Pro Landscaper November 2013

Concept to Delivery

November 2013

DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

LET’S HEAR IT FROM

SUE BIGGS Director General of the RHS

ADVICE ON

SLOPING GARDEN DESIGN

THE LITTLE INTERVIEW

THREE PEAKS EXTREME TEAM SPECIAL

THE HIVE

A sustainable landscape scheme by Grant Associates

IN DEPTH FUTURESCAPE SHOW GUIDE INSIDE Cover October final.indd 4

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Concept to DESIGN, BUIL AND MAINTAD, IN

Delivery

November 2013

LET’S HEAR

IT FROM

SUE BIGG S

Director Ge neral

November 2013 | Volume 3, Issue 11

of the RHS

ADVICE ON

SLOPING GARDEN DESIGN

Welcome to November 2013

THE LIT TL E INTERVIEW

THREE PEA EXTREME TEAKS M SPECIAL

THE HIVE

A sustainable landscap scheme by Gra nt Associatese

IN DEPTH FUT

URESCAPE SH OW GUIDE

Cover October

final.indd

INSIDE

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Remember, remember, the 19th November, the FutureScape event, where the whole of the UK landscaping industry congregates at Kempton Park Racecourse.

The event really epitomises the industry: great people, good fun, excellent products, superb plants and trees, and people that are prepared to help and advise others. For more details on exactly what’s going on and to see the wonderful line up of speakers, check out the show guide at the back of the magazine.

Also inside this November issue, David Dodd talks honestly about his experience in the world of TV garden shows, Angus Lindsay talks about theft of equipment, and Linsey Evans tackles the issue of designing a sloping garden.

We have an excellent interview with the Director General of the RHS, Sue Biggs – maybe the most influential person in horticulture, Sue discusses the

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skills gap shortage, and other issues she is currently focusing on.

It’s also worth checking out this month’s portfolio section where we have a real mixture including the landscaping for Europe’s first joint university and public library, plus, of course, all the regular columnists and features. In addition, we have a very special Little Interview section – 15 brave industry individuals ‘The Three Peakers’ answer questions about the challenge they faced, spending that much time together, and how they survived the whole experience – well worth a read and again congratulations to them all. You can still donate to the cause via www.justgiving.com/3peaksextreme.

If you are coming along to FutureScape, don’t forget to come and say hello to the Pro Landscaper team; we are sponsoring the first floor café.

Have a great month and let’s hope the winter holds off until after FutureScape.

Pro Landscaper is published 12 times per year by Eljays44 Ltd. The 2013 subscription price is £95.00.

Subscription records are maintained at Eljays44 Ltd, County House, 3 Shelley Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 1TT, UK. Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Eljays44 Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers.

The publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, uncommissioned photographs or manuscripts.

AND THERE’S MORE... www.prolandscapermagazine.com Read everything from up-to-date news to the digital version of the magazine Download the Pro Landscaper App Available FREE from the App Store CONTRACTORS A RCHITECTS Landscape Hub ARCHITECTS GARDENERS LANDSCAPERS ARCHITECTS www.landscapehub.co.uk CONTRACTORS GARDENERS HUB CONTRACTORS ARCHITECTS Visit, join and debate within the LANDSCAPERS DESIGNERS A landscape community Landscape

www.futurescapeeevent.com Save the date – 19 November 2013 Twitter: @ProLandscaperJW Facebook: Pro Landscaper LinkedIn: Join the Pro Landscaper group

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

November 2013

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Contents

November 2013 6 News Shed Round up of industry news

9 News Extra Information on The Skills Show 2013

11 News Extra We interview David Dodd about his decision to leave Love Your Garden

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12 Association News APL members benefit from Landscape Training Group affiliation, the SGD Student Awards, and the benefits of being a BALI registered member OPINION

14 View From The Top Phil Jones on what can be gained from employee feedback, not to mention a little bit of sunshine!

16 How Safe is Your Tackle?

Theft is still a problem that landscapers need to take seriously, says Angus Lindsay TECHNICAL

18 Frightfully Formal Anne Wareham looks at formal landscaping from a different angle

24 The Future of Garden Lighting Simon Sales on halogen vs LED

19 Devil’s Advocate

18

Andrew Wilson explores the educational aspects of garden design and landscape architecture

26 A Specification from Another Planet Advice from Karl Harrison on dealing with a clients’ impossible demands

27 Uneven Surface BUSINESS TIPS

20 Demand for Chain of Custody Set to Grow

Jodie Read explains why it’s important to demonstrate that your timber is sustainable

22 Bullying and Harassment at Work Margaret McNeil advices how to identify the key signs, and what to do next

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Designing sloping gardens requires some thorough knowledge of the site, explains Linsey Evans

28 Garden Surveying The first part of Janine Pattison’s new series, accurate surveying will lead to more accurate costing

30 Let’s Hear it From An interview with Sue Biggs, Director General of the RHS www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Contents

CONTRIBUTORS

48 Latest Products Planters

Phil Jones MD of ISS Facility Services Landscaping

49 Paving An in-depth look at the Bradstone Assured Scheme

51 Equipment -60 The latest equipment news, commercial vehicles, snow blower information and winter latest kit, general latest kit, Trading With Henton & Chattell

Angus Lindsay Head of Fleet at The Landscape Group Anne Wareham Garden writer

PEOPLE Andrew Wilson Garden designer and lecturer

62 The Little Interview Three Peaks Extreme Team Special

Short interviews with the industry members who took part in the Three Peaks Extreme Challenge in September

Jodie Read MD of Penarth Management Ltd Margaret McNeil Owner of Onsite Training UK

Simon Sales Director of Landscapeplus

38 PORTFOLIOS

Karl Harrison Director of Exterior Solutions Ltd

FUTURESCAPE SHOWGUIDE You’ll find a full show guide for the industry’s biggest landscaping event at the back of the November magazine.

35 Colour Catcher Rose Lennard designed a contemporary and colourful garden for an adventurous and art-loving couple

Grant Associates’ landscape design for Europe’s first joint university and public library

NOVEMBER 14-16 The Skills Show NEC Birmingham www.theskillsshow.com

42 Copper House

16 SGD Autumn Conference Imperial College London www.sgd.org.uk

A small and highly structural garden with masses of floral planting, designed by Deborah Nagan

Late autumn plants recommended by nurseries around the country www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Contents.indd 5

Janine Pattison Garden designer

ARE YOU GOING?

38 Hive of Activity

46 Plantsman’s Plot

Linsey Evans Expert on sloping garden design

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19 FutureScape Kempton Park Racecourse www.futurescapeevent.com

November 2013

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News

NEWS SHED Provender Garden opens at Capel Manor The Provender Garden at Capel Manor was unveiled in October.The garden was replanted in April by Esra Parr, the winner of a design competition set up with Provender Nurseries and Capel Manor College.

In 2012 Provender Nurseries launched the competition at Capel Manor for students of National Open College Network Level 3 Diploma based at Regents Park campus. Esra Parr’s winning plant list was selected from 42 submissions.The brief, given to second year diploma in garden design students, was to devise a planting plan for an existing show garden with plants that are not already present on site in any of the other show gardens.

The Provender Nurseries Garden was planted during the

The Royal Parks Guild mark Park’s 150th anniversary Members from The Royal Parks Guild visited Alexandra Park, Haringey, in October to mark its 150th anniversary. Duncan Wilson, Mike Fitt OBE, Chair of The Royal Parks Guild and Linda Lennon CBE, Chief Executive of The Royal Parks led a commemorative tree planting ceremony to mark the Park’s historic anniversary.

The ceremony saw staff at Alexandra Palace, members of The Guild, apprentices from The Royal Parks and Alexandra Park’s grounds maintenance contractor (John

O’Conner), and the Friends of Alexandra Park plant a circle of six birch trees which will soon form a small copse for children to play in.

Mike Fitt OBE, Chair of The Royal Parks Guild said: “It was important for us to mark Alexandra Park’s 150th anniversary due to not only its horticultural status amongst London’s finest open spaces, but its unique heritage and cultural value.” www.theroyalparksguild.org

Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer celebrate three Gold awards for new gardens Spring Show in April and looked resplendent in the late summer sunshine. At the ribbon cutting Stephen Dowbiggin OBE, Principal of the college said: “We applaud the working partnership and the garden that has been created by Capel Manor working together with Provender Nurseries”.There was also the added surprise of a Certificate of Excellence awarded

by The London Garden Society. www.provendernurseries.co.uk

Surrey-based garden designers Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer are celebrating after being awarded three Gold medals in this year’s New Homes Gardens Awards.The awards were made for garden designs in Kingston-upon-Thames, St George’s Hill and Sussex and winning them the Best Rural Garden title.

Andrew Fisher Tomlin said “It is great for our staff to be recognised for showcasing garden designs for local Surrey and Sussex gardens. The owners of these gardens know the value of a great garden when

building their new homes and we are delighted that the gardens that we have created will give them many years of pleasure. The company is currently working on a wide range of projects including large country gardens in Wentworth and Norfolk as well as city gardens in Wimbledon and central London.

These are real gardens not show gardens so customers can see that award winning garden design is available to everyone not just at the big shows.” www.andrewfishertomlin.com

Garden Planters & Urns Giant Boxes, Troughs & Cylinders available

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News

Quadron serves an ace with new tennis court

Working in partnership with local stakeholder groups, Quadron has secured £49.5k of funding to renovate the tennis court at Redcatch Park in Bristol. Since 2009, Quadron has worked with many of the local user groups to support

improvement projects and encourage members of the community to become more involved with their local green spaces.

Redcatch Park tennis court is one such project.

Despite extensive surface damage caused partly by the roots of adjacent leylandii trees, the court remained popular with adults and children of all ages.

During autumn 2011 quotes were sought for the tennis court improvement works, which included

removing and renewing the existing fencing, resurfacing the court with an all-weather macadam surface with improved drainage, applying non-slip paint and installing the court fittings.

Quadron’s Horticultural Development Manager Andrew Kauffman then secured a grant from the SITA Trust so that the work could proceed.

Leylandii trees whose roots had caused damage to the court’s surface were first removed, then Chiltern Sports Contractors were able to access the site to do the surfacing works. The new tennis court was officially opened to the public on 24 September 2013 by the Lord Mayor of Bristol. www.quadronenvironment.com

Readyhedge employee proposes with hedging Liam Ireland, nursery manager at Readyhedge, proposed last month by spelling it out in Box hedging.

He spent two hours arranging the greenery so when viewed from the air it read: ‘Will you marry me Melissa’. As a ruse to get Melissa into the helicopter, Liam said his boss Simon Williamson, had arranged for them to fly over Readyhedge nurseries to take some aerial photographs.

His girlfriend, Melissa Moss, spotted the message written in topiary as they flew 500ft above

the fields in Eckington, Worcestershire. In case you’re wondering, she said yes. www.readyhedgeltd.com

NURSERY NEWS November – the time of mellow fruits and leaves on the line! This early winter period is one of the best times to plant while the soil retains some warmth which encourages root growth. We have started lifting plants from the field on the nursery and can offer customers the wider range of trees and specimens that field production offers.

Tony Kirkham reminded delegates on how to plant a tree properly at our recent Soft Landscape Workshop. Tony explained why trees need to be planted in the soil there is onsite, that’s what they will have to live with for the rest of their life so get them used to it.

He warned against planting its natural basal flare/taper where the trunk meets roots/soil below ground level, which will drastically shorten the tree’s life. The basal flare is a result of the wind affecting the tree and is a response to stimulate root growth for stability – seismomorphogenesis. Trees must be encouraged to respond to their environment and the wind, which can be supressed by over staking.

A full report is now available to download on our website.

www.palmstead.co.uk

Hardwood Decking

Ipe • Balau • Oak • Garapa • Larch Components • Fastenings

www.roundwood.com Tel: 01435 867 072 OAK & DECKING PRODUCTS | OAK FRAMED BUILDINGS | HOME & GARDEN FEATURES

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News

NEWS IN BRIEF New association launches Invasive Non-Native Specialists Association (INNSA) has launched for companies involved in controlling and eradicating non-native invasive plants. www.innsa.org

The Landscape Group retain contract

The Landscape Group has been re-awarded the grounds maintenance contract for Stratford Park and Brimscombe Cemetery

by Stroud District Council for another five years from December 2013.

Award for Australian Garden

The Australian Garden in Cranbourne Australia, designed

by Taylor Cullity Lethlean & Paul Thompson, won the ‘Landscape of the Year’ award at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) Awards 2013 in Singapore recently.

Gold award for Aralia Aralia Garden Design won a Gold award at the New Homes Garden Awards in the ‘Best Renovation Project’ category with Regents Park House.

Gardens at Maggies Cancer Care Centre, Swansea formally opened

The gardens at the new Maggies Cancer Care Centre at Singleton Hospital, Swansea, were opened

by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall earlier this year.The Duchess was shown around by Lionel Fanshawe and Alison Galbraith from executive landscape architects The Terra Firma Consultancy Limited.

Terra Firma took over the project from concept designer Kim Wilkie in 2010 and took the project through planning and construction, dealing with a range of issues from Japanese

knotweed to the design and construction of a reinforced earth bank and planting of the vegetable garden.The rear garden is a simple, contemplative meadow defined by rising landform and clipped hedge which again mirror the building’s form.The front garden comprises a vegetable and herb garden divided by slate paths and which provides a valuable interactive therapy resource as well as fresh produce for the centre.

At the end of her visit,The Duchess made her own addition to the garden by planting an artichoke plant. An engraved slate plaque commemorating her visit will be installed in the garden. www.terrafirmaconsultancy.com

New president for HTA Following the HTA AGM which took place on 16 October at One Great George Street in London, Stan Green from Growforth Ltd has been elected as HTA President. Stan takes up the Presidency and the role of chair of the HTA Board for a two year term taking over from Caroline Owen. Speaking about his role Stan comments, “At a time of significant change for all of us, I’m sure it will be

a challenging couple of years ahead.

That said perhaps most officials say that upon taking office.

As President I am determined that you as “the members” don’t feel distant or apart from the Association, as you are the Association.” www.the-hta.org.uk

Good month for...

England, Paul Hervey Brooks won a Gold medal, and the award for Best Planting in Show at the Gardening World Cup in Japan

Luke Turner, winner of the 25th Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award James Coles Nurseries, who have been shortlisted for the Family Business Awards’ ‘Commitment to the Community Award’

Bad month for...

Love Your Garden The Outdoor Room announces it will no longer be taking part in the programme

Oak Framed Buildings

Garages • Gazebos • Dining Areas Outbuildings • Smoking Shelters

www.roundwood.com Tel: 01435 867 072 OAK & DECKING PRODUCTS | OAK FRAMED BUILDINGS | HOME & GARDEN FEATURES

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News Extra

Careers in landscape gardening set for centre stage at The Skills Show For many young people, a career in landscape gardening has huge appeal – but businesses can often lack the contacts to attract the best young talent to the industry. The Skills Show, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from the 14-16 November 2013, is the UK’s largest skills and careers event, and landscape gardening is set to make a big impact on the 75,000 visitors expected to attend.

The Skills Show, which is premier sponsored by Edge Foundation and City & Guilds, provides young people with the chance to discover more about a variety of industries, ranging from landscape gardening to floristry, engineering to robotics.

Industry organisations such as the APL, the RHS, the HTA, and Marshalls PLC have already seized the chance to get involved by becoming sponsors, competition organising partners or exhibitors at this year’s event, bringing their businesses into contact with a young, engaged audience looking to gain more information about careers and training opportunities.

This year, Makita, the professional power tool manufacturer are also supporting the WorldSkills UK regional Landscape Gardening competitions, which culminate at The Skills Show in November.

A selection of Makita power tools, including random orbit sanders, jigsaws, disc cutters, mitre www.prolandscapermagazine.com

World Skills.indd 9

saws, laser levels and appropriate accessories, has been supplied to Askham Bryan College,York, a specialist land-based college, for the benefit of training the competitors, who will also be fully trained in use of the Makita range at an exclusive session at the company’s head office ahead of the Birmingham event. Like other sponsors and competition organising partners, Makita is committed to the development of the next generation of industry professionals.

As the event’s Skills Patron Theo Paphitis explains, skills are the seed from which the future success of UK industries can flourish: “The economy needs growth. A workforce with an improved skills base means that we are better equipped as a nation to compete internationally. But don’t forget the benefits to individuals too.

Peoples’ confidence grows as they learn skills, which makes their careers more fulfilling. This special ingredient is something that is impossible to measure but of crucial significance.”

Visitors can register for free entry to the event by visiting www.theskillsshow.com.

The show returns for its second year, and is held over three days from 14-16 November 2013 at the NEC in Birmingham. It is free to attend and is the UK’s largest skills and careers event inspiring young people with exciting opportunities in further education, skills, and apprenticeships.

The show is a highly interactive experience, with opportunities to try bite-size tasters of workrelated skills, speak with employers about job and training opportunities, receive specialist

advice, hear industry speakers and watch skills performances and competitions. A wide range of vocational careers which are on offer in the UK are showcased.

Visit www.theskillsshow.com or follow @skillsshow on Twitter for more news.

November 2013

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News Extra

David Dodd bows out of Love Your Garden EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW So you can now confirm you will not do the next series of Love Your Garden – why have you taken this decision?

After several phone calls, emails and a very nice lunch, I can now confirm that we won’t be doing LYG 2014.

After having done 14 episodes over two series, I realised it wasn’t the sort of gardening programme I want to be involved with as I felt there was more emphasis on the background story than the garden.

The design was reduced to a felt tip pen sketch, which I think cheapens intelligent garden design and is damaging to professionals.

