Pro Landscaper October 2023

How are we breaking down the barriers to a MORE DIVERSE WORKFORCE?

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Welcome

Earlier today, I was fortunate enough to attend an event at RHS Garden Wisley on equality, diversity and inclusivity in horticulture, and there was a common theme from the speakers and panellists – that we need to address the skills shortage and attracting a more diverse workforce could be part of the solution. But that doesn’t just mean encouraging more women or more ethnic minorities into the industry.

As you’ll read in our feature on page 53, the term ‘diversity’ has broadened in our understanding over the last three years since the death of George Floyd sparked global Black Lives Matter protests. We still need to encourage more ethnic minorities to enter horticulture, but we also need to look at how we could better engage with those who are neurodiverse, for instance, and those without visible disabilities. It includes age, socio-economic background, sexual orientation and religion.

The British Association of Landscape Industries summed it up in the name of its panel discussion two years ago – Access All Areas. How could we enable all to be able to access our industry, or our shows and events, or our landscapes?

The RHS is working on this with its Diversity & Inclusion Plan 2022-2030, setting itself a series of goals to ensure that it’s helping to lead the charge, and its New Shoots initiative is hoping to raise the profile of horticultural careers and remove barriers to entry. In other words, it’s turning commitment into action, and there’s nothing stopping the rest of us from trying to follow suit. It doesn’t have to be the same course of action, but the responsibility belongs to us all to make a difference.

6

Is our skills shortage at an all-time low?

The industry’s struggle to recruit could be taking its toll, and confidence has taken a hit

19

How do you choose the right kit? Don’t let 0% finance offers tempt you into rushing a decision, warns Jake Catling

23 Changing Terms

Oracle Solicitors’ Ancia Hussain and Kai Sammer explain why amending an employee’s contract should not be done lightly

26

What a Palaver!

Where do we go from here, ponders Chris Churchman, as extreme weather continues to hit headlines

33 Changing Landscape, Changing Aesthetic Global warming is impacting what we can grow in the UK, and we need to keep ahead, says Lewis Normand

40 The Cons of Cultivars

Genetically identical plants, whilst aesthetically pleasing, should be low down on our priorities, explains Noel Kingsbury

15

Love Where You Live

Matt Miller and his team are looking for ambassadors for the The Eco-Enabler Alliance to help others reduce their carbon footprint

47

Let’s Hear It From... Lee Baxter

Head of operations at Redfields

Landscaping & Design describes the commercial landscaper’s impressive growth

53

Breaking Down Barriers

Associations and organisations are working together to make horticulture a more diverse and inclusive industry

12

Shortlist announced for Pro Landscaper Project Awards in association with Provender Nurseries

Eleven category winners will be announced at a ceremony later this year 24

FutureScape seminar programme

A sneak preview of the talks taking place at FutureScape this November, from succession planning to landscape lighting

82

5 Minutes With...Nathan Webster RHS Young Designer of the Year talks about his show garden debut and future ambitions

at an all-time low? IS OUR SKILLS SHORTAGE

Enrolment on the new Agriculture, Land Management and Production T Level is now open. These two-year courses, introduced in 2020, are equivalent to three A Levels, and arguably offer a new opportunity to attract new people to the industry.

T Levels, or Technical Levels, create a route into the industry for those who prefer a course where 80% is classroom based and 20% is an industry placement. After all, more than half (56.6%) of job seekers say a lack of work experience is their main barrier to employment, found the most recent Youth Voice Census.

Horticulture is desperately in need too, it would seem. As the Horticultural Trades Association’s learning and development manager Alex Jenkins succinctly puts it, “The recruitment challenges within our sector are well-documented.”

One design and build respondent this month says: “A lack of staff is affecting profitability as we cannot recruit good quality staff members at the moment and current staff are asking for high wage increases.”

Sound familiar? Opening T Level enrolment doesn’t seem to have done much to boost confidence yet; only 12% were more confident this month, compared to the same time last

month, and 52% said they were less confident than the same month last year. But it’s potentially one step to addressing the “well-documented” skills shortage.

PERCENTAGE OF RESPONDENTS MORE CONFIDENT COMPARED TO LAST MONTH

BY THE NUMBERS

5% ONLY ARE WORKING ON MORE PROJECTS MORE THAN

(55%) FEWER ENQUIRIES 5% 30% 65%

Nurseries

With 80% seeing their turnover go up and 60% noticing an increase in enquiries, it’s seemingly been a strong summer for the sector. “Building on the last 12 months, everything continues to go in the right direction – more enquiries and more sales,” says one nursery. Another comments: “After last year’s heatwave ground the industry to a stop, this changeable weather has been great for growing and planting, meaning the usual summer slowdown didn't happen this year.”

STAFF 67% NUMBERS HAS DROPPED TURNOVER FOR 28% 0%

For some, the unpredictable weather has proven a struggle. One nursery which has seen a drop in enquiries says its invoiced sales are down by 25%.“Poor economy, cold and wet winter and spring, followed by scorching June resulted in the media wrongly forecasting a hotter summer than last year which killed July trade.” Another nursery said it saw a “noticeable” drop in quotes from the garden design and housing sectors, though commercial landscaping was strong.

Turnover Confidence 20% 40%60%80% 100%

Quotes

Design and build

The majority (63%) of design and build companies saw a drop in the number of enquiries compared to the same time last year, and an overwhelming 88% said the number of projects they’re working on had stayed the same. But only 13% saw their turnover take a dive. More than a third (38%) increased their turnover.

It's somewhat inconsistent, but could be related to the scale of projects. As one company puts it: “With interest rates going higher, people are more cautious, and smaller projects under £30k are even being more difficult to get as they seem to be the people being affected by higher rates more than anyone else.”

Another says that sourcing materials is still proving “tricky”.

28% Higher Equal Lower 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 10% 0% TurnoverEnquiriesProjects

*These are year-on-year comparisons for July 2023 to July 2022

ANDY STURGEON DESIGN PLANS APPROVED FOR CANADA WATER DEVELOPMENT

Southwark Council has given planning permission to Andy Sturgeon Design for the development of the Canada Water Eastern Dockside in London. It is part of a wider 1.5 million sq ft commercially-led scheme at Canada Water Dockside, led by Art-Invest Real Estate.

Andy Sturgeon Design won a competition to design a hub for the local community at the Eastern Dock Edge as part of the regeneration to deliver a new town centre, which is underway. The hub needed to “knit together” with the wider masterplan and development by British Land as well as reflect the heritage of Canada Want and

ROUNDUP

Industry Updates

Southwark, whilst having its own character. It includes a double-sided amphitheatre, a mid-level promontory, seating areas, safe spaces for angling and large raised planters. It will connect people to the waterside, to which there is currently no public access. A walkway to the water’s edge will expand and contract to create pockets that will be rich in biodiverse planting. The proposals have a biodiversity net gain of 12.23%, more than 2% above the minimum requirement.

Plants of local provenance have been chosen, and stacked timber seating in the amphitheatre is a nod to the dock’s history. andysturgeon.com

THE HTA PROMOTES NEW T LEVEL COURSES

The Horticultural Trades Association is promoting the new Agriculture, Land Management, and Production T Level which have opened enrolment.

Technical Levels, introduced in 2020, are equivalent to three A levels. They include 80% classroom-based learning and 20% industry placement, allowing for nine weeks of practical experience, as 56.6% of job seekers identify their main barrier to employment as a lack of work experience.

NATIONAL LANDSCAPE AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The winners have been announced for this year’s National Landscape Awards 2023. Winners span across 25 categories, with 50 companies being recognised, including Ground Control – which has won five – and Wright Landscapes and GP Plantscape, which both have won three. In total, 69 awards were presented.

“The willingness to partake in this process highlights our members’

continued commitment to driving the industry forward, promoting excellence and encouraging fresh talent,” says BALI chief executive, Wayne Grills.

The National Landscape Awards ceremony will be held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane in London on 1 December. The event will be hosted by comedian Cally Beaton.

A full list of winners can be found at baliawards.co.uk

The two-year course offers 16-19-year-olds a range of occupational specialisms: livestock production, crop production, horticulture, land-based engineering, trees and woodlands, or floristry. They cover sustainability, climate change impact, health and safety, business management, professional responsibilities, attitudes, and behaviours. Enrolment is now available at several colleges and will continue until 1 November.

Alex Jenkins, learning and development manager at the Horticultural Trades Association, says: “I am thrilled to witness the launch of these new T Levels and to follow the progress of the first students entering our industry.” hta.org.uk

LANGLEA GARDEN DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION FOR MOLTEN : RADIATE

TASK ACADEMY CELEBRATES ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

More than 200 students have taken part in more than 50 landscaping and horticultural courses at TASK Academy over the last 12 months.

The independent training centre in Worcestershire was established a year ago to help tackle the industry’s skills shortage.

Since its launch in September 2022, TASK Academy has doubled in size and has launched a curriculum of one- to three-day courses for students on its five-acre small holding near Pershore.

It has also established partnerships with 10 training and 25 other industry partners, and introduced a series of one-day, land-based courses for members of the public, including dry stone walling, garden planting design, paving and even bricklaying.

Going into its second year, TASK has once again received accreditation from Lantra, after its Lantra-accredited courses achieved a 99% pass rate over the last year.

Founder Rupert Keys – who has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, running his own business, Keyscape Design and Construction – says: “It’s been a hugely busy year but the growth and success of TASK has exceeded our expectations and the support and encouragement we have

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JJH Landscapes from Oxfordshire, with team partner Radial Landscapes from West Sussex won the Association of Professional Landscapers’ Skills Competition.

“It’s important to recognise the technical skills of professional landscape teams whose talents often go unsung when it comes to building show gardens,” says Rachel Poletti-Gadd, portfolio director – gardening division at Immediate Live, organisers of the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair.

The Best Showcase Garden was awarded to Lucy Chamberlain, head gardener at East Donyland, Gemma Sturges and Kelly Fowler.

The trio’s ‘Edible Garden Through Time’ showcases three significant periods of

received from the industry has really helped put TASK on the horticultural map. We are really excited about building on this success and to continue to develop and enhance our offering to students over the next year.” taskacademy.co.uk

food-growing history, also earning them a Platinum award.“This was a tour de force exhibit of veg gardening through the ages, underpinned by exquisite craftsmanship and attention to historical detail,” says Ian Hodgson, lead assessor at the event.

Best Beautiful Border was awarded to Rachel Sporbord from Rachel Sporborg Design, for her border design ‘Free Thinking’, along with a Platinum award.

The 9m2 garden, inspired by artist David Tremlett’s ‘Drawing for Free Thinking’, contrasts ‘rigid hard landscaping’ with softer, tranquil movement in the planting design.

Autumnal planting features in the garden, with grasses and perennials with a Viburnum plicatum‘Watanabe’ as the signature shrub, giving the design a “great presence and visual appeal,” says Hodgson.

The BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Subscriber Border Award went to Consuelo Franco, assistant head gardener at Ballynatray House Estate in Waterford, for his design ‘On Cloud 9’, inspired by country walks and cloudscapes.

Franco’s design was “underpinned by a diverse range of interesting plants,” says Hodgson.“We loved the artistry.” landscaper.org.uk

TRADES PEOPLE SET TO BE “WORST HIT” BY ULEZ EXPANSION

It may help to tackle air pollution, but the ULEZ expansion could also put companies out of business, says Pro Landscaper’s Bethany Vann. prolandscapermagazine.com/ trades-people-set-to-be-worsthit-by-ulez-expansion

The horticulturist brings a wealth of experience to the new role, the most recent being helping to launch and then heading up Maylim Landscapes prolandscapermagazine.com/ jack-skinner-joins-blakedownlandscapes-senior-management-team

FROM CHELSEA TO THE BIOME, THE FAUNA, AND FLORA GARDEN

What better way to portray the international wildlife conservation charity Fauna & Flora than in a show garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which has now been rehomed at the Eden Project prolandscapermagazine.com/from-chelseato-the-biome-the-fauna-and-flora-garden

JACK SKINNER JOINS BLAKEDOWN LANDSCAPES’ SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

JJH LANDSCAPES WINS TOP AWARD AT BBC GARDENERS’ WORLD AUTUMN FAIR

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Stand C10

where you live LOVE

It was through campaigning to encourage biodiversity and build a team of “eco-enablers” to educate communities that Miller and his team launched The Eco-Enabler Alliance –or ‘TEA’ for short – in February last year.

“It took a year for us as a group to get to that point,” says Miller. “We all came together from working in sustainability, and wanting to do work in that space, addressing climate change and biodiversity loss, amongst other things.”

The Community Interest Company (CIC) enables independent consultants and micro businesses to share costs involved in sourcing and delivering ‘eco-enablement’ activities. Eco-Enablement is the process by which an enterprise reduces its carbon footprint and better aligns its operations with how natural ecosystems work. There are various means to achieve this, from implementing sustainability solutions and services which lower the carbon footprint, to follow-up actions taken from insights arising from

more effective sustainability impact assessments.

