Pro Landscaper August 2019 by Eljays44

AUGUST 2019

PLAYING IN NATURE

KEW GARDENS & GROUND CONTROL

LETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HEAR IT FROM

FUTURE PROJECTS

PLANT PROTECTION

MINDING THE GAP

Tony Richards, Graduate Landscapes

Resilient South City, San Francisco

Nick Coslett on taking biosecurity measures

Exploring landscape construction courses

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25/07/2019 16:04

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WELCOME

W E LCO M E W

As always, we have a fabulous array of projects, people and educational features, and of particular interest to us is the Agenda on page 8. It seems the hottest topic in the industry currently is the emphasis on naturalistic gardens and play spaces, something which will be heavily-debated at FutureScape. Registration for free entry is now open via the website, so come along and have your say in the debate: futurescapeevent.com. The new format for Pro Landscaper has settled in, and we’ve been surprised just how many people have picked up the phone or sent us a message with their thoughts on the magazine and its future direction. This all just reassures us that our readers care about how it looks, feels and the image it portrays of our industry – it’s also how we tailor it to be exactly what you want. Thank you from all of us, we’re looking forward continuing the journey and developing the magazine and events further in the future. Have a great month,

JIM & LISA

MAKE SURE YOU’RE PART OF ONE OR MORE OF THESE EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITIES TO WAVE THE FLAG FOR THE LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN DESIGN INDUSTRY

©Sandstone

ith the busy show season now over, you may be looking for the next thing to add a bit of excitement and anticipation during the coming months, so what better time to consider entering our awards and initiatives? Autumn is a really busy time for the Pro Landscaper team, as we gather entries for Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation, the small project BIG IMPACT Awards and the Pro Landscaper Business Awards. The award ceremonies for the first two events will be held at this year’s FutureScape on Tuesday 19 November, and the Pro Landscaper Business Awards will be taking place in February 2020. All of these awards are industry-wide and not limited to association membership. So, if you do one thing this autumn, make sure you are part of one or more of these excellent opportunities to wave the flag for the landscape and garden design industry, and give yourself the kudos you deserve. You’ll find information on how to enter within the pages of this issue, or of course, we can always help if you give us a call.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Pro Landscaper / August 2019

25/07/2019 10:17

CONTENTS

INSPIRE

INFORM 08 10 15 16 19 27 28 30 31 35 4

Agenda Naturalistic gardens News Our monthly roundup of industry news News Extra Arbour Landscape Solutions Future Projects South City, San Francisco Let’s Hear It From Tony Richards View from the Top Marcus Watson Progress or Confusion? Andrew Wilson Choose Your Customers Holly Youde Show, Don’t Tell Katja Griffiths Journey Through the Past Priory Park, Chichester

Pro Landscaper / August 2019

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41 44 48 52 54 56 58

Garden for a Chef Barbara Samitier Playing in Nature Ground Control & Kew Gardens Transforming While Preserving Sandstone Landscape Architect’s Journal Anna French Associates

Take It Outside Anji Connell

NURTURE

Interview Jack Nicholas Design Latest Products Garden Furniture

63 67 69 71 72 74 77 79 81

Feature Garden Perennial Meadow, Cheshire Protecting Our Plants Nick Coslett Understanding Aftercare Chris Stone From Bark to Butterfly Allison Walters Inside Germinal Sensible Sourcing Genus Plant Sourcing Product DNA Boningale GreenSky SkyPlugs Nursery Focus Eden Project Latest Products Hedging

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/07/2019 15:03

CONTENTS

AU G U ST 2 01 9 E D U C AT E 85 86 87 89 90 93 97 98 101 104

I, Robot Angus Lindsay Stepping Up Your Software Skills Luke Mills Make a Splash Neil Parslow Battery Powered Kit Emissions-free solutions Excavators Compact choices Minding the Gap Exploring industry courses Hortability Making horticulture accessible Talasey Group Porcelain paving’s explosion Trashing Plastic Reducing plastic usage Stone Cladding London Stone

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118

PEOPLE 109 112 113 114 116 117 118 119 122

Out and About RHS Hampton Court Interview Dave Green

Out and About RHS Tatton Park 30 Under 30 Ross Conquest AUGUST 2019

Love Horticulture Jilayne Rickards Ride Go Landscape September’s 600km cycle Look Out For Richard Moore Have Your Say Melissa Jolly Little Interviews Quick-fire questions with the individuals who make up our industry

PLAYING IN NATURE

KEW GARDENS & GROUND CONTROL

LET’S HEAR IT FROM

FUTURE PROJECTS

PLANT PROTECTION

MINDING THE GAP

Tony Richards, Graduate Landscapes

Resilient South City, San Francisco

Nick Coslett on taking biosecurity measures

Exploring landscape construction courses

Pro Landscaper / August 2019

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25/07/2019 09:36

CONTRIBUTORS

CO N T R I B U TO R S Katja Griffiths Katja concludes her three-part series on climate change with a piece which asks whether show gardens are as environmentally-friendly as they suggest, arguing that the creation of these gardens, and indeed our industry as a whole, could be a lot more environmentally-friendly. She reasons that we have the skill sets to make a real change.

P31

MARCUS WATSON P27

W W W.DESIGNBYK ATJA.COM @DESIGNBYK ATJA

Anji Connell

ANDREW WILSON P28

Whatever outdoor space you might be creating, from alfresco dining to relaxed seating areas, there are a variety of outdoor fabrics to suit. Anji talks us through some of her top choices, demonstrating the array of colours, textures and patterns on offer, all of which are comfortable, stylish as well as practical.

P54

W W W.ANJICONNELLINTERIORDESIGN.COM @ANJICONNELL

HOLLY YOUDE P30

Nick Coslett This month we welcome Nick as he explains why it is so important for us to safeguard biosecurity and the measures we must take in order to do so. Nick explains some ways which we can be a lot safer with the traders we are using, as well as the origins of the plants we are purchasing.

P67

@MADABOUTPLANTS

Allison Walters

LUKE MILLS P86

In the last of a three-part series, Allison talks to us about a hedge lined, stonewalled property with enormous potential. The brownfield site’s native plants are set to improve biodiversity – Allison explains that awSCAPE always designs with nature in mind, and that native planting really does have a place in our urban gardens, urban spaces and urban developments.

CONTACT

P71

W W W.AWSCAPE.CO.UK @AWSCAPE

Eljays44 Ltd 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA Tel: 01903 777 570 EDITORIAL Editorial director – Lisa Wilkinson lisa.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 579 Head of content – Nina Mason nina.mason@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 593 Features writer – Rachael Forsyth rachael.forsyth@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 578 Features writer – Frankie Youd frankie.youd@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570 Equipment editor – Rachel Gordon proarbeditor@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570 Subeditor – Katrina Roy katrina.roy@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570 Subeditor – Sam Seaton sam.seaton@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 591

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Design – Kara Thomas, Kirsty Turek ADVERTISING Business development manager – Jamie Wilkinson jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 585 Head of sales – Jessica McCabe jessica.mccabe@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 587 Horticulture Careers – Liam Colclough liam.colclough@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 446 076 Managing director – Jim Wilkinson jim.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 589 MARKETING AND CIRCULATION Tel: 01903 777 570 Subscription enquiries – Chris Anderson chris.anderson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570 Online content editor – Amy Fitz-Hugh amy.fitz-hugh@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 583

NEIL PARSLOW P87

Printed by Pensord Press Ltd, Gwent, UK Published by ©Eljays44 Ltd – Connecting Horticulture. Pro Landscaper’s content is available for licensing overseas. Contact jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com Pro Landscaper is published 12 times per year by Eljays44 Ltd. The 2019 subscription price is £95. Subscription records are maintained at Eljays44 Ltd, 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA, UK. Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Eljays44 Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, uncommissioned photographs or manuscripts. Whilst every effort has been made to maintain the integrity of our advertisers, we accept no responsibility for any problem, complaints, or subsequent litigation arising from readers’ responses to advertisements in the magazine. We also wish to emphasise that views expressed by editorial contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Reproduction of any part of this magazine is strictly forbidden.

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MANAGEMENT Managing Director Jim Wilkinson Director Lisa Wilkinson Business Development Manager Jamie Wilkinson Cover image ©Ground Control/ Kew Gardens

Pro Landscaper / August 2019

25/07/2019 14:32

INFORM

AGENDA

SHOULD DESIGNERS BE ENCOURAGING CLIENTS TO HAVE MORE NATURALISTIC GARDENS? Michelle Brandon

David Dodd

Noemi Mercurelli

OWNER, MICHELLE BRANDON GARDEN & LANDSCAPE DESIGN

MANAGING DIRECTOR AND OWNER, THE OUTDOOR ROOM

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER, PC LANDSCAPES

If we didn’t know already, now that the earth is in trouble, we certainly do. As an industry where we encourage people to spend more time outdoors, we impart our experience and knowledge to advise about the best materials for that particular garden. So yes, we should advise and encourage clients to choose gardens that are nature friendly, which create low impact on the environment. This starts from low landfill input, breaking down existing materials for hardcore, and keeping established plants to incorporate them within the new planting scheme.