Why did you originally agree to do Love Your Garden?

I fell into it by accident. I was asked up to the TV company’s office, and they seemed to like me, so I said yes. The prospect of being on TV seemed really exciting.

is prepared to listen to other people’s ideas. Alan was also brilliant with my younger staff, giving them tips and advice on horticulture. He is a great ambassador for the industry.

What did David Domoney bring to the show?

David is a lovely bloke. He was given the title ‘Hard Landscaping Expert’ by the production company, which I think he found difficult as he’s better known for his gardening and plant knowledge.

Did you build gardens the way you usually would?

No. They were well built, but certainly not to our usual standards. For example, you don’t plant, turf, pave or point in the pouring rain. There was no contingency for weather or anything else for that matter, so we just got on with it.

Was it financially worthwhile?

Yes, it guaranteed work for a few months. We had a good hourly rate, but there was no mark-up on materials. The TV company also took up a huge amount of my time with meetings, phone calls, emails etc.

Alan is a proper gardener and a great ambassador for the industry

What did you learn?

TV is a ruthless business; absolutely nothing gets in the way of having a programme finished on time.

What were the highlights?

Alan was terrific to work with. He really grafts, even when he’s not on camera; he is a proper gardener, and www.prolandscapermagazine.com

David Dodd News Extra 2.indd 11

Did doing the TV work affect the day-to-day running of your business?

Yes. I’m extremely lucky having Joe Perkins as our manager, as well as great staff who just got on with the other day-to-day ‘real’ work.

What are your thoughts about garden programmes on TV? Do they help or devalue the industry?

I’ve said for years that TV still doesn’t seem to get gardening and it’s certainly been out of love with it for a long time. I’m looking forward to two new series’ next year, ‘The Great British Garden Revival’ and ‘Big Dreams, Small Spaces’. In some ways they help the industry. People might be inspired to go and do something in their garden, or think about employing a designer or landscape gardener. However, many of the public are disappointed when they realise the complexity, timescale and cost of such services. Most gardening programmes still oversimplify the process. TV is more about ratings and not about promoting the landscaping industry.

can out of it. But remember it’s a very tough business.

What does the future hold for David Dodd and his TV career?

Ha, ha, ha! I love that question. I don’t think I’ve got one after saying all of this! I’d love to present a programme involved with real gardening and landscaping. I’d love to work with Alan again, but I’d particularly like to do something with Adam Frost. I think he’s a brilliant designer and I believe we could produce a programme which not only would have amazing content, but which would also be very funny.

You can see David live at The Beauty is in the Build at FutureScape

the

What advice would you give to landscapers about working on TV?

Go for it! Enjoy it and get what you November 2013

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Association Association News

NEWS

Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) members can now become affiliate members of the Landscape Training Group (LTG). The favourable move, that comes free of charge, follows the recent partnership between APL and LTG. Access to free advice on training and development; best fit course selection; a free course sourcing facility, and access to cost effective quality training are just some of the benefits that will be available to affiliate members.

HTA Business Development Manager, Donna Hanlon comments,

APL update

The Association of

Professional Landscapers

APL members to benefit from LTG affiliation Gibson Hall, London - the new venue for the APL Awards Lunch 2014

“Joining the LTG means we can provide even further opportunities to our members; they can now take full advantage of the wealth of landscape training expertise within LTG, giving them the tools to progress or kick start their training programmes.”

The LTG exists to provide its members, non-member landscapers and associated enterprises with a professionally organised training service ranging from telephone advice and assistance, to complete training support including skills audits, training needs analysis and tailored training programmes.

BALI briefing Working in the domestic market One of the many benefits of being a BALI registered member is the association’s Dispute Resolution Service. It gives designers and contractors reassurance that, in the unlikely event they should find themselves

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the subject of a customer complaint (and it can happen to the best of us), BALI is there to provide independent mediation and a way forward to a successful resolution of any dispute. It is also one of the reasons why domestic

APL members looking to take advantage of an affiliate membership with LTG should contact Cathie Willis, Training Officer on 01795 890 890.

For more information on LTG visit www.landscapetraining.co.uk.

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Save the Date for the APL Awards Lunch 2014!

We are delighted to announce that the APL Awards Lunch will be held on Wednesday 12 March 2014 at the stunning Gibson Hall, London – a new venue for 2014.

The converted banking hall located in the heart of London with a secluded garden, will provide

1 Supreme Winner 2013 Frogheath Landscapes, Hastings

clients, in particular, choose BALI members.

However, prevention is always better than cure and BALI registered contractors are encouraged to always use the BALI Contract for Domestic Works when working for domestic clients. It helps to remove any risk of client dissatisfaction through misinterpretation of terms and is freely available to download from the members’ section of the BALI website at www.bali.org.uk.

In the commercial realm contracts are invariably used and,

in the event of an issue arising, deciding who has or hasn’t met their contractual obligations is generally straightforward. Indeed, the very fact that there is a written contract serves to prevent issues arising in the first place.

However, there are contractors working in the domestic sector who, in an effort not to appear over bureaucratic or even, in their view, threatening, elect not to introduce a formal contract prior to works commencing. By not doing so, however, they are doing themselves and the client a disservice. Where no formal

the perfect backdrop to the prestigious awards presentation ceremony. For more information visit www.aplawards.co.uk.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/10/2013 13:16

Association News

SGD bulletin Top of the Class 1

As part of the SGD Awards, student members of the Society are invited to submit projects for the SGD Student Awards.

This year the SGD were honoured to have leading landscape designers Tom StuartSmith MSGD and Sarah Eberle MSGD on the judging panel alongside Arabella St. John Parker from awards media partner Homes & Gardens magazine.

There was no limit to the type

or number of entries students could submit in the Awards.

The judges were looking for outstanding design skills and importantly a clear demonstration of an understanding of the brief provided.

This year the competition was open to SGD members who had progressed from a student member to a pre-registered member between 18 May 2012 and 12 August 2013.

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contract exists, clients are free to interpret the terms of the implied contract, and will do so to their advantage when their expectations have not been correctly managed and are, as a result, unrealistic and unachievable, no matter who the contractor. The potential for disagreement then increases and the client/contractor relationship breaks down.

Clients deserve to know from the outset the specification of the works to be undertaken and under what specific terms and conditions the contractor is

carrying out those works. Equally, the contractor deserves to know that, provided those contractual

After much deliberation the judges selected Matt Cairns (Greenwich University), Nick Morton (London College of Garden Design) and 2012 award winner Jon Sims (London College of Garden Design), for the 2013 shortlist.

The three designers were felt to have the most consistent, methodical and cogent presentation of all the entries and the judges commented that they “showed an ability to handle scale, understand space and achieved the brief in a clear and concise way” Winning an SGD award is an important springboard for any new designer’s career as Jon Sims, winner of the 2012 SGD Student Award explains: “I was pretty stunned to get shortlisted in 2012 and as it came at the end of my course it really helped to reaffirm my decision to study garden

design. To win the award against great competition was a real boon and a confidence boost to a fledgling career.”

Tickets for the SGD Awards Ceremony on 24 January 2014 are on sale now. ‘Early bird’ discounted tickets start from £99. www.sgdawards.com

terms are met, they can expect to be paid for the work they have undertaken. The BALI Contract for

Domestic Works provides clarity and reassurance for both parties, and that is how it is presented by BALI members to their clients. The domestic customer is increasingly well-informed about their consumer rights and is best served by contractors who, like BALI members, leave nothing to interpretation and assumption.

And this best serves the contractor too.

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1 Design by Jon Sims.

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2 Design by Nick Morton.

3 Design by Matt Cairns.

1 Domestic garden scheme by Water Gems (Alba) – winner of a 2012 BALI Principal Award

November 2013

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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1 Mast MSG Desig

2 Illus MSG

Opinion

View from the Top

Phil Jones considers ISS’s annual People Survey, what can be gained through employee feedback, and the difference a little sunshine can make!

It is the time of year when we at ISS launch our annual People Survey.This is our opportunity to formally hear from our staff all over the UK regarding their thoughts and feelings about ISS. This is the formal part of the process, which builds on the less formal ‘job chats’ and more formal annual appraisals, where we naturally receive feedback on our engagement with our people and help guide them in the right direction, as they help do the same for the business as a whole.

The people survey is conducted via a number of means, including telephone, ISS App and online.

This gives our staff the maximum opportunity to take part. We see it as very important that we hear from as many people as want to take part, so ease of access is imperative.

In past years we have acted on a number of initiatives from our staff, amongst them greater employee involvement in decision making, safety management, and more frequent employee briefings via an executive board ‘roadshow’ at regular intervals throughout the year.The majority of the focus has been on increased communication at all levels.

As Managing Director, I also have the opportunity to register my thoughts via the survey and, whilst doing this I was prompted to think back to earlier in the year, prior to the start of the 2013 season, when, in this column, I raised the issue of what our staff expectations may be for the coming year.

I suggested that a drier year than 2012 would 14

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be a good start! With memories fresh from the deluges of last year, I wouldn’t have been surprised if that was the only yardstick we all used for the right appropriate working conditions.

This is just one possible measure that our

Expectation is a two way process and those who lead can have their expectations of their team met in equal measure if they provide the correct conditions for work employees may use to judge the success of their roles in any one year. In itself it is a good example of how sometimes the most basic things affect our working lives.The major issues such as terms and conditions, pay, holidays, when taken care of by any good employer, are not the things which have the most impact on our day to day working lives.

Comfortable conditions to work in, the correct PPE, waterproofs, decent vehicles and equipment are some of the ‘basic’ requirements that employees are entitled to expect.

Expectation is a two way process and those who lead can have their expectations of their team met in equal measure if they provide the correct conditions for work.

It’s too soon to say what the main trend(s) of the ISS people Survey 2013 will be, but from talking to many staff out in the field, I know that some of the above are important to some of them in different measures.

The most frequent comments I get from our people centre around training and development.

We have a highly motivated workforce, which rightly expects us to deliver a career path based on the solid foundations of needs analysis and a robust career development plan.

Overall, it’s been good to have the right weather conditions this year, not just because it provides a great working environment for employees. It should also have given everyone in our industry the chance to excel. This should not be underestimated at a time when there is huge focus on standards in parks. Any chance to demonstrate the benefits of well-maintained parks and open spaces should be grasped with both hands. How much more straightforward that job is when you have the ground conditions to be able to fulfil your obligations.

Regardless of the conditions, (but hoping for a kind winter) our people tell me that they have excelled this year, in achieving their aspirations and delivering a first class service for our customers. Survey or no survey, I totally agree with those sentiments!

ABOUT PHIL JONES Phil Jones is Managing Director of ISS Facility Services Landscaping and is based at the company’s head office in Woking, Surrey. He gained an HND in landscape construction and moved into grounds maintenance early on in his career, further gaining an MBA. He has been with the company since 1987 and as well as running the landscaping business he also sits on the UK operational management board of ISS Facility Services. www.isslandscaping.co.uk Follow Phil Jones @philjonesISS Follow ISS Landscaping @ISSLandscaping

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/10/2013 13:06

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10/10/2013 10:36

19/10/2013 15:42

Opinion

How safe is your tackle?

Crime is down, but theft is still a problem that landscapers need to take seriously and prepare for, says Angus Lindsay

According to the latest statistics, crime in the UK is down 9 per cent from the same time last year.

Could somebody point this out to the thieving beggars who steal everything from manhole covers and power tools to catalytic convertors from depots, vehicles and construction projects across the country? Unfortunately our industry seems to be overly susceptible to the opportunist thief with the construction industry suffering similar problems. Stealing from the back of vehicles or breaking in to depots is bad enough, but when groundsmen taking their lunch break are threatened as they are relieved of their strimmers, the situation is going too far.

Fortunately this has been the exception rather than a menacing trend, but still a very unpleasant experience for those involved.

The ultimate cost of these types of theft should not be underestimated. Downtime and disruption to work flow from not having machines, repairs to the depot to make it secure (not to mention the call-out disruption if the depot was alarmed), short term hire and/or replacements to keep the job going.

In many cases this type of loss will fall below the insurance excess so the cost will be taken straight off the bottom line. What of the perpetrators? The kit could have been stolen to be used elsewhere or sold round the back of the pub or at a car boot sale. Wherever it ends up it is unlikely that the equipment will ever be recovered. Ironically, the fallout from the theft of larger machines is somewhat easier to manage.

Although the insurance claim process can be lengthy, recovery rates for larger equipment tends to be better due to trackers, electronic tagging, and services such as The Equipment 16

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Register assisting the police in identifying recovered equipment.

Whilst we can mark our machines with asset numbers or paint them to make them easier to identify (pictured below), recovering small items of plant is virtually impossible. Products such as

Unfortunately our industry seems to be overly susceptible to the opportunist thief SmartWater® go a long way to deterring the theft of static assets such as cabling, precious materials, and expensive components, but can prove problematic for machines which

are constantly being handled by operators and mechanics though worth considering for catalytic convertors, you might not get the convertor back but the police may be able to identify the person who stole it.

I believe that the best deterrent is to keep things out of sight and secure at all times to make it difficult for the opportunist. When on site lock things in strong boxes or use chains and padlocks to secure equipment to the back of vehicles. There are thieves out there who have been so bold/stupid/desperate (delete where applicable), to have actually cut through the handle of the machine to free it from its security chain! The best example – cutting through the shaft of a strimmer to release it from the securing slot of a tool vault!

At the depot, don’t attract unwanted attention, if you’ve had new equipment delivered don’t leave the boxes visible in the yard or skip to advertise your new investment. Inside the depot try to get into a routine of securing power tools in a container, cage or secure room which can be blocked by a trailer, ride-on or similar inanimate object. Alarm systems, steel shutters, strong boxes and anti-ram bars are all expensive but if they make a burglar think twice then they are worth the investment – think of the hassle if you do get broken into. As to protecting catalytic convertors, apparently you are not allowed to wrap razor wire around them – pity.

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

also spent a year at Silsoe, gaining an MSc in Agricultural Engineering and Mechanisation Management. Returning to the UK he joined Glendale as machinery manager in 1994 – going on to become Company Engineer – before joining The Landscape Group in 2009 as Group Head of Assets and Fleet.

Contact: alindsay@thelandscapegroup.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/10/2013 13:05

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30/10/2013 11:29

Business OpinionTips

Frightfully formal

©Anne Wareham

Why are we so against formality, wonders Anne Wareham?

Maybe we need to think about it differently to appreciate it fully

Pattern and symmetry cover a multitude of sins and provide an immediate impact consider how we also love pattern, and how satisfying symmetry is to a great many people.

Even those who decry symmetry will often delight in a balance between the ‘weight’ of different objects in relation to one another.

I recently visited a recreation of an Elizabethan garden at Kenilworth Castle. A particularly good aspect of this garden, rather like the similar one at Aberglasney, is the viewing platform – a terrace that provides an overview of the entire garden.The garden is not especially wonderful; the ‘marble’ obelisks are painted and the paint is decayed and peeling, the beds feature rather tatty plants sitting bleakly in the usual depressing bare soil, and you rather wonder what the joy in wandering the gravel paths was ever supposed to be. And now, in a plant obsessed era, most people must regard it as a total waste of time. Nothing unusual or even (hurray) labelled here.

But the view from above was ©Anne Wareham

‘Formality is not my scene at all’.This is such a banal and boring remark that it hardly registers with us when we hear it. We all like ‘natural’, don’t we? Of course – it sounds healthy, good and well, natural. It’s what people say, and we hardly notice they’ve spoken.

In this instance the speaker went on to describe his natural garden, which comprised lots of rockeries (natural in the Alps?). If such a thing could ever be possible, this is a rather old fashioned kind of natural. More recent, contemporary natural comprises things like Teletubby annual meadows, naturalistic or ecological gardens and prairie gardens (natural once upon a time in parts of America, as long as the indigenous population set fire to them regularly.)

I think this preoccupation with natural is also why we get those dreadful wiggly edges to borders of randomly planted flower beds and why I originally planted our orchard trees in a random scatter which has made mowing the orchard a nightmare. Indeed, I think it’s why I mowed a rather wiggly line as a path through our meadow, until I saw that what was actually needed was a path straight down the middle, edged with clipped trees.

So, I have to accept that this is a confusing and almost meaningless term in relation to gardens, but I think in most people’s minds it means not formal.

The very idea of formal represents straight lines (horrors!), perhaps foreign (Villandry?!), and regimented (very unsexy). Nice people like cottage gardens and wildflowers, and are far too uninhibited and spontaneous to ever embrace formality. Which is all very strange when you

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instantly pleasing.This is the ideal way to see most public gardens, perhaps, where inspired planting and careful maintenance is rare. Pattern and symmetry cover a multitude of sins and provide an immediate impact; and, with that, a reminder of how enjoyable a straight line, repetition of design elements and plants, a sparse plant palette and a predominantly green colour theme can be.Then just add a few fun elements like a fountain which depicts scenes which led spectators to be so ‘hot in desire’ as to require a surprise soaking from the fountain to calm them down (don’t get excited – it’s a few nudes).

I had never seen so clearly before what a multitude of sins formality can make forgivable.

Poor planting and messy gardening in a muddled design is miserable, no matter how many unusual plants you may get to add to your ever lengthening list. A touch of formality and pattern does at the least offer one real pleasure.

ABOUT ANNE WAREHAM Anne Wareham’s book, The Bad Tempered Gardener is the story of the creation with her husband, Charles Hawes, of their garden in the Welsh borders, the Veddw. Anne also writes for the Telegraph, garden magazines and her own blog on the Veddw website, www.veddw.com. She is editor of www.thinkingardens.co.uk.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/10/2013 14:34

spiTOpinion ssenisuB

Devil’s advocate Andrew Wilson explores the educational aspects of garden design and landscape architecture.

