Pro Landscaper September 2023

Healing with HORTICULTURE

LET’S HEAR IT FROM Liz Nicholson, Nicholsons CAN THE INDUSTRY BECOME CEMENT FREE? Removing the high carbon culprit

CONSTRUCTING MINDS

Tatton's Best in Show designers on tackling a tough topic

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TWelcomehere’s an entire campaign to stop the use of artificial grass. The plastic product has often been vilified by the media and our industry, with companies refusing to use it and actively steering clients away from it. Cement, on the other hand, receives far less attention, and yet it’s a far bigger contributor to the industry’s – in fact, the world’s – carbon footprint. Around 8% of global emissions come from the cement industry alone.

I’m not saying that the efforts to reduce our use of artificial grass are unwarranted. Instead, I’m agreeing with Gareth Wilson, who in our feature on whether the industry could remove or reduce the use of cement (page 22) says: “If we can get the same uprising for cement that we’ve got for artificial grass – and that all started with small steps – then we can make the right moves and go cement free.”

A few contractors at this year’s shows took the leap and created show gardens that were free from cement, and some are trying to do the same on more permanent projects too. Nicholsons, for instance, no longer uses portland cement, absorbing the cost of using alternatives. (It’s one of many bold stances that the company has taken, including its nursery becoming peat free and Plant Healthy – read more on page 43).

It certainly won’t be easy to remove cement from landscaping entirely, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

The Association of Professional Landscapers

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

©RHS/Neil Hepworth

THE CANCER RESEARCH UK LEGACY GARDEN, DESIGNED BY PAUL HERVEY-BROOKES AND BUILD BY GK WILSON LANDSCAPES AT RHS HAMPTON COURT 2023

6

Is a Slump in the Housebuilding Sector Having a Domino Effect?

The commercial landscaping sector could be seeing the impact of a challenging market in our UK Landscape Barometer.

12

10 Years Young

The Landscaping Consultants is celebrating a decade. Director Jake Catling shares his tips for success.

21

Is Salary the Best Way to Retain Staff?

Holly Youde explains how a positive work environment, amongst other measures, can keep employees engaged.

BUSINESS OPINION

CONTENTS September 2023

FEATURES 65

26

More than the Numbers RHS show director Helena Pettit shares the success of the recent show season, and it’s not just down to how many people attended.

28

Unfairly Judged?

If show gardens are going to become more sustainable, this needs to be acknowledged in the judging, explains Peter Reader.

31

The Uxbridge Proxy Modern electoral politics could be preventing impactful change for the environment, argues Christopher Martin.

43

Let’s Hear It From...Liz Nicholson Nicholsons is continually striving to lower its carbon footprint and is eager to help the industry do the same through collaboration

48

Can the Industry Become Cement Free? Show gardens have achieved it, but there’s potential to remove the high-carbon contributor beyond temporary projects

53

Healing with Horticulture Therapeutic gardening could be part of any project, with a host of benefits to the client

PORTFOLIOS

59

A Perfect Circle

A round space by Joshua Fenton Gardens is surrounded by Corten steel and greenery to create an enclosed oasis.

65

The Al Fresco Garden

Raine Garden Design has created a stylish, modern garden for dining and entertaining outdoors at a home in Surrey.

71

Time for Tea

The home of Yorkshire Tea now has a new, exotic garden for its staff to relax and enjoy a cuppa in – designed by Matthew Wilson.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

15

The Silent Epidemic

Two designers sought to highlight the high suicide rates in construction at this year’s Tatton Park, winning Best Show Garden

39

Nurseries vs Climate Change

How are growers tackling more extreme weather conditions to ensure they can still meet demand?

78

Nailing the Garden Building

James Smith offers his top tips on how to incorporate a garden building into any outdoor space

IS A SLUMP IN THE HOUSEBUILDING SECTOR

having a domino effect?

The housebuilding sector has had a tough year so far, if Marshall’s half-year results are anything to go by. The building products supplier reported a 30% drop in its profit before tax for the first half of this year, compared to the same period in 2022, leading to it taking “decisive action” to save £9m a year.

CEO Martyn Coffey blamed tough market conditions being “challenging” and announced that Marshalls had to axe around 250 jobs as a result.

Commercial landscapers are also feeling the pinch; 60% are less confident this month than the same time last year. One commented: “Housebuilders are not selling well at present, so [they’re] being a bit careful [with] their money.”

Developer Taylor Wimpey, for instance, saw its profits plummet by a quarter as fewer houses are being purchased; its pre-tax profit dropped from £334.5m to a considerably lower £237.7m.

“Clients [are] tendering projects two to three years ahead, so whilst the pipeline is encouraging, there is some nervousness over the long-term order book. The time taken and resources required to close out

the post-tender period and secure projects is extending,” says another commercial landscaper.

Marshalls has hope, though. Coffey said the supplier has ensured that its manufacturing network is still able to respond, and quickly, to higher volumes

“when there is an improvement in market conditions”.

Across all sectors in the Barometer, confidence is largely unchanged this month; 55% said that they feel the same confidence as last month, with only 20% feeling more confident.

PERCENTAGE OF RESPONDENTS MORE CONFIDENT COMPARED TO LAST MONTH

Design and Build

Similar to last month, design and build companies are struggling to get clients “to sign off large spends”, and one says that clients are “still reluctant to pay their bills – even when jobs are finished and [there’s] no snagging.” They added that if snagging is needed, the clients are “not willing to pay anything towards the final bill, no matter how little the snagging.”

It paints a frustrating picture, and enquiries, conversation rate and enquiries are largely unchanged from the same time last year; no design and build companies reported an increase in the number of the projects they’re working on this month, compared to last June. One company said: “I think demand has peaked for a while and will drop back this autumn, but good projects will be around with plenty of activity in general.”

Nurseries

For some, the cooler and wetter summer has been a blessing, having “allowed more planting to take place compared to last year,” says one nursery.

However, many of us might remember a brief heatwave earlier this season and the threat of widespread hosepipe bans. This seemingly put a bit of a dampener on the industry. One nursery said: “Shipped sales were 25% below target for July, and the worst by far for seven years, thanks to the media, Defra and water authorities talking up hose pipe bans, talk of a hotter summer than last year.”

They noted it caused customers to postpone deliveries or to simply not buy plants at all, adding that the state of the economy isn’t helping much either. Still, 80% said their turnover and quotes had increased compared to the same time last year.

A DROP IN THEIR 27% 53%

67% CONVERSION RATE OF GARDEN DESIGNERS PROJECTS 27% ARE ON THE UP FOR 20% 42% 50%

SEEING FEWER 8%

60% Higher No change Lower

0%

Projects

Conversion Rate Enquiries 20% 40%60%80% 100% Higher No change Lower

0%

Quotes

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

Gardeners’ New World

DROUGHT AND FLOOD ARE RARELY OUT THE NEWS OR THE GARDEN.

We talk about water quality and quantity in the news. We talk about too little or too much water in our gardens. We need to talk about landscaping solutions that transform rainwater use in our homes and, as a result, the national water conversation.

How can we reimagine rainwater away from runoff to resource?

How can we integrate our solutions from roof level to ground level?

How do products and plants deliver rainwater solutions?

How does our landscaping practice meet Gardeners’ New World?

Join us to shape the conversation

ACO partnered with the Royal Horticultural Society to bring the RHS Resilient Garden to this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Festival. Explore our learnings at www.aco.co.uk/water-talk and contribute to the conversation.

PRO LANDSCAPER

BUSINESS AWARDS

WINNERS CELEBRATE SUCCESS AT VINEYARD

The winners of this year’s Pro Landscaper Business Awards in association with Caribbean Blinds were invited to a vineyard in Sussex last week to recognise and reward their achievements earlier this year.

The award-winning companies came together at Ridgeview Wine Estate in Ditchling for a tour of the vineyard followed by wine tasting and lunch.

Ridgeview itself is a multi-award winner, producing high quality English sparkling wine from its estate in the South Downs National Park. It is a registered BCorporation, committed to making

ROUNDUP

Industry Updates

OVER £9M IN BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN FUNDING

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has received an additional £9m in funding, adding to the existing £6m confirmed earlier this year. The strategy, which is due to come into effect later this year, is being introduced by Defra to support nature recovery on new developments. It will soon be mandatory for all major developments to deliver a 10% benefit to nature, supporting the government’s target to halt species decline by 2030 and its commitment to ‘30 by 30’.

The funding will support local authorities in recruiting ecologists and specialists to better safeguard and improve habitats during the development process, in alignment with the strategies

remit of ensuring biodiversity is improved post-development.

Rob Perrins, chief executive of property developer Berkeley Group which has already been adopting BNG on a voluntary basis, says the legislation will be an “important step forward for our industry.” He added that additional funding will “provide greater certainty” ahead of BNG becomes law in November.

Organisations are being encouraged to apply for ‘responsible body status’, allowing them to enter into conservation covenant agreements with landowners. gov.uk/government/organisations/ department-for-environment-foodrural-affairs

business ‘a force for good’. Reflecting on the event, Jamie Wilkinson, managing director of organiser Eljays44, says: “What a great day as we raised our glasses to toast the winners of the 2023 Pro Landscaper Business Awards. Their success is a testament to their dedication, and we’re honoured to be part of their journey. Cheers to each of you!”

If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a Pro Landscaper Business Award next year, entries will be opening at FutureScape in November, which is being held from 21-22 November at the ExCeL London.

prolandscaperbusinessawards.com

FUTURESCAPE 2023 BECOMES CPD ACCREDITED

FutureScape 2023 in association with Caribbean Blinds has partnered with The CPD Group to provide Continuous Professional Development (CPD) accreditation to visitors, for the first time in the event’s history.

FutureScape visitors will receive a CPD accreditation certificate, recognised across the professional sector in regard to an individual’s commitment to professional development and staying up to date with contemporary trends and insights across a particular profession or industry.

The two-day event, set to take place on 21 and 22 November, will offer the opportunity to gain insights from industry professionals to receive recognition through award programmes.

This year’s award programmes include the Pro Landscaper Project Awards in association with Provender Nurseries, Pro Landscaper Sustainability & Biodiversity Awards in association with Kress, Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation in partnership with Green-tech and Unsung Heros in association with Landscapeplus.

Since 2014, FutureScape has experienced ‘exponential’ growth, moving to the ExCeL in 2021 and winning the EN Indy Award for Most Impressive Growth at a Trade Show in 2022. futurescapeevent.com

NURTURE GROUP ACQUIRES NORTHERN ESTATES SERVICES

Nationwide green services provider, Nurture Group has acquired Lancashire landscape maintenance company, Northern Estates Services Ltd (NESL).

The acquisition follows on from the Group’s £60m investment by All Seas Capital earlier this year, marking its ninth acquisition in the past twelve months and further operates as an important step to consolidating the

Group’s national presence. Peter Fane, Nurture Group founder and executive chairman, says: “NESL operates through four key service lines which have strong alignment with our own verticals: grounds maintenance services and extra works, representing some two-thirds of NESL’s revenue, winter maintenance & gritting, arboriculture services, and civil works comprising essentially hard landscaping and ad hoc works.

“This, together with a super client base which matches ours, and a shared vision for a more sustainable world and business, was always going to be the perfect match.”

Independent landscapers, NESL have sustainably operated primarily in the North of England, increasing annual sale figures to £4m in the past 15 years. nurture-group.co.uk northernestatesservices.co.uk

COULD T-LEVELS HELP SOLVE THE INDUSTRY’S SKILLS SHORTAGE?

It’s no secret that the sector is facing a substantial succession crisis thanks to an ongoing skills shortage. Recognised voices within the sector offer their insights. prolandscapermagazine.com/could-t-levelshelp-solve-the-industrys-skills-shortage

Results of the Landscape Institute’s recent membership survey show an underlying dissatisfaction and a lack of entry accessibility aid, concludes the association. Data showed that overall membership satisfaction fell by a quarter, to 39%, down from 64%.

Acting commercial director, Naomi Taylor, who until recently was the head of membership, called it a “bleak day” when she read the results. “I’ve read every single comment in detail. That is quite a drop and I recognise we need to do something about that, which is why we’re looking to make positive change. We need to do something about it.”

Robert Hughes, acting CEO of the LI, says: “We have a genuine commitment to listen to the views of our members and provide them with the best possible service. A member survey is an excellent way of doing this and we will be rigorous in responding to the issues that have been raised.”

One member says: “I do not feel very supported as a member, and I do not feel the LI is vocal enough in representing members and our agenda to government.”

Whilst almost 20% of survey respondents felt the LI performs well in

building connections with sectors and organisations, below half (38%) felt the LI had done well in updating entry standards. Less than a third (28%) agree that the LI performs well in attracting the next generation of professionals.

Almost half (44%) of respondents stated they were proud to be a part of the LI, but 37% of members stated that they would not be a part of the LI if it were not a requirement of their job.

The majority (70%) of respondents indicated a need for increased specialty focus, including the deployment of masterclasses on single topics.

Hughes concludes with: “We are embarking on a new chapter in the LI’s long and respected history, with the leadership of our new president-elect, Carolin Göhler.

"We are looking forward to a positive future, focusing on these strategic priorities in order to support our members in their work, and unite the industry to meet today’s challenges by connecting people, place, and nature for the benefit of the public and the planet.” landscapeinstitute.org

THE FRUSTRATED GARDENER IS HERE TO HELP

Many will recognise Cooper from his acclaimed gardening blog, The Frustrated Gardener, which he launched in 2012. It quickly took root and he was celebrated in the press for creating a ‘subtropical paradise dominated by dramatic colours and shapes.’ prolandscapermagazine.com/thefrustrated-gardener-is-here-to-help

30 UNDER 30: A CATCH UP WITH RACHEL PLATT

A year after becoming one of Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation winners, Rachel Platt has scooped a hat-trick of awards at this year’s RHS Flower Show Tatton Park, including the coveted People’s Choice Award. prolandscapermagazine.com/30-under30-a-catch-up-with-rachel-platt

“BLEAK” RESULTS IN LANDSCAPE INSTITUTE MEMBERSHIP SURVEY

DIRECT TO SITE DELIVERY

We offer multiple options to suit all requirements, from single pallets and order select options, through to half and full loads on all our brands – so however big or small your project is, Talasey can help.

Our dedicated direct to site team are available to guide you through our product ranges to ensure you have everything you need to complete the job simply and easily.

For a no obligation quote, call 0330 333 8030 or email DTS@talasey.co.uk www.talasey.com/dts

TEN YEARS young

Director Jake Catling is celebrating 10 years of success at The Landscaping Consultants , balancing the traditional approach with a fresh perspective

In the world of landscaping, Jake Catling showcases unwavering dedication and unpretentious passion. Emerging as a rising star in the UK's dynamic landscaping industry, Catling’s journey is a blend of humble beginnings, significant achievements, and an unrelenting commitment to progress.

At the age of 14, Catling embarked on his hands-on adventure in the landscaping industry, laying the foundation for what would later become a remarkable career. His perseverance and dedication earned him the honour of being recognised as one of Pro Landscaper's 30 Under 30: The Next Generation award winners in 2017. Venturing into entrepreneurship at the age of 24, he proved that youthful vision and hard work can redefine success in profound ways.

As The Landscaping Consultants marks its 10th anniversary, it's a moment of reflection and celebration. But beyond the milestones lies a story of small steps taken consistently. Catling’s commitment wasn't confined to work hours; he utilised lunch breaks to refine his skills in brickwork and machinery operation, a true testament to his passion.

Catling’s aspirations extended beyond personal achievements; he aimed to create a business that resonated with his values. An innate entrepreneur, he dreamed of a space where unique projects could thrive, guided by his distinct approach. Thus, The Landscaping Consultants came into being.

Through dedicated effort, innovative thinking, and unwavering determination, Catling’s venture evolved from a college "day release" gig to the successful enterprise it is today. Rooted in Guildford, The Landscaping Consultants flourished under Catling’s hands-on leadership. Apprentices became skilled professionals, technology became an asset, and the pursuit of excellence became second nature. One such apprentice, Jordan Willams, is now Catling’s number two who is a major part of the company’s success to date and is now running all of its projects.

Yet, amidst the accomplishments, Catling remains humble. His gratitude toward his team shines through, reflecting their collective growth and achievements. The TLC Hub stands as a testament to their combined dedication, a space where dreams are nurtured.