With a goal to incorporate landscape design into their skillset, Miller and his team at the Alliance are now searching for the right people to join forces and help to build a sustainable community. “We need people who understand the systems and the industry; how councils work, how to deal with environmental health issues, how to design a landscape that encourages the flow of biodiversity.”

Miller believes that field work and a hands-on approach will not only create the best team for these projects, but also develop the wealth of knowledge the project needs to thrive. For Miller, his role is to do just this – bring people together and evangelise this. “People are starting to understand where they slot in, and how they can make a difference. So, I’m very much a facilitator, an enabler of enablers, and making sure the processes are in place.”

The TEA mission is to raise awareness of the members and their capabilities for providing sustainability solutions and services. It provides advice and consulting to support

We all came together from working in sustainability, and wanting to do work in that space, addressing climate change and biodiversity loss amongst other things

Company director and head of advocacy for ecosystemic resource management, Matt Miller explains the launch of “TEA” and its intentions and goals as it heads into the landscaping industry

improvements for sustainability practices and the approach to climate change and sustainability, as organised through consulting partnerships with Eco-Enable Limited and other consultancies who sponsor TEA.

With a preexisting background in enterprise and sustainability, Miller describes his new role as “ecosystemic architect” whereby he is working to ensure that things are aligned in order for us to live happily, safely and well, within the constraints of the habitats and ecosystems that we live with. And with a family history in landscaping and generations of teachers, Miller is finding his roots back in nature.

“Reversing climate change and helping us to restore balance – this is the key to enhancing great ecosystems, so that everything is working in a nice, cohesive way. This is what we need to make sure nature is being allowed to do its thing.”

With big plans and ambitions, TEA is launching its first Sustainable Community Development campaign which it has labelled Love Where You Live. The idea for its first campaign is to get people interested and to become involved

can be picked up on, they can either fix it themselves, or it can be reported.”

The expert could show them, for example, which wild plants are safe to grow or even consume, such as what could be used to make herbal tea. Similarly, they would be taught signs to look out for which indicate that things are not so good and then perhaps ought to be reported to the right division of the local council. Some participants could use this as an opportunity to consider a career change to work in eco-enablement, where they can become involved in looking at how we can better manage our natural resources within our local communities where we live or work, as well as align our ways of doing and living to better fit in with how ecosystems work.

TEA aims to become an independent eco-research and development organisation, as well as an information service, which will bridge gaps in corporate or government needs. “We would look to improve the ethics and transparency of government department and agency data as well as overcome gaps in it which large enterprise needs for reporting on sustainability.” It is vital that the insights in sustainability, social value impact assessments and related reporting are able to be acted upon for enabling a business to be ethical and sustainable, says Miller.

Although this initial campaign is still awaiting its release date, members of the Alliance have begun working towards the exposure of the company, with leading names keen to be able to start aligning how we live and work with what fits best for restoring ecosystems, as well as reducing the impact of climate change and minimising any further biodiversity loss as a team.

with the company as an amateur or voluntary eco-enabler. This would be through networking events where experts can take them into their local green spaces where they live, helping them to learn or discover their local environment but also to be able to know when an ecosystem is struggling, so it

All members of The Eco-Enabler Alliance have an overriding goal, though: to put sustainability and biodiversity above all else and show others how they can do the same. Micro or small businesses can register interest on the TEA website to register interest. Self-employed readers as well as concerned citizens keen to volunteer on the “Love Where You Live” campaign should instead email info@ecoenableralliance.org with a CV and cover letter. ecoenableralliance.org

Reversing climate change and helping us to restore balance – this is the key to enhancing great ecosystems, so that everything is working in a nice, cohesive way

AS K THE EXPERTS

How do you choose the right kit?

Do your research when buying equipment, advises Jake Catling

We all love getting our hands on shiny new tools and machinery, especially with the wide range available on the market. It’s a great idea to leverage mechanical advantage to innovate the way you do repetitive manual labour tasks. But here’s a friendly tip: don’t rush into buying something just because they’re offering 0% financing deals, tempting as they are, especially when interest rates are high. It might seem like a smart move, but capital investments need to be well thought through and a rush to capitalise on an offer on a piece of machinery that won’t actually make your business more efficient or solve a pain point can be a long hangover that’s best avoided.

When it comes to improving your business with new equipment, a practical approach I like to follow is to, first off, think about the tasks that give you the

The panel

HOLLY YOUDE

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

most trouble – those things you do over and over that could be done better. Once you’ve got those pain points in mind, start looking for solutions. Check out the obvious choices, and then dig deeper to find any hidden gems. I’ve even gone as far as importing machines from the US in the past, all in pursuit of the right answer. After all the research, when you’ve got a shortlist of options, it’s time for hands-on testing. Get in touch with dealers and arrange to try out two or three machines. What’s important here is spending enough time with the equipment. Ideally, I like to have a day or two to really put it through its paces, along with my team. This trial period is crucial because it helps us figure out if the machine can truly solve the problems we’ve identified and ultimately help to improve or maintain margins.

The bottom line is this: the benefit of 0% financing is great and if utilised on the right equipment can make the investment all the sweeter, so focus on equipment that genuinely improves your business. Making smart choices means keeping the tasks that challenge us the most in mind, doing thorough research, and putting potential solutions to the test before committing. It’s about finding what fits seamlessly into your operations and hopefully enhances your productivity.

JAKE CATLING

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

KEN WHITE

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

ROSEMARY COLDSTREAM

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

SARAH EBERLE

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

Don’t rush into buying something just because they’re offering 0% financing deals, tempting as they are

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What sets SuDSPod apart is its unwavering commitment to simplicity, effectiveness, and adaptability. By adhering to the four pillars of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) as outlined in the CIRIA SuDS Manual Guidance, SuDSPod provides a

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“The launch of SuDSPod marks a pivotal moment in stormwater management,” said Roy Bowie, Managing Director at GreenBlue Urban.

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GreenBlue Urban invites developers, urban planners, and environmental stewards to explore the limitless possibilities of SuDSPod and witness firsthand its transformative impact on stormwater management. Together, we can build cities that trive, while safeguarding our environment for generations to Recently launched at the Flood and Water Management Event in Birmingham, the response has been fantastic.

For more information about SuDSPod and its revolutionary capabilities, please visit greenblue.com/sudspod or contact hello@greenblue.com.

Water inflows from downpipe.

Ponding water drains directly into the main chamber.

Patented internal flow control system optimises attenuation up to 3 times its own volume.

Water exits into drain.

Water percolates through soil and drains into main chamber.

SuDSPodTM On plot attenuation

SuDSPod offers a versatile and innovative on plot attenuation approach that benefits new developments, and can be seamlessly retrofitted to private, public housing and service buildings.

Contribution towards reduction of CSO spills

Through intelligent on-plot attenuation

Potential sewer upgrade avoidance

Through highly effective peak flow attenuation

Maximise land values

Through reduction of downstream retention pond/tank size

830 800

Neighbour boundary disputes are nothing new; indeed, they are a daily occurrence all over the country. So, when I got a call earlier this year to provide an expert witness independent report about a landscaping project under dispute it didn’t exactly come as a surprise –that was until I received my brief and the list of issues that I had to give my opinion on.

This dispute report was a joint commission. That’s where both parties – it could be client and contractor, or in this case two neighbours – commission the expert witness report and each pay 50% of my fees. Upon arriving on site, I met both parties who became locked in a verbal argument without pause! I tried to placate them and request that they let me get on with my survey, and in the end had to issue a third and final warning that either they left the site, or I would! Both parties left, and I carried on with the survey.

BOUNDARIES PUSHING

The brief that had been presented to me stated that Mr A had had a new fence installed, resulting in excessive concrete in the post holes on his neighbour’s (Mr B’s) side of the fence. That was the long and short of it in terms of what they were asking of me. This was, however, part of a larger dispute, encompassing other issues (including the removal of a large hedge) that had racked up costs of almost £34k –not a great place for two neighbours to be in.

As it happens, I found that the concrete was correctly installed and there was not an excessive amount. The installation had been carried out to a well-known fencing supplier’s specification. So, to be honest, I couldn’t wait to get out of the place as the atmosphere was toxic.

When I got home, I reflected back on the many issues I had dealt with as a landscaper regarding neighbour boundaries through fence and hedge projects. I’d encountered disputes several times over my 31-year period as a landscaper and I had found that I had to learn the hard way how to pre-empt and manage these issues. One of the early mistakes I made was a case where I believed – without question –a client who told me that the hedge they wanted me to cut belonged to them and not the neighbour. Upon the neighbour arriving home from work, I discovered ‘both barrels’ fashion that the hedge did not belong to the client and both parties had a long, ongoing feud regarding replacing it with a fence.

I was 18 years’ old at the time of this experience. The lesson to be learned here is, prior to cutting any hedges, get confirmation by email as to who owns the hedge and

speak to the neighbours to let them know your client’s intentions.

The next case was a fence that I was asked to move by 25mm as I’d made a slight miscalculation in the original installation. The difference impacted the neighbour’s boundary. Fortunately, this wasn’t the end of the world as it was only a low fence, five bays in length, and the concrete hadn’t gone off. However, the client wasn’t having any of it! The lesson this time was to recognise that boundaries are important and to set up a stringline where the fence is to be situated, agree with both parties by email before building the fence, and of course take pictures for evidence should you require them at a later date.

GARETH WILSON

Leaving college at 17, Gareth has worked in the landscape industry since 1989. Progressing onto high-end projects, he has picked up seven RHS gold medals. He is a member of multiple professional bodies. He provides technical and product advice to large companies, mentors and trains contractors and garden designers in landscape construction and on show gardens logistics across the UK. Gareth also provides mediation services, he is a member of the BS7533:102 committee and is an industry awards judge. gkwilsonlandscaping.co.uk

I’d encountered disputes several times over my 31-year period as a landscaper and I had had to learn the hard way how to pre-empt and manage these issues

Neighbour disputes can turn ugly, and you need to avoid being dragged into these. Gareth Wilson explains how.

Changing TERMS

Amending an employee’s contract should not be done lightly, explains

Ancia Hussain and Kai Sammer

An employment contract is a legally binding agreement between an employer and an employee. The terms and conditions of this contract can be agreed upon in writing, such as in a job offer letter, or verbally, often during the job offer discussion. While an employer has the legal right to suggest modifications to the agreed-upon terms, it's important to note that the employee's consent is also required for these changes to take effect. Acceptance can be conveyed in writing or through the employee's actions, such as continuing to work without raising objections.

Moreover, any proposed changes should be grounded in a valid business reason. In certain cases, employees may have an existing agreement with a trade union that empowers the union to negotiate and agree upon specific contract changes on behalf of the employees and workers.

For employers considering modifications to an employee's role, it is advisable to incorporate provisions within the employment contract to address this possibility. These provisions might include a Flexibility Clause, allowing for a change in general duties, a Mobility Clause, permitting a change in the location of work, or a Variation Term, enabling changes to a job description without requiring consultation.

While these provisions offer benefits to employers by allowing changes without prior consent, it remains a best practice to consult with the employee to ensure they are

informed about significant developments. Importantly, these clauses should not violate any trust and confidence, nor should they lead to any form of discrimination.

In practice, employers will not be able to rely on such clauses to make anything other than reasonable or minor changes which must not be detrimental to the employee. In Baynham v Philips Electronics 1995, a clause which allowed Philips "to vary this contract from time to time"

was held by the High Court that the clause was only intended to cover matters such as a change in job description and could not extend to accrued rights such as healthcare cover.

Employers should give thoughtful consideration before suggesting changes to an employment contract. First, clearly identify the problem you are attempting to solve and determine if altering the contract is necessary. Second, evaluate alternatives to ensure clarity on the objective, and finally inform and consult. Being transparent about the reasons for contract changes and involving employees in discussions can enhance understanding as well as cooperation.

While making changes to employment contracts can offer advantages to both the organisation and its employees, it is essential to acknowledge potential risks if not managed effectively. This can include damaging relations, inviting significant legal claims such as breach of contract or constructive dismissal, decreased employee commitment, or increasing employees’ stress. Although employers have the right to propose alterations to an employee's contract if they so choose, it is generally advisable to inform your employees of this beforehand unless the contract explicitly includes a clause allowing changes without prior consent. Transparent communication, thoughtful consideration, and a focus on maintaining positive working relations can contribute to successful contract adjustments.