No. I think garden design needs to be as broad as possible, with huge diversity in design and style. The benefits of naturalistic gardens can certainly be

Whether we want to accept it or not, we are in the midst of the sixth mass extinction and a severe climate emergency. The figures are irrefutable. In the UK alone, we have destroyed well over half of our biodiversity since the Beatles broke up. The population of birds, butterflies and wildflowers that once made our landscapes so lively have been utterly devastated. We seem blind to the notion that nature, climate, food and our own wellness are all linked. More naturalistic gardens (providing a wide range of habitats and food to wildlife), the avoidance of pesticides, and the promotion of wildflower meadows instead of sterile lawns, can all be part of the solution.

I AM VERY CONSCIOUS OF CREATING SPACES THAT ALLOW THE CLIENT PEACE AND TRANQUILITY We should be encouraging habitats for wildlife, such as planting shrubs, which will provide food for birds throughout the year. As a horticultural therapist and garden designer, I am very conscious of creating spaces that allow the client peace and tranquility.

Pro Landscaper / August 2019

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ALL GARDENS SHOULD, BY THEIR VERY NATURE, BE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AND SUSTAINABLE. IF NOT, THE DESIGNER HASN’T DONE A VERY GOOD JOB explained, but clients should get a design that suits their taste and lifestyle, and not that of the designers. It is also vital that the house or building should marry into the garden or landscape and not clash with it. All gardens should, by their very nature, be environmentally friendly and sustainable. If not, the designer hasn’t done a very good job. Water features, clipped hedging and perennial planting in a contemporary garden can still be a haven for wildlife. It doesn’t always have to be wildflower meadows and bug hotels to be good for nature.

WE SEEM BLIND TO THE NOTION THAT NATURE, CLIMATE, FOOD AND OUR OWN WELLNESS ARE ALL LINKED We have the duty to educate ourselves and inform unaware clients, but also to respond professionally to those expecting sustainable solutions from us.

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

24/07/2019 15:20

INFORM

David Keegan

Ruth Willmott

Ben West

OWNER, DAVID KEEGAN GARDEN DESIGN

OWNER, RUTH WILLMOTT ASSOCIATES

OWNER, LANDSCAPING SOLUTIONS

It’s an interesting idea and an interesting question, but then I find myself asking, what exactly does naturalistic planting mean? Is it softer, gentler, textural, less formal, mimicking nature, or is it something else? Perhaps it’s the balance between the hard and soft. My own view is, and always has been, that it is all about the planting, stemming from the fact that far too many schemes seem to place plants as secondary, or of less importance. The right plants used in

According to research by the University of Sheffield, the BBC and the ONS’ estimates suggest that between 88% and 99.9% of the UK isn’t ‘developed’ or built on. Roughly, half of the UK is either pastures or land where crops are planted, a quarter is forest and other natural land (such as beaches or moors) and 11% is wetlands. Agricultural land and forest practices can clearly make a big difference in supporting our nature and wildlife in the UK. So, what of our garden designer roles in the urban areas make up to 12% of the rest of UK? As designers we challenge ourselves to consider the percentage of hardscaping to planting in our designs. We look at our planting plans with nature in our lens and consciously choose (within the mix) beautiful trees, shrubs and plants that are also good for nature and wildlife. Our client brief is

For me, the question is not “should” but “how” do we encourage our clients to embrace naturalistic design. As we continue to hear stories of insect population crashes and the associated ecological effects, we have a responsibility to spread the word about how important our client’s decisions are for the bigger picture. For me, the

IT IS ALL ABOUT THE PLANTING, STEMMING FROM THE FACT THAT FAR TOO MANY SCHEMES SEEM TO PLACE PLANTS AS SECONDARY, OR OF LESS IMPORTANCE the right way can provide structure and form in a way that no timber, block, or stone can as inanimate objects. The drawbacks have got to be the potential of pushing a client in the direction of “more naturalistic planting” which they then don’t have the skill, or mindset, to look after so it ends up very quickly looking a mess. Whilst my approach is always plant-centric, I would not necessarily encourage a client into a more naturalistic style of planting. I think it’s too narrow a pallete from which to fill a picture, and too restrictive a frame of reference. Rather, an approach to increase the use of plants that encourage and sustain biodiversity and wildlife, would seem a more appropriate call to the wild.

WE CAN AND SHOULD URGE CLIENTS TO CONSIDER GARDENS, WHICH FULFIL THEIR NEEDS, ARE SUSTAINABLE AND CONSIDER NATURE AND WILDLIFE TOO usually much broader than a purely naturalistic design, however we believe we can and should urge clients to consider gardens, which fulfil their needs, are sustainable and consider nature and wildlife too.

AS LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS, WE ARE WELL POSITIONED TO EXACT CHANGE AS WE ARE INVITED BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO OFFER ADVICE AND GUIDANCE AS HOW BEST TO USE THEIR GARDENS problem is how to make this shift in consciousness more desirable? As landscape professionals we are well positioned to exact change, as we are invited by the general public to offer advice and guidance about how best to use their gardens. I acknowledge that gardens are spaces for humans, but it is crucial (as the wider and wilder landscape is eaten up by development and intensive farming) that we recognise their significance for wildlife. As young people around the world wake up to the need for practical action in addressing environmental degradation, we have a great opportunity to underline how instrumental our profession can be in influencing change in our client’s daily lives.

N E X T M O N T H : W H AT I S T H E B E ST F O R M AT FO R P R E S E N T I N G D E S I G N S TO C L I E N TS ? H AV E YO U R S AY: C O N T E N T@ E L J AYS 4 4 .C O M

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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Pro Landscaper / August 2019

24/07/2019 15:22

INFORM

NEWS TIGHTER RESTRICTIONS ON OAK TREE IMPORTS TO COME INTO FORCE

trengthened measures on the import of most species of oak into England are to be introduced to protect native trees from the threat of the tree pest oak processionary moth (OPM). The bolstered measures will only permit imports of certain oak trees, including:

BIOSECURITY IS ABSOLUTELY KEY TO EVERYTHING WE DO, AND WE MUST DO MORE TO STOP PESTS AND DISEASES those from OPM-free countries; those from designated pest-free areas including Protected Zones, an area of the European Union declared free of OPM, and those that have been grown under complete physical protection for all of their lifetime. This

Pro Landscaper / August 2019

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Statutory Instrument – which is due to be introduced in the UK Parliament shortly – builds on measures introduced in August last year. It will apply to all oak trees, except cork oak, over a certain size. The restrictions will cover both imports from overseas and the movement of trees from areas of the country where OPM is already present, such as in London and surrounding counties. “Biosecurity is absolutely key to everything we do, and we must do more to stop pests and diseases crossing continents and borders,” says biosecurity minister Lord Gardiner. “That is why as a country we have more Protected Zones than anywhere else in the EU. “It is essential that we further strengthen our import controls on oak trees. These new measures will ensure robust protections for our oak trees from pests such as the oak processionary moth.” www.forestresearch.gov.uk

I DVERD E ACQUI RES NORTH-WEST BASED ASSIST GROUP

dverde has acquired Assist Group, an established provider of grounds maintenance, arboriculture and highway services, principally in the North-West and Midlands area of England. Assist Group has grown considerably over the past two years. Based in St Helens, the company has annual sales of £14m and 217 employees, delivering a number of high profile contracts. The acquisition of Assist strengthens idverde’s presence in the region, provides a complementary offer to existing clients in both companies, and further develops idverde’s extensive national coverage, delivered by more than 3,000 employees across the UK. “We are pleased to welcome our new colleagues from Assist into the idverde family,” comments Doug Graham, CEO of idverde UK. “The company shares many common values with those of idverde – it’s forward thinking and has enjoyed impressive growth in recent times. This has resulted in long-term contracts being secured with a number of key high profile clients.” www.idverde.co.uk

COUNTRYWIDE GROUNDS MAINTENANCE BOOSTS WORKFORCE BY MORE THAN A QUARTER

ith more than 3,000 sites to maintain for local residents and businesses across South Wales, Countrywide Grounds Maintenance has increased its workforce by more than a quarter in just one year. Launched over 22 years ago, Countrywide South Wales, has taken on its 80th employee. Headquartered in Port Talbot, Countrywide South

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/07/2019 14:43

INFORM

NURTURE LANDSCAPES NAMED AS INSPIRATIONAL BRITISH COMPANY

It also celebrates the contribution of the UK’s most dynamic and rapidly growing SMEs and the people working in them, while highlighting challenges SMEs face. Alongside the acquisition of fellow landscaping company Gavin Jones, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, Nurture’s operations have expanded considerably across the country, driven by its aptitude for consistent quality of service, strong customer relations and a focus on staff. Peter Fane, managing director for the company, said: “It’s a privilege to be named on

CARIBBEAN BLINDS DIRECTOR RECEIVES TOP BUSINESS AWARD Stuart Dantzic, managing director of Suffolk-based Caribbean Blinds, has been named Young Business Person of the Year at the Suffolk Business Awards 2019. He was acknowledged for his ambition and forward-thinking approach, which have helped his company achieve staggering growth. www.cbsolarshading.co.uk

successful period of growth and development has resulted in grounds landscaping and maintenance specialist Nurture Landscapes being named as one of the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2019’. The annual list is compiled by the London Stock Exchange. It factors a company’s size, turnover, and financial growth compared to other companies in different sectors, with those performing strongest being awarded a place on the list.