The journey wasn't without challenges; they were stepping stones to growth. One standout accomplishment is the collaboration with the RHS on a garden designed by the Duchess of Cambridge. This project showcased Catling’s skill on a grand stage.

For him, the most memorable projects are often the most demanding, etched in memory for the lessons they imparted. “Joe Perkins' Meta Garden, which was our first Main Avenue Chelsea Garden, is one very close to our hearts,” says Catling. Each project is a chapter in the story of his team's dedication.

However, his journey isn't just about projects; it's a philosophy that guides him. His role as a director for the British Association of Landscape Industries and his unceasing pursuit of knowledge reflects his commitment. Show gardens become a haven, offering creative release from daily responsibilities.

Amidst his achievements, Catling’s heart lies in mentorship and education, a legacy he

aspires to leave behind. In an industry that thrives on collaboration, Catling advocates for the exchange of knowledge, a hallmark of the landscaping community.

Through hard work, unwavering resolve, and the support of mentors, peers, and a dedicated team, Jake's journey echoes the power of collective effort. With gratitude, he acknowledges that every achievement is the result of countless collaborations.

“I would like to say thank you to all the people who have helped along the way because there are so many who have done it purely out of the goodness of their hearts.”

A decade has passed since those initial steps, a span that witnessed Jake and The Landscaping Consultants navigate both tangible and intangible landscapes. However, it's not solely about the company's evolution; it's a narrative of how one individual's dedication can elevate an entire industry.

In the quiet moments of achievement, Jake Catling's story serves as an inspiration, not just for landscaping enthusiasts, but for anyone with a dream. His humility, dedication, and commitment to shared growth remind us that in a world of gardens, nurturing minds is the truest form of cultivation.

Catling’s

TOP TEN TIPS FOR SUCCESS

1. You've got to work smarter, not harder.

2. Look for innovation – leverage technology and software.

3. Find the best team you can and empower them however you can –look out for them, look after them.

4. Be bold – be prepared to take a risk.

5. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable

6. Look after yourself – mentally, physically. Never neglect yourself.

7. Be honest, be nice.

8. Talk about your ideas. Get people excited and they will inspire you.

9. You need to be inspired to be motivated.

10. Stay humble, stay hungry.

His gratitude toward his team shines through, reflecting their collective growth and achievements

SILENT EPIDEMIC The C

elebrating the heart and soul of the North West’s horticultural talent, the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park showcases the skills of up-and-coming garden designers.

Jon Jarvis, construction manager at Ashlea Ltd and Carolyn Hardern, multiaward-winning garden designer, teamed up together to share an important message – and with the chance to create a garden to showcase it at Tatton Park, they didn’t dare miss such an opportunity.

Winners of Silver Gilt Medal and Best Show Garden at RHS Tatton Flower Show 2023, Jarvis and Hardern volunteered their time to design and build the Constructing Minds garden, setting out to raise awareness for mental health within the construction industry.

An industry heavily dominated by men, it presents a lifestyle with long days and hours, travelling and time away from home not to mention the tight contracts and time constraints with little room for error, plus the restrictive budgets and rising cost of supplies. The stereotypes of what a ‘real man’ is with the ‘macho’ ‘tradie’ continue to be an expectation from peers and clients alike.

The mental health crisis in construction is known as the silent epidemic. Jarvis and Hardern chose to work alongside the UK’s leading charity Mates in Mind, which raises awareness and addresses the stigma of poor mental health.

Jon Jarvis and Carolyn Hardern teamed up to win the Best Show Garden award at Tatton Park whilst raising awareness of the struggling mental health within the construction industry

It promotes the development of positive mental wellbeing at work, focusing on construction and related sectors.

“Mates in Mind aims to provide clear information to employers about the available support and guidance on mental health and wellbeing, and how they can address this within their organisations.”

Having conducted a research study in February 2022, Mates in Mind found that within the UK, men are three times more likely to die by suicide compared to women. However, in an industry such as construction, men are “three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average for men.”

“It is important for employers and individuals to know just how important mental health awareness and support is to workers and the statistics highlight just how much change is needed within the industry.”

Also working with Jarvis and Hardern, Band of Builders – “the National Construction Charity providing practical, financial and wellbeing support for members of the UK construction industry and their families.”

Jarvis and Hardern used their connections and

inspirations to design this garden to provide a calming space where a construction worker would be able to start the process of disconnecting from negative thoughts.

Visitors entered the garden by a Corten steel portico leading through to a curving path surrounded by careful planting and pockets of wildflowers “inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, based on the belief that time spent in nature can bring rejuvenating benefits.”

The “Consultation Glade” created a secluded hideaway for one-to-one counselling, before reaching the “Inner Sanctuary”. The garden focused on security, privacy, and safety –a space to breathe in the quiet and reflect.

There was a delicate echo of a stream flowing to the dead-wood dam and the crunch of fallen leaves, scattered to add an authenticity throughout this staged project before it will inevitably be relocated to its home at the Clatterbridge Hospital, Wirral for patients, visitors, and staff to adopt this place of tranquillity.

Jarvis knew Hardern had previously created show gardens and expressed his wish to be involved at Tatton Parkin the future. A few weeks later Hardern emailed Jarvis after she received the RHS application forms, and this was the start of the show garden journey together.

FROM L-R: JON JARVIS, PETER FROM MATES IN MIND, CAROLYN HARDERN AND GAVIN FROM BAND OF BUILDERS

VIEW OF THE INNER SANCTUARY WHERE A COR-TEN PANEL INSCRIBED WITH THE MESSAGE "MENTAL CHALLENGES ARE NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF...NEITHER IS TALKING ABOUT IT... LET'S START A CONVERSATION. YOUR STORY WILL INSPIRE OTHERS"

Jarvis suggested highlighting mental health within the construction industry and had some ideas already sketched out. It was then that Hardern discovered the alarming stats for mental health within the industry and the aim quickly became to shine a spotlight on the positive benefits of green spaces to wellbeing.

After four months of intense judging panels, the garden was accepted to the show. Following this, The Landscape Academy was quick to spot posts social media and contacted Jarvis and Hardern offering to volunteer its services. “It has been invaluable working with Mark Youde and Lynne Taylor, and I would love to work with them again; their input and help was exactly what this garden was meant to achieve – collaboration within the industry that on a day-to-day basis is very competitive.”

Jarvis and Hardern share the belief that mental health awareness needs to be better

people as they opened up.

Gavin and Tim from Band of Builders and Peter and Sarah from Mates in Mind were at the show every day offering advice which was really good to see people engaging with…

"There were queues outside, and at one point, I lost count of the amount of people trying to get into the garden as there was a 45-minute wait to the entrance. We’d hit what we’d set out to do by raising the awareness."

STARTLING STATS

THERE ARE 2.6 MILLION WORKERS WITHIN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

ON AVERAGE, IN THE UK, TWO CONSTRUCTION WORKERS DIE EACH DAY DUE TO SUICIDE

THERE WERE 507 SUICIDES IN 2021 WHICH INCREASED TO 700+ IN 2022

Statistics: jonjosefjarvis.wixsite.com/constructing-minds

addressed. Jarvis explained how “within construction, the daily pressures can easily get on top of you – add in that we work outside in all climates, the competitiveness of the industry, and a large proportion of workers may be on a minimum living wage and under skilled working long hours and often away from home.”

The industry has made big steps in the right direction these past few years, though, with organisations such as Band of Builders and Mates in Mind achieving critical work and raising the awareness needed. The goal for the garden was ultimately to raise awareness to mental health within the construction industry and start a conversation, which it seems to have achieved.

“We were amazed at the emotion that our garden evoked, it drew tears from a few eyes, and we had some difficult conversations with

Hardern says the Best Show Garden award came “out of the blue”.“They’d been around with the medal cards the day before, then suddenly we were summoned to the garden as we were both off wandering trying to gather sponsors in the gate. The director of shows comes in and it was just sprung on us!” Hardern exclaimed how it really was a wonderful feeling to receive Best Show Garden, especially as it helped raise awareness to the cause more than they could ever have imagined.

Over the next few weeks, Jarvis and Hardern will be rolling out a campaign on social media requesting help from volunteers and local suppliers to get involved with the rebuild which they hope will start at the beginning of September. The garden will be located on the open land between St John's Hospice and Springview Mental Health Unit at Clatterbridge Hospital.

Jarvis and Hardern will continue to build their repertoire together as they are currently

designing and planning their Tatton Park 2024 garden which will, again, be aimed at raising an awareness within the construction industry. In addition to the main show garden, they are hoping to engage with local schools to take part in the school garden project.

“For the future generations, our advice would be to look after yourself and seek help if you need to.” Jarvis and Hardern’s aim was to encourage people to tell their stories, and use them to inspire others further. Mental health is hard conversation to everyone, but by simply talking, this is the first step in the right direction.

For more information, please contact:

carolyn.constructingminds@gmail.com

jon.constructingminds@gmail.com

USEFUL ORGANISATIONS

MATES IN MIND

Tel 020 335105018 matesinmind.org

BAND OF BUILDERS

Tel 0300 0154808

Email info@bandofbuilders.org bandofbuilders.org

We were amazed at the emotion that our garden evoked, it drew tears from a few eyes, and we had some difficult conversations with people as they opened up

INTERNAL SPACE OF THE INNER SANCTUARY, MAINLY CONSTRUCTED USING CHARRED SCAFFOLD BOARDS

THE RUSTED METAL SPHERE REPRESENTS TROUBLED NEGATIVE THOUGHTS

ELEMENTS WERE INCLUDED IN THE GARDEN FROM THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, HERE CONCRETE LINTELS PROJECT OVER THE REFLECTION POOL

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5 reasons to attend

Boost your sales, network, knowledge, skills, career, and surface at SALTEX 2023

The theme for this year’s SALTEX is ‘Boost your Game’, and there are plenty of opportunities to do exactly that across the two-day event. The sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition, now in its 77th year, will have opportunities for visitors to build their network, knowledge and skills.

Source the latest innovations on the market

More than 400 brands will be showcasing their products across three halls at the NEC in Birmingham, making it one of the biggest shows in SALTEX’s history. Both new and returning exhibitors from across Europe will have new products and initiatives to unveil. Syngenta, for instance, will use its presence at the event to launch a new, integrated insecticide and biological control total approach for leatherjacket and chafer grub soil pests.

Sarah Cunningham, director of commercial and events at the Grounds Management Association, SALTEX event organiser, says: “Exhibitors are

the heart of any show and SALTEX has always attracted a good mix of new and returning, young and established, small and big companies.”

Meet like-minded people

Groundscare volunteers, professionals, suppliers and manufacturers will all have the chance to network with those in their industry, to share and learn ideas and experiences. More than 8,000 people attended last year’s event, from those who work on parks and pitches to those maintaining playgrounds, school grounds and estates.

Grow your skillset SALTEX’s educational seminar programme, Learning LIVE, offers advice and insight through a series of sessions across three themed stages, which are new for 2023. Hear the hot topics of the industry being discussed on the Spotlight Stage, find experts giving keynote speeches on the Main Stage, and make your way to the Eco Stage, dedicated entirely to sustainability in the sector.

Hear from industry experts

Across its three stages, visitors will see familiar and reputable faces from the groundscare industry. More than 20 presenters will be speaking over the two days, including UEFA’s pitch and technology specialist Lee Guerriero, who will be discussing UEFA’s pitch strategy for the next three years. Also booked to appear on one of the three themed Learning LIVE stages are Dr Kate Entwistle and Dr Deborah Cox who will run an interactive turf disease clinic; with Alex Vickers, Dr Richard Earl and Dr James Welsh running an interactive soil science clinic.

Leatherjacket and Chafer Grub control will be tackled by Sean Loakes (Syngenta) and Dr Minshad Ansari (Bionema). Dr Christian Spring and Neil Rodgers from the STRI will also be attending. Other confirmed speakers include Dr Eric O’Donnell from SportsLabs, independent turfgrass researcher Dr John Dempsey, and Aled Lewis, who will be highlighting Welsh FA’s Pitch Improvement Funding Strategy.

Attend both days –for free

So, why not? All the latest products and key people in the industry, all in one place. And “all income generated by the show is ploughed back into the industry securing its future for generations to come,” says Geoff Webb, CEO of the Grounds Management Association. “By attending SALTEX, visitors are supporting the vital year-round work that enables the GMA to invest in important resources for the sector, as well as developing closer and more collaborative relationships with sports bodies that can help create inward investment back into the sector. Registering for your free ticket doesn’t just benefit you, it benefits the industry too.”

Visit saltex.org.uk for more.

SALTEX 2023 IS TAKING PLACE ON 1-2 NOVEMBER IN HALLS 6, 7 AND 8 AT THE NEC BIRMINGHAM

#SALTEX2023

#BOOSTYOURGAME

AS K THE EXPERTS

Is a salary increase the best way to retain staff?

As the cost-of-living crisis continues, Holly Youde revisits how to keep employees engaged beyond pay

Our industry is not immune to the employee retention challenges in current times. Research indicates that whilst competitive compensation is essential, it is not the only factor that drives employee retention. Multiple studies have shown that factors such as job satisfaction, work-life balance, professional development opportunities, and a positive work environment also play significant roles in retaining staff.

One of the most powerful motivators for employees is the sense of purpose they gain from their work. By demonstrating how day-to-day tasks contribute to a greener environment and more beautiful communities, us as employers can instil a sense of purpose and pride within our team.

Secondly, providing avenues for professional development is crucial. Offering training, workshops, and mentoring can equip employees with new skills and knowledge, thereby enhancing their job satisfaction and potential career growth. Along with a clear career progression path, if you can train and retain, you will have a very strong workforce with multiple skills.

We have found, in particular more recently, that work-life balance is very high on the priority list of the majority of our team, and so it should be. Personally, I have never achieved a good balance! However, I am striving to improve that, and determined to encourage and enable this within the company. Implementing flexible work schedules where possible and ensuring reasonable workload can go a long way in preventing burnout and stress and maintaining employee morale.

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.

Finally, fostering a positive work environment based on respect, inclusivity, and open communication can also help retain staff. A workplace that respects individuality, values contributions, and encourages feedback often finds itself with a more engaged and loyal workforce. Take an interest in your teams’ hobbies or achievements outside of work, engage with them as a team on fun team events (it’s not all about work!), and share the company successes and failures with them. Anything that makes them feel like they are part of a team and not just coming to work and going home all plays a part in maintaining a healthy environment. There’s no getting away from pay rises playing a significant factor; however they are certainly not the sole motivator. Employers should consider more holistic strategies that address not just financial needs but also emotional, intellectual, and physical wellbeing of their team.

We have made conscious improvements in all of these areas over the past few years and have seen a vast improvement in retention. There is always a churn, you can never get away from that, but keeping your core employees is worth the time and effort invested into finding out what motivates and drives them, and by focusing on these non-monetary approaches, companies can not only retain their existing staff but also attract a more committed, enthusiastic and engaged workforce, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth, with the bonus of happy and healthy faces every day!

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.

Fostering a positive work environment based on respect, inclusivity, and open communication can also help retain staff

Gareth

AVOIDINGclientconflicts

Aclient called me recently and began to tell me how her contractor had laid the wrong paving slabs, despite her clear instructions of which paving slabs she wanted. After more discussion I found out that the product was porcelain and there was little difference between the two products other than one which was a slightly darker shade of grey than the other. It was at this stage that I told the client that, without clear evidence of which paving slab she had chosen, it would be impossible for me to help her. I politely declined the commission as this is definitely a road I didn’t want to go down, especially as the contractor who had laid and grouted the patio had done what looked like a very good job. The client told me she hadn’t noticed the colouration issue until the project was finished. I have to say that this sounded a little suspect.

In my time as an expert witness, this type of dispute was a first, but not new to me from my days as a landscaper. Whilst talking to a friend of mine about the conversation I’d had with the lady above, he rolled his eyes and told me his own similar horror story that cost him thousands of pounds. His clients had changed their mind several times on their choice of paving and decking. With all the different samples and combinations of samples he had lost where he was up to with the project and ordered the wrong paving slabs. By the time he’d laid a box and a half of porcelain paving the client told him the news. Obviously, the paving was bonded down so had to be broken out and no paving was re-usable.

Since then, my friend tells me he gets the client to sign the back of the chosen samples and confirm their choice by email

immediately after confirmation. More importantly, he takes away all the spare samples so that they don’t have any last-minute epiphanies to potentially confuse the situation.

