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Welcome
To be a garden designer, there’s no set qualification required. But the success of those graduating from the London College of Garden Design questions whether perhaps there should be. Those who have undertaken its courses include the likes of Tom Massey, Adam Vetere, Harry Holding, Tamara Bridge, Kathryn Cox and Jane Porter. Heard of them all? I’m not surprised. Many have won awards, some from Pro Landscaper, be it becoming one of our 30 Under 30: The Next Generation winners or picking up a Project Award.
But as you’ll read in our special feature on the London College of Garden Design on page 67, it’s not just about winning awards; it’s that these designers are also running successful businesses, working with clients and embracing their own specialisms.
I’m not for a moment suggesting that the London College of Garden Design is the only school producing award-winning graduates, or that there are not incredible garden designers in the industry who have not gained a qualification in this sector. But those who do are arguably being set up for success, and they have the ongoing support of those who have taught or mentored them throughout their training.
The London College of Garden Design’s newest director Nina Baxter, for instance, is exploring ways it can further help its graduates and provide them with new opportunities, such as taking part in a competition at this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. And graduate Helen Olney, who won a Gold medal and Best in Category at this year’s Chelsea, scored her debut at the show thanks to the college.
It might not be mandatory to gain a qualification, but there are certainly benefits in doing so – in utilising the knowledge and insights of experienced tutors to perhaps become one yourself in the future.
Pro Landscaper is proud to be an Accredited Supplier member of BALI
Pro Landscaper is proud to be an associate member of the APL
19
Building Alliances
Landscapia’s Marc Lane is branching out with Nuvo Outdoor Living to offer a “much-needed” service for the industry
25
Unplugged
Oracle Solicitors’ Kai Sammer on how Labour’s ‘right to switch off” could impact the work-life balance
31 Let’s Hear It From: Nina Baxter
The garden designer is bringing a fresh approach and a passion for plants to the London College of Garden Design as a director
37
Pockets of Discovery
Creating a variety of different and unique spaces cleverly transforms a garden in Wilmslow, designed by DK Garden Design
45 Relaxing Retreat
D&S Precision Landscaping won a Pro Landscaper Project Awards for its impressive revamp of this outdoor space
51 Blooming Brilliant
A temporary floating meadow was installed on the Thames by Unique Projects for the late queen’s Jubilee celebrations
15 The Designer Collection
Bakers Garden Buildings has teamed up with Karen McClure to trial its new bespoke product offering
57 Set the Tone
From planting to accessories, bring a burst of colour into any design with top tips from Matt Evans
67 Cultivating Talent
The London College of Garden Design’s successful graduates are testament to its achievements over the last 15 years
77
Winter Wonders
Rather than slowing down after show season, director general Clare Matterson says the RHS is turning attention to its gardens
78
A Deflated Market?
Lewis Normand explains how a series of economic misfortunes is putting pressure on the nursery sector
81
To 2030 and Beyond
It’s not a new government that brings the biggest opportunity to this industry – it’s us, argues Chris Churchman
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
12
FutureScape Global
A new show is launching in Saudi Arabia next year to bring together the international landscaping community
22
How Should Aftercare Be Addressed?
Rosemary Coldstream shares how garden designers need to be taking this into account from the start
81
Think Big!
Larger, shade-casting trees will be essential for ensuring urban areas are livable amidst a changing climate, says Noel Kingsbury
NATIONAL TRUST UNVEILS NEW CLIMATE-RESILIENT GARDEN DESIGNED BY ANDY STURGEON
We need to “change the way we garden”, says the award-winning designer behind a new garden focused on climate resilience and biodiversity that has been revealed at Beningbrough Hall near York.
Andy Sturgeon says the UK can expect “warmer summers with prolonged dry periods and drought, but also an increase in very wet days, particularly in winter”.
ROUNDUP Industry Updates
GARDEN TO HONOUR LATE QUEEN APPROVED FOR REGENT’S PARK
Planning permission has been granted for a new “tranquil space” in Regent’s Park following an “overwhelmingly positive” public response.
The new two-acre garden is set to open in 2026 to mark what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s centenary year. The approval marks “an exciting step forward” for the new garden, says Andrew Scattergood, chief executive of The Royal Parks. “It provides a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. This site will add two acres of
biodiverse parkland for everyone to enjoy and explore.”
HTA Design LLP has designed the new garden alongside horticulturist Dr Noel Kingsbury and Tate + Co architects.
“The design transforms a brownfield site into a stunning, biodiverse and climate resilient garden for the public to enjoy for many years to come,” says Katharina Erne, associate senior landscape architect at HTA Design. hta.co.uk
Beningbrough’s head gardener Sam Shipman says it has rained nearly every day since construction of the new area started in 2023. “The irony of building a Mediterranean garden in one of the wettest autumns, winters and then springs on record has not been lost on any of us.”
Sturgeon designed the Mediterranean Garden at the National Trust property as part of an ongoing project to revive the wider eight-acre garden.
The Mediterranean Garden is the largest phase since Sturgeon began working with the Trust since 2016. nationaltrust.org.uk
SPACECARE ACQUIRED BY NURTURE GROUP
The Nurture Group has purchased Spacecare Ltd in the West Midlands, bringing its total number of acquisitions to 48 since it was founded in 2008.
Completed in August, the latest acquisition is its third this year. Telford-based Spacecare will operate under the Nurture Landscapes brand from 1 October, with its grounds maintenance, winter maintenance and arboricultural services bolstering Nurture’s already considerable nationwide presence and offering.
Nurture’s executive chairman Peter Fane says the acquisition also “ensures that Spacecare’s established clients" will “continue to benefit from exceptional service delivery”.
The company was first founded as Keann (UK) in 1997 before being rebranded to Spacecare Ltd a decade later. At the time of purchase, it boasted 700 client sites, more than 200 staff from seven locations, and a £9m turnover. Managing director Chris Hicks says Nurture is “a natural fit” for Spacecare.
Nurture’s turnover has now surpassed £200m and its workforce exceeds 2,800. nurture-group.co.uk
PETER DONEGAN AND MAYLIM JOIN FORCES FOR TV SHOW
Landscape architect
Peter Donegan is returning to the small screen alongside Maylim to transform a garden for The Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
In a one-off episode of Irish TV programme Room to Improve, they will create a new outdoor area as part of a complete rebuild of a three-storey Victorian house into separate dwellings for families to reside whilst their children receive treatment.
garden was underneath the house.“The reality for any parent and their child in treatment away from home is something that has been very much considered in the design that will be brought to reality by the hard work of so many others and by Kevin and his team at Maylim,” says Donegan.
“The hope is that we allow them to smile at Tranquility House and Garden, if only but momentarily.”
30 UNDER 30 – A CATCH UP WITH HARRY HOBLYN
Kevin Mahony, project manager for Maylim, says 274t had to be removed and a “mammoth steel structure crafted by OMC Technologies” as the only access to the rear
The designer has just returned from the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, where his garden scooped the People‘s Choice Award, silver medal and The Australian Institute of Horticulture‘s Green Space International Award. doneganlandscaping.com maylim.co.uk
PROJECT GIVING BACK TO REVISIT PAST APPLICANTS FOR RHS CHELSEA 2026
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 will mark Project Giving Back’s final year of funding gardens for good causes, and the initiative has announced a twist.
Since its inception in 2021, the charity has received over 400 expressions of interest, with only 10% securing funding. Due to this demand, Project Giving Back will prioritise
reviewing previous applications, but new entries will still be welcome.