Longer studies don’t necessarily equate to better design, it would seem

I was giving a lecture the other day entitled The Invisible Boundary, considering the differences between landscape architecture and garden design.

Of course some people don’t care – the thought that someone might actively design the publicly owned spaces we inhabit came as something of a surprise to several people I’ve spoken to about landscape architecture.

As an educationalist I’m in a tricky corner when discussing this subject as much of the difference comes down to education and application. I also have a foot in both camps – I trained as a landscape architect but teach and practise garden design. The lecture raised an interesting debate in which at least one respondent suggested that it was garden design that needed to develop educationally in order to compete more effectively with landscape architecture.

As an unregulated profession it is possible for anyone to wake up tomorrow morning and decide to be a garden designer. A look at some of the results I have seen suggests that quite a few people do exactly this. What is perhaps more worrying is that in some cases the designers responsible have undertaken some form of study.

This could be anything from a few days here and there to a degree or post graduate qualification, but can we tell the difference and is the qualification or educational experience the only thing that matters? I have seen the work of academically successful landscape architects that I would not want to live with, so academic prowess is not the total story. Professional practice theory may make one a better practitioner but not www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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necessarily a better designer. Then there are garden designers who have little or no training in garden design itself but who produce ravishing work. So, what gives?

Well, education is important of course but more than anything the education has to be good, worthwhile and, in this vocational sphere, well focused. Some longer programmes in garden design share the syllabus with cross over disciplines, meaning that essential aspects such as planting design are watered down. Some of the

As an unregulated profession it is possible for anyone to wake up tomorrow morning and decide to be a garden designer shorter courses concentrate on planting design as it attracts students. As a result, construction and professional practice are often forgotten or skimmed over. These latter two areas especially are much more likely than planting to involve litigation and the failure of a scheme.

One point more than any other needs to be made. Garden design is not horticulture, neither is it plantsmanship in a different guise. Those entering this career must accept and embrace this fact. Of course gardens include plants, and a sound knowledge of plants and their needs is an essential aspect of good garden design, but then

so is good construction design, a good business head, marketing and promotional skills, contractual knowledge, negotiating abilities and a great sense of self confidence, visual communication, and budgetary control.

Courses that offer a balanced approach to each of these aspects are the ones that will best prepare the garden designers of the future. Of course it would be wonderful to talk about plants all day, to design with them and to present and implement beautiful planting schemes, but in truth this is only a part of what the garden designer does and sometimes a small part at that.

Can we get real and stop pussyfooting around this issue? Garden designers need to win work wherever they can, sometimes even stealing it from under the noses of landscape architects. To do this effectively we need to compete on a more equal footing and to be understood as capable professionals. Starting with the right attitude might well be the best first step. As for landscape architects – leave the gardens to the garden designers or enrol for planting design studies in order to compete.

ABOUT ANDREW WILSON Andrew Wilson is a landscape and garden designer as well as Director of Wilson McWilliam Studio. He is also a Director of the London College of Garden Design, an author and an RHS judge of Show Gardens. www.wmstudio.co.uk

November 2013

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22/10/2013 13:04

Business Tips

Demand for chain of custody set to grow Timber is often used in landscaping projects and crops up in a wide variety of products such as decking and fencing or even temporary hoardings used on commercial schemes. Timber is such a commonly occurring material on site, therefore landscapers are likely to find themselves coming under increasing pressure to obtain Chain of Custody certification to demonstrate that the timber they are using has come from a sustainable source, Jodie Read explains why

with seem the la to o

Commercial pressure The commercial pressure is likely to come from the public sector imposing the requirement on their supply chain. This is because public sector organisations are obliged to comply with the European Timber regulations, which have been transposed within the UK as The Timber and Timber Products (Placing on the Market) Regulations 2013 (SI 2013 No 233) www.legislation.gov.uk/ uksi/2013/233/made.

Simplest way to comply Although there are various ways to demonstrate that timber has been sourced sustainably, Natural Resources Wales, speaking at a special supply chain procurement briefing said that they had a preference for “Chain of Custody certified timber” and that “it is the simplest way to ensure compliance” with their procurement policy. Indeed, in going on to announce a four year fencing contract opportunity throughout Wales, the organisation 20

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indicated that companies were unlikely to make it past the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) stage unless they could demonstrate how timber products were being sourced legally and sustainably by 1 April 2014, when the contract starts.

FSC & PEFC Chain of Custody Schemes Chain of Custody schemes operating in the UK are The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) www.fsc-uk.org and The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) www.pefc.co.uk. Both schemes enable companies to provide evidence that timber is identifiable and traceable at all stages of the supply chain, from harvesting, to sawmills, builder’s merchants and installers.

Certification Companies requiring certification need to be assessed by approved Certification Bodies.

Those companies employing 15 or fewer staff may be able to join a Small Group Scheme to minimise the cost of certification.

ABOUT JODIE READ Jodie Read is the Managing Director of Penarth Management Limited; a company which specialises in helping to make business become Better, Greener and Safer through the provision compliance consultancy and training for quality, environmental, health and safety management. She and her colleagues assist companies to implement and maintain management systems, such as ISO9001 (Quality), ISO14001 (Environmental) OHSAS18001 (Health and Safety) or FSC / PEFC Chain of Custody. The company is an affiliate member of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI). Jodie is BALI’s regional chair for Wales and has been elected to the national Board of Directors. If readers have any queries regarding Chain of Custody implementation or certification they are welcome to contact Jodie via e-mail: jodie@penarth.co.uk or by telephone on 029 2070 3328.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/10/2013 13:31

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21/10/2013 09:13

23/10/2013 09:29

Business Tips

Bullying and harassment at work “Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect at work. Bullying and harassment of any kind are in no-one’s interest and should not be tolerated in the workplace” The definition of harassment is: ‘Unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic, which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual.’

(Equality Act 2010) Bullying can be described as: ‘offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means that undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient’. (ACAS 2013)

Now before you turn the page or run for the dictionary, the reason I have given those definitions is because the content is important and comprehensive. Did you know that being undermined or humiliated at work could be bullying? Did you know that if you are offensive or insulting to a colleague it could be called ‘bullying’? Bullying may be obvious or it may be hidden.The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) gives these examples: Examples of bullying/harassing behaviour include: ● Spreading malicious rumours, or insulting someone by word or behaviour (particularly on the grounds of age, race, sex, disability, sexual orientation and religion or belief). ● Giving information about someone to others who do not need to know. ● Ridiculing or demeaning someone – picking on them or setting them up to fail. ● Exclusion or victimisation. ● Unfair treatment. ● Overbearing supervision or other misuse of power or position. ● Unwelcome sexual advances – touching, standing too close, the display of offensive materials, asking for sexual favours, making decisions on the basis of sexual advances being accepted or rejected.

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Margaret McNeil identifies the key signs of bullying and harassment to watch out for, and what to do if you think you are a victim

● Making threats or comments about job security without foundation. ● Deliberately undermining a competent worker by overloading and constant criticism. ● Preventing individuals progressing by intentionally blocking promotion or training opportunities.

Bullying is not always face to face. It can happen in written communication like emails and letters; it could be through constant phone calls. Being bullied can make you feel anxious and humiliated. It can lead to stress, about which I have written in this publication before.

It is regarded as bullying if you are called homophobic names even if you aren’t homosexual. It is bullying if someone makes a nasty comment about your faith or a disability to someone else, but in your hearing.

Employers are legally responsible for preventing bullying and harassment at work. It is in the employer’s interest to ensure that bullying isn’t tolerated as it almost always results in reduced performance and absenteeism.

What can you do if you feel bullied at work?

So what can you do about it if you feel bullied at work? ● First of all, have there been changes at work and you just need to adjust? Do you have a new manager and s/he just does things differently from the previous one? ● Have a look at your organisation’s bullying policy to be sure of your ground and the procedure.

● Talk to those that are bullying you – unfortunately they may be a bit dense and just think it’s all a laugh and that you don’t mind. Tell them that you’d rather they didn’t keep saying/doing that as it makes you unhappy (or words to that effect). ● Can you talk things over with your manager/ HR department? Or perhaps your union representative? ● Contact Citizen’s Advice, or the ACAS helpline (08457 47 47 47). ● Keep a diary of all incidents, including any witnesses. ● Be firm, not aggressive. Try to be positive and calm. Stick to the facts. ● Talk it over with someone at home if you can.

They won’t judge you, and there is no risk. It will help to share your troubles.

You should never have to feel miserable at work because of bullying, and you certainly shouldn’t have to leave a job because of it!

If you are not being bullied at work that’s great.

But the question you should ask yourself now is: ‘Am I a bully?’

ABOUT MARGARET MCNEIL Margaret McNeil is from OnSite Training UK. Whilst lecturing at a horticultural college, she spotted an opportunity to offer flexible learning to horticulturalists and started OnSite Training UK with Roger Clarke.

Since then over 1,000 landscapers have qualified through them. Their Lamport Gardening Academy launched on 2 February 2013. www.onsitetraininguk.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/10/2013 13:29

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21/10/2013 09:24 21/10/2013 09:31

Technical

Next generation We’re all aware that lighting is a key component of a successful garden; your clients want to relax in their gardens after a hard day at work, they want to enjoy long summer weekends and they want to view their garden from inside their home during the winter. So, where do you start with garden lighting?

From a professional point of view, garden lighting breaks down into two key areas; 1) understanding the products and light sources that are available and 2) knowing how to use the fittings to best effect.

Light fittings come in all sorts of materials, colours, shapes and sizes and vary in price from a few pounds to hundreds of pounds each, so where does one start?

Simon Sales of Landscapeplus on the future of garden lighting

Firstly, we need to differentiate between the light fitting and the light source.The light fitting is the housing or the body of the light and the light source is the lamp contained within it.

The light fittings themselves need to be of a certain quality in order to be able to withstand the rigour of constant exposure to the elements year after year. Poor quality light fittings tend not to last long in garden conditions and can often fail after a few short months, and so it is our responsibility as landscape professionals to specify appropriate products.

Moving on to the light source, there are, broadly speaking, two main choices – halogen or LED Anyone who has used halogen lamps will know that although it is a predictable light source, it is

The reliance on halogen is now beginning to fade by no means perfect. For example, halogen lamps produce a tremendous amount of heat (so the light fittings can become very hot to touch), the lamp life is not great, and they are costly to run.

The reliance on halogen is now beginning to fade, partly because of its inherent failings but more importantly because it is going to be phased out at some (as yet unidentified) point over the next few years. So as the use of halogen declines, LED lighting will take its place and to all intents and purposes, will be the light source of choice for the next 20 years or so. That being the case, what are the pros and cons and what do you need to know? ● LED running costs are much lower than halogen. For example, an average garden with say, fifteen 35W halogen fittings running for four hours per night would use 767kw/pa x 15p/kw = £115 per year compared with LED, the equivalent would cost less than £10 per year and the bigger the garden, the bigger the difference would be. ● LED lamps last more than 10 times longer than halogen. A halogen lamp will, in ideal conditions run for around 2000 hours (16 months at 4 hours per day) but in outdoor conditions it is usually significantly less, at around a year. LED lamps in the same conditions will last over 10 years – they even guarantee them for up to seven years!

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halogen www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/10/2013 13:32

Technical

● LED fittings are inherently safer because they are warm to touch whereas halogen fittings can become very hot. For example, halogen lamps reach temperatures of 200°C and that temperature is transmitted through the light fitting whereas LED fittings operate at a more comfortable to touch, 40°C. ● One advantage that halogen used to have over LED was that they could be dimmed which is very important in a garden situation. However, good LED fittings and the drivers that operate them are now dimmable, but make sure you check with your stockist before you buy. ● With LED you have the advantage that you can select different lamp colours and tones of white including warm white, neutral white or cool white depending upon the needs of your project. Furthermore, if that doesn’t give you enough choice, you can specify colour change LED fittings which you can then either ‘colour tune’ to your taste or have imperceptibly scrolling through the whole colour spectrum.

It’s clear therefore, that there are many benefits to LED over halogen so why hasn’t everyone made the switch?

This is because, until recently, there had been two issues that dissuaded people from making the step from halogen. As a new technology, manufacturers had been developing their own ranges of LED fittings, in isolation, which led to confusion and product incompatibility issues between different manufacturers and sometimes even between ranges from the same manufacturer!

The reason that this occurred is that LED fittings must be correctly matched to the right driver (the electrical device that regulates the power to the fittings) for them to work and because each manufacturer had been doing their own thing, it got to the stage where no-one really knew which drivers would work with which fittings.

Fortunately, this issue has now been resolved and by using Landscapeplus’ Standard Power LED Driver or the High Powered LED Driver you can, to a large extent, mix and match your fittings without any risk of incompatibility. Choose one or more Standard or High Power drivers, then pick from the ranges of Standard or High Powered LED fittings.You can have High Powered and www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Landscapeplus.indd 25

1W LED

Standard Powered drivers all running together but the only restriction is that Standard Powered LED fittings go on the Standard Powered driver, and High Powered LED fittings go on the High Powered drivers – simple and effective.

The other issue that has dogged LED lighting is that of understanding the light output of an LED lamp compared to that of the more familiar halogen fitting and it is this issue that has often discouraged designers and landscapers from taking the plunge and moving from halogen to LED. For example, when confronted with a 1W,

For the first time you now have a real choice between LED and halogen and can be confident about recommending either technology 3W or even a 9W LED how might it compare with a 20W, 35W or 50W halogen, can I be certain of the light output and am I sure enough to recommend it to my client?

This confusion has come about because there are different ways of measuring output for example, halogen fittings are measured in watts (light and heat) and LEDs are measured in lumens but at the end of the day, all you are interested in is how to create the best lighting effect for your client. Well to help you on your way, you can see the Landscapeplus lighting comparison images which will help you compare

3W LED

9W LED

and contrast the different lamps that are available and give you a real sense of the light output you might expect.

So, at long last, LED lighting, which everyone thinks of as simple and straightforward, is just that, simple and straightforward... and low heat... and long-life... and low power... and more environmentally friendly... need I go on?

As a garden professional, for the first time you now have a real choice between LED and halogen and can be confident about recommending either technology, but if you are in any doubt about what you need, just ask your supplier. A good lighting supplier should be able to give you the help and advice you need to confidently and successfully design and install your lighting system using simple, jargon-free language so if they start waffling on about milliamps etc. – beware!

Landscapeplus hosts a series of FREE to attend, Skills Workshops throughout the year at which you can develop the practical skills to design and install lighting, irrigation and pond products in your gardens. For more information call 01666 577577 or email help@landscapeplus.com.

Unit 1 Kemble Business Park, Crudwell, Nr Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 9SH Tel: 01666 577577 Web: www.landscapeplus.com Email: help@landscapeplus.com

See stands 65/66 at FutureScape for a selection of lighting products.

November 2013 25

22/10/2013 13:33

Technical

A specification from another planet Karl Harrison provides the answers to a clients’ near impossible demands

“Now, I want a decking board that is durable and very hard, perhaps Ipe. I would like it very light in colour, in fact the colour must be homogenous across all boards. It should be 25mm thick, the width needs to be 225mm as it will then match the interior flooring. I require the terrace to be completed in 5.1m single length pieces and the project is for 150m². If we can have a side fixed system as I don’t want to see any fixings that would be great.”

To a lot of companies installing decking, this sounds all too familiar, so what can we advise?

The timber Ipe, is a great choice, Lapacho, Tajibo, it has many names but Ipe is a good standard in the UK. The standard size for the majority of installations is 21mm thickness by 140 to 145mm or so, this may vary by a few millimetres either way. The Tabebuia Serratifolia has six sub species with texture, grain, colour and density that will be similar and, depending how close you look, one may argue that they are all completely different too. The colour will be from a dark yellow merging into green in places with hues of brown flowing through grey and into vibrant pinks and reds.

Lengths will vary from 1200mm to 5100mm maybe more but only for the longer lengths and a hand of boards for every 3m³ purchased.

Less and less suppliers will supply at all of the same length unless you pay a premium.

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Board width

Length

Ipe has various standard sizes and depending which supplier has been specified it is usually best to stay within the parameters of what is already available.The board widths are historically there for reason. Most countries supplying the raw materials will do in imperial sizes, 4in x 1in, 6in x 1in.This would produce 90 x 21 and 140 x 21 and to deviate from this would require further machining at a costly premium. It is feasible to produce 225mm x 56mm thickness boards but they would be at enormous cost and availability would be strictly limited.

The other reason for these sizes is because this is what works as decking, boards wider than 145 or so will suffer from excessive movement and cupping, they will also require tighter joist spacing and three screws per joist.

This is dictated by the tree, for Ipe the trees are up to 1.8m in width and have a usable “bole” (above the roots and below the canopy) of up to 18 metres.These are then cut to the maximum size to fit into a container, so 6.3m would be the longest, but once you select and remove the splits, knots, and fissures you end up with much less.

Thickness This is determined again by the raw materials but is generally in proportion to the board width. If we stray much thinner than 20mm the boards will not have the same structural support and would require an enhanced substructure. If we went much thicker we would be subject to increased delivery costs, bigger screws would be required, more tooling, and the cost of the raw is more than twice as much for double the thickness. After machining, the standard thicknesses would be 21, 28 and 35mm.

Colour This is a simple one folks, if you want a different colour, use a different timber. Ipe is what it is and you get what you get, so any colour matching should be done with tinted oils.