Finally, it’s important to remind clients that natural stone will have colour variations – it’s a natural product, after all. Also, the same porcelain products can vary in colour with different batches. I would recommend keeping the batch code of the porcelain samples so they can be matched to the sample where possible.

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

GARETH WILSON

It’s important to remind clients that natural stone will have colour variations – it’s a natural product, after all

Clients can change their minds on product choice, so make sure you keep written evidence to avoid hefty costs, says

Wilson

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BIAS Silencing

Accent bias is rife, and Oracle Solicitors’ Danielle Ryu

Research has found that 25% of professionals report being mocked, criticised or singled out in the workplace because of their accents; 46% of employees report higher levels of being mocked for their accent in social settings; and 19% of employees reported concerns that their accent could affect their ability to progress in their roles.

It is prudent for employers to note that this research highlights various risks which may arise if employers do not support employees experiencing similar issues, which may result in discrimination claims.

Researchers found that those who spoke with classic Received Pronunciation – the accent traditionally regarded as the standard for British English – carried significantly greater prestige and were regarded as the more competent and intelligent to perform their job than people with urban working class or ethnic minority accents. Nothing has changed in this respect over the past 50 years.

In the case of Sheffield CC v Norouzi 2011, it was found that an employee had faced racial harassment where they frequently had their accent mocked and mimicked by other employees. It is important to note that employers may be

vicariously liable for acts of harassment committed by and to an employee in their employment. Therefore, employers should take reasonable steps to ensure that employees are not experiencing degrading, humiliating or unwelcome behaviour because of their accent by dealing with incidents responsibly and by promoting an inclusive workplace culture.

Taking action to tackle accentrelated biases and prejudice by readily spreading awareness of the implications of such practices within and beyond the workplace is essential. This may be achieved through regular equality and diversity training of employees and managers in order to promote compliant practices and attitudes in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Furthermore, it is important for employers to be aware of discrimination risks where a recruiter may have a bias against certain accents. It is crucial to ensure recruiters and hiring managers are trained to reduce bias in relation to accents to mitigate risks of race discrimination throughout the recruitment process, whilst also promoting diverse hiring practices. Some tech savvy employers utilise voice-testing technology or AI-based recruitment tools to minimise such discrimination in

recruitment practices and review recruitment process regularly to ensure bias is decreased. It is interesting to note that the law does not provide a similar level of protection for regional accents. The ACAS guide states that the law on race discrimination does not cover regional origins within with UK. The case of Ryan v R Robertson & Son Ltd 2021 found that a manager’s act of imitating the employee’s Liverpudlian accent was not a discriminatory reference to national/racial origin.

However, this does not suggest there is no legal risk in cases where an employee is being mocked for a regional UK accent. Employees with more than two years of service who have resigned as a result of unaddressed accent-related bullying may seek to pursue a constructive unfair dismissal claim.

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

Employers should take reasonable steps to ensure that employees are not experiencing degrading, humiliating or unwelcome behaviour because of their accent

and Kai Sammer explain why employers need to put a stop to this discrimination

More than THE NUMBERS

It is hard to believe that the 2023 show season is already drawing to an end. All over the country, this summer has seen visitors treated to amazing garden designs, gorgeous floral displays, and hopefully a dash of inspiration for their own green spaces.

Around 400,000 people have attended RHS flower shows so far this year and millions more people in the UK and around the world experienced the RHS Chelsea Flower Show via BBC coverage. However, our shows have always been about far more than the numbers.

We know that plants and gardens help us to connect socially, feel good physically and mentally, and are good for the health of wildlife and our planet. In fact, few other activities bring so many benefits to so many people. Our shows also serve as a showcase for the horticultural and landscape industry which plays a vital part in the economic health of the UK, offering jobs across a range of areas including landscaping, nurseries, public and private gardens, design, and retail.

As the RHS aims to improve diversity and accessibility in horticulture, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show hosted the first Children’s Picnic in its 110-year history. The special celebration saw 100 children from 10 schools in some of the most disadvantaged areas in London invited as part of a plan to draw more young people into horticulture. The show hosted its first ever wedding as award-winning designer Manoj Malde married his partner Clive Gillmor on the garden he had designed in a stunning and vibrant ceremony. It was also the first time that women designers at the show outnumbered men.

At the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival in July, we introduced a new category called Sensory Pocket Planting, giving a foot in the door to up-and-coming garden designers. At RHS Flower Show Tatton Park we introduced further new categories of Slim Spaces, Terrace Gardens, and Long Borders – all with the view of ensuring gardening remains open, accessible, and relevant to everyone.

As we continue to make strides towards being net positive for the environment by 2023 across all our operations, 2023 was the first year that gardens across all our shows were required to have a plan for life after the show, either relocated permanently in their entirety or rehomed in parts.

I look back with great pride on our shows this year and we are already working hard to deliver even more next year – both in content and experience. This will include a brand-new Urban Show in April 2024 which will bring the joys of gardening to a broader audience. Further information on that will be announced soon.

Finally, we know we could not put on these world-class shows by ourselves. So, I wanted to give a massive thank you to so many of you for working so hard with us to put in such great content, design and to support us in delivering the shows this year.

HELENA PETTIT

Helena Pettit looks back on the RHS’ show season this year, which included a few firsts for the long-running events ©RHS/HelenYates

Helena Pettit is director of gardens and shows at the RHS. With more than 25 years of experience in the commercial sector, sponsorship, operational management and largescale events, Helena has brought her passion and knowledge to support the growth of the RHS and horticulture. Her division includes operationally overseeing its five RHS gardens and the flower shows, including Chelsea. Helena is also responsible for catering and retail at the RHS’ gardens, online and licensing business, and corporate sponsorship. rhs.org.uk

It was also the first time that women designers at the show outnumbered men

‘BRICKYARD’ DESIGNED BY CONAL STUDIO FOR THE SLIM SPACES CATEGORY AT TATTON PARK 2023

THE PRINCESS OF WALES KATE MIDDLETON JOINS IN WITH THE FIRST RHS CHELSEA CHILDREN’S PICNIC

©RHS/Oliver Dixon

©RHS/Tim Sandall

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

With

UNFAIRLY judged?

Shows such as Chelsea need to better encourage designers to showcase gardening in a changing climate, says Peter Reader

Each year during the show garden season, there is speculation of what the new design trends will be. This is particularly so of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which has long been described as the greatest flower show in the world and that sets the bar for others to follow. Likewise, as a garden designer, I am always interested to see the show gardens, and this year was no exception.

Over recent years there has been a shift to more naturalistic gardens, with an increasing use of native wildflowers and even what we traditionally consider as weeds. There has also been greater representation of what I would describe as habitat, or ecosystem gardens, from early examples such as the ‘gone a little wild’ L’Occitane Perfumers Garden in 2015 to James Basson’s garden representing the ecology of Malta in 2017. Both gardens were awarded Gold medals.

Perhaps the most well-known example of this genre was at Chelsea last year, when a rewilding garden demonstrating the positive impact that beavers could have on a landscape, controversially won Gold too.

I personally see these developments as positive, in a world where the climate crisis is having a heavy impact even in the temperate world of Europe. With UK temperatures hitting 40°C last summer and night temperatures still over 30°C, we can clearly no longer carry on gardening in the ways that we have. The days of the well-irrigated and manicured lawn have to be numbered, not just because they will struggle with the heat, but because of the intensive use of resources they require, and also because in order to support biodiversity in the changing world we cannot afford to waste opportunities within our green spaces to support nature as much as possible. For instance, whilst non-native flowers do support

pollinators, their leaves do not feed native caterpillars. A biodiverse, irregularly mown lawn with even perhaps some stinging nettles at the edge is sustainable in every way a traditional lawn is not.

With this in mind, I was excited to hear about ‘The Balance Garden’ at this year’s Chelsea, a show garden supported by Project Giving Back for the Centre for Mental Health.

This garden sought to push the boundaries of public space garden design in an urban setting and demonstrate how a garden to support mental heath and wellbeing might be sustainably delivered in a physically tough urban landscape. As such, the garden used wildflowers and ‘weeds’, as well as edibles such as wild strawberries and native fruit trees and shrubs such as hazel to deliver an attractive garden space set amongst an urban-waste landscape of old concrete. The garden delivered on many fronts; a play space for children, areas for quiet

The days of the well-irrigated and manicured lawn have to be numbered, not just because they will struggle with the heat, but because of the intensive use of resources they require

CENTRE FOR MENTAL HEALTH’S THE BALANCE GARDEN AT RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW 2023. DESIGNED BY WILD CITY STUDIO: (DESIGNERS JON DAVIES AND STEVE WILLIAMS)

©Neil Hepworth/RHS

contemplation, as well as demonstrating ‘forestry farming’ ideas and opportunities to forage for food, all in a package that had a positive eco-impact for native wildlife as well as local residents. The garden is to be rebuilt at Markfield Park in Tottenham, London, which is an old industrial site turned into a local park where thick concrete walls are reminders of the site's heritage and are integrated into the show garden's design. Given our climate change trajectory, the need to keep costs and maintenance down, as well as boost our biodiversity, the ‘Balance Garden’ has to be a template for what can be delivered in a sustainable future, and surely is an exciting and highly innovative project.

Sadly, the RHS judges did not agree, and the garden only received a Silver medal. Here-in lies the rub. Despite seeing itself as the greatest flower show in the world, Chelsea is locked into an outdated way of looking at gardens, gardening and how it exists in a resource limited world, where many gardening actions are degrading the environment and feeding global warming.

If Chelsea is to retain its crown, then it and all other shows need to open their eyes to the glaring reality of the challenges this world faces. Much of the focus of the show needs to be re-aligned and the whole fabric of the judging of show gardens needs to change, if it is to be anything other than a bucolic vision of how things used to be.

This is perhaps best exemplified in the shows attempts to make it more sustainable. Much is made of a push to greater

sustainability and of the gardens being rebuilt in permanent homes after the show, and yet there is no assessment of the sustainability of a show garden in the judging! This leads to gardens like ‘The Balance Garden’ being judged on the same criteria as a normal show garden and ignores its vital and innovative direction.

Similarly, whilst the judges are experts in traditional gardening techniques, very few have a good understanding of the techniques that are required to deliver a complex, sustainable eco-system of this kind in a show garden setting, and so they are unable to judge the challenges and ambition that are required to deliver such a garden. Indeed, it seems to me that the very way ambition in a garden is judged currently works completely against the sort of ambition that is required for this sort of innovative design. Similarly, much of the judging is based on the garden’s delivery of ‘the brief’, but how can this be assessed without the

correct knowledge and judging criteria against which to test it?

I am aware that many of my views are controversial and that there are many who see that a garden can only be a space that is well tended, controlled and intensively managed. I have a degree of sympathy for this view; but in the harsh glare of the climate changes we face, this way of gardening is no longer sustainable and will not best help us to counter the huge challenges we face. In the past, gardening has changed enormously, from clipped, controlled parterres for instance, to sweeping Capability landscapes, in response to new plants and knowledge, but also to fashion. It must change again now, and perhaps more drastically and in response to much less pleasant drivers, but change it must.

Shows like Chelsea have a stark choice; they can continue to be part of the complacency and greenwash that is hindering necessary changes, or they can reform, refocus and re-energise to become part of the solution and be truly world leading.

PETER READER

Peter Reader left the NHS after 25 years as a GP to follow his passion for nature, gardening and design. He retrained at KLC School of Design, and immediately set up his single-handed North London design practice Peter Reader Landscapes in 2013. He designs mostly private gardens in the South East and has received awards for his work from the RHS, BALI, and Houzz. readerlandscapes.com

A REWILDING BRITAIN LANDSCAPE DESIGNED BY LULU URQUHART AND ADAM HUNT AT RHS CHELSEA 2022

If Chelsea is to retain its crown, then it and all other shows need to open their eyes to the glaring reality of the challenges this world faces

MYELOMA UK — A LIFE WORTH LIVING GARDEN DESIGNED BY CHRIS BEARDSHAW AT THIS YEAR’S CHELSEA

©Neil Hepworth/RHS

©Neil Hepworth/RHS

Despite the revolution in the production of designs in CAD, hand drawing shows no sign of losing its popularity, finds

Andrew Wilson

DRAWING to a close?

Before the advent of the computer and the development of Computer Aided Design (CAD) in its various forms, garden design work was hand drawn using the drawing board and various pieces of equipment such as the adjustable set square and the scale rule. As CAD came on the scene, many saw it as an alternative but increasingly it has become the norm.

Initially, the various formats offered quite simple and stark engineered drawings. However, when combined with Photoshop, richer and more atmospheric visuals became possible. Nowadays, a wide range of apps, add-ons and filters allow designers to modify work to suit their message.

In establishing the London College of Garden Design in 2009, we realised that the water shed had passed in the use of and need for CAD and took the decision that our garden design teaching would include SketchUp and Vectorworks in response to the professional need. At that point, although we still began the teaching with hand drawing, I thought that this format would gradually disappear.

Fourteen years later I still begin my teaching with hand drawing as a method that can be combined with CAD production as many clients enjoy this delivery. Designers too still feel that this approach delivers a more personal touch. More remarkably, shortly after establishing the college, we linked with the RHS to offer training at Wisley. Hand drawing for plans and elevations and for perspectives were two of the courses we introduced. Both are still offered twice a year and always have waiting lists. Such has been the demand for hand drawing that we are introducing an introductory

drawing course this autumn at our base in Kew. So, what lies behind this demand?

In the main, hand drawing is accessible and affordable for those considering starting out in garden design. For many, garden design develops from a hobby or pastime that then becomes a career change possibility. When the latter time comes, people may well consider investing in a longer professional training, but this can take years to come about. In the interim, a drawing board, pens, pencils and basic equipment is much more accessible. After this initial toe-dipping and starting to gain experience, CAD might well follow, as newcomers realise that almost everyone that they encounter in their new profession will be CAD-orientated. For some, hand drawing will be left behind, but others will continue to mix the two approaches. Some designers who come from a non-drawing background will probably gravitate more readily to CAD. For those who already draw, there is more of a battle as many don’t wish to lose their skills. There is room for both approaches and ProCreate proved really popular with last year’s students as a means of combining both techniques. Freehand and creative drawing, as opposed to technical drawing, still remain essential skills for me – call me old fashioned, but I couldn’t design without drawing.

ANDREW WILSON

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

Such has been the demand for hand drawing that we are introducing an introductory drawing course this autumn at our base in Kew

PENCIL LINE AND RENDER OVER A SKETCHUP PERSPECTIVE, HOLLAND PARK GARDEN BY ANDREW WILSON AND GAVIN MCWILLIAM

UXBRIDGE PROXY

the UK distancing themselves from environmental policies and in some cases racing to position themselves as being “on the side of motorists” – all to get more likes.

The key shift from pre-modern to modern politics was the wilful forfeit of choice between whether one person or many may rule us, creating the state. Thomas Hobbes in Leviathan identified that life outside this state is “nasty, brutish and short”. And so, as we human beings long for stability and safety, we made the ultimate, yet unavoidable compromise – to give up our absolute freedom and consent to rules of conduct. This acceptance brings the Leviathan into being. Hobbes chose to use a word derived from the Hebrew for "sea monster” as a metaphor for the perfect government because of the far- and wide-reaching nature of the beast, but he is not alone in painting politics as no holy business. Machiavelli also popularised the idea that politics is a game of thrones. In his infamous work, The Prince, he represents the modern politician as a cunning individual, willing to do whatever it takes to gain and maintain power. This makes Machiavelli’s writing continuously relevant and contemporary. This supposed willingness to do whatever it takes to gain and maintain power could be illustrated by the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election this year, held following the resignation of former prime minister Boris Johnson. The Conservative Party held the seat with a reduced majority of 495 votes, down from 7,210, with the party attributing victory to the proposed expansion of London's Ultra Low Emission Zone into the Borough of Hillingdon. What happened next could be retold as a chapter of Machiavelli’s The Prince, with the major political parties of

This win-at all-costs politics, essentially a popularity contest akin to Barbenheimer, fuels divisive reporting of the debate that portrays urban environmental issues as an ‘us’ vs ‘them’. Setting up sides of the debate like this means one side thinks the other is wrong, rather than creating a forum for discussing ongoing improvement or modifications to improve outcomes and outputs, as we have been doing for centuries in the design of human habitats. Ultimately, this leads to inaction. Professor Nicholas Stern, who led a seminal 2006 review on the economics of climate change, recently issued a plea for leadership on the climate. “Air pollution kills tens of thousands in the UK each year – far more than deaths in road traffic accidents – and millions around the world”. He also said that “inaction is not a sane option for us, our children and grandchildren.”