PGB will be accepting new applications for the All About Plants category, but says it will prioritise those from designers with a “keen knowledge and passion for plants –in particular rare or unusual species –that apply alongside a relevant charity,” according to trustee Arne Maynard.
Fellow trustee Alex Denman says: “The impact the gardens have had on the charities they have been inspired by is profound and humbling. We are working hard as a team to honour and reflect this in our final year of funding gardens for good causes at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.” givingback.org.uk
2023 winner Harry Hoblyn is known for his peat free practices and dedication to his work. He has grown Rymer Trees into a thriving business with sales up 300% in the past year.
PRO LANDSCAPER PROJECT AWARDS 2024 SUPREME WINNER
Design and build winner Tom Howard Garden Design and Landscaping Ltd has been named this year’s Project Awards’ Supreme Winner. Founder Tom Howard shares his journey.
FIVE UNMISSABLE DESIGNERS FROM THIS YEAR'S RHS SHOWS
It has been a huge summer, with designers further enhancing their already burgeoning reputations. So who were the stars of the summer to watch out for at future RHS shows? These are our five picks...
RYMER TREES ANNOUNCES REBRAND AHEAD OF PLANTING SEASON
Rymer Trees Ltd has rebranded as Rymer Trees and Hedging ahead of the 2024/25 planting season. Known for its cell-grown, 100% peat-free practices, the nursery's new name and logo aim to clarify that they supply both tree and hedging whips – a fact many customers were unaware of, according to feedback from the past year. The re-brand comes at a key point ahead of
The nursery is on track to produce 300,000 tree and hedging whips this season, having completed sowing in record time and nearly finishing transplanting ahead of schedule.
To meet growing production demands and new contracts, the nursery expanded its hardeningoff area, adding a second space with a third irrigation boom fed by rainwater from the double-span polytunnels. rymertrees.co.uk
Rymer Trees and Hedging’s third harvest, with the 2024-2025 cell-grown planting season set to begin in late September.
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RHS Flower Show Tatton Park 2024
The northern show celebrated its 25th anniversary this year
The RHS Flower Show Tatton Park has been recognising and celebrating northern talent for a quarter of a century. Its milestone marks a significant change for the show, which is about to become a roaming event. It won’t be returning to Tatton until 2027. But even on the road, the standout elements of Tatton will remain. For instance, the RHS Young Designer competition –which saw Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation winner Ashleigh Aylett being crowned with the title this year – will remain, as will the RHS Career Changer of the Year category. This made its debut this year, with former police officer Chris Reynolds taking the inaugural top spot at the show, held from 17 to 21 July. Sarah Poll, RHS head of shows development, says: “Yet again, RHS Tatton Park has excited, provoked and inspired with some of the most innovative designs of the current generation of garden designers.” And it’s likely to continue to do so, wherever it’s held.
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF RHS FLOWER SHOW TATTON PARK
For a quarter of a century, the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park has been showcasing northern talent. Tatton is not just a launch pad though, says RHS head of shows development Sarah Poll.
30 UNDER 30 – A CATCH UP WITH ASHLEIGH AYLETT
This year’s RHS Young Designer of the Year Ashleigh Aylett’s confidence to enter the competition at Tatton came from becoming one of Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation winners last year.
RHS FLOWER SHOW TATTON PARK 2024 AWARDS REVEALED Discover all the medal winners at this year’s show across each of the categories, from show gardens to career changers.
Collaborate with Bakers to elevate your garden designs
We want to partner with you to create the perfect bespoke garden room for your clients and your design. You can lean on our expertise in construction and installation whilst having the freedom to put your stamp on the look and feel.
So, why not partner with us at Bakers Garden Buildings?
With over 40 years of expertise, we can partner with you to create the perfect customised garden building with a 10-year warranty to seamlessly fit into your garden design.
You can decide on the materials, colours, size, and style to create a bespoke garden building that perfectly complements your designs.
‘Bakers have an outstanding commitment to quality and are hugely valued by our team. When specifying an outdoor room for our clients, we feel confident that they will be thoughtfully considered and harmonised into our overall schemes.’
What’s next?
Discover more inspiration for garden designers, landscapers and homeowners.
It’s been eight years since Saudi Arabia announced Vision 2030 –an ambitious plan to lead the way in terms of innovation and development. Within that time, a series of jaw-dropping giga-projects have been announced – the most well-known of which is arguably Neom, a futuristic city solely powered by renewable energy. Its centrepiece is The Line, a 200m-wide, 106-mile-long linear smart city that aims to house nine million people within the 500m-high structure.
FUTURESCAPE GLOBAL to launch next year
Those leading the way in landscaping internationally will come together in Saudi Arabia in 2025
But there’s also the Middle East Green Initiative, with bold objectives such as planting 50 billion trees and restoring 200 million hectares of degraded land. And Green Riyadh, a plan to improve access to green space in Saudi Arabia’s capital and reduce temperatures by up to 2°C.
It’s here in Riyadh that FutureSpace will be launching to an international audience. Having established itself in the UK for the last 12 years, the leading landscaping exhibition will be hosting a new show in Saudi Arabia in April 2025, as well as its London-based show in October.
FutureScape Global will connect those in the landscaping industry across the world with the awe-inspiring projects taking place in the Middle East. Taking place from 28-29 April at the Arena Riyadh, the exhibition will bring together international designers, landscape architects, contractors, developers and suppliers to explore the latest innovations in the sector and network for new commercial opportunities.
“Growing the landscape sector in Saudi Arabia is crucial for a multitude of reasons. It is an essential step towards creating sustainable and climate-resilient
urban environments. Landscaping can contribute significantly to reducing the urban heat island effect, a pressing issue in Saudi Arabia's hot climatic conditions,” says managing director Jamie Wilkinson.
One of the highlights of the two-day event is the live awards taking place. Projects from different regions will be nominated to compete in one of seven categories: Private Residential Landscape, Commercial Residential Landscape, Cityscape Project, Commercial Project, Park Maintenance, Future Project and Sporting Project.
Those behind the nominated projects will present to an audience as well as a panel of judges. The winners of each category will come back on the second day to present for longer, with four major prizes up for grabs, each of which are based on the Pillars of Vision 2030: Sustainable Development, Economic Diversification, Quality of Life and Community Engagement.
Following the inaugural FutureScape Global, rather than nominations, national heats will determine the schemes that will go onto the finals in Saudi Arabia. These will start in June next year for the 2026 show, with the first European
heat set to take place at FutureScape at the ExCeL London in October.
As well as the live awards, FutureScape Global will also have a theatre dedicated to innovative products, where suppliers will have the opportunity to share case studies in which these products have been used, putting these solutions in front of a vast audience of potential customers from different continents. Those looking to explore opportunities in Saudi Arabia – where there's a $1.5tn construction industry – or in other parts of the world can exhibit at the show. There will also be a wealth of inspiration on display for those visiting FutureScape Global, from the Saudi giga-projects to those demonstrating their capabilities on the stands to the schemes vying for the top awards in the main theatre. FutureScape Global will put the pinnacles of the landscaping world centre stage to show what’s possible, now and in the future.
Or contact Harry Greenwood harry.greenwood@eljays44.com 07341 661764
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Designer COLLECTION THE
Handing over control to the designers, Bakers is determined to put an end to harsh compromises and is eager to work with them to ensure the best result
For 40 years, Bakers Garden Buildings has been collaborating directly with its clients to produce bespoke garden rooms for all sorts of uses. Managing director, Martin Baker, and his team love a challenge and are now launching the “Designer Collection”.
