prior state are used to justify a lack of care in removal and rehoming. There have always been designers and contractors who have looked for legacy projects to rehome elements and even entire gardens. Now, though, most if not all gardens at a show are required to have a legacy plan in place and anyone who cannot offer a suitable rebuild strategy will be less likely to find their design approved. The wasteful days are gone and although a huge amount of energy and resource are required to produce them, much of most gardens will end

Lewis Normand explains why show gardens are a “double-edged sword”

up somewhere else as a permanent feature, from plants lifted, gifted and replanted, to bricks, slabs, timbers and more being repurposed in garden building projects across the UK. We can’t and shouldn’t pretend that no waste is made, just as we shouldn’t pretend that historically the de-construction of many show gardens saw much of their resource go to waste. We can, however, look to the people who have always embodied the mantra of re-use, recycle, repurpose and rebuild and the new requirement of show gardens to plan for the future in their work – the social enterprises and worthy causes who have and will continue to benefit from the investment in show gardens. Whether you like or loathe them, losing site of the attention that our garden shows bring to the industry would be lamentable. They do have some way to go to ensure they mitigate waste, but they also do a great deal to showcase horticulture and landscape on a truly international platform.

Lewis has worked in a wide variety of roles within horticulture over a 20-year career. He has lectured on garden design and horticulture, and designed gardens in the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Since 2011, Lewis has focused on nursery sales, now working as sales manager at Bernhard’s Nurseries, and has helped to launch a number of new plants into the UK plant market. He is a specialist supplier to show gardens, supplying more than 100 gardens at major shows.

Where their magical nature is their strength, it can also be the weakness of show gardens

LEWIS NORMAND

RHS Chelsea is 'the Oscars of horticulture.' Nowhere else will you find so much glitz, glamour, and television coverage. Winning a Gold medal at Chelsea is an achievement any garden designer or landscape architect worth their salt should aim for. But a growing problem could jeopardise the greatest flower show on Earth: nurseries are terrified of participating.

GROWERS ON BOARD Getting

Chelsea is a show of flowers – but the RHS must do more to

a Plan C, D, E and F. As May creeps closer, you must be ever vigilant to protect your precious crop from unpredictable weather conditions, which have become increasingly frequent. Timing is everything, and each individual plant must be flawless for Press Day. The royal family can't take a rain check if your plants aren't ready. It's not at all surprising that inexperienced nurseries won't take the risk.

Straver

new businesses, and it's time the RHS revisits its approach to rewarding plant suppliers. After all, show gardens are judged for their design, build, and plants. Designers get extensive media coverage, and medal winners are launched into horticultural stardom. Awards go to the architects, but there’s no recognition for

I've worked in horticulture for 40 years, and Hortus Loci is the largest supplier of plants to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. At the end of every show, I always say, "never again". But like a reliable perennial we keep coming back and we're supplying eight show gardens for 2023. Whilst we’re delighted, I'm becoming increasingly aware of how much of the Chelsea market we're now dominating. Our fellow nurseries seem hesitant to supply show gardens, and this needs to change if RHS Chelsea is to have a secure future.

The bigger show gardens have total budgets of between £350k to £500k, but supplying those gardens is risky. Work begins a year in advance, and you need to grow at least 50% more plants than you need as a backup. Not only do you need a Plan B if things go wrong, but you also need

The success of a show garden relies heavily on the experience of the nursery. We'll review the garden designer's planting list and use our expertise to advise which plants will look good in the third week in May, which plants are wild-card choices, and which plants are guaranteed disasters waiting to happen. But how can the next generation of nurseries learn to overcome the challenges and risks?

How can they gain that experience if it’s just the same seasoned veterans participating every year?

A very welcome shift has come in the form of Project Giving Back's 'All About Plants' – a marvellous initiative encouraging new garden designers, nurseries, plant societies and botanical gardens to get involved. But further incentives are needed to tempt

nurseries, and press mentions are minimal. I've even seen nursery names entirely forgotten from a show garden's board.

The more the RHS celebrates the plant suppliers, the more incentive there will be for new suppliers to participate. And we might be able to take some time off for a change!

MARK STRAVER

Mark Straver is a thirdgeneration nurseryman based in Hampshire and has worked with plants since the age of 16. He is joint owner and director at Hortus Loci, which he founded with Robin Wallis in 2011. He’s known in the gardening world for his ability to source the best wholesale plants internationally, using his extensive knowledge, connections, and experience in the industry. hortusloci.co.uk

A growing problem could jeopardise the greatest flower show on Earth: nurseries are terrified of participating

entice nurseries to get involved, says Mark

Roadmap to

SOCIAL CURRENCY

With our economy in turmoil, companies need to find their niche in order to be successful. A good starting point for anyone is to figure out their purpose, their ‘why’. You should have strong answers to simple questions such as: Why are you in business? Why should clients choose your services? What makes your business different to others?

Clients have come to expect outstanding work – that's what they’re paying for. For us, it’s about giving the client a complete experience, through small day-to-day details which all add up and aren’t always expected. And this is what gets spoken about the most: being on time every day, being clean and presentable, wearing a uniform, being courteous to neighbours, ensuring disruption to their daily routine is minimised. Also, saying goodbye at the end of the day, checking they’re happy and giving them opportunities to ask questions all go a long way. Towards the end of a project, we thoroughly clean and wash down any work areas, then pay a professional company to clean all the doors and windows, even if they don’t need doing.

These thoughtful actions help to build trust with clients by showing them you care and that it’s not just a job, making them feel valued and forging a strong working relationship. Clients are the key to social currency and business success, so we involve them in the process. Something as simple as letting a client choose their own grout colour from a set of samples can work wonders; one client was so blown away by this and proud that he started telling his friends, which is great for us.

Reviews and testimonials are critical in developing social currency. If you’ve looked after your clients, given them a positive experience and great value, most will be more than happy to help you with this in return. There’s a small percentage who won’t, regardless of your incredible service; but the other sincere, touching reviews make up for it.

Initially, we were asking clients to share their reviews across multiple platforms, but that proved too much and wasn’t very effective. Most people use Google daily, so if you were to use only one platform to build your bank of testimonials, this is a fantastic place to start. It’s where you’re

likely to get the most traffic, so it’s a good idea to invest time in nailing your business profile. If you want your testimonials to appear on other platforms or sites you can link up a customisable widget to your Google review page which is easy, saves time and looks professional.

A step up from written reviews is video testimonials. If you have a client that feels comfortable doing this, then it’s an incredible tool, and that human connection really drives social currency.

A lovely, well-written review about your company is great, but video testimonials have a higher emotional impact on prospective customers. It allows them to see clients' emotions and really feel the experience they received. It draws people in, and they’ll buy into your company and your services straight away – not to mention that the content is easily sharable with friends and family.

So, find your ‘why’ and believe in it. To succeed, you need people to buy into you and what you’re selling. The by-product of these processes and ideas is that we get floods of enquiries and very good leads. We also develop great relationships with clients who we stay in contact with and allow open house/garden visits for others to see our work. For us, it’s important to care, and as a result of all this, people want to talk about it, recommend and share us.

ADAM STEWART

Adam Stewart has been involved in the landscaping industry for more than six years, during which time he has set up his own company, Utopia Landscapes, based in West Sussex. Inspired by the challenge of running his own business, Adam's vision, passion, and drive have enabled rapid growth and the business is APL and BALI accredited. Adam won Pro Landscaper's 30 Under 30: The Next Generation award in 2021. utopialandscapeshp.co.uk

Adam Stewart shares the small things companies can do to gain good reviews – and it starts with knowing your purpose

If you’ve looked after your clients, given them a positive experience and great value, most will be more than happy to help you with this in return

More... Confidence. Understanding. Support. Of what you really need.

Make more of your business with Marshalls

No matter the size or scale of the project, we will support you every step of the way with our unrivalled range of hard landscaping products and dedicated technical and advisory support. We never compromise on quality or testing, so you can be sure you’re delivering the very best for your customer using innovative products that won’t let you down.

marshalls.co.uk/more

Training the Talasey way

The perfect blend of hands on and classroom training, tailored to enhance your existing knowledge and experience.

‣ Installation of Composite Decking, Cladding & Fencing

‣ Installation of Artificial Grass

‣ Basic Site Setting Out & Preparation

‣ Installation of Porcelain Paving Materials

‣ Installation of Stone Paving Materials

talasey.co.uk

DESIGNERS: ‘the contractor’s gift ’

Recently, I’ve been mentoring and training many garden designers on construction detail and flower show construction and logistics.

A recurring point that garden designers raise is that they struggle to find good, reliable, consistent contractors with whom they can work; I found this to be alarming, especially considering the benefits that working with designers can bring to contractors.

So, what are the benefits of working with garden designers from a contractor’s perspective? One amazing garden designer we used to work with in my landscaping days was a lady called Sue Davis. Her designs were so comprehensive that it took very little time at all to quote for the project with every construction detail covered to the nearest millimetre. Although I would always visit site to check measurements and assess the lie of the land and check the sub-grade regarding base/sub-base requirements, Sue was always meticulously accurate.

Sue provided great construction drawings, making each stage of the build incredibly easy as every step was clearly specified. Here and there we would question some of the design features and advise perhaps a better way of achieving the same goal.

Working to a design makes life so much easier for a contractor as, not only is everything mapped out for you in the design, but the client is completely in the picture too – excuse the pun! Many designers provide a day-to-day schedule or a Gantt chart to work to, which helps with the efficiency of the project.

Designers actually bring the work to you so you’re not having to go out finding your own projects which allows you more time to concentrate on business and family life.

Garden designers more often than not incorporate planting into their designs which adds a whole new dimension to any garden and makes for great pictures for your website. No matter how good your hardscape is, planting will lift the whole project by 60%.

With many designers looking to push design

boundaries and use new products, this is great to show the world what you’re capable of as a landscaper, especially on social media where innovation is embraced.

Garden designers can not only broaden your plant knowledge and give you ideas for your own projects where garden designers aren’t involved, but they can also offer you a route into the flower shows. We were fortunate to be taken on by Paul Hervey-Brookes in 2015 who took us from RHS Flower Show Tatton Park to Hampton Court then Chelsea in 2018. This was a lifetime goal for me. My old team will be back with Paul at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May and I couldn’t be more excited. Without garden designers and the RHS we wouldn’t be at Chelsea in May and, let’s be honest, building an RHS Chelsea show garden is a landscaper’s ultimate dream.

The takeaway from this article is that as a landscaper you should be looking to forge good working relationships with garden designers as they can take you to the next level and above in landscaping.

GARETH WILSON

Leaving college at 17, Gareth has worked in the landscape industry since 1989. Progressing onto high-end projects over the years, he has picked up 30 RHS medals, including Gold at Chelsea. Gareth is a member of multiple professional bodies. He provides technical and product advice to companies, mentors and trains landscapers across the UK, and provides arbitration and mediation services. Gareth is an online and on-site mentor in landscape construction for contractors, garden designers and show gardens. gkwilsonlandscaping.co.uk

With many designers looking to push design boundaries and use new products, this is great to show the world what you’re capable of as a landscaper

Building relationships with garden designers brings with it a variety of benefits, including opening doors to Chelsea, says Gareth Wilson

A moment ofMAGIC

More than two decades ago, I was accompanying a friend on a visit to rural North Wales. The Lord of the Rings soundtrack filled the car whilst the rugged and scoured mountains rolled past our windows. For all intents and purposes, we were there, deep in Middle Earth, waiting warily for an army of orcs to round the next bend.

It stayed with me that memory – the otherworldly idea that in just the flash of a thought you can travel somewhere else entirely, a new and wild world conjured before your eyes. You wake to a blanket of snow, spot an island far out at sea, or uncover a red and white spotted mushroom in the forest. Suddenly you’re there: Narnia, Neverland or Wonderland. The trigger for that dreamlike transportation? Landscape – always landscape.

When clients come to us with a project, they rarely articulate their design brief in terms of plant species or paving samples. Most times they don’t have a clear idea what they want the landscape to look like or how they might move through it. What they do normally have though is a kind of wish list: a place to eat, a space for nature, views from the house, a body of water. When you dig deeper, they begin to talk about how they want to use the space: to play, to entertain, to propagate. Dig deeper still and what you find is a feeling; they want to feel relaxed, connected, creative, safe.

As landscape architects, it’s our job to then take a wish list, combine it with the story and context of the site, and change it into something else entirely: an experience.

The biggest surprise for many of our clients is how we transform their design brief into a living entity; how we envision it not just as an ornament but as a way of being. When they ask for a water body, such as a pond, our vision for the client is how they can connect with that element – biodiversity enhancement curating an immersive space where they can watch damselflies arc across the surface of the water.

On commercial health projects like hospices, there is no greater reward for us than when a clinician feels deeply how this design will enhance the experience and/or wellbeing of the patients there.

We want clients to be able to hear, see and smell the seasons. We want to create emotive spaces that connect user to place. We know that nature brings us health. The best way to experience nature is to be in it, so we need to design landscapes that journey people through them.

I’d love to think that what our designs do is give clients those magic moments of transformation; moments where the world as they know it quietly slips away, and they unexpectedly find themselves home.

Katie Flaxman is co-founder and director of Studio 31 Landscape Architects. Studio 31 is an award-winning, adventurous and environmentally conscious landscape architecture practice working across the residential, public realm and health sectors. designstudio31.co.uk

KATIE FLAXMAN

The best way to experience nature is to be in it, so we need to design landscapes that journey people through them

Landscapes have the power to transport clients, if we design them that way, says Katie Flaxman

©Rebecca Douglas Photography

TORO B SERIES SPRINKLERS

This range has become a top contender for landscapers due to its adaptability, watersaving options and sophisticated design

Key aspects and user benefits

Invisible in-field irrigation

A well-watered, uninterrupted landscape is a top priority for stately homes, formal estates, wedding venues and the like, which puts Toro B Series sprinklers at the top of the irrigation wish-list for landscapers. When combined with its Turf Cup, these sprinklers provide irrigation that’s invisible for a continuous expanse of grass. A small, exposed diameter minimises the appearance of the sprinklers and allows for a uniformity in irrigation that creates the ultimate aesthetic.

Turf Cup

There’s a natural Turf Cup designed to perfectly fit the B Series sprinklers. By allowing grass to grow in the cup, a seamless effect is created. The quick release rubber cap pops up to allow access for sprinkler servicing, eliminating the need to dig up the sprinkler and also preventing blemishing the turf. Available exclusively from Reesink Hydro-Scapes it has been tested to ensure the highest levels of reliability and durability on the market today.

Industry’s largest nozzle selection Toro provides the largest nozzle selection in the industry,

meaning the B Series provides the flexibility to optimise the system to suit the venue’s exact exposure and location needs for maximum uniformity. All nozzles are wired from the front and with nozzles from 12.8–30.5m (42 to 100ft) radius plus a wide assortment of back nozzles, operators can limit water excess by putting the precise amount of water exactly where it’s needed.

Trajectory adjustment

24-position TruJectory means operators can irrigate from 24 different positions. Multi-trajectory sprinklers enable trajectory from seven to 30° in one-degree increments, fine tuning nozzle spray height in a way that provides true head-to-head coverage and compensating for specific weather conditions such as those in a windy location. This TruJectory design can be adjusted from the top of the sprinkler, whether it’s wet or dry.

The dual trajectory option provides two selections for the main nozzle of 25° or 15°. The 25° setting provides maximum distance of throw and the 15° setting provides improved wind performance, radius reduction and obstacle avoidance.

Ratcheting riser

Available on part-circle B Series sprinklers is the ratcheting riser which enables users to quickly and easily align part-circle and adjust according to the season. The ratcheting riser provides straightforward final arc adjustment, by simply pulling up the riser and ratchet, so that there is no stopping point at the edge of each arc. This adjustment ability maximises water usage.

True Part and full-circle in one Customers can choose between the Toro B Series 34 which has a full-circle configuration, or the Toro B Series 35 sprinklers which can be full-circle today and part-circle tomorrow, enabling operators to simply and economically adjust watering locations and the area of coverage to meet water rationing mandates as needed. Full-circle and part-circle configurations are designed to deliver a superior level of control and head-to-head coverage without the need for disassembly or additional parts.

TECHNICAL

SPECIFICATIONS

• Radius

12.8-30.5m

• Trajectory 25° or 15° (dual trajectory), 7° to 30° (multi-trajectory)

• Operating pressure

344.738-689.476 kPA

• Body style

1" ACME or BSP

• Arc 40-330° (part-circle), 360° (full-circle)

CONTACT

Reesink Turfcare

1-3 Station Road, St Neots, PE19 1QF

Tel 01480 226 800

Email info

@reesinkturfcare.co.uk

Web reesinkturfcare.co.uk

Facebook facebook.com/ ReesinkTurfcareUK

Twitter @ReesinkTurfcare

Stainless steel powder coated planters lining North Audley

OUR TREES Protecting

Adispute was recently sparked following the mass felling of trees by Plymouth city council. We are reminded of a similar dispute in Sheffield in 2017, when the council and contractor Amey felled a huge number of trees, despite a vigorous citizen campaign. At at time when climate change is making many of us think about how we need to 'futureproof' our cities, this is nothing less than appalling.