ORACLE SOLICITORS

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

Being transparent about the reasons for contract changes and involving employees in discussions can enhance understanding and cooperation

Pro Landscaper’s Inspire Theatre

Takeover | Tuesday 21 November

Building more sustainable RHS show gardens: Techniques and materials

Mark Gregory | Tecwyn Evans | Liz Nicholson

Judging RHS Show Gardens: Explained

James Alexander-Sinclair

Why create an RHS show garden?: A sponsor’s perspective

Sophia Notghi

Green to gold: How to plant a top-medal winning RHS show garden

Humaira Ikram

Takeover | Wednesday 22 November

Why form should follow function in a garden aka ‘Gardens are for people’

Matthew Childs

Eat Your Garden: Edimentals in Garden Design

Harry Holding

Tread with a light touch and the earth will repay you in more ways than you can imagine

David Stevens | Matthew Childs | Harry Holding | Lynne Marcus | Julie Toll

Business Theatre

In partnership with

Making an Exit: Ensuring your company’s legacy continues

Tessa Johnstone | Robert Crowder | Richard Kay | Rachel Kay

Landscaping Leaders: In the Company of Heroes

Richard Gardiner | Liz Nicholson | Paul Downer | Tony Woods

Communicating with Clients: Establishing the Design Brief

Helen Elks-Smith

Nurture Theatre

Boost for Nature: Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain

Lewis Normand | Nick White | Terry Smithson | Luke Mills |

John Marsden | Alex Pelton

A Different Approach: Stories behind creating actively used care setting gardens

Debbie Carroll

Training, Education and Employment Village

In partnership with

Landscape GO building real careers

Timeless Success: Keeping the Family Business Fresh at 50

Rob Woodhouse

Mastering Hard Landscaping: The Crucial Role of Expertise and Training in Landscaping

Lavinia Dowson

Improving Business and Industry Performance through High Quality and Skills

Jake Catling

From Likes to Leads: Growing Your Online Presence and Converting Followers into Enquiries

Matthew Freestone

Taking the Next Step: Help Your New Business to Succeed!

Kim Sones | Matt Eden

The world of CPD: What is it and how does it affect me?

Andy Donnachie

5 Ways to Skyrocket Profits of Your Landscape Business by 61% in the Next 12 Months

Nick Ruddle

Design with Innovation: Get Ahead with Vectorworks

Landmark

Marketa Hermova

Landscaping – A Career of Choice

Ricky Whiteman

Community, Not Cringe: The Power of Networking for New Landscape Practices

Gabrielle Shay | Kerrie Mckinnon

Learning from Landscapers: A Day in the Life

A SNAPSHOT OF THE

Lighting Theatre

In partnership with

Reimagining landscapes and the public realm

Elettra Bordonaro

Creating the after-dark experience with light

Benz Roos

Illuminating gardens: A practical introduction

Sam Cox

Landscape lighting in the public realm

Melissa Byers

Achieving the right lighting ambience in urban and countryside landscapes

Sanjit Bahra

Dark Sky strategy: How to create great spaces without light pollution

Dan Oakley

Right Light, Right Place, Right Time™

Iain Carlile

Lighting for Wildlife

Lee Gunner

Public Spaces Theatre

In partnership with

Building for the Future: Creating Sustainable Urban Developments

Niall Williams | Chris Churchman | Gemma Jerome

Regent’s Place Revitalised: Exploring British Land’s Green

Transformation

The Future of Urban Spaces: a landscape and lighting perspective

Simon Thorp

Pricing to profit: Avoiding a race to the bottom

Greening Communities: Transforming South Thamesmead’s Public Realm

Soft Landscaping Zone

How can Irrigation save water?

Sam Cox | Paul Willavoys

Introducing Proven Winners®

Richard McKenna

GreenBlue Proven – the only guaranteed way to get trees to thrive in urban environments

Howard Gray

TreeParker® - the next evolution in Blue Green infrastructure and storm water management

Seraya Sigsworth

Demo Zone

Creating Biodiversity Corridors through our Cities Angus Cunningham External Porcelain Tile Installation Jason Brunt

WHAT A PALAVER!

What a palaver! Is it just me or do others see this summer as at least the start of a turning point, if not an actual point at which the world finally wakes up? The never-ending headlines saw some sort of environmental calamity every week, or some vain attempt to deal with the consequences of global warming, which are probably the signs of the climate change chickens finally coming home to roost.

Whether it is record heatwaves across Europe, unprecedented wildfires in Hawaii, Rishi Sunak pledging to drain the north sea of every last drop of oil or the absurd shenanigans surrounding the Bibby Stockholm (or more aptly the Billy Stop at Home), we see a world starting to spin madly out of control and national governments lacking the guile, intelligence and commitment to deal with it.

Where do we go from here, one asks. Well, in the short term, almost certainly just more of the same, until eventually the catastrophes are coming so thick and fast and are so calamitous that the social and economic consequences of not addressing the problems cause such unacceptable loss of life and wealth across the US, China and Western Europe that there is only one viable course of action: to change course fundamentally, and for everyone to start putting their money where their mouth is.

We in the landscape industry are not immune from the need to reform; I suspect the landscape industry is one of the most wasteful and most polluting on the planet. How many other industries deliver everything in a plastic wrapper, sack, or pot? How many accept such a high write off of investment? What other industry accepts 50-70% failure and builds those losses into its cost base? That’s even worse than the food industry where 25% of everything produced is not consumed, not even by pets.

The landscape industry has, for decades, been a wanton waster of resources. As clients and specifiers, we should not and must not accept this outcome. Designers have a duty to specify planting schemes that are climate resilient; but even the most drought tolerant plant will not survive if those undertaking the planting and maintenance do not give it any water during establishment. Contractors have to price maintenance costs realistically, not price in the risk that during a hotter drier summer they are going to lose much of what has been planted. We ignore the inherited value of existing trees and soils; who if anyone writes specifications which seek to maintain the historic carbon in soil when stripped? We treat one of the most carbon rich materials on the planet as a waste material, we protect trees but not soils during development and yet there is four times more carbon in the world’s soils than all the world’s forests. As an industry, we are in denial of this simple fact; we don’t understand it, so we don’t care for it. Needless to say, a more sustainable landscape industry is not going to save the planet, nor is more sustainable building for that matter.

CHRIS CHURCHMAN

Chris is a landscape architect with 50 years in the profession. His work at Elephant Park National Maritime Museum and Birmingham Green Heart is widely respected. Chris mixes design creativity with a passion for science. Work related to pollution mitigation has led to a wider understanding of the benefit of green infrastructure. Advocacy on climate change is now his focus, posting thought pieces to social media. Chris seeks to drive down wasteful greenfield development by raising awareness of our most valuable natural asset – soil. churchmanthornhillfinch.co.uk

Amidst a series of startling headlines recently, surely climate change now has our attention, says Chris Churchman

The landscape industry has, for decades, been a wanton waster of resources

Past, present

and future

We are constantly being told to slow down and live in the present moment rather than worry about the past or indeed the future; both, we are told, we are not in control of. But I beg to differ. As garden designers we need to look at all three – past, present and future – in order to realise a great garden or landscape design. I think most designers would agree that being a slight control freak helps, and so awareness of past, present and the future goes with the turf (excuse the pun).

The past can tell us so many things and it would be arrogant to dismiss history and the thousands of years of inspiration we can tap into. History is all around us and not just in the museum, whether it be in the local vernacular building patterns, a tree or indeed an existing design that we could incorporate into our own. History needs respecting in whatever form it shows itself. The circular aspect of ancient gardening methods is fascinating; today we talk about preserving water and planting appropriately for the climate but let us not forget that in roughly 100BC on the Greek island of Delos it was quite normal for the paving of courtyards to conceal water harvesting tanks below them. Rainwater would run from roof tops and through the gaps in the stone slabs to be used in the drier months – incredible!

The future is important too; be it tomorrow or in 100 years’ time, our gardens need to be adaptable to ensure we plant and build appropriately for future generations to enjoy. Being able to visually predict the future is a garden designer’s greatest skill; we often plant small but can foresee the eventual size. We design enclosures of hard landscape or hedges, plant grand avenues and expanses of meadow all with the knowledge of how these will look in the future.

The present moment is just as important as past and future. We want to create spaces which aesthetically look good in a relatively short amount of time, our clients often impatient for a garden that is mature in one season. Being in the present requires skills most of us didn’t know we would need when we trained. Sustainability was not even considered, our carbon footprint was not discussed, and habitat diversity left for larger landscapes. The current adaptability of skills as a garden designer is staggering.

Being in the present means understanding the effects on the soil we are working with, the plants we are selecting and the methods to which we are building. Our ability to look back and learn from history is key to planning for the future. Creating gardens which look good today is a fundamental part of our job, and it has never been more important to blend all three.

The Society of Garden Designers has produced an illustrated garden history poster, charting the evolution of the garden from 43AD to today. Download it at sgd.org.uk.

An internationally recognised garden designer, Andrew Duff MSGD has been designing gardens for over 30 years. In addition to running his practice, he is managing director of the world renowned Inchbald School of Design and is co-chair of the Society of Garden Designers. sgd.org.uk

©MarianneMajerus

It’s not just the here and now that garden designers need to consider, explains Andrew Duff

ANDREW DUFF

The past can tell us so many things and it would be arrogant to dismiss history and the thousands of years of inspiration we can tap into

PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE.

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KMA 135 R CORDLESS KOMBIENGINE. WITH BG-KM LEAF BLOWER.

SCOPING OUT NET ZERO

The built environment sector’s impact on climate change, local, regional and global communities, and the Earth’s natural resources is an ongoing topic of intense focus and discussion. Nearly two years ago, Dr Marcus Watson delivered a thought-provoking message during the Pro Landscaper Summit at FutureScape. Many of us were left contemplating a doomsday scenario when thinking about the not-so-distant future. Yet, the questions ‘Why bother?’ and ‘What’s the point?’ remain commonplace within the sector.

Are businesses pursuing a journey towards net zero carbon by choice, or is it mandated? For Maylim, the latter has undeniably sharpened our focus and has propelled our commitment of time and resources towards achieving net zero, albeit not in the Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions domains.

In 2021, we launched our Sustainable Construction Policy and recently pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2026 –a paramount requirement of our clients. This commitment aligns with the 1.5°C global warming threshold and our ambition to attain net zero within Maylim’s business operations. Is our response too slow, and how do we measure against the rest of the industry?

Maylim is constantly self-examining, recognising the complexities inherent to the landscaping and construction industries with its myriad interdependencies.

While achieving carbon neutrality concerning Scope 1 and 2 emissions is commendable, it forms only a fraction of the narrative. In a world where specifications are prescribed, these emissions generated by our operations are directly shaped by clients and their consulting teams. Additionally, Scope 3 emissions are entirely influenced by specifications, a realm we have long regarded as beyond our control.

Decarbonising the supply chain and fully comprehending Scope 3 emissions may require substantial investment and a collective effort in knowledge sharing. Maylim is currently

working towards achieving net zero within our supply chain, fostering collaboration with our clients to decarbonise projects and facilitate their net zero ambitions.

We’ve had to invest and procure knowledge and expertise, which we believe are currently scarce within the sector. As a business, we advocate for increased collaboration, along with readily available tools and resources. This transcends achieving carbon-neutral business operations. The industry requires a comprehensive understanding of whole-life cycle carbon to make informed decisions during the design, construction and maintenance phases.

THOMAS O’MAHONY

Thomas O’Mahony is managing director of Maylim, a BALI Grand Award-winning organisation, specialising in high-quality external works and landscaping schemes. Originally from a civilengineering background, Tom has over 30 years’ experience across a diverse range of landscaping, infrastructure and urban regeneration projects. maylim.co.uk

We’ve had to invest and procure knowledge and expertise, which we believe are currently scarce within the sector

Thomas O'Mahony explains how collaboration and sharing

knowledge will help us all to drive down our emissions

REPURPOSED CONCRETE AT EXCHANGE SQUARE

SUPPLY CHAIN DISCUSSIONS

CHANGING LANDSCAPE, Changing aesthetic

Iwas recently sat with a friend discussing the successes and failings of horticulture in his home, Barcelona. Josep was, until recently, a nursery owner and part of a large cooperative group in and around Barcelona, producing a wide range of plants largely for export. The UK was and still is a pretty big client for that group and he had witnessed several changes in market demand over his years supplying here. Some of these changes were in the hope that Mediterranean gardening in the UK would be a success story, with British holiday-goers trying to recreate a piece of their travels in their own back gardens.

This was popular in the 1990s and shows like Ground Force helped to promote the idea of a Meditereanean garden style in the UK. In my experience, though, it largely failed. While it was typically warm enough in summer for much of these plants to succeed, the winter wet invariably got them and a preferred aesthetic shifted, as these things regularly do.