“This is where garden designers, landscapers, and architects can collaborate with us on your ideas of materials, colours, look, and feel for a bespoke garden building to complement your overall garden design,” says Baker.
The family firm has a dedication to great customer service and an expertise that goes back more than half a century. Bakers Garden Buildings offers tailor-made garden buildings to elevate outdoor spaces to new heights of sophistication and functionality.
Now, Bakers are handing over the control, working directly with garden designers to design and build an internal finish is as perfect as the external
By collaborating with Bakers from the outset, clients will have the peace of mind of knowing that all rules and regulations are considered, with no compromise on the construction or longevity. But now, Bakers is handing over the control, working directly with garden designers to design and build an internal finish as perfect as the external. With an endless range of wall and floor options, amazing feature walls, plus new ideas from the designer, Baker is confident that his clients will end up with a one-of-a-kind garden room to be proud of.
To trial this brand-new collection, Bakers has collaborated with the design team at Karen McClure Garden Design. Working with the mentality of creating designs that matters, McClure works in close cooperation with her clients to define, design, and develop truly enjoyable outdoor experiences.
At Bakers Garden Buildings HQ, Baker gave an entire area over to McClure and her team to design and re-model to reflect a stronger and more personalised design aesthetic,“and whatever would appeal to one of her clients,” says Baker. Including one of Bakers bespoke garden buildings, McClure was also presented with a key piece of soft landscaping space to
GUY WATTS, KAREN MCCLURE AND MARTIN BAKER
WORDS: ASHLEIGH BROWN
TRACHYCARPUS FORTUNEI
tie a planting scheme in with the overall design of the building itself.
The redesign also coincided with Millboard releasing its Envello Décor range showcased at Futurescape 2023.
The premium purpose-made cladding trim adds both decorative uniqueness and structural durability to any outdoor living space. It was the Décor Curve Gold against Burnt Cedar cladding that inspired Baker and McClure and set the ball rolling for the project.
Focusing on the black and gold exterior, integrated blinds in the same colour were added to the interior to continue the flow of colour throughout. The internal floor added is a dark walnut canteen with bronze inlay, with matching bronze outlet points and further bronze present in the lighting features throughout.
“KMGD were very thorough,” says Baker, adding that even the table was chosen specifically without standard four poster legs to ensure that the room felt as spacious as possible. “Karen really understood the vision and went all out to really show exactly what could be possible.”
proportion to that of the garden room and surrounding buildings. The planting selection was carefully chosen to compliment the colours of the building.
“Having known Karen for quite some time and having worked with her on several projects, this was a really nice collaboration,” says Watts. “Not only in the design aspect but being able to plant together and bring the project together was a really cool achievement.”
According to McClure, Bakers' Designer Collection is a unique, bespoke offering that provides a cohesive approach to the placement of a garden room within an overall design.
Having integrated many outdoor rooms in their garden schemes, the KMGD team always looks to reflect the client's personality, style and character
Taking inspiration still from the black and gold of the Millboard cladding, Baker and McClure teamed up with Guy Watts at Architectural Plants to create the soft landscaping scheme outside. With a nursery that covers 32 acres and is home to over 40,000 trees and plants, Architectural Plants is set up to supply mature, verdant, and elegantly sculptural topiary.
For Bakers HQ, Watts worked closely with McClure to select a planting scheme that includes Fatsia japonica, Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’, Dryopteris erythrosora, and Anemanthele lessoniana, as well as a narrow spiky tropical-looking tree; Aralia elata, and three palm trees known as Trachycarpus fortunei. Watts stripped the trunks of their natural hair, a style he pioneered in the UK, and carefully placed these at the highest point to add more vertical interest. These are also useful to frame the vista and add vertical interest, that is in scale and
“It was a seamless approach to be able to create a design aesthetic of the room to blend in with the planting,” says McClure.
“We were picking up on colours, textures, and tones that were in the materials of the room, and then we wanted to reflect that outside. So, the whole thing was integrated with the interior and the exterior. It's important to have that cohesion, even in a small space and planting area.”
Having integrated many outdoor rooms in their garden schemes, the KMGD team always looks to reflect the client's personality, style and character. "For example, if a kitchen looks out onto garden space, or if they've got certain artwork, or the architecture of their house materials, that's always the catalyst for the materials and the style of the garden,” says McClure.
Dependent on the client's budget, and how far they wish to explore and invest in the design journey, McClure will always work to ensure the design is as personalised as possible. This is one of the key drivers for the Designer Collection. If the garden designer can design a garden and how the garden room looks, companies such as Bakers can be involved at a much earlier stage, and can even provide a price for the project before going to the client directly.
“Garden rooms take up a lot of the budget, and that can often mean that the overall design and planting plan can get watered down and then before you know the garden designers feels compromised,” says Baker.
“If we're involved at an early stage, we can ensure that the budget of the room marries up with the budget of the garden design and come up with a variety of options to suit, before presenting these to the client.”
And with over 600 different exterior options, there is always going to be something to match the brief and the budget.
“We want garden designers to come to us with their ideas and use our expertise of the construction and longevity and all the things that they won't know,” says Baker. “We want to be able to lean on their expertise in the materials, the colours, and the feel, and hopefully design the interior as well – we can have some real fun with that.”
With the power of collaboration, it is the combination of relationships and shared ethos that are so crucial to the success of these projects and it is a pattern that Baker, McClure and Watts are working together to continue in the not-so-distant future.
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MAHONIA SOFT CARESS
KAREN MCCLURE GARDEN DESIGN TEAM
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Marc Lane has teamed up with Nuvo Outdoor Living to offer a new service for adding the finishing touches to a project
Running a landscaping company in a cost-of-living crisis isn't easy. Disposable income can be in short supply, and clients are more cautious with their investment. Marc Lane, managing director of Landscapia, has decided to diversify to strengthen his position by joining forces with Nuvo Outdoor Living, a supplier of contemporary outdoor living products in Worcestershire and is now one of three directors. Together with Nuvo's founders, Scott and Lizzie Virgo, they have created a process whereby a product specialist can come in at the right point of the design stage to add the finishing touches to a project on behalf of the designer/landscaper.
We created a service that’s missing in the industry
For the last year, Lane and Virgo have tailored the service to "amazing" results for Lane's business, West Midlands based Landscapia, and have been receiving great feedback from clients. Nuvo offers a range of outdoor living products, from furniture to glazed pergolas, from hot tubs to swimming pools, and outdoor kitchens. It has a brand-new showroom opening next month, allowing both B2C and B2B customers to view its offerings. Nuvo is already a stockist with leading suppliers, making it convenient for those based in the north and south to access its products.
The service provided by Nuvo includes furniture for designers handpicked by designers, offering a big profit opportunity for landscapers
MARC LANE, LIZZIE VIRGO AND SCOTT VIRGO
Strategic alliances are such a crucial factor in the growth of me and the business, and there's so much potential there
"I strongly believe strategic alliances are essential for the growth of businesses like Landscapia and Nuvo." Lane emphasises the importance of partnering with individuals who possess particular strengths to diversify effectively. By collaborating with Scott and Lizzie, who handle logistics while Lane focuses on sales, networking, and strategy, they've
created a service that fills a gap in the industry.
As Lane explores growth opportunities, such as potentially entering the commercial market and continuing to build partnerships, he remains dedicated to Landscapia while seeing the potential of Nuvo in helping garden designers and landscapers. The collaboration provides a win-win situation, benefiting both businesses and clients. Lane's vision for Nuvo goes beyond a sideline and aims to elevate the outdoor living experience for all involved.