And if your client is still asking for it...

The cost of 225mm x 50mm, grain and colour matched, in 5.1m lengths would be over £400 a square metre.

ABOUT KARL HARRISON Karl Harrison runs Exterior Solutions Ltd based in Buckinghamshire, with his wife Lana. The company offers expert decking advice and is the sole UK distributor for high-end timber decking manufactured by Exterpark. www.exteriordecking.co.uk

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/10/2013 16:34

Technical

Uneven surface Sloping sites can make spectacular gardens, but designing a sloping garden requires a thorough knowledge of site topography, and an understanding of what is possible and legal, explains Linsey Evans

What makes a sloping garden special is that the level changes naturally dictate the construction of outdoor rooms at different heights, each with a unique atmosphere.The spaces can be enclosed or sunken for privacy and intimacy or opened up creating sunny terraces with fabulous views.

As well as practical issues there are planning requirements to consider. Retaining walls can be no more than 1m high adjoining the roadway or 1.8m high elsewhere in the garden without needing planning permission. Also, some house deeds contain covenants that restrict the heights of garden walls.

It is rarely feasible or desirable to create one large retaining wall to level the whole garden.

Other than on a very small slope this would be overbearing and make parts of the garden hard to access. This also eliminates the transitions between the levels which I believe is what make a sloping garden special. Very high retaining walls should be avoided, and the garden split into fewer, shallower levels.

The garden levels must not be raised so high that they are overlooking neighbouring gardens.

A large terrace adjacent to a house which sits on top of a steep site would create a platform from which people could see directly into neighbouring gardens and houses. A deck may not be raised more than 30cm from the existing ground level without planning permission.The rules for other raised seating areas relate to whether they

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interfere with people’s right to privacy.

The most common construction materials for retaining walls are concrete blocks, which are relatively cheap, and create robust, long-lasting retaining walls. A blockwork wall can be rendered or faced with other materials including brick, stone and even stainless steel sheets. Slate cladding and pebble mosaic sheets are some of my favourite facing materials because they provide textural contrast to other hard landscaping. Other options for wall construction include brick, stone, gabion cages, poured concrete, railway sleepers, timber and even compacted earth.

Spaces can be enclosed or sunken for privacy or opened up creating sunny terraces with fabulous views The choice of building materials depends on budget, the style of the garden and what the wall is to support. Railway sleepers are cheap and quick to erect, but they are not as robust or long lasting as blockwork and are not recommended for higher retaining walls. Although they often seem like a cheap option, gabion cages can be time consuming to erect and more expensive than a stone-faced concrete block wall.

Plans for any garden construction project should always include a construction detail and setting out drawing. These drawings should include multiple sections through the garden showing existing garden levels, the positions and finished heights of each retaining wall and new finished levels of each garden terrace. Providing detailed information to contractors will enable them to quote accurately and ensure the build goes smoothly.

Once the terraces have been designed, the next task is design the access for each garden level. Steps are an obvious choice; a winding ramp can help to break the harshness of hard landscaping. Creating walls with a finished height that is a multiple of the ideal step riser height of 150mm will make construction much easier.

Ramps should have a slope of no more than 1:12.

Raised garden areas should be secured with railings. Steel or wooden posts with tensioned wires look fabulous and work well in contemporary and traditional gardens. Glass panels can be used to give an unimpeded view of the garden or countryside beyond. Metal fabricators can create unique, bespoke railings that can be sculptural as well as providing safety for users.

Many different factors need to be considered when creating a garden on a sloping site and there are numerous potential hazards. But having a good design with clear construction detailing, an experienced contractor and a realistic budget will produce an exceptional garden.

ABOUT LINSEY EVANS Linsey Evans is a garden designer based in Bracknell, Berkshire with projects in London and through the Thames Valley and Home Counties.

Linsey is a specialist in designing sloping gardens with extensive knowledge of the technical aspects of garden construction. Linsey Evans Garden Design has been designing and constructing gardens for 10 years with the emphasis on strong structures and geometric layouts softened by elegant planting schemes. www.linseysgardens.com

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Technical

Surveying Janine Pattison begins a new series on garden surveying. She looks into how an accurate survey will lead to more accurate costings, and is needed as the foundation for design

One of the first questions every garden designer and landscape contractor is asked by a client is “How much is it going to cost to build my garden?” Well, without a proper understanding of the quantities and volumes involved, any answer can only be a guess. Then the quote could be too low and the contractor loses money, or too high and the client goes elsewhere.

Before a designer can start work on the layout of a garden they need to know the exact size, shape and contours they have to work with. The sizes and exact locations of features such as buildings, trees, manholes and of course, boundaries need to be recorded so that the new design accommodates them.

A detailed measured survey is the only way to accurately record this information which is then drawn up either onto paper or into a CAD package. This survey drawing will be ‘to scale’, which means that measurements can be taken from it for pricing purposes. The survey should also contain contour lines and spot heights around the site so that volumes can be calculated for things like earthmoving operations, working out spoil to be removed from site, and amounts of new material to be brought back in.

The survey is the starting point for the

designer to begin the design process, and ensuring that the survey is accurate will pay huge dividends. There is great value in the designer carrying out their own surveys, particularly early on in their career, as it is an excellent way of getting to know the site intimately and many design ideas may present themselves during the survey process.

Before a designer can start work on the layout of a garden they need to know the exact size, shape and contours they have to work with It is important to know when a site is too difficult to survey oneself and it is wise to then use an experienced Land Surveyor. They have the knowledge, experience and the equipment to deal with difficult sites safely and efficiently. Ask around for a recommendation or contact RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) for a list of professionals who cover your area. The client needs to accept that the survey will cost them money.

The proposed design for the space must be drawn onto an accurate survey otherwise there is a risk that the design will not fit within the space, and may not be practical or even possible to build. I’ve seen designs which call for three steps from patio to lawn when actually twelve are needed – totally destroying the design and the credibility of the designer. There is only so much a contractor can fix when on site during the build!

For a contractor, quoting from an accurate plan becomes a much less nerve wracking experience. Square meterages, quantities, and volumes can be calculated with confidence and usual rates applied to arrive at estimates and quotations. We will usually indicate square meterages on patios, lawns and planting areas to assist our contractors. Remember to make allowances on sloping sites though, otherwise you will be under quoting.

In future articles in this series I will be looking at survey equipment, what needs to be measured, how to measure it, survey photography, personal safety when surveying and how to draw it all up on return to your studio and prove that you have got it right.

ABOUT JANINE PATTISON

Janine Pattison MSGD is a multi award-winning garden designer and horticulturalist who trained with English Heritage at Eltham Palace in London and at Kingston Maurward College in Dorchester.

A registered member of the Society of Garden Designers, the British Association of Landscape Industries and the Garden Media Guild, Janine is also a highly qualified RHS horticulturalist. www.janinepattison.com 28

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22/10/2013 14:36

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18/10/2013 13/08/2013 16:23 09:21

Let’s Hear it From...

LET’S HEAR IT FROM...

Sue Biggs

Pro Landscaper magazine spoke to Sue Biggs, Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). We found out a little more about the structure of the RHS, what issues they are currently focusing on, in particular the green skills gap and Horticulture Matters report Tell us a little about how you became Director General of the RHS – were you in the horticulture industry before or was it a new sector for you?

I have two main passions in life, all things horticultural and travel. I’ve been a member of the RHS for many years and was a regular visitor to RHS Garden Wisley, RHS Chelsea Flower Show and RHS Hampton Court Flower Show. After spending 30 wonderful years in the business world working for international leisure companies, being appointed Director General of the RHS is a dream come true for me. In many ways it’s the perfect role because it combines my passion for gardening with my business background.

Have you always had an interest in gardens and gardening?

Gardening has been a real passion for me for as long as I can remember. I’ve been a member of the RHS for the past 16 years.

How long have you now been in the position of DG?

Just over three years. I joined the RHS in August 2010.

What do you think are the main industry issues that the RHS need to tackle in the near future?

One of the main challenges facing the horticultural sector as a whole is the growing green skills gap which, if we don’t take action, could mean that we will not have the skilled workforce needed to support this £9billion industry. This is one of the reasons why the horticultural sector has joined forces to produce the Horticulture Matters report, which is calling for the Government, employers and those in the education system to take specific, tailored action to safeguard the future of the hugely important horticulture sector.

Other challenges include the threat posed by climate change and what this could mean for the way we garden in the future. Should we as a sector be more prepared for a future that could see more unpredictable extreme weather events – cold spells and snow, more intense rainfall or periods of drought, longer more pronounced hot spells?

These are profound questions that RHS scientists and the academics from the University of Reading are addressing in a

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Let’s Hear it From...

new report looking at the likely impact on gardening of climate change. The report will be launched in the new year.

Another challenge is the increase in the frequency and speed of the spread of pests and diseases, such as ash dieback. Although the Government is working very hard to make biosecurity more of a priority, if we as a nation do not invest more into the training and career development of the plant pathologists and entomologists, who are needed to help combat these threats, this serious threat to our native and garden plants can only continue. We also need to bring about a change of attitude by gardeners and the industry to the movement of plants across borders.

Do you think there is enough cross-industry collaboration?

The horticulture sector has come together around the Horticulture Matters report and is unanimous in the belief that urgent action has to be taken to save British horticulture, and it must happen now.

The horticulture sector employs around 200,000 people from crop growers and gardeners to scientists and tree surgeons. With such a diverse range of professions and organisations represented there will always be scope for new collaborations, but I have been incredibly impressed by the way the industry has come together around the Horticulture Matters initiative.

How do you think we can encourage young people or even second career people to engage with the horticulture industry?

The current education policy is not helping raise awareness of horticultural careers to young people. Today there is a lack of skilled workers entering the industry, especially at 2 higher levels, yet horticulture is not included as a subject within the school curriculum, and university degree courses with horticulture are decreasing. On top of this RHS research showed that horticultural career opportunities were not highlighted to 70

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per cent of people when making career choices.

A poor perception of the sector has influenced consumer demand meaning there is currently minimal formal education and training schemes.

Thousands of young people are missing out on incredible career opportunities – from gardening and garden design, the science of climate change and researching new pests and diseases to looking after the turf at Wimbledon or teaching children.

We must promote career progression and commit to delivering a framework of horticultural teaching and training through current initiatives, including the RHS Campaign for School Gardening (through which we work with just under two thirds of all UK schools), horticultural colleges and qualifications, and new schemes, working with partners across horticulture.

and we hope its positive reception will be converted into real action designed to position horticulture as a highly skilled, highly rewarding and positive career.

We’ve enjoyed some success, most notably the inclusion of gardening as a context through which to deliver the national curriculum framework in England for 2014. There is great synergy between horticultural skills such as problem solving, design, creativity and the tools a child will need to succeed in their chosen career, it also reinforces the current prioritisation of cooking to support a healthier lifestyle and it’s great to see that this has been recognised. This is a very good starting point but we must build on it if we are to secure the longterm future of the sector.

Urgent action has to be taken to save British horticulture, and it must happen now

How do you think the Horticulture Matters initiative has been received?

The report was well received by the Government

What is the management structure of the RHS?

The charity is governed by the RHS President Sir Nicholas Bacon and 16 other members of Council, who set the strategic direction of the Society. I, as Director General, together with the nine

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Let’s Hear it From...

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members of my Leadership Team, manage the delivery of our goals and objectives through nine divisions: Members, Art & Media; Gardens, Shows & Retail; Horticulture; Science; Education, Funding & Communities; Finance; IT & Internal Audit; HR; and Communications.

How does the RHS decide which projects to invest in?

As with all decisions taken by the RHS they are guided by an assessment of whether the project supports our charitable aims. This simple principle is the thread that runs through all our projects.

From our work in schools through The RHS Campaign for School Gardening; in communities through RHS Britain in Bloom; helping gardeners identify and control pest and diseases through our scientific work. Everything we do is driven by our desire to inspire people of all ages and abilities with an interest in plants and gardening.

We must promote career progression and commit to delivering a framework of horticultural teaching and training With the recent announcement that gardening is to be included in the national curriculum framework in England, how and 32

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when will this be evident in schools?

We’re pleased that gardening has now been referenced in the national curriculum framework in England but are disappointed it has not been given the same level of emphasis as it was in the draft consultation released in February 2013.

The main areas that link to plants and horticulture can be found through Science and D&T (Design and Technology) subjects. In Science, as in previous years, pupils will develop their plant knowledge and be taught basic plant science.

Thinking scientifically is a key attribute of learners and plant science will help give pupils a stronger sense of seasonality.

New to the curriculum however, is that gardens are used as an example context through which D&T skills can be taught at KS1 (5-7years) and ‘horticulture’ is mentioned as a context for learning at KS3 (11-14years). The garden is a perfect place for children to develop both D&T and gardening skills like problem solving, design, using tools and equipment. It also encourages pupils to think about the purpose of a design for different user groups e.g. individuals with disabilities. In addition to this, foodgrowing is also mentioned in the context of cooking and knowing where and how food comes from, particularly at KS2 level (7-11years).

If you were to look back in five years’ time, what would you like to have been your biggest achievement in the RHS?

It would have to be that I, and the RHS, played a

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1 The Glasshouse and lake at RHS Garden Wisley 2 Bramall Learning Centre at RHS Garden Harlow Carr.

3 The Gazebo at RHS Garden Hyde Hall.

4 Leucanthemum vulgare.

5 The Queen Mother’s Rose Garden at RHS Garden Rosemoor.

role in raising the profile and prestige of careers in horticulture. It would be wonderful to think that through our efforts more people of all ages and backgrounds were seeing horticulture as a realistic and achievable career option. It’s a very diverse, skilled and rewarding profession that has been overlooked by many for far too long. If I played a role in changing that I would be delighted.

Sue Biggs will be on the View from the Top panel at FutureScape

CONTACT Royal Horticultural Society 80 Vincent Square, London, SW1P 2PE Tel: 0845 260 5000 Email: pressoffice@rhs.org.uk Web: www.rhs.org.uk

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22/10/2013 15:34

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Portfolio

COLOUR CATCHER An adventurous and art loving couple requested water, night-time lighting, and edible and scented planting for a contemporary garden that did justice to the recently built house

M

y clients had recently moved from North America, and were adventurous and art loving.The recently built house appealed to them because it was very contemporary in design, but the garden, although reasonably sized, was uninteresting and did not do justice to the house.The main doors from the kitchen opened onto a narrow space to the side of the house which was dominated by an overgrown conifer hedge.To the front of the house, the approach and outlook were characterised by the block paved driveway, and more impact and interest was required.The back garden was mainly laid to lawn, with a narrow area of paving in the shadow of the house, and little of interest. There were two trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) one of which was in a focal position in the back garden.

ABOUT CHAMELEON DESIGN Established by Rose Lennard CMLI MSGD in 1992, Chameleon Design is based in Gloucestershire and offers a full garden and landscape design, specification and contract supervision service, tailored to their clients’ requirements. Projects range from chic urban courtyards to traditional country estates.

Chameleon Design frequently works in multidisciplinary teams on more complex projects where it has a reputation for combining creativity and practicality to deliver top quality designs.

www.chameleongardens.co.uk

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Strong sweeping curves shape the forms of the water features and raised lawn

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The agreed brief was summarised as follows: ● Contemporary style, clean lines. ● Include water with movement, lilies and fish.

Juxtaposition of hard materials and water key. ● Space for socialising. ● Retain and/or enhance screening from houses to rear. ● Night-time garden – include lighting. ● Include space for edible planting. ● Make a feature of level changes. ● Scented plants. ● Include planting to bring wild birds into garden. ● All year round interest in planting. ● Space for composting.

In response to the architecture of the house, strong sweeping curves shape the forms of the water features and raised lawn, and the smoothly sawn stone and green oak complement the existing sandy brick buildings and Cotswold stone garden walls.The back garden now features a generous dining terrace, abundant planting, a split level curved water feature with crisp stone copings, and paths leading up to the new summerhouse with sun deck, and to the productive area with greenhouse, shed, compost bins and fruit cage.

The narrow side garden next to the kitchen doors was opened out by removing the conifer hedge, and introducing a circular paved seating and 36

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curved rammed earth wall as a focal feature, with verdant borders providing texture and colour.

The entrance to the front door was enhanced with new paving flanked by planting including box, Heuchera, Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ and Allium christophii. An arc of water extends right up to the full height windows, bouncing light into the interior, and the pond has been quickly colonised by frogs and newts.There is also a boules court and herb bed with cordon fruit, and a border of grasses and perennials next to a beech hedge.

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MATERIALS Buff coloured sawn Yorkstone was specified for most of the paving and pool coping, contrasting large slabs with smaller setts. There are paths in self-binding limestone footpath gravel.

The low retaining walls are chunky oak timbers, set vertically, and slightly tapered to form a smooth curve. A freestanding brick wall was

built to match the house.

Excavated material from the water feature construction was re-used on site to create a rammed earth feature wall.

PROBLEMS TO OVERCOME It transpired during the course of the project that there was a restrictive covenant on the site, and Permitted Development Rights had been withdrawn. This meant that different options had to be explored for the design, and we had to submit an application for planning permission on the clients’ behalf. My clients had protracted negotiations with their neighbours before eventually obtaining the go-ahead.

The presence of protected trees on site meant that ground levels could not be altered within the root protection zone. This was a major factor in the design which features a curved retaining wall between the lower level terrace next to the back of the house, and the lawn above.

My clients were supportive of the concept of the rammed earth feature wall, and specialist input was obtained on the technical aspects.