But the last five years have suggested quite strongly that we may now have an even closer climate to the Mediterranean holidays of two decades ago and much of the plant material we associate with the gardens and landscapes of the Med are now not only popular but also surviving well across the UK. A decade ago, I didn’t expect most olive trees that I saw and indeed sold in the UK to do well; too many defoliated, and unhappy trees seen over the years had led me to believe this to be entirely true. Though I no longer sell olive trees to reduce the risk of Xylella making its way into the UK, I see a lot of them not just surviving but thriving throughout the UK; what may have been achievable in a hot garden in the Southeast of England a decade back, is now doable in Scotland (especially

Even the increase in rainfall in winter seems less impactful on these and plenty of other plants as the heat and sun exposure of the spring, summer and

even autumn, is helping them to grow. A friend sent me a video he took of a garden in London where the owners can pick ripe avocados from a very substantial tree. Yes, it is London, and it is pretty sheltered near a wall, but this was a large tree and must have been 50 to 100 years old. All those cold winters, all those seasonal storms –and yet it has grown well and is actually fruiting. These anomalies are starting to become the norm in some places and while our typical climate across the UK will be unlikely to support the tropical tree species in general, it will be true in some local microclimates.

Back to Barcelona, where Josep has retired and is now focused on educating schools groups and college students about the value of horticulture as a profession. This I love and think is exactly what we need to do more of in the UK to help encourage people into the industry. He is also part of a team that evaluates planting in towns and cities, akin to Britain in Bloom or Beautiful Scotland Award, and possibly most interestingly is part of a group that is assessing future plants for cultivating in the changing climate of Southern and Mediterranean Europe.

I know some universities are assessing the likely replacements to our native trees when climate change no longer favours their growing in the UK. I do feel, however, that we need to do a lot more of this. If Central Scotland in the next 20 years will have a climate similar to that experienced in Southern England over the last decade, then Southern England will be more like Spain and Italy now – 48°C highs do not well suit much of our flora and we need to be ahead of this temperature and climate trend in producing the trees and plants of a future UK.

LEWIS NORMAND

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

Our changing climate is impacting what we are now able to grow across the UK, explains Lewis Normand

While I suspect that our typical climate across the UK will be unlikely to support the growing and fruiting of tropical tree species in general, it will be true in local microclimates

TREE FAILURES Reduce your

As autumn approaches, tree planting makes a return to the work routine. However, our industry does not have a good track record for tree planting survival and establishment. For example, hundreds of thousands of whips failed on the A14/A1 junction at a replacement cost of over £1m. Overall, on National Highways projects, 30% of saplings die within the first five years. Failure rates of 30-50% are far too common in urban plantings, while in woodlands it’s closer to 15%. But all are avoidable. A failure level of near to or less than 5% ought to be achieved. At a recent Barcham Trees roadshow, former Kew tree man Tony Kirkham reminded the audience of tree folk what good planting technique is, and I thought it appropriate to pass on his advice.

So, trees are dry, stressed and usually only have a partial root system. UK grown trees can be lifted and supplied in a much shorter timescale with less stress to check future development. So, check trees carefully on arrival, reject dry roots, irrigate and get them planted as soon as possible.

Planting

Why are our failure rates so high? It is not difficult. It can be due to several factors:

• Poor quality plant stock from growers;

• Poor planting;

• Poor technical knowledge of staff; and

• Lack of aftercare.

Plant stock

Insufficient trees are grown on UK nurseries to meet demand, so large numbers are imported from across Europe. This involves the trees being lifted, possibly stored out of frozen ground on the continent before being transported, resulting in trees spending many days or weeks out of soil with insufficient water even in dormancy.

Trees are too often planted: too deep; with poor alignment of tree watering tubes; in trees pit which are dug too deep and over enriched with compost; and still with their pot bags on. However, planting depth is critical, and this is probably the biggest cause of failure; even 50mm too low causes roots to be starved of air and in heavy soils drown. So, always plant to the basal flare of the trunk, even if it means scraping away soil to find this level. Plant the basal flare at ground level or even 50mm higher. Planting pits need not be dug or cultivated below the depth of the pot or rootball, as this causes soil to consolidate later and suck the tree down. Plant them on firm ground which won’t

subside. In addition, watering tubes need to be around the top half of the rootball to deliver water on target; below the rootball is pointless. Research has shown, off target, they are better at delivering air to the roots. Current best practice is to plant in square holes at least twice the diameter of the rootball, so roots can escape via the corners and not be diverted in circles by round holes. Always backfill with the local soil and don’t bother to enrich it with compost nor fertiliser (at least for the first year). Do mulch at least a metre diameter – it keeps mower and strimmer damage away – but keep mulch away from the trunk by 50mm. Please stake appropriately to keep roots stable in the ground. Watering on completion speeds up the tree’s establishment journey.

Planting depth is critical, and this is probably the biggest cause of failure

USE A TREE TIE, NOT NAILS!

A LOCAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT WHERE, IN THE ‘GREEN SPACE’, THEY HAVE PLANTED NINE TREES. ONE IS HEALTHY, TWO ARE UNHEALTHY AND SIX ARE DEAD – WITH NO APPARENT FOLLOW UP FROM THE LOCAL PLANNERS WHO MADE TREE PLANTING A CONDITION OF DEVELOPMENT

©Tony Kirkham

Technical knowledge

Across my career I have visited too many failing or dead trees. These were often planted too deep; a full spade spit is my record. Or wire root-cages had been removed breaking up the rootball and damaging fine roots. Often, water competing vegetation has been allowed up to the trunk making the job harder for trees' roots. These are simple errors which can be avoided. Don’t take it for granted your staff has this knowledge. It is important to train up all your planting staff to follow modern best practice; take the time and see your replant liabilities reduce. If you don’t feel you have the right knowledge, ask

your nursery to send you a trainer. Nurseries don’t want to see their trees fail.

Aftercare

This is, after planting depth, the second biggest tree killer. For contractors supplying good aftercare, costs and tenders are not won on reasonable prices. Clients like to plant, and so take the photo opportunity and walk away. You don’t treat your babies or children like this, and trees need nurturing too, for at least the first or second year.

So, educate your clients that well-funded aftercare will ensure they achieve the tree cover they planned for. Is it worth working for clients who don’t care beyond the practical completion?

SEE THE UNCOVERED, PALER ROOTBALL SOIL AND THE SAME TREE WITH VEGETATION UP TO THE TRUNK SO THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY HIGH COMPETITION FOR WATER WHICH WOULD HAVE INCREASED STRESS FROM PLANTING DEPTH

Our springs often include a drought period, and this is when trees suffer. Don’t assume rainfall is enough to irrigate your newly planted tree. In spring – April and through to August – trees need help at least on a fortnightly basis. A tree watering bag is ideal as it leaks over the rootzone without run off. Watering tubes are good if correctly placed. Irrigate a suitable quantity – tree bags hold 75L and are good for 10-12cm girth and above trees, whereas those 25cm+ can have two bags zipped together. Yes, watering bags may not be very aesthetic or good to look at; but dead trees are more of an eyesore. Invest in suitable water bowsers which can deliver irrigation well. Splashing water over the planting circle with lots of run off is not effective enough; you need water to penetrate the rootzone and hydrate the tree.

So, ladies and gentlemen, instil in your staff the benefits of getting trees to survive

and become established, and planting is only the first part. Their successful planting will reap benefits for stakeholders for years and decades to come and will quickly provide a shady spot on those frequent hot sunny days.

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

Tree failure is avoidable, explains Nick Coslett, as he shares key advice from one of the best in the business

NICK COSLETT

BIRCH TREE (WHICH HAD DIED) PLANTED 100MM TOO DEEP

CONTAINERISED TREES PLANTED WITH THEIR ROOTBAGS, SO OF COURSE THEY DIED

It is important to train up all your planting staff to follow modern best practice; take the time and see your replant liabilities reduce

DON’T STAKE IF THE TREE SIZE DOES NOT REQUIRE IT

©Jeremy Barrell

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WILDLIFE GARDENING The art of

The hardest wildlife garden to get right, and the longest job, is a real wildlife meadow.

A ‘wildflower meadow’, in a sunny position, with many grass species and a long season of different flowers, cannot avoid being cut once a year. So, what we have to do is make the cut as late as possible, and make the flowering interest continue as late as possible into autumn, starting again as early as possible the following spring.

First, the grasses; gardeners tend to forget how important these are. If you are lucky, and starting with an old lawn, you can try the first year just leaving the grass uncut until at least August and see what grows. You do not need to identify the species; just count how many different grass flower heads are present –five is good.

The grass is essential, and not only does it look right, but it is right. Many of the invertebrate species we want

to make a home for actually feed on the grass leaves or flowers. Grasshoppers are a keystone species, in that they are recognised – sight and sound – by most people and are hated or feared by very few people. But they do not survive in any of their life stages without long grass.

Also, many butterflies have caterpillars which eat grass, and these iconic species too cannot survive without it.

The caterpillars of many of the best-known urban butterflies such as speckled wood, ringlet, meadow brown, marbled white and gatekeeper butterfly eat only meadow grasses, so however many lovely ‘pollination friendly’ flowers you have, if there are no grasses, then there are no butterflies.

Ok, that’s the grasses. Now let’s add some early flowers. Early spring flowers like primroses will not survive being crowded by the vigorous summer growth of your meadow, but many spring flowering bulbs planted in November, such as narcissus, are grassland adapted species which will thrive. A mix of early and late narcissus with fritillarias, tulips and camassias will keep the

flowering succession going until the herbaceous flowers take over. These bulbs all have fairly short-lived leaves, which die back before the grasses grow up to swamp them. Tough tulips like ‘Red Riding Hood’ are best. Other bulbs, like Leucojum aestivum, survive and multiply too.

While planting these spring bulbs, this is also the best time to dig other holes, so choose November to also plant the perennial wildflowers which

have to be introduced as well-grown specimens.

In this category are the native plants which establish badly from seed or grow slowly and don’t flower well until the third year. These seven

However many lovely ‘pollination friendly’ flowers you have, if there are no grasses, then there are no butterflies

DEVIL’S BIT SCABIOUS ESTABLISHES NICELY INTO GRASSLANDS, AND FLOWERS WELL INTO SEPTEMBER

Noel Brock talks us through how to create a ‘real’ wildflower meadow

FEMALE GATEKEEPER (PYRONIA TITHONUS). THE CATERPILLARS EAT COCKSFOOT AND SEVERAL OTHER COMMON GRASS SPECIES

A ROESEL’S BUSH-CRICKET ABOUT TO BE RELEASED TO ONE OF OUR MICRO-WILDED SITES IN CENTRAL LONDON (ROESELIANA ROESELII)

NARCISSUS IN GRASSLAND

natives, plus one long-naturalised introduction, are ideal:

• Greater knapweed (native)

• Common or black knapweed (native)

• Field scabious or gipsy rose (native)

• Small scabious (native)

• Devil's bit scabious (native)

• Meadow cranesbill (native)

• Wood cranesbill (native)

• Dotted loosestrife (naturalised since 1600)

These plants may be more trouble to plant, but all of the above are super insect plants.

Field scabious, for example, is the single best flower for insect pollinators in Britain, and they are tough, long-lived perennials. Once established, they will increase in size for decades.

At this stage, also add any non-natives that you want to include. The purpose of these is mainly to extend the flowering period well into the autumn and introduce some colours that you don’t get from the natives.

You could choose Crocosmia crocosmiiflora and Anemone hupehensis, which are both already well established as a naturalised wild plant in western England. Or phlox of various colours

flower mostly late and most of them establish well into grassland. Aster novae-angliae establishes so well that you will need to start removing Gladiolus illyricus bulbs – also to plant in November – flower May-June and naturalise well (this is also a native, but nearly extinct in the wild in UK).

The tough, easy-to-grow grassland flowers that can be sown as seeds into scrapes in the grass, after the November cut, are:

• Oxeye daisies

• Yarrow

• Red campion

• White campion

• Meadow buttercup

• Cuckooflower

• Tufted vetch

• St John's wort

• Carthusian pink

All these are native except the last, which is only worth trying in a dry, warm, sunny site. All will grow quickly and flower in the first year, then establish as perennials.

If your starting lawn is young and dominated by ryegrass, strip it off and work about 50kg per square metre of 6mm limestone chips into the surface; these are sold cheaply by any builders' merchant for covering flat roofs. Then sow a meadow

GLADIOLUS ILLYRICUS ARE A NATURAL GRASSLAND SPECIES, AND CAN BE BOUGHT CHEAPLY AS BULBS; FLOWERS MAY-JUNE AND NATURALISES WELL

grass and flowers mixture (Pro Flora small EU ‘A’ package is very good) in November or December. This package will tell you to sow in April or September, but November is best and at the same time, plant perennials, bulbs, etc., as above.