He believes that teamwork makes running a business so much easier. Partnerships, like his with Nuvo, benefit both businesses and customers by combining strengths and resources for success in landscaping and outdoor living. His commitment to innovation shines through his dedication to Landscapia and Nuvo. Effective alliances are formed when companies share a customer base and work together for mutual gain. Collaboration helps overcome challenges and drive business growth. Lane believes that an emphasis on teamwork, hard work, and relationships is the right approach to success. The partnership between Landscapia and Nuvo showcases the power of teamwork in achieving business growth and customer satisfaction.
The best way to create the most effective strategic alliance is to identify a company that and designers. This service ensures that the garden they have designed and built is done justice by having the furniture budgeted for and in place for the finish of the job. Designers and landscapers can leave Nuvo to specify, source, deliver, and install furniture for their gardens, effectively making them more profitable for minimal leg work. Having already started to work with some top designers and landscapers in the industry, Lane is eager to expand his client base and encourages more professionals to reach out.
shares the same client base, such as an architect or interior designer and determine whether you can collaborate to provide a cohesive service that is mutually beneficial, says Lane.
The partnership between Landscapia and Nuvo Outdoor Living exemplifies the power of strategic alliances in driving business growth and success. "Through hard times and diversity, we can come out stronger by believing in ourselves, working hard, and building relationships, paving the way for a successful business even in the hardest times."
More exciting collaborations are on the horizon, but he remains tight-lipped about these for the time being. Soon he will be able to announce what else he has in store.
Instead, Lane seems eager to pursue new avenues for growth, ideally ones that benefit the industry too. Nuvo Outdoor Living isn’t just a side hustle for Lane; he genuinely sees it helping other garden designers and landscapers too. Like he says, it’s a win-win.
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How should aftercare be addressed? AS K THE EXPERTS
Designers need to be considering this from the outset, says Rosemary Coldstream
Agarden is managed chaos. How do you pass the freshly planted space onto a client and know that your vision will be achieved? A garden is only as good as the person maintaining it and no matter how you have designed it, a garden needs to be gardened.
In my first meeting with a client, I ask who will be maintaining the garden. Explain from the beginning that this is continuing the investment in a garden. A client needs to be prepared to pay the right rate to a gardener or know what they are doing themselves. Design with maintenance in mind – everyone wants low maintenance, but some things require more; for example, large drifts as opposed to intermingled planting or natural stone versus porcelain.
We provide a detailed aftercare guide to the clients which gets good feedback. This can go to the gardener as well; however, they don’t always read it (or are inclined to!) so conversations with them are best. A good gardener will take on board the designer’s creative vision and work with them, notifying when there are problems.
Helping to find a gardener for clients is extremely difficult, especially to cover the maintenance of plants, lawn and hard surface. These can be separated out, but each person needs to consider the other’s role in the aftercare.
Design with maintenance in mind – everyone wants low maintenance, but some things require more
Specifying products to look after the hard landscaping is essential. Clients like to know how to clean their hard surfaces. Take advice from the landscaper and suppliers of the paving and reach out to them when there is a problem. For plants, we suggest some good products to deal with nutrient deficiencies or a weed/pest problem.
The panel
HOLLY
YOUDE
Chair of the APL, Holly Youde, is a director at Urban Landscape Design in the North West and The Landscape Academy, a purpose built training centre dedicated to landscaping in the UK.
JAKE CATLING
Jake founded his domestic landscaping company, The Landscaping Consultants, aged just 24. He is now a BALI board director, host of the Landscape Performance Podcast, and has delivered various award-winning 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
Chargeable twice-yearly visits in the first few years also help to keep things on track. You can offer the first free (gives you a chance to check on the garden) and then charge for them. This is important for the development and shaping of trees and shrubs and you can spot any problems.
Being as organic as possible, sometimes you have to get those organic slug pellets out to deal with Slugageddon or painting a bit of glyphosate on invasive weeds (especially if out of control) is
A garden is a developing and ever-changing work of art, starting with the designer and continuing with the gardener. Working together, your vision can be achieved and the garden will flourish.
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.
JILAYNE RICKARDS
Based in Cornwall, Jilayne Rickards is a multi-award-winning garden designer who puts sustainability and biodiversity at the heart of her designs, including her show gardens at Chelsea, both of which have been relocated to the Eden Project.
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Showcasing the UK landscape sector’s green credentials
The Pro Landscaper Sustainability & Biodiversity Awards aim to reward and recognise the environmental benefits that companies and projects in the sector provide.
Contact the team for partnership opportunities lewis.everle@eljays44.com | 01903 777588 luke.chaplin@eljays44.com | 01903 777582
These awards are on a mission to showcase the most important innovation and initiatives across the UK landscaping sector, from design, to construction, to product supply and manufacturing. Contact Ollie or Kai to purchase ollie.finch@eljays44.com | 01903 777579 kai.webb@eljays44.com | 01903 777585
UNPLUGGED
In today’s hyper-connected world, where many employees have email and instant messaging on their mobiles, the boundaries between work and personal life are becoming increasingly blurred. Digital communication tools have made it easier for employees to stay connected but have also led to employers having an increased expectation of constant availability.
This is where the concept of “the right to disconnect” comes in – a policy gaining traction globally to protect the mental health and work-life balance of employees.
Under Labour’s new government, the “right to switch off” means an employee’s right to disengage from work-related communications outside of core working hours. Employees who are unable to de-stress after work because of being constantly connected face the risk of workplace dissatisfaction, decreased productivity, or even burnout. This can lead to morale issues and reduce employee retention, ultimately hurting the organisation’s bottom line.
Several countries have already embraced the right to disconnect, setting a precedent that other countries are keen to follow. France was one of the pioneers, enacting “droit à la déconnexion” (right to disconnect) in 2017. Italy followed in the same year, incorporating the right to disconnect into its “smart working” laws. The next year Spain introduced similar legislation, further cementing the concept within the European Union. Beyond
Kai Sammer explains how Labour’s reforms may impact your evenings
Europe, countries like Argentina, Australia, and the Philippines have also started to recognise the importance of the right to disconnect, implementing their own versions of this law.
Employees who are unable to de-stress after work because of being constantly connected face the risk of workplace dissatisfaction, decreased productivity, or even burnout
One of Labour’s election promises was to implement the right to disconnect as a part of their broader employment reforms. Whilst this was omitted from the King’s Speech, it is still likely to be implemented at some point in the future and will require employers to establish clear guidelines for communication outside of working hours. The introduction of the right to disconnect will have significant practical and legal implications for both employers and employees. For employers, this means reevaluating communication practices and possibly restructuring workflows to ensure that work is completed within designated working hours. It may also involve investing in training and tools that help manage workloads
more efficiently, fostering a culture that respects personal time.
Any legislation or policy will likely allow exceptions; for example, IT managers needing to deal with the very recent CrowdStrike disaster or reaching out to a site manager following a late-night break to contact the alarm company. How the government plans to tackle such exceptions is not yet clear.
Legally, employers will need to comply with new regulations that stipulate the right to disconnect. This could involve updating employment contracts and company policies to reflect the new standards, as well as ensuring that managers and supervisors adhere to these guidelines.
Ignoring the right to disconnect when it comes into force could be a costly mistake. In 2018 France’s Court de Cassation, its Supreme Court, found that the French wing of British pest control and hygiene giant Rentokil Initial had breached the right to disconnect by requiring the regional director to permanently have their mobile phone switched on. The court awarded a substantial €60k (£53k) in damages.