WE OWE A LOT OF OUR SUCCESS TO OUR TEAMS WORKING OUT IN THE FIELD AND AT OUR DEPOTS

NEWS IN BRIEF

BOWLES & WYER REVEALS REBRAND the list of ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2019’. Recent years have been some of the best in the history of Nurture Landscapes, and we owe a lot of our success to our teams working out in the field and at our depots. “We always endeavour to deliver the best in quality, be a part of our local communities, and support our staff so that we can all continue inspiring one another.” The company also offers all management and office staff the opportunity to own a stake in the business, ensuring they remain firmly at the heart of its operations, and approximately 15% of the company is owned by its employees. Last year, Nurture received two BALI awards, with three more being won by Gavin Jones. www.nurturelandscapes.co.uk

Bowles & Wyer has unveiled a new brand identity, created in collaboration with print maker: Andy Lovell. Its website has been overhauled as a result, with the addition of a new blog page to share its expertise. www.bowleswyer.co.uk

RECORD NUMBER OF SPACES RECEIVE GREEN FLAG AWARD Wales now has 25 teams operating from six different locations. “When we started the business over 22 years ago, we never imagined growing to the size we are today,” say regional managers Ian Michael and Richard Ball. “Our employees are our most important asset, so it is essential to invest in their development to not only ensure longer tenure, but to create a positive work environment and culture. “We pride ourselves on being a local business and being able to provide a boost to

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

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A prestigious Green Flag Award has been received by 1,970 parks and green spaces. The international award, now in its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is well-maintained and has good visitor facilities. www.greenflagaward.org.uk

the local economy, as well as minimising our carbon footprint and limiting both transport costs and downtime. The future is really exciting – we are looking forward to continuing to deliver safe, well-maintained and attractive environments for our clients.” www.countrywidegrounds.com/ south-wales/

G EAT YA

O T ʼS E ETIA

ATE

AYS

Pro Landscaper / August 2019

25/07/2019 14:18

INFORM

Online Exclusives

PLEA FOR RHS GARDEN BRIDGEWATER FUNDING

VIDEO: VIRTUAL VISION

©Tom Stuart-Smith

Following on from Luke Mills’ article in July’s issue, in which he explains how VR is transforming design proposals into 3D experiences, you can now see a video of is this in action. www.prolandscapermagazine.com/ video-virtual-vision

T LONDON PLANE TREE CONFERENCE Pro Landscaper attended the London Plane Tree Conference at City Hall on Wednesday 10 July. Read our summary of the key discussion that took place at the conference. www.prolandscapermagazine.com/ london-plane-tree-conference

he Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is calling for the public to help it raise the final £4.8m to open its fifth garden, RHS Garden Bridgewater, next summer. It launched the fundraising appeal as it announced the creation of The Orchard Garden the largest of the 11 gardens within the 11-acre Weston Walled Garden. The traditional orchard garden will wrap around the original 1834 orchard and garden cottage. The orchard will feature a mix of apple, pear, plum, cherry and damson trees. As well as soft fruits, echoing traditional orchards with trees grouped naturalistically around the garden rather than in regimented rows. The mixed

planting will encourage wildlife biodiversity and the old-fashioned rootstock selection will also add greatly to the lifespan of the trees. It will include 37 varieties of heritage apple trees, keeping rare cultivars alive for future generations, achieving the status of the first ‘mother orchard’ for the north-west. The orchard will also include 14 varieties of heritage pear, first grown at Bridgewater over 170 years ago. The Orchard Garden will be created within the Weston Walled Garden, a key part of the 154-acre RHS Garden Bridgewater, and donations to the garden will help to create hundreds of jobs. www.rhs.org.uk

KEW GUILD HONOURS TIM O’HARE RACHEL BAILEY SHARES HER TOP BUSINESS TIPS Having built up a successful career over the last five years, Rachel Bailey of Rachel Bailey Garden Design shares her advice to up-and-coming businesses. www.prolandscapermagazine.com/ rachel-bailey-shares-her-topbusiness-tips

Pro Landscaper / August 2019

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he Kew Guild – the association for alumni of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – is recognising the outstanding contribution to the environment of soil and landscape consultant, Tim O’Hare. He has been elected as an Honorary Fellow, an exclusive class of membership limited to just 25 at any one time, and bestowed for the lifetime of the recipient. Tim qualified as a soil scientist more than 25 years ago, and since starting his own consultancy in 2006, Tim O’Hare Associates, he has been instrumental in the successful delivery of the some of the most iconic landscape projects in the UK and abroad, including the Queen Elizabeth

Olympic Park and the Oman Botanic Gardens. He also regularly delivers talks and workshops across the country, and in 2016, instigated industry soils conference SoilsCon, which will be taking place again this year in September. Commenting on his Honorary Fellowship, Tim says: “It is an incredible honour for me personally, but I also feel that the discipline of soil science and its vital role in landscaping and horticulture is being formally recognised by the Kew Guild, and for that, I am particularly proud and grateful.” Tim will be presented with his Fellowship at the Kew Guild’s Annual Dinner in May 2020. www.timohare-associates.com

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

25/07/2019 14:22

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ANGUS LINDSAY E XPLORES THE EMERGENCE OF GPS TECHNOLOGY AND HOW THEIR APPLICATION TO L ANDSCAPING COULD HAVE A BIG IMPACT

reviously, I’ve mentioned the increasing use of GPS-linked robotic controls within agriculture, and how this is now becoming an accepted practice; so much so that GPS systems are now being targeted by thieves from tractors, sprayers and combines. You solve one problem and another one comes along! The use of unmanned autonomous equipment took a huge leap forward last year with the Hands Free Hectare project, set up by students at Harper Adams Agricultural College. As the name suggests, they grew a crop of cereals using totally unmanned equipment. A 38hp tractor was used to cultivate, drill, spray

and collect harvested grain from a 2m combine, all controlled by technology and watched over by a drone, with a small robotic vehicle regularly taking soil samples. At the end they harvested an impressive 4.5t of barley. It’s true that robotic steering systems make perfect sense in large fields where there are few obstructions and no passers-by wandering

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about. But, there have also been cases where tractors fitted with auto-steer systems have collided with pylons and poles as the driver has been momentarily distracted and too reliant on the technology – it’s by no means foolproof. Having seen one of these systems adapted to undertake mowing and line marking operations, I can see the potential within our industry, with the savings coming from more accurate and timely operations.

I CAN SEE THE POTENTIAL WITHIN OUR INDUSTRY, WITH THE SAVINGS COMING FROM MORE ACCURATE AND TIMELY OPERATIONS The quick-attach system fitted to a midrange compact tractor comprised a GPS receiver, electronic box of tricks, and a simple steering control unit all controlled via an iPad. At £20k, it takes a leap of faith to commit and realise the benefits. That said, when you see it operating the benefits very quickly show themselves. The initial installation wasn’t the prettiest, and getting the system set up took a couple of hours thanks to 3G/4G. But, a 400m eight lane running track could be marked within an hour, a third of the time it normally takes, and with minimal driver input. Best of all, the information is stored for life for that site, so no setting out headaches in the future. But what if white lines don’t do it for you? There are potentially bigger savings to be had just from minimising overlaps and driving in a straight line. By setting the system to the width of the implement being towed or operated from

an A-B reference line, overlaps are no longer an issue. It’s not just when you’re cutting grass; consider spraying, fertilizing or overseeding – the potential to save time, fuel, chemicals, fertilizers, seed, and money are significant.

Even the most competent tractor driver will leave an overlap of anything from 5-10%, but what if you could reduce this to 2%? This would reduce the number of passes and the amount of fuel burnt, as well as finish the job faster. One operation I hadn’t considered was turf cutting. Commercial turf growers cut miles upon miles of turf every year. What if they could do this so accurately that they could save that thin sliver of turf left by the harvester every time it harvests a roll? One grower estimated that this equates to four arctic loads per annum. All of a sudden, £20k seems cheap!

A B O U T A N G U S L I N D S AY Angus spent several years working on arable farms in Scotland before joining VSO in Egypt, implementing a mechanisation programme, managing field operations for a commercial cotton plantation in Nigeria and working as a contract instructor for Massey Ferguson in Yemen. He gained an MSc in Agricultural Engineering and Mechanisation Management at Silsoe, joining Glendale as machinery manager in 1994, and then idverde UK in 2009 as group head of assets and fleet.

angus.lindsay@idverde.co.uk

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ST E P P I N G U P YO U R

SO F T WA R E S K I L LS LUK E MILLS E XPL AINS HOW LE ARNING BASIC DESIGN SOFT WARE CAN BE BENEFICIAL IN THE LONG-RUN

e all know that pen and pencil is the best starting point when beginning a new project and is often the most important part of the design process. Sketching ideas by hand offers the creative freedom of initial mark making that design software doesn’t necessarily allow. Developing designs further into software to produce digital plans provides the next step in creative and detailed options that are not possible or limited when drawing by hand. It allows for instant changes and accurate detailing, along with the ability to digitally share files with clients and professionals – this is invaluable, especially when working to BIM (Building Information Modelling) models.