NOEL BROCK

For many years, Frognal Gardens has been building, planting, and maintaining gardens, both private and commercial, in and around Hampstead, central London. During this time, Brock has also pursued his interest in wildlife all over the world, and within the London area. There is an obvious connection between wildlife and horticulture, but it is only recently that he has been able to bring those worlds fully together.

frognalgardens.com

A WILD STRIP IN A FORMAL LAWN, SOWN IN 2019 WITH PRO FLORA EU “A” ONTO BARE GROUND, AND WITH SOME BULBS ADDED SMALL SCABIOUS

COMMON KNAPWEED

Choose November to also plant the perennial wildflowers which have to be introduced as well-grown specimens

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The cons of

CULTIVARS

Much of horticulture is about growing cultivars –named selections of plant species, or hybrids, which are propagated by the nursery industry so that all individuals of the cultivar are genetically identical. There will then be a pretty good chance that they will therefore look more or less the same as mature plants in the landscape.

We have always loved cultivars! They give us predictability, consistency and therefore clearly defined outcomes. Pyrus 'Chanticleer' will always have that neat profile and Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm', always the same golden-yellow flowers for two months of late summer. Much of the nursery industry does its utmost to select cultivars, propagate them and increasingly to seek PBR (plant breeders’ rights) on them.

The issue is most crucial for trees, because of the importance that their size gives them in the designed landscape, their longevity and, what will become an increasingly important factor, the shade that they cast in hot summers. And yet it is often consistency that we most demand from trees as projects on all scales now expect a constantly elevating level of bespoke precision. Genetically mixed populations spread the risk, reducing the possibility that a summer drought will have the same impact on all the individuals planted out for a particular project.

Cultivars can, however, be disastrous, and at a time of escalating climate change and arrivals of new pests and diseases, this focus on the genetically identical may be the very last thing the industry needs to be focusing on. Genetically identical plants are all identically vulnerable – to disease, drought, or cold. The classic example has been the 'English' elm, actually a clone from Greece that the Romans used as a living support for vines in their British province. Along comes Dutch elm disease and they went down like ninepins. The native wych elm suffered too, but with resistant individuals surviving. Ash dieback disease today kills some, and spares others – thanks to natural genetic diversity, which for the species means long-term survival. At a time when plants are facing a rapidly changing environment, this genetic diversity could mean the difference between extinction and survival.

Growing genetically diverse populations of landscape plants will mean a lot more production from seed; results may be slower, plants of course not 100% consistent, but in many cases production may be cheaper. There will be a change in the availability of certain characteristics – sterile varieties (always genetically identical clones) such as double roses or mophead hydrangeas might disappear. Breeders will need to focus on developing seed strains of desirable plants with some consistency around a defined set of characteristics but with variation, particularly around environmental tolerances. We will have to get used to the fact that genetic variation introduces its own set of visually interesting characteristics into landscapes –different leaf sizes, plant shapes, flowering times, subtly-different autumn colours, all can be seen as part of a richer and more diverse planted landscape.

NOEL KINGSBURY

Noel Kingsbury is a freelance designer, writer and researcher who has long promoted naturalistic planting design. He also teaches at Boston Architectural College. noelkingsbury.com

Striving for our plants and trees to look identical is not futureproofing our landscapes, warns Noel Kingsbury

This focus on the genetically identical may be the very last thing the industry needs to be focusing on

RUDBECKIA 'GOLDSTURM'

PYRUS 'CHANTICLEER'

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MULCH BETTER

Bark and mulch have a host benefits, from insulation to natural weed control

Weed suppression

“Bark mulch is a versatile organic material that brings an array of advantages to landscaping projects,” says Ken Brewster, Hallstone’s marketing director. Bark mulch “acts as a natural weed barrier, reducing the need for constant weeding. This allows landscapers to maintain clean and manicured spaces effortlessly.”

Reduces maintenance

Which brings us onto how it reduces the aftercare needed, “including weeding, watering, and pest control,” says Lahra Thwaite-Benn, marketing & media manager for AHS Ltd. It “helps retain moisture in the soil, ensuring optimal hydration for plants. This reduces the frequency of watering, saving time and resources,” adds Brewster.

Natural insulation

“Mulch helps insulate your soil during the winter and cooler during hotter weather, which in turn reduces stress on your plants and aids growth,” says Thwaite-Benn.

Eco Woodland Mulch

Elevate beds, protect a garden and repel intruders with Eco's organic Woodland Garden Mulch. Locally sourced, it's the ideal choice for plant protection and enhanced landscapes. Screened to 30mm, the organic Woodland Garden Mulch has neutral pH and is a perfect blend of soft and hardwood. thisiseco.co.uk

Boost soil health

“As bark mulch gradually decomposes, it enriches the soil with essential nutrients, enhancing soil structure and nurturing a thriving community of beneficial microorganisms,” explains Connor Scott, sales manager at Eco Sustainable Solutions. “This ecological approach not only supports sustainable gardening practices but also ensures that your garden remains a flourishing and low-maintenance oasis throughout the seasons.”

Controls soil erosion

“On slopes and embankments, bark mulch prevents soil erosion, offering effective protection against water runoff,” says Brewster. “Mulches from sustainable sources are both good for the environment and help prevent soil erosion from heavy rain and the loss of topsoil,” adds Thwaite-Benn.

Plenty of choice

“Mulches come in various types and sizes, which you can choose to add extra visual appeal to your scheme,” says Thwaite-Benn.

It looks good too

“The rich, earthy tones of bark mulch provide an aesthetically pleasing backdrop to plants, enhancing their visual appeal,” says Brewster. As Scott puts it: “Bark mulch, often an underappreciated addition to gardens, brings a wealth of practical benefits that contribute to the overall vitality of your outdoor space. Functioning as a natural insulator, it plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal soil moisture and temperature levels. Its dual role as a protective barrier significantly reduces the emergence of weeds, alleviating the need for constant maintenance.”

Heart of Eden Decorative Bark

Available in 60L or 80L pre-packed bags or 100L bales, this mulch is produced from sustainable UK forests and is perfect for landscapers. ahs-ltd.co.uk

Hallstone Bark Mulch

An affordable, premium-grade, generalpurpose FSC® certified (FSC®-C147081) bark mulch, sourced in the UK. It provides a natural way to enhance the appearance and performance of any landscaping scheme. hallstone.co.uk

Putting down RO OTS

New Wood Trees

Ulmus ‘New Horizon’

– part of the Resista

Elm group of elms –is a medium to large tree which is completely resistant to Dutch elm disease, which excels in heavy soils. In maturity, it forms an attractive rounded canopy. This exciting elm shares the same phenology as the native elm and as such is a host to the extremely rare white-letter hairstreak butterfly, an endangered species. This tough tree is a fast grower and quick to establish. Fully hardy in extreme cold, drought resistant, tolerant of periodical waterlogging, it thrives in coastal conditions and poor and heavy soils. Ulmus ‘New Horizon’ is perfect for planting for SuDS schemes, car parks, central reservations on the highway, harsh urban developments; and coastal plantings. hillier.co.uk

ACER CAMPESTRE (FIELD MAPLE)

This is a native tree that we find is coping extremely well with the changing climate. We prune ours to have broad canopies, and to show off the beautiful corky bark, accentuated when grown as a multi-stem. In the autumn, the five lobed, dark green leaves become a soft buttery yellow before falling to the ground. They're very easy to transplant, usually showing minimal signs of transplant shock, and are quick to re-establish their root systems. We recommend watering throughout the first summer after planting and putting well-rotted bark mulch over the rootball to prevent it from drying out. newwoodtrees.co.uk

Closely related to beech trees and, if left unpruned, will eventually grow to a similar size, hornbeam is better suited to heavy and clay soils and, although it won’t take permanently waterlogged conditions, it may tolerate short periods of winter flooding.

If kept trimmed, bornbeam is excellent for screening on sites where conditions are too damp for evergreens to thrive as its marcescence provides privacy in winter, and without the potential issues of the High Hedge Legislation that applies to evergreens. This of course makes hornbeam a useful hedging option but as it is both flexible and easy to prune it is extremely popular for pleaching for screening above walls or fences or for pruning into dense, sculptural shapes.

Wykeham Mature Plants

Being tolerant of clay soils does not mean that it can simply be planted directly into compacted subsoil; usual planting pit preparation should be undertaken in advance to provide appropriate conditions and aeration. When considering aftercare options, ensure that watering systems allow the irrigation water to pass over and through the rootball rather than just piping it directly to the base of the pit.

wykehammatureplants.co.uk

If in need of a tree variety ideal of a heavy soil, then look no further

CARPINUS BETULUS (COMMON HORNBEAM)

ULMUS ‘NEW HORIZON’

Hillier

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Clover lawns are gaining in popularity as ecologists, landscape architects and home owners look to make outdoor spaces more welcoming to wildlife and spare the environment from chemicals that can threaten ecosystems and watercourses. Our beautiful eco alternative to conventional turf is strongly drought resistant being deep rooting, which helps it stay green throughout the summer, saving precious water resources.

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OUR CROPAUTUMN IS NOWREADY HARVESTTO

“THE FAMILY FEEL OF OUR BUSINESS IS UNIQUE; YOU ALWAYS FEEL VALUED AND YOUR THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS MATTER”

Lee Baxter, the head of operations at Redfields Landscaping and Design has worked in the landscape industry for over 18 years, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the company’s ever-growing reputation across the south of England

For Lee Baxter, it all started as a summer job. He was waiting to start a college course in motor sport mechanics and soon found that he enjoyed working outdoors and having money in his pocket, so decided to stick with it.“Working outdoors felt amazing and being able to see an instant impact on what you had done was very rewarding; whether it be from cutting grass and planting to laying a patio or installing a fence, the sense of achievement from this felt great,” says Baxter.

Then, around 11 years ago, one of his friends who was working at Redfields Landscaping & Design made him aware of a position at the company, so Baxter applied. “I got the job and began working with the team for about a year before I decided to go out and work for myself.”

His business grew quickly, mainly dealing with domestic clients, transforming their gardens to usable spaces that they were proud to show off to friends and family. However, Baxter continued to work alongside Redfields, subcontracting for a couple of

commercial projects and carrying out their hard landscaping such as artificial lawns, timber, composite decking and raised sleeper planters. “I was called in by the head of operations thinking I was going to be told they no longer needed my services as a subcontractor but, much to my surprise, I was actually offered a job as a contracts manager."

It was a huge and difficult decision to make, but Baxter felt it was too good of an opportunity to turn down.“The family feel of this business is unique; you always feel valued and your thoughts and opinions matter. So, I took the contracts manager's job, because I didn't know if I would ever get another opportunity to go back! I knew Redfields, I knew what they were about.” So, Baxter rejoined in October 2018. He was then promoted to senior contracts manager in July 2021 before taking up his current position as head of operations last year.

“I’m now the direct line manager to 40 employees, dealing with HR issues and implementing good and safe practice in the workplace. My team and I are currently working on over 45 active sites where I have the pleasure of dealing with site and project managers, surveyors and in some cases directors of major housebuilders and developers. I pride myself on building strong relationships with clients and suppliers to deliver our product above and beyond our clients' needs.”

Redfields now has expansion plans in its sights. Founded in 1985, Redfields was a family-owned business until it was sold to a large corporate entity. In 2022, the company was acquired by entri group – an independent investor that seeks to buy businesses whose owners are

looking to move on or retire. Headed by Ian Osburn, entri values private businesses and saw that, previously, when private owners wanted to leave, the business often had to close. entri prides itself on looking after the business, and has invested in Redfields to further grow the company’s footprint, whilst keeping the key areas which make it work, such as the family atmosphere. The business has already doubled in staff and turnover in the past two years, following Tony Mann joining the company as managing director in 2020. Last year, it turned over £4.6m and is currently sitting at about £7m in the order book and expecting this will grow by a further £1m this year.

I pride myself on building strong relationships with clients and suppliers to deliver our product above and beyond our clients' needs

“Over the last couple of years, we've really seen work pick up massively. Our reputation has grown quite a lot, which is largely down to Tony who helped to develop the overall business plan. He made us aware of areas that we could improve ourselves, which is proving amazing.” Mann is described by Baxter as a great teacher; “he has helped me to grow as a person as well as a manager.”

Growing the team significantly to more than 50 members of staff has also “enabled us to adequately resource our projects, provide key management with support teams so they are more effective and provide the level of service we want to give our clients. "As well as now being able to offer a design and install package to clients, Redfields has maintained

Project Focus

a portfolio of accreditations including multiple ISO certifications and the upgrade of its Constructionline Gold membership earlier this year. These achievements have allowed Redfields to secure its biggest project yet –a £1m contract in Kent.

“We can’t see the growing numbers of opportunities in Kent these past six months slowing anytime soon with all the key housebuilders currently developing in this region. Redfields currently has five live projects in this region and a new team based here, opening an additional yard in Kent in September 2023, with numerous clients with a strong pipeline of projects within this region and West Sussex. We’re also seeing growth in Oxfordshire and Thames Valley.”

As a company,“our biggest achievements have been growing our team, our operational footprint, and the services we offer.” It is something Baxter has been keen on developing since he started at the company and to be able to make decisions with support from the investor owner and directors, has confirmed the choice he made to return to Redfields.