We need to move away from inaction, away from win at all costs politics, and the reinforcement of the urban environmental schism. We need to see a new age of visionary political bravery and to do that we might ask our politicians to be a little more Barbie. To quote the zeitgeist herself, “you’re braver than you think”; “anything is possible”; and “always leave things better than you found them.”

CHRISTOPHER MARTIN

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

Urban environmental issues are falling foul of modern electoral politics, and that needs to change, argues Christopher Martin

We need to see a new age of visionary political bravery and to do that we might ask our politicians to be a little more Barbie

PONTEVEDRA, ONE CITY THAT SHOWS US THE POWER OF POLITICAL STRATEGY BASED ON PLACES AND PEOPLE, NOT INDIVIDUALS

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HOW GREEN is the grass?

Nick Coslett continues looking into how sustainable the landscape industry is with turf this month

It’s just grass, but it has the capacity to sequester carbon almost as effectively as woodland. Rainforests store the most carbon and produce the most oxygen; however, grasslands are now understood to store and produce just as much.

However, in this day and age everybody wants an instant result and turf delivers, as long as you give it the appropriate initial care. For turf here, I’m also referring to wildflower turf which has the significant added benefit of boosting biodiversity.

materials to our industry must/should be doing, even with the demands of next day service.

Data from the World Resources Institute shows that “of all the carbon held in land-based ecosystems, around 34% can be found in grasslands and that’s not much less than the 39% held in forests.”

According to some sources, grass can sequester carbon in its roots at up to one tonne per 1000m2 per year – this would equal 1kg carbon per m2 per year. However, there are two provisos: firstly, there is a maximum time capacity for soil to store carbon (184 years), and typical maintenance activity of grass is likely to detract by creating carbon. Other sources suggest that between 25 and 200g of carbon per m2 per year can be stored. As is often said,“Every little helps.” I did ask STRI for its figures but still await a reply. (Oh, by the way – artificial grass does not sequester carbon)!

So, is the process of growing and harvesting turf for it to be laid in a landscape project a good and sustainable process? Wouldn’t it be simpler and easier to create lawns from seed? It would certainly reduce the transport costs.

I’ve had useful discussions with Simon Marsh, the marketing manager of one of our largest turf growers, Harrowden Turf. It has some 8.2 million square metres of turf; 110,000 square metres of ‘Meadowmat’ wildflower turf in several variants; and 40,000 square metres of its Enviromat sedum. It grows turf within a five-year rotation on its farms, with other crops adding to soil organic matter and soil health. This means that the removal of turf and a thin slice of soil does not deplete the topsoil horizon to any significant degree. Harrowden Turf has also invested in the most up-to-date turf harvesting machines, Firefly R300 from the USA, which not only has the ability to cut thinner lighter turf, but it also has GPS and provides lots of data to allow accurate field management. And, if you want to manage something, you have to measure it. Plus, the grower encourages the reuse of turf pallets and ensures its efficient delivery vehicles undertake fuel efficient routes. This is something that all suppliers and hauliers of

The turf sector is perhaps further down the road of measuring its carbon footprint than others. For Harrowden, gaining ISO 14001 is the first step along this road. It knows its product continues to sequester carbon year on year with some quantified numbers; far more so than the tree and shrub growers who get no help from the HTA.

It seems that at least the main turf growers are attempting to get on the sustainable road, bringing far greater environmental benefits than artificial grass. As an industry we can’t wait for government to act; we as individual companies, with the help of trade associations, need to step up. By educating clients about what landscaping work has the softest, most beneficial footprint, they can encourage sustainability, rather than being followers of fashion and ‘no maintenance plastic’.

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.

NICK COSLETT

HARRODEN’S ENVIROMAT SEDUM PRODUCTION

PERFECT TURF ROLLS THANKS TO UP-TO-DATE MACHINERY AT HARROWDEN TURF

The turf sector is perhaps further down the road of measuring its carbon footprint than others

MEADOWMAT PRODUCTION ACROSS EIGHT VARIETIES

©Harrowden Turf

©Harrowden Turf

©Harrowden Turf

AN EDGE YOU CAN TRUST

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

BUZZ OFF

Wilding should not just be a buzz word, says Lewis Normand

In recent years, show gardens have evolved to reflect increased interest in the environment, rewilding, natural and naturalistic landscapes. It is logical, leaning in this direction, with the greater majority of people working in the landscape industry being very focused on the environment, wildlife and our contribution towards nurturing landscapes that are both beautiful and sustainable.

Whilst I am not keen to see an abandonment of the centuries old tradition of UK gardeners utilising our temperate climate to grow a wide range of native and non-native plants in our gardens, we could all embrace more in the way of integrating native plants into our planting designs and embracing the ideas of rewilding in areas of land that don’t need to be ‘managed’ or manicured.

In most domestic gardens, there is a place for some brambles or nettles to colonise an unused corner without the garden user sacrificing too much space. Many of us religiously maintain lawns that we barely use and often don’t enjoy the monotony of mowing. Perhaps this describes you and you could allow a section to grow long, or let the ‘weeds’ claim it as their own? For most, this will be a huge culture change and may well not be embraced, but these small spaces (even ‘microsite landscapes’ – I may have just created a new term there) do add a lot to the insects, birds, mammals and even reptile and amphibian visitors to our gardens, providing habitat and food sources.

seedlings flowering for many weeks and being a huge draw to local bee populations. I now claim that this less intensive approach to garden maintenance is entirely deliberate. While I know it is primarily a result of having plenty of other things to do and no great love of weeding, I do find that nature makes pretty good decisions in the main in terms of seed germination and wildflower expansion. From a more relaxed approach to lawn mowing, I was delighted to note that I have red clover (Trifolium pratense) and fox-and-cubs (Pilosella aurantiaca) in my ‘lawn’. I now leave certain areas unmown to ensure they get to flower each year. There’s nothing difficult in this and really all I am doing is preventing the over-manicuring of the space and culling the otherwise beautiful and beneficial wildflowers from doing their thing.

I noted, recently, two things that I felt were problematic to encouraging people to have a go at embracing the wild, if not actually wilding or rewilding a space. The first concern came from a number of Twitter (I’m not calling it X) posts decrying the value of ‘No mow May’ as actually harmful. I think that while there may be research to say that helping insects in May and not beyond is a disadvantage to them later in the season, it isn’t a good idea to discourage it altogether. It is always good to do what you can to help wildlife, no matter how committed you can be to it throughout the year.

The second concern I noted was in the number of people complaining about show gardens with a focus on rewilding and naturalistic landscapes. I take their point that in many cases these gardens can appear more like a pastiche of the wild rather than an ornamental space, but I think there is an important place for this and the value it brings in terms of education and a changing aesthetic is of use. We have to reflect current thought in our design competitions, or they are of no value at all.

You may or may not love our native plants and landscapes, but I can say for certain that embracing even a small part of it in our parks and gardens is of great value to preserving our flora and fauna and that is surely only a good thing!

LEWIS NORMAND

Unlike at least one of my neighbours, I am a pretty lazy gardener. I love the plants in my garden, but I’m lax with the maintenance. I don’t micromanage my plants and I can always find other projects to do that prevents me spending endless hours cutting lawns or weeding beds. Sometimes this has led to pleasant surprises; like last year with masses of foxglove (Digitalis)

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.

Many of us religiously maintain lawns that we barely use and often don’t enjoy the monotony of mowing

Two years ago, retired botanist

Timothy Riggs published a study exploring the ways in which “global climate change is a phenomenon of such massive and imminent threat to our way of life.” The temperature in the UK is projected to increase in all seasons and across all regions, and “there will therefore continue to be high year-on-year variability in rainfall, with an increased frequency of very wet days over the winter, and more dry spells over the summer months,” says Riggs.

As the Earth's average atmospheric temperature is continuing to increase, we find ourselves living amongst a greenhouse effect in which our produce is suffering.“We will certainly need to adapt our practices, and indeed we could be collectively and uniquely able to play our part in trying to ‘fix it."

So, how are UK growers rising to the challenge? Joe Tacchi, managing director of wholesale nursery Robin Tacchi Plants, says that “the changing climate has highlighted the importance of urban greening and is leading to a demand for species-rich mixes intermixed with varieties chosen for their ability to withstand many different conditions and help with urban cooling.” Tacchi went onto say that “with more extreme conditions such as flash flooding happening, we are seeing a lot of enquiries for water retention schemes.” Its goal is therefore to provide a selection of plants that can offer many different benefits.

Much of the stock is either grown outside year-round, or under poly tunnels whilst young, aiming to produce hardy, reliable plants. “Our main challenge from the changing climate has been anticipating the impact of hot and cold

Nurseries VS CLIMATE CHANGE

shocks on our plants. For example, last year was a real test for us in terms of extremes in climate variance, a drought with a heatwave in the summer, coupled with extreme, immediate cold in the winter – weather not similarly seen for the last 40+ years.

“We are constantly researching and trialling new varieties, understanding which plants do well in a more variable climate. It’s no great surprise to us that many of our tried and tested varieties over many years tend to be the most robust and resilient; however, we are also getting positive results from many species that we have added to our production over more recent years.”

Liz Hughes, marketing manager for wholesale plant and horticultural sundries supplier Provender Nurseries, says that their main focus is on training their staff, partly to answer customer questions around resilient planting schemes. “Our customer database is wide and varied, so although you will find that most people do tend to stick to the plant palette that they've tried and tested over the years, we are finding that we're getting more questions in regard to

which plants can take on both the hot summers and freezing cold winters.”

They don’t just need to survive the seasons, though; they also need to enhance biodiversity. “There's still very much a trend towards wildlife friendly plants. Something we do get asked for a lot is recommendations on low maintenance and drought tolerant planting. We are getting behind the range of plants called Proven Winners, promoting species such lavender, BeeZee dark blue. They're proving to be a really good, popular option; slightly more compact, drought tolerant, dealing with all the sorts of things that the lavender would do, but coping much better with climate change to standard species.”

The main part of staff training, however, is the logistics of what can be done on site to be more sustainable, such as water management. “Whether that be the different water drippers

As the climate is fluctuating rapidly, nurseries battle the elements to supply sustainable planting

Our main challenge from the changing climate has been anticipating the impact of hot and cold shocks on our plants

Joe Tacchi, managing director, Robin Tacchi Plants

ROBIN TACCHI PLANTS

that we're using, the ways that we collect water on site and how exactly we use that water.

"As we were constructing our new production warehouse and customer order bay on-site, covering a generous 1.2 acres, we made sure to gather water from the roofs for our on-site irrigation needs.”

Hughes noted that they have seen a change in the awareness of irrigation systems. “Typically, customers would be coming in and asking lots of questions because they weren't sure how to install them, but it seems that people are much more clued up about it this year, literally coming in and picking up what they need.”

There are lots of techniques that Provender Nurseries is putting into place, such as putting a wetting agent liquid into the irrigation to enable the soil to hold more of the water and therefore the plants can take as much water as they need when they need it. “We've also got new drippers that we're experimenting with and a system where it is wrapped around the base of the plant’s stem so it's more concentrated and has the ability to deliver up to eight litres of water an hour, which is much better for water distribution, more economical, and more easily accessible for the plants.”

Tacchi is also looking at water management on the nursery. “Over a number of years, we have been working on improving our water systems, recycling water as much as possible and using more efficient watering techniques. A large percentage of our irrigation is now done via drip lines and our overhead watering is more targeted with little to no wastage going on roadways, with watering taking place at night for extra efficiency, saving more water in the long term

due to the reduced evaporation.”

Merlin Brooke-Little, plants director at Nicholsons – a design and build company that also owns its own nursery – discussed how water security and self-sufficiency are some of the biggest aspects of the business considering the dramatic change in climate.

“We have designed and implemented a reservoir to capture both roof and ground water for 10 years now.

The storage of winter rainfall is of increasing importance so not to be mains reliant when the reservoir dies out in summer months.”

Brooke-Little further explained how Nicholsons’“main watering is completed throughout the night with the balance of day-light hour watering consisting of a more pulsed spread across the day to avoid run off,” with the runoff then being captured for recycling and used later in the day.

Similar to Provender, Nicholsons has also enhanced its technology in terms of drip stream watering, using sprinklers for better coverage throughout the pot and a higher concentration for each single stem.

Looking ahead to the relationship between horticulture and climate change, specifically the way nurseries are able to provide for clients and customers, there were two key pieces of advice that became apparent.

“As an industry, it’s incredibly important that we all work together; horticulture is taking great strides in being sustainable and it’s important that it is recognised, however there is always room for improvement. If you’re finding things challenging, my advice is to speak to your colleagues at other nurseries who have more than likely encountered the same problem. We all need to work together to keep the UK nursery and landscape industry thriving,” says Tacchi. “It’s time to get back to the basics which is one of those things that seems to have been a little forgotten. Go back to tried and tested techniques. Expand on your use of mulch, put in a watering system, and feed the soil. If the soil is healthy then you’re already halfway there. Don't fight the system. If you've got clay soil, work with the clay soil; if you have got sandy soil, work with sandy soil.”

As much as the industry is always looking towards new systems to optimise efficiency and maximise productivity, it’s important to remember where it has come from and how far it has grown. Sometimes it’s worth taking a small step back in order to take a giant leap forward.

The storage of winter rainfall is of increasing importance so not to be mains reliant when the reservoir dies out in summer months

Merlin Brooke-Little, plants director, Nicholsons

We are finding that we're getting more questions in regard to which plants can take on both the hot summers and freezing cold winters

Liz Hughes, marketing manager, Provender Nurseries

NICHOLSON'S RESERVOIR

WATERING BY DRIP LINE AT ROBIN TACCHI PLANTS

The Hemi Fire Bowl

BLINDING success

There’s post-covid recovery, and then there’s Caribbean Blinds. Instead of returning to prepandemic norms, the Sudburybased business has strived to surpass this, and it’s doing so partly with its factory extension.

By adding another 10,000sq ft, Caribbean Blinds has tripled its stock holding capacity – from around £500k to £1.5m worth – which has not only reduced its price volatility as it can buy raw materials in bulk, but also significantly reduced its lead times. Before covid, it worked on a six-to-eight-week lead time, which jumped to up to 16 weeks

which came into effect in England in 2007, had sparked a boom in sales for outdoor awnings and the like, and the factory Caribbean Blinds had

during the pandemic. Now, Caribbean Blinds offers a maximum two-week manufacture lead time, well below the industry norm, says managing director Stuart Dantzic.

It first moved onto its current site in 2008. The smoking ban,

owned previously became too small. After a Goldilocks-style tale of trying to find a factory that was the right size, Dantzic –who had joined the family firm in 2001 – and his father were alerted to an available unit in Sudbury. Not only was the factory the perfect size for the company at the time, but it also had additional land for future expansion – something which has now come to fruition.

Its extension was completed last year, and it’s now looking ahead to further upgrades to the site, including the renovation of the existing building and the addition of five show gardens that will be used to showcase the products to clients, for open days in the summer, and for photography in its marketing.

“By the end of the year, everything will be complete –even the parking spaces are being sprayed in blue, our accent colour. So, you’re buying into the brand, not just the product. That’s what a lot of our investment is at the moment – making sure everything behind the scenes is black and grey, our corporate colours, and that everything has a corporate feel to it,” explains Dantzic.

Alongside renovating its factory, Caribbean Blinds has also been adding to its range. It is launching a Classic Pod in three set sizes, which are available at a lower price point than the made-to-measure equivalent. The set size structure will be showcased at FutureScape, where Caribbean Blinds will also be

launching

Deluxe Plus, its Deluxe Pod with a louvered roof plus a fixed section of glass or sandwich panels, designed primarily for outdoor kitchens to sit beneath, with a flue sticking out the top. As well as that, a new powdercoated wood grain finish will be launched following customer demand for a style more suitable to traditional properties than Caribbean Blind’s recognisable contemporary aesthetic.

According to Dantzic, that long list of achievements is it for 2023 – though there is talk of adding a mezzanine floor to the factory extension, so there might be more yet to come.