Getting started with design software can be a steep learning curve – I certainly found it very daunting. A lot of different types of software are available for a lot of different needs, whether you require it for 2D plans, 3D modelling, rendering, planting plans, construction detailing or VR (virtual reality). There can be a lot to consider when choosing design software; the learning curve,

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system updates, library resources, rendering time – and more. It can also be expensive to set up, not only with purchasing the software, but also any upgrades in your hardware to meet system requirements, such as a graphics card, storage space or operating system. However, this is a short-term cost for long-term profit.

LEARNING THE BASICS CAN FEEL LABORIOUS AT TIMES, BUT IT’S WORTH IT Over the years, I have experimented with a variety of software, including Vectorworks, SketchUp, Lumion, AutoCAD and Rhino. In depth research and reading reviews are a must before purchasing software – most providers even offer free trials, which is typically an offer worth taking up. SketchUp is a good starting point for beginners if you are new to design software. It is free to download and use, but has it limits. Vectorworks Landmark is tailored to the landscape industry and is much more advanced. Using Lumion, which is a rendering software in collaboration with Vectorworks 3D modelling capabilities, works well and can seriously reduce your time spent due to the simplicity and quick rendering. Before purchasing a new software, I always ask myself: “How much time will this save me?” More IT skills and technical issues should also be considered, from setting up templates and automatic backup files (in case of crashing

software), to adjusting internet download speed (which will affect your updates and software downloads). It’s not just the software that will require learning but everything that works with it. Always be on the lookout for new software, upgrades and anything that can save you time while still producing high quality work. Learning the basics can feel laborious at times, but it is worth it. Showing clients design proposals in 3D – and VR especially – is a great experience and can instantly bring a space to life. They can also be used on your website and marketing, but most importantly, it will save you time and money. If you would like to experience a VR project before taking the plunge, feel free to get in touch and see what the virtual world is capable of.

ABOUT LUKE MILLS Landscape and garden designer, Luke Mills, is director of The Landscape Service. Based in Dorset, The Landscape Service provides landscape and garden design, landscape planning and consultancy services on a variety of private residential and commercial projects across the south, producing landscapes that reflect architecture and nature.

www.thelandscapeservice.com

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MAKE A SPLASH N E I L PA R S L O W D O L E S O U T A DV I C E FO R AVO I D I N G T H E P I T FA L L S O F L I G H T I N G WAT E R F E AT U R E S

aterfalls, fountains, pools and ponds, lakes, streams and rills all benefit from lighting when it comes to designing an exterior scheme, and there are several methods in which each can be illuminated. During the design stage, however, there are a few factors which need to be taken into account. We all know that water has the ability to refract light, and this can have a negative effect on the overall lighting scheme if not planned for in advance. Each type of water feature displays the water in different ways, from calm flat reflective water in pools and ponds, to turbulent aerated water in waterfalls and fountains.

ONE OF THE FIRST DECISIONS TO BE MADE IS WHETHER THE FIXTURES SHOULD BE PLACED IN OR OUT OF THE WATER

One of the first decisions to be made is whether the fixtures should be placed in or out of the water, and this is when discussions need to take place with the client regarding fixture location for the desired effect. Clients also need to be made aware of the maintenance commitment

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associated with submersible luminaires. Submersible fitting installations will generally be more expensive than, for example, downlighting the water feature from a tree, mostly due to the cost of higher quality products which use robust corrosion resistant materials in their construction. Submersible fixtures should also be supplied with a suitable length of cable to ensure all cable joints are exterior to the water, ensuring longevity of the product and simplify maintenance. For permanent submersion, an IP rating (ingress protection) of IP68 is a must. Also, look for quality in the product design construction, even if this means budgeting more for the light fittings underwater rather than the light fittings that will be seen around the garden. Any submersible lighting within bodies of water which are home to aquatic plants and animals need careful consideration in the initial planning stage. Plants and fish require a daily amount of darkness to ensure their health is maintained. When designing the lighting, leave an area of the water free of light as this will enable fish and amphibious creatures to escape to a darker zone for rest periods. Lighting from above the water line can produce dramatic effects and will add interest, like dancing reflections on surrounding surfaces from moving water. Some bodies of water are best left in darkness if there is surrounding landscape lighting in place of nearby trees and structures. Leaving water in darkness will

almost double the effect of the lighting on land with the calm flat body of water producing a mirror effect. This same design will provide a unique effect of distortion on the water if there is wind present. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Shore scrapingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is a relatively unused technique due to the complexity and costs involved of using pole mounted light fittings anchored into the bed of a lake or pond. The pole acts as a means of elevating the light source above the water line. This type of lighting is used to provide a wash of light back towards the shoreline of the lake or pond and acts as a visual connection. This method of lighting can produce stunning results, but also comes with the drawback of potentially difficult access for maintenance of the light fittings and periodic cleaning of lenses.

A B O U T N E I L PA R S L O W Neil is the founder and lead designer at Light Visuals, a London-based landscape and architectural lighting manufacturer. Neil trained as an electrical designer before his passion for lighting and landscapes transferred to the design and installation of landscape lighting. This passion also extends to the design engineering and manufacturing of high-quality British-made lighting products. www.lightvisuals.co.uk

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HUSQVARNA Launched this year, the Husqvarna 525iB is a 36v professional battery blower, which is well-balanced with an ergonomic handle and is comfortable to wear or carry. The blower is easily started by a tap on the keyboard. It also offers cruise control, making it effortless to blow away leaves and debris via the advanced electric motor fan design. A further feature is the boost power mode, which can be switched on as required. It can be used with the standard battery that fits across the range and comes with a Husqvarna standard diagonal harness. www.husqvarna.com/uk

EGO Newly launched as part of the brand’s professional range, the Power+ STX3800 is the commercial line trimmer and brush cutter, offering comfort, durability and high performance. It proves effective on the roughest ground and is used with the range of Ego batteries from the 1P 2.5Ah battery through to the commercial backpack battery, to power the 2kW motor. This is channelled through the light yet strong carbon fibre

BATTERY POWERED MAKITA

KIT

shaft. Unlike alloy shafts, this does not bend and lose its shape over time but keeps vibration levels to a minimum. When using the BAX1500 backpack battery, the trimmer runs for up to 300 minutes or up to 420 minutes when being used in the brush cutting mode, which represents a full day’s work without the need to recharge. www.egopowerplus.co.uk

Pruning reaches a new level with the DUP361Z 18v LXT shears. L A N D S C A P E R S LO O K I N G TO P R OV E T H E I R Providing 36v of power, they feature E N V I R O N M E N TA L C R E D E N T I A L S C A N N OW a two-stage opening adjustment, AC C E S S A C O M P R E H E N S I V E S U I T E O F which varies according to the size of the branch. The shear has a maximum P R O D U C TS T H AT O F F E R P OW E R F U L cutting capacity of 33mm and the blade can E M I S S I O N S - F R E E S O LU T I O N S open to 54mm. The blade can be interlocked with the trigger providing smooth blade movement, similar to using a hand pruner. It is provided with a backpack harness, arm band and cord holder. Power is supplied by two Makita 18v Lithium-ion batteries, which are housed in the water resistant harness and fit into the small of the back. Other features The German brand is well-known for its include an electronic current limiter for overload protection, a motor domestic products, but its Park & City Solutions protection circuit and a battery fuel gauge positioned on the switch. range is aimed at professionals. The ST 400 Bp is a www.makitauk.com handy strimmer. It is lightweight and manoeuvrable at only 3.9kg and so well suited to areas that are difficult to access such as around benches and kerb edges as well as allowing swift removal of weeds. The 50v Lithium-ion battery can be used with other models in the range and it offers vibration-free handling with an adjustable two-handed grip for fatigue free operation. Kärcher also emphasises that the use of such battery tools provides up to 90% saving in overall costs compared to petrol equivalents. www.kaercher.com/uk

KÄERCHER

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EXCAVATORS C O M PAC T I S K I N G A S L E A D I N G M A N U FAC T U R E R S FO C U S O N T H E S M A L L E R E N D O F T H E M A R K E T

CATERPILLAR Caterpillar has expanded its mini hydraulic excavator range with the launch of six new models, ranging from 7t to 10t. A selection of basic configurations allows customers to choose the machine that works most efficiently in their preferred application. All feature heavy duty main structures, fuel efficient engines, load sensing hydraulics, spacious cabs, and Caterpillar’s stick steer system. The models are: • 307.5 – standard tail swing model with fixed boom • 308 CR – a compact radius model with a swing boom • 308 CR VAB – features variable angle (two-piece) swing boom • 309 CR – features compact radius, swing boom, and high flow auxiliary hydraulics • 309 CR VAB – expands the 309 CR's capability with variable angle boom • 310 – fixed boom, standard tail swing and twin blade cylinders for handling heavy duty dozing chores. They range in maximum operating weight from 8,233 to 10,182kg and in standard dig depths from 4,107 to 5,174mm. The 307.5, 308