Another interesting news story recently was that of a Lancashire pub where developers were instructed by a court to re-build after they had demolished it. Buildings can be re-built – mature trees, however, cannot. The destruction of mature trees is an irreparable act. And in the case of big mature canopy species, any loss will be especially felt.

The role that trees can play in climate change mitigation in cities is so significant that perhaps there is an argument for increased legal protection, especially since the most destructive forces often seem to be local government. There is also perhaps a case for a stronger civil society response. Campaigns against felling tend to be spontaneous and reactive; how much more effective might be the work of an organisation dedicated to urban trees which could support local campaigners when needed but crucially to raise the profile of urban trees and continuously promote their benefits?

Trees potentially can play such an important role that new developments could perhaps be 'tree-led'. Canopy trees provide

shade; reduce the urban heat island effect which is going to make city life increasingly intolerable over the years – they help to cool the atmosphere through transpiration; and often help inactivate or break down pollutants. If we are serious about bringing nature back into cities, trees play a huge role here too, and planning legislation could take the lead, encouraging developers to plan trees and buildings together, and crucially plan for the long-term.

The other side of the coin is tree selection by the landscape industry. Novel tree pests and diseases are a constant threat. One of the best ways of minimising this risk is to increase diversity –both the number of species used and the genetic diversity within the species. The latter goes against the grain for the horticulture industry and to a large extent the landscape industry too, both of whom value the predictability and uniformity of cultivars – of which all individuals are genetically identical. The Dutch elm disease crisis of the 1970s should stand as a terrible warning here – as genetically identical plants will all have identical vulnerabilities.

We should note that the landscape industry is often under pressure from planners or architects to choose tidy trees with narrow shapes rather than the big canopy species or varieties which will be the most effective at mitigating the impacts of climate change. The cities of the future will need to integrate a range of genetically varied trees with buildings and transport and other infrastructure. In other words, much more like a real forest.

NOEL KINGSBURY

also teaches at Boston Architectural College. noelkingsbury.com

Noel Kingsbury is a freelance designer, writer and researcher who has long promoted naturalistic planting design. He

The felling of more than 100 trees under the cover of darkness by a local authority raises bigger questions about how trees are valued in developments – and they should be valued quite highly, argues Noel Kingsbury

The role that trees can play in climate change mitigation in cities is so significant that perhaps there is an argument for increased legal protection

SHEFFIELD, 2017 ©Jason Batterham/Shutterstock.com

Afraid to talk FINANCES?

For some reason, I had been running my business for around two years but had never delved into the numbers with clients. Maybe I thought it was too intrusive, and or hadn’t identified where my strengths really lie.

I had been working with a particular client for about nine months. We had addressed different areas – such as his processes, his people, his mindset – but never the numbers. In recent weeks he had mentioned that he had some cashflow problems several times, and one day, he called me in quite a panic about the finances.

So, I mentioned that I would visit, and asked him to dig out the previous two years of accounts and run an up-to-date profit and loss statement from his accounting software. I found him and his wife engrossed in these documents, with worried looks on their faces.

Just before I had started working with him, he had made the decision to move into high street premises in the local town; prior to this he had been running the business out of a room in his house. Now, the rent and rates for being on the high street were considerable, but he held the belief that the footfall and location would attract more customers to his business.

His accountant was aware of this move but had not offered any advice or guidance on how much extra revenue he would need to achieve in order to cover the additional cost of rent and rates.

I looked at all his figures, particularly his overheads and gross profit percentage; these

Alison

two figures in any business enable me to calculate the breakeven point. In brief, they were way off the level of sales required and, as a consequence, his financial position was worsening each week – he had no idea other than something didn’t feel right and that he was struggling to pay the bills.

On the plus side, we had caught it early enough; he began looking for a tenant to take over his lease, and a couple of months later he was moving back into his home office and the business began to recover. This had been a huge lesson for me. The problem is that:

• Financial literacy is not taught at any point during your vocational training

• Accountants often don’t educate their clients on this either, or...

• ...they do, but not in a way that business owners understand

People often feel embarrassed to ask or are fearful of what might be revealed, but they shouldn’t! I wouldn’t know how to fit a boiler, build or re-wire a house, so I ask someone else.

To find out how Evolve and Grow can help you to grow your business, take our free BUILD system scorecard, which is available on our website: evolveandgrowcoaching.com.

ALISON WARNER

Alison Warner is founder of Evolve and Grow, a business coaching firm that specialises in the trades and construction industry. She is also the author of bestselling book ‘How to go from Tradesperson to Managing Director in the Construction and Trade Industries’. https://amzn.to/2QIb467 evolveandgrowcoaching.com

Warner reveals the day which completely changed how she worked with clients for the better

I had been working with a particular client for about nine months. We had addressed different areas – such as his processes, his people, his mindset – but never the numbers

When is a boulder, not a boulder? NATURAL STONE NATURAL PLAY for

CED Stone Group explores natural play's boom in appeal

It may seem like a somewhat new concept, but natural play is more of a forgotten way of life. Back before we had gaming consoles, bikes and all number of garish-coloured plastic toys, there was only one way to play; outside, with nature.

in a metal fence. Where there is little or no access to nature, we can now see play areas designed and constructed to mimic the natural environment.

Manufactured play equipment limits how children can play, but by incorporating natural play elements, a child's imagination can run wild. When is a boulder, not a boulder? This simple natural play element can be anything, a crow's nest on a pirate ship, a towering mountain peak to ascend, it could be a desert island or the surface of the moon.

Natural play or play in nature is simple, take your child to a natural environment and let them play, without instruction. Allow them to climb, build, splash and dig. And they'll be all the better for it.

Natural play has a long list of benefits and is proven to have a positive impact on children's development and well-being. It promotes creativity and self-confidence, helps develop problem-solving and socialisation skills, and the beauty of it, all that is needed is access to nature.

Sadly in many towns and cities, access to the natural environment is hard to come by. This lack of nature is often compensated for by a small patch of grass or rubber with a metal climbing frame, a slide and a couple of swings, all enclosed

Stone is an ideal material to use in play areas; known for being tough and durable, it requires no maintenance, will last longer and will only look better, with use, over time, making it a much more economical option than manufactured play equipment.

Our natural play products are free from sharp or crumbling edges with naturally slip-

resistant surfaces, offering exciting opportunities for exploration and safe adventure. Stone structures will encourage children to reconnect with the great outdoors and engage with natural materials.

Let your creativity go wild; use natural stone to build exciting networks of walkways, tunnels and climbing stacks.

Design playscapes that can become outbacks, volcanoes, ruins, lairs or alien planets. We offer a range of natural play products, including Gravelsafe®, an innovative impact-absorbing safety surfacing product exclusively developed by CED Stone Group. We are also equipped to craft stone play features tailor-made to your unique requirements. Our expert team can turn your ideas into a reality, from carved water jet features to stone benches and climbing walls. Provide us with an idea, a simple sketch or a finished technical drawing, and we'll take care of everything else.

When planning a new playscape area, we highly recommend referring to, Design for Play: A Guide To Creating Successful Play Spaces, published by Play England and the DCSF, for helpful guidance and advice. cedstone.co.uk

It may seem like a somewhat new concept, but natural play is more of a forgotten way of life

The Retained EU law (Revocation and Reform) Bill 2022 (‘the Bill’) was introduced by the UK government on 22 September 2022. Essentially, the Bill aims to remove the principle of EU supremacy, EU-derived secondary legislation and retained direct EU legislation by 31 December 2023 unless the government specifically decides to take certain action. Here are some of the implications for specific areas of employment law:

Technical changes to legislation

Regulation such as Employment Rights (Amendment) (EU Exit) was made setting out various minor technical amendments to employment legislation in Great Britain reflecting the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, including in relation to parental leave, part-time workers, fixed term work and information and consultation.

Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (‘TUPE’)

It seems more likely that the government might retain TUPE with small changes to make transfers more business friendly such as harmonising terms following a TUPE transfer. Although TUPE might seem vulnerable to revocation under the Bill, the government may decide to preserve it in its present form, at least for the time being.

Holidays and working time

The right to statutory paid holiday is now well established and it would be unpopular with workers and trade unions if it was removed. For these reasons, it seemed unlikely that there would be a wholesale repeal.

The Posted Workers Directive (PWD)

This provides that workers who are posted by their employers to perform temporary work in other member states should enjoy the protection of the same "floor of employment rights" available to other workers employed in the host country. The PWD continued to apply to the UK during the transition period. However, following the end of the transition

REMAIN? What will

Oracle Solicitors’ Danielle Ryu and Kumsal Kaleli set out the changes employers can expect from the Retained EU Bill

period, the PWD no longer applies to the posting of EU workers to the UK or to the posting of UK workers to the EU.

Both the UK and the EU have committed not to weaken or reduce their labour and social standards below the levels in place at the end of the transition period "in a manner affecting trade or investment", including by failing to effectively enforce their law and standards. They have also agreed to strive to increase their respective labour and social levels of protection. It is unclear what level of reduction of employment rights might be considered to affect trade and investment. However, it is likely that minor changes to legislation that would not give UK employers a competitive

advantage may be permissible even if they reduce existing employment protection.

There has been no detail on the government's plans for employment law yet. It seems unlikely that a full programme of review of all of the affected legislation will be possible before the Bill’s ‘sunset clauses’ (provisions in the Bill that give an expiry date once they are passed into law) takes effect on 31 December 2023. It is more likely that most of the affected employment legislation will be preserved in its current form pending such a review and amendment of rights.

ORACLE SOLICITORS

Oracle Solicitors is an award-winning law firm with a deep understanding of the landscape industry and expertise in employment, commercial, litigation, property and contract law. Oracle Solicitors, founded in 2002 has since grown to include offices in London, Belfast, Birmingham, Manchester, Frankfurt, and Addis Ababa – please visit: oraclesolicitors.co.uk

The right to statutory paid holiday is now well established and it would be unpopular with workers and trade unions if it was removed

@CrowdersNurseries

@CrowdersNursery

@W Crowder & Sons Ltd

crowdersnurseries.co.uk enquiries@crowders.co.uk

Crowders Nurseries is a 7th generation family-owned wholesale grower and supplier of hardy nursery stock to commercial consumers.

As we approach World Bee Day on 20 May, marked by the United Nations, I anticipate that landscape sites, gardens and public spaces across the country will be preparing the usual beekeeping-themed events, styled with typical yellow-hexagonal detailing, promoted with the lure of edible and non-edible honey-based treats. Pleasant and educational as these events are, unfortunately, they continue to promote the perception that honeybees are the centre of the pollinator universe and that deploying bee hives is a good thing to do for enhancing biodiversity. Thankfully science has since caught up and spoiler alert, managed honeybees are not a wise intervention for biodiversity enhancement, especially in urban areas.

It's not all about honeybees

The Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) is native to Europe and is the species used by beekeepers to deliver commercial pollination services and produce honey. But honey bees represent just one of approximately 270 different species of bee

More habitat, FEWER HIVES

that have been recorded in Britain and Ireland. If you hop over the channel to France, there have been over 850 different species of bee recorded there. Naturally, these bees each exist within their own ecological niches, emerging at different times of the year, thriving in different habitats, feeding on different flowers and nesting in a wide variety of situations. Therefore, it is the collective efforts of this diverse bee community that deliver the bulk of crop pollination services that our food system depends on.

Do honeybees need saving?

Managed honey bees are a domesticated species that have been changed through centuries of intentional breeding to meet our human food production requirements. The number of managed honey bee hives has continued to increase exponentially across the world with current estimates in the region of 81+ million hives. Honeybees are not in decline, they are potentially one of the most numerous insects in the

world. In addition to the sheer number of managed honey bees, the way humans keep them (in beehives) has resulted in them becoming incredibly inefficient organisms.

A managed honey bee colony can consume up to ten times the floral resources within 1km radius of their hive in comparison to their truly wild honey bee cousins (living in a tree hollow for example). They consume substantial pollen and nectar resources in a halo effect spreading out from their hives as they mop up everything close to the hive, travelling incrementally further in search of more resources up to 3km away.

What does the science say about the impact of beekeeping on wild bees?

Mark Patterson of Api:Cultural has a superb blog which summarises recently published research on this topic. In this blog, Mark highlights that numerous studies have shown that the density of managed honeybee colonies in many major European cities far exceeds the carrying capacity of local floral resources. In

Dom Knower explains why landowners and site managers should prioritise habitat creation to enhance site biodiversity and avoid introducing beehives

Managed honeybees are not a wise intervention for biodiversity enhancement, especially in urban areas

NICHE BEE POSTS PROVIDE NESTING HABITAT FOR BEES, WASPS AND OTHER INSECTS

London where the carrying capacity has been established at 7.5 hives per km2, there are instances of hive densities in excess of 50 per km2 and in one case 400 hives per km2. Two recent studies from France reported a halving of wild bee abundance within 600 metres of honey bee apiaries. Another study conducted in Canada and published just two months ago found a negative relationship between urban beekeeping, pollen availability, and wild bee species richness.

A further paper focusing on the Mediterranean basin (a bee diversity hotspot) also came to the conclusion that exponential increases in honey bee abundance gradually led to the replacement of wild bees. Bluntly, when you install a hive of honeybees, you forcibly alter the pollinator community and introduce sharp competition for pollen and nectar resources.

Therefore the persisting trend of beehives (particularly on commercial landscape sites or roof gardens) as a means of ‘enhancing biodiversity’ continues to do exactly the opposite.

MANAGING URBAN SPACES FOR BEES

Here are some great ways to manage urban spaces for our native bees:

Maintain a mixture of long and short grass habitats. Some bumblebee species will establish nests in the tussocks of long meadow grass whereas many different solitary mining bees will nest straight into the soils beneath short amenity turf early in spring.

The bees needs Bees depend on far more than just flowers to survive. They have complex habitat requirements that span various physical, temporal and spatial dimensions. This means different bees need different resources at different times of the year and at different scales. For example, some small solitary bees may only venture less than a hundred metres from their nest site, others may feed on certain types of flowers and many species require specific soil types and conditions for nesting. This may sound complicated but the requirements can be met through very simple landscape interventions which can be applied in almost any context with a bit of creative thinking and ingenuity.

DOM KNOWER

Dom Knower is a green space professional with a passion for sustainability and biodiversity. He is the founder and director of Niche, a venture which utilises creative solutions, technology and collaboration to deliver biodiversity and sustainability improvements to urban landscapes. He is also a founding member of Scouse Flowerhouse, a newly formed Community Benefit Society that is creating a mosaic of habitats across Liverpool and the North of England. niche-environmental.co.uk

• Create and maintain areas of bare ground or sparsely vegetated soil banks. Sandy soils are often very effective but even organic-rich soils can be used by mining bees (I’ve dug up many small mining bees whilst turning over allotment beds in the past).

• Cut and bundle together hollow plant stems each year and fix them off the ground in a sunny aspect.

• Drill holes in logs or timber posts to create a habitat for cavitynesting bee species.

• Avoid using herbicides wherever possible as this is simply not compatible with enhancing or conserving biodiversity.

• Avoid cultivating shrub beds where bees are nesting (lookout for small volcano-shaped soil mounds indicating mining bee activity).

• Use trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs to create a diverse planting scheme with a focus on nectar and pollen-rich flowering varieties that will collectively provide forage throughout the four seasons.

• Structural diversity is as important as vegetative diversity for invertebrates. Try not to keep things too rigid or tidy. Varied topography, aspect, moisture, shade and exposure all create a myriad of niches which ultimately creates the conditions for a diverse invertebrate community.

• Lastly, don’t be afraid to admit your limitations if a client asks you about enhancing a site for biodiversity. Seek advice from a reputable biodiversity professional. Whatever you do, don’t call in the local beekeeper!

It is the collective efforts of this diverse bee community that deliver the bulk of crop pollination services that our food system depends on

A TAWNEY MINING BEE PEEKS OUT FROM HER NEST IN SHORT TURF

A SELECTION OF BEES CAUGHT IN MY BACK GARDEN

There are various options depending on where you buy your trees?

With

Show me THE MONEY

Market conditions are causing us all to consider what we buy and how we spend; the same is true of developers and housebuilders. The UK’s three biggest housebuilders have all been cutting back on new projects as they adapt to the downturn in the property market, with fewer people buying new homes due to concerns about the economy and the jump in borrowing costs – which now stand above 4%, their highest since 2008 – coupled with considerable inflation and the rise in the cost of building materials. With developers hunkering down, new homes are not being built and land purchases are also being reined in, meaning the lag when things do start will be noticeable.

Collectively, the UK’s three biggest housebuilders built almost 50,000 homes last year. So, at the core of the issue is the fact that this slowdown in construction and land acquisition will have a material impact on the UK’s housing supply, with the forecasted number of new homes being built falling by around 25% year on year in 2023. The fact of the matter is we are not getting the homes we need in the UK at this moment in time, but were we before?

With this considerable pause in the housing and construction market, now is the time to (re)focus on what investment we need, rather than doing what we’ve always done. To take a fresh look at value and values, the connection between them and how we can put value to work for the values we have or strive for. In short, now is the time to build homes that cease to socialise the risk and privatise the reward.