With its factory extension complete, Caribbean Blinds is not taking its foot off the accelerator

THE FACTORY EXTENSION

STOCK AREA

You’re buying into the brand, not just the product. That’s what a lot of our investment is at the moment

“WE CALL OURSELVES

‘THE GREEN TEAM’, WHICH IS PARTIALLY ABOUT THE UNIFORM, BUT IT’S ALSO ABOUT WHAT WE BELIEVE IN”

Being announced as Supreme Winner at the Pro Landscaper Business Awards 2023 shone a spotlight on Nicholsons, and rightly so – the multifaceted business has a lot to offer. Managing director, Liz Nicholson, shares their story...

For more than 40 years, Nicholsons has sat somewhat under the radar. The family-run business has been slowly building its portfolio of services to become a major player in the horticultural industry with more than 200 staff. It is arguably one of the industry’s leaders in sustainability too, developing its own ‘green landscape audit’ with the RHS and running its own Plant Healthy nursery.

And yet, when Nicholsons was announced as the Supreme Winner at this year’s Pro Landscaper Business Awards, there was a ripple of surprise. Who is Nicholsons? And what makes them so great? The answer to the latter is rather long, and hard to squeeze into just a few pages, but to name a few of the reasons why the judges were so enamoured with Nicholsons: its nursery production is entirely peat free, it supports its staff through a series of initiatives

– including a prize pot allowing managers to reward staff almost instantly – and its impact even stretches to a different continent, where it aids a community-led conservation programme.

It’s hard to believe that the modest ambition of its founder was to grow native trees to sell to farmers. Roderick Nicholson rented a five-acre field in Oxfordshire and set up a professional forestry service in 1979, moving to a nearby site in North Aston eight years later, where the company continues to reside. His son Niel, a trained forester, was working in the north of Scotland until the early 90s when he decided to move back to Oxfordshire to work for his dad’s budding business.

“At that stage, we had just three employees, and within the first year, we went down to just one, when a recession hit really hard. So, it was a really tough start for Niel joining the family firm,” says his wife and Nicholsons’ managing director, Liz Nicholson. “But they weathered through. I was working away at the time and only part-time at Nicholsons, but we then decided I’d switch to full time.”

This was in 1997, and despite the company still being relatively small, she had big ambitions and set up a new division –garden design and landscaping. The nursery also expanded to become more of a retail plant centre. “That was the start of the evolution of Nicholsons.”

It has continued to grow at a steady pace – around 10% year on year – ever since, and in 2022, it added another string to its bow with the acquisition of Lockhart Garratt. Nicholson prefers the term “merger” though as it was a “merging of minds”. Lockhart Garratt brought with it environmental planning, forestry, ecology, arboriculture and landscape architecture from its base in Corby, allowing Nicholsons to provide end-to-end services.

“We brought the two cultures together. If you’re going to have a new house built or a public park, you might start with one of our

landscape architects, then very quickly involve an ecologist, then an arboriculture consultant, and maybe a garden designer will need to be involved on the detailed planning. Then it goes through to contracting – we have the whole suite.”

The two had already worked together on developing the not-for-profit Forest Canopy Foundation, a partnership of those from across the forestry industry dedicated to tackling climate change through tree planting and woodland management. Both Nicholson and her husband are founding directors.

“It was Niel’s initiative. He wanted the independent forestry sector to work together to make sure that any progression we make in planting trees for carbon sequestration is done to the best quality it can be. We grow

really good timber, and we make sure that we sequester as much carbon as possible, with the greatest biodiversity possible. We’ve done that as a not-for-profit and it’s about collaborating with our competitors. We feel that is an inspiration, and we can now do that with the landscape sector as well, hence the green design audit.”

The creation of this 100-question audit has been led by Nicholson to help users design more sustainable gardens and landscapes. It is being trialled internally, but Nicholson is also collaborating with the RHS – with the intention of it being used to help understand the impact of the show gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show next year – as well as other industry professionals.

It will be an open tool available for all to use, says Nicholson, who is determined to not just make her own company more sustainable but for any progress to be shared across the industry to help others achieve the same goals.

“It’s a really robust tool that helps all of us in practice, whether you’re a garden designer or landscape architect – it could be industry wide eventually. It helps to take you through

the hierarchies of natural capital. So, it doesn’t just cover carbon emissions, but also peat, waste in design and build, water usage, impact on air quality, and impact on society.”

Natural capital and sustainability are central to Nicholsons’ ethos and practice. “Take its design and construction projects, which use a carbon reduction tool from the beginning of the planning process and throughout the procurement of materials. It also recycles all its wood and green waste and has a biomass boiler on site which heats its offices and its water on site. “We call ourselves ‘the green team’, which is partially about the uniform, but it’s also about what we believe in.”

The hardest part is understandably convincing clients to switch to more sustainable alternatives, but Nicholsons is trying to do this in a supportive way. For

Plants, peat and pathogens

Nicholsons has been striving for its nursery to be peat free for more than a decade.

Then two years ago, through a series of trial and error, Nicholsons managed to achieve its goal. It has now removed peat entirely from its nursery production under the guidance of Merlin Brooke-Little, director of plants. “Everything that we produce is peat free... We’re very proud of that. Now the next stage of our journey is to make sure our suppliers are peat free too. We’re trying to lead by example and influence others,” says Brooke-Little.

Nicholsons’ drive to be peat free was sparked largely by the government’s announcement back in 2011 that a ban on peat could be introduced in 2030 – an idea that has become a reality, with retailers to be banned from selling peat-containing products from 2027, whilst professional growers are permitted to use it for a further three years. Even if the government reversed its ban, Nicholsons would never go back to using it though, says Liz Nicholson. “We don’t see peat free as a challenge; we see peat free as an opportunity.”

instance, if a client wants a swimming pool, Nicholsons might suggest a natural swimming pool instead, though these unfortunately still use as much concrete to construct as the conventional pools.“They’re lined with concrete, which is bonkers. So, we’re trying to design a natural swimming pool that doesn’t need to use concrete. You might need to compromise a bit on specification, but you’re helping to save the planet; people have to change their psyche.”

The longevity of the products also needs to be taken into consideration, though. “If you’re using replacement products which don’t last as long then that’s as big a carbon cost because it includes the replacement cost. Also, there is the end-of-life use – can it be re-used?

1 Design lead's biodiversity-rich, natural pond

2 Lockdown project for long standing clients

3 Use of oak and English stone in most projects

“We’re lucky in a way because the type of material that we’re growing probably has less pressure on it, whereas if you’re growing bedding plants, for instance, then peat’s your friend and it is a difficult category,” adds Brooke-Little. “But the heads up was there a long time ago.”

Peat has not been the only focus for Nicholsons either. It sells its plants in taupe pots – as black plastic cannot be recycled at most recycling plants – and recycles all its water on site. “We capture everything from our roofs which goes into our reservoir, and we then chlorinate it and use it,” explains Brooke-Little, a member of the HTA council. “We also spray as few chemicals as we can. I will take some cosmetic damage on the plant, and I’m happy to tell a customer that an oak gall is a natural, beautiful thing to not worry about.”

Around three years ago, Nicholsons became Plant Healthy certified too, a testament to its commitment to biosecurity. “As a company, we’ve made some quite harsh commercial decisions,” says Brooke-Little. It doesn’t sell olive trees, for instance, or imported lavender, both of which are high-risk species for Xylella fastidiosa, a plant pathogen that has seen major outbreaks across mainland Europe in recent years. “I’ve gone black and white on it, rightly or wrongly, but I feel that it’s the right way to go.”

It's not just about biosecurity, though. Brooke-Little says Nicholsons also wants to support the UK nursery industry and, as with peat, to lead by example and show what can be achieved.

You might need to compromise a bit on specification, but you’re helping to save the planet; people have to change their psyche

We don’t see peat free as a challenge; we see peat free as an opportunity

“The end of life is something that we’re looking at even more, going back to using products that could arguably be quite high in the initial carbon calculator, but you could go back and reuse that product,” explains purchasing manager Alan Bevan. “Clipex fencing is one example; it’s got a high carbon cost to install on day one, but the longevity of that product means we could go back to it in 10 years and move it to another site. It becomes more viable. Financially, you’re only using a material once.”

Through what Nicholson calls a “gung ho” approach, the company has significantly

Broadening its reach

It’s one thing to be supporting the development of forest schools in the UK, but Nicholsons doesn’t tend to just take the low-hanging fruit. In recent years, it has also been supporting a community-led conservation programme in the Maasai Mara region in Kenya too. It helped to set up two tree nurseries in the area and is helping local women to broaden their skills and knowledge of tree nursery establishment and management. Women in the Wild aims to empower Maasai women through education and by enabling them to support their families through the job opportunities that have been created. Its goal is to plant 8,000 trees by the end of year, and Nicholsons is providing funding and equipment to achieve this – but it is also taking a more personal approach. Earlier this year, members of Nicholsons’ graduate scheme – from those in the landscaping department through to those working in The Yurt, Nicholsons’ restaurant – visited Africa to offer their support on the ground too.

dropped its Scope 1, or direct omissions. These now account for 41% of its total emissions thanks to the use of HVO fuels, an initiative driven by transport manager Drew Forsyth, who has been tasked with Nicholsons’ carbon accounting, and with the help of local supplier WHC Plant & Tool Hire.

Its Scope 2 emissions – or those indirectly caused by its energy use on site – have been cut out entirely. “We buy it all through a green energy provider and we have a massive PV array,” says Nicholson. “We have a chip fired boiler called Gerty which heats the whole site too.”

Accounting for 59%, its Scope 3 emissions – caused indirectly through its activities as a company – are the highest; but even these have been significantly reduced. “We used to be above 2000t, and we’re now down to 800 and something tonnes,” says Nicholson.

Cutting out the use of portland cement –and incurring the cost of using alternatives itself (read more on page 51) – has been key to this, with the highest contributor to its Scope 3 emissions now being the wire netting used in forestry operations, “ironically to grow trees for carbon sequestration,” quips Nicholson.

“The main challenge is cost, as low carbon alternatives cost more. But there’s also quality; the Nicholsons brand is all about quality and we don’t want to potentially sacrifice longevity, as important as carbon is,"

says Nathanson. To avoid this, he is setting “deliverable targets” using BSI’s PAS 2060 verification to demonstrate carbon neutrality.

“An external auditor will look through the figures and the collection you’ve done, and will confirm whether your carbon footprint is correct, or whether your offsets are approved schemes and whether you have offset your carbon.” It’s not science-based, he adds, but offers a way for an organisation with an extensive background in carbon accounting, to “essentially check our homework.”

“We’re not making a statement that we are carbon neutral, although the intent is for Scope 1 and 2 to do that by the end of 2025. At the same time, we’re driving down emissions internally and at the end of 2025, there will be offsets purchased for unavoidable emissions.”

Nicholson adds that the company welcomes the challenge of an external auditor coming in. “We’re not at all interested in greenwashing or false statements; we desperately want to do the best we can, and we can only do that through collaboration.” She adds that Nicholsons is admittedly quiet about its achievements to avoid these being seen as “marketing gimmicks”.

And yet, Nicholsons is incredibly outward looking – there is arguably a lot that could be learned from the humble business, and not just in its environmental practices. It was recently awarded Investors in People Gold, supported by

We’re not at all interested in greenwashing or false statements; we desperately want to do the best we can, and we can only do that through collaboration

Alison who had experience from previous Lockhart Garratt days. “We did believe in people, but we just didn’t think that we needed the badge. When we looked at Investors in People, though, we thought there were some good initiatives that could help us out as a bigger company and make sure that we’re connecting with everybody still. And we got Gold, which we’re really chuffed about,” says Nicholson.

A year after the pandemic hit, Nicholson generated a document called ‘Focus 21’ with targets set against it for the entire company. The following year, when it merged with Lockhart Garratt, the now annual document was called ‘Balance 22’. This year,‘Connect 23’ is Nicholsons’ post-pandemic strategy to bring the

company and its clients back together, but also about connecting more to the environment and internationally through its work in Kenya. “It’s quite an ambitious document and it refers back to the United Nations’ goals on sustainability. It keeps us to purpose. We care passionately about our customers, but it’s got to be about more than that.”

One of its community goals is to attend six career fairs to share awareness of opportunities within the environmental sector – “to open eyes up to horticulture even being an option,” says Charlotte Harris, executive assistant. “We have our graduates going out and doing talks and sharing all the different opportunities and ways that you can get into horticulture and landscaping.”

For training, an ambition is to instill a culture of continued professional development, and there has been a focus on upskilling managers to ensure they have the support and skillset to coach others.

“We’ve put around 20 people on the ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management) course, with a series of options for certification they could have depending on their work environment and learning needs.

Mike Lee is our training coordinator, he’s fantastic; he’s splitting his time with those out on site and is very much aware of what the

teams need. He’s constantly upskilling them. So, there’s a huge focus on training here, and it’s a continuous culture of learning,” says Harris.

“Connect 23 is not just how we can benefit the business, but how we benefit those around us and about trying to think of the big picture

in changing practice and doing better for the environment and communities,” adds Harris.

That doesn’t just sum up this year’s document; this has been and continues to be Nicholsons’ approach. If Nicholsons succeeds, the industry succeeds, as Liz Nicholson and her team will be happy to share how they got there.

4 Designer David designed eco-friendly steps

5 Walk in the woods checking winter planting

6 Detail optimised in design and build Photographs ©Inga Kebleryte

Can the industry become CEMENT FREE?

explains Nicholson.

“We then use our activators, or chemicals, to activate the GGBS, so we’re using a by-product and we’re cutting out that clinkering process of cement.”

To visitors, The Savills Garden at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show seemed like any other show garden. That’s not to say it wasn’t impressive – designed by Mark Gregory and built by his team at Landform Consultants, the result was bound to be no less than awe-inspiring. But it’s the work beneath the surface that was the real star of the show. Gregory had found a way to build the garden entirely without the use of portland cement, and now refuses to build a show garden in any other way, calling the whole experience “enlightening”. “Why would I go backwards,” he says.

It begs the question, though, that if it’s possible for a show garden, why not all gardens? And what’s stopping the landscaping industry from removing cement altogether?

Think tank Chatham House puts the amount of cement produced each year at more than four billion tonnes, which it says accounts for around 8% of the world’s CO2 emissions.

Portland cement is regarded as the most widely

used cement in concrete globally, produced using a calcination process, where quarried rock is crushed and put into a cement kiln along with other raw materials and heated up to around 1,480°C to produce ‘clinker’. Once it has cooled, the clinker is ground and mixed with gypsum and limestone.

It’s heating up the clinker to extreme temperatures, “using lots of gas and intensive energy,” that is responsible for considerable CO2 emissions, says Rob Nicholson, product manager at Cemfree, a cement-free alternative for concrete. Rather than going through this clinkering process, Cemfree is an alkaliactivated cementitious material (AACM) that uses various activators to replicate cement.

“We use GGBS, or ground granulated blast-furnace slag, which is a waste product for the steel industry,”

This can save up to 85% of embodied carbon, says Nicholson, and Gregory said he thinks there’s a “massive future” for Cemfree, one of the alternatives he used to create The Savills Garden which saved 1.67t of embodied carbon. He wasn’t the only one to use it at Chelsea, either.

Harris Bugg Studio’s Horatio’s Garden used Cemfree’s cementfree binder

Cemfree Ultra saving 4,891kg of carbon, which Cemfree says is the equivalent of three return trips from London to New York.

Landscape Associates built Harry Holding’s The School Food Matters Garden using Cemfree Optima, another of its ultra-low carbon binders.

It’s hard to argue against Cemfree being a more environmentally friendly alternative to cement. But there’s a catch. “My concrete at Chelsea alone was 40% more money,” says Gregory. “So, if you multiply that on a bigger scheme, you can have all the aspirations in the world, but if you’re in competition then you’re going to be out of business.”

“Whilst these technologies are slightly higher priced than traditional Portland cement-based products, the flip side is that you’re saving on embodied carbon, and the way that Cemfree would be designed into

It’s a considerable contributor to the world's carbon footprint, but is it possible to move away from using cement , and how?

Whilst these technologies are slightly higher priced than traditional Portland cement-based products, the flip side is that you’re saving on embodied carbon

Rob Nicholson, product manager, Cemfree

a project, people would be looking at the overall cost as opposed to costing it per metre cubed. And the more people use it, the more the costs come down,” says Nicholson.

Nicholsons has taken a bold stance. The Oxfordshire-based company, which offers design and build, only uses products that are free from ordinary portland cement (OPC). “In the first year of using it, we said we’ll just absorb the cost, because we’ve already contractually won the contracts,” says managing director Liz Nicholson. “And we will continue to do that, because I’d rather make a little bit less profit. Most companies don’t own their scope three emissions” – those produced indirectly through the activities of an organisation, including using cement on a project – “whereas we take responsibility for ours, which is a really unusual model.”