The right to disconnect will mark a significant shift in the employment landscape, reflecting the evolving needs of the modern workforce. With Labour's commitment to implementing this right, the UK is poised to join the ranks of countries prioritising employee wellbeing and work-life balance.
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, Naples, Frankfurt, and Tirana, please visit: oraclesolicitors.co.uk
A GREENER APPROACH
Gareth Wilson kicks off a series on sustainability with a few suggestions to consider
Sustainability is now firmly embedded within the landscaping fabric and one that will only grow and grow. Over the last year, I’ve decided to look into ways landscapers can change their approach to sustainable landscaping.
Some fraternities within the industry think sustainable landscaping should happen overnight; but that’s never going to be the case. It will be a gradual process, and not only will it be a gradual process, but it will be a costly one; for example, cement-free products are a minimum two- to three-times more expensive and that can increase budgets out of range.
Here are some of the suggestions that landscapers can implement to become more sustainable – using environmentally friendly materials and practices to create durable and low-impact project.
porous asphalt can be used to create permeable surfaces.
Alternatively, surface water may be captured by channel drains and directed into soak away cells – remembering as well that the government and local councils are now clamping down on non-SuDS compliant driveways.
Rainwater harvesting systems collect rainwater from hard surfaces like roofs and storing it for irrigation or other non-potable uses can help conserve water resources and reduce reliance on municipal water supplies.
Incorporating drought-tolerant plants and xeriscaping techniques into hard landscaping design reduces the need for irrigation and maintenance, saving water and energy
Using permeable materials for driveways, pathways and patios allows rainwater to infiltrate the soil, reducing rainwater runoff and preventing erosion. Materials like permeable block pavers, resin bound gravel systems, gravel, or
Bioswales are another great way to manage rainwater runoff.
I recently saw a very well designed one whilst judging the BALI National Landscape Awards.
Utilising recycled materials, such as recycled crushed concrete and masonry aggregates or hiring onsite crushers and produce 6f2, recycled type 1, glass, or metal, in hard landscaping projects reduces the demand for new resources and helps divert waste from landfills.
Choosing sustainably sourced wood, such as FSC-certified timber, for decking, fencing, and other wood structures ensures that the wood comes from responsibly managed
forests. I would also recommend some of the UK's reclaimed timber merchants who source some amazing timber from old factories to piers.
Installing green roofs or living walls on structures can help reduce heat island effect, improve air quality, and provide habitat for wildlife.
Using low voltage lighting for outdoor seating areas and landscape features reduces energy consumption and reliance on traditional power sources.
Incorporating drought-tolerant plants and xeriscaping techniques into hard landscaping design reduces the need for irrigation and maintenance, saving water and energy.
Finally, do the job right – over engineer and make it last. A project that lasts and stands the test of time is sustainable.
GARETH WILSON
Leaving college at 17, Gareth has worked in the landscape industry since 1989. Progressing onto high-end projects, he has picked up seven RHS gold medals. He is a member of multiple professional bodies. He provides technical and product advice to large companies, mentors and trains contractors and garden designers in landscape construction and on show gardens logistics across the UK. Gareth also provides mediation services, he is a member of the BS7533:102 committee and is an industry awards judge. gkwilsonlandscaping.co.uk
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ECOSCAPE UK Pioneering sustainable solutions for modern landscapes
Founded in 2013, Ecoscape UK has quickly established itself as a leader in the field of high-end, sustainable WPC products. Farrell's vision was clear from the beginning: to create landscapes that are not only enduring but also eco-friendly. This passion drove him to build a company that sets the benchmark in the industry for quality and innovation.
Ecoscape UK is renowned for offering the most extensive collection of premium composite products available on the market. The company's impressive collections include stylish decking, cladding, fencing, balustrades, and robust substructure systems. Each product is created with a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that while they enhance the visual appeal of
any project, they also stand the test of time.
Understanding that every detail is crucial, Ecoscape UK provides comprehensive product
information, installation videos, and useful documentation directly on its website. Its knowledgeable and dedicated team is available to assist with both commercial and domestic enquiries, offering a unique free quoting service that helps minimise wastage and ensure order accuracy. Recognising that visualising colours and textures through screen images alone can be challenging, Ecoscape UK offers free sample packs of all its composite ranges, conveniently delivered to your letterbox. For those who prefer a hands-on approach, its Greater Manchester showroom is open
Ecoscape UK is renowned for offering the most extensive collection of premium composite products available on the market
to showcase design ideas and installation details, helping customers fully visualise and talk through its projects.
At Ecoscape UK, professional development is considered as vital as the successful execution of projects. To support this, it offers training seminars that contribute to Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Ecoscape continues to innovate, crafting products built to enhance and endure
Its network extends well beyond homeowners, architects, contractors, and designers, encompassing partnerships with both national and independent builders’ merchants across the UK.
These new items are ideal finishing touches for any outdoor area
What began with a focus on composite decking has rapidly evolved into a comprehensive range of composite products. Driven by a commitment to excellence, Ecoscape UK utilises advanced manufacturing technologies to produce quality composite solutions. Under the guidance of a passionate team and an innovative director, the company continues to grow and expand, with no plans of slowing down. With a current team of over 50 staff members, including five sales representatives across the UK, Ecoscape UK has recently introduced two new outdoor accessories: Bin Storage and Outdoor Kitchens.
Recognising a gap in the market for aesthetically
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pleasing and durable wheelie bin storage solutions, these galvanised steel units are available in two designs and two colour options have been added to its collection. These units feature soft close lids, hooks for bin lids, magnetic doors, stainless steel handles
with hidden locks, and pre-drilled holes for secure attachment.
Another brand new range is the Outdoor Kitchens that are made from powder coated aluminium and 100% recycled polywood. Available in four colour schemes, these kitchens include features such as ice buckets, a stainless steel sink, brass door handles and weather resistant magnetic doors. Each unit comes with protective covers to maintain its pristine condition.
Ecoscape UK's goal is to extend
outdoor living spaces with products that complement and enhance existing décor. Designed to coordinate with its decking and cladding shades, these new items are ideal finishing touches for any outdoor area. Bin Storage units are priced from £334 (excl. VAT), while Outdoor Kitchens start at £450 (excl. VAT).
ECOSCAPE UK
Ecoscape UK is a top supplier of premium, sustainable wood plastic composite products, offering the market’s largest collection, including decking, cladding, fencing, balustrades, and substructure systems. Their products mimic the natural beauty of timber without typical drawbacks such as warping, rotting, or splitting. Committed to quality, Ecoscape UK invests in advanced technologies to produce low-maintenance, FSC-certified composites. ecoscape.co.uk
“THERE’S ALWAYS BEEN A PART OF ME THAT HAS LOVED NURTURING, MENTORING
AND HELPING PEOPLE”
Avid plantswoman Nina Baxter is one year into her role as a director of the London College of Garden Design
WORDS: NINA MASON
Teaching has long been a passion for Nina Baxter. So, it seems only fitting that the Beckenham-based designer is the newest director of the London College of Garden Design, as of August last year.
Her first stint, though, was teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) fresh out of university. The pipedream was to become an actress, so she’d studied for a postgraduate degree in Theatre Arts before moving to Florence, Italy. There, she spent two years working for a theatre thanks to Erasmus, a programme which supports those in the European Union to study or train abroad.
When she returned to the UK, Baxter took a TEFL course and started teaching in London whilst looking for a full-time position. She found one at the world-renowned Globe Theatre in Southwark in PR and communications, “a step along from acting”, and worked as press officer to BAFTA Award-winning actor Sir Mark Rylance.