CR, and 309 CR are all available with a long-stick option that increases dig depth by 560mm. The variable angle boom, available with the 308 CR VAB and 309 CR VAB, enhances digging capability in congested work areas. Powering the 307.5 is the Cat C2.4 turbo diesel engine – rated at 41.7 net kW (55.9 net hp) – while the five larger models use the Cat C3.3 diesel engine, rated at 52.4 net kW (70.3 net hp). All options meet Stage V emission standards. Cabs are sealed and pressurised for comfort and safety, providing a clean environment. They also feature a redesigned heating/ ventilating/air conditioning system that ensures all-weather climate control. Suspension seats, with retractable seatbelt are standard and operating consoles feature adjustable wrist rests. The machine security system is available as key with pass code or push-tostart with fob. The machine can also be Bluetooth enabled

through the radio. Automatic two-speed travel is standard, as is a cruise control system. Halogen boom lights help illuminate the work area, and optional LED lights further enhance visibility. The excavators use an efficient, fuel-saving, load-sensing hydraulic system with the capacity to generate increased travel performance, and higher digging and lifting forces and handle powered attachments. www.cat.com/en_GB

JCB The JCB 15C-1 weighs in at 1.5t and has the same advanced development as the larger mini and midi excavators in the line-up. Benefits include a cab or canopy available to suit all markets, with flat glazing and a proven and powerful 11.7kW diesel engine with reliable hydraulics. It uses a shorter fixed undercarriage, with single speed tracking, long pitch tracks and mechanical track tensioners. Despite its compact dimensions, the excavator benefits

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from a cab with 24% greater internal space than previous machines. It comes with 10 tie-down points, making it easier to transport the machine without risk of damage to rubber tracks. The 15C-1 completes a comprehensive range of 14 mini and midi excavators from JCB, including seven conventional tail swing models, from the 15C-1 to the 10t 100C-1, along with two reduced tail swing models and five zero tail swing excavators, suiting every sector. www.jcb.com

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COMPACT WITH CL AWS

W H E T H E R H I R I N G O R OW N I N G , US I N G A N E XCAVATO R P R OV I D ES T H E FO R C E TO CA R RY O U T T R A N S FO R M AT I V E WO R K

hen levelling large areas of ground, constructing a pond or demolishing hard landscaping, tools are simply not enough. Excavators can be essential, and one company which benefits from ownership is Specialised Groundcare, based in Loughborough, Leicestershire. The business owns a small fleet of Bobcat excavators obtained from Butler Reynolds, a local construction machine dealer. Specialised Groundcare offers a range of services, including land clearing and site preparation for commercial and private developments. Director Max Pickerill comments: “As well as providing easier access to restricted sites, our fleet of compact equipment often surprises people with the amount of work we can do with these machines. “I launched the business in 1994 as a sole trader and we have always used Bobcat equipment right from the start. We hired for a few years before we decided to buy our first

machine, a second-hand 341 excavator, which we replaced with a new 341 a year later. “We have swapped between different Bobcat excavators ever since, including a Bobcat E10 micro-excavator – currently we have an E62 6t model. We run a wide range of attachments for use on the E62, including a tilt-rotator, grading beams, land rakes, root rippers and a tree shear. Our specialist equipment ensures we can offer a highly efficient and productive service.” Bobcat’s compact models Bobcat offers two compact excavators in the 6 to 8t weight range – the E62 6t and E85 8t. The E62 is powered by the Stage III A compliant 36.2kW liquid cooled Yanmar 4TNV94L diesel engine. Electronic injection together with automatic idle ensures optimum fuel efficiency. The E85 model is powered by the Yanmar 4TNV98C-VDB8 Stage III B compliant diesel engine, providing 44.3kW of power at 2100rpm. Both feature upgraded hydraulic systems, boom and arm load holding valves and an overload warning device as standard. The cab offers low noise levels, high capacity heating and air conditioning system as standard.

EXCAVATOR DO’S AND DON’TS Do your research It can be a difficult balancing act to find an excavator with the right features, accessibility and power. If you work primarily in built-up areas and where narrow gates are often the only access, a micro excavator may be the best bet. Do consider an operator Hire shops provide basic training and then allow you to get on with it. But excavators with an operator can be hired – often from local providers. While operating is not difficult, it can take a few hours to start working effectively. An operator means a higher outlay but can result in savings if the work is done faster. Do look out for offers The hire market is competitive, and offers come and go – there can be big savings for booking online if you get the timing right. Don’t just take the price at face value The advertised price may also be subject to extras such as delivery and insurance, while some also request a deposit. Don’t skimp on insurance Know where you stand on insurance in terms of accidents, damage and theft. Issues could include damage to a client’s property, or if the excavator receives damage, or if someone was injured. Check if you have ‘hired in plant and machinery’ within public liability cover. An employee must be insured to use the excavator. Don’t avoid questions There are many attachments and you may not be clear on which are right for the job. Ask for guidance from the hirer or dealer and to get the most out of an excavator, read the manual.

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Capel Manor College Your route to a brighter future

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We are London’s leading specialist land-based further and higher education provider, offering a variety of full and part-time courses across the capital. Capel Manor College has an outstanding reputation in garden design, horticulture and landscaping, and partners with leading industry associations including the Royal Horticultural Society, British Association of Landscape Industries and the Society of Garden Designers.

Whether you’re considering a career change or would like to learn something new, you can gain industry renowned qualifications valued by land-based employers across the world. We invite you to visit our website and explore courses starting this September.

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MINDING THE GAP W I T H T H E S K I L L S S H O R TAG E R E M A I N I N G A H OT TO P I C I N T H E I N D U ST RY, S O M E O F T H E TO P C O L L EG E S I N T H E U K TO O F F E R L A N D S C A P E C O N S T R U C T I O N C O U R S E S T E L L U S H OW T H E Y ’ R E A D D R E S S I N G T H E I S S U E A N D F I G H T I N G T H E ST I G M A A R O U N D L A N D S C A P I N G E D U C AT I O N

“ WE HAVE MORE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES THAN YOUNG PEOPLE COMING INTO THE INDUSTRY”

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t’s one of the most talked about topics within the industry. Rarely is there an event where the conversation doesn’t turn to the widening skills gap, with plenty of jobs available and very few people to fill the roles. Looking at ways to address this, the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) has commissioned Pye Tait Consulting to carry out a survey that will hopefully determine what employers are looking for in prospective employees. From here, the aim is to create a valid skills strategy, with the potential to be lobbied to the Government. So far, more than 300 businesses have contributed to the research. The survey follows a report recently published by Oxford Economics, which revealed the value of the UK’s ornamental horticulture industries to be worth a whopping £24.2bn in 2017, creating 568,700 jobs. Of these, over half (53%) were specifically in the landscaping

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sector, which alone contributed £6.8bn to UK GDP that year. The Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group (OHRG), which commissioned the survey, is now calling on the government to “support the development of a skills road map, to ensure a pipeline of talent to meet current and future workforce needs”. With this report showcasing the financial worth of the industry, and BALI’s survey set to highlight where the gaps are, there is evidence to suggest a change is coming, and talk is turning into action. But, what is currently on offer for those looking to learn landscape construction? Are these meeting the needs of prospective employers? And what other challenges are land-based colleges facing? Last year, a new course was introduced to the fold. Through its GoLandscape initiative, which aims to draw people into the industry, BALI worked with London-based Capel Manor College to create the Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Landscape Construction. The modules were developed following feedback BALI compiled on – where employers felt the skills gaps were and

what training opportunities were missing from existing courses. “The purpose of the course is to upskill those already working as landscapers, perhaps those who have joined the industry as labourers without formal qualifications,” says Zephaniah Lindo, a horticulture and landscaping lecturer at Capel Manor who helped to develop the diploma. “It’s an advanced landscape construction course, meaning they gain a wide range of landscape construction experience and training, but we have also introduced more up-to-date areas to cover, such as living walls, SuDS and soft landscaping elements. By the end of the course, students should be able to run their own business or go to work as a foreman or construction manager.” There are 13 units in total, covering: the construction elements, business practice, project management, landscape surveying and drawing techniques. As well as being expected to complete 150 hours of work experience, students also have an opportunity to gain show garden experience. “The students have to

“FOR SO LONG, THE INDUSTRY HAS BEEN SEEN AS A MAN IN A VAN WITH A WHEELBARROW AND A SHOVEL , WHO GAINS WORK BY OFFERING THE CHEAPEST PRICE”