The Housing Design Audit for England by Place Alliance UCL found that in terms of the homes we are building, housing design is overwhelmingly ‘mediocre’ or ‘poor’ with some of the least successful design elements nationally relating to overly engineered highways infrastructure and the poor integration of car parking. This leads to unattractive and unfriendly environments that lack a strong sense of place and community cohesion as well as streets that invite car use over everything else. In turn, this has huge and spiralling environmental, social and societal implications. If everything starts at home, should we not rethink how we shape homes to positively influence the lives that grow within them?

First of all, through all aspects of the development process, and especially in terms of the design of streets, we must take a place and people first approach. We have to better apply the learning we have gained from the redesign of urban streets to the design of streets within development at a much larger scale. At the heart of the issue is parking; we have to better communicate the damage that parking has on community, and start to create places that support movement but prioritise people.

CHRISTOPHER MARTIN

Christopher is an influential urban designer and planner working all over the globe to help communities improve their public spaces; as well as supporting cities and governments to develop strategy, change policies, and make great places possible. He is co-founder and director of Urban Strategy at Urban Movement; a trustee of the UK charity for everyday walking – Living Streets; vice chair of the UK Urban Design Group; and is a member of the United Nations Planning and Climate Action Group. urbanmovement.co.uk @ChrisCities

We must take a place and people first approach

Housebuilding is slowing down –does this create an opportunity to rethink development, questions

Christopher Martin

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GREEN ROADahead THE

The TV programmes of Sir David Attenborough, Chris Packham and the like have informed us that our future world must be greener, and that we ought to be the technologists to affect this. So, we want to do the right things to journey ourselves, our clients and the public down this road. But do we know what the right things are, or are we just tinkering with minor items? Do we understand what sustainability is, what our most sustainable choice of materials are, and what is the impact of our carbon footprint? How do we foster biodiversity net gain? Surely this understanding should be within all who work in our industry from the shovel to the sketchpad.

And where do we gain this knowledge? Do we all have to plough our own furrow? Is there a common source we can access for this information?

Landscape architect Adam White introduced the Sustainable Landscape Foundation (SLF) in the March issue of Pro Landscaper, and this is a major step in the right direction. SLF is independent of industry compartmentalisation and, though supported by these organisations, is independent of the traditional hierarchy and bureaucracy. Founded by Marian Boswall and Arit Anderson, it has been in development since 2017 and now has a formal structure in place and a group of respected and experienced trustees. What it now needs is for us to sign up (for free) to become more involved and agree to share our positive experiences of sustainable projects and actions, so they can gather, review and disseminate these best practice ideas across industry. If this is something that you are interested in (and why wouldn’t you be) and are willing to contribute, then do visit the SLF website and get in touch (sustainablelandscapefoundation.com).

Concurrent to our environmental issues we also need to consider the future workforce in our industry. Are our trade bodies working hard enough together on sustainability (it has been said this is like herding cats!) and are they working with the colleges producing the new members of our industry? The flow from these colleges is insufficient to meet our skill shortages, and the lack of staff is restricting the progress of many of our leading companies.

As a trustee of the BALI Chalk Fund and supporter of GoLandscape we are keen to support landscape training in the colleges and want to engage with them more fully. However, if current and up-to-date landscape practitioners don’t share their knowledge and experiences with these colleges, the output will be stuck to the past knowledge and training of their lecturers.

Now that our pension pots can exceed a million, can we all take a back seat? No we can’t. So, there is a job to be done of sharing what is good and successful via SLF and on to the students and our future. So please act: sign up to the SLF, share your sustainable successes, join GoLandscape as an ambassador and knock on the doors of your local school and college let them know what success your hard work has achieved. I hope to continue with this topic in future months.

NICK COSLETT

Nick is now retired but has worked in landscape offices, parks management and horticultural nurseries. For the past 20 years, he has also run soft landscape workshops at Coblands and Palmstead. He has been involved in BALI at a regional and national level, and is a trustee of the BALI Chalk Fund, as well as an awards judge.

As an industry and individuals, we want to do the ‘right thing’ for a sustainable future – but do we know what that is yet, wonders Nick Coslett

Concurrent to our environmental issues we also need to consider the future workforce in our industry

CHELSEA Made in

Andrew Wilson considers “the show that beats all others” in the garden and horticultural world and wonders how he has found himself exhibiting with Gavin McWilliam once again

It was a simple question really when our sponsors, Darwin Property Investment, approached us – would we design a Chelsea show garden again? In the slightly distorted reality of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show we, of course, said yes. That was many moons ago but then, as Easter and spring arrive, the panic sets in and we wonder how this ever came about.

I’m not the only one. I jumped on a plane to Dublin late last year with Mark Gregory and both of us sat there for most of the flight asking each other that same question. We laughed about it in December but there’s not much laughter now in the later run-up to the show.

I think partly that feeling of dread comes from the fact that this is the greatest flower show on Earth, and that anything we deliver is played out on a global stage. I think also that the delivery has an exact end point –no extensions or overruns allowed. But more than this, there is also an ambition in the hearts of exhibitors to deliver something

amazing or, as I would say to my students, something fab.

Built elements need to be ambitious, fascinating or perhaps awe-inspiring, but deliverable in the time available from the point of acceptance into the show to the three-week build period directly before the show. Many designers and contractors opt for prefabrication, but this should not be an obvious feature of the build. The majority of the build period at the show ground is devoted to construction which has become increasingly ambitious over the last two decades. Thank goodness we are in the safe and experienced hands of the Outdoor Room. It’s only in the last week before the show that the planting can start in earnest.

Ah, yes, the planting! Plants and planting design are the main reasons for the show and the main reasons that most devotees visit the show. And here we are, at the end of one of the coldest winters for some years, hoping that our plants will deliver.

In 2013, we endured a really cold winter and spring with temperatures in the middle of Chelsea week remaining in single figures. I remember journalists wondering where the flowers were and suggesting that green was the new fashion for gardens everywhere.

I was still judging that year in the main show gardens whilst exhibiting with Gavin in what were the Fresh gardens. I remember talking to Bob Sweet from the RHS about having to deliver planting but also to assess and judge it. He reminded me that technically show planting should be true to its season – the rules were not specific about the need for flower.

Well, Hortus Loci’s Mark Straver, Gavin and I have everything crossed as I’m sure all other exhibitors have too as we are all in the same boat. Here’s to sunshine and warmer temperatures please. Just praying and crying a little bit!

Andrew Wilson is a landscape and garden design consultant, director of the London College of Garden Design, and an author, writer and lecturer. lcgd.org.uk

ANDREW WILSON

Here we are, at the end of one of the coldest winters for some years, hoping that our plants will deliver

ANDREW AND GAVIN STILL SMILING THROUGH THEIR 2017 CHELSEA BUILD

AS K THE EXPERTS

How do you plan ahead for the construction of a show garden?

Jake Catling shares insight building award-winning show gardens

We would love more than two years to organise and plan the show gardens that we build, but there are lots of factors that make this not possible most of the time. We have eight or nine months to plan and other times even less if something comes up last minute and someone needs a hand.

Being asked to be the contractor for a show garden at any show is an absolute delight, but to be asked to build at Chelsea is a privilege; it's a huge stage for us as an industry to showcase what we are about so all involved are ambassadors. We are laser focused on delivery of this garden and how we can do it in a slick, efficient way, so after the initial excitement has settled, we are straight into the nuts and bolts, asking questions like how it can be built. What can be built ahead of time? What specialists do we need? How can we add value to this design through creative construction and detailing? What suppliers are best suited to the material pallet required? We really want to get immersed in the garden, so absorbing all the information from the plans and brief is crucial so we can prioritise what’s important. We look at the key elements and structures straight away and start thinking about their buildability, practicality and the logistics involved. We also need to discuss tree size, assessing their weight and position, how

The panel

HOLLY YOUDE

Chair of the APL, Holly Youde, is a director at Urban Landscape Design in the North West and The Landscape Academy, a purpose built training centre dedicated to landscaping in the UK.

JAKE CATLING

they can be planted, and what machinery is required.

Anyone who has built a Chelsea garden before, or been on site through construction, knows it’s a very fast-paced, compact site with restrictions for access, so logistics are crucial. We have to start thinking about that right at the start. There is a lot of time in the first few months when we‘re going through designs and details with the designers and talking to sponsors as to how things will work. It is a partnership working with a designer to build their vision. We are probably doing one day a week on Chelsea in the run up, and more as we get closer to showtime, so we have to factor that in, especially if we are prefabricating any elements in house. I do a lot of that myself in the early stages to minimise the impact on other projects but when we get to scheduling, we start pulling in project managers and administrators to help so it's a real companywide pursuit from February onwards.

For us, it’s not about having a large team on site; it’s about having the right team. That means specialists and a good mix of experience and enthusiasm. When we get to planting week, we protect all the hard landscaping surfaces and priorities switch to the plants and planting team. We help with logistics, organisation, taking deliveries, moving plants, helping with compost imports, tidying up and generally keeping morale up.

Jake founded his domestic landscaping company, The Landscaping Consultants, aged just 24. He is now a BALI board director and the BALI South Thames chairman, and has delivered various awardwinning gardens and outdoor spaces.

KEN WHITE

Ken White, former chairman of the APL, leads the multi-award-winning Frosts Landscape Construction, which carries out large commercial and private estate projects across the UK.

ROSEMARY COLDSTREAM

Rosemary has won numerous awards for her work, creating high-quality gardens for both domestic and commercial clients. She is a fully registered member of the SGD and sits on the board of directors at BALI.

SARAH EBERLE

Chelsea’s most decorated designer boasts a collection of RHS medals and is a member of the LI, SGD and the Institute of Horticulture. Sarah strives to create as sustainable gardens as possible.

Absorbing all the information from the plans and brief is crucial so we can prioritise what’s important

Adding a Chelsea twist to our ‘Let’s Hear It From’ interview series, Pro Landscaper sits down with RHS sustainability manager Malcolm Anderson as he reflects on environmentalism, fresh challenges and dream jobs

With 25 years of experience in the sustainability and environmental sectors, Malcolm Anderson is now over 18 months into his role as sustainability manager for the RHS — a role he calls his “dream job” — as he looks keenly ahead to his second RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Anderson’s horticultural origin story begins with his father, who ran a plant hire company. “I worked with the machinery for years, and he had a skip business too,” explains Anderson. “I gathered an understanding of waste management and recycling quite early on, particularly the construction industry side –machinery, concrete, and all those sorts of things that go with it.”

Despite that early and long-lasting exposure to the various related industries, it wasn’t until a Canadian ski trip in 1989 that Anderson made a decision. “While we were driving around the country, we went through a section where there wasn’t a living tree for hours and hours – it was a huge logging scar,” he explains. “That’s where I first thought ‘I really want to help with this… I’m going home to sort it out!’”

“WE'RE ALL TALKING ABOUT REDUCING EMISSIONS, NET ZERO AND RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGIES, BUT VERY FEW PEOPLE ARE PAYING ENOUGH ATTENTION TO HOW WE ADAPT AS A SOCIETY, A BUSINESS, OR EVEN AS INDIVIDUALS”

After picking up an HND in land management, Anderson moved on to Bournemouth University, which was “pretty much the only one” at the time that was offering environmental protection courses instead of environmental science. “I didn’t want to be a geographer,” Anderson says. “I knew I wanted to do something with more of an industrial focus.”

With that in mind, Anderson took his first related job at Building Research Establishment (BRE) as a material scientist, working in the waste and recycling team.“It was all about looking at reusing aggregates and different construction materials, minimising waste,” he explains.“I was there nine years and by the end, I was special projects manager to the board. It was a long period of working in the research sector, but it was great to work with some of the biggest names in UK construction.”

The nitty-gritty of sustainability

After nine years, it was time for a new challenge, and an even longer stint as environmental practices adviser for the National Trust beckoned.

“I was really keen to get on with actually delivering sustainability, rather than simply doing research projects,” Anderson says. “The research was fulfilling in its own way, but the nitty-gritty of sustainability was where I really wanted to be.

“It was a huge challenge because, despite all those years at BRE, there were so many things I hadn’t learned,” he continues. “I landed at the National Trust and all of a sudden had to deal with oil spills, sewage treatment, historic

infrastructure, composting facilities, and a whole range of stuff that goes with running very large, relatively rural estates. It was a real shift into doing those things on the ground rather than dealing with hypotheticals.”

At the time, Anderson says, "the National Trust didn’t have its current level of activity or ambition for renewable energy. There were exemplary pockets of sustainability, but it wasn’t the default for the organisation.” He spent 13 years with the National Trust, helping to shift the organisation to a point “where we had a fully embedded environmental management system.

“What followed was climate change mitigation and adaptation, getting places

I was really keen to get on with actually delivering sustainability, rather than simply doing research projects

ready for what the changing climate is going to deliver," Anderson explains. “That's quite often the missing part of the jigsaw; we're all talking about reducing emissions, net zero and renewable technologies, but very few people are paying enough attention to how we adapt as a society, a business, or even as individuals. The whole adaptation process at the National Trust made for a really interesting 13 years.”

“A different level”

Unfortunately, as a result of the initial COVID-19 lockdown period, thousands of National Trust employees were placed on furlough, and, as the pandemic began to settle, Anderson was one of many made redundant.

“Obviously, it’s never a nice feeling, but it was an opportunity to draw a line in the sand – it’s been a great 13 years, but what next?” says Anderson. He took on a post-redundancy role as an environmental consultant for six months before his “absolute dream job” came along.

“The RHS is a fantastic organisation; it’s simply at a different level,” smiles Anderson. “And for me personally, it wasn’t just any role; it was a chance to help shape the delivery. It couldn’t have come at a better time.”

The new sustainability manager joined almost immediately after the RHS had written and published its sustainability strategy. “It’s a good strategy,” Anderson says. “I’m really

pleased with the climate ambition and the fact we avoid the use of offsets. We don’t want to buy our way out of trouble by throwing money at an organisation planting trees, where the farmers get a small payment and some middleman is making a huge sum of money.”

Another positive to the timing of his arrival was being able to help "streamline deliberations” about what the strategy should be. “Getting an organisation of this scale to sit down and agree what on an ambition naturally is not easy,” says Anderson. “It can certainly be a protracted process.”

One challenge Malcolm faced was the ambitious nature of the RHS’ sustainability strategy. “The first year of my role was helping figure out our priorities,” he says. “There's an enormous amount in that strategy because it

1 BBC Studios Our Green Planet and RHS Bee Garden, designed by Joe Swift at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022 ©RHS/Tim Sandall

2 The Mail and RHS Planet Friendly Garden, designed by Mark Gregory at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2022 ©RHS/Tim Sandall

3 A Rewilding Britain Landscape, designed by Lulu Urquhart and Adam Hunt at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022. ©RHS/Neil Hepworth

4 MEDITE SMARTPLY Building the Future. Designed by Sarah Eberle at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022. ©RHS/Neil Hepworth

5 The Mail and RHS Planet Friendly Garden, designed by Mark Gregory at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2022 ©RHS/Tim Sandall

The RHS is a fantastic organisation; it’s simply at a different level

covers employment, education, wellbeing, diversity and inclusion; the environmental side of things is just one facet. So, that was the initial challenge; how will we do what we said that we're going to do?”

Crunching numbers

A major part of that opening challenge was to complete a full assessment of the RHS’ carbon footprint. “Scopes One and Two, as many business owners will know, are quite straightforward, and they don’t change your numbers much,” Anderson explains. “Everything you have direct control over – your heating, electricity, etc. – it might only make up 4% of your overall carbon footprint.”

“Scope Three is much harder to handle. Convincing suppliers to follow suit, and working with supply chains to look at what we’re buying and selling… it’s a really longprocess that will take a number of years.”

A key priority this year is climate mapping, analysing potential future scenarios to garner a better understanding of the implications of climate change on the RHS’ operations. Impressively, it looks ahead as far as 80-100 years.“It could be commercial operations, such as interruptions to global supply chains, right down to what

across all of its garden sites, looking for opportunities such as swapping oil boilers for heat pumps and installing solar panels, whether land- or ground-mounted.

“We’ve looked at the energy use of the organisation and are thinking, ‘how do we get to a point where we're energy neutral or energy positive?’ That’s a priority,” says Anderson. “On the other side of that is investigating waste management at every level, and attempting to introduce a more circular economy.”

However, the real aim is for the RHS to simply understand what waste it is producing, and why. “Where it goes is fairly simple; that’s talking to our waste suppliers,” says Anderson. “But we need to actually understand why we’re producing that waste in the first place, and whether there are more efficient ways of going about it. For example, with food waste from catering, we could separate the food waste out. We could send it off-site for anaerobic digestion somewhere else. Or we could look at in-vessel composting on-site and producing a better compost for our gardens to use.

long-term plans in place across the country. Despite this, a key theme of RHS Chelsea 2023 is sustainability, and rightly so because the show reaches millions. But can you truly make the show sustainable?

“Not in the big sense of the word,” concedes Anderson.“I think it’s very important to be open and honest about these things. Coming from the National Trust to the RHS, where we’re effectively running big festivals, it was hard for me to unpick how you can make something so temporary sustainable.