Head of procurement Alan Bevan looked into the alternatives available on the market, only wanting to use products which had the research to back them up, and so came across Cemfree. The brand launched in 2015 as part of construction materials manufacturer DB Group, and Cemfree’s senior marketing executive Jasmine Hughes says it is a “pioneer” in this field.

Nicholsons is also working in partnership with builder's merchant AWBS, which has gotten hold of Hanson’s low-carbon cement, a product that uses GGBS. “Hanson came out first with a retail bagged product, which is not readily available, so you have to buy it in bulk. It comes in paper bags, which is great

environmentally, but you have to be careful when storing it in volume,” explains Bevan.

It makes it more viable to buy the low-carbon cement in bulk, though.

Nicholsons is now looking for a cement-free postcrete, but it’s a work in progress. “There are new products coming out, but they don't have the backing of any carbon certification behind it. Maybe marketing wise, it sounds like a great product, but we don't want to go after a new product and find out six months later that it's three times more carbon emitting.”

Mark

There tends to be a reluctance to try new technologies and there are more hurdles to jump over in terms of specification, says Cemfree’s Nicholson. “Now we’re at the point when we’re trying to get to net zero by 2030 and everyone’s panicking. So, a lot of contractors and producers are trying to come up with products at the last minute, whereas we have 10 years’ worth of history, development, studies and results.”

Due to the rapidly ever-evolving technologies, cement-free alternatives are

not yet listed in the current British standards. So, Nicholson says, “we are working with BSI to try and introduce AACMs into new standards for the future.”

Until then, it could be difficult to convince contractors to use cement-free products on major construction projects. “Cemfree is good, but it acts differently,” says Gregory. “If you said to contractors, do you want to use that or cement, they would ask, which is quicker to work with? The cement. What’s cheaper? The cement. What’s readily available?

The cement. It's easier, it’s cheaper, it’s known, and it works faster. But our industry is on point to pick up the move towards not using cement, and they’re leading by example.”

Contractors will need to get their heads around quoting and pricing their work using alternatives though, says Tecwyn Evans, managing director of Living Landscapes which is using products such as Cemfree in its projects. “They could find a material that is a good replacement that gives them the value they need to be able to get Cemfree.

It's easier, it’s cheaper, it’s known, and it works faster. But our industry is on point to pick up the move towards not using cement, and they’re leading by example

Gregory, managing director, Landform Consultants

RHS Show Gardens that used alternatives to cement

Or they could have a different approach to how they're doing certain things, which could be more sustainable, such as re-using the soil on site which reduces the need for an additional skip and saves £350, which gives the money to be able to pay for the Cemfree. So, it requires effort from the contractor. It takes motivation to not to rely on your existing pricing structure and to make the effort to find alternative ways of doing things.”

And there are other cement-free products outside of Cemfree too. For Jilayne

Rickards’ Fauna & Flora Garden at Chelsea, for instance, Evans had to lift the soil levels up by two metres at the back, which needed to be retained but without using a standard cement L-shaped frame, as the garden was to be entirely cement free. He used a system he’d discovered through extensive Googling instead –Rootlok, a product he now uses outside of his show gardens too. "It’s a really cool system, from a landscaping point of view. It’s

basically structural sandbags that you can grow in. The sandbags are placed on a frame which goes into the compacted area behind to become a retaining wall. It looks a bit like a World War I trench on the outside, but it has the structural integrity because of the recycled plastic structure that goes inwards and is compacted, holding it all in place.”

For his backing walls at Chelsea, Gregory used ‘strocks’, or blocks made from clay and straw. These are typically used for internal structural walls so are more suited to a show garden, providing they’re not weathered, but they can be broken down and reused to make more strocks after the show. He also used lime mortar on the bricks, which meant they could easily be cleaned back and reused.

“Lime is an amazing material,” says Gregory. “I built something amazing at Chelsea, the biggest thing I’ve ever built at Chelsea, and I did it in a way that I’ve never done anything before.”

Expert witness Gareth Wilson also used limed for Paul Hervey-Brookes’ The Cancer

Research UK Legacy Garden at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival this year. “Lime render and lime mortars have been around for hundreds of years, and now they’re making a comeback because people have realised that pointing old buildings with sand and cement needs a weak mix to breathe, otherwise the bricks can be blown. If you use lime render, the bricks are breathable both ways,” says Wilson.

TASK Academy uses lime for its “training mortar”, says founder Rupert Keys, who avoided cement when his design and build company Keyscape constructed Frances Tophill’s show garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Live last year. “We used lime concrete in our structures for holding them in the ground and so I'm very aware it's going that way and I welcome that,” says Keys.

But there are limitations when using lime mortar outside of training and temporary installations. “Lime mortar has a huge amount of strength, but it takes up to three months to go off properly and, it depends on the weather conditions as well, so you have to pick the time of year that you are constructing with it – it's easy for people to use cement because it’s quick. I’m happy to shout about using lime cement if we can, but every project is different, and we need to consider the longevity of our projects too.”

It takes motivation to not rely on your existing pricing structure and to make the effort to find alternative ways of doing things

Tecwyn Evans, managing director, Living Landscapes

THE FAUNA & FLORA GARDEN DESIGNED BY JILAYNE RICKARDS AND BUILT BY LIVING LANDSCAPES AT RHS CHELSEA 2023

HORATIO’S GARDEN DESIGNED BY CHARLOTTE HARRIS AND HUGO BUGG AT RHS CHELSEA 2023

© RHS/Neil Hepworth

© RHS/Neil Hepworth

Whatever the alternative, there is the potential for the landscaping industry to move away from cement entirely. “But no time soon,” says Gregory. “It’s not about the landscaping industry; it’s about the price point. It’s more expensive to use cement-free alternatives and we need the government to tax incentives on construction as clients will not accept an increase in cost. So, it will be money and legislation driven, and once construction can absorb it, then it will trickle in...Tax will be good for environment and taxation will drive the use of Cemfree.”

In the meantime, Cemfree is working on making its products more readily available, working on producing bags for merchants as well as with “some of the biggest landscape product manufacturers in the UK to produce a full range of cement-free blocks, pre-cast and landscaping products, so a client –whether domestic or commercial – will hopefully in the very near future be able to

have a complete cement-free landscaped garden, landscaped drive, or full landscape project” says Nicholson. “So, that would be everything from Cemfree in the base, and then Cemfree in the flags, and Cemfree in the walling, Cemfree in the copings, all using Cemfree.”

The biggest challenge in moving away from cement is replicating the structural strength to go petrol free by 2030, so if we can do it with cars, we can do it with cement in the landscaping industry. If we can get the same uprising for cement that we’ve got for artificial grass – and that all started with small steps – then we can make the right moves and go cement free.”

There are two ways to do this, explains Evans; one is to use an alternative to cement, and the other is to stop using cement completely or minimise its

use. “So, you don't just replace your cement with Cemfree, you actually look at alternative ways of replacing the use of cement altogether.” Cement is a constituent of concrete, and we need to address the use of this as a whole,” says Evans; it produces waste and digging a hole for concrete releases carbon into the atmosphere.

“Concrete has been a fail safe for hundreds of years in construction and it’s been a common default to go to. It's only recently that we have looked at changing the cement part of concrete, and also therefore looking at how we could use something other than concrete...It’s a much bigger thing than just

If we can get the same uprising for cement that we’ve got for artificial grass... then we can make the right moves and go cement free

Gareth Wilson, Expert witness

THE SCHOOL FOOD MATTERS GARDEN DESIGNED BY HARRY HOLDING AND BUILT BY LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATES AT RHS CHELSEA 2023

THE CANCER RESEARCH UK LEGACY GARDEN DESIGNED BY PAUL HERVEY-BROOKES AND BUILT BY GK WILSON LANDSCAPES AT RHS HAMPTON COURT 2023

© RHS/Tim Sandall © RHS/Neil Hepworth

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HORTICULTURE Healing with

How could horticulture be contributing to the n ation’s mental health , and could the industry take this further?

As the House of Lords’ Horticultural sector have recently opened an inquiry and subsequent report into the future of horticulture, just one of the many questions being investigated by the twelve committee members explores the affiliation between horticulture and mental health. This inquiry will also consider the challenges, opportunities and risks faced by the horticultural sector acknowledging the potentially isolating nature of horticultural work and the bearing this can have on a professionals’ mental health, while also recognising the therapeutic opportunities that gardening can offer everyone.

A recent study by Mind – the charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing mental health problems – found that eight in 100 people are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder each week in England, not to mention one in six adults in the UK are experiencing the effects of depression. The charity Perennial, which is dedicated to helping everyone working in horticulture, completed a study which saw over 85% of those in the horticulture industry who took part in its survey saying they had ‘below average’ mental health.

Having recently confronted the House of Lords Horticultural Sector Committee to advise on the current landscape surrounding horticultural and mental health, there’s possibly no-one who could provide better insight than Annabelle Padwick herself.

“It's a very rare opportunity to be able to speak directly to the House of Lords. It's not often that you’re able to be

and direct,”

said Padwick. The passionate founder of Life at No.27, professional gardener, and wellbeing practitioner is dedicated to connecting mental health and horticulture.

No. 27 is a foundation that joins together horticultural therapy and counselling as an alternative, affordable therapy option for people of all ages to access via self-referral, GPs, psychiatrists, and local councils, through the use of bespoke allotment sites and outdoor spaces.

Padwick is campaigning for safeguarding and clear advertising within horticultural therapy – what organisations can deliver and the limits of what they can offer – so that people have a realistic expectation of the help that can be provided. “They're calling it horticultural therapy, but it's not therapy. It is the activities that might have therapeutic outcomes, but it's not therapy.”

The distinction between the two is crucial in supporting the community and providing the correct level of care and support that’s required, says Padwick.

so honest

Craig-y-Nos Therapy Garden

Annabelle Padwick

Therapeutic Horticulture

Horticulture-based activities that have an element of therapeutic values

Horticultural Therapy

Therapy that uses horticulture as a tool

Speaking with The House of Lords, Padwick was also determined to ensure that all areas of the industry were well represented, mentioning how, although horticulture will have benefits for the mental and physical wellbeing of the entire population, the professionals within the industry require a more personalised approach.

“They were incredibly supportive and really interested, so it was exactly what I wanted and seems really positive. Hopefully, it will lead to some changes in the legislation in the future or do better in providing an understanding of the background but most importantly put in place the regulation to ensure that the people delivering these types of therapy or therapeutic activities that involve gardening are sufficiently trained and

qualified and supported to do so.”

There are several charities working towards a similar mission – using our natural resources to reconnect clients with themselves and the physical earth around them. Dedicated and passionate about the health benefits that gardening and spending time in nature can bring, Thrive has been using social therapeutic horticulture and gardening to try to support the community and change people’s lives since 1979.

Thrive’s education and learning officer Mark Emery says: “In this day and age, it’s hard to cut yourself away from the noise of the world and the general outside. Through lockdown, the separation and time gave people a new appreciation for green spaces and being outdoors, allowing us to have time to reflect and passively benefit from being outside.”

‘Unprecedented’ is thrown around in mundane conversation, covering a multitude of events, feelings, and concerns; but it’s possibly the appropriate term to encapsulate the theme of the nation. Having experienced more than our fair share of historic events and a significant quantity of time locked away throughout the pandemic, both humanity and nature are working towards healing. It is this mentality that Thrive

bounces off, using gardening to “provide a way of coping or managing periods of negative mental health, focusing on our own wellbeing through interactions with nature, whilst making sure we are aware of our own limitations”.

One patron of the charity, Richard Claxton, spent over 25 years specialising in health care as a trained paediatrics and general medicine practitioner before retraining as a garden designer to create spaces heavily focused on mental and physical wellbeing.

“There’s a lot of anxiety and uncertainty in the world. The pandemic made us realise how small the world is, how connected we are, how interdependent we are, and how vulnerable we are. It’s a sort of ecological trajectory that's looking fairly grim – for biodiversity, for the planet, for the human race. In the long term, there's some scary stuff both for us as individuals in terms of what diagnoses or disabilities or health problems we collect on the way but also for the planet as well.”

These are all reasons as to why Claxton believes that therapy through

Through lockdown, the separation and time gave people a new appreciation for green spaces and being outdoors, allowing us to have time to reflect and passively benefit from being outside

Mark Emery, education and learning officer, Thrive

One wheel forward Thrive find the joy in nature

Greenfingers community garden

horticulture is so important. Working as a GP four days a week and building an NHS therapy and community garden for the remainder of the week, Claxton is aiming to break the mould and create a more sustainable funding for ‘green therapy’ using the NHS.

“Community gardens are important to not only escape the locked down society, but also to connect people with each other, and communities and helping each other.”

Claxton went on to explain how nature is relentlessly moving forward and reminding you that no matter how grim your problems are; there’s a journey that everyone is on, the planet is on, the seasons are on, and it’s reconnecting with nature that can keep you grounded.

“Physically connecting with the planet, getting hands on and stuck in, it’s powerful. Looking into the soil, pouring your energy into helping something grow and then conversation begins to flow. The reactions are universally positive from all perspectives.”

Television presenter, landscape designer and Thrive ambassador Mark Lane has also noticed a significant impact on his mental health since his car accident in 2000. He says he rediscovered himself in nature. “I know first-hand how the restorative powers of a garden and the act of gardening can have an immeasurable effect on your health, both physically and mentally.

"Since the accident I have lived with the ‘spectre of depression’ sitting on my shoulder, but as soon as I go outside whether actively gardening or passively enjoying nature, my shoulders drop, my breathing slows down, my heart rate slows down, and my mind starts to wander.

“When I was asked to become an ambassador for the charity Thrive that uses social and therapeutic horticulture (STH) to help clients with different needs, I jumped at the chance to be able to work with them.

I had the great pleasure of being seen by a horticultural therapist, who got

TOP 5 TIPS TO CREATING YOUR THERAPEUTIC GARDENS

Having worked alongside Thrive and studied therapeutic horticulture at Coventry University, RHS award-winning garden designer, Michelle Brandon uses her knowledge and background to create beautiful landscapes and gardens to enhance wellbeing.

Here are her top 5 tips to creating your therapeutic gardens:

3

Highlight the seasons

The seasons play a big part in the severity of mental illness due to the lack of sunlight and significant changes in weather and temperature. It can be important to accentuated elements which may help to maximise daylight hours or uplift a dreary forecast. The use of mirrors, light features and colours can be key to extending the year-round use of the space

Encourage your client to grow

1 2

Know your client

Based on your clients’ needs and objectives, create a plan that will best meet their needs and capabilities, look at how specific interactions will enable better connections with nature and in turn, improve their mental health.

Invite wildlife

Ensure you are creating a natural environment to invite wildlife into the space. Pollinator plants and flowers, or the use of bird baths and water features. “Incorporate water where possible, even just the mere sound of water will flood your brain with positive neurochemicals that gives a sense of relaxation, calmness, and positive wellbeing,” says Brandon.

me outside planting bulbs and caring for plants. This is what Thrive does every day of the year, positively changing lives through gardening.

“As more research gets published about the positive effects of

4 5

Using the prospect and refuge theory to create a space that is inviting and gives the perception of privacy. A theory that meets psychological needs for safety – a space to observe and a space to hide. Encourage the client to find empathy with the plants and allow them to find a sense of self-worth, confidence, and achievement – caring for something will encourage them to care for themselves as it presents a sense of responsibility, fosters confidence and self-worth.

Incorporate plants that can be used

Using plants that encourage you to interact with them – get stuck in and get their hands dirty. Whether it be something that is grown to be picked and eaten, something that could be chosen to create something or as simple as a plant that may propagate easily – carefully cut and regrown.

gardening and horticulture in general, it’s essential that we attract more young people into the industry. So many, following the pandemic, have changed career to do something within the horticultural industry. Young people, from school age upwards, need to understand that horticulture is far reaching, exciting and very rewarding.”

Taking into consideration the messages provided by these ambassadors for mental

Physically connecting with the planet, getting hands on and stuck in, it’s powerful. The reactions are universally positive from all perspectives

Richard Claxton, garden designer, and healthcare specialist

health and horticulture, how can we help to increase awareness and assist in aiding the wellbeing of the nation? Whether it be for a private client or a public space, there are elements that can transfer into each and every garden and simultaneously fulfil a brief and inadvertently provide a calming experience for the visitors.