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create a show garden from start to finish – organising it, quantifying the materials and building it at the show,” says Tee Robertson, team leader of the horticulture department at Capel Manor. “Last year, they built a garden at the Hatfield House Garden Show, but it could also be at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show or BBC Gardeners’ World Live.” By the end of the diploma, students will have gained a qualification which is the equivalent of three A Levels. The course can be completed either full-time, with three days a week spent at college over one year, or part-time, requiring one day a week at college over a two-year period. The success rate for these after only one year is a staggeringly positive 85% for full-time students, and 100% so far for part-time students. It’s not exclusive to Capel Manor, though. The course is provided by awarding body Gateway Qualifications and a certificate level (equivalent to one A Level) will be trialled at Plumpton College in East Sussex in the next academic year, with a view to offering the diploma later. “It’s really practical based, with a great understanding of the business side and different units for students to choose from,” says Rachel Owen, curriculum manager for horticulture, forestry and arboriculture at Plumpton. “We’ve had quite a lot of interest from garden designers looking to learn the practical side, and people already in the industry looking to learn the hard landscaping and business side, too. It is also a way of attracting career changers, and means there is now a progression route for the Level 2 students.” These Level 2 students gain a Hard Landscaping qualification at Plumpton, awarded through City & Guilds, which introduces them to areas such as fencing, turf, machinery use and maintenance, planting, and site surveying. Students also need to complete a work experience placement, something

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Plumpton encourages students to arrange before starting the course. Landscape construction is also part of Level 1, 2 and 3 courses in horticulture, which according to Andy Taaffe, head of Greenspace and Creative Design at Myerscough College, allows students to “get a taste of different programmes so they can decide which area they want to specialise in – whether it’s production horticulture, landscape construction, or amenity and sports turf.” For students who would rather join the workforce early on, apprenticeship routes are available. Plumpton offers the landscape operative apprenticeship scheme, and Rachel says there has been a rise in the number of applicants thanks to the Apprenticeship Levy introduced two years ago in a bid to create three million apprenticeships in the UK by 2020. To keep these routes up to date, the government is switching from frameworks to standards, that will be designed by an employer group by 2020, with end-point assessments. “The new apprenticeship route is quite exciting because it’s been built by employers,” says Robin Jackson, industry manager (land-based and utilities) at City & Guilds. “As someone described to me, the new apprenticeship standard is more focused on producing an ‘oven ready turkey’. By the time the apprentice is finished, they will effectively be an employee who can carry out the job. There’s a lot more on, for instance, sustainability, partly because that’s what the industry is demanding, but also because customers are looking for sustainable alternatives, so it’s really key that new entrants know what’s available.” Talk around sustainability is also increasing on college-based courses. “It’s built into the curriculum,” says Adam Blunt, team leader at Hadlow College in Kent. “We talk about both the environmental impact and the ethical sourcing of materials. As an industry, we have done a lot to raise standards in this area, such as stamping out child labour from being used to create cheap paving slabs. We also look at how many miles materials are travelling and how sustainable they are.” Improving areas like sustainability and ethical sourcing, and changing the way courses are evaluated, could help change the perception of landscaping to the public into that of a more professional trade. Though colleges have a duty to ensure students are work-ready, there’s a debate over whether they are achieving this. Urban Landscape Design is taking matters into its own hands. The design and build

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“BY THE END OF THE COURSE , STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO RUN THEIR OWN BUSINESS OR GO TO WORK AS A FOREMAN OR CONSTRUCTION MANAGER”

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company is opening its own landscape training academy later this year, working closely with BALI and the APL to provide both one and two-day courses, with the hope of introducing week-long courses later on. The academy is looking to work alongside colleges, offering additional training which they are not always able to provide. For instance, the site was used ahead of this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show for APL apprentices from Myerscough College to help landscape contractor Ross Conquest work on his Perennial Lifeline Garden and learn the process. The college seemed keen for its students to visit the academy regularly, says Mark Youde, managing director of Urban Landscape Design. “Students are not leaving college workready,” explains Mark. “The industry is moving forward at such a phenomenal rate. One of the reasons we started the academy was to ensure that if a material we’d never used before was specified by a designer, we could get that product on our site prior to starting the job and train ourselves to install it, so we’ll know the pitfalls beforehand. In the long term, it will cost us less money than getting it wrong on site.” He adds that the government apprenticeship programme, though meeting a certain standard, does not train the apprentice to be an autonomous employee, and one day a week in college is not enough. The APL apprenticeship, on the other hand, is different. “It’s based on the same principle as the government apprenticeship, but the APL apprenticeship offers a boot camp scenario,” says Mark. “Over an 18-month period of working within the industry, the apprentice will go on to do a week’s boot camp at Myerscough College at the end of every three months.” Mark, who is an APL mentor and GoLandscape ambassador, says working with trade associations and having industry experts from reputable companies mentoring students is important. The new Level 3 Diploma, with its links to BALI, has huge potential. Last year at Capel Manor, BALI spoke to students about becoming members and registered landscapers – and suppliers came in to do masterclasses. “The whole point of this course is to ensure students are working either towards or at industry standard and raising the standards as well,” says Zephaniah. “For so long, the industry has been seen as a man in a van with a wheelbarrow and a shovel, but the purpose of this course is to make sure workers are seen as professionals and technicians.” Not only is there a challenge in ensuring students leave ‘work-ready’, but also in filling the

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“THE PUBLIC NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT WHAT WE DO IS VERY SKILLED, AND THIS IS A VALUABLE INDUSTRY”

spaces on these courses in the first place. “Attracting students is our biggest challenge,” says Andy of Myerscough. “We have more employment opportunities than young people coming into the industry. There’s a preconception in school that if you’re a bright 16-year-old you need to go on to do A Levels, but they could also have a fantastic career ahead of them if they did a vocational course. “There’s also a preconception that as long as you can dig a hole or know the name of a plant you can pass horticulture courses. But students have to sit a synoptic exam in March, where they’re tested on everything they’ve learnt up until that point. After this, they have a series of practical examinations where they have to prove they are practically capable. It’s an academically rigorous programme.” To change these preconceptions, Myerscough has started running events with schools where young pupils can learn about the technicalities of horticulture and landscaping, such as quantity surveying and knowledge of soils, plants and biology. “The numbers of applicants had been dropping, but this year we’re actually seeing a rise,” says Andy. “Our recruitment for September is probably the highest it’s been for the past six years.” Whilst getting people to sign up to the courses might not be an issue, Zephaniah admits improving diversity remains a challenge. This year’s student diversity was “not as good as it could have been”, though not through lack of trying. “This year, we had mostly white male students who were either already working in the industry, or had relevant experience in

construction and were looking to move into the landscaping sector. We’re trying to attract more female students to the course. For example, we’re arranging for a couple of female brick layers to come in and do a masterclass session, to be inspirational figures for our students.” It’s not just a gender imbalance, though. It is also a struggle attracting ethnic minority students, says Zephaniah, who hopes to encourage more diversity amongst applicants. “Construction is manual labour, and we find most of our students from ethnic minorities are looking to go into more theoretical and academic studies.” Robin agrees, saying the industry is “not coming through in terms of proportional representation”, and this is only adding to the stigma. “It’s diversity we need to celebrate as an industry and which is more likely to attract new people,” says Robin. New courses, initiatives, efforts to engage students and an industry-wide interest in closing the skills gap all go to show that a lot is being done to address the shortage and begin to change the perception of horticulture and landscaping to the wider public. “The public need to understand that what we do is very skilled, and this is a valuable industry,” says Mark of Urban Landscape Design. “If we can make that the public perception, then there’s a better chance of making the younger generation understand that as well.” With all of these steps to change the public view of landscaping education, there is a growing opportunity for the conversation around the skills shortage in the industry to turn a positive corner.

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MAKING H O RT I CU LT U R E

AC CESSIBL E

R O B I R O N M O N G E R , A P P R E N T I C E S H I P T U TO R AT Y M C A T R A I N I N G – PA R T O F C E N T R A L Y M C A , E X P L A I N S H OW N E W P R O G R A M M E H O R TA B I L I T Y C A N H E L P T H O S E W I T H D I S A B I L I T I E S G A I N E M P LOY M E N T I N T H E I N D U ST RY who apply and help them to gain a job in the horticulture industry. “There’s a gap in the industry for people with disabilities, whether those are physical or mental disabilities,” says Rob Ironmonger, an apprenticeship tutor at YMCA Training who has been coordinating Hortability. “There are not many people within the horticultural sector working with people with disabilities at present.” Providing a person with a disability is over the age of 18, is unemployed, is able to complete a pre-course assessment, and, of course, has a passion for horticulture, then they are welcome to apply. Those enrolled on the

THERE’S A GAP IN THE INDUSTRY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, WHETHER THOSE ARE PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITIES 10-week Hortability course will need to attend one day per week and, subject to the type of disability, will be expected to undertake a work placement. “We’ll look to cater for their needs and design the course around them,” says Rob. “We want to find them something which they enjoy doing. If they are wheelchair bound, for instance, they will need raised planters. If someone has a disability where only one side of their body is working, then we wouldn’t be able to do mowing or strimming, for instance, so we adapt the course by focusing on plant

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HORTICULTURE TUTOR ANDREW HARWOOD, WHO HAS A DISABILITY, WITH ONE OF HIS STUDENTS