“If you think everything we do as humans has an environmental footprint – every time we wake up and turn the lights on in the morning, we are having an impact. The shows are having an impact; there's no getting away from that. But what we've got to focus on is reducing that impact where we can. There are lots of things we can do immediately with the shows, and there are a lot of things we've already done. Some are simply going to take longer because they involve much more significant investment or infrastructure.”

“You can also maximise the handprint. These shows provide an enormous amount of employment and wellbeing to people who visit. It’s easy to jump on the negatives, but we’ve got to start measuring the benefits too.

happens if summer brings 45- degree heat,” he explains.“At that point, should the gardeners be out in gardens? At what trigger level should we be stopping visitors walking around, or do we instead need to provide more shading?”

Over the past 18 months, the RHS has also carried out renewable energy assessments

“There are lots of little steps you can take, where you simply send something off for someone else to deal with. But there’s also that really important longer-term thinking of ‘what can we change entirely?’”

Maximising handprints

Clearly, there is no quick fix for such a large-scale operation, with a host of

“How much of the UK landscaping industry is involved in those shows? How much money is being spent due to those shows? If we continue to promote sustainability messaging too, we influence a huge number of people and we're able to get messages across about how they can be more sustainable in their own gardens.”

6 RHS letters at the Chelsea Flower Show 2022, ©RHS/Sarah Vivienne

7 ©RHS/Tim Sandall

If we continue to promote sustainability messaging, we influence a huge number of people and we're able to get messages across about how they can be more sustainable in their own gardens

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

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Location: Surrey

Yoreland Design Ltd is a leading garden design and construction specialist, with a solid track record of producing contemporary and traditional, high quality, outdoor spaces, for residential clients. Due to ongoing success over the last four years, it has some exciting vacancies in its landscaping team. It is seeking likeminded, motivated individuals, with varying levels of experience, from landscape labourers to support the existing team, as well as more experienced landscapers, looking for the next move in their career. You will have the chance to work on significant projects building and sculpting gardens, with the opportunity to expand your skills and learn from the best.

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JDS GARDENING

Location: Scotland – East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian

JDS Gardening is a successful, expanding full-services gardening company based in Edinburgh. It provides gardening, planting and tree services and is committed to sustainable operational methods. It is looking to recruit an experienced and knowledgeable team supervisor. The applicant must be able to demonstrate a track record of maintaining a mixture of domestic and commercial gardens/grounds to a high standard along with landscaping and gardening projects. Many clients require expert advice on planting and maintenance schedules, therefore you must be proficient in plants, shrubs and lawn assessments and recommendations.

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ROEHAMPTON CLUB

Location: London

This role will see you join a team dedicated to managing the estate of the Roehampton Club and its grounds. This will have the opportunity to work on a variety of garden tasks including maintaining borders, turf, hedges and water features of the original Edwardian garden. The individual will also help plan and develop new landscape borders across the estate and help manage these areas through the process of the build and aftercare. You will be required to perform any duties or tasks to help with the day-to-day running of the garden under current health and safety at work regulations. The position requires a good level of fitness for outdoor work.

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Clare Matterson, looks ahead to her first Chelsea as director general and how the show can continue to have a positive impact on gardening whilst reducing its impact on the environment

CHELSEA A changing

This year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show will be my first as the director general of the RHS. As the world’s greatest flower show, I am delighted that it continues to deliver new ideas and inspiration across all areas of horticulture. In 2023, we will shine a light on the many ways that gardening and gardens provide benefits both for the environment and for the health and the wellbeing of future generations.

Not only does planting and growing bring great joy and fulfilment to the more than 30 million UK people who are gardeners, but we also know that gardens support biodiversity and can help us to be

more climate resilient through pollution capture, cooling our cities, and water and carbon capture. RHS Chelsea gives us a great platform to showcase to millions of people all that gardening and horticulture have to offer.

Several of the gardens will focus specifically on our relationship with the environment. For example, The Royal Entomological Society Garden has been designed by Tom Massey to show how important people can be to insects in the choices they make and the way that they garden; The Hoban Cultural Foundation: Land of Healing, Korean Mountain Light garden by Korean designer Jihae Hwang, will explore the success of a rewilding project in her home country; and in the Savills Garden, Mark Gregory is using new sustainable materials to create the garden, and is introducing a working kitchen to cook for the Chelsea Pensioners for a true ‘from plot-to-plate’ experience.

We are also reducing the environmental impact of the event. Each show garden will be relocated in

some form, whether in full or in parts; single use plastic and plastic turf will be banned; and we have been working with A Greener Festival to further explore how to reduce the show’s carbon footprint. This will all contribute to our commitment to make RHS operations net positive for climate and nature by 2030.

Highlighting our commitment to future generations, we are delighted to host 100 local schoolchildren at the first ever RHS Chelsea Children’s Picnic. We hope that this is a really special experience for all the children, igniting an interest in gardening that will be with them throughout their lives and provide a gateway to connect to nature through a love of gardening.

By recognising the importance of gardens for people and planet, we hope that RHS Chelsea Flower Show will not only be a joyful experience, but also show our commitment to future generations.

Clare Matterson CBE is the director general of the RHS. She was previously executive director of engagement at the Natural History Museum and spent 17 years with the Wellcome Trust leading its work in engagement, education, policy and strategy. Clare was awarded a CBE for services to public engagement and a Fellowship to the British Science Association for outstanding contributions to public engagement and was named on GQ's Most Connected Women in Britain in 2015. rhs.org.uk

CLARE MATTERSON ©RHS/PaulDebois

RHS Chelsea gives us a great platform to showcase to millions of people all that gardening and horticulture have to offer

THE SAVILLS GARDEN DESIGNED BY MARK GREGORY

THE ROYAL ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY GARDEN DESIGNED BY TOM MASSEY

GARDENS Show

RHS Chelsea show gardens return – here are the details for 2023

LAND OF HEALING: KOREAN MOUNTAIN LIGHT

Sponsor Hoban Cultural Foundation and MUUM Ltd.

Designer Jihae Hwang

Contractor The Landscape Tailor

THE SAMARITANS’ LISTENING GARDEN

Sponsor Project Giving Back

supporting Samaritans

Designer Darren Hawkes

Contractor Landform Consultants

Samaritans is a national charity working to reduce suicide and provides emotional support to those at risk. The Listening Garden is intended to be a safe and secure space where people can feel comfortable sharing their internal struggles. The garden creates an authentic representation of the journey people struggling with their emotions will go on – from an area that feels chaotic and overwhelming, through to a calming and tranquil space. Sculptural oak seats serve as places to talk and listen or reflect on conversations. Other elements that appear rough or uncomfortable can also be beautifully honed, artistic and valuable. Parts of the garden will go on to create a permanent garden at Samaritans in Truro, and other plants will be sent to further Samaritans sites.

THE NURTURE LANDSCAPES GARDEN

This garden represents the medicinal herbal colony located in the eastern part of Jirisan, also known as “the mother mountain of Korea”. This area is home to 15,000 or more species of native medicinal plants. It is the last primaeval forest of Jirisan where Korean native medicinal herbs, speciality plants and rare endangered alpine plants grow. In Korea, the human body is believed to work as the universe operates. In ancient times when hospitals and pharmacies were non-existent, diseases were cured using medicinal plants growing wild in mountains and fields. Human life was dependent on nature for survival. This garden highlights how the recovery of the natural environment is key to the coexistence between humans and nature and how this can be made possible by minimising human interference.

Sponsor Nurture Landscapes

Designer Sarah Price

Contractor Crocus

Sarah Price was inspired by British contemporary artist and plantsman Sir Cedric Morris and the plants he collected in the garden of his 16th Century home, Benton End in Suffolk. The low-carbon garden will take traditional techniques that were found in Morris’ home, and reinterpret them for contemporary use, with locally sourced, sustainable materials. The plants' artistic selection and arrangement both 'on the ground' and in containers will provide the highlight. Climbers growing up and over supports, frame pictoriallike compositions, whilst also creating seclusion and intrigue. Handcrafted furniture will encourage relaxation, and sociability as well as opportunities for observation of the garden. All of the materials and plants from the garden will be relocated to Benton End House and Garden Trust in Hadleigh, where Morris originally lived and is now managed by The Garden Museum.

CENTRE FOR MENTAL HEALTH’S THE BALANCE GARDEN

Sponsor Project Giving

Back supporting Centre for Mental Health

Designer Jonathan

Davies and Steve Williams (Wild City Studio)

Contractor Stewart Landscape Ltd.

The Balance is a forward-thinking community space celebrating the relationship between authentic nature connection and our urban communities’ mental health. The garden explores the perceived opposites of the human and natural worlds and discovers how they may be unified towards a healthy and abundant future for all. Within a harmonious space of ecologically-driven planting and sensitively repurposed practical materials, the designers herald the inspiration found in both the natural world and the urban landscape to offer an innovative expression of the beauty and healing qualities found in their balance. Under pressures of tight budgets in less affluent areas, the garden explores the importance of inclusivity and affordability in creating authentic nature experiences in the urban landscape. Embracing the character of the local area and encouraging a sense of local pride, light touch and stewardship, it welcomes an inclusive community with space for social engagement and solitary contemplation.

THE ROYAL ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY GARDEN

THE FAUNA & FLORA GARDEN

Sponsor Project Giving Back supporting Fauna & Flora

Designer Jilayne Rickards

Contractor Living Landscapes

The Fauna & Flora Garden will offer visitors a window into the spectacular Afromontane landscape of Central Africa’s imposing Virunga Massif, celebrating the success of the International Gorilla Conservation Programme, originally established by Fauna & Flora (FF) in 1978 as the Mountain Gorilla Project, at the behest of Sir David Attenborough. The garden maps the journey of an eco-tourist on a gorilla trek, tracing a rough track through a succession of lush and changing landscapes on either side of the Protected Forest Area boundary wall, each side showcasing the familiar, unusual and spectacular plants found in the area. Along the way is a medicinal garden shaded by eucalyptus and banana trees; a typical tourist kiosk selling local crafts; a true-to-life gorilla nest set amongst bamboo; and an entrancing waterfall and viewing rock surrounded by plants found only at high altitude. The garden aims to demonstrate the critical importance of protecting nature and how this can be best achieved by putting people and collaboration at the heart of conservation efforts.

Sponsor Project Giving Back supporting The Royal Entomological Society

Designer Tom Massey

Contractor Landscape Associates

The outdoor lab, built into a hillside, takes visitors down into the landscape, offering an ‘insect eye view’ and a space in which to study. A movable projector screen links to the microscopes in the lab, giving the opportunity to show enlarged insects at magnified scale, revealing their fascinating morphology and offering opportunities for education. The lab’s roof structure is inspired by a compound insect eye and will provide ‘modules’ permeable to insects, providing an accessible opportunity for on-site research, study and identification. During the week of the show, the lab will be used for real scientific research, monitoring and studying insects visiting the garden. Diverse topography across the garden – from rammed earth floors, hoggin pathways and dead wood, to piles of rubble, bare sand and gabion walls – provide numerous and varied habitats for insects. Water in still pools and flowing streams provides additional important insect habitats and added interest to the aesthetic and soundscape of the garden. A dead tree ‘sculpture’, cut into rings elevated on steel poles, ‘floats’ over biodiverse planting – the open structure allowing ease of access for study.

A standing dead tree and tree stump provide further sculptural habitat and visitor interest.

THE SAVILLS GARDEN

Sponsor Savills

Designer Mark Gregory

Contractor Landform Consultants Ltd.

The Savills Garden will evoke the experience of stepping into the intimate walled-garden, seasonal potager setting of a country hotel. Combining beautiful ornamental and edible planting, this edimentals garden will be both sanctuary and source of the very best in flavours and nutrition. At the heart of the garden is a working kitchen and adjoining dining area, where guests can enjoy meals prepared with ingredients from the potager and walled garden beyond – a ‘from plot-to-plate’ experience, cementing the relationship between grower, guests and chef. Visitors to this tranquil retreat can rest under a mature tree, taking time to reconnect with nature, enjoying the formal planting, while anticipating the tasting experience to come. The aim will be to help change the way we think about our gardens, the way we eat and source our food, and to share ideas and knowledge that can be introduced into even the smallest spaces.

MYELOMA UK – A LIFE WORTH LIVING GARDEN

Sponsor Project Giving Back supporting Myeloma UK Designer

Chris Beardshaw

Contractors Cultura Group & Egidos Ltd

HORATIO’S GARDEN

Sponsor Project Giving Back

supporting Horatio’s Garden

Designers

Contractor

Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg

Ryan Alexander Associates

Horatio’s Garden is a garden of sanctuary and hope. It embraces the mission of Horatio’s Garden charity to create and nurture beautiful, accessible and sustainable gardens in spinal centres for everyone affected by life-changing spinal injuries. The wheelchair accessible garden will showcase the key qualities of these special spaces while incorporating influences from the Sheffield region, connecting it to its future permanent home at the Princess Royal Spinal Injuries Centre in the city. This will be the eighth Horatio’s Garden, which will benefit thousands of patients, relatives and NHS staff for years to come. The garden is a beautiful, immersive, restorative haven – the antithesis of a busy, clinical hospital environment and puts the requirements of people with mobility needs at its heart. Tactile stone cairns give rhythm and structure – symbolic of way finding, they offer gentle guidance when the path is unclear. Water adds sensory experiences, animates the garden and encourages wildlife. The planting is influenced by the flora and fauna of the wooded valley sides of the city of steel. An organic and discreet garden pod structure provides a cocooning place for physical and emotional shelter.

Personal stories from members of the Myeloma UK community helped shape and inspire this calm, immersive and unapologetically beautiful garden. The garden opens with a richly planted, structured and ordered border with a backdrop of formal clipped yew. The space provides clear separation from the secluded woodland paradise beyond. The views and passage initially appear unclear, a meandering path reveals pools of light filtering through the treescape, accentuating the beauty of the garden, emboldening and uplifting the viewer. A charred oak path leads to the first of two neoclassic temples entitled, ‘A Life Worth Living’, nestling beneath the trees, offering space to pause and absorb the natural delicacy of the garden. Pared back and muted, the temple is decorated in an innovative paper; embellished with a stone and moss labyrinth floor and a specially commissioned paper leaf and flower motif artwork. The second, more opulent temple, ‘Eternal Spring’ encourages lingering and emboldened reflection. Decorated with a rich, floral paper; lavish seating and a suspended porcelain precious-metal leaf sculpture, gently lit to cast fleeting silhouettes. Water links the two temples – a quiet, reflective pool, symbolising refreshment and cleansing of the spirit. Revelling in the dappled shade, a mosaic of Zantedeschia, Iris and Primula allows the viewer to enjoy the detail of the moment and gain emotional resilience.

The New Eco-Living Collection

LONDON SQUARE COMMUNITY GARDEN

Bringing together a community is the living thread weaving through every aspect of this garden. A place to meet, share food and escape to connect with nature and relax. There are two contrasting areas of what would be a larger garden. A welcoming meeting space is facilitated by a large communal table and borrowed chairs, each representing a personal story. Areas have been designed for growing produce and sharing, playing games, or sitting under the shade of a pergola. The garden provides a calming oasis to connect with nature – with a tranquil planted area, a swing seat for unwinding and a spot under the dappled canopy of a tree. The garden reflects London Square’s ethos of providing that vital connection between people through communal gardens at the heart of the neighbourhoods it builds.

GARDENS Sanctuary

RHS

CAVERNOMA ON MY MIND

Sponsor The Cavernoma Society

Designer Taina Suonio and Anne Hamilton

Contractor Tom Salmon Landscaping

The Cavernoma On My Mind Garden contains named areas which describe the feelings of cavernoma patients, such as “fragility of life”, “unconditional love” and “fresh start”. The plants in these named areas have been chosen for symbolism describing the cavernoma, a cluster of abnormal blood vessels found in the brain and spinal cord, or the feelings a patient goes through, or for the plants’ healing quality stemming from spirit-lifting beauty. Nature is a healer for many people with cavernoma, who go through various periods of hardship with varying degrees of severity and even a single plant can have an impact on wellbeing and support a healing process. The glass steps ascending to the viewing platform symbolise hope for progress and the optimism required for living with the condition. The viewing platform represents security and clarity of vision into the future. Altogether, the complete garden, a sanctuary of biodiversity full of symbolism is an outlet for the patients’ feelings as well as awareness raising about the condition.

HAMPTONS

MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN

Sponsor Hamptons

Designer Filippo Dester

Contractor Garden Club London

The Hamptons Mediterranean Garden is a contemporary outdoor living space redolent with the look, feel and smell of sunny Mediterranean landscapes. A tranquil place where the architecture, rich in sculptural features and warm textures, merges into nature. It combines an outdoor kitchen with a shady alfresco dining space where one can relax, enjoy cooking and entertain friends and family. The palette of Mediterranean plants includes clouds of scented sub-shrubs, aromatic herbs, and drought-tolerant ornamental perennials. The scheme is thought for a changing climate where conscious water usage is essential, is ideal to encourage biodiversity, and provides its inhabitants with edible fruits and herbs. It creates a peaceful atmosphere that promotes wellbeing and encourages an intimate, slow-paced experience of the garden. The central area with a kitchen/bar and a generous dining table is the garden’s focus as a space of connection – to nature and to others.