Psychotherapist

Ellie Borden released a study on how plants such as lavender can interact more with the brain’s neurotransmitters and aid in calming the nervous system.

Aromatherapy has been proven to lower heart rates and adrenaline levels as well as assist in regulating breathing, making it the idealistic choice for someone struggling specifically with anxiety and panic disorders.

Another choice could be rosemary. A physician at an online mental health clinic, Taryn Fernandes explained how “rosemary has a stimulating effect on the brain and improves both memory and cognitive function.” (source: psycom.net/mentalhealth-wellbeing)

The versatile shrub not only has an evergreen foliage and is great tasting, but it also has the ability to reduce the stress hormone, cortisol, in your blood, says Fernandes. High levels of cortisol are caused by the ‘fight or flight’ response that your body defaults to when severely stressed.

So, how is horticulture contributing to the nation’s mental health?

Whilst the variations of both therapeutic horticulture and horticultural therapy provide a creative and sustainable outlet for our mental wellbeing, there are key factors to take into consideration. As highlighted when discussing with the House of Lords, types of mental health support within the industry need to be safeguarded to protect our volunteers and our therapy gardens. There are studies to support the benefits that gardening, in particular, has on our

mental wellbeing, whether it be the act of physically growing, enhancing our senses through smell, touch and taste, or the additional perks particular plants can provide such as reduced anxiety through aromatherapy.

Working within the industry, it is also important to acknowledge your staff’s, colleagues’, and personal wellbeing, taking additional care to look after one another and, wherever possible, getting the maximum benefits horticulture has to offer at work and at home. Whether it be reinforcing the safeguarding required in therapeutic settings, speaking with your clients as to how you can add therapeutic elements to their design brief, or taking a moment to look after yourself, as van Gogh once said: “But for one's health as you say, it is very necessary to work in the garden and see the flowers growing.”

PERENNIAL Contacting

“At Perennial we can support you through many of life’s challenges that you may find overwhelming. Our friendly and experienced team are here to help you and your family with whatever we can. Here to answer your questions and find the support that is right for you.”

If you need help and support, please contact the team at Perennial.

Telephone 0800 093 8510 Email info@perennial.org.uk

As more research gets published about the positive effects of gardening and horticulture in general, it’s essential that we attract more young people into the industry

Mark Lane, television presenter, landscape designer and Thrive ambassador

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PROJECT DETAILS

Project value

£18k

Build time

Garden completed in four weeks, shed completed following month

Size of project 9m x 8.5m

Aclient approached Joshua Fenton Gardens, wanting to have a complete overhaul, to make an oasis of beauty and calm. No lawn, low maintenance with lots of plants for the benefit of wildlife.

The team's plan was to cover the existing concrete at the back of the house with hardwood decking on hardwood joists in order for the client to be able to step straight out of their kitchen or patio doors seamlessly without affecting the damp proof course.

You then step down into a circular area made of fully permeable self-binding gravel surrounded by a Corten steel raised bed so that you feel immersed in the planting once you sit down.

Fenton planned an automatic irrigation system so that the garden could establish quickly, reducing any chance of weeds getting hold in between the planting and they used a biodegradable paper mulch product underneath the bark fines to this effect too.

It was also designed with a light-sensitive lighting system so that the garden can be enjoyed throughout the whole year – particularly as it faces the dining room. The materials chosen were all for longevity, which is an environmental consideration for Fenton’s team.

JOSHUA FENTON GARDENS

1

Seen from above, this circular dining area is perfect for entertaining and relaxing, designed with a sense of both intimacy and comfort

“We try to do everything we can to get materials as locally as possible, with the least packaging and made from something sustainable. But failing all of that, at the very least, if it’s got a really long service life it becomes more justified in my mind –particularly when you think about the carbon footprint and calorific cost of getting the project through to completion.”

The joists for the deck were from a local sawmill cut from local coppice woodlands and the hardwood decking from South America with all the correct standards and certifications in place.

“Corten steel being steel has a carbon footprint but is incredibly long lasting so to my mind it balances, and the SuDS compliant middle area is made from self-binding gravel.

“One challenge was the side access; it was 'touch and go' getting the excavator into the garden. It was also tough creating

THE PROCESS

• To clear and evacuate the landscape, creating a gravel foundation.

• Build the Corten structure, running the electric and water feed through.

• Construct the decking and fill the remaining gravel and raised bed.

• Lay the irrigation, lighting, and paper mulch with plants scattered throughout.

• Assemble the side shed with green roof.

an equal amount of bend on each section of Corten steel so that the circle formed symmetrically and then re-adjusting after each weld slightly warped the joints.” Fenton goes on to explain how there were also two very inconveniently placed manhole covers – one which he managed to hide

2 Evening lighting redefining the scene

3 Edging and planting add pops of colour

4 Diverse flower selections bring new flavours

5 Close-up of edging and overhanging planting

6 Gravel casts a light, more natural backdrop

7 Circular dining area in the mid-day sun

under the bespoke shed which has a false floor. The other is in the flower bed near the back door, with weed membrane covering it and then mulch on top of that.

This part of Windmill Hill is very sandy, so once Fenton’s team had removed the 10 inches or so of topsoil, it was pure sand – which made moving the excavator around more challenging.

DURING CONSTRUCTION

Planting was a joy, Fenton explains, "as we filled the beds with bought-in product".

The planting is very pollinator/invertebrate friendly – the bespoke shed has a green roof of sempervivums, and the client has been happy to allow some of the grasses to 'naturalise' the edges of the gravel.

Fenton sincerely enjoyed the redesigning of this landscape and expressed how fantastic his client had been, putting their full trust in his hands to create a beautiful garden.

8

9

REFERENCES

Corten steel Buy Metal Online buymetalonline.co.uk

Plants Manor Farm Nursery manorfarmnurseries.com

Balau decking

Morgan Timber morgantimber.co.uk

Sub deck

Southeast Oak Sawmill southeastoaksawmills.co.uk

Gravel, compost and mulch

Garden-scape direct gardenscapedirect.co.uk

ABOUT

Joshua Fenton started the business as a sole trader in 2016 having worked in the gardening and landscaping sector since 2005. His partner Daisy joined in 2018 and they both did a RHS Level 3 course in Practical Horticulture, whilst growing the business together as a partnership. fentongardensltd.co.uk

A private space to relax and unwind

Decking brings a earthy base to the colour palette

THIRSTY FOR CHANGE: the rainwater habits of RHS Hampton Court visitors

At this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, ACO took the opportunity to survey visitors to its stand to understand their use of rainwater in their gardens. Here, Angus Crichton explains what landscapers can learn about gardeners’ current and future rainwater habits

We only abandon well-worn habits when they no longer work in a changed world.

ACO’s stand at RHS Hampton Court received a constant stream of visitors throughout the six-day event – most of whom wanted rainwater management solutions. They accepted the impact of climate change on their gardens – drier summers and wetter winters – and so there was collective agreement that we can no longer waste rainwater, nor use drinking water on the garden.

These shifting attitudes are reflected in the findings from ACO’s Water Talk survey. While the survey data isn’t representative of the UK’s population as a whole, it is more representative of those employing landscapers. The results reveal that, while there is a desire for change, rainwater practice is tied to old habits.

100-90% Water butts

Shifting attitudes

Both ACO’s stand and survey showcased integrated rainwater solutions. First, we collect rainwater off the roof to store and reuse, or for enjoyment with rainfed water features. Second, we dispose of rainwater, either by slowing with green roofs and rainwater planters before putting into the storm drain or, if soil conditions allow, dispersing into the ground with soakaways and rain gardens.

more than half stated runoff from garden buildings was dispersed on site, in two thirds of cases, the higher volume from house roofs went into the drainage system.

With outside use of drinking water, nearly three quarters stated they used rainwater sometimes, with the rest selecting drinking water only. Here, the interest in storing rainwater for reuse is more matched by practice. What next for landscapers?

must feature early on in talking to clients to allow incorporation into design and build. Landscapers can offer clients solutions to store, enjoy and then slow and disperse rainwater. ACO’s Reimagining Rainwater booklet is a valuable resource to present such solutions.

Despite this strong interest in rainwater solutions, ACO’s survey also revealed that most gardeners are still putting their rainwater into the drainage system. While

89-80% Rainfed ponds, wildlife products, rainwater planters

79-70% Channel drains, drip trays, soakaways, rain gardens

69-60% Green roofs, ground stabilisation

59-50% Underground rainwater harvesting tanks

Less than 50%Blue roofs

In the face of the drought of 2022 and a rainless June 2023, the ACO Water Talk survey shows that keen gardeners want rainwater solutions, above all storage for reuse. Yet legislation is built on the assumption of a fast-disappearing temperate climate. This has shaped practice: most of us put rain into the drainage system, although more of us now are using rainwater in the garden.

The survey suggests that integrated rainwater solutions

The UK’s dry June and wet July, alongside record-breaking heat and rainfall elsewhere, will only increase this thirst to change these old rainwater habits. Continue the conversation at aco.co.uk/water-talk, where you can download Reimagining Rainwater booklet.

ANGUS CRICHTON

Angus Crichton is marketing manager for ACO Home and Garden. He is leading ACO's work to reimagine domestic rainwater use in the face of climate change. aco.co.uk/house-and-garden

Table 1: Rainwater solutions Hampton Court Festival goers would consider

Table 2: Current rainwater disposal by Hampton Court Festival goers

The clients, who had recently moved from Dallas, wanted to create an impressive, stylish garden in a relatively small sloping plot. Ideally wanting to include a practical outdoor kitchen and al fresco dining and entertaining area, they also were looking for a water feature in an area which took in the last of the evening sun.

AL FRESCO GARDEN The

RESIDENTIAL GARDEN, FARNHAM, SURREY

RAINE GARDEN DESIGN

1 Raised walls clad with porcelain to create contemporary, stylish finish to the space

There was a family aspect to the brief whereby they needed a small space for their young children to play, so privacy and security were of paramount importance, with the view from their kitchen/ living area needing to be more attractive because the current view was the rear of the garage.

This was a project that was thoroughly enjoyed by the team as there was only one space to transform into a usable attractive outdoor space – the sloping front garden. To lead the clients down to the evening relaxation area, the Raine Garden Design team designed some inviting steps which created a smooth transition to the lower area. This space also needed retaining walls which were faced with DesignClad and with the incorporation of plenty of soft planting. This created a feeling of privacy and seclusion with the children’s play area subtly positioned behind the relaxation area and partitioned with a smart wall and planting.

2 The new, front entrance looking very inviting

3 The modern al fresco dining area

4 Shady, luxurious relaxation in the evening sun

5 Simplicity and style; matching elements for subtle transitions

The final area to create was the entrance which the clients wanted to have a ‘wow’ factor. Carefully positioned was an old multi-stem olive tree on the upper level, which was in direct view and a real feature on entering the garden, and a second set of matching wide shallow steps to lead the clients to the front door. Needing to address the side of the garage that was clearly in view on one side on entering, Raine Garden Design chose decorative screens to create the illusion of an outdoor room.

Keeping to the brief of creating an outdoor space with a powerful 'wow' factor, Raine Clarke-Wills incorporated feature specimens including the multi stem olive tree Olea europaea together with some stunning Ligustrum jonandrum and Cupressus sempervirens. These all played an important part in creating the new outdoor space.

Due to the garden being formed with a strong framework to create the contemporary effect, it was essential there was the right balance of soft planting which included movement and a gentle colour palette. Therefore, plants such as Stipa tenuissima, Hakonechloa macra, Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’, Erigeron karvinskianus and Salvia x sylvestris ‘Mainacht’ were chosen to also encourage bees, butterflies, and other forms of wildlife.

To overcome the various challenges, Clarke-Willis first created the gardens on different levels to enable the space to be more user friendly. She then addressed one of the most important areas of the garden which was the space directly opposite the main kitchen/living bifold doors, turning what was a negative backdrop into a foil for an outdoor al fresco dining area with a metal louvred pergola and water feature together with attractive soft planting. Nearby seemed the ideal spot for their wish of a simple outdoor BBQ

involved. This also helped with materials, tool hire and deliveries, having a smaller impact on the environment as they were supplied locally. The nurseries used were also all very local. Raine Garden Design says the contractor, Bushy Business, was sensitive and ‘green’, being very keen and mindful of any negative impact on the environment. Using this sustainable outlook, Raine Garden Design successfully fulfilled the brief and created a stunning display for al fresco dining throughout the golden hours, soaking up the last of the sun with areas for the entire family to enjoy, delighting the clients and proving to be a perfect new addition to their portfolio.

6 The lower courtyard's bold planting geometry

7 A nestled-away outdoor kitchen – fabulous!

ABOUT

kitchen close to all the amenities and the al fresco seating. In this same area, they needed to deal with the challenge of a sloping bank on the boundary and for this a retaining wall faced with DesignClad was included which completely transformed this into a smart social space.

This project being in Farnham, where the design studio is based, meant less travel was

Award-winning designer, Raine Clarke-Wills, has been creating stunning gardens for clients throughout Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, and Berkshire for over 22 years. Clarke-Wills has a true passion for creating unique and exquisite gardens and has designed and built five award–winning gardens for RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival since 2009. rainegardendesign.co.uk

REFERENCES

Landscape contractor Bushy Business Ltd bushybusiness.com

DesignClad and paving London Stone londonstone.co.uk

Plants and trees

The Plant Company theplantco.co.uk

Water feature Primrose primrose.co.uk

Decorative screens

Screen with Envy screenwithenvy.co.uk

Photography

Forest Eyes

Photography foresteyes.co.uk

Crowders

Even the most di cult locations can be integrated into an urban nature concept and contribute to a harmonious composition of buildings and greenery. However, the right choice of plants and professional green space management is essential here for the longevity of the project. Let us advise you.

Boom & Bonheur – Because trees give life and bring happiness!

Boom & Bonheur BV boombonheur.com

For full details on all jobs, please go to

horticulturecareers.co.uk

Call 01903 777 570 or email chloe.holbrow@eljays44.com

ECOLOGY OFFICER

SOUTHWARK COUNCIL

Location: London

Do you share Southwark’s passion for providing diverse green spaces and commitment to caring for the environment? The council is looking for someone who has excellent ecological knowledge and practical experience of driving service improvement in a customer-focused environment. As the ecology officer within the wider Parks and Natural Environment team, you will be responsible to help formulate and implement the council’s work in ecology and biodiversity, through partnership with officers in other departments, third sector partners, national statutory and non-statutory bodies, elected members and the local community.

ECOLOGY OFFICER CLIMATE CHANGE

SOUTHWARK COUNCIL

Location: London

Southwark Council is the largest local authority social landlord in London. The council is looking for an ecology officer – climate change to join the wider Parks and Natural Environment team. You will be responsible for taking a leading role in formulating and implementing the council’s unprecedented investment in ecological and biodiversity improvement projects associated with Southwark’s Climate Change Action Plan over a two-year period. You would support the ecology officer and Parks and Natural Environment team by advising and representing the council on matters relating to ecology and biodiversity.

TEAM LEADER GROUNDS MAINTENANCE (CHESTER)

GLENDALE

Location: Cheshire

Glendale is one of the largest green space management service providers in the UK and specialises in tree care and management, grounds maintenance, and landscaping. Candidates should be well organised and have skills in grounds maintenance operations. Furthermore, they need to possess excellent leadership ability, enthusiasm, excellent people management, and communication skills. A horticultural qualification and a good understanding of Microsoft Office/Google systems would be preferred but not essential. A full driving licence and PA1-PA6a Spraying Certificate is essential.

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE OPERATIVE (BOLTON)

GLENDALE Location: Lancashire

The grounds maintenance operative will be required to have an understanding in garden maintenance and an understanding of machinery used to carry out grounds maintenance tasks. The ideal candidate must be keen to learn, enjoy a challenge, be honest, hardworking, reliable and personable and have a keen interest in horticulture. Glendale offers a competitive remuneration package which is tailored to their skills and qualifications. Successful applicants can look forward to joining a company that can offer career prospects and believes in investing in its people.

PROJECT DETAILS

Project value

Undisclosed

Build time

6 months

Size of project 1/5 acre

TEA Time for

MATTHEW WILSON GARDENS

BETTY & TAYLOR’S FACTORY GARDEN

Bettys & Taylors has been bringing tea to the nation for more than 100 years. The Yorkshire-based family business is arguably the home of the British brew, boasting brands such as Yorkshire Tea and Taylors of Harrogate.