A substantial rainwater harvesting tank was installed under the main dining terrace to supply the irrigation system. www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Portfolio

Project timeline Size: 1200m2

• First contacted by client

November 2010

• Started work

December 2010

• Put out to tender

May 2011

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• Contractor appointed

August 2011

• Work started

August 2011

• Garden practically complete

March 2012

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REFERENCES Designer Rose Lennard for Chameleon Design Tel: 01242 572 369 Email: rose@chameleongardens.co.uk Web: www.chameleongardens.co.uk Contractor Outdoor Living Space Tel: 07830 020 740 Email: info@outdoorlivingspace.co.uk Web: www.outdoorlivingspace.co.uk Water feature construction Landscaping4U Tel: 07974 179 946 Email: samuel@landscaping4u.co.uk Web: www.landscaping4u.co.uk Summerhouse contractor Didzis Mauritis Tel: 07584 327 499 Rammed earth wall specification Paul Jaquin Tel: 07795 670 202 Electrician DSM Electrical Tel: 01905 457 569 07770 573 767 Email: dave@dsm-electrical.co.uk Web: www.sparkydsm.blogspot.co.uk

Greenhouse with curved roof Hartley Botanic Wellington Road,Greenfield, Oldham, OL3 7AG Tel: 01457 819 155 Email: info@hartleybotanic.co.uk Web: www.hartley-botanic.co.uk Oak panel fencing Quercus UK Limited The Laurels, Queen St, Keinton Mandeville, Somerset TA11 6EG Tel: 01458 22 33 78 Email: sales@quercusfencing.co.uk Web: www.quercusfencing.co.uk

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1 Subtle lighting picking out steps up to summerhouse.

4 A fruit and veg area makes good use of this corner.

2 Generous dining terrace behind the house.

3 New summerhouse overlooking split level water feature.

5 Before: striking modern design, let down by an unimaginative landscape.

6 Curved pond by the house.

Sawn buff Yorkstone Stone UK Ltd Garstang, Green Lane Industrial Estate, Green Lane West, Garstang, Lancashire PR3 1NU Tel: 01995 600 551 Email: info@stoneuk.com Web: www.stoneuk.com Limestone self-binding path gravel Smiths Bletchington Enslow, Kidlington, Oxfordshire OX5 3AY Tel: 01869 331 281 Email: info@smithsbletchington.co.uk Web: www.smithsbletchington.co.uk 6

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More images at: www.prolandscapermagazine.com

HIVE OF ACTIVITY Grant Associates The Hive is Europe’s first joint university and public library – a unique academic, educational and learning centre for the City of Worcester and its University. The ‘BREEAM Outstanding’ project was designed by architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios with a distinctive and sustainable landscape design by Grant Associates.

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rant Associates’ landscape design brief was to create a high quality landscape environment that would become a distinctive and exciting visitor attraction – a place which would capture a sense of history and place whilst reflecting on the contemporary themes of sustainability and technological innovation.

The landscape is based on a strong narrative derived from the local landscape of the River Severn, Malvern Hills and the Elgar trail that inspired Land of Hope and Glory and key storytelling themes: ● Nature uplifts the spirits: the landscape spaces are arranged to ‘enlighten and delight’, inviting visitors to experience the therapeutic qualities of nature, an encounter with birdsong, scented plants, colourful wildflowers and dragonflies. ● Healthy water for sustained life: demonstrates to visitors the importance of healthy water for life and the ability of natural systems, not manmade chemicals, to take care of this. ● Knowledge and heritage: creates a special sense of place derived from the primary circulation route The Causeway. ● The two-hectare site comprises a series of islands and belvederes overlooking two landform basins containing rich local damp meadow and The Causeway, an extension of the city wall route, routes circling around and through the Centre.

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1 Honey bee garden at building entrance.

4 Public realm and landscape masterplan.

2 Detention basin concept sketch.

5 View looking north showing belvedere, causeway bridge and library Island.

3 Original concept section showing detention basins and landform.

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ABOUT GRANT ASSOCIATES

Project details Client: Worcester City Council Architects: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios Engineers: Hyder, Max Fordham

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Project value: £2 million (landscape works)

Grant Associates is a world-leading British landscape architecture consultancy specialising in creative, visionary design of both urban and rural environments worldwide, working with some of the world’s leading architects and designers. Inspired by the connection between people and nature Grant Associates fuses nature and technology in imaginative ways to create cutting edge design built around a concern for the social and environmental quality of life. Grant Associates has experience in all scales and types of ecological and landscape development including strategic landscape planning, master planning, urban design and regeneration and landscapes for housing, education, sport, recreation, visitor attractions and commerce.

www.grant-associates.uk.com

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Portfolio

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

More images at: www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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The Water Meadow A wildflower water meadow is the principal landscape, a resource for environmental education, robust enough to deal with seasonal flooding from the river, with low maintenance demands. Locally harvested seeds from a site of special interest include cowslips, orchids, fritillary’s and flag irises.

Sustainable Drainage System The water meadow also serves a practical purpose dealing with sustainable urban drainage; filtering rainwater and surface water through reed bed swales and working with the environmental engineering of the building by virtue of the evaporative cooling process with prevailing south-westerly winds.

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Habitat Islets Two habitat islets emerge from the water meadow. One reached by bridge from the children’s library creates a place where children can read and be informed in a stimulating natural environment surrounded by the wonder of nature, scented plants, wild life nests, and a mini orchard. The second is a wildlife haven with large canopy trees and coppice-planting providing secluded nesting and roosting and includes the rare Black Poplar Trees.

The Causeway A safe and secure network of pedestrian friendly routes circle around and through the Library and History Centre, broadening out to form seating terraces or outdoor rooms such as the café terrace by the Belvedere.The route includes seating areas, and a causeway bridge and footbridge to connect adjoining sites.

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1 Belvedere and links to university below arches.

2 Children’s reading island echoes the library building form.

3 Causeway bridge over damp meadow basin.

4 View of children’s reading island.

5 Detention basin with wildflower meadow.

6 Detention basin concept sketch.

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Portfolio

The landscape of The Hive Worcester Library and History Centre aims to be a leading example of sustainable design, including SUDS drainage, water attenuation, productive urban gardens, locally sourced materials and plant species, and careful landscape management to enhance species diversity and ecological richness.

Peter Chmiel, director, Grant Associates

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DESIGN PLAN

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REFERENCES Designer/architect Grant Associates 22 Milk Street, Bath, BA1 1UT Tel: 01225 332 664 Email: info@grant-associates.uk.com Web: www.grant-associates.uk.com Main contractor Galliford Try Web: www.gallifordtry.co.uk Sub-contractors Covertron Planting contractor Whiting Landscape Tel:Â 01527 836 292 Email:Â office@whitinglandscape.co.uk Web: www.whitinglandscape.co.uk

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Street furniture Escofet (supplied by Woodhouse) Spa Park, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV31 3HL Tel: 01926 314 313 Email: enquire@woodhouse.co.uk Web: www.woodhouse.co.uk Paving Forest Pennant Stone Bixslade Stone Works, Parkend, Gloucestershire GL15 4JS Tel: 01594 562 974 Email: sales@forestpennant.com Web: www.forestpennant.com

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Portfolio

More images at: www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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COPPER HOUSE (uncommon) A small garden, which needed to be strongly architectural, but with pretty, floral planting

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ABOUT (UNCOMMON) Deborah started (uncommon) in May 2012.

In her private practice, and with naganjohnson architects (in which she is a partner), works have often been at a smaller scale but are strongly conceptual. (uncommon) take on some private gardens, but relish complicated or unusual schemes and those with a strong architectural elements. As well as built schemes they undertake feasibility studies.

www.uncommonland.co.uk

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Portfolio

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he basic form of the garden was driven by the architecture of the copper clad glazed extension with which it is in dialogue. The terraces respond to the topography of the site and the clients wished to have direct access to the garden from the living area at lower ground floor level. The garden references the same materials palette as the architecture – basalt and copper – whilst also making use of softer reclaimed and salvaged materials such as York stone.

Whilst the form of the garden was required to be strongly architectural for structural reasons, our clients were keen for the planting to be pretty and floral. An ailing, but beloved Acer prompted the hunt for a new tree. Now the garden grows on three levels in homage to a flying tree, Cornus controversa Variegata, lifted in by crane.

DESIGN PLAN

SOURCING MATERIALS All the plants, including the sculptural tree, were hand selected from nurseries close to London. The hard materials used in the garden are a combination of old and new and were sourced as locally as possible.

Finding the perfect feature tree and then getting it into position was quite tricky! The Cornus controversa Variegata had fallen over a few years previously at the nursery, causing it to grow to one side, this made it absolutely perfect for this garden. Due to access restrictions, the tree was craned into position (over two neighbouring gardens) on the same day as the glazing for the rear elevation.

1-2 Middle level of the garden.

3 Steps to basement level.

4 Dancing water jets in a metal trough.

Project details Size of project: 70m² in size, over three levels Timeline of development: One month Cost: £50,000 2

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More images at: www.prolandscapermagazine.com

1 Before shot.

2 Planting ideas.

3 The copper panel.

4 A handrail large enough to rest a glass of wine on, and sedum in the planter below.

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5 Basalt strips used on external and internal walls and external step risers.

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6 The tree being lifted in.

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REFERENCES Landscape design (uncommon) 2 Pontypool Place, London SE1 8QF Tel: 020 7633 0247 Email: studio@uncommonland.co.uk Web: www.uncommonland.co.uk Architect Naganjohnson 2 Pontypool Place, London SE1 8QF Tel: 020 7633 0200 Email: studio@naganjohnson.co.uk Web: www.naganjohnson.co.uk

Main contractor MLI Ltd Tel: 01256 358880 Tree Crocus Tel: 0844 557 2233 Email: info@crocus.co.uk Web: www.crocus.co.uk Apples Cromar Nurseries Tel: 01622 812 380 Email: cromarnursery@aol.com Web: www.cromarnursery.co.uk

Plants Provender Nurseries Tel: 01322 662 315 Email: richard.burt@ provendernurseries.co.uk Web: www.provendernurseries.co.uk Basalt Beltrami Tel: 01384 564 315 Email: info@beltrami.co.uk Web: www.beltrami.co.uk

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The only limitation is your imagination

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www.deepdale-trees.co.uk 21/10/2013 09:45

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Plantsman’s Plot

Plantsman’s PLOT A round-up of trees and plants available at some of the country’s best nurseries To appear in Plantsman’s Plot, please send your plant of the month, details and image to editor@pro-landscaper.co.uk For a tree you can count on for November interest, it’s hard to beat Liquidambar styraciflua. Liquidambar’s traffic-light phasing from green to orange to red gives a constantly changing display, reaching its final fiery finale in November which persists sometimes right into December. Its corky bark and baublelike fruits give additional appeal through the winter, and its summer foliage is starry, lush, and emerald green. For best results, plant in lime-free soil, and cane leaders until well established. www.majestictrees.co.uk

Although not immediately recognisable as a holly, Ilex crenata ‘Kinme’ shares many of the general growing characteristics of holly such as evergreen leaves, slow growth, hardiness and tolerance to pruning. It is, however, better known in the UK in the form of ornamental large garden bonsai.

The small glossy leaves on these plants are trained and pruned into stunning layers of pompoms or ‘clouds’. Although often used in Japanese schemes they are ideal for adding a touch of style and class to any garden as they make a fabulous architectural feature. www.theplantationnursery.co.uk

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Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ is a sturdy, reliable flowering evergreen shrub with lots going on in the winter months. Scented lemon yellow flowers are freely produced in dense clusters at the pinnacle of branch tips and are held aloft the foliage from November to March.

The leathery, pinnate, spiny foliage has an upright habit with compact bushy growth and is almost architectural in appearance. Much maligned as often used as ‘car park’ planting – but tolerant of many situations, and disease and frost resistant; this is a great value winter interest plant. Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ is a selected cultivar of a cross between Mahonia lomarifolia and Mahonia japonica and carries the best attributes from both parents well. www.provendernurseries.co.uk www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood) is an ancient yet also relatively new tree. Fossil records date back to the Mesozoic Era and it was thought to be extinct until a small group were discovered in China in 1944. A very large tree with a neat, pyramid crown makes it a great choice for urban, avenue or specimen planting. The foliage is a flat needle (similar to Taxus) bright green, light and feathery turning fiery orangey-brown before falling.

The bark is also attractive, reddish brown and fluted. Since its discovery, it has become widespread throughout Britain and is now a popular favourite. www.deepdale-trees.co.uk

Lonicera nitida is a small leaved evergreen shrub which makes a great alternative to Box. With regular trimming it can be kept low as a formal parterre. If left to get taller it makes a more natural hedge suitable for trimming into cloud shapes if required. Suitable for almost all types of soil this is a much undervalued plant that should be making a welldeserved comeback soon. Readyhedge can supply this at a variety of sizes ready to go. www.readyhedgeltd.com

©JEdigital

Plantsman’s Plot

Strawberry trees make excellent garden shrubs with their handsome foliage, clusters of urn-shaped, autumn flowers, followed by edible, if rather insipid, rough-textured, red fruits. Their trump card is that their fruit ripens a year after flowering, so that each autumn there is an eyecatching combination of strawberries and cream. The compact and free-flowering variety Arbutus unedo ‘Atlantic’, is arguably the best form, reaching 3x3m and producing creamy, pendent urns in large clusters alongside well-coloured mock strawberries – all set off on a bed of glossy, toothed, evergreen leaves. It starts flowering and fruiting from a young age and is slow growing – so makes an excellent container specimen, too. Like other strawberry trees, it offers the bonus of peeling mahogany-red bark – giving it year-round appeal. www.hortusloci.co.uk

Sedum spectabile ‘Brilliant’. This small herbaceous perennial that grows to around 50cm looks great at this time of year. Producing a flat head of attractive pink flowers from August through to November, it is a late attraction for bees and butterflies. Planted in full sun or a shadier part of the garden you well get good results in well-drained soil. www.crowdersnurseries.co.uk

Between the months of July through to November Sorbus aria Magnifica comes into its own as the most rewarding whitebeam on the market.

Sorbus aria Lutescens is wonderful in the spring but starts to defoliate in August and can be leafless by late September. ‘Magnifica’ is slow to start in the spring but outlasts ‘Lutescens’ by several months.

Introduced in the 1920s, this well tried and tested variety thrives best on well drained soils. www.buythetreeyousee.com

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Latest Products

Planters “BOX”, by Michael Koenig for Flora, from Encompass – available in oxidised Corten or zinc coated steel, finished in a range of powder coat colours. BOX is available in a range of sizes and formats, with added functional features including carry handles, optional castors, and optional side slots for forklifting the large BOX planter. www.encompassco.com

This ultra-glamorous facet planter offers instant contemporary elegance to any room or space and looks great from any angle.

Available in any RAL colour, matt, satin and high gloss finishes or granite effects, but with a metallic finish on this random shape adds a fashionable urban vibe with a quirky edge. www.europlanters.com

Urbis Design’s Large Globe planter is now available in Rusty finish (shown in the south of France, design by Bowles & Wyer) as well as Bronze, Verdigris and Copper.

Actual ground metal is bonded to the surface and hand finished, giving a spectacular metallic lustre.

Part of a new group of colours and finishes to be introduced spring 2014. www.urbisdesign.co.uk

The Polystone Poly Cubic Planter is a contemporary pot with a multitude of uses. Being stylish, sleek and modern they are perfect for all manner of gardens including rooftop designs, large landscaping projects and to lift the look of a front garden or driveway. The Polystone range is an extremely dense product created using a compound of resin and powdered stone that will stand up to the harshest of elements whilst also maintaining a manageable weight. www.thepotco.com

The Blob Planter joins a huge and unrivalled tree and street planter range, available in an enormous array of colours and finishes, with and without seating and joins. Livingreen Design’s vast selection of interior, exterior, classical, contemporary planters all completely 100 per cent designed and made in the UK. www.livingreendesign.com

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22/10/2013 13:41

Paving

Bradstone Assured THE INSTALLER SCHEME FROM BRADSTONE

The Bradstone Assured scheme was launched in 2011 to help provide business and marketing support to landscapers, and make it easier for consumers to source reliable garden and driveway installers in their area.

Successful applicants can benefit from exclusive access to marketing support, including brochures and mailings, sales presenters to help convert leads and distinctive branded workwear.

Members can also build online profiles on a dedicated Bradstone Assured website to enable local customers to request quotes, and can upload pictures of previous jobs to showcase their work and include links to their own website.

The Bradstone Assured scheme meets a strong consumer demand for guidance in sourcing a reliable tradesman. Recent research from Bradstone Assured found that nearly three quarters of Brits feel anxious when it comes to dealing with workmen they haven’t met before and 46 per cent are concerned that they will fall foul of a rogue tradesman.

The findings highlighted the need for professionally-accredited schemes such as Bradstone Assured which can offer consumers peace of mind.

Mike Leeming, of Bradstone Assured, says: “Consumers are most likely to hire an installer who comes across professionally, can offer references up front, has professional branding and a good website – all of which we can help our members to provide. With the Bradstone Assured seal of approval, customers know that their www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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garden project will be completed on time, on budget and to a high standard.The scheme can also give installers a real point of difference in a crowded market place.”

If you’re a serious paving contractor, you can’t afford not to be on a professionallyaccredited installer scheme Darren Plumridge, Managing Director of D.Plumridge Patio & Driveway Specialists in Sutton, was one of the first installers to join the Bradstone Assured scheme when it launched.

He comments: “Quite simply, if you’re a serious paving contractor, you can’t afford not to be on a professionally-accredited installer scheme.