Chelsea's tranquil Sanctuary Gardens up close

Sponsor London Square Designer James Smith Contractor The Landscaping Consultants

THE BOODLES BRITISH CRAFT GARDEN

Sponsor Boodles

Designer Thomas Hoblyn

Contractor The Landscaping Consultants

The Boodles British Craft Garden is a celebration of British craftsmanship, the very best British craftspeople have worked with Thomas Hoblyn to create the garden; on the premise that craftsmanship is the refinement and stylisation of Mother Nature. Inspired by the Pre-Raphaelites' stylised depiction of woodlands, the design is a woodland glade-like garden, filled with plants selected for their perfected forms. An arbour, created by sculptor Chris Cox of Cox London is the destination within the garden, mimics the woodland surroundings in the form of intricate leafy tiles and branchlike framework. A floating pool will ripple as though raindrops dance across the surface, cleverly built by water sculptor Bamber Wallis. Curated by top interior designer Rachel Chudley, woodland-inspired furnishings adorn within using the very best artisan craftspeople. Jake Catling of The Landscaping Consultants has worked his stonemasonry magic in creating rustic yet refined paths and terrace using the highly fossilised Chatsworth stone.

THE RSPCA GARDEN

Sponsor Project Giving Back supporting the RSPCA

Designer Martyn Wilson

Contractor Landscape Associates

This garden is a contemporary interpretation of a wildlife sanctuary, inspired by native woodlands and the rehabilitation of wild animals that forms part of the RSPCA’s vital welfare work. Created using a fusion of natural, sustainable and recycled materials, it demonstrates how we can have a positive impact on biodiversity and live as part of the natural environment. In the corner of the garden sits a contemporary structure akin to a wildlife observation hide, enabling views out into the space. A natural stone feature wall with bird nesting boxes forms the rear. Laser-cut Corten steel contains a modern interpretation of a ‘dead hedge’, which becomes a habitat for birds, mammals and insects, using recycled garden waste. A rill, framed from recycled plastic, flows through the garden, creating movement and sound. It cascades into a pool, providing a spot for quiet contemplation, as well as a source of water for wildlife. The whole space will be enclosed by hedging and a canopy of native trees and shrubs, essential for birds and wildlife. Planting will be in a multi-layered naturalistic style, in shades of green, whites and tones of ‘RSPCA’ blue, with pollinator-friendly plants. The garden is a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the RSPCA, the largest animal welfare charity, which will continue to rescue, care for and prevent cruelty to all animals for the next 200 years and beyond. Through its repurposing of litter that has harmed some of the many animals the RSPCA rescues, the garden inspires visitors to create safe, inclusive spaces for all creatures to share.

THE NATIONAL BRAIN APPEAL’S RARE SPACE

Sponsor Project Giving Back supporting The National Brain Appeal

Designer Charlie Hawkes

Contractor Landscape Associates Ltd

The National Brain Appeal’s Rare Space Garden has been designed alongside people living with rare dementias, using their lives to inspire a space that will foster autonomy, hope and encourage activity among people affected. These are nonmemory led dementias that can make seeing, understanding, and moving confidently through physical spaces extremely challenging. The result is a space of contrasting materials to help identify and locate structural components and a simple layout that offers a balance between exploration and calm navigation. Central to this is a level path which turns through the garden, offering along its way three seating areas with visually contrasting shelters of various colours to promote independent wayfinding. Together these elements will showcase a bespoke environment for people living with rare dementias so they can find a place of enjoyment and refuge in a challenging world. The garden highlights the exceptional work of the charity in funding world-leading research to address and support those with rare dementias and other neurological conditions.

THE SCHOOL FOOD MATTERS GARDEN

Sponsor Project Giving Back supporting School Food Matters

Designer Harry Holding

Contractor

Landscape Associates

The garden is an immersive, forageable and naturalistic landscape where children can explore nature and be inspired by a diverse range of edible, climate-adapted plants along the way. Paths will be child-sized, allowing children to create their own imagined worlds as they meander through plants, scramble over boulders and journey past the raw elements of food production: tactile rammed earth walls, reflective water, flowers to attract pollinators and light-capturing grasses. Calming textural planting is intersected by bold, colourful ribbons of flowers, leading to a tranquil space where children can express their views on food and climate change through direct quotes painted on the central wall. All elements culminate in a show-stopping way and deliver a prominent message: nutritious food, a healthy planet and access to nature are fundamental rights that every child should enjoy.

GARDENS All About Plants

THE NATURAL AFFINITY GARDEN FOR ASPENS

Sponsor Project Giving Back supporting Aspens Charities

Designer Camellia Taylor

Contractor The Outdoor Room

The garden is designed to connect to the natural affinity we have towards nature. Each planting zone targets specific senses and every aspect of the planting has been included for sensory stimulation for people with learning disabilities. The curved shape of the design reflects the neurons and plants roots spreading through the garden from a ‘nucleus’ seating area. Minimal hard landscaping will place a focus on natural materials sourced from the locality of the site. The accessible space will relocate to the charity’s residential support facility in Kent to benefit users, families, carers, staff and volunteers.

THE CHOOSE LOVE GARDEN

Sponsor Project Giving Back supporting Choose Love

Designer

Jane Porter

Contractor Stone Inspired

The Choose Love Garden is inspired by refugee migration routes across Europe and the concept of desire lines – paths created where no formal routes exist. The design reflects the relationship between movement and permanence – of travel and home. Uncertainty and flux in refugee journeys is conveyed with a kinetic sculpture, a dry stream bed path representing waterway migrations and a weathered tree that has taken the shape of the wind. Boulder seating provides rest and stillness with the rock’s permanence evoking migrants’ experience of long years in transit camps. The garden will be relocated to Good Food Matters in Croydon, a community scheme that offers a space for marginalised groups to have access to growing and cooking their own food.

Stand-out show gardens with exceptional planting and causes

The Hemi Fire Bowl

THE RESTORATIVE BALCONY GARDEN

By mixing reclaimed items and carefully selected new materials, The Restorative Garden sponsored by Viking demonstrates that it is possible to create a space which is environmentally conscious without compromising on aesthetic or quality. Planting has been designed to attract pollinators and birdlife into the garden with fragrant trees, climbers and herbs providing a sensory experience for visitors. The planters are manufactured in the UK from recycled plastic bottles, the composite decking has a lifespan upwards of 35 years, and the shingles used in the cladding are sourced from UK-grown trees. A water table doubles up as a birdbath and source of meditative sound, whilst reclaimed teak is used for practical shelving, a simple pergola, and lounge chairs from which the balcony can be enjoyed. Salvaged terracotta planters with unique patina and texture flank the entrance and decorate the rear wall. When night falls, soft lighting illuminates the planting.

Balcony & Container

GARDENS

The Balcony and Container Gardens category has returned for its third year at RHS Chelsea and for the first time, all of the design teams in this section are headed up by women

THE HAMPDEN STARGARDT GARDEN

Sponsor Hampden Agencies Ltd & F H Brundle

Designer Joanne Edmonds and Camilla Windsor-Clive

Sub-Contractor S

J B Joinery & Carpentry

THE PLATFORM GARDEN

Sponsor Energy Garden

Designer Amelia Bouquet and Emilie Bausager

The Platform Garden is inspired by overground train platforms in and around London showcasing how green infrastructure can be incorporated into community garden areas in train stations. The garden aims to show how modular container planting can be integrated to improve biodiversity to these otherwise stark urban areas. Drought tolerant, edible planting and rain water harvesting features are utilised to create a garden that can withstand heavy foot traffic and benefit community gardening groups. Inspired by the design aesthetic found across transportation networks, the garden displays hard-wearing materials such as metro tiles, glass bricks and concrete pavers with graphic curved lines to mimic a train’s movement and form. A key material used in the design is powder coated metal for the curved planters and bench elements which will reflect the design language of London transport. The focal planter has been designed in three tiers to allow for more layers of planting and vertical foliage to make the most use of the space and allow for several age groups to engage in gardening. The design uses recycled concrete paving, recycled litter bins as planters, retro looking glass bricks and green metro tiles.

The Hampden Stargardt Garden has been designed as a sensually healing space for the visually impaired. The sound of running water, the scent of the plants, the crunch of gravel under foot, and the yew trunk seats smooth and silky to the touch; these are all rich sensory experiences which will create the sense of being submerged in nature and can be enjoyed by someone with impaired vision. The garden has a theme of drama – light and dark, crafting a visually brilliant appearance. The key material being used to form the water feature panel, containers and seating is wood from wind-blown trees. The striking blackened ash water feature, which was inspired by the loss of sight in the central vision of a Stargardt sufferer, incorporates bark taken from a wind blown ancient ash tree from Hampshire in its design.

Sponsor Viking Designer Christina Cobb Sub-Contractor Garden Club London

THE DOORSTEP LIBRARY GARDEN: WORDS TAKE YOU PLACES

Designer Gini Denison-Pender,

Philippa Craddock, and Anna Garner Sub-Contractor Greenscape Gardens

The magic of reading and the importance of rainforests are the themes at the heart of this garden. This is a garden about reading and rainforests. It illustrates the power of stories to help us learn about the world and feel inspired to protect it. In the words of Jeanette Winterson “Books and doors are the same thing. You open them and you go through into another world.” This is a calm space for contemplation and reflection, surrounded by plants and lost in books. On the balcony is a cosy window seat just large enough for two, set amongst gently textured plants in shades of green with occasional moments of colour. Books about nature and hand drawn maps are close at hand in this calm and elegant space. Our reader has left behind on her window seat the rainforest tales she was reading to her young child and we look through the window into the world of their imagination – a space which appears to escape the confines of the balcony. The designers also want to show that quality and beauty are possible with a light tread upon the Earth. The backdrop, flooring and planters are all constructed from the timber of a single majestic cedar of Lebanon: although this tree had reached the end of its natural life, its tale continues in this garden and many others.

THE MARY ANNING SPACE TO LEARN GARDEN

Sponsor Allgreen and The Gardens Group

Designer Julie Haylock and Andrew Haylock

Sub-Contractor Original Landscapes

This garden is inspired by Mary Anning, the famous fossil hunter from Lyme Regis, Dorset. Born into poverty, Mary’s gender, standing in society and lack of formal education was a barrier to her being fully credited for her geological discoveries that would provide important evidence of our own evolution. This outdoor learning space, proposed in the grounds of a Dorset Primary School uses nature, fossils, geology, and plants to spark the imagination of lesson time. The hollow tree stump containers resembling volcanoes are planted with Jurassic effect plants, and carved wood seats provide a space to sit and learn. Composite stone ammonites between large crazy paving steppingstones, engraved with the school yard tongue twister, ‘She sells seashells on the seashore’, reportedly written about Mary, challenges the children to recite the rhyme as they step from stone to stone, leading them to find the Plesiosaurus fossil Mary discovered in 1823.

THE ST GEORGE 'ALIGHT HERE' BALCONY GARDEN

Sponsor St George PLC

Designer Emma Tipping

Sub-Contractor Topoforma Landscape

The St George ‘Alright Here’ Balcony Garden intends to showcase that you can create a garden anywhere and that it doesn't have to be boring. Inspired by daily life in the city, the garden is designed for a young professional in London. It's a space to escape the societal pressure to be busy and constantly making progress and instead provides somewhere to sit down with an after-work drink or a morning cup of coffee at the weekend. The garden aims to create a relaxing but playful atmosphere, reminiscent of a good local pub; familiar, comforting, characterful. The garden promotes a message of waste reduction by creatively using fairly mundane materials that we're used to seeing every day. In this garden rubbish bins have been repurposed as containers and the benches are made from reclaimed railway sleepers.

M&G Garden - Gold Medal 2019

Seedlip Garden - Gold Medal 2018

Parsley Box Garden - Silver Medal 2021

Poetry Lover’s Garden - Silver Medal 2017

Morris & Co. - Gold Medal 2022

THE MOST SUSTAINABLE SHOW GARDEN EVER?

The ‘Fane’ name has been synonymous with horticulture for many years. Brothers Peter, the executive chairman of Nurture Landscapes, and Mark, founder and managing director of Crocus, have built their careers delivering horticultural expertise.

The brothers’ story spans more than three decades. Mark founded Crocus in 2000, with Peter starting Nurture eight years later. Going further back in time, the two owned and ran grounds maintenance company Waterers from 1990 until it was sold in 2003, having developed into one of the leading corporate grounds maintenance companies in the country. The move opened

opportunities for the Fanes to draw on their connections and fast-growing reputations.

In the early days at Nurture, Peter himself was often seen with the tools of the trade in his hands, going door-to-door with his three other members with the aim to form lasting relationships based on trust and a recognition of quality. These days, he has more focus upon leading the company through its ambitious growth plans, both organically and through strategic acquisitions. Today, Nurture directly employs nearly 2,000 people nationwide, growing to sales exceeding £140 million through both organic means and the acquisition of like-minded businesses, such as the Royal Warrant Holders for

The Fane brothers are joining forces to create a landmark show garden at RHS Chelsea this year

THE NURTURE LANDSCAPES GARDEN, DESIGNED BY SARAH PRICE

landscape construction, Gavin Jones Ltd, in 2018, and for pest control, Rokill Pest Control, in 2021. Crocus, too, has grown into the UK’s largest online garden nursery business.

The brothers have clearly found success with their respective businesses, but the family values that they are founded upon still “very much run through the organisations today”, say the pair.

Though the demands and pressures that come with running a horticulture business may have evolved as time has gone by, not least in today’s eco-conscious era where the need to demonstrate beyond doubt any claim of sustainability, the principles of delivering high quality with top-level customer service that drove the brothers in their early careers remains paramount across their organisations, along with valuing colleagues and recognising their efforts.

A blueprint for sustainability?

The Nurture Landscapes Garden was conceived between the Fanes and renowned designer Sarah Price, whom Mark first worked with on her first Chelsea Show Garden back in 2012. Inspired by the works of the late artist Cedric Morris, himself famous for his paintings of plants and growing irises at his home in the Suffolk village of Benton End, the garden aims to be “the blueprint for what is possible when adopting sustainable methods and processes”.

The individual flowers are sourced by Crocus and grown at its expansive nursery at Nursery Court, Surrey, where Nurture, too, is headquartered

The individual flowers are sourced by Crocus and grown at its expansive nursery at Nursery Court, Surrey, where Nurture, too, is headquartered. The Crocus nursery also features a water capture reservoir, ensuring that all water used is then circulated back into the environment. As a PAS2060 Carbon Neutral company, Nurture says it shares that same dedication to operating sustainably across all its operations, from transforming its vehicle fleet to electric and investing in battery-powered equipment, through to the use of peat-free compost.

THE NURTURE LANDSCAPES GARDEN

Specifically, bricks constructed by hand and through sustainable, traditional processes are prevalent throughout the garden, as is reclaimed timber and even demolition waste. Other features, such as the boundary ropes, baskets and structures to support the climbing plants, are also weaved using techniques familiar in the time of Cedric Morris yet which are less prominent today. Long hop bines are transformed into sculptures that are both beautiful and practical, without any material being wasted in the process. These unique fixtures and planters bring perhaps long-forgotten creativity into the era of sustainability.”

“To go even further, many of the plants and materials used in the construction of The Nurture Landscapes Garden will find a new yet familiar home once the show is over. Upon Cedric’s death in the 1980s, the gardens and plants at Benton End were distributed to gardeners across the country. However, they will be returning to their spiritual home, where Cedric’s house is currently being renovated into a visitor centre.”

“That same house is a key inspiration throughout the Nurture Landscapes Garden. Its design is constructed through a combination of

hard landscaping textures reminiscent of the house at Benton End, together with a planting palette that will appear wild but will incorporate the tone of the iris and other plants that were a feature of Cedric’s work. The rich-coloured, textured, straw-cob walls that will be featured acts as a tribute to the original pigmented plaster and bricks that the house at Benton End is made from, with the ‘wild-looking’ planting paying tribute to Cedric’s famous rambling garden.”

“Passionate about new methods and equally keen to educate the public on the limitless potential of ‘sustainable’ gardening, Sarah has gone as far as incorporating materials that one would not necessarily think to use in gardening. Old brick, ash, glass, recycled plastic, oyster shell, hen shell, feathers, and wood, are just some examples. Recycled sand and aggregates are also present within the foundation of the garden.”

And it is this commitment from both companies that is put on display at The Nurture Landscapes Garden, starting with the use of reclaimed and ‘waste’ materials. In much the same way that Cedric educated and inspired generations after him – indeed, many species of iris are named after individuals that Morris held dear – it is the aim of the Fanes and their respective businesses that, by collaborating with such a notable designer they can “inspire the future of sustainable gardening and just what is possible when the past and present combine”.

One more for the trophy cabinet?

The Nurture Landscapes Garden is not the first foray the Fane brothers have had into the Chelsea Show. Crocus has partnered with many of the UK’s leading designers, winning 31 Gold medals and 12 Best in Show awards. Likewise, Nurture’s presence has been seen across numerous Chelsea Show gardens in the form of supporting its various charity partners, including the Bumblebee Conservation Trust in 2022. Mark, too, has been a champion of the RHS for some time, serving as a trustee between the years 2009 and 2019.