It was at the Globe that she met her husband, Matthew –something which would unwittingly spark a career change. Baxter had loved horticulture since she was a child. Her mum was a botanist, and her grandmother an avid gardener, so she’d been passionate about plants from a young age. She fell out of love throughout her teenage years “as you do”. But getting to know her mother-in-law,
a garden designer based near Peterborough, Baxter rediscovered her horticultural roots. “She reinvigorated my love of plants.”
Baxter had moved onto working in communications for the Millenium Commission by this point and had just bought her first house with her own small garden. When she was inevitably made redundant once the commission had fulfilled its purpose, Baxter decided to retrain, completing an RHS General Certificate in horticulture before booking herself onto a year-long course at the English Gardening School to study the plants and plantsmanship diploma in 2001.
I absolutely loved it. I went on to do a diploma in garden design because I quickly realised that I loved designing with plants and, by extension, I loved designing the spaces for plants. When I design a garden, it’s all green to start with and I carve out spaces for hardscaping, rather than the other way around.”
When I design a garden, it’s all green to start with and I carve out spaces for hardscaping, rather than the other way around
“Being at the Chelsea Physic Garden, where the school is based, was amazing and
Her love of plants initially made her consider owning her own nursery, but this was far from straightforward in the UK. “I’d join my mother-in-law on plant buying trips to Holland and be amazed by how set up for it they were there. The Dutch growers are supported by government, not just through subsidies but through there only being 6% VAT on plants. It’s a really important industry over there. When we left the European Union,
there should have been more support to grow the industry here. We still import the majority of our plants and it’s far more difficult now and much more expensive. I think we’ve missed an opportunity.”
Instead, together with her husband – who had also left the Globe Theatre – Baxter set up a garden design and maintenance business in 2004, aiming for a quality service. “We wanted to show people that you need somebody to look after your garden who understands plants and how to care for them properly – not just ‘mow, blow and go’, as they say.”
There’s a “massive skills shortage” in aftercare and a “misunderstanding of the skills required” to carry it out. This is changing through horticultural consultants such as Gill Chamberlain and designers such as Harry Holding launching his new aftercare service earlier this year, though, the idea being that trained professionals are carrying out aftercare in people’s gardens, she says.
“There’s a growing awareness and a growing need for that. The more people who have their gardens professionally designed, the more who want to have their gardens looked after properly. But we have a long way to go in terms of communicating the value and the difficulty of what we do.”
Covering southeast London, Baxter’s practice was one of few offering garden design locally, and there was a “lack of understanding” as to what it was and that it should be paid for. But she started to grow her client base through recommendations. “We were in a really good catchment area and started to build up a clientele quite quickly. We only ever needed to market the business for the first couple of years. Otherwise, it’s been word of mouth or from the website or the van, because it’s such a close-knit community.”
She also wanted to help train local young people, so hired them and helped them to gain City & Guilds certificates for them to either continue working with her or set up on their own. But this was incredibly difficult, she admits. “I’m not going to lie; it was really hard. Although we managed to enthuse them about planting
and gardens, some of them had really troubled pasts and were struggling to get out of the lives they’d been living. At the same time, the garden design side of our business was taking off, so we were taking on more and more design work. Looking after the maintenance side was becoming too difficult.”
The business was going from “strength to strength”, with Baxter and her husband managing the design, the builds – bringing in specialist subcontractors when needed – and the maintenance arm. “It was really full on trying to do everything.”
So, they sold the maintenance company to someone who had worked with them from the beginning and who continues to run it, employing other people locally. “That
makes me so happy that there were a few people who we managed to help.
“There’s always been a part of me that has loved nurturing, mentoring and helping people – explaining things and sharing knowledge, that has always been one of my strengths. If there is one thing that runs through everything that I do, it’s communication; from the outset, that has been the thread. With clients, I love the rapport that you build, taking the brief, understanding exactly what they want and being able to express what I’m designing to excite people about their gardens.”
Now, Baxter focuses solely on design, having dropped the build side as it became “more and more onerous”. They now work with nearby landscapers to build the majority of their projects; though Baxter will always take on the planting. “I rarely outsource that to a contractor. I always set out the plants myself and have a lovely team of very well-qualified gardeners who plant them with me.”
2007, and she’s since worked with names such as Chris Beardshaw, Paul Hervey-Brookes and Jo Thompson. “I became known as a sort of go-to person on the showground as someone who could organise a planting team and do planting. There are others too –Humaira Ikram, Alexa Ryan Mills and Jane Porter; there aren’t that many, though, and I was possibly one of the first to get that as an ongoing role.”
We have a long way to go in terms of communicating the value and the difficulty of what we do
More professional planting designers and planters are being paid for their work on show gardens too, says Baxter. “I’m all for people volunteering when they’re students or graduates or new to the industry. But professionals need to be paid, just as the contractors do. It was always a budget issue previously, but I think that’s now changing.”
She quickly progressed to becoming an RHS judge and joining selection panels.
1 Family garden in Beckenham
2 Traditional front garden, Bromley
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the evolving business. Throughout that time, Baxter has also been involved in the planting for numerous award-winning show gardens. Her first was for Andy Sturgeon in
3 Mo dern, terraced garden in Chislehurst
4 Seating area by yew and myrtle hedging
5 A family garden in Bickley
6 Arts and craft water garden in Chislehurst
7 Jo Thompson’s RHS Chelsea garden planting
“It coincided with the RHS wanting people who were in the planting arena. In the last 10 years, planting design has become a profession in its own right, whereas before it was just part of garden design and landscape architecture.”
As chair of the judging panel, Baxter feels feedback for designers and contractors is essential for helping them on their journey for the next time they create a show garden. “I take it really seriously because it’s incredibly important that we get the judging right and give it our absolute attention.”
Baxter had toyed with the idea of designing her own show garden, but there were a couple of barriers. “Once you’re established, you’re putting yourself up there in front of your peers to be judged, which is terrifying. But also, unless you get into designing show gardens when you’re fresh out of college, it’s really hard to do when you’re established. You have to start thinking about it at least a year in advance and it takes up so much time when you already have a pipeline of clients. So, to break into it when you’re established or set up is harder.”
Through her work with the RHS, though, Baxter “re-met” Andrew Fisher Tomlin and Andrew Wilson, who had taught her at the English Gardening School. By this point, they had set up their own school, the London College of Garden Design. She offered to put together a course for garden designers on communicating with your clients and contractors and, when the LCGD set up its planting design diploma, Baxter carried out studio days for them.
In the last 10 years, planting design has become a profession in its own right
as a director on 1 August last year. Fisher Tomlin was looking for a new course leader for the planting design diploma, as he balances this alongside managing the London College of Melbourne where he teaches for six weeks of the year. Baxter happily took on the role and eventually became a director. You could argue it’s the pinnacle of what has been a career of knowledge sharing and mentoring. “I think this is my best skill. I can design and I can do planting design pretty well. And I’m always pleased with my designs – clients are happy, and they send me photos, which is fantastic.
But what I love most is passing on knowledge. Everybody has their own skillset, and this is mine.”
Her skillset gels well with the other directors too. “We make a really good team.”
service as many clients as I could and give them what they wanted when everyone was being really demanding because they were frustrated with what was going on. It was a good time to assess what I wanted to do next.”
She’d been teaching for the college for around 10 years before joining both Andrews
And whilst Baxter says other design schools all have their merits, the London College of Garden Design is “the best”. So, when the opportunity arose, Baxter felt like it was “the perfect time and the perfect fit”.