Since, he has become a chartered manager, something he is incredibly proud of; "It is my biggest achievement. It took me two years and in the process of becoming a chartered manager, I completed a Level 5 diploma in

PORTSDOWN VIEW CARE HOME

Client/contractor: Dalton Homes North East Ltd

Location: Bedhampton, Havant

Landscaping installation and grounds maintenance by Redfields

This stunning new 71-bed care home in Bedhampton has been landscaped beautifully throughout the grounds – elements include wildflower seeding all around edges of the development and 20 trees planted. The shrubs selected by the landscape architect will offer year-round interest with a mix of structural, groundcover and herbaceous shrubs creating a tranquil space for the residents.

1 Furnace Lane, Horsmonden – Thakeham

2 The Redfields team

3 Lee Baxter presenting to the team

management and leadership and a Level 5 in operations and departmental management. It was pretty difficult and there were times when I could have easily thrown in the towel, but thankfully I got a lot of support from my team and my partner, so they've all been very understanding.”

With a focus on the housebuilding and commercial sectors, Redfields specialises in residential new builds, which includes retirement villages and care homes.“We do open space landscaping, large SANGS, play areas, pocket parks, and specialist services as well. We also consider the biodiversity net gain, which is obviously high on the agenda for developers given that the change in planning permission requirements will be coming into play from November 2023, and it’s more apparent that people are conscious of the environment; we're always looking at ways that we can enhance the local ecological value.”

Based in Farnham, Hampshire, Redfields operates in the South, South East, and home counties including Oxfordshire, catering for tier 1 and tier 2 contractors. Its main client base is blue chip housebuilders and developers; “however, we are also appointed by main contractors on residential developments. There is a huge amount of growth in retirement developments. We also help with the design, and as there are a lot more luxury developments coming up within this space, it's something we've been really keen to work on.”

Redfields is keenly aware it’s a challenging market for its clients. Interest rates and economic uncertainty have seemingly caused a house buying slump, impacting new developments, says Baxter.“Clients are looking for us to value engineer landscaping in order to leverage better value whilst maximising appeal and increase footfall of the best buyers – this is where having design capability is beneficial.”

Recruitment of quality and experienced staff is also a hurdle, but Redfields has its own way of renumerating its people and, as a consequence, the staff turnover remains low.

“We offer incentives like a retention bonus, so the longer they stay the more money they get, which is paid out every six months. All we ask is for them to do what’s needed of them; just turn up every day, on time, try to be upbeat and avoid those Monday blues. Because of things like this, and the family atmosphere, people stay” – all of which suggest that, despite no longer being a family-run company, the original values of such a company remain.

With big ambitions for the future and having already made a name for itself thus far, Redfields plans to continue going the extra mile for clients, staff, and industry alike. And having Osburn, Mann and, of course, Baxter at the heart of the company, a slump in the housebuilding market is unlikely to halt this company's growth.

4 Audley Fairmile Retirement Village, Cobham

5 New qualifications achieved by Lee

6 Maximus Gym community garden donation

We're always looking at ways that we can enhance the local ecological value

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Breaking down

How can we diversify our workforce and make horticulture more inclusive ?

BARRIERS

Two years ago, former police officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced to more than 22 years in prison for murder. Whilst a member of the Minneapolis Police Department in May 2020, the 44-year-old white American had knelt on the neck of 46-year-old African American George Floyd for more than nine minutes whilst trying to arrest him, despite Floyd shouting: “I can’t breathe.”

The brutality of Chauvin and three other police officers involved didn’t just hit the headlines in Minneapolis; Black Lives Matter protests started in the Twin Cities, but they spread across the globe. Last summer, Chauvin received a separate 21-year sentence – to coincide with the first – for violating Floyd’s civil rights. It sent a message that racism in the Minneapolis Police Department – or any police department, for that matter –would not be tolerated.

But it sent a wider message too; that discrimination of any kind, in any institute or organisation or company, would not be tolerated. Industries have since set about trying to become more diverse and inclusive, not because they feel they have to, but because there are benefits to having a more diverse workforce, such as greater staff retention and improved productivity, according to Breathe HR.

The term ‘diversity’ has also, well, diversified. Speaking at a recent event at RHS Wisley around Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (ED&I) in horticulture, Mo Kebbay – who joined as head of diversity, inclusion and wellbeing at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) last June –laid out what diversity means to the RHS: “[It] means all the ways we differ, and it includes everyone. It includes our visible differences, such as gender, race, ethnicity and disabilities. However, it also includes our non-visible differences,

such as sexual orientation, social class, heritage, religion, non-visible disabilities, different perspectives and thought processes, education, family status and age.”

Kebbay says the RHS is now “talking about it holistically and broadly” and it has set itself key goals as part of its Diversity & Inclusion Plan 2022-2030, called ‘Becoming Inclusive by Instinct’. These include aims for 14% of its employees and 10% in management positions to be of ethnic minority, for 10% of its employees to be disabled, and for 10% to be part of the LGBT+ community, all by 2030.

As RHS council member Tazim Essani put it, “change isn’t easy” but “when we want an organisation to become more diverse it isn’t about hiring people who look a bit different, it’s actually about driving cultural change.” The council is working harder to drive inclusion, says Essani, as this “adds richness to discussion”. Whilst the RHS might be one of the biggest organisations leading the way to a more diverse industry, it’s far from the only one striving to attract a wider audience to horticulture. It is one of a few

When we want an organisation to become more diverse it isn’t about hiring people who look a bit different, it’s actually about driving cultural change

Tazim Essani, RHS council member

signatories of the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Charter for the horticulture, arboriculture, landscaping and garden media profession, which was signed last year by trade associations.

It came about after a webinar on the topic run by the British Association of Landscape Industries the year before, called ‘Access All Areas’. They wanted to “keep the conversation going,” says Adrian Wickham, vice-chair of the British Association of Landscape Industries and corporate development director at Glendale.

Wickham and chair Tessa Johnstone have since developed an industry-wide survey with their fellow signatories to provide a baseline figure as to just how diverse the industry is currently. The survey is still open, but initial results for just over 500 people show that the majority (36.4%) of respondents are aged 45-54 whilst less than 5% are aged 16-24. Most (70%) identify as female, 8.6% said they care for someone with long-term physical or mental ill health caused by disability or age for one to 19 hours a week unpaid, and nearly a third (31%) said they are the primary carer for a child or children under 18.

The results raise more questions than answers, says Wickham, such as whether our industry is flexible enough to those who are caring for others. “It’s still a journey, we’re still learning, and I think that our charter group is one thing we can do for the

industry where we can learn together and share good practice and share knowledge.”

The charter group has hired an external advisor – Gamiel Yafai, founder and CEO of Diversity Marketplace and an award-winning ED&I consultant. “We thought it was really important to have somebody to help guide us, especially post-survey, and say some of the next steps. We also want to be able to signpost people who may have queries,” says Wickham. Ultimately, the founders of the charter would like it to become a platform for a ‘horticultural tool kit’, adds Johnstone – somewhere people can seek advice, support and resources around ED&I. Its goal, similar to the title of the RHS’ plan, is for ED&I to become embedded in the industry. “I hope in a few years that we get to the stage where we don’t need ED&I leaders anymore; instead, we just have leaders because ED&I should just be happening.”

Diversity is the driver, but it’s also about bringing more people into the industry to address the skills shortage, says Wickham.

For this, we need to think outside the box when it comes to recruiting. Instead of using obvious job boards such as Indeed, Wickham suggests advertising through more targeted methods, such as more local press and community groups. “We need to start looking at how we’re being equitable for people to apply for roles.”

The RHS’ initiative New Shoots, which launched last year, is going to education and community settings to engage more with people to show the careers available and the possibilities available when entering horticulture. It is creating more touchpoints, such as taster events, work experience programmes and volunteering at RHS gardens. The idea is to not only raise the profile of horticulture but to remove barriers to entry.

By 2025, it is aiming for 20% of programme participants to be from currently underrepresented groups. It has already seen a 267% increase in placements for over 18s in the curatorial teams at RHS Wisley since it started in February this year, compared to 2022.

“New Shoots is trying to create a pathway, and really signpost people towards opportunities to have a slightly deeper engagement with the RHS and be in a position to make an informed decision on whether horticulture is what they would like to continue as a career,” Lisa Peter, horticultural engagement manager for New Shoots, told the audience at the ED&I event at Wisley. “We’re giving people chances, not jobs,” to showcase opportunities in the hope that they will join the workforce.

It’s still a journey, we’re still learning, and I think that our charter group is one thing we can do for the industry where we can learn together and share good practice and share knowledge

Adrian Wickham, vice-chair of the British Association of Landscape Industries and corporate development director at Glendale

To make horticulture more inclusive, people also need to be able to recognise themselves in the industry, says Johnstone. “Maybe it’s not through TV anymore, because how many young people actually sit and watch live TV on BBC1 or ITV? Most of us are watching a series on Netflix or Amazon Prime, so how are we going to influence that? How are we going to make TV series that are accessible for young people,” asks Mollie Higginson, co-founder of the Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) and charter signatory.

The YPHA now has around 630 members with a fairly even male and female split. It offers an opportunity to retain young people by offering a community, and the charter group offers an opportunity for a more joined up approach as an industry to start making changes, says Higginson.

Events such as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which has a global audience, also offer a chance to showcase the diversity of the industry and reach new talent, not just younger generations but potential career changers too. This year’s Chelsea was the first in its more than 100-year history where female designers outweighed males. The RHS’ first diversity and inclusivity ambassador, Manoj Malde, also married his long-term partner Clive Gilmore on The RHS and

Eastern Eye Garden of Unity, a space designed to encourage ED&I in horticulture.

The RHS is doing more to “anticipate needs of visitors” too, says Kebbay, be that through making its shows and gardens more wheelchair accessible or ensuring there are spaces for those who are neurodiverse and might feel overwhelmed by large crowds. It introduced a new ticket this year, for instance, which enabled people to access the show at quieter times, which Kebbay calls “a step in the right direction”.

Throughout the year, the RHS is also looking to celebrate more cultural events and observe notable dates in the year. “We want to be part of the community,” says Kebbay.

Interestingly, his job title includes the word ‘wellbeing’ alongside ‘diversity’ and ‘inclusion’. “It was important for my role to include the D&I component as well as wellbeing because we thought there was natural synergy between what our visitors are getting from visiting RHS gardens, coming to our shows, getting that outdoor experience and improving their own personal wellbeing, and also looking at how we can then address employee wellbeing as well.”

He uses the term “treating people properly” synonymously with ED&I. “How do we make sure that the people we’re recruiting are valued, included, get a sense of belonging and are able to thrive in the workplace? That’s what treating people properly is. And when we look at visitors, it’s the same principle. How do we make sure visitors enjoy our spaces, feel welcome and feel they can access all the services without facing barriers?”

Horticulture is at the beginning of this journey, says Kebbay. “It’s going to take time to win hearts and minds, because we have to start with the education piece about what diversity and inclusion mean and how it adds value to an organisation.”

There can be a “divisive perception” of diversity and inclusion, adds Kebbay. “Sometimes people think it’s about parachuting people in and parachuting people out, and prioritising certain groups and not prioritising others, or demonising certain groups. But it’s all about treating people properly, both internally and externally; that’s what we’re trying to achieve...

“There is a lot of compelling data to show that if you have diverse teams, it helps the bottom line. It’s not just a marketing exercise; there is actual value in having diverse teams and treating people properly.”

Horticulture might be at the start of its journey to become more diverse and inclusive, but there appears to be a genuine willingness from industry organisations to change for the better and to welcome a new pool of talent. The shocking events of that summer three years ago have had a lasting effect.

It’s not just a marketing exercise; there is actual value in having diverse teams and treating people properly

Mo Kebbay, head of diversity, inclusion and wellbeing at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)

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PRIDE Source of

For an industry rich in biodiversity, horticulture arguably lacks diversity within its own ranks, despite the ancient connections between horticulture and the LGBTIQA+ community.

“Flowers have been a part of a coded language within the LGBTQ+ community for centuries,” says historian Sarah Prager, the author of Rainbow Revolutionaries. “There are many floral symbols including green carnation, violets, lavender and pansies.”

Some connections dating back as early as 600BCE on the island of Lesbos with ancient Greek poet, Sappho, renowned for her erotic poetry depicting homoerotic desires for women. And before the pride flag we recognise today was created by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978, demonstrators would carry flowers in solidarity as they marched for pride.

Reaching the 21st century, a connection that was set to flourish has somewhat faded, with diversity being arguably underappreciated. Now, those set on making their mark and smashing the stigma are not doing so quietly. The Drag Queen Gardener is digging their heels into the mud, becoming a regular face at RHS shows.