Not only a model for incorporating eco-conscious methods into gardening, the Nurture Landscapes Garden presents a chance for aspiring gardeners and creators to draw on the experiences of Sarah and the Fanes in their own activities. Including features such as water butts or shallow dishes for the collection of rainwater is just one of a plethora of

sustainability tips the trio have in their repertoire, as is the utilisation of so-called waste (reclaimed wood, broken eggshells and so on) as opposed to products manufactured from scratch or shipped from the opposite end of the country. Such advice isn’t solely contained to the domestic market either –the commercial landscaping and horticulture sectors

could also learn from the sustainability measures implemented throughout The Nurture Landscapes Garden. While pledges and commitments are to be commended, there is no substitute for tangible proof that the actions are taking place. In the case of The Nurture Landscapes Garden, in addition to its physical characteristics, the returning of plants to Benton End and the treasure trove of knowledge that will be shared during the show demonstrate a pledge from both Sarah and the Fane brothers that the community aspect required for businesses to label themselves as ‘sustainable’ is equally as important as showcasing the physical, environmental side.

And this is something all three hope will continue long after the show gates close.

It is the aim of the Fanes and their respective businesses that, by collaborating with such a notable designer they can “inspire the future of sustainable gardening and just what is possible when the past and present combine

MARK FANE

THE CROCUS NURSERY, SURREY

PETER FANE SARAH PRICE

©Daniel Lewis

MEDITE

SMARTPLY’s show garden caused a stir at last year’s Chelsea for the dramatic use of its products

SHOW-STOPPING SOLUTIONS

Every year, there is a garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show that gets people talking. It could be an unexpected planting scheme, a wild take on a theme – or, in the case of Sarah Eberle’s garden last year, an extraordinary material used in dramatic ways.

At the show last year, Sarah Eberle – RHS Chelsea Flower Show's most decorated designer – created the MEDITE SMARTPLY Building the Future Garden, with an impressive waterfall cascading over a building down into a pool below. Not only did it earn Eberle her 20th Gold medal, but it also scooped the Best Construction Award,

having been built by prolific contractor Landform Consultants.

The material which arguably stole the show is from the garden’s sponsor, MEDITE SMARTPLY. The large main avenue garden used its wood-based panels to create an edge-of-forest setting, with wild and damp-loving plant species surrounding the building and pool, and tree specimens drawn from a PEFCand FSC-certified forest (which itself is owned by parent company Coillte) in County Carlow, Ireland where MEDITE SMARTPLY sources its timber.

It was inspired by a natural vertical rock strata and designed to showcase the sustainability of the products used but also their versatility outdoors.

“We wanted to have a garden at Chelsea to help us reach a wider audience, to reach the

landscaping industry, which is really important for us,” says Rebecca Goldsmith, product manager for MEDITE SMARTPLY, who says the garden ended up being the largest at the show last year.

“It was a good way for us to reach those audiences and showcase the product. People wouldn’t necessarily think to use a wood-based panel outdoors and perhaps didn’t know the possibilities of how it could be used.”

Goldsmith calls MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME – the main product applied throughout the garden – a “landscaper’s dream”. The high performance engineered

We wanted to have a garden at Chelsea to help us reach a wider audience, to reach the landscaping industry, which is really important for us

©George Graham

©George Graham

©Ollie Dixon

panels were used to clad the feature building and line the pool. Made of OSB, SMARTPLY STRONGDECK was used for the roof of the building due to its structural properties and SMARTLY SITEPROTECT, a coated site hoarding panel, created a border around the garden.

In a three-part video series documenting the creation of the Chelsea garden, Eberle says imagination would be the only thing holding you back when using MEDITE SMARTPLY. “It’s innovative, there are so many things that it could be used for.”

Sculptors Alex and Emma Devereux, who created the features for the garden, had both worked with MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME “an awful lot”, saying its versatility “makes it a really good product to use, especially for a design like this.” SMARTPLY SITEPROTECT enabled them to use different finishes and to easily paint the surfaces, whilst SMARTPLY STRONGDECK was the “perfect product” to form the roof section.

Eberle was also already an “advocate” of MEDITE products prior to working with them for Chelsea, says Goldsmith. The brand was eager to work with her, though, because of her “dedication to sustainability”.

“Sustainability is always at the forefront of her mind in what she’s doing, and that worked well with the message we wanted to send. We wanted to showcase our products being used in applications that people think it may not usually be used, but also with the sustainable benefits of using them,” explains Goldsmith. The wood panel sequesters carbon from the atmosphere and this carbon remains locked in the MEDITE SMARTPLY panels through their lifespan, explains Goldsmith.

Speaking ahead of the garden being built, Eberle said: “I’m most excited about using MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME...it has a guarantee of 50 years [above ground], even 25 years below ground; that’s incredibly important that you’re not constantly repairing features in your garden or furniture or fences.

The wood-based panels actually hold the carbon, which is a really important factor when you’re looking at mainstream building materials. Actually using a new product, one that’s core is about sustainability and the environment, is really close to my heart.”

Alongside promoting MEDITE SMARTPLY’s uses and benefits, the show garden was also created to support the brand’s legacy campaign, which encouraged those using the products to be part of an online community. “The MEDITE Makes It Real campaign for 2022 was to showcase the innovation via MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME as well as our speciality and our MEDITE range of speciality and technical products,” says Goldsmith. “It is designed to bring people together to show off their projects. We also run competitions for people to win quarterly prizes.”

Goldsmith encourages those who are unsure about using a wood-based panel to get in touch with

MEDITE SMARTPLY to talk through the application and receive support in the installation. Mark Gregory, managing director of Landform Consultants, called the material a “game changer” in a garden setting on completion of the build last year, and it’s easy to see why; the versatility and green credentials of MEDITE SMARTPLY speak for themselves and Chelsea is likely just the start of the creative ways in which it will be used outside.

CONTACT

MEDITE SMARTPLY

Tel +44 (0)1322 424900

Email rebecca.goldsmith@mdfosb.com mdfosb.com

Watch the three-part film series of the MEDITE SMARTPLY Building the Future Garden being brought to life

We wanted to showcase our products being used in applications that people think it may not usually be used, but also with the sustainable benefits of using them

MANUFACTURING SITE, MEDITE, CLONMEL

SARAH EBERLE ©Ollie Dixon

MUSE Mediterranean

When garden designer Cristina Bergamin first viewed this small back garden in St Albans, it was a tired-looking and cramped space, dominated by four overgrown trees with plants struggling to grow beneath them.

The hard landscaping was in a state of disrepair, as was the fence in mismatching styles and colours, and an awkwardly shaped shed sitting on the patio. The winding path from the house to the patio was uneven and a walking hazard; a narrow strip of old decking by the bi-fold doors was not wide enough to be useful; and dozens of pots were scattered around to cater for colour in the absence of suitable planting space.

It needed to be overhauled, says Bergamin. The clients wanted a new layout with clean lines and functional spaces for their individual needs, with better access to the garden from the house and from the communal parking. To replace an existing west-facing patio, a sunny seating area was required to accommodate a table and chairs for four people, the existing four-seater sofa and coffee table, and a large new parasol.

PROJECT

The design had to take into account accessibility in the future, so level changes were minimised to just one single step, while level changes between the entrance of the garden and the communal parking area outside the gate were avoided altogether.

An existing water feature was to be integrated and a few of the trees and shrubs left in situ, such as Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum’ and Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’. Dicksonia antarctica, Sarcococca confusa, two Hydrangea paniculata and a rose of sentimental value were also to be retained. As much planting space as possible was to be created, introducing pollinator-friendly plants and bright colours to create an

CRISTINA BERGAMIN BLUE TOWN GARDEN

1 Trendy black porcelain and Ice Blue gravel path to the upper patio

environment where the clients would feel surrounded by nature.

Magenta, pink, purple and blue for the planting, features and structures would provide a Mediterranean feel too, and the existing blue colour of the side fence was to be replicated throughout, as the client’s own hint to Provence. The design also needed to include a shed, a birch tree and a flowering tree, as well as a plan for irrigation and lighting.

Colourful spaces

To accommodate a new, more functional, and open layout, the space had to be cleared of all existing hard landscape and vegetation, with the exception of acer and smoke bush, which were left in situ as it was too risky to move them. The tree fern and some smaller shrubs that the clients wanted to retain were lifted and stored away.

Two separate seating areas were created: an upper patio to capture the midday and afternoon sun for dining, entertaining and relaxing; and a lower patio for a morning coffee in the sun, and for shade in the afternoon.

Despite the garden’s small size, it includes a cleverly disguised, made-to-measure shed for storage of garden furniture, a portable BBQ, and electrics and irrigation programming units. Clad and painted to match and blend with the fencing, it ‘disappears’ from view instead of attracting attention when sitting on the upper patio. A large, cantilevered parasol is anchored neatly on the patio behind the bespoke trellis, when viewed from the house.

To complement the sharp geometrical layout and modern porcelain paving, there are three custom-made steel planters, powder-coated in a vibrant turquoise colour, two of which are bottomless and function as raised beds. These provide not only a change of level without the bulk of masonry or wooden constructions, but also year-round Mediterranean colour – particularly in the winter when the garden is barer – and planting space for the birch tree, limiting the spread of roots at ground level and so allowing plants to thrive around it. The steel planters were manufactured in the UK using British raw material, thus reducing the carbon footprint.

New close board featheredge fencing now defines the boundaries. It is horizontally clad throughout to deliver a smooth and seamless appearance. The much-loved, historic ‘Provence blue’ colour has been applied all around, providing a clean, fresh look complementing the planters.

As only one change of level could be incorporated into the design, the last section of the

path towards the upper patio is built on a gentle ramp. The stepping-stone path made of porcelain and gravel is wide enough for future accessibility and can be turned into a solid surface without major building works, if ever needed. The gate is designed to open to 180° for easy access and, like the shed, it seamlessly ‘disappears’ as a continuation of the fence. The handle is in silver, flush with the surface for subtler appearance, and to maintain path width.

A bespoke wooden trellis, screening the shed and folded parasol, when viewed from the house provides a desired purple accent in winter together with other purple-leaved plants such as Heuchera ‘Forever Purple’. When acer and smoke bush are in leaf, the colour repetition creates a strong punctuation across the garden.

The porcelain tiles and the new garden furniture were selected for their muted tones to allow the bold colours of features and plants to take centre stage. The gravel – used for the path, drainage rills and the base of the water feature – is also a muted mix of white and grey, and complements both the porcelain tiles and the planters.

The existing water feature was repositioned where the calming sound of water can be enjoyed from all seating areas. Placed in the shadier part of the garden, it provides lots of reflected light towards the wall, allowing for

plants to thrive that would normally prefer a sunnier position.

The remotely controlled irrigation system allows for adjusting the schedule as required, even when the clients are away. Electrics include Alexa controlled lighting and up lighting of trees.

2 Dining in the upper patio

3 Morning coffee on the lower patio by the open plan doors

4 Birch silhouette in early spring night

5 Connecting with nature and planting for biodiversity

Pollinator-friendly planting

An abundance of plants and colour was an essential part of the brief. The planting plan was designed to incorporate all retained plants and trees, as well as lots of new bulbs and a variety of species for biodiversity and year-round interest.

Two additional trees were introduced to provide height and meet the brief: a multi-stemmed Betula utilis var. jacquemontii ‘Doorenbos’ underplanted with Erigeron karvinskianus and Persicaria affinis ‘Darjeeling Red’, and a tall Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ for early spring blooms.

The much-loved Dicksonia antarctica is now the centre piece in the large, steel planter and a good focal point when dining indoors.

The planting scheme closer to the house comprises a number of evergreen shrubs and ferns, and many herbaceous perennials with contrasting textures and colours creating

a rich tapestry and good visual structure in the winter months. These include Heuchera ‘Forever Purple’, Liriope muscari ‘Moneymaker’, Azalea ‘Vuyk’s Rosyred’, Fatsia japonica ‘Spider’s Web’, Helleborus orientalis, and the existing Sarcococca confusa. Among the perennials are Brunnera macrophylla

‘Jack Frost’, Astrantia major ‘Roma’, Anemone ‘Ruffled Swan’, Achillea millefolium ‘Saucy Seduction’, and for ground cover under the acer canopy Epimedium grandiflorum

‘Lilafee’ and Pachysandra terminalis

Equally, the planting scheme under the cherry tree and around the water feature includes evergreen climbers on the wall and trellis, such as Holboellia latifolia, evergreen shrubs, ferns, and Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ along the path to soften the hard landscaping.

By contrast, planting in the bed by the upper patio is more naturalistic, with an abundance of pollinator-friendly species, catering for the clients’ desire of a colourful mixed border with lots of favourite herbaceous and grasses, such as Echinacea Sombrero Baja Burgundy, Gaura lindheimeri, Penstemon ‘Hidcote Pink’, Aconitum henryi 'Sparks Variety’, Aster x frikartii ‘Mönch’. A row of Verbena bonariensis mixed with tall Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ grasses planted along the patio create a light screen of the seating area. Shrubs include Choisya x dewitteana ‘White Dazzler’, the existing hydrangeas and rose, Salvia greggii ‘Amethyst Lips’ and the smoke bush trained as a small tree.

In all the beds and planters, lots of early spring/ summer bulbs such as white daffodils, purple and orange tulips, purple Allium, and lateautumn flowering herbaceous plants, such as the crimson-scarlet Esperantha coccinea ‘Major’, were planted to prolong the flowering season. All existing Clematis climbers were repositioned to grow on the fences and reduce the impact of the hard landscaping, with additional Trachelospermum jasminoides climbers for evergreen structure. The slate paving and concrete base of the original patio were crushed and used as backfill, and part of the fence panels were recycled in the clients’ allotment nearby. Pebbles were re-used in the front garden and most of the existing soil was retained and reconditioned.

Being neighbourly

The build of the garden took four months, with several interruptions such as materials shortages due to the pandemic, and adverse weather conditions. Paint products were slow to dry at low temperatures, with the finish remaining vulnerable to rain and contact for extended periods, and paving was delayed

due to the freezing temperatures and wet weather too.

The size of the site and available access also created logistical challenges, as well as a high degree of manual labour and much-needed management of neighbourly relationships.

Access for HGVs was restricted, so materials had to be moved into the site from the nearest point of delivery and seven neighbours needed to be warned that access would be blocked for the time required to unload. Remote unloading also increased the area over which a clean and tidy site had to be maintained. Materials and skip deliveries had to be tightly controlled as only a single parking space was available for storage outside the site area.

After delivery, the finished steel planters had to be moved from one end of the garden to another. Once placed in their final position, they were protected with wooden crates prior to bringing in the new soils and lifting in mature trees – using levers and body weight – as well as laying the finished paving and closing the boundary (through which site access was available). All this work was performed manually as the access route into the garden at that stage was 900mm with tight turns that prevented the use of a mini digger or other machinery. The tree fern had to be moved around the garden too while building progressed, and new plants had to be stored offsite and delivered as needed.

Despite challenges, Cristina Bergamin created the oasis her clients had dreamed of, and the garden is now a true extension of their indoor living.

6 Jewel colours of Echinacea and Aconitum with multistemmed birch in the background

7 Vibrant green and jewel colours in springtime

8 Colour repetition

9 Trendy black porcelain and Ice Blue gravel path to side gate and house viewed from the upper patio

10 Running water

REFERENCES

Contractors

The Hertfordshire Landscaping Co thehlc.co.uk

Duncan Tomblin Trees Surgeon Philip W L Jenkins Services

Porcelain paving London Stone londonstone.co.uk

Ice Blue gravel Thompsons of Crews Hill thompsonsofcrewshill.com

Fencing, shed and trellis timber Kensworth Sawmills Ltd kensworthsawmills.co.uk

Steel drainage grid ACO aco.co.uk

Galvanised steel edging EverEdge everedge.co.uk

Bespoke steel planters Metal Wizards metalwizards.com

Parasol Whitestores whitestores.co.uk

Chairs and extendable table SKLUM sklum.com

Plants and bulbs

Majestic Trees majestictrees.co.uk

ABOUT

Cristina Bergamin is a garden and planting designer with eight years’ experience in creating inviting, functional, and biodiverse outdoor spaces. Cristina’s designs ensure that each project meets her clients’ needs, reflects their taste, and suits their lifestyle, while her planting always aims at promoting an appreciation and deeper connection with nature. cbergamin.co.uk

Joseph Rochford Gardens Ltd rochfords.net Europlants UK Ltd europlants.net

Burncoose Nurseries burncoose.co.uk

P. de Jager & Sons Ltd dejager.co.uk

For the

COMMUNITY

BLAKEDOWN LANDSCAPES RECONNECTING BOSTON MANOR PARK

Boston Manor Park is Brentford’s largest public open space, a Conservation Area and SINC (Site of Importance for Nature Conservation). Purchased by Brentford Urban District Council in 1924, the park is one of the London Borough of Hounslow’s most cherished spaces; of great value and significance, owing to its historic Grade I listed Jacobean house, community facilities and the landscape in which it is set.

Over the years, several challenges emerged which meant that the park had become severely underused due to lack of facilities and activities. Additionally, overgrowth in parts meant that biodiversity was being limited, visitors felt unsafe and areas by the river and woodland were becoming inaccessible.