Bradstone is a well-known, well-established manufacturer and as soon as I heard that they were offering the Bradstone Assured service, I wanted to be a part of it.

“With customers spending thousands of pounds on patio or driveway installations, they want assurances that the project will be completed to a professional standard – and hiring a Bradstone Assured installer gives them that

Darren Plumridge, Managing Director of D.Plumridge Patio & Driveway Specialists

peace of mind. As a business, it offers us a unique selling point and sets us apart from other contractors in the area.

“With the range of support on offer from Bradstone, and the quality assurance you can communicate to customers, there’s no reason not to be a part of Bradstone Assured.”

Bradstone Assured members also have exclusive access to Bondpay, a scheme whereby money is held by a third party for the duration of a project for extra security – so installers can rest assured that their customer has the means and intention of paying in full and on time.

To become a Bradstone Assured member, you must meet a set of professional criteria to ensure only the most capable landscaping experts are recruited. Once you’ve met the initial conditions of membership, trade and customer references will be checked whilst a dedicated account manager will arrange a site inspection at a current job. On the successful completion of a credit check, you’ll then be sent a letter confirming your acceptance onto the scheme and a starter pack will be despatched to you.

To find out more, and apply online for an application form, visit www.bradstone.com/ assured.

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Equipment

EQUIPMENT NEWS

Welcome to the equipment pages of Pro Landscaper, where we will be looking at new products and developments in the market. If you have any stories, please email them to joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com or tweet me @ProLanKit

Ernest Doe and Sons are Ransomes Jacobsen Dealer of the Year Ernest Doe and Sons Ltd, the Ransomes Jacobsen’s dealer for the southeast of England based at Ulting in Essex, were awarded the accolade of Dealer of the Year 2012 at a gala dinner held at Beaumont House hotel recently.

The award, which is presented to the premier dealer in Ransomes Jacobsen’s UK and European distributor network, was presented to Managing Director Colin Doe by Rupert Price, Sales Director of the Ipswich-based turf equipment manufacturer.

Presenting the rationale prior to handing over the award, Rupert Price said, “Ernest Doe and Sons have demonstrated significant sales across all of our brands with a year-on-year growth of over 40 per cent. They were also the key influencer in winning two major corporate golf accounts in 2012, and also have very dedicated teams at all their branches. From experienced sales team members down to some very new staff,

New utility tractors from John Deere

collectively, they have shown what can be achieved with determination and enthusiasm.Their can-do attitude to ensure that customers have the correct machinery, the ultimate after-sales support and the most cost-effective finance packages in this difficult climate is further testimony to the award of this accolade.” www.jacobsen.com/europe

Fun in the forest at the Makita Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) Trade Day Makita’s Outdoor Power Equipment trade day held in the beautiful forest of Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, attracted a large number of customers and dealers, as well as media guests, many of whom flew in for the event to take a closer look at the company’s petrol, electric, and cordless outdoor products.

As Makita continues to expand their high performance range of professional grounds care

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and forestry equipment, the company’s tactical long-term strategy is bearing encouraging fruits. While new products are arriving regularly, mostly aimed at the contractor professional market, new OPE dealers are expanding product distribution and a strong test and evaluation programme is being run with the major national service providers and end-users.

Makita’s revolutionary MM4 mini 4-stroke engine is at the heart of

many of these machines which provides real benefits. It overcomes the need for mixing fuel and oil, which incorrectly applied can cause accidental engine damage, provides longer run time and is smaller and lighter than a standard 4-stroke engine. Clean emissions and 40 per cent fuel saving and resulting costs means that grounds care professionals can work longer, and more comfortably, for less expense and greater consideration for the environment. www.makitauk.com

John Deere’s new 4M and 5E Series line-up of smaller utility tractors from 49 to 95hp is aimed at a wide range of professional customers, including greenkeepers and groundsmen, local authorities, landscapers and contractors.

The newly designed 4M Series consists of the 49hp 4049M and 66hp 4066M models, which have been designed to combine high levels of comfort with low operating costs. Equipped with a spacious cab or easy-to-access open operator station, the three-cylinder 5E tractors are now also available with a 12x12-speed power reverser in addition to the existing 9x3 synchronised transmission.The 12 speeds between 1.2 and 24mph (2 and 38kph) offer a wider selection of gears for each application and can reduce fuel consumption while driving at lower engine revs on the road.

These larger 5E Series tractor models are fitted with a spacious TechCentre cab similar to the established 5M Series, which includes a mechanically suspended seat, fingertip MFWD engagement and a fixed windscreen with good visibility to front implements. www.deere.co.uk

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Equipment

Commercial vehicles

For a landscape contractor a van is a necessary business tool but for most landscape businesses, the acquisition and finance of a new van is a step into the unknown

Today there is more help at hand than ever before to make the task of picking the right way to finance a new van easier. Citroen and Vauxhall currently have a number of different options; all you need to do is pick the one best fitted to your needs.

CITROËN Every Citroën dealer is linked to Citroën Contract Motoring (CCM), this is an SME-friendly source of vehicle funding, which is a sector in which Citroën is continuing to grow its business.Thus Citroën dealers can offer SME customers not only the optimum Citroën LCV product to meet customer operational requirements, but also the optimum CCM financial product to meet the customer’s cash flow and taxation situation.

CCM’s products include: ● Contract Hire – with/ without maintenance ● Finance Lease – with/without maintenance (can also be used to fund the acquisition of used Citroën LCVs up to 12 months old) ● Lease Purchase ● Elect 3 Pro (Ownership finance product with the benefit of a ‘Minimum Future Value’ to

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reduce the customer’s monthly payments) ● Instalment Credit Of these options, Contract Hire and Finance Lease continue to grow in popularity in the UK LCV market, with a three year contract period being the most popular.The reason for Contract Hire’s rising popularity is that it provides customers with known, fixed monthly costs, which helps their cash flow. For many VAT registered businesses contract hire is the most tax efficient and economical way of operating a vehicle. Contract Hire, for a small initial outlay, provides the customer with the benefit of fixed costs, which can include every element of the vehicles running costs, except fuel and insurance. Furthermore, because the vehicle is hired, the cost of it does not have to be capitalised and the hire payments are allowable against tax.

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Equipment

you buy a commercial vehicle in the Vauxhall range, you will get four years’ scheduled servicing free, up to 80,000 miles.This offer includes routine service parts and labour, but excludes wear-andtear items and other maintenance items not covered under the routine service schedule.

With a Vauxhall commercial vehicle purchase, you’ll also get four years’ warranty up to 80,000 miles on Corsavan, Astravan and Combo (excluding Expression), and up to 120,000 miles on Vivaro and the New Movano.

All Vauxhall photographs © GM Company

VAUXHALL Vauxhall are currently running a 4x4x4x4 offer on some of their finance packages; that’s four years’ 0% APR Representative finance, four years’ free servicing, four years’ roadside assistance and four years’ warranty.

You choose the model of Vauxhall van best suited to your needs, pay a minimum of 20 per cent deposit of VAT excluding price, and make regular payments for the agreed term of contract for 0% APR Representative for four years. Also, if

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ONE MACHINE...

...OVER 25 ATTACHMENTS

Two Wheel Tractors For all your landscaping tasks from ground cultivation to grass cutting and snow clearing.

Ground Cultivation

Grounds Maintenance

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Cutting & Clearing

Choice of power units Reliable and hard wearing Nationwide dealer network Demonstrations easily arranged 2 year professional warranty

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30/10/2013 20/10/2013 12:05 22:26

Latest Products Equipment

With winter fast approaching (sorry!) and regular work drying up over the coming months, one thing that could possibly keep your turnover ticking over is snow removal jobs. The best tool for you to be able to do that with is the snow blower, also known as a snow thrower.

There are two types of snow blower, a single stage and a two stage. A single stage machine uses a single, high-speed impeller (rotating device used to force fluid or fluid like material in a desired direction under pressure) to both move the snow into the machine and to push it out through the discharge chute. The impeller is usually in the form of two or more curved plastic paddles that move snow towards the centre of the machine where the discharge chute is located.

The single stage thrower is not for heavy duty work at all. This would be more likely to be used in a domestic situation, where the coverage of snow would reach no deeper than eight inches.

For heavy duty and professional snow removal work, a two stage blower is much more able to give you the results that you need, want and expect. Two stage versions have one or more low speed metal augers (a rotating spiral shaped device that moves material from one place to another) that breaks up the snow and moves it into a separate high-speed impeller (usually called the fan). The impeller projects the snow out through the discharge chute with great force.

Two stage snow throwers range in power from a few horsepower to very large machines powered by diesel engines of over 1000 horsepower. There are different sized engines to cater for any task – whether you are merely clearing a garden path, a pavement, a car park, school playground, or even roadways and airport runways.

Both styles of machine have their uses, but for heavy-duty use, I suggest a two stage machine would be a better choice for a professional landscaper.

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SNOW BLOWERS Simon Richard, UK agent for Reform bank tractors says, “the Metrac model with snow plough or blower attached, offers local

Tracmaster’s BCS snow clearing machines now come in four sizes.

The BCS 720 has a capacity to clear up to 2,500m² of snow per hour. Top of the range, the BCS 740 is now Tracmaster’s most powerful snow clearing

Available in time for this year’s winter season, John Deere is introducing two new snow blower attachments to increase the year-round versatility of the company’s

authorities and professionals a proven, safe combination for snow clearance on all types of terrain up to an angle of forty five degrees”.

Fife Council have been using a Reform Metrac H6X bank tractor since 2011 and Roy Daniels Health,

WWW.SIMON-RICHARD.CO.UK

machine able to clear 4,000m² of snow per hour with the added

versatility of being able to operate over 25 attachments. Meanwhile, the established 600 series includes the entry level BCS 615L, which is compact and easy to use, clearing up to 2,500m² per hour; and Tracmaster’s popular BCS 630 that will clear up to 4,000m².

WWW.TRACMASTER.CO.UK

The Turf Teq Power Broom is an efficient way of clearing snow from car parks, sports pitches, access roads and pathways. Along with the snow plough

attachment, they have been responsible for keeping key blue chip client HQs and local authorities clear of snow and ice in preparation for winter gritting, some of these sites needed to be open 24/7.

WWW.GROUNDSCARE-PRODUCTS.CO.UK

X300 and X500 Select Series lawn tractors. Durable and easy to install and use, these heavy-duty 112 and 119cm (44 and 47in) units attach and lock onto the front of the tractor using a quick-hitch mounting system. Protected by a heavy-duty steel housing, a low-speed auger gathers the snow and a high-speed

Safety and Training Officer for the authority adds “we have now added a snow plough for our harsher winter work and the Metrac has given us the performance we were looking for on our many severely sloping sites”.

rotor then discharges it at a constant velocity, even in light snow conditions, through a rotatable chute.

WWW.DEERE.CO.UK

November 2013

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22/10/2013 14:10

Equipment

WINTER PRODUCTS For clearing smaller areas such as car parks, pedestrian precincts and footpaths an Avant tool carrier equipped with either a dozer blade or snow brush

The Multihog spring loaded, heavy duty hydraulic lift, tilt and angle snow plough with a 2400mm blade can swivel 30° each side. The hydraulic functions for the plough are operated from the joystick controller, eliminating the need for the operator to leave the cab to alter the ploughing angle manually. The 30°

Logic is well known for snow ploughs as well as salt spreading equipment. Their System 20

DMMP Limited has announced a new Magnum spreader which has joined the Leicestershire-based company’s stable of expert winter machinery. The new spreader is simple to use, maintain and store so will have a positive impact on the way many organisations deal with ice and snow this winter. The Magnum Poly Insert Spreader sits

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November 2013

Latest Kit Snow blowers.indd 56

attachment is an ideal combination and can make light work of an otherwise labour intensive operation.

In addition it is possible for the machine to pull a small self-propelled gritter at the same time, hence completing two jobs with just one pass. Avant machines are perfect for

tackling snow clearance work and they do not have to be parked-up for most of the time waiting for snow to fall as they can be utilised throughout the year for a multitude of other tasks using a choice of nearly 100 attachments.

WWW.AVANT.CO.UK

swivel allows the plough to narrow down to 2100mm, permitting access even into the tightest of areas, allowing the operator to move the snow to the left or right. In addition there is the rear mounted, 1600kg gritter with adjustable spread rates to stop ice and snow reforming.

WWW.MULTIHOG.COM

chassis provides a quick and easy way of attaching snow ploughs to ATVs and UTVs. For remedial or preventative de-icing, Logic’s range of salt spreaders has been extended with the ground-driven GDS150 model. This 325kg capacity unit uses the same unique delivery system as used in

other larger Logic models, to handle wet rock salt. It can be used over paved areas without damaging the surface and when spreading 10g/m² on footpaths 1.5m wide as a preventative measure could treat more than 20km!

WWW.LOGICTODAY.CO.UK

neatly on the back of a threequarter or one ton pick-up and effortlessly deals with spreading salt when ice and snow is expected.

The spreader’s unique design has been created to allow easy access and maintenance. It has a capacity of 1.14m³-1.52m³ and has been designed for simplicity of use.

AS-Motor sweepers are very effective in UK conditions, running in contact with the ground and leaving no snow coverage. Angle the brush, either left or right, and they throw the snow well out of the way. Used with the optional snow blade attachment, they blade the snow to either side and the brush sweeps up the remaining thin layer, throwing it in front of the blade ensuring a safe clean walkway. From £1,239, useful all year round, clearing leaves and other debris from hard and artificial playing surfaces.

Attachments available.

WWW.DMMP.CO.UK

WWW.PSDGROUNDSCARE.COM

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22/10/2013 14:12

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and because of this it can be stored for years without gumming up carburettors–just one of the many reasons why more and more users are now enjoying a trouble and TOXIC free work place

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11/10/13

17:41

Page 1

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Quality garden lighting for creative lightscaping 21/10/2013 12:02

Latest Kit Equipment

LATEST KIT

Kubota has introduced an updated version of its popular L4100 tractor.

The original L4100 was discontinued in 2011, but increased demand has led to the company bringing to the market an updated model. The machine features Kubota’s exceptional 41HP E-TVCS engine and a sleek new cab design whilst the company has invested heavily in developing the L4100’s hydrostatic power steering system to ensure the L4100 is responsive even with heavy loads.

WWW.KUBOTA.CO.UK

Cub Cadet’s latest addition to its Zero-Turn range the RZT-S42, which was launched at IOG Saltex 2013

One of the UK’s largest distributors of garden machinery, Henton & Chattell, launched its brand new Cobra range at IOG Saltex 2013.

The range includes 18 petrol walk behind lawnmowers including the self-propelled CO1579S-3, which has a robust 22in steel deck and offers seven heights of cut

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November 2013

Chainsaw.indd 58

The Ransomes HR300 is a highly versatile tractor unit and is most often combined with an out-front rotary deck for maintaining grass verges and open spaces. In this format it comes with a choice of decks with cutting widths of 1.52m with rear discharge or mulching capability, 1.6m side discharge or 1.8m rear discharge.

John Deere’s new PRO 47V walk-behind rotary mower is ideal for smaller landscaping businesses or as an additional machine for contractors. With a 47cm cutting width, the PRO 47V is robust, light,

and is powered by a single cylinder Briggs & Stratton Intek Engine, has the smallest cutting width (42in / 107cm) out of the entire range, plus it has a user-friendly steering wheel

adjustments. It is powered by a Briggs & Stratton 675EX SERIES engine with ReadyStart technology

It is also available with a choice of 1.8m flail heads from Muthing, Wessex and Trimax, providing versatility from a single power unit. And, instead of mothballing the machine during the winter months, it can be fitted with a blade or power brush for clearing snow.

WWW.JACOBSEN.COM/EUROPE

easy to operate and highly maneuverable.

It can be carried comfortably by one person, while its folding handle and compact size also make it easy to

offering exceptional manoeuvrability. The mower’s 3-in-1 functionality gives users the choice of mulching, discharging or collecting grass cuttings.

WWW.CUBCADET.CO.UK

for quick and reliable starting. The mower has a 4-in-1 collection system giving users a choice of collecting, mulching or discharging cutting from either the side or rear of the mower.

WWW.HCUK.CO

transport, even in smaller vehicles.

Features include a standard AntiVibration System, variablespeed two-wheel drive, a 65-litre rear collector and an optional mulching kit. Cutting height is adjustable from 25-80mm.

WWW.DEERE.CO.UK

Simple and effective, CAMON log splitters make light work of turning large logs into usable sizes for home fires and log burners. New to the range this winter is the VSD42 log splitter, a ‘go anywhere’ log splitter designed for professional forestry use. Mounted on a road-legal trailer, the VSD42 is designed to be towed in the horizontal position and then used in the vertical. With 17 tons of log splitting power, the VSD42 will process quickly and efficiently any wood that can be thrown at it.

WWW.TRACMASTER.CO.UK

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/10/2013 14:00

Equipment

LATEST KIT The Arborist 130 from British manufacturer GreenMech has been especially designed for the tough demands of today’s landscaping professional. Using a remit that includes durability, performance and ease of maintenance, the 6-inch professional wood chipper ticks all the boxes and

The Billy Goat F1302H Force Blower, powered by a 393cc commercial engine, is ultimate in volume and productivity and is ideal for clearing leaves and debris from open areas including school and sports grounds, parks and public spaces, estates and larger properties. The push blower offers the same amount of power as 6.2 large backpack blowers. Its air velocity of just under 200mph will blow and push debris farther so you can clean up quickly and effectively. Backed up with a two year machine warranty and a five year housing warranty.