It’s “where everything’s done proper,” as that famous advert featuring the Kaiser Chiefs tells us – and that includes the outdoor space of its factory in Harrogate. The garden has always been a key space on the site, and Bettys & Taylors wanted a new design that would

continue to provide a haven for staff from the hustle and bustle of the office and factory. It needed to be suitable for staff breaks as well as holding meetings.

Garden designer Matthew Wilson completed a re-design of the garden just before the pandemic hit in 2020, when the need for such an outdoor space became even more pronounced. His design would replace the exotic garden originally created by the

late John Brookes, who is often touted as one of the most influential garden designers of the 20th century.

Wilson designed over gently undulating ground accessed via a series of large Caithness stone platforms that act as supersized steppingstones. Some of these platforms – each roughly the same size at 5mx5m – are designed for seating and meeting, whilst others are water features,

drilled to allow water to bubble through the slab and form a silvery film on the surface of stone. The water spills back into holding tanks beneath made from galvanised steel and lined with fibreglass, which was applied in situ. These in turn are all linked to a single below ground chamber where the pump and filtration equipment are located.

As an enclosed space surrounded on all sides by buildings, logistics and access were

very challenging. This required sectioning some of the largest Caithness stones so they could be brought into the site. The contractors also needed to plan work carefully to minimise disruption at the busy factory.

1 Platforms/water features nestled in exotic plants

2 Outdoor spots for meetings and taking breaks

3 An oasis of calm for the surrounding workers

4 The redesigned site is truly pollinator-friendly

Brookes' exotic garden included rows of camellia to evoke the tea plantations of India, against a backdrop of exotic foliage plants such as Trachycarpus fortunei (Chusan palm), Fatsia japonica, cordyline and Paulownia tomentosa (foxglove tree). It made sense to retain as much of this planting as possible, given how well established it was, and create a new exotic garden designed around these retained plants. Wilson says these plants provided inspiration to ‘push the boundaries’ with the new planting. This included Tetrapanax papyrifer ‘Rex’, Trochodendron aralioides, Beschorneria yuccoides and Lyonothamnus floribundus

These plants create the exotic, foliage rich planting scheme that contrasts with the Caithness stone and gives the courtyard garden its aesthetic. The varieties selected are rarely seen in gardens in North Yorkshire, but the beneficial microclimate created by the enclosed courtyard space, between factory and office

buildings, has enabled a bold selection. Alongside this, sll the existing soil on site was retained and improved, and no chemical herbicides or pesticides were used in creating the garden or in its subsequent maintenance.

Bettys & Taylors now has an oasis for its staff to sit down and relax – no doubt with a cuppa.

5 Textural grasses, plants and Caithness stone Photographs ©Rachel Warne

ABOUT

Matthew Wilson is an award-winning garden and landscape designer, writer, radio & television broadcaster and lecturer. He has worked on a range of projects, from small urban gardens to large country estates. matthewwilsongardens.com

REFERENCES

Caithness stone slabs

CED Stone cedstone.co.uk

Feature plants

Architectural Plants architecturalplants.com

Other plants

D-Tail Plants

d-tailplants.co.uk

Old Hall Nursery old-hall.com

Water feature contractor

Aquascapes Ltd

Lighting design

Moonlight Design moonlightdesign.co.uk

Main contractor

Ray Skelton (Harrogate) Ltd (now part of the Nurture Group)

Ripple Effect

What’s more natural than water? In the context of a garden, it can provide us with an architectural focal point, sensory experience or place to cool off in the heat of the summer. In my opinion there aren’t many garden schemes that can’t include water of some description, and in times of drought, rainwater harvesting, recycling and usage of this most essential natural element have never been more top of the agenda.

Decoratively speaking, water has a wealth of beneficial attributes and can add reflection,

turbulence, subsequent sound and benefit biodiversity, transforming an otherwise static space into something that lives and breathes. This, coupled with appropriate planting, can assist in the final transformation of a space to the benefit of the overall user experience.

Determining how the water is contained provides us the opportunity to link it with the wider context of the garden; by this I mean planting and hard landscaping materials.

Water bowls and ‘off the shelf’ water features are a straightforward and often more budget friendly way of bringing water into a design. Simple water bowls complement planting, particularly in proximity to seating areas. There are various options available, from a large static dish to a slightly more complex fountain with sump pump to create gentle movement and interest. These can easily be implemented. Remember to check that your subbase is level or you’ll end up with a waterfall. Still water can also become stagnant, so be prepared to decant and replenish on occasion to ensure you don’t end up with algae and a smell that makes you avoid the space rather than gravitate towards it. Features like this work with different styles of garden, from ornate Italian renaissance design to a contemporary minimalist design. They have their place in all.

By way of juxtaposition, a wildlife pond can be a superb way to utilise a space in a larger garden; travel to it through planting, place a bench under a feature tree and sit back

GARTENART SWIMMING PONDS

Dip your toe into using water in your next project, as Matt Evans outlines the breadth of options available, from water rills through to natural swimming ponds

Water has a wealth of beneficial attributes and can add reflection, turbulence, subsequent sound and benefit biodiversity

CONCEPT IMAGE FOR A NATURAL SWIMMING POND FOR A RECENT PROJECT

watching birds drink, newts swim and tadpoles develop – calming escapism in its purest form, which is something we all need in our busy lives. Ponds afford you the opportunity to incorporate aquatic planting, add aquatic wildlife and bring other wildlife into the garden that would otherwise be elsewhere. Shallow sides allow wildlife to have access to water to drink and climb in and out. Think about overall depth when excavating; 60cm is typically deep enough to create depth for shelter, but not so deep that you’ll be spending a fortune on groundwork. Then decide if you’re looking for a liner or shell construction. The shape of your pond should complement the rest of the space, so think about the design of the garden with this as a bespoke feature with its own set of criteria.

Water features set within hardscape can add a third dimension to a space. Water rills are commonly seen dissecting a site, providing a lateral break through hard and softscape to guide the eye between points of interest or move you through a garden or down a path. Water cut into paving can force movement around an otherwise open space, making you walk around it, or even step over it. From a design perspective it’s once again about that final user experience. In this instance it’s time to consider who, what and when the area will be used. Is it suitable for children and pets? Or will it just become filled with leaves in the autumn? Sharp detailing often comes with a price tag, so it’s worth bearing in mind your proposed materials and how user friendly it will be before planning anything too visually imposing. A real statement piece to accompany considered design.

By way of contrast, a development of all of the above is a feature that really works with any site from a 16th century farmhouse to a contemporary beach house. Perhaps I’m biased as a seasoned swimmer, but natural swimming pools and ponds combine structure, biodiversity, architectural interest and the opportunity for fun and exercise. With wellness and work life balance at the forefront of the national psyche, the natural swimming pond and pool has it all. Let’s be real – you obviously need a budget and client willing to go through the planning process, but the results can be breathtaking. You can create the backdrop for a garden like no other. Naturally clean and clear – elemental in its purest form.

Natural pools are filtered by the life within them, with no chemicals and no weekly cleaning schedule. But there’s a lot of theory involved in doing this successfully, so a specialist contractor is an absolute must. The relevant permissions should be signed off before embarking on something of this scale given the groundwork involved in landscaping. But just look at the results.

with these additions TEST THE WATER

Matt Evans is the managing director and design lead at The Garden Room Living and Landscape Studio, based in Poole, Dorset. The Garden Room is a young, creative design studio founded by partners in life and design, Matt and his wife Elle Evans. Located just a stone’s throw from the shores of Poole Harbour and the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, they operate across Dorset, London and the south of England offering garden design, project management and planting as well as specialist aftercare. thegardenroomstudio.com

Available in three sizes – 26", 36" and 48" diameter – and 12 colours with a choice of stainless steel or brass metal channel. Also available with a box to collect and circulate the water.

Price including VAT: £3,114 solusdecor.co.uk

Enjoy a water garden in a matter of minutes. Create a beautifully planted water bowl with a variety of aquatic plants.

Price including VAT: £480 landscapeplus.com

Solus Décor Landscapeplus Foras

An impressively large lightweight water feature, suitable for all installation sites. Spheres are individually adjustable and illuminated with LED lighting.

Price: £3,200 foras.co.uk

AquaScape Patio Pond

Fusion Cairo Trio

The Scupper

MATT EVANS

©RHS/Sarah Cuttle

A SWISS SANCTUARY DESIGNED BY LILLY GOMM AT RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW 2022

FROM A CURRENT DESIGN/AFTERCARE CLIENT’S GARDEN, FEATURING A FOUNTAIN BY SOLUS DECOR

Nailing the

GARDEN BUILDING

Since lockdown occurred, and more and more people are still enjoying working from home, outdoor buildings have been becoming increasingly popular within garden designs. A growing amount of clients at The Landscape Service are looking to have that insideoutside feel when it comes to their gardens, and outdoor buildings are another great way to extend the property into the garden.

It is important when discussing the brief with your client to work out what the intended use of the outdoor building is going to be, as this will have a huge implication on how the building is going to connect with the designed space.

In designs, the outdoor building is either going to be seen as the focal point of the garden or is going to be that secret element that is hidden away by carefully thought-out planting. This does also depend on the size of the garden and outdoor building. Typically, if the garden is going to be used as a garden bar, summer room or even a playroom, it should have easy, simple links with the

existing property but still maintaining a journey through the garden.

A garden room to be used as an office should have two considerations when designing this feature in a garden. Should it be located close to the house for practicality and ease? Or should it be located at the end of the garden in its own private garden, making the client go on a journey?

The location of the outdoor building depends on the orientation of the garden. When designing a garden without an outdoor building, you look to position the main function spaces where they are going to get the most sunlight. The positioning of the outdoor building needs to be thought of in the same way.

Look at incorporating the outdoor building to have its windows and doors on the south and westerly elevations to utilise as much sunlight as possible. Not only will it make the space feel brighter to be in, but it will also help heat the building through natural heat.

Views are an important aspect to consider when designing a garden as well as an

outdoor building. Typically, when designing a garden, you think carefully about what the views out of the property are going to be when viewing the garden from inside to outside. If your client wants an outdoor building, you are also going to have to think about the impact of the views in all directions and what impact this is going to have.

If the site possesses coastal views, then aim to have the outdoor building utilise these views and design it in a location that also doesn’t obstruct the coastal views from the property. It is the same for a woodland garden; aim to have the outdoor building utilise its surroundings. Even if the desired space is not either of these locations you can still create a focal point of the outdoor building.

Like gardens, these outdoor buildings are to be used during the evenings. It is always good to consider the impact of the outdoor building when at night. With lighting, less is always more. Have subtle lighting highlighting the surrounding areas as well as the path leading to and from the designated area.

JAMES SMITH

James Smith is an awardwinning landscape and garden design for The Landscape Service who is passionate about plants, creating green spaces for everyone to enjoy whilst focusing on working on large scale commercial designs and private residential gardens. thelandscapeservice.com

They’re a popular addition, but there’s a lot to consider to ensure you get an outdoor building just right, explains James Smith

Views are an important aspect to consider when designing a garden as well as an outdoor building

Tree-rific

PLANTERS

LUX UNIQUE Corten Circular Tree Planter

Made by Lux Unique in Cheshire, this epic circular planter is made from 3mm thick genuine Corten steel. Weighing in at 150kg, it measures 2000mm diameter x 480mm tall and has a substantial 80mm top lip. It is suitable for very large trees to create a statement piece in any garden. luxunique.co.uk

HADDONSTONE Herculean Bowl

This cast stone, traditional tree planter features decorative festoons of fruit, bound together with ribbons and swags. Standing a metre tall and an impressive 120cm in diameter, the Herculean Bowl by Haddonstone is ideal for planting small to large trees. Its size makes it perfect for positioning on a terrace, or sitting in an impressive landscape. Available in a range of colours, it is frost-proof, robust and features a drainage hole. haddonstone.com

IOTA

Enclave Round Low Planter

Ideal for smaller trees or large shrubs, this fibreglass planter has a matte grey finish with a subtly weathered and pitted surface. The colour works well with stone tile or gravel, making for a very versatile planter, and has the advantage of being light enough to be easily handled. (Size shown: diameter 910mm x height 560mm). Other sizes and shapes are available. iotagarden.com

MMCITÉ

Květa

This is a large outdoor planter for a generous dose of greenery, great for city boulevards and busy streets. Ideal for anywhere where it is challenging to get greenery onto the pavement. Balanced proportions and covering made of wooden slats with small bevel on vertical edges bring the desirable detail. Designed to be moved around the city easily with a forklift. Also available with a self-irrigation system. mmcite.com/en

CHILSTONE

Victoria Box

Chilstone’s Victoria Box planter is a large, contemporary planter with ample planting depth for roots, suitable for a wide range of ornamental trees and shrubs. All of Chilstone’s planters are made by hand. This planter is available without feet and a base to allow trees to root directly into the ground for optimum health, whilst maintaining the appearance of a potted tree. chilstone.com

MARSHALLS

Perennial Planter System

Marshalls’ Perennial Planter system can be tailored to the requirements of any scheme. Choose from a range of heights, lengths and angles, plus a variety of colours, finishes and seating options to create a bespoke look. The clean lines of the modular steel components blend seamlessly into the outdoor space and you can also protect it by combining it with Marshalls’ crash-tested bollards. marshalls.co.uk

Whether a small domestic garden or a large commercial scheme, putting a tree into one of these planters is bound to make an impression

INTERVIEWS Little

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

How does horticulture help to provide therapy?

Horticulture acts as an escape, and a distraction from what's going on in the world, in terms of therapy for mental health but also for physical wellbeing. After the creation of the “Covid Recovery Garden” (RHS Tatton Park 2022), patients were maintaining the space to regain confidence in themselves, by using their hands, creating, and learning anything related to gardening.

Could you utilise horticulture to provide an outlet for both the creator and beholder?

The client is obviously the most important thing, and it’s crucial to ensure that they've got the garden they want, and they have the escapism they need. For the creator, it's that creative process that gives you therapy, when you're doing your drawings, colouring in – imagining the space coming to life.

How does horticulture help to provide therapy?

Therapeutic gardening or horticultural activities are common referrals for those involved in ‘social prescribing’. Social prescribing is a way of actively connecting people to activities, information and resources to help address an unmet health and wellbeing need or risk. It recognises the impact of wider social factors on people’s health such as issues like loneliness, isolation or stress.

Why is this type of therapy so important?

A recent evidence review by NASP found that naturebased social prescribing increased wellbeing, happiness, resilience, and social connection, lowered levels of cardiovascular and respiratory problems and reduced risk of diabetes and obesity. These outcomes also have the potential to save the NHS money, reducing pressure on GPs and nurses.

How does horticulture help provide therapy?

It is the reconnection with nature and the opportunity to slow down and participate socially in meaningful activity – the act of seed sowing to nurturing those seedlings, then planting and harvesting, to growing with and connecting with the seasons as the year goes on.

Why is this type of therapy so important?

So many people have unfortunately lost their connection with the natural world around them leading to various mental health challenges. It is definitely an issue that needs to be further addressed by the horticultural community as there is so much space for more peer group connection within the community.

When designing a garden, what elements do you include to create a therapeutic atmosphere?

There is much scientific evidence that flowing water releases negative ions, boosts mood and relieves stress.

Water features can lower your blood pressure and improve physical and mental health as you listen to and observe the world around you. We would introduce a variety of perennial, shrub and tree planting, in layers of textured and calming greens and whites, punctuated by gently circulating pools of water. This planting also provides a ready source of nectar and berries for birds and insects.

Are there any charities or organisations you would recommend?

The Cart Shed charity works with people experiencing mental health difficulties or emotional imbalances. Based in north Herefordshire, it uses woodland activities to empower people to selfmanage their mental and physical health sustainably.

Garden designer and RHS Young Designer of the Year 2022

National lead for the natural environment at The National Academy for Social Prescribing

Horticultural therapist for Serenity Wellbeing Gardens

Landscape architect

RACHEL PLATT

ROBERT MYERS DAVE SOLLY

Great British stone. Natural, sustainable and irresistibly unique. There’s nothing like indigenous stone. The quintessential ruggedness of Darley Stableyard Cobbles contrasting with the crispness of Darley Sawn Flagstones perfectly balanced with Cotswold Pebble.

We are Allgreen. Masters in Stone. www.allgreen.uk