The £5.34m Reconnecting Boston Manor Park Project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The National Lottery Community Fund and the London Borough of Hounslow has allowed some of these long-standing problems to be addressed and secured the future of the park.

The overall vision was to transform Boston Manor Park into a vibrant asset that reflected the needs of the community and

PROJECT DETAILS

Project value

£2.5m

Build time

15 months

Size of project

13.75ha

reconnected it to nature, to its history, to its immediate locality and to the people who live and work around and nearby.

The masterplan was progressed over a three-year period by Allen Scott Landscape Architects and the London Borough of Hounslow, considering extensive desktop studies, on-site surveys, design research and resident consultation. The key drivers were openness, connectivity and integration that would encourage wide use, provide coherence and reconnect the park with the river.

Best practice

Appointed by the London Borough of Hounslow as specialist landscape contractors, Blakedown Landscapes’ remit was to supply and deliver the landscape masterplan. Blakedown has previously worked in partnership with the London Borough of Hounslow, re-landscaping the popular riverside Watermans Park in Brentford and delivering improvement works at Feltham Arenas, Feltham.

Operating in a ‘live’ park environment, the delivery of the works was approached in a sectional manner for the most part, with each area isolated from public access whilst maintaining the freedom of the public to use the remaining destinations. Flexible working and rationalisation of the programme also came into play due to unavoidable changes to the café build schedule.

Clear communication channels and best working practices were adopted with other contractors concurrently on site –Borras Construction building the new café and changing rooms and Desertoak renovating the main manor house –

ensuring works were undertaken effectively and to time and budget.

The project team, together with the client, have all been committed to developing and executing the project using principles that are rooted in sustainable design. Best practice standards were used and exceeded where appropriate by working with local partners and suppliers and by taking a long-term view of the project.

Works commenced in August 2021 with the site-wide installation of new paths and the upgrade of the existing path infrastructure, which included reclaimed granite sett thresholds. A new pedestrian

access was created along the meadow perimeter and through the woodland which connected the canal and Boston Manor entrances, creating a full loop around the park and opening the entire site.

Woodland walks

Approached next was the woodland area, one of the main parts of Boston Manor Park which had become overgrown, with uninviting entrances and a general feeling by visitors of not being safe due to density and bad sightlines.

To improve access and safety, entrances to the wood were enhanced and the existing

nature trail re-aligned. Earthworks utilised cut and fill and locally won soil generated from the new site wide paths and the café footings. New timber edges were installed, and the trails finished with hoggin path surfacing sourced from the Hamer Warren Quarry. Along the margins of the River Brent, the woodland is naturally boggy, and a timber boardwalk has been added so visitors can traverse this area more easily. Sustainable design has been a key focus and habitat creation projects, including deadwood and brash piles, beetle pyramids and hibernaculum for amphibians and reptiles were undertaken.

One of the main character areas of Boston Manor Park is the lake which was in poor condition and visually disconnected. Restoration began with dredging and de-silting, with all silt placed to the extremities and re-used to re-form the lake boundaries. In total, 98% of all site-wide soils and silt were re-used. The lake was re-profiled and edge treatments applied, which included construction of oak revetments to stabilise the banks and placement of ragstone to help waterfowl access the islands for refuge. A boardwalk and dipping platform were installed to improve access and allow sitting, education and interaction with the lake and habitat. Finally, to enhance biodiversity and aid establishment of the new bank margin, marginal aquatic and lily planting was carried out.

Picking the plants

Historically the walled garden was used for horticultural production and growing food for the estate, and more recently for community events and private hire. Landscape works here have predominantly ensured that the space

sense of seclusion and atmosphere. Across the park, nearly 200 trees have been planted all chosen for their shape, form and continuity, depending upon their designated character areas. Collaboration between landscape architects Allen Scott, Blakedown and Van den Berk Nurseries has ensured the correct specimens, with the selection of trees taking place virtually due to the pandemic.

Planting has been contract grown by Greenwood Plants and chosen to increase diversity, with planting beds being enlarged and filled with ebullient herbaceous mixes. Across Boston Manor Park, this has included habitat enhancements to the woodland, improvements to the grassland meadow and ornamental planting to the Walled Garden and parkland. Furthermore, plants were selected to suit the site’s clay soil and to encourage birds, bees, butterflies, moths and beetles.

Restoring the park

will be used to its full advantage; York stone and brick-paved paths have been upgraded, the drinking fountain relocated to allow the lawn to be opened up for events and access improved.

Espalier fruit trees – figs, pears and apples – have been planted to screen views from adjacent properties and pleached limes trained to the boundary walls to improve the

As part of local consultations, park users were keen to see improved facilities to attract both young and older generations of users to the

1 The manor house and lake from the air

2 Aerial view of the improved landscape setting

3 Activity Hub

4 The fully restored lake

5 The Woodland Walks

6 Espalier fruit trees within the Walled Garden

park. To assist with this goal, two half-court basketball courts were installed under the shadow of the M4 flyover and adjacent to the outdoor fitness area. Following removal of the old MUGA, the area was re-levelled, re-surfaced with specialist sport tarmac and fitted with rebound fencing, basketball posts, backboards and hoops. The courts were finished with basketball sports markings, including branding with ‘Boston Manor 3 x 3’. Boston Manor House itself has also been subject to a £6m restoration project to bring the building back to life and make it fully accessible for the first time. To improve the setting of the house, new planting has been carried out to the boundaries to reflect the Jacobean period, and the oval lawn and drive layout has been rationalised. The Yorkstone flag apron has been restored, the layout updated to reflect the new internal and external uses and paths repaired and resurfaced.

and implemented sustainable funding and management models to ensure the park thrives and is financially resilient for the next 100 years.

7 New basketball courts shadowed by the M4 flyover

8 The Walled Garden

9 Her Majesty the Queen Consort unveiling a plaque commemorating the re-opening and 400-year anniversary of Boston Manor Park House Image 9: ©Sadia Barlow Photography

All other images: ©Blakedown Landscapes

ABOUT

Reconnecting Boston Manor Park has restored and unlocked the heritage of the site; maximised its incredible biodiversity; capitalised on the site’s pivotal location; provided learning and educational opportunities for training, arts and creative initiatives; improved health and wellbeing; helped to reverse social deprivation;

REFERENCES

Client London Borough of Hounslow hounslow.gov.uk

Landscape architect Allen Scott Landscape Architecture allenscott.co.uk

Reclaimed granite CED Stone cedstone.co.uk

Planting Greenwood Plants greenwoodplants.co.uk

Trees Van den Berk Nurseries vdberk.co.uk

Soils Bourne Amenity bourneamenity.co.uk

Fencing Alpha Rail alpharail.co.uk

Street furniture Public Spaces publicspaces.eu

Bespoke benches Chris Nangle Furniture chrisnanglefurniture.co.uk

Lighting DW Windsor dwwindsor.com

Blakedown Landscapes is an award-winning landscaping and civil engineering specialist delivering high quality projects throughout the UK. With more than five decades of experience, its extensive knowledge spans all sectors from local authorities, royal parks, commercial developers, schools and universities to high-end luxury developers. blakedown.co.uk

Lighting Selux Lighting selux.com/gbr/en

Resin bound surfacing Addagrip addagrip.co.uk

Multigenerational play areas are a great feature for public spaces yet prove themselves a design challenge for play providers and the landscape industry. Traditionally, play, fitness and youth areas have been created for a specific age demographic, with most play areas appealing to toddlers and children up to the age of around 12. At eibe, we're focused on creating inclusive play areas for encounters and exchanges between different generations.

Tough Trail innovation –our newest brand range: With elements of parkour, free running and calisthenics, play meets sporting challenge with full body commitment. Sports in which young people reclaim urban space through their own creative way of getting around and take unusual routes, inspired us in the development of this new play-sport concept. The tough trail transforms your playground into an exciting, action-packed fitness/play experience for young people aged 10 and up. Importantly, our Tough Trail is tested and certified EN 1176 compliant It has been designed with deliberately challenging access, so younger children cannot climb onto the equipment and use features designed for children above the age of 10. This means it can be included

COMMUNAL

climbs

within a public space as part of full play schemes with equipment designed for other age groups which would previously have offered very little for this age range.

Play areas for public spaces, parks, sports and leisure facilities can be enhanced with the tough trail, offering the cross-generational range of exercise required to encourage integration and a sense of community. Sufficient seating for conversations is also important.

Features of Tough Trail include:

• Challenging, demanding ascents, transitions and descents

• Sporty orientation with many movement stimuli from sports such as free running, parkour or Ninja Warrior

• Conforms to national standards: play equipment according to EN 1176

• Robust materials especially suitable for high utilisation and a long product lifetime

• Modern, urban design

• Three colour concepts

• Interchangeable modular structure for customisation

• Available with timber, stainless steel, galvanised steel and powder-coated posts

Design your own custom

Tough Trail unit through us and we will check your bespoke combination for technical feasibility, standard conformity, delivery time and price.

Tough Trail is just one of the segments within our brand range which can be viewed via our main catalogue. Elements of

play equipment, fitness equipment and street furniture from here can be combined for a full multigenerational play scheme. If you create your own play scheme using our range, we can carry out a free "regulations conformity review" to check your design meets the industry standards.

Should you ever have a unique brief that requires a one-off piece, we offer a bespoke design service and work with you to help make your play concepts a reality.

To work with us to create your own Tough Trail, or for assistance making any of your playground concepts a reality, contact our office at eibe@eibe. co.uk or on 01483 813 834. eibe.co.uk

eibe's bespoke play-sport areas that appeal to all

LEADERS

NO FUSS, JUST A PERFECT LAWN

Without the need for seed, weed or feed.

IN-HOUSE DESIGNERS

Designed using the latest technology, our exceptional designers combine clever innovation and an eye for nature to develop an extensive range of grasses.

MANUFACTURED BY US IN EUROPE

As manufacturers of our own artificial grass, we ensure that our products are crafted to meet the highest industry standards, offering the perfect long-term solution for any garden.

A 10 YEAR WARRANTY

There’s a whopping 10-year product and UV warranty with your Namgrass.

So, you can enjoy your new lawn with ultimate piece of mind.

LANDSCAPEInvesting in the

B|D LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

FIDELITY, HEART ZONE

Situated in the Surrey countryside is the largest UK office of Fidelity International, a financial services company which provides world-class investment solutions and retirement expertise to institutions, individuals and their advisers.

Three buildings form its expansive campus – Beech Gate House, Kingswood Place and Windmill Court. It’s at the heart of these that Fidelity wanted a more fluid and contemporary landscape which could facilitate connection and interaction with nature at its core.

PROJECT DETAILS

Project value

£750k

Build time

10 months

Size of project 0.5ha

Awards

Landscape Institute

Award 2022 for Excellence in Horticulture and Planting Design

B|D Landscape Architects was tasked with designing healthy green spaces and a green heart for users as part of establishing the campus as a pleasant place to work – a project which saw the practice win the Landscape Institute Award for Excellence in Horticulture and Planting Design last year.

One of the key parts of the brief was to enhance spaces to foster community cohesion and interaction by providing areas that would actively encourage socialising and engagement. The team also needed to complement the existing architecture of the buildings.

The functionality and flow of people between buildings and across the site was to be optimised by providing clear routes, access points, signage and by simplifying levels. Drops in levels across the site offered an opportunity to incorporate an integrated sustainable draining system to address issues of drainage and stormwater runoff on the site.

The proposed landscape design included highlights and features to create a series of distinct spaces reminiscent of natural landscapes. These included a rain garden, central courtyard, incidental seating elements, extensive ornamental planting, an informal gathering space and an edible landscape.

Biophilia and biodiversity

Principles of biophilia were also requested to improve the wellbeing of employees, but also to increase biodiversity on the site. This biophilic approach at Fidelity's Heart Zone has since been a success, with a well-considered soft landscape forming the backdrop to the activity within the space and an outlook for all workers at the campus.

To create a green oasis at the heart of the campus, a variety of species-rich habitats were planted, including shady woodland, a wildflower meadow, floodable rain gardens and focal spaces that create a sensory rich environment and boost the site’s existing biodiversity. Year-round visual interest has been provided and feature trees were planted throughout the site, such as semi-mature ornamental trees, orchard trees and specimen screening trees.

Jenna Watkins, project landscape architect from B|D Landscape Architects, says: “It was a privilege to work on this award-winning project which restored the heart of the Fidelity campus.

“Our planting design was inspired by natural landscapes including woodland, hillside and meadow habitats. Working hard to increase biodiversity, the planting palette includes seven different tree species including evergreen and fruit trees, six planting typologies, meadow and bulb planting, providing a species-rich landscape with seasonal interest.”

Leading the landscape

Fidelity appointed B|D Landscape Architects in August 2018 to lead the regeneration of the landscape and public realm at its Kingswood Fields campus. Working as the lead in a design team including structural, civic, arboricultural and ecological consultants, B|D’s role was to steer the Heart Zone project through planning, tender, construction and completion with a tight budget and optimistic programme.

B|D's approach was that this space should be a calm and reflective oasis of layered planting with improved accessible connections to each of the building entrances and a new canopy of semi-mature trees that could filter views, provide dappled shade and focus the space. It collaborated with the art curator to relocate

1 ‘New Shoot’ by Julian Wild at Fidelity campus

2 Stipa calamagrostis, rough feather grass

3 Main route through the central Heart space

4 Garden feature capturing surface water run-off

5 High quality in-situ concrete surface softened by a diverse mix of perennial planting

Working with BREEAM and WELL consultants, B|D Landscape Architects sought to maximise the credits for ecology, to reduce the maintenance burden and to source materials as locally as possible, to ensure a robust and sustainable space for the expanded workforce at Fidelity.

Surface profiles and details were designed to direct surface water runoff to a rain garden. Planted with water-tolerant plants and encompassed by amphitheatre seating, this

focal point ensures a visually attractive yet hardworking landscape. Additionally, permeable paving to the car drop-off point absorbs surface water into the ground.

Site-specific solutions

The site is on the edge of the green belt and surrounded by ancient woodland, providing a unique and sensitive setting for the campus. The challenging but successful planning process led to a detailed scheme that focused on improving connectivity, biodiversity and sustainability, as well as a space to be cherished by staff and visitors to the site.

After extensive site analysis, B|D Landscape Architects drew up a design which improved pedestrian routes and gradients to create a more accessible and legible space.

The rain garden was developed by working with the existing topography and natural surface water flow to the low point of the site. The challenge came when developing the detailed design, when the landscape architects worked closely with the supplier, contractors and engineers to ensure a high quality and successful, sustainable drainage system.

“After working on the project through concept design, technical design and construction, we are delighted with the completed project and hope it continues to thrive and provide benefit to the Fidelity campus,” says Watkins.

6 Layers of planting beneath tree canopies

7 Summer flowering penstemons

Photographs ©Jack Hobhouse

REFERENCES

Landscape architects

B|D landscape architects bdlandarch.com

Client Fidelity International fidelity.co.uk

Architects HLW hlw.design

Engineers Elliott Wood elliottwood.co.uk

Project managers BW Project Services bwprojectservices.co.uk

Landscape contractors Andland andland.co.uk

ABOUT

B|D Landscape Architects is an award-winning practice, committed to the integration of sustainable design in this climate emergency, to create amazing and resilient places for people. It was established in 2008 and is a Registered Practice with the Landscape Institute with design studios in both Gloucestershire and London. In 2022, it won three national Landscape Institute Awards including ‘Outstanding Overall Winner’ for its "trailblazing" work on Lovedon Fields – adding to its 14 national Landscape Institute Awards over the past seven years. bdlandarch.com

existing sculptural pieces by David Nash, Julian Wild, Peter Randall-Page, Alison Crowther and others into the space, renewing and revitalising the campus.

Simon Orchard Garden Design and Photography

London Stone Goes Carbon Neutral

Why has London Stone gone carbon neutral?

Like many people in our sector, a love of the outdoors is what attracts us to landscaping in the first place. The thought of leaving the planet in a worse shape than what we inherited is unthinkable. The biggest threat right now is climate change caused by carbon emissions. That’s why we’ve made reducing our carbon footprint our number one priority.

When did London Stone decide to go carbon neutral?

We’ve been working behind the scenes for several years now on reducing the impact of our business on the environment, but following COP26 in 2021, we felt that it was time to go further. We’ve spent the past 18 months working on this and as of March this year, we are officially certified as a carbon neutral business.

How does a business like London Stone become carbon neutral?

We partnered with Carbon Footprint Ltd. to calculate our Business Carbon Footprint (BCF) and carry out a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for all our products. Our BCF measures emissions from our direct activities, electrical consumption, and our supply chain's production, while the LCA measures the carbon generated by manufacturing, installing, maintaining, and disposing/ recycling of our materials.

We added our BCF to the LCA for all the

materials we sold in 2021 and this gave us our total carbon footprint for 2021 of 7,919 tonnes. Carbon Footprint Ltd then helped us find projects where we could offset these emissions.

Where is the company’s biggest opportunity for cutting emissions?

Frustratingly, our greatest single source of emissions, shipping – at over 80%, is the area over which we have least control. Thankfully, technology is evolving rapidly and 2023 will see the world’s first carbon neutral vessel, powered by green ethanol, enter service. Solutions are on the horizon for even the most intractable emissions sources, and we will monitor this development closely and aim to be early adopters of green shipping services as soon as they are accessible.