©Amaya Roman

ore than 20% of the UK population is disabled. That’s 13.9 million people, according to a Family Resources Survey for 2016/17 by the Department of Work & Pensions. These numbers don’t just include physical disabilities, either: 24% of this total reported a mental health impairment, up 4% within only two years. But how many of those who reported a disability are in employment? According to a report produced by the House of Commons Library, 3.9 million people with reported disabilities and of working age (16 to 64) were employed in the UK between January and March this year. This may be on the rise – up 180,000 from the previous year – but it’s still a long way off the government’s target to have 4.5 million people with disabilities in employment by 2027. Attempting to help change this is YMCA Training. Working with the Monday Charitable Trust, the organisation is offering a horticultural course for those with disabilities. Launching on 23 August, the Hortability course will help tailor the City & Guilds Level 1 Practical Horticulture qualification to the individual needs of those

and weed identification, applying fertilisers, and hanging basket preparation.” The Salford-based programme accepts a maximum of 10 students on each course, with a mentor working alongside the tutor to ensure each student has the necessary support. Though the usual course will run from 9am to 5pm, this may be shortened if requested. Upon completion, YMCA Training aims to help students to gain employment, having built relationships with a variety of local companies, authorities, as well as with Job Centre Plus in Salford. It might only be ten people each time, but by helping those with disabilities to get jobs within the horticulture sector step by step, Hortability is contributing to the government’s target. From here, the number of those in employment will hopefully continue to rise.

To apply for the course running from either 23 August or 8 November: Call 0161 737 6699 Email dawn.brannigan@ymca.co.uk robert.ironmonger@ymca.co.uk Apply online ymca.co.uk/hortability

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ADVERTORIAL

T H E E X P LO S I O N O F

PORCELAIN PAVING FOLLOWING TAL ASE Y GROUP'S 15-YE AR ANNIVERSARY THIS JUNE, WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE EMERGING DOMINANCE OF PORCEL AIN, HOW BEST TO WORK WITH IT AND HIGH QUALIT Y SOLUTIONS

alasey Group has witnessed first-hand the explosion of porcelain over the past 18 months. It now reports that many of its customers who traditionally worked with Natural Paving now hold Vitripiazza as a new second option as it is as easy to install. It is also a great domestic solution as it is highly durable, resistant to attack from mould, pesticides and salt, non-absorbent, frost proof and easy to clean. With Vitripiazza, homeowners can rely on lasting aesthetics and minimal maintenance. Talasey Group’s marketing manager Rebecca Hughes commented: “One of our landscapers now refuses work if the client insists on anything other than porcelain paving.” For those who have not yet ‘discovered’ porcelain and worry about how to work with it – don’t! It’s easy to install, much like natural stone, and only requires a little bit of upskilling. Talasey has a few simple tips to get people started.

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Tempesta and Nuvola, Di Pietra

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ADVERTORIAL

For hands-on training, Talasey Group offers a dedicated City & Guilds accredited course at its Talasey Training Academy (TTA). This educates delegates on the installation and how to get the most from the material, as well as practical elements. This includes preparing the site and cutting the porcelain, amongst other things.

ONE OF OUR LANDSCAPERS NOW REFUSES WORK IF THE CLIENT INSISTS ON ANYTHING OTHER THAN PORCELAIN PAVING As the popularity of porcelain increases, so does the number of new suppliers with competitive pricing to attract sales. Beware, however, as not all options present the same level of quality. Thankfully, you can trust in the Vitripiazza range, as all products are made from high quality, vitrified, full bodied, Italian porcelain in comparison to cheaper options, which are often made from vitrified ceramics. Not only does Vitripiazza offer the highest quality products, it also boasts quantity in the breadth and depth of its range. In a recent BMBI meeting, the panel regarded porcelain as the ‘clear customer choice’ – something that Malcolm Gough, group sales and marketing director at Talasey, agreed with, stating that the popularity of the material was only predicted to grow in the coming years. To satisfy this demand for porcelain paving, Talasey Group has introduced an additional 12 ranges to the Vitripiazza brand this year. There are now 17 different options and 58 colours with a variety of finishes, size formats and thicknesses (10mm to 30mm). This variety enables landscapers to create seamless designs across all areas of indoor-outdoor living, including driveways, walling, patios, paths and indoor areas. The range also caters for all budgets, with entry-level options; Almare, Bellezza, Stile and Anno, through to high-end products including large format Collosso, Dellacava, with Guidare suitable for driveways, plus three wall-cladding ranges – Nerali, Rok and Mattoni. Talasey Group now offers a ‘made to order service’ for bespoke size formats, edgings and etchings so landscaping professionals can offer a personalised design to their customers.

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Talasey Group is proud to offer a full kit service, direct to site providing the right amount of installation and accessory products required, including priming slurry and choice of jointing product (Pavetuf mortar, compound or new grout).

Athos, Colosso

Talasey Group is one of the UK’s leading landscaping suppliers, for more information visit www.talasey.co.uk or call 0330 333 8030

Pro Landscaper / August 2019 99

25/07/2019 12:18

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25/07/2019 14:55

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TRASHING P L ASTIC

W I T H T H E F I G H T AG A I N ST U N N EC E S S A RY P L A ST I C S H OW I N G N O S I G N S O F S LOW I N G D OW N , W E A S K E D S O M E O F T H E I N D U ST R Y ’ S L E A D I N G S U P P L I E R S W H AT M E A S U R E S T H E Y ’ R E TA K I N G TO R E D U C E T H E I R OW N P L A ST I C U S AG E

has actually been easy once we focused on it. We’ve banned the purchase and use of single-use cups, spoons and stirrers across the business with the exception of the odd takeaway coffee for clients visiting our trade counter. Water coolers are provided in all sites, so our team members don’t need to buy bottled water. We’ve massively reduced the use of PE foam packaging by changing the way we pack our bespoke and sealed products. We now pack back-to-back and face-to-face and use as many foam off-cuts as we can. We accept this isn’t quite as neat as our previous packing method, but we believe our clients are happy to accept this small compromise in the interest of reducing the amount of plastic we use. Many plastics are recyclable and the more we recycle the plastics, the less chance they will end up in landfills. We go to great lengths to ensure as much of what can be recycled at London Stone is recycled. Every site, office and showroom is provided with recycling bins and our teams are trained and engaged in the importance of recycling. There is much more we

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Trex “We often discuss the aesthetics of decking and highlight the low-maintenance and durability of Trex as a key brand benefit. What many don’t realise is that Trex composite decking is made from 95% recycled timber and plastic. Trex has been manufacturing decking from these materials for over 20 years and is one of the largest plastics recyclers in the USA. The recycled plastics in Trex come from several sources: plastic wrapping on paper towels; dry cleaner bags; sandwich bags; newspaper sleeves; and shopping bags. A 500ft2 Trex deck contains 140,000 recycled plastic bags. Trex also uses reclaimed sawdust for the core of its decking boards – it’s part of what makes them breathable and

MORE THAN

8 MILLION

TONS OF PLASTIC ENTERS OCEANS EVERY YEAR

14%

O F P L A S T I C PA C K A G I N G WA S T E I S C O L L E C T E D F O R R E C YC L I N G

A 500FT2 TREX DECK CONTAINS 140,000 RECYCLED PLASTIC BAGS durable. It also means that Trex hasn’t felled a single tree in the manufacture of its decking products. In total, Trex manages to save over 300,000t of plastic and timber waste from landfill annually.” www.arbordeck.co.uk

8.3

BILLION

TONS

REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF PLASTIC WE USE HAS ACTUALLY BEEN EASY ONCE WE FOCUSED ON IT

can do as a business, so reducing our use of plastic is a work in progress. London Stone is committed to reducing its impact on the environment year on year.” www.londonstone.co.uk

ONLY

London Stone “We all go to lots of effort at home to reduce our use of plastics by sorting through our recyclables, but do we take the same approach in our businesses? At London Stone we try and take exactly the same approach. Like most businesses, the use of plastic has quietly crept into our organisation under the radar, but reducing the amount of plastic we use

OF PL ASTIC HAVE BEEN PRODUCED SINCE 1950. H A L F O F T H I S WA S M A N U FA C T U R E D W I T H I N T H E PA S T 15 YEARS AND 6 . 3 B N T O N S H AV E B E E N T H R O W N AWAY

170 COUNTRIES

PLEDGED TO REDUCE THEIR PL ASTIC USAGE B Y 2 0 3 0 AT T H E U N E N V I R O N M E N TA L A S S E M B LY

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blockchain system, the origins of the plastic will be documented with the precise location and collector. It will then be possible to trace its journey all the way from a beach to the end purchaser. In this way, a direct contribution is made to the global clean-up, while at the same time making it possible to manufacture unique and valuable objects.” www.vestre.com Green-tech “Green-tech takes its environmental impact very seriously, ensuring every element of the business is aware of plastic reduction both internally and externally. Significant developments by Green-tech include the Treebio biodegradable tree planting range, including spirals, pegs and mulch mats. The new range is part of Green-tech’s long-term plan to assist landscape contractors