WWW.BILLYGOAT.CO.UK

is priced to gives excellent value for money. The Arborist 130 is below 750kg in weight and built with a choice of either a 23hp Briggs

The ZipLevel is a revolutionary survey product. It is a precision Level & Altimeter for landscapers, architects and civil engineers, and is far easier to use than a laser level. This technological

The Buffalo 34/5 is still a robustly built all-purpose pedestrian cylinder mower; however, the new version sees a range of improvements. The engine in now centrally mounted on the chassis giving the user a better view of the cutting area. There is a larger diameter front roller to give

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Chainsaw.indd 59

breakthrough enables you to truly work alone to check levels and read elevations in clear digits.

No more staffs, tripods, sensors, set-up time, line-of-sight, error with distance or tiresome computations. ZipLevel allows you to measure over any distance or elevation without error. ZipLevel is a valuable addition to any designer’s or landscaper’s tool kit. To find out why, come and see UK importers GroundsCare Products at FutureScape, on stand 42, upper floor.

WWW.GROUNDSCAREPRODUCTS.CO.UK

straighter lines with less ground pressure. One handed fitting and removal of the grass box has been made possible by adding a handle and grass box hoop in place of arms. This new grass box feature has also been extended to the rest of the Buffalo range.

WWW.ALLETT.CO.UK

& Stratton or Honda petrol engine. This simple to use and cost-effective model is fitted with our unique Disc-Blade system and a wide letterboxstyle throat of 150mm x 230mm that allows the easy feeding of bulky and heavily forked branches.

WWW.GREENMECH.CO.UK

The Toro LT3340 heavy-duty triple mower is designed for jobs where high-productivity grass-cutting is needed. It gives a great finish thanks to its numerous blade configurations and commercialspecification cutting units in both 200mm (8in) and 250mm (10in) diameters. Particularly suited to finer applications such as sports pitches, playing fields and school grounds, the 200mm unit is available with four, six, eight or 10 blades and a floating head option for terrain where excellent contour following is essential. The larger 250mm version, which is available with four, six or eight blades, comes into its own mowing longer or dense grass, and can easily cut down grass 125mm (5in) or longer to less than 25mm (1in) in one pass.

WWW.TORO.COM / WWW.LELY.COM

November 2013

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Business Tips Equipment

Trading with...

Henton & Chattell

Peter Chaloner, Managing Director of Henton & Chattell talks to us about his role in one of the biggest machinery distributing companies in the UK Give us a brief outline of your role

I am Henton & Chattell’s managing director, having taken over from my father who worked closely with my grandfather who co-founded the business over 80 years ago in Nottingham.

My role is primarily ensuring that we offer the widest possible range of powered garden products to our 1,500 strong independent dealer network.

What is the ethos of the company?

with Briggs & Stratton. A key part of our business is also our supply network of spare parts.

How important is the landscape contractor to your business?

This sector relies very heavily for its equipment supplies on the specialist dealers so the sector is extremely significant for Henton & Chattell.

What additional support do you offer the landscape contractors?

This specific area of activity is generated directly by the dealers. A key part of our role is maximising the efficiency of the spare parts support that we provide to our dealers.

Our aim is to ensure that Are your products made Peter Chaloner, the products we sell offer our in Britain?

Managing Director of dealers the best possible profit Our products are sourced from Henton & Chattell margins. Many Original Equipment all over the world. An important (OE) manufacturers have embraced online feature of the Cobra range is that the products selling, eroding margin opportunities for dealers. have been specifically designed by us to cope We have deliberately launched the widest range with UK lawn and garden conditions. Cobra is of powered garden products to be launched in made for British gardens. the UK for 25 years. Our new Cobra brand is specifically designed to give dealers the higher How will you remain competitive for profit margin levels that they previously enjoyed. next year?

We see Cobra as playing a major role in ensuring that our dealer partners are able What is the structure of the company? to increase their profitability.

We operate on a traditional management structure with clear line management structures and responsibilities. We have What health and safety precautions do you invested heavily in modern communication take to ensure the safety of the contractor systems so that decisions and policies can be using your products? immediately relayed across the business.

All the products that we supply are produced to comply with the latest and most rigorous What is your route to market? Do you have international health and safety regulations.

We also give advice on all appropriate health a dealer network? and safety matters via our product websites, We have the largest network of 1,500 plus individual dealers across the UK and Ireland. We which are accessible to both dealers and work closely with most OE producers and also their customers.

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What exhibitions are you planning to attend before the end of this year?

Our main showcase in the UK market is IOG Saltex but we do offer dealers support for their own programme of events where necessary.

Do you think that the next 12 months will be better than the last?

All the indications are that the national and international economies are improving which bodes well for 2014. But, as everyone in this industry knows, we are massively weather dependant.

Henton & Chattell Ltd London Road, Nottingham, NG2 3HW Tel: 0115 986 2161 Email: info@hentonandchattell.co.uk Web: www.hcuk.co

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/10/2013 13:56

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21/10/2013 14:36

People People

THE

Three Peaks Extreme Team Special LITTLE INTERVIEW After their return from the event, we asked the Three Peaks Extreme Team for their thoughts on the challenge and their team mates

Brian Herbert

Richard Gardiner

Outdoor Options Ltd www.outdooroptions.co.uk

Norris & Gardiner Ltd www.norrisandgardiner.co.uk

What was the toughest part?

Setting off in driving rain on day two knowing I had 120 miles ahead on very exposed, open road.

the pain. As for Jim Brasier – Dave Brailsford should take lessons from him, he’s a legend! How to break all the rules but still shine.

Did you put the right amount of effort into training?

Physically yes, although nothing can prepare the old bum bones for 12 hours in a saddle day on day. Once bruised, there was no let up for healing.

Who annoyed you the most and why?

The whole team and in the end even our support teams. Honestly, no respect for gastric distress. What goes on tour, should stay on tour.

And they laughed at my legs.

Choice of food and drink during the day?

Soon was sick of the sight of energy bars. Almonds, fruit, bagels etc., but in special reserve was Mrs H’s special flapjack, can fuel armies or build walls with that stuff!

What part of your body hurt the most?

Firstly my wallet (yes, it’s surgically attached), and then, without any doubt at all, my arse!

How did you keep going?

No money for the bus fare home, plus my own unique propulsion method, you may have seen it noted in other comments. I also have a general policy to stick in large groups when north of the Thames.

In your opinion, who was the fittest?

Grant, but he was a ringer, and not just for Bruce Forsyth.

Who amazed you and why?

Cliché, but the whole team.

Everyone had to dig deep and overcome their own particular hurdles, but no one grizzled, just got on with it. Matt, Darren and Paul really had to dig deep and deal with

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Little Interview for magazine.indd 62

Would you do it all again?

Again? Are you kidding? Try stopping me. I would press ‘replay’ if I could.

Did your business survive ok without you?

Site teams pulled together well and finished two jobs to great standards, superb lads.

What did you miss about home?

My beer fridge, oh, and my dog, rather fond of the fish these days too, perhaps the kids, my recently parted company personal trainer (oh how I will miss him), sitting comfortably, and err, oh yeah, my gorgeous, very supportive, long suffering wife. Nia played a big background part helping me organise the arrangements for this event, the silent team member. Thanks, Nia.

What was the toughest part?

2-3 hours in to day three my backside disowned me, you will be glad to know we are now reacquainted.

Did you put the right amount of effort into training?

I finished, so I guess I did enough but it would have nice to have had more miles in the tank before starting.

Choice of food and drink during the day?

Anything and everything, I’m surprised no fingers were lost at feed stops, but bacon roll at the end of day five takes some beating.

How did you keep going?

Apart from the drugs, it was not wanting to let the team down or be the butt of the merciless jibes if you were to drop out, I wish I could repeat Darren’s motivational speech to Matt when he was struggling down Scafell – priceless!

In your opinion, who was the fittest?

No doubt that Grant was the fittest and most talented rider and he took the bumps in his stride too.

Who amazed you and why?

Everyone amazed me for one reason or another but I would say that Darren was probably the least fit and struggled the most but showed staggering determination

and commitment to complete the task in hand, I think he’s the one to watch in the future, something tells me he’s gonna get fit and be at the front of the queue for the next challenge, a great human being that guy.

Who annoyed you the most and why?

Matt – son of a bitch did it on one leg and stole all the limelight!!

What part of your body hurt the most?

Pressure points on the buttocks!

Would you do it all again?

I don’t like doing the same thing twice so it will be something different next time, ideas are already forming but every three years is often enough from both the fundraising and time commitment point of view.

Did your business survive ok without you?

Yes, I have a great team that probably prefer it when I’m not about to mess things up, I never have concerns over leaving the business for short periods.

What did you miss most about being away from home?

My wife and my bed (in that order, I can’t afford a divorce), it was the longest we’ve ever been apart in 25 years, she met me at the top of Snowdon which was great.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/10/2013 16:31

People People

Mark Gregory

Matt O’Conner

Landform Consultants Ltd www.landformconsultants.co.uk

John O’Conner Ltd www.johnoconner.co.uk

What was the toughest part?

For me getting through the long weekend and breaking the 100 mile barrier twice. Day two heavy rain and a 10 mile hill climb to start the 100+ mile day was tough...it was an OMG moment for me.

Did you put the right amount of effort into training?

That would be a no...I was marathon fit last year, but work pressure and a punishing show schedule kept me off the bike.

Choice of food and drink?

Learnt so much about grazing and hydration, the supervision and guidance was just superb. Jelly babies were my treat and I hated the Gel turbo boosting food but I ate it...I had little choice.

How did you keep going?

Dug deep and kept going, head down arse up. Winners never quit...quitters never win: sums up our trade and you

could see it on all the teams faces, no way was it ever going to fail.

In your opinion, who was the fittest?

No brainer: Grant was a superb bike fit athlete, it was great following him and watching his technique. When we were all tight together riding on good tarmac, when Paul was quiet, the road noise of 15 bikes belting along was really cool.

Would you do it all again?

You bet I would, something a little more challenging perhaps!

Did your business survive ok without you?

I think it might have improved!

What did you miss most about being away from home?

Just missed having a minute to myself. It was so demanding at times. It was all just a blur, like a dream really...did I dream all of this?

What was the toughest part?

Committing to the training beforehand; since March it has dominated my life.

During the event it would have to be the descent from Scafell Pike.

Did you put the right amount of effort into training?

I don’t think so, but I had put in a lot of time! I joined a local cycling club, went out for training rides with Darren Skidmore and John Wyer, joined a gym and tried to swim one or two times a week.

Must try harder next time.

How did you keep going?

I had some low moments, it was just a case of digging deep. I started so I needed to finish.

In your opinion, who was the fittest?

Grant ‘metronome legs’ Beerling.

Who amazed you and why?

Grant, he made it all look so

effortless. Liz and Lorraine for looking after the whole group so effortlessly, and Tim our photographer, cycle guide, mechanic and physio, nothing seemed too much trouble for him.

What part of your body hurt the most?

My eyes burned quite a lot while cycling behind Brian, those energy drinks have a lot to answer for, next it would be knees, legs, then my bum.

Would you do it all again?

It was a pleasure to be in the company of so many inspiring people with a can do attitude, so I guess I would, but I need a rest first!

What did you miss most about being away from home?

The family, it was fantastic to see them all on Thursday evening.

Andy Moreham Joseph Rochford Gardens Ltd www.rochfords.net What was the toughest part?

Not sleeping very well was tough, but the probability of imminent death on busy roads was the worst part for me.

Did you put the right amount of effort into training?

I think I did enough and built enough stamina.

Choice of food and drink?

Hope I haven’t developed diabetes with the amount of energy bars consumed!

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Little Interview for magazine.indd 63

How did you keep going?

Wasn’t sure what else to do!

In your opinion, who was the fittest?

Everyone will say Grant…because he was.

Who amazed you and why?

Tim the cycle guide. He was everywhere, knew how everybody was doing, was good company and when everyone had stopped he was still working, fixing bikes and

planning routes. Also the amount of wind Brian produced was quite amazing.

Who annoyed you the most and why?

Definitely annoyed myself the most by never having my kit organised or in the right bags e.g. couldn’t find waterproofs to go up Snowdon…twit.

What part of your body hurt the most?

Bum.

Would you do it all again?

Nope!

Did your business survive ok without you?

Yep. What did you miss most about being away from home?

Having some control over my life!

When and what to eat when to go the loo etc., everything was given up.

I missed my family a lot too.

November 2013

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22/10/2013 16:31

People People

Jim Brasier

Greg Skilbeck

Jim Brasier Landscapes

Silverland Stone www.silverlandstone.co.uk

What was the toughest part?

Day two and the long climb up Glen Coe, knew how long it was from having driven down it two days before. And it was raining...

Did you put the right amount of effort into training?

Could have done more, finding the time was the biggest problem, never enough hours in the week.

Who amazed you and why?

Matt and Darren. If my knee had flared up (as it does) I wouldn`t have been able to keep going as they did physically or mentally.

And Paul too at the end, same reason.

Who annoyed you the most and why?

No one! Great group.

Choice of food and drink during the day?

Didn’t touch the energy gels, found them revolting...can’t beat a good old cup of tea, had more than my fair share of the chocolate rolls.

What part of your body hurt the most?

Back.

How did you keep going?

Being part of a large motivated group made all the difference, so different to going out training on your own, everyone helps everyone.

Did your business survive ok without you?

Yes still going.

In your opinion, who was the fittest?

Grant. Not much more to add!

Would you do it all again?

Yes definitely.

What did you miss most about being away from home?

Decent hot shower and bed.

What was the toughest part?

The final cycle up Snowdon into the wind.

Did you put the right amount of effort into training?

I survived feeling fit and healthy so I must have done enough. A group ride prior to the event may have been a good idea, as riding on your own is very different to riding in a pack.

Choice of food and drink during the day?

We were well advised and the supply of food was excellent.

How did you keep going?

Fantastic team spirit.

In your opinion, who was the fittest?

Grant.

Who amazed you and why?

Jim Brazier rocked up on his wife’s bike, he went round without toe

clips and only half the gears for most of the week. Then to crown it all he rewarded himself with a cigarette or two.

Who annoyed you the most and why?

The dangerous and idiotic motorists (to be fair they were in a minority).

What part of your body hurt the most?

My lower cheek bones.

Would you do it all again?

Of course.

Did your business survive ok without you?

Yes! I have a good team behind me.

What did you miss most about being away from home?

A nice warm comfortable bed without the sound of the morning flatulent chorus.

Liz Hughes Provender Nurseries www.provendernurseries.co.uk What was the toughest part?

Ben Nevis for me – who put those bloody big stone steps in?

Did you put the right amount of effort into training?

Ahem – evidently not.

How did you keep going?

Watching 20 lycra clad bums in front of the van – great motivation. Also looking at sheep – does all this sound wrong?

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In your opinion, who was the fittest?

By far – Turbo Trousers – Grant. To look at and think naughty thoughts – has to be Tim, one of the cycle and team leaders.

Who amazed you and why?

Skidders, for turning up! Matt, grim determination and still able to smile and be polite, true grit and a real gent – he will hate me for saying that no doubt.

Who annoyed you the most and why?

Lorraine, her farts smell of cabbages! No-one annoyed anyone really, fab team that gelled together amazingly well.

No egos, no fuss – just a bunch of good eggs.

What part of your body hurt the most?

My tongue after dribbling over Tim for six days.

Would you do it all again?

Is Tim going? Absolutely. Although I wasn’t the fastest up mountains – the team, the views and all the banter were humbling and I personally feel very privileged to have been involved in such an event.

What did you miss most about home?

Boyfriend really – came home to a bunch of flowers, home cooked dinner and a clean, comfy bed – boys take note!

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/10/2013 16:32

People People

Darren Skidmore

John Wyer

Skidmores of Hertford Ltd www.skidmores.co.uk

Bowles & Wyer www.bowleswyer.co.uk

What was the toughest part?

Having to sleep next to O’Conner...

Also the second day of cycling out of Glencoe. The first 20 odd miles was complete torture for me and I came very close to throwing in the towel. I had some real low points during the rides and the walks but I managed to complete it.

Did you put the right amount of effort into training?

No, I only really started training in March this year and when other commitments would allow. This showed during the challenge as my fitness was not adequate and I believe I held the team back because of it.

Choice of food and drink during the day?

Pigeon loft sweepings (sorry, porridge) for breakfast followed by drinks and bars pretending to have something to do with nutrition and energy. Cakes, bagels, and crisps for lunch and whatever we could find for dinner. Jim and the team did a great job in keeping us supplied with water, energy tabs etc.

How did you keep going?

The thought of me, the fat wheezy one at the back, bailing out and everyone else completing it drove me on. Also the fact that John Wyer, Andy Moreham and Matt O’Conner said they would dress up as drag queens at this year’s BALI awards if I did it kept me going as well...

In your opinion, who was the fittest?

The blonde stunner I noticed as

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Little Interview for magazine.indd 65

I cycled along Blackpool seafront. And then it would have to be Bruce Forsyth himself, Grant Beerling.

Who amazed you and why?

Firstly Rob Crowder, more shock than amazement, the rest of the team will know what I’m on about. The girls did a fantastic job. Chris, Tim, and Luke the guides were brilliant picking me up during the low points and sticking with us through thick and thin.

Also Jim Coughlan, to get 13 hairy arsed landscapers from one point to another at the same time, fed and watered and in a safe manner deserves a medal on its own. Also the rest of the team who are a credit to the industry.

Who annoyed you the most and why?

The drivers who were rude, there’s no need for it.

What part of your body hurt the most?

Where do I start, arse, knees, legs, neck, shoulders, I could go on...

Would you do it all again?