“We’d just come through covid, which was a really difficult time. Apart from the obvious reasons, it was a boon time for us; it went mad in terms of work. Everybody wanted to spend money on their gardens. But at the same time, more clients were more demanding and antagonistic. So, I started to feel tired after that period from trying to
She didn’t want to stop designing for clients because “it’s essential to stay current if you’re teaching a professional course” and felt that the LCGD would bring together all her passions – teaching, communications and plants.“I get to sit in a room with 24 other people who are really into plants – it's the best. And you end up learning from students just as they learn from you, because many are professionals in the industry. They’re a garden designer or a landscape architect or a horticulturist, and they all come from different walks of life. I’d say around 90% are career changers, like I was, so there’s an enormous amount of knowledge being shared in the room, and I really enjoy that.”
That’s where Baxter thrives – in sharing knowledge. The fact that it gets to be on her favourite topic of plants is an added bonus, and it's a passion she seems genuinely thrilled to pass on to her students next term.
8 London courtyard garden
9 Succulents for RHS Chelsea Flower Show
10 A cottage garden in Chislehurst
Enhance ESTABLISHMENT
Wildflower Turf Ltd establishes Yellow Rattle seed with its innovative, science-backed substrate
Wildflower Turf Ltd is at the forefront of pioneering research and development in the wildflower industry. As the original innovators of Wildflower Turf®, innovation is ingrained within its culture. It has a dedicated team of researchers and scientists working at its onsite laboratory, using advanced techniques to naturally improve wildflower growth.
In July, it launched a new product range, Enhance, which uses a substrate made from 100% natural ingredients that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in wildflower cultivation. This breakthrough has also enabled Wildflower Turf Ltd to crack an industrywide challenge in establishing Yellow Rattle seed.
We spoke with James Hewetson-Brown, managing director and owner of Wildflower Turf Ltd, to get the inside scoop:
What inspired the development of this Enhance Range?
While our previous offerings focused on creating new wildflower spaces, we recognised the need for solutions to improve and preserve biodiversity in existing ones. Over-sowing can have varying results and can take years to see the results, and it’s difficult to get them to establish without being outcompeted by species and grasses that are already there. This range provides a practical and cost-effective alternative. It's also enabled us to establish Yellow Rattle, which helps us to rebalance the biodiversity in a meadow if grasses become dominant.
So too much grass can negatively impact the biodiversity of a meadow?
Well, yes – but I don’t want to cause confusion here. Meadows are a type of grassland habitat, so by definition they should contain a good proportion of grasses. Grasses play a vital role in offering structural support, texture, and ecological balance. However, in the right
environment, they will naturally colonise and can overpower slower growing wildflowers. If grasses become too dominant, they prevent wildflowers from growing, reducing the diverse ranges of plant life. This is why Yellow Rattle is also commonly known as ‘the meadow maker’.
We know Yellow Rattle is challenging to establish. How does your Enhance Grass Control overcome this?
Yellow Rattle’s hemi-parasitic nature weakens host grass species by drawing water and nutrients from the roots, so it’s a wonder for meadows. However, it can be a real challenge to get it established. Seed quality also impacts viability.
Enhance Grass Control tackles this by combining high quality Yellow Rattle seed with a specially formulated substrate, improving germination rates and reduces establishment time to three to 18 months.
The Enhance Grass Control product comes in the form of
a pre-seeded growing medium. That makes it sound simple, but it’s an innovative product that blend cutting-edge science with ecological care. For many years, we have been growing and harvesting our own wildflower seed. Having control enables us to produce a seed crop that is correctly handled as soon as it is harvested, ensuring it is as viable as possible. We are also fortunate to have a lab onsite. These facilities allow us to test seed batches and have enabled us to scientifically develop a substrate that provides the optimal environment to incubate the Yellow Rattle, giving it the best start in life.
To find out more about Enhance Grass Control, visit the Wildflower Turf website: wildflowerturf. co.uk/products/ enhance or call our team on 01256 771 222
DISCOVERY Pockets of
DK GARDEN DESIGN
WILMSLOW GARDEN
PROJECT DETAILS
Project value £80k
Build time 11m x 17m
Size of project 2 months
DK Garden Design was given a “blank canvas” at a property in Wilmslow, Cheshire. The ex-local authority house had a large square garden with a patchy lawn, an old paved area with some raggedy steps, and there was tarmac across the back as well as poorly constructed drainage. The new owners, who had just moved from an apartment, were looking to make the most of having their own outdoor space. Both clients came from farming backgrounds, which impacted the initial conversations around growing their own fruit and vegetables in the design. They also wanted an area for relaxing in the left-hand corner of the corner, which catches the sun in the evening, and a suitable space close to the house for entertaining.
1
View across the garden from side of house
As the garden was a large square plot, DK Garden Design decided to break it down into bite-sized areas to create a more dynamic garden and add more visual interest. These pocket gardens ensure the apparent size of the entire space isn’t reduced through the design.
Whilst there would be a fairly sizeable section with raised beds for growing fruit and vegetables, this needn’t dominate the garden. So, gabion cages were introduced as a sculptural element but also to screen off this part. A long focal point has been created through the centre, with the gabion baskets either side of steppingstones leading to a Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra' in front of pleached hornbeams to frame the central view.
Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' has been used as an upright grass to frame and soften the baskets, with its straw-coloured inflorescence complementing the cobble infill, which contractor Garden360UK structured in a similar way to a drystone wall rather than taking a random approach. Helenium 'Moerheim Beauty' adds a pop of colour to the beds around the gabions.
Closer to the house, a bespoke wooden pergola covers a large table and chairs. As it’s a south-facing garden, the canvas will offer a much-needed area of shade, whilst the dining area surrounded by planting appears as though it’s a sunken garden, with raised beds made from timber sleepers and steps leading up to a small lawned garden – something which DK Garden Design was keen to include to futureproof the space, should the next owners of the house have a family and want an area to play football, for instance.
This carries on through to a woodland area. This was originally planned and designed as there were large conifers in the neighbour’s garden that backed onto this space. During the build, though, these were unexpectedly cut down and the shade that these provided was gone. So, bushy Amelanchier were planted to offer screening and cover to help the woodland planting to establish. The tree surgeons who removed the conifers also offered some of the trunks to be used for a log pile for wildlife.
A bird box and bug hotels have also been added, as well as a range of edible plants.
Wooden structures, made from American yellow pine and stained black to give them the appearance of metal, encourage climbing plants to work their way up and eventually envelope them, creating more enclosed spaces around them. Tree fern Dicksonia antarctica frames the entry to the small woodland garden with fronds nodding above the black trellis screen drawing the eye and inviting people to wander further into the garden and explore.
2 Gabion cages with limestone & perimeter planting
3 Verbena bonariensis
4 Bee on Helenium 'Moerheim Beauty' nectar
5 Brunnera ‘Jack Frost in woodland garden
6 Evening sun gravel garden clients call “The Snug”
7 Frame helps conceal views of pocket gardens
8 Dining terrace with bespoke timber frame pergola and canvas sunscreen
For the gravel garden – the area furthest away from the house for the clients to relax – a range of scented climbers such as Jasminum officinale, Trachelospermum jasminoides, Lonicera periclymenum 'Serotina' and Rosa ‘Wedding Day’ adorn the trellis. An outdoor sofa, armchairs and a coffee table provide a more ‘chilled out’ area here.