DEVELOPMENTS BY GREEN-TECH INCLUDE THE TREEBIO BIODEGRADABLE TREE PLANTING RANGE

Vestre “Vestre has recently joined forces with other Norwegian businesses to establish the project ‘From beach to boardroom’ as a tangible means of addressing the problem of stray plastic. Through improved producer and consumer responsibility, less plastic is going astray. However, ‘From beach to boardroom’ intends to

IT HAS ALREADY BEEN PROVEN THAT THE PLASTIC IS FUNCTIONALLY SUITABLE FOR FUTURE USE harness unwanted plastic and re-purpose it into Norwegian design objects that can be utilised in both buildings and public spaces. It has already been proven that the plastic is functionally suitable for future use, so through a

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and the industry as a whole with their own green credentials. Green-tech has purchased two pallet wrapping machines this financial year, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce wastage, resulting in a 60% reduction of wrapping film used over the past six months. Green-tech has worked within the ISO 14001 Environmental Management framework for the past nine years, too. The accreditation specifies the maintenance of an environmental management system. This helps to control environmental aspects of the business, reduce impacts and ensure legal compliance.” www.green-tech.co.uk Millboard “Unlike other composite decking boards that are made from melted plastics, the structural core of Millboard decking is a blend of natural minerals bonded in a polyurethane resin. Polyurethane is inert, safe and extremely versatile, and its production process uses less than 0.1% of oil consumed worldwide, saving 14.5t of CO2 in Europe each year. This is the equivalent to one year’s worth of electricity use in two million homes. Our Plas-Pro decking support components are also made from 100%

THE FIRST PREMIUM OUTDOOR FLOORING COMPANY TO HAVE ITS CARBON FOOTPRINT INDEPENDENTLY VERIFIED recycled plastic, further contributing to our mission to enhance outdoor spaces without damaging the planet. As a company, Millboard has always been extremely environmentally conscious. In fact, Millboard is the world’s only manufacturer of hand-moulded polyurethane decking, and the first premium outdoor flooring company to have its carbon footprint independently verified and UKAS accredited. We don’t believe that clients should make ethical compromises when designing their outdoor spaces and that’s why we don’t use plastic in our products.” www.millboard.co.uk Landscapeplus “When we started Landscapeplus nearly twenty years ago, one of our founding mantras was that all our packaging had to be re-useable, recyclable or compostable. So, at that point we committed to using cardboard packaging and paper tape. Over the years, we’ve experimented with a variety of biodegradable box fillers, ranging

WE’VE EXPERIMENTED WITH A VARIETY OF BIODEGRADABLE BOX FILLERS from shredded cardboard made from old packaging to puffed corn starch. At the time, we didn’t make this decision to be fashionable, we did it because we knew it is the right way to run a business. There are always areas where we can improve, so we’re currently reviewing Landscapeplus’s carbon footprint in order to make direct improvements to the business or to identify opportunities to apply pressure to our suppliers on how they choose their packaging. Running a business is all about reviewing and improving wherever you can, and packaging is one of those key areas for us.” www.landscapeplus.com

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25/07/2019 12:47

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25/07/2019 15:54

MULTI SLATE CLADDING BY POSITIVE GARDEN LTD

EDUCATE

S T E V E N WA L L E Y O F LONDON STONE W I T N E S S E S STO N E CLADDING USE ON SITE AND SHARES TIPS FOR F U T U R E P R OJ E C TS

look back fondly on my days as a young landscaper, building gardens in the Midlands, but it was a far cry from today’s landscaping industry. Back then, the materials palette was Indian stone, lap arched fencing and reclaimed railway sleepers. The selection of hard landscaping materials available in 2019 is, by contrast, staggering. We have an array of porcelain and natural stone paving, walling in every shape and size, and, of course, vertical cladding systems all on offer. While not a new phenomenon, the use of cladding is in sharp ascendancy. A recent day

CLADDING’S CATC H I N G O N

pressing the pieces of cladding into place. It was really positive to see skills being passed on to the next generation. The last call of the day was to a large property development. I was delighted to see Steel Dark DesignClad being used to clad a hefty retaining wall. I was pleased to hear that spent visiting clients opened my eyes to the the contractor had found the product easy to now seemingly compulsory inclusion of work with, but it was impossible not to notice cladding in UK gardens. the slithers of material used for cuts. What is Our first stop was meeting Brett and Sally worse is that this could have easily been Penny of Limebok Landscaping. Arriving on site, avoided with better design. Such a plethora of what caught my eye was the raised planters. cladding materials will always be accompanied Brett had used standard by an equally bewildering porcelain paving to clad number of installation the blockwork planters to a methods. It’s impossible to very high standard. Brett is cover all these in one article, but obviously a highly competent there are some universal truths landscaper, but undoubtedly to cladding installation. the task was made Good design is essential for significantly easier through the smooth installation of the availability of 20mm cladding systems. Avoid rectified porcelain and unsightly slither cuts. Design high-performance your cladded walls around the INTERLOCKING exterior adhesives. dimensions of the products you CORNER FINISH BY Our next destination will be using and don’t forget to HABITAT LANDSCAPES saw us meet up with Lee factor in jointing gaps if required. Goulding, director at Habitat If in doubt, pick up the phone Landscapes. Entering the site, we were greeted and get in touch with your supplier to talk by Habitat Landscapes foreman, Cameron, through your ideas with them. schooling Joel the apprentice on the installation Accurately installed cladding requires of Z format stone cladding. Cameron patiently accurate blockwork. The smallest lips in guided Joel through the process of buttering blockwork can throw out a piece of cladding, the blockwork with adhesive before carefully especially when using a precise product like

THE USE OF CLADDING IS IN SHARP ASCENDANCY

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DesignClad. Before cladding, it’s essential to clean the blockwork of any protruding mortar. Returns can be tricky. In an ideal world, corners would be mitred. But, with a material like Z profile stone cladding, for example, mitred corners are virtually impossible, so you need to either overlap or interlock the corners. Never compromise on cutting equipment, and always remember, you get what you pay for. Quality diamond blades will enable quicker cutting and reduced spalling, especially on porcelain products. Unless using a soft porous cladding (where a grey adhesive could leach through) always try and use a grey adhesive, as grey will blend-in much better with the cladding material if there are small gaps in the cladding. Cladding is only growing in popularity, so expect to see more new systems making their way onto the market as suppliers continue to innovate. For designers and contractors not familiar with designing or installing cladding I would strongly advise that you give it a try – you will not regret it.

A B O U T ST E V E N WA L L E Y Steven Walley is the managing director and one of the founders of hard landscaping materials supplier London Stone. Steven has been involved in the landscaping industry, first as an installer and now as a supplier, for more than 20 years.

www.londonstone.co.uk

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HIGGINS CLADDING LTD P R I VAT E G A R D E N A client contacted Higgins Cladding in May, seeking a lightweight alternative to natural stone to clad a raised Koi pond. The supplier suggested using its range of external precast: cement-based split face panels in Lakina Graphite. After receiving a sample pack, the client opted to purchase the panels for the pond. Higgins Cladding product specialists provided expert guidance on how to install the panels, as well as the best sundry products to use, allowing the client to install the cladding with ease. The Lakina Graphite panels bring a contemporary feel, and provide a cost-effective solution to projects where heavy materials are not suitable. www.higginscladding.co.uk

ROUND WOOD OF MAYFIELD S H OW G A R D E N

CLADDING P R OJ EC TS

PRO LANDSCAPER SHARES S O M E N OTA B L E S U C C E S S STO R I E S F R O M I N D U ST RY- L E A D I N G C L A D D I N G C O M PA N I E S

Round Wood of Mayfield supported one of its regular customers to triumph in the People’s Choice Award at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2018. Visitors voted Conquest Creative Spaces’ APL Avenue ‘Across the Board’ garden as Most Popular in Show, for creativity whilst being “easy to maintain”. The garden featured several striking elements supplied by Round Wood – the stand had a contemporary edge with eco-friendly thermotreated cladding, and they also supplied a striking oak pergola and children’s swing from their workshop. Commenting on Round Wood’s help in winning the People’s Choice award, Ross Conquest of Conquest Creative Spaces said: “Round Wood is a landscaper’s hidden gem for creating something a little special in the garden.” www.roundwood.com

LONDON STONE S H OW G A R D E N , R H S C H E L S E A F L OW E R S H OW

Designed by McWilliam Studio for the 2017 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, London Stone’s DesignClad Steel Dark was used on the Gold Medal-winning ‘Breaking Ground’ garden. The specially ordered sheets were supplied in a 3000 x 1000mm dimension and are manufactured from porcelain, making them hard-wearing as well as stylish. Students from the UK and China were asked to handwrite their thoughts about the future, and these were engraved in-house by London Stone’s CNC machine onto the panels. The garden was a standout feature at the show and gained plaudits from across the industry. London Stone offers DesignClad off-the-shelf in eight colours, in a 1500 x 1000 x 5mm dimension. www.londonstone.co.uk

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