Working as a horticulturist expert for a garden design company, Tom Leonard and their alter ego Daisy Desire, the Drag Queen Gardener, explained how “there are so many LGBTQ people in horticulture who aren't always celebrated, so I feel privileged to be acknowledged for that.”

Having only started his horticultural career within the last decade, Leonard has come a long way from their daily commutes overlooking the allotments from a train window. “I never did any gardening

before, but I just was always kind of intrigued to what was going on. It seemed quite charming, the idea that you rent out this little plot of land, growing your own vegetables and produce. I always thought it was so interesting – like a little fantasy I’d watch each day.”

One night they took the leap of faith and invested in themself and their first allotment. “In that first year, I basically killed everything, and I didn't know what I was doing at all; but because I got so much wrong, and made so many mistakes, I learnt so much from just throwing myself into it.”

Leonard’s age, as well as their sexuality, was a hurdle when entering the industry. “I think, because I'm only 26 and being that I'm quite evolved in my career and I know I've progressed quite well, I’ve noticed how my age can be often seen as something negative. When you hire a gardener, you don't really imagine a 26-year-old, ridiculously queer, 6’3” gay man to show up and to know what they’re doing.”

There have been moments where Leonard has felt talked down to. “They would just treat me as if I don't know what I'm doing. I learnt to brush it off and within five seconds, I've given them so much information and advice, so many different plant names and ways to evolve, they never know what to say! There's always going to be

Members of the LGBTIQA+ community provide their input concerning the celebration of diversity within horticulture

You don't have to take the drag seriously, but you take me seriously when I’m talking about gardening

Tom Leonard

TOM LEONARD AS DAISY DESIRE

KENNY RAYBOULD

people that disagree, but I’m never going to let it hold me back.”

Leonard considers it their job to take away that intimidation of gardening and remind people of its benefits, because “there's so much more to gardening than just a pretty flower”.

“In the beginning, I never planned for any of this. I had a garden Instagram account used to showcase my journey into gardening and as we were all going through such a rough time” –Leonard is referring to the series of lockdowns during the recent pandemic – “I just wanted to cheer people up and cheer myself up in the process too.”

There are so many people in the community within the horticultural industry, why would we not be celebrating? And why are we not joining pride?”

Leonard feels that the industry as a whole has been, in the past, considered to be pretentious or stuffy. They would keep their head down and do their own thing but found it really difficult. So, being able to break the mould and come forward as the Drag Queen Gardener, Leonard felt this was refreshing and “kind of humanising.”

“It is fun and ridiculous, being a drag queen but I'm also a serious horticulturist. You don't have to take the drag seriously, but you take me seriously when I’m talking about gardening.”

Experienced designer and horticulturist Kenny Raybould had similar experiences, growing up loving planting but going to school in a time where he was bullied for liking plants because it was seen as gay and not ‘cool’. “My mum has always said that I was born loving two things, Christmas and plants, and that's fine with me.”

Now, Raybould is actively campaigning for himself and his community, with a goal to create a safe and welcoming industry for everyone.

What should we do as an industry to facilitate change to support people being themselves?

Kenny Raybould

Leonard began to experiment with the world of drag and use their allotment and local garden centres as a backdrop for flaunting their alter ego. Before they knew it, the Drag Queen Gardener took centre stage at press day for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

“I just wanted to make people laugh and give them a reason to smile, but I soon realised that I could encourage people to be themselves as well as assist in taking away that intimidation of gardening.

“I love the horticultural industry; the LGBTIQA+ community isn’t something that's being suppressed, but I wouldn't say it's necessarily being celebrated, which I think is really sad. Ultimately, they’re missing out!

“A wise, bubbly, Scottish legend once said to me: ‘My advice is to be you and don't be afraid to speak up, shine, spray glitter and be as queer as possible. If people don't like it, that’s their problem. We’re going through a new punk era, it's time to be fabulous.’”

In an industry of cliques, Raybould found that he had “to dig around, pardon the pun, until you finally find a group that scoops you up and gives you the space you need to be yourself.” Once you’ve discovered

your clan, you feel like you're being accepted, says Raybould.

So, is there enough diversity within the industry, and what should be done to encourage others to be themselves?

“Although it’s gotten a little better, it has a long way to go,” says Raybould. “We need to reverse the question: What should we do as an industry to facilitate change to support people being themselves?”

Raybound believes that an essential non-political, non-biased voice is needed to develop support around these areas. “Create a policy, a strategy, that will support diversity, and provide a clear outlook on how we manage people and nature.” After all, if nature can be gender fluid, why can’t we accept this in humans too?

PROJECT DETAILS

Project value

£230k+

Build time

5 months

Size of project 650m2 Awards

APL Awards 2023

Winner of Project Value £175k-£250k category

ESSE LANDSCAPES

FERNDALE, WEST SUSSEX

IN LUXURYLounging

Ferndale is a substantial family home, located in a private residential estate in West Sussex. ESSE Landscapes was approached by the owners after a neighbour recommended the company with a brief to create an extensive contemporary space for outdoor living and entertaining. A swimming pool needed to be the focal point. The clients had previously owned a large swim spa but found this restrictive and were keen to upgrade to a full-size pool.

The challenge was to provide the required dining and adjoining seating areas then link them seamlessly to the pool. The client’s vision was to allow guests to fill their glasses at the bar, then chill on the large sofas or relax in the water, on the wide pool steps. With this image in mind, the layout of the garden began to take shape.

1 Poolside dining with views across the whole garden

2 Large outdoor seating area captures the last of the evening sun

Designed in-house by ESSE Landscapes’ founder Stephen Etheridge, the layout achieves the seamless link to the main elements of pool, covered canopy, dining table, outdoor kitchen, bar and seating area to provide the large, useable entertaining space. The Renson canopy allows the garden to be enjoyed well into the evening and even on rainy days. It includes integral heating, lighting and blinds, which double up as cinema screens for watching films outdoors at night; this wasn’t planned but it works amazingly well.

Key to the project is the quality of materials used and the high standard of finish obtained. London Stone provided custommade pool coping to match the cinder paving and its DesignClad porcelain was used to face all the planters. The kitchen and bar were

laid out using products from Grillo Outdoor, all within the generous Renson Camargue. The whole garden is lit at night to enhance the view from the house and extend the use of the space into the early hours.

Karen McClure Garden Design provided the planting design, sourced the plants and also undertook most of the planting.

Keeping energy costs and the environment in mind, a solar-gain cover and air-source heat pump ensure the pool operates with maximum efficiency. The outcome was so

successful, ESSE Landscapes entered the project into the APL Awards 2023 and found itself as a victor, receiving Best in Category for the Project Value £175k-£250k category.

But ESSE says the best testament is that provided by the clients: “We engaged ESSE Landscapes to both

3 Contemporary planting, with porcelain planters

4 10m p ool with integral solar-gain pool cover

5 Pool, canopy, dining area and kitchen stunningly combined

6 The garden comes alive at night

design and build our new garden. Working with the space available, ESSE Landscapes were able to provide us with everything we wanted, from the large swimming pool to the Renson and dining area.

"The site staff were a pleasure to have around. Their attention to detail and their willingness to make changes and adapt to any new ideas were great. The quality of ESSE

Landscapes' work is excellent, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.”

Recommendation is how the clients first found ESSE Landscapes, and with a finish like the one on this project, it will undoubtedly be how it continues to gain work – and awards.

7 Covered kitchen and dining area

8 Pool and canopy beautifully lit

REFERENCES

Planting design Karen McClure Garden Design karenmcclure.co.uk

Pool equipment Bell Leisure bell-leisure.co.uk

Paving and cladding London Stone londonstone.co.uk

Canopy Renson renson.net/en-gb

Kitchen Grillo Outdoor Kitchens grilloliving.com

Light fittings Collingwood Lighting collingwoodlighting.com

ABOUT

Stephen Etheridge founded ESSE Landscapes in 2003. It has since become a multiaward-winning company based in the south of England. At this year’s APL Awards it won two Best in Category awards. esseland.co.uk

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CONTEMPORARY DRY GARDEN

PROJECT DETAILS

Project value

£20k

Build time

3 weeks

Size of project

approx 200m2

In the south of Cambridgeshire, Jacq and Wills Landscapes is seeing a growing need for gardens that can withstand a changing climate. From hotter summers to wetter winters, landscapes are more likely to face extreme weather conditions, whilst clients continue to look for low maintenance spaces that are also modern and functional.

JACQ AND WILLS LANDSCAPES LTD

Two years ago, a client approached Jacq and Wills Landscapes to revamp their front garden into a low maintenance area that would fit two cars but also have visual appeal all year round. As Jacq and Wills Landscapes tends to lean towards creating contemporary gardens using natural materials, it designed a dry garden using gravel, sandstone paviours and river cobbles, all from natural hard landscaping material supplier Bannold.

While breaking out the driveway, 200mm of solid, reinforced concrete was discovered, adding time to the build as the team needed additional breaks due to the vibrations from the breaker and the soaring heat of the summer. But once complete, an organic geometry was created throughout the garden by the introduction of a curved raised planting bed – made from Suregreen’s vertical oak

sleepers – which was complemented by a curved sleeper wall and a sweeping pathway leading to the front door. A naturalistic willow fence marks the longest boundary and blends seamlessly into the rest of the landscape.

For Jacq and Wills Landscapes, though, planting always takes centre stage in a project. The team needed to find plants that would fit with both the cottage garden feel that they were trying to achieve, as well as being sustainable and low maintenance.

1 Oak planter with low level planting

2 Sedum Matrona,Persicaria affinis 'Darjeeling Red', Festuca glauca

3 Curved sett path with beautiful willow fence

4 Persicaria affinis 'Darjeeling Red'

5 Oak wall mirroring larger oak planter

6 View back to the house from the driveway

Drought tolerant plants were added in and around the beds, such as a Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’, a hardy grass that requires little maintenance, and Stipa tenuissima, or Mexican feather grass. Sedum ‘Matrona’, Erigeron karvinskianus, Persicaria affinis 'Darjeeling Red' and Rudbeckia were also incorporated, alongside Taxus baccata, or yew, for year-round structure.

Two years on, the garden has established well, and has even earned Jacq and Wills Landscapes a Gold Award for the Project Value Under £20,000 category at the APL Awards earlier this year.

7 Close up of Eryngium bourgatii

8 Persicaria affinis 'Darjeeling Red’, Festuca glauca and Sedum 'Matrona' Photographs ©Anna Omiotek-Tott

REFERENCES

Gravel, cobbles and paviours

Bannold bannold.co.uk

Sleepers

Suregreen sure-green.com

Plants

Rochfords rochfords.net

ABOUT

Established in 2002, Jacq and Wills Landscapes Ltd is a family-run business based in Cambridgeshire that designs, builds and maintains domestic gardens that respond to the surrounding environment and the clients' wishes. jwlandscapes.co.uk

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PARKLET Rise of the

Woodscape was assigned by Willerby Landscapes to take on the contract for the exciting redevelopment of Canary Wharf. With valuable experience in creating street furniture, and a clear track record producing various bespoke and complex pieces for installations, there was no question Woodscape was the right company to undertake this project.

With an 8-week production deadline, including changes that were implemented as the project progressed, Woodscape had the right expertise for the job. A long history of crafting furniture to exacting standards, on tight deadlines, and delivering on time made it the obvious choice for a project that was facing some clear challenges.

One specific challenge facing this project was the creation of a parklet. A relatively

new idea in the world of street furniture, Woodscape had the exciting task of designing and building one from concept to completion. This project allowed Woodscape to flex design and production skills, honed over 40 years, in the creation of a new-to-them product that has gained popularity in recent years.

If you commute within cities on a regular basis, you will often be surrounded by a lot of concrete and steel and not much in the way of natural elements. The parklet may change that, and it’s already happening in London’s Canary Wharf.

If you’re wondering what a parklet is, they generally comprise a steel base, adorned with high-quality wooden decking, planters, and benches to rest on. They add personality to the bland expanses of steel and concrete,

enlivening public spaces with a splash of nature and providing a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city and office life. A parklet can provide an opportunity to change your surroundings and give you a brief escape; have a seat, relax, let the world go by for five minutes.

Taking time out of a hectic day to spend time in nature can help you reset and give you more focus for the rest of your day. Woodscape Parklets can be built to suit any requirements. The modular solutions can easily be moved aside if, for example, an event is hosted in the space. Wheelchair access? No problem. Multiple exits and entries? They can do that too.

Since its inception over 40 years ago, Woodscape has

been integral to hundreds of public realm refurbishment projects across London. A good

example of this is Elephant Park, where some astonishing and complicated furniture was crafted to enhance the environment and provide space for repose.

Another project Woodscape has recently helped to deliver is the Greenwich Peninsula redevelopment, an urban community with design and creativity at its core – all whilst still incorporating their own ethics of using sustainably sourced materials that can stand the test of time.