Isn’t carbon offsetting just ‘greenwashing’?

Not for London Stone. We see carbon offsetting as a temporary measure whilst we make the changes in our business that will remove carbon at source. In time we hope to reduce the amount of offsetting required and move towards net zero. We have invested in three projects that have direct benefits within our supply chains in India. All the offsetting schemes we are involved with are rigorously verified by independent bodies to ensure genuine outcomes.

Can you tell us more about the offsetting projects London Stone is involved in?

The first project involves distributing over 25,000 improved cooking stoves to socially deprived communities, which will reduce emissions by approximately 1.46 tonnes of

CO2e per stove annually and save over 350,000 tCO2e during the 10-year crediting period.

The second project generates clean electricity through 199.7 MW wind turbines, which are expected to supply 372.791 GWh of energy to the NEWNE grid of India annually and result in emission reductions of 364,217 tCO2e per year.

The third project is a 5 MW solar photovoltaic power plant that is expected to generate approximately 9007 MWh of electricity annually and replace the equivalent amount of electricity generated through other fossil fuel-fired power plants, resulting in equivalent emission reductions.

Award-winning national hard landscaping supplier London Stone recently announced that they had gone carbon neutral. Managing director, Steve Walley discusses the how, what, where and why.

What else are you doing to help the environment?

London Stone’s ‘lean’ business philosophy prioritises waste reduction and minimised movement. We recycle water and use biomass boilers at our production facility, recycle packaging, repurpose cut stone waste, banned single-use plastic in showrooms and offices, use recyclable packing for sample orders, sell off damaged products at reduced prices, and use electric forklift trucks and a fuel-efficient fleet. We lease electric vehicles and have installed charging points across the business.

Is being carbon neutral enough?

No. Being certified as carbon neutral is just the start. We have broken down our long term goals into three steps:

1. Achieve carbon neutral status through investment in accredited carbon offset projects.

2. Reach net zero emissions by reducing emissions as much as possible, and offsetting the remainder through accredited carbon removal projects such as tree planting, kelp regeneration, or carbon capture and storage.

3. Achieve 'absolute zero' by ensuring no emissions are generated from our activities.

How do you plan on using your carbon neutral status to help others?

I speak with landscapers and designers regularly, so I know that they care passionately about climate change. I also think that as creators of the outdoor spaces that contribute to our physical and mental wellbeing, landscapers and designers see the crucial role that they can play in tackling climate change. Our conversations with customers revealed that many of them want to do more in their businesses to tackle climate change, but

often don’t know where to start.

We’ve partnered with Carbon Footprint and will be offering workshops to our customers and industry partners in 2023. The workshops will cover terminology, carbon footprint calculation, emissions reduction planning, progress reporting, and cost information for achieving carbon neutrality. I’d encourage anyone in the industry who is interested in reducing their carbon footprint to contact us – we can definitely help.

Do you think the industry will join you on this journey?

We will be working with several industry peers to help encourage better working practices across the sector. We’re delighted to announce that Landform Consultants MD, Mark Gregory is London Stone’s first Green Ambassador.

Mark says of his ambassadorial role, “I am incredibly proud to support London Stone in their carbon neutral journey. We all need to pay closer attention to the way

we treat our planet. As someone who has committed their life to working with renovating, regenerating, and improving exterior spaces, it is fantastic to know that, for the first time, there is a hard landscaping supplier that is committed to helping minimise the impact that we have on our world."

London Stone –How greener gardens begin www.londonstone.co.uk info@londonstone.co.uk 01753 212 950

The landscaping industry must act as a guardian to our exterior spaces, there is much that can be done, and with London Stone taking the lead, I only hope many others will follow

Mark Gregory, Landform Consultants

Biodiversity and biosecurity are

BIODIVERSITY Bettering

WYKEHAM MATURE PLANTS

We specialise in growing instant hedging solutions which, of course, takes years. Over the last few years biosecurity has become an increasingly hot topic, with various potential issues and import controls on an increasing number of species.--

Our UK-grown hedging not only gives you confidence regarding biosecurity issues, our Yorkshire nursery is in a frost pocket so our hedge plants are also guaranteed to be fully hardy. Large hedge plants supplied as untrimmed bushes may meet the height spec for some jobs but, frankly, miss the point when a job requires instant hedging. We specialise in growing trimmed Instant Hedging Blocks to provide density and security for instant results, and in a range of species to cater for different requirements and different soil conditions… this of course includes ornamental options such as Portuguese Laurel or Privet, as well as natives such as Beech and Hornbeam, yet still the most popular is our range of Instant Laurel Hedge Blocks, which are available in sizes from 150cm to over 300cm. Laurel is, of course, a species for which biosecurity and the associated import controls can be a significant and worrying factor these days – but not with ours. Suitable for both formal and informal planting, Laurel is a versatile hedging option as it is vigorous yet easy to control with pruning and, as it does not readily spread by seed, is not invasive. wykehammatureplants.co.uk

GREENWOOD PLANTS

Some of the most popular hedging species that are planted in gardens and public spaces across the UK are not actually beneficial for wildlife. Non-native varieties often have insignificant flowers that are short-lived and not seasonally compatible with our native pollinators. We also notice huge volumes of the same hedging species being ordered consistently so diversity, in general, is being negatively impacted.

Bio diversity is an indication of the variety of life within a habitat and the interactions between species and ecosystems. Incorporating a rich variety of plant species when planting can provide huge benefits towards creating biodiverse landscapes, as more wildlife will be attracted to the area. The plants create a haven for wildlife, including birds, mammals and invertebrates, by providing seasonal food sources, shelter and nesting material.

Biodiversity Net Gain is an increasingly important topic – contributions to nature’s recovery when developing land and improvements to wildlife habitat will be mandatory from November 2023, under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Developers, land managers and local planning authorities must have a plan to avoid the loss of habitat on-site or compensate by investing in habitat creation elsewhere.

At Greenwood Plants, we can help clients with their specification of wildlife-friendly planting schemes that benefit the local ecology. Our production plan takes biodiversity into consideration and includes a wide range of native hedging species that are great for wildlife including Fagus sylvatica (Beech), Corylus avellana (Hazel), Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn), Malus sylvestris (Crab apple), Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan), Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) and Rosa canina (Dog Rose).

greenwoodplants.co.uk

two of the biggest challenges in hedging today

A HEDGE CREATED IN JUST A FEW HOURS USING INSTANT LAUREL HEDGE BLOCKS

Sourcing reliable suppliers

Importing paving requires finding suppliers that are reliable, trustworthy, and able to deliver quality products on time. It can be challenging to find suppliers that meet these criteria, especially when dealing with international suppliers.

PAVING predicaments

grey porcelain paving

Logistics Shipping and transportation can be a significant challenge when importing paving. This is because paving is heavy, and requires specialised packaging and handling. It can also be challenging to navigate import regulations and customs procedures.

Pricing Natural stone paving is a premium product, which means that pricing can be a challenge. Finding the right price point that is both competitive and profitable can be tricky, especially when factoring in shipping costs and other expenses.

Marketing and sales Selling paving requires an effective marketing and sales strategy. This can include creating a strong brand, building a website and online presence, and developing relationships with architects, designers, and contractors. It can be challenging to stand out in a crowded market and attract customers specially for a smaller family run business such as ourselves.

Customer service Providing excellent customer service is essential when selling paving. This includes responding to customer inquiries in a timely and professional manner, handling complaints and issues, and ensuring that customers are satisfied with their purchases. lantoom.co.uk

The paving market is stablising after recent flux but has long-term challenges that the industry must work together to address. Demand for porcelain paving, with its low-maintenance and versatile design aesthetic, continues to be strong. However, wholesale gas rates have led to price hikes amongst many European porcelain manufacturers. A shortage of clay supplies due to the Ukraine war has also affected manufacturing processes. The situation is stabilising, but these changes have meant the team at Kebur have had to work especially hard this year to keep our supply chain reliable, quality consistent and prices affordable. As a result, we’ve introduced over twenty fresh designs to our spring collection so customers can continue to benefit from outstanding value.

Shipping prices have had a significant impact on the overall price of natural stone over recent years. But the good news is they have dropped, meaning that those who prefer the classic look of natural stone paving can

BRADSTONE

The cost-of-living crisis has had a direct impact across all sectors –the domestic landscaping market being one of them. Customers are more stringently assessing how they spend their money, prioritising value for money and high quality products that will last.

The key purchasing motivations continue to be creating practical, low maintenance outdoor space, making the garden an extension of the home through entertaining areas, and outdoors kitchens.

In a more competitive market, excellent customer service is key.

once again enjoy its timeless qualities at a more affordable price.

Of course, the biggest challenge for us as an industry has to be reducing to net zero for the carbon emissions of our products. Most porcelain and natural stone paving on the UK market is made from resources that are harvested in other countries, processed, and transported across the globe. Reducing the carbon impact of these complex global supply chains to net zero is a huge undertaking. At Kebur we are committed to offering a wide choice of landscaping materials, many of which originate from the UK. One of our priorities this year is to provide clearer and comparable information so that customers and designers can make an informed choice about their materials. And we are committed to working alongside the landscape industry as a whole, as we will have the greatest influence by exerting our collective influence on supply chains. kebur.co.uk

Consumers are looking for reliable and trustworthy installers and we have seen our Assured Installer Scheme growing in numbers, amongst those creating a reputation for good service. Industry-wide labour shortages remain a significant issue and customers are having to wait for an installer who they have confidence in. The seasonal nature of the landscaping market only compounds this issue. bradstone.com

Pro Landscaper asked three paving experts for their take on the challenges facing the market in 2023

KEBUR

LANTOOM

Antica Porcelain

Asian Blue Limestone setts

Dark

Granite paving

Old Town ECO Concrete Paving

Cub Cadet has created a new range of riders perfect for professionals working on almost any scale

At Cub Cadet we have created our strongest line up of zero-turn riders – whether you are a landscape professional looking for a machine that can handle any terrain or a small business owner looking for a machine for your customers large lawn maintenance.

The new XZ8 series, launching in 2023, features steering wheel control and bridges the gap between professional and consumer zero-turn machines. They are engineered to mow precisely and help prevent turf damage – even on sloping terrain.

The two machines powered by either a Kawasaki or Kohler engine also feature patented Synchro Steer technology to retain full control of the front wheels. Steering and drive control are synchronised to help control the speed and rotation direction of each rear wheel, whatever the

THE NEW XZ8 BY CUB CADET Conquer the hills with

position of the front wheels. This ability to control all four wheels with a steering wheel and steerable front wheels minimises the turf being churned up by the wheels or crabbing on banks, less experienced

and amazing manoeuvrability of this machine.

Comfort is at the forefront of the machine’s design thanks to the high back seat with armrests and individually adjustable suspension. robust steel designed for durability challenging terrain and the Hydro drive system helps provide a smooth mowing experience. The machines will mow an area of up to 13,000m²h with cutting

deck widths of 122cm/48” and 137cm/54”.

At Cub Cadet, we trust our XZ8 series to perform with maximum durability and robustness and offer a warranty of three years or up to 500 working hours (whichever comes first) –for either commercial or private use as well as offering a dealership service that delivers true, tangible advantages to you and your business.

You can book a demo of our machines at: cubcadet.co.uk/book-a-demo

Steering and drive control are synchronised to help control the speed and rotation direction of each rear wheel

Fulfilling the need to award those in the industry that would otherwise go unrecognised

Who can enter?

People can either enter themselves, or nominate a colleague, manager or industry contact, whether that be in the supply chain, a subcontractor or from anywhere else.

The nominee must currently work in the sector, and must have been with their current company for at least the last 12 months.

The idea is that this initiative shines a light on those that show true commitment which may have gone unnoticed until now.

When is the award ceremony?

The awards will be presented at a lunchtime champagne reception at FutureScape, Wednesday 22 November 2023.

INTERVIEWS

Pro Landscaper asks quick-fire questions to gain a small insight into the people who make up our industry. To take part, email content@eljays44.com

RHS CHELSEA SPECIAL

Which RHS Chelsea 2023 garden inspires you the most?

I couldn’t say just one but I am so pleased to see them all creating gardens with sustainability at the core. Many of the gardens are going cement free and using new build techniques, and it’s great to see the industry working together whilst pushing boundaries on design.

What is an undersold advantage of working in horticulture?

What is the newest gardening trend you've noticed, for better or worse?

How did you first get involved with horticulture?

I was born into horticulture – my mum trained at Hadlow College and from an early age I was in the garden and allotment with her. The majority of my childhood memories revolve around me being outside. I trained at Writtle and qualified with BSc hons Landscape and Garden Design and then Event Management. Working within the shows team at the RHS has been the perfect mix of what I enjoy doing and I feel very lucky to manage the world’s most prestigious Flower Show.

The awareness is raising but the personal benefit to both physical and mental health by being outside and surrounded by beautiful plants and nature is very underestimated; I instantly feel better and more grounded when I am outside in the garden. I love hearing how gardening and plants have changed people’s lives, and I love that part of what I do is helping green-up community spaces.

What is the latest tool that you couldn't work without?

My role is much more office based as I curate the content at Chelsea, but a great part of the job is seeing all the tools and kit that comes to site to build the gardens.

I think the great thing about gardening is it’s not so much about trends – everything is welcome and valid. I’m seeing much more general interest at the moment in growing food which I think is really reflecting of people's growing need to be more self sufficient, economically and environmentally. This year at the show there are some really beautiful gardens demonstrating this across a broad spectrum of styles.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given? We are only guardians of the world we live in.

Besides horticulture, what are you most passionate about?

I’m a trained yoga teacher and holistic health coach. I’m really passionate about wellbeing and our connection to ourselves and this planet. I think growing up feeling that connection to nature has installed a deep feeling of responsibility for the environment which spreads holistically into all aspects of my life.

As we draw closer to the prestigious and well-loved event, we learn more about those behind the scenes...

Chelsea Flower Show manager

GEMMA LAKE

HARRIET JOHNSTON

Which RHS Chelsea 2023 garden inspires you the most?

As judging manager I can’t possibly choose one! But I’m very excited to welcome back the Balcony and Containers to the gardens this year.

What is an undersold advantage of working in horticulture?

What is the newest gardening trend you've noticed, for better or worse?

I’m thrilled at the changes coming about from nurseries going peat free. It’s an essential move towards being more sustainable, though I understand it can be challenging to adapt to at the beginning. It’s a very encouraging change to see.

How did you first get involved with horticulture?

Though I’ve always been a keen gardener, I trained in garden design six years ago, along with acquiring my RHS Level 2. This combined with my project management background led me to working in judging for the RHS.

The immense range of job opportunities available, and the fascinating individuals you get to collaborate with. The field truly has something for everyone, irrespective of their interests, background, or abilities.

What is the latest tool that you couldn't work without?

As I’m living in London at the moment my house is overflowing with house plants, so I’d have to say my snips!

What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

To take up space. And that the perfect time for something might never come – do the work and do it now.

Besides horticulture, what are you most passionate about?

I’m a passionate hiker and amateur artist – I recently took a pottery course that I can’t get enough of.

SARAH POLL

Head of shows development

rhs.org.uk rhs.org.uk

How did you first get involved with horticulture?

My background is actually events, but the first time I got involved with horticulture was when I started working for the RHS in 2003. I have learnt a lot on the job over the last 20 years and horticulture is now a part of me and my make-up. It is my work and also my favourite pastime.

Which RHS Chelsea 2023 garden inspires you the most?

I am excited to see them all, it’s too hard to pick! However, I am very touched by the story for the Samaritan Listening

Garden designed by Darren Hawkes. Darren has recently qualified to be a Samaritan listening volunteer which I think is an amazing thing to do, and the story behind the garden is very moving – ‘Listening can save lives’.

What is the latest tool that you couldn't work without?

On the My RHS app there is a tool which helps you plan your garden, you log all your plants and it draws up a calendar for you. It gives you tips on maintenance and helps with plant identification. You just need to become an RHS Member to enjoy this tool.

What is an undersold advantage of working in horticulture?

I find it is good for the soul. Gardening for me is good for my mental health –there is no better place when you’re stressed or had a tough day to lose yourself in a garden, to admire spring bulbs coming up, buds opening, to smell a freshly mown lawn or feel satisfied by a good hour of weeding. I feel very fortunate that my work enables me to connect to nature in this way.

What is the newest gardening trend you've noticed, for better or worse?

We have been noticing our gardening season has extended, I love the new trend for dried flowers and seed heads in the autumn and winter months. To garden in this new challenging climate is to try to work with the seasons and to enjoy the garden interest all year around.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

So obvious but 'get the right plant in the right place'. For me, I have young children so I need low maintenance planting, and finding the right spot for each plant is essential... and to also to be patient! When you see that same plant come into flower year after year is very rewarding. My magnolia tree coming into flower is an exciting moment each and every year.

Besides horticulture, what are you most passionate about?

Walking and running in the countryside and being outside – especially this time of year when the sun is finally coming out of hiding.

Shows judging manager

Victorian designs have stood the test of time. Sadly, the timber hasn’t.