Having experienced it, probably not.

Did your business survive ok without you?

Seems to be ok.

What did you miss most about being away from home?

Family.

What was the toughest part?

For me it was Saturday 7 September. I found the descent from Ben Nevis very tough and Saturday was our first big day of cycling. Setting off in the rain on Saturday morning along busy roads with unsympathetic Scottish drivers was not a pleasant experience. However, the fantastic scenery was more than adequate compensation.

Did you put the right amount of effort into training?

Probably not, but I doubt that anyone really did. I put in as much time and effort beforehand as I could spare and it was (just about) enough.

Choice of food and drink during the day?

Porridge, gels, energy bars, gels, haribo, gels, energy bars, bananas, energy bars, haribo, gels. And various different coloured drinks.

In your opinion, who was the fittest?

There is no question about that.

Apart from the cycle guides it was Grant ‘Racing Snake’ Beerling.

Who amazed you and why?

Matt and Darren. Darren because although he probably found it tougher than anyone, he just kept going. Matt because once he was injured, the sensible thing to do would have been to throw in the towel (‘Give up, you fucker’ as Darren put it in his motivational speech to Matt). However, he struggled on without slowing the rest of the team down and finished despite a huge amount of

pain. Jim (Brasier) was also pretty remarkable – with his wife’s bike and helmet (too small and complete with a flowery design on top) and trainers, combined with his insistence on cycling in the highest gear possible and stopping for a cigarette whenever possible; he was the antidote to the ‘gottle gear – no idea’ lycraclad approach of most of us.

Who annoyed you the most and why?

Nobody. There were things that could have been annoying but just became part of the landscape of each day. Cycling along in a tight peloton, it becomes all about a combined effort and we become a closely knit team.

Therefore things like Brian Herbert’s copious and lethal farts or Paul Downer’s constant chatter become welcome diversions from the relentless exertion.

What part of your body hurt the most?

Probably the bum most.

Would you do it all again?

On the last night I wanted to set off for Scotland again the next day.

Did your business survive ok without you?

Seems to have done so.

What did you miss most about being away from home?

My own bed without somebody else snoring. And toast.

November 2013

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22/10/2013 16:32

People People

Grant Beerling

Ed Belderbos

Bartholomew Landscaping www.bartholomewlandscaping.com

Belderbos Landscapes www.belderbos.co.uk

What was the toughest part?

The last ascent up Snowdon.

A close second was the journey up there via trains, buses and vans...knackered before I started.

Did you put the right amount of effort into training?

Should of done some more walking, but managed to get through it injury free.

Choice of food and drink?

All worked well, dried apricots, figs, flapjacks, energy bars and any rubbish that was savoury I could get my hands on.

How did you keep going?

Plenty of distraction tactics of chatting, laughing at the myriad of one liners going round the bunch, trying not to get killed by angry Scottish car drivers.

In your opinion, who was the fittest?

A tough call between Lorraine and

Liz. Most impressed by Ed and Brian, both chomping at the bit, a fair bit of ‘half wheeling’ Greg and Brian. Everyone had to pull something out of the bag at some point. Distance cycling is as much about mental strength as physical.

Who amazed you and why?

Darren...to be honest I was a bit worried on day two that he wouldn’t get round, but sheer stubbornness and good humour done the trick...

Who annoyed you the most and why?

Everyone for being so bloody cheerful...bah humbug!

Would you do it all again?

In a flash, as long as Brian takes something for ‘gel gas’.

What did you miss most about being away from home?

Tea on tap...

What was the toughest part?

The first part of each day, however, a few miles warm up, an ibuprofen and a couple of shots of energy gels did the trick.

Did you put the right amount of effort into training?

Probably not. Training consisted of linking up with anybody I knew who had a road bike and a vague knowledge of the Surrey Hills.

How did you keep going?

The constant banter and good humour of the whole team was great and taking in the unending views of some of the best scenery in the UK (possibly not including Blackpool promenade).

In your opinion, who was the fittest?

Grant, he was like a greyhound released from a trap.

Who amazed you and why?

This really was a fantastic team

and it amazed me how quickly we became a cohesive unit. I never heard one negative comment or whinge in the whole week.

Who annoyed you the most and why?

Probably the scallys who tried to take our peloton out in Southport by throwing a full three litre bottle in our direction.

What part of your body hurt the most?

Definitely my backside.

Would you do it all again?

Without a doubt probably the best challenge I’ve done in the last 10 years. It really was inspiring and I’d recommend it to anyone.

What did you miss most about being away from home?

Claire and my two boys Max and Luke, they loved hearing all the stories.

Lorraine Hartley Provender Nurseries www.provendernurseries.co.uk What was the toughest part?

I would say the peak of Snowdon, as it was the coldest wettest mountain we climbed and my knees where stating to give up at this point in the week.

Did you put the right amount of effort into training?

No, purely as it’s impossible to find mountains in Kent.

Choice of food and drink?

It was fun finding out what all

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Little Interview for magazine.indd 66

the energy gels contained!! But sadly my bowels disagreed with most of them.

How did you keep going?

Laughter and fun I think kept us all going.

In your opinion, who was the fittest?

Tim!!

Who amazed you and why?

Tim – (reasons can’t be printed), on

a more serious note Grant, he made it all look so easy.

Who annoyed you the most and why?

No one, I can honestly say everyone was a real pleasure to be around.

What part of your body hurt the most?

Knees, I did think my dodgy knee would play up and it did but I was pleased with myself for

not letting it stop me.

Would you do it all again?

Yes, yes, and yes again.

Did your business survive ok without you?

Yes, everything was still standing when I got back.

What did you miss most about being away from home?

My bed and my lovely mum.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/10/2013 16:32

People People

Robert Crowder

Paul Downer

Crowders Nurseries www.crowdersnurseries.co.uk

Oak View Landscapes www.oakviewlandscapes.co.uk

What was the toughest part?

The end of day three – last two hours cycling into the Lakes at the end of a long day, and with the cumulative effects of previous two, found myself at a low ebb.

Did you put the right amount of effort into training?

Not enough. With all best intentions other life events sometimes have to take priority.

Choice of food and drink during the day?

Home-made energy bars (many thanks to our Garden Centre catering division!) supplemented by energy gels (sticky ghastly things), bananas, protein bars and shakes, and about six litres of water with zero tabs (electrolytes) per day.

How did you keep going?

Determination not to be the one that let the team down – that’s peer pressure.

In your opinion, who was the fittest?

The racing snake! But actually I was so impressed by everyone, we kept going and toughed it out.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

Little Interview for magazine.indd 67

Who amazed you and why?

Matt – getting injured on the way down Scafell Pike (only half way through the event), refusing to give up (despite considerable encouragement!), and finally completing it by limping down Snowdon – that’s gritty determination and stubbornness.

Who annoyed you the most and why?

Brian – for dreaming up this ridiculous idea in the first place.

I was cursing him from start to finish.

What part of your body hurt the most?

Arse.

Would you do it all again?

No. Did your business survive ok without you?

It’s seems that it’s still here!

What did you miss most about being away from home?

A comfortable bed. We stayed in youth hostels for three nights. Bunk beds which are too short for me, with six to eight people in a room snoring and farting, do not make for a good night’s sleep.

What was the toughest part?

Towards the end of day two cycling, done 90 miles and hit the wall with 32 miles to go, and lastly coming down Snowdon with a dodgy knee!

Did you put the right amount of effort into training?

Yes. Choice of food and drink during the day?

Liz and Lorraine were brilliant throughout and an important part of the team, keeping us fuelled. Not my usual diet but serious fuel to keep you going.

How did you keep going?

Sheer determination to complete the challenge, and plenty of gel energy drinks.

In your opinion, who was the fittest?

Grant – what a cyclist, and a top man!

Who amazed you and why?

Darren – what determination, not your stereotypical cyclist.

Matt – pushing himself through the pain barrier. Robert – the oldest team member with the oldest bike (antique).

Who annoyed you the most and why?

No one. If anyone myself for gassing too much! And anyone who snored, so that’s most of the team!

What part of your body hurt the most?

Left knee.

Would you do it all again?

Definitely, waiting for the third charity challenge so I can start my training programme.

Did your business survive ok without you?

Yes, thanks to Matt and Jakki.

What did you miss most about being away from home?

My children James and Elysia, their constant messages telling me how proud they were of me (and the team) were a source of inspiration and meant there was no way I was not going to complete the challenge. Special thanks to our team leader Brian, Jim from Mountain & Glen, John our driver, and our guides Tim, Chris, and Luke who were with us for the whole of this epic journey.

November 2013

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22/10/2013 16:33

Jobs Experienced Estimator

Landform Consultants Location: Surrey

JOBS

Landform Consultants, a multi award winning landscape contractor seeks an experienced Estimator/Buyer to join their friendly team based in their office in Chobham, Surrey. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a high standard of pricing both residential and commercial projects ranging from £30k to £2million. An extensive knowledge of the landscape construction industry is essential.

For full details on all jobs, please go to www.prolandscapermagazine.com and click on the ‘Jobs’ section.

Call 01903 234 077 or email hortijobs@eljays44.com with your vacancy.

For more details please go to www.prolandscapermagazine.com and click on the ‘Jobs’ section.

Contracts Administrator

Landscaper

Gardenlink Location: Surrey (with visits to London/Home Counties)

Kirman Design Location: Cheshire

Gardenlink requires a highly self-motivated person, with a desire to learn and progress, who has extensive landscaping/construction experience, very good health and safety knowledge and excellent administration skills.The successful candidate will be required to work on his/ her own initiative and in collaboration with the Director to ensure the successful day-to-day administration of the company’s health and safety requirements and all Gardenlink contracts.

The role may require occasional visits to our project sites – either by public transport or car – and applicants should therefore have a full, clean driving licence.

Kirman Design is looking for a skilled, professional, motivated and enthusiastic Landscaper with experience, and good customer service skills.This person will be able to quantify and price jobs, manage staff and be able to liaise with suppliers and administration staff. All aspects of landscaping works including: paving, block paving, drainage, water features, decking, pergolas and wooden structures, fencing, brick and block work, turfing, seeding hedging and planting.

For more details please go to www.prolandscapermagazine.com and click on the ‘Jobs’ section.

For more details please go to www.prolandscapermagazine.com and click on the ‘Jobs’ section.

Skilled Landscape Operative/Foreman

Landscape Garden Sales and Design Manager

The Outdoor Room Location: West Sussex

Skilled hard and soft landscape operative/foreman required for prestigious private projects. Based in West Sussex. Must be capable of working within a team producing quality craftsmanship to the highest of standards. A full, clean driving licence is necessary.

Hambrooks Location: Hampshire Hambrooks is looking for a Landscape Garden Sales and Design Profit Centre Manager to estimate and project manage domestic contracts in Hampshire and neighbouring counties. You will need to have excellent knowledge of the landscape industry and proven experience in project management delivering profitable quality projects.

For more details please go to www.prolandscapermagazine.com and click on the ‘Jobs’ section.

For more details please go to www.prolandscapermagazine.com and click on the ‘Jobs’ section.

Exciting Opportunities

Two Living Wall Maintenance Personnel

Ground Control is an award-winning commercial landscaping company with 14 BALI awards.The company has grown by over 20 per cent every year for nine years running with turnover now exceeding £65 million annually. Ground Control focuses on large regional and national contracts with multi-site operators. We are currently recruiting for the following roles: Construction Site Supervisor – Central Region, Construction Manager – Southern Region, Regional Contracts Manager – Scotland (Central Belt), Regional Contracts Manager – London, Commercial Manager – Billericay, Essex, Health & Safety Manager – National.

There are two roles: one will focus on clients in London and south eastern counties and the other will require travel throughout the UK entailing overnight stays away from home.

Good all round horticultural knowledge combined with ‘hands on’ approach and the ability to work at height essential. Good knowledge of irrigation systems and plant feeding systems desirable. Applicants must have a horticultural qualification, chemical spray certificate and, essentially, a clean driving licence.

For more details please go to www.prolandscapermagazine.com and click on the ‘Jobs’ section.

For more details please go to www.prolandscapermagazine.com and click on the ‘Jobs’ section.

Ground Control Location: Nationwide

Horticruitment UK Ltd Location: London

Sales/Project Manager

Landscape Construction Manager

Dynamic, award winning London based garden design and landscaping company The Garden Builders is looking for a talented, Sales/Project Manager with a proven track record to join our expanding business. This is not a design role. Candidates must have a consistent, provable, sales and site management background of at least five years at the highest level, coupled with previous hands-on experience in horticulture and landscaping of at least 10 years.

Landscape Construction Manager sought to oversee commercial hard and soft landscaping schemes, including minor civil works, predominantly in the Midlands, but also in the SE and SW of England. You will be responsible for projects such as flood defence works, caravan park builds, soft landscaping of new housing developments, paving and surfacing schemes etc.

For more details please go to www.prolandscapermagazine.com and click on the ‘Jobs’ section.

For more details please go to www.prolandscapermagazine.com and click on the ‘Jobs’ section.

The Garden Builders Location: London

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Andersplus Location: Midlands

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

22/10/2013 13:50

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21/10/2013 15:12

You Can't Beat Natural Stone Paving...

Can You? Our Stunning Range of Porcelain Tiles & Paving are Ideal for the British Climate. Why? • • • • •

No maintenance required Stain, scratch and slip resistant Does not fade Frostproof Lightweight - ideal for roof terraces, balconies and public areas, for both residential and commercial use

• Beautiful architectural finish • Easy to self-install without grout • Combine 1cm tile with 2cm paving slab for a seamless look from internal to external living space • Available in a range of 7 styles/colours

Order your free sample at www.porcelainpaving.co.uk or call 029 2037 1584

National Trust Landscape Collection 15/01/2013

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The National Trust together with established reproduction paving company Westminster Stone have created ranges of paving and landscaping products of unrivaled quality and character influenced by National Trust properties and gardens throughout the UK. The Collection offers an authentic ambiance and instant maturity and charm to any setting.

Visit Westminster Paving Collection sites at -

The UK’s Premier

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Supplier of Artificial Grass

Quickgrass is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of high quality, low maintenance realistic looking artificial grass. Our range includes four products, all manufactured in Europe to EU Quality standards. Quickgrass looks and feels like real grass, is easy to install and low maintenance.

Paving | Decorative Shingle | Garden Artefacts

Westminster Paving Collection, Burford Garden Company, Shilton Road, Burford, The Cotswolds OX18 4PA Call: 01993 822877 WS Paving & Landscaping Centre, Shaws Estate, Sodylt, Ellesmere, Shropshire SY12 9EL Call: 0844 248 9262

Order online now at: www.quickgrass.co.uk

Cotswold Manor Hidcote Flagstone | Snowshill Shingle | Cotswold Trough

Adrian Hall Garden Centre, Snakey Lane, Feltham, Middlesex, TW13 7ND Call: 0208 751 7600

Country House Petworth Flagstone | Tatton Courtyard Cobble | Kerbstone | Tatton Shingle

Simply email your details through to info@quickgrass.co.uk or Telephone 01527 579841 You will receive a Landscapers Trade Discount Card which entitles you to a 15% discount off all Artificial Grass orders* placed online or by telephone. *only applies to Artificial Grass, excludes all other Quickgrass products and carrage costs.

Kitchen Garden Barrington Flagstone | Brick Paver | Millstone | Barrington Shingle

Roman Villa Chedworth Tile | Chedworth Triangle | Edgings and Insets | Tile and Brick Chippings

For further information visit www.nationaltrustpaving.com or call 0844 815 6442 for quotations or to place an order | Nationwide Delivery

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15% TRADE DISCOUNT CARD AVAILABLE

Ayletts Nurseries, North Orbital Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL2 1DH Call: 01727 822255 The Paving Centre, Meadow Lane, Ellesmere Port, Wirral CH65 4EA Call: 0151 357 2244

EN 14041

Register with us and become part of our recommended installer network and receive install enquiries for your area from Quickgrass. There are no fees to become part of our network.

Order your FREE SAMPLES PACK at www.quickgrass.co.uk or phone: 01527 579841

Quickgrass Limited, Unit 12B, Harris Business Park, Hanbury Road, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 4DJ

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Email Us

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the artificial grass brand

Work with the UK’s leading artificial grass brand

The artificial grass brand

Why choose Namgrass?

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Brand present in over 30 countries

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NO joining or ‘start up’ costs

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100% European manufacture

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NO stock to hold

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Manufacturing for over 30 years

Benefit from global marketing and Namgrass’s ‘economies of scale’

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Products ISO9001 certificated

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Unrivalled quality

Vast product portfolio stocked in the UK ready for next day delivery

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10 year guarantee

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Exclusive trade only products

www.namgrass.co.uk For more information and trade pricing call us on 01425 627832 or email: enquiries@redcliffegardeners.co.uk

NEW

Products for 2014 – watch this space…

Redcliffe, Bashley Road, Bashley, New Milton, Hampshire BH25 5RY

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Work Smarter Not Harder!

at Demo Take a Scape Futureember in Nov

Model Shown: TX525 Wide-Track Petrol Dingo with 22409 Bucket

In a business like yours, productivity is key.

This is where Toro can help.

Dingo Compact Utility Loaders are engineered to be extraordinarily tough. They are also flexible, versatile and highly manoeuvrable, so you always have the right tool for the job.

Check out the Toro Dingo range: Choice of tracked or wheeled power units.

Choice of over 35 versatile attachments including buckets, forks, augers, trenchers, stump grinders and more.

Take a look at revenue-generating Toro.

For more info see www.toro.co.uk/dingo or call 01279 723444 to arrange a demonstration

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