Find out more on Woodscape’s website: woodscape.co.uk.

Woodscape has helped Willerby Landscapes transform an area of Canary Wharf,and that’s just one of its many recent projects in London

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GARDENER

BEAVERBROOK

Location: Surrey

An exciting vacancy has arisen for a driven and dynamic gardener with garden maintenance experience keen to continue to develop their gardening skills on a historic, 400-acre private estate in Surrey. Applicants for this role will ideally have either experience working in a private estate garden or hold a horticultural qualification (NVQ or similar) or both. Beaverbrook also believes in providing professional development opportunities to employees in the early stages of their career who demonstrate the right attitude and commitment.

COUNTRYSIDE MAINTENANCE OPERATIVE - EXETER

GLENDALE

Location: Devon

Glendale specialises in tree care and management, grounds maintenance and landscaping. It has a great new opportunity for a countryside maintenance operative to join its mobile teams working from various locations in Devon & Somerset working on a variety of exciting sites and projects across the South West. You will be joining a company that can offer valuable career prospects and believes in investing in its people with long term contracts in place.

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Pedestrian Spreader

Salt Broadcaster

THE BARRaising

WRIGHT LANDSCAPES

THE BLACK FRIAR, SALFORD

PROJECT DETAILS

Project value

£100k+ approx

Build time 10 weeks

Size of project 350m2 Awards

APL Awards 2023

Commercial Garden category

Sitting in front of towering apartment blocks, The Black Friar pub in Salford – in its own words – is a “gem amongst giants”. The two-storey Victorian building has been holding its ground for more than a century, though before 2021 it had been derelict for 15 years. Now, it’s back to its roots as a public house after major restoration works.

Wright Landscapes’ design-and-build service was engaged by Domis Construction to transform the baron area of existing hard landscaping into a contemporary destination at the historic pub, which is steeped in character.

The client’s vision was to turn the site’s exiting courtyard and beer garden into a unique signature experience within a city centre outdoor oasis, encapsulated in natural beauty. This required hosting design workshops with Domis Construction and the management team at the venue to discuss planting proposals, themes, and entertainment elements. The design needed to incorporate and accommodate for maximum seating capacity to enable the pub to evolve. On completion of the brief, it was then left to Wright Landscapes to ensure the vision and installation was met by its design team.

In line with the client’s brief, the scope of works involved the installation of hard and soft landscaped areas using natural products to create an outdoor seating platform for customers to enjoy both during the day and night all year round.

Entertainment facilities needed to be added, carefully positioned and camouflaged to blend into the natural facilities, so an elegant grey, smoked oaked seasoned staging island was created. Suspended festoon lighting creates an atmospheric setting, and seating pods offer an outdoor dining experience even throughout the winter months.

As the venue is located over an underground car park, the design needed to

overcome the limited depths from ground level, with a high concrete slab with extensive hard landscaping restricting available options. This also impacted drainage, so Wright Landscapes created falls into slots to disperse any surface rainwater by channelling into existing services and protecting functioning manholes.

Mediterranean themed planting displays soften the landscape, and weathered hardwood timber sleeper features –including bench seating – are incorporated throughout. Unique feature trees complement these displays, as well as exotic specimen boundary hedging and effective shelf planting to further enhance the hard landscaped exterior by adding colour and interest in the outdoor space. More than 30 plant species and five tree specimens were introduced, with enhancing the biodiversity of the former hard landscaped area in mind.

To supplement the initial concept to produce a potted planting display, Wright Landscapes worked closely with suppliers to source terracotta and decorative pots from UK and overseas wholesalers, adding character to the restoration project.

Power cells have been installed for future expansion to take advantage of catering opportunities and facilities. The planting beds were required to house electrical ducting and cabling too, and it was necessary

1 The Black Friar's outdoor dining options

2 Dining within the planting mix

3 Main outdoor dining space and multifunction entertainment decking area

4 Potted plants softening angular edges

for these planting beds to be raised by 150mm to give the specified 400-450mm soil depth for best horticultural practice.

Wright Landscapes worked with the client so as to not disrupt the programme of works with other contractors completing the internal restoration, ensuring the planned date for opening the pub wasn’t compromised. All works were planned to be completed before the entrance gates were erected. However, once the gates were installed, additional elements were approved which

caused restraints to site access. Throughout this, consideration was taken to ensure that there was minimal impact on residents by working restricted hours and reduced days.

Once complete, though, the extensive restoration and new green oasis gave the Black Friar a new lease of life and it continues to thrive two years on.

6

REFERENCES

Steel edging and fencing SDH Engineering sdhengineering.uk

Plants Pickmere Nursery (owned by Wright Landscapes) wrightlandscapes.co.uk

Sleepers Wright Landscapes wrightlandscapes.co.uk

Trees Ladybrook Nursery ladybrooknursery.com

ABOUT

Since it was established in 1992, Wright Landscapes has continued to grow, and it now operates from a new purpose-built facility called Pickmere Nursery in Knutsford, Cheshire. Alongside its 4.5-acre nursery, Wright Landscapes offers a full design-andbuild service across the northwest of England. wrightlandscapes.co.uk

5 Planting complements hard landscape materials

Imp ortance of creating shade and cover Photographs ©Phil Topping Photography

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Hostile Vehicle Mitigation can blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape by making it multi-use

THE PROTECT RANGE

It might be essential in some areas to use Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) measures to help prevent terroristic acts, but that doesn’t mean the public needs to be overtly aware that they’re being protected. A range of products, such as planters and litter bins, can appear to just be part of the existing landscape, whether they are designed in from the start or retrofitted. The third addition of the Public Realm Design Guide: Hostile Vehicle Mitigation, prepared by the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure, was published last year to offer guidance on how to create safe spaces using methods such as traffic management and Vehicle Security Barriers, like street furniture, which can be designed to protect people. There are also plenty of options on the market, from tested and certified HVM products such as The Protect Range by Bailey Street Furniture Group, to creative alternatives such as the Urban Islands from mmcité uk.

The Protect Range is a complete suite of impact tested street furniture that has been designed to seamlessly integrate into urban spaces. By utilising a shallow mounted reinforced core, the products offer discreet security for pedestrians and urban infrastructure whilst enhancing the aesthetic value of the space. The range features seating, litter bins, cycle stands, bollards and planters that have all been impact tested to IWA 14-1, the industry testing standard. bsfg.co.uk

URBAN ISLANDS

*ADAPTABLE TO HVM-CERTIFIED PRODUCTS mmcité uk

A large island to sit on, higher to lay a laptop on, the tallest as a backrest; the unique shape, based on the simple geometry of several oval elements and three levels of horizontal surfaces, offers a new perspective on seating elements in public space. The modules can stand alone or be connected in a playful archipelago. The intersection of shapes, different orientations of wooden boards, different colours of corpora, completes the overall effect. Wood on horizontal surfaces can be replaced by high-pressure laminate (HPL), of which the smooth texture, colours and possible bespoke graphic designs adds a new character. The possibility of combinations is so broad that it will satisfy any creative architect who desires something new and unusual for their project. The seating looks quite large and heavy but it is hollow on the inside so when hit it could absorb the energy while hit. mmcite.com/en

Bailey Street Furniture Group

the water flow SLOWING

slower rate. This means the water can sit on the surface for prolonged periods, leading to surface run-offs, and therefore flooding.

SureSet Resin Systems

SureSet resin bound SuDS paving offers a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing solution for permeable surfaces. It combines durable resin with natural aggregates, enabling efficient water drainage and versatile design options.

Sustainable drainage systems, or SuDS, are designed to manage water runoff, reducing the vast quantities of surface water that runs off hard landscaping surfaces. Ensuring the speed at which the water flows into drains and sewage systems helps to reduce flooding and the impact on sewer systems.

Where rain falls on these hard surfaces, there is typically little filtration as surface water is unable to be absorbed by the ground; therefore SuDS is a legislative requirement to ensure that surfaces are permeable to allow water to infiltrate. Introduced in 2008, these regulations apply to new projects such as driveway installations and public spaces.

As the climate is changing, the risk of flooding could increase drastically. When heatwaves cause drought conditions, water will hit the parched earth in intense showers, and rainwater is then absorbed at a much

As the risk is rising, the SuDS legislation is adapting, with changes due to come into effect later this year. This will remove the automatic right for builders to connect new developments to the drainage systems, meaning that builders will only be granted access if they have incorporated SuDS into their design. Developers will be provided with a framework for the approval and adoption of the national standards of SuDS on the design, construction, maintenance, and operation.

This change follows substantial campaigning from leading experts such as the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, which argued that a more robust regulatory approach will alleviate existing pressure on traditional drainage systems.

Head of marketing at SureSet UK Ltd, Yvonne Holloway, suggests that – depending on the specific details of the new legislation

– there could be increased emphasis on using permeable materials for surfaces, such as resin bound. She explains: “If the new legislation introduces stricter requirements for managing surface water runoff, it could affect overall construction. Contractors and manufacturers might need to ensure that their products and practices align with these new regulations to remain compliant. Therefore, professionals in the industry may need further training to understand the changes and the technical aspects of drainage and permeability.”

The use of resin bound materials provides SuDS compliant options when installed onto a recommended porous base build up, allowing water to drain naturally into groundwater or into watercourses. Designed for both domestic and commercial projects, pedestrian, and vehicle traffic, where drainage is a key consideration, resin bound surfacing is SuDS compliant when laid onto a preexisting porous base to allow for maximum water flow and filtration.

Holloway says that resin bound offers several benefits that contribute to sustainable and environmentally friendly urban development. “It’s a convenient product to have installed with quick cure times and is aesthetically pleasing.”

Addagrip Resin Bound

Solutions

Porous, SuDS compliant. The matrix of natural aggregates and resin blends create permeable resin bound paving which allows rainwater to drain naturally into groundwater channels or into watercourses.

Mark Wilmot, training and specifications manager at Addagrip Terraco Ltd says it also reduces the pressure on drainage systems as rainwater soaks away into substrate, as well as significantly minimising watercourse pollution as it captures contaminants including oils and heavy metal.

Overall, using resin bound surfaces for SuDS compliance contributes to a more sustainable and resilient urban environment by addressing flooding risks, improving water quality, and enhancing the overall use of urban spaces – a promising resolution to an everchanging legislation.

As the SuDS legislation is evolving, is resin bound a suitable option for consideration, or are we being flooded with unreachable expectations

Five minutes with NATHAN WEBSTER

RHS Young Designer of the Year, Nathan Webster, on his show garden debut at Tatton Park

Can you tell us about yourself and your journey into landscape architecture?

Since I was a child, I’ve had a fascination with outdoor spaces and as I got older, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in design and landscape architecture. I was drawn to the idea of combining nature and design to create sustainable and functional outdoor environments.

I went on to obtain my degree in Landscape Architecture and, over the years, I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects. Each project has presented its own unique set of challenges and rewards, but throughout my career my passion has remained consistent for creating beautiful, sustainable, and functional outdoor spaces.

What was your biggest inspiration for this garden?

To create a sustainable yet practical approach to modern-day living. I wanted to showcase that a garden could be more than just a beautiful space – it could serve a greater purpose in promoting environmental responsibility and providing functional benefits to our everyday lives. My garden is a small piece of land that I've transformed into a thriving ecosystem. I want to show others that even small changes can have a huge impact on the environment and to demonstrate that it doesn't matter how much space you have, everyone can do their part in creating a more sustainable world.

How did it feel to win the RHS Young Designer of the Year award?

What was it like to compete at Tatton Park?

It was a surreal feeling to be chosen as one of the finalists at this year’s show. The standards of applicants are so good in the competition, it was a privilege for my garden design to be chosen. I felt an immense sense of pride, not just in myself but in the support and encouragement I had received from those around me. The journey leading up to the finals had been long and challenging, but to finally be able to showcase my skills on such a prestigious stage was truly an honour.

It's hard to put into words just how much this award means to me. Winning Young Designer of the Year is a validation of all the hard work, long hours, and endless creative energy I've poured into my designs over the years. It is a tribute to the incredible team of mentors, colleagues, and friends who have supported me every step of the way. From the earliest days of sketching out ideas on a notepad, to the intense days leading up to the competition, I've been surrounded by people

who believed in me and who pushed me to be my best self. It can be easy to feel unsure of yourself at times, wondering if you're on the right path or if you're doing enough. Winning this award is such a reassuring reminder that I'm on the right track. Most importantly, winning this award has given me a newfound sense of confidence in my abilities as a designer. It’s allowed me to push myself further and explore new creative territories without fear or doubt holding me back.

What are your future goals?

To keep improving my knowledge and understanding of landscape architecture and garden design, and build the best reputation within the industry for both the design and construction of commercial and private schemes – and to one day design a garden at the highest level, at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Wright Landscapes

Winning this award has given me a newfound sense of confidence in my abilities as a designer