All the new timber panel fencing around the perimeter was also stained black to make the space feel larger. Espalier fruit trees were used on the fence to the back of the raised bed vegetable garden to maximise the use of space for productive planting with a mix of apple, plum and pear varieties.
Whilst most of the build proved relatively straightforward, there was a slight issue with access to the site. So, the plants had to be unloaded at a patch of wasteland not too far from the garden and transported on a smaller truck. This was only a “small inconvenience”, though.
The end result is a garden that makes the most of the space, with a series of individual areas for the clients to spend time in and explore, wandering around the garden to see what else they can discover.
David Keegan is an international, national and regional awardwinning garden and landscape designer. His design philosophy centres on a naturalistic planting style. Keegan's garden design projects are located around the UK, in Manchester, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Lancashire and the north-west of England. dkgardendesign.co.uk
Readyhedge: Quality instant hedging for UK & Europe
Wholesale nursery
Readyhedge is based in Pershore, Worcestershire and was founded by Simon and Susan Williamson over 20 years ago and they are still actively involved in the nursery today. It is at the forefront of instant hedging and today grows an extensive range of quality instant hedging, aerial screening panels and a selection of topiary.
With instant hedging becoming a prominent way to provide privacy for gardens, seating areas and creating security for buildings, Readyhedge’s range provides multiple options for all garden design needs. The majority of the plants are all grown on the nursery in the UK with a small proportion being hand selected by Simon and the team from carefully chosen growers within Europe.
Situated on an 18-acre site, Readyhedge grows a vast range of hedging from its Readyhedge Troughs – which include Buxus sempervirens, Ilex crenata and Osmanthus burkwoodii – to its larger Readybag Range –
Each year Readyhedge grows approximately 40 kilometres of hand clipped hedging
READYfor anything
including Taxus baccata, Fagus sylvatica and Carpinus betulus – to its aerial screening – Pyrus Chanticleer and Liquidambar Worplesdon panels.
The nursery also stocks a selection of root-balled hedging units during the winter months.
Each year Readyhedge grows approximately 40km of hand clipped hedging, which is grown and produced in onemetre-long units and ranging in height from 30cm to 180cm.
The clientele for the nursery ranges from garden designers, landscape contractors and landscape architects, as well as supplying retail customers through its website. Readyhedge is supplying across the UK on a 24-hour delivery time period and using trusted local transport companies to achieve this.
As well as the Pershore location, the nursery has two franchises based in Europe. Readyhedge Holland grows over 10km of hedging, some under contract for the UK site as well as for its own sales across the Netherlands. Readyhedge Ireland produces approximately 4km for the Irish market as well supplying Readyhedge in the UK if needed.
Over the years, Readyhedge has been involved with several RHS shows and other horticultural trade shows –including being a 2023 Malvern Spring Show Festival silver medal winner, the Greener Gloucestershire NHS Garden,
and 2024 gold medal-winning garden ‘It doesn’t have to cost the Earth’ by Michael Lote.
Readyhedge is a sponsor of the BBC Gardeners World Live show, supplying hedging to both the shows organisers as well as the garden and trade stands.
When it comes to future plans for Readyhedge, it is continuing to trial new products as well as striving towards being 100% environmentally friendly. Readyhedge will continue to grow and produce high quality hedging for supply to the industry with the plan to expand
We are continuing to trial new products as well as striving towards being 100% environmentally friendly
and increase production at its franchises and UK contract growers.
Readyhedge’s nursery is open from 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday to Thursday, and 8:00am till 3:30pm on Friday. Visitors are very welcome. readyhedgeltd.com
PRO LANDSCAPER BIODIVERSITY
NET GAIN WORKSHOPS DAY
11 SEPTEMBER 2024 • LONDON
FACILITATE, CONNECT AND COLLABORATE
ABOUT THE EVENT
BNG regulations are now in place and impact every new commercial development. This provides the UK landscaping sector with a massive opportunity to demonstrate its’ value, influence and shape projects at much earlier stages.
To be able to realise this there needs to be new levels of collaboration and connections between the key stakeholders involved from planning, through to implementation and post project maintenance.
With so much at stake, an eagerness and hunger in the industry to have open discussions that overrides competitive interest, now is the right time to bring the industry together.
PURPOSE OF EVENT
Facilitate, connect and collaborate
Pro Landscaper uniquely connects all the key stakeholders that need to be part of the discussion, so is perfectly positioned to facilitate the conversations to set out what action is needed to help enable the UK landscaping sector to realise opportunities that BNG presents. With a focus on connecting all the key stakeholder groups, using an interactive workshop format so we can understand and identify gaps and opportunities for each group. This will help inform a framework/best practice guide produced by Pro Landscaper but driven by the industry to unite stakeholders and utilised by our sector.
FORMAT OF EVENT
Pro Landscaper Biodiversity Net Gain Workshops Day will kick off a keynote and industry panel outlining where we are today, future direction and broader industry views on potential opportunities for our sector. Contributors include Wild Capital, Pinsent Masons, Joe’s Blooms & Environment Bank.
This will help set the context for the discussions that form the heart of the day with delegates getting the opportunity to take part in facilitated workshops with their peers. Each workshop will have an independent chair who will guide the discussion, drawing input from all attendees who will share key learnings to help shape and inform a best practice guide that will be created from the event.
SUPPORTING PARTNERS:
Workshop groups will include:
• Planning
• Communication
• Implementation
• Maintenance / Enforcement
Schedule of the day
0930hrs Registration, tea & coffee
1000hrs Welcome to day
1005hrs Keynote – BNG Policy
1025hrs Industry Panel – BNG In action what have we learned?
1110hrs Refreshment break
1130hrs Workshops – Round one
1300hrs Lunch and networking
1400hrs Workshops – Round two
1530hrs Key takeaways – The BNG Action Plan for landscapers
1600hrs Close
Who should participate?
• Commercial landscapers / contractors
• Grounds Maintenance contractors
• Landscape architects
• Planning and public space management teams in local authorities
• Suppliers and solution providers
• Developers / landowners / investors
LAST FEW PLACES REMAINING
PROJECT DETAILS
Project value
£89k+
Build time
4 months
Size of project 260m2
Awards
Pro Landscaper
Project Awards 2024:
Winner: Hard
Landscaping under £50,000
D & S PRECISION LANDSCAPING LTD
LITTLE MEAD
D& S Precision Landscaping Ltd was presented with a brief from the designer to increase the patio at the rear of the client’s house and incorporate an outdoor kitchen which would then be the base of a new area for entertaining.
With plans to add a relaxing seating area, complete with fire pit and using planters to divide the space, the clients would be able to enjoy with friends and family while linking into their brand-new outbuilding.
The original garden space consisted of an old rose garden with a brick path through the centre, creating a cross of four planting beds which had been paved over. All enclosed within a post and rail fence, there was a long flower bed alongside the drive, overgrown with old shrubbery which was to be redesigned with new planting to tidy up the space.
Unlevel and in need of adjustment, alongside the new rear patio, a pond was added to the brief which would replace the existing lawn running along the edge of the building.
Due to the ground being predominantly clay, D & S Precision Landscaping Ltd had a high-water table to deal with which caused increased difficulty to a fairly straightforward design.
All the paving areas has 75mm of hardcore and 75mm of concrete added to stabilise the paving and stop movement from happening as well as controlling the rising water below.
Working throughout the late autumn and early winter, the D & S Precision Landscaping
team had to contend with heavy downpours, sleet, and snow, meaning that certain jobs were delayed until later in the project or had to be done below temporary shelters which were erected to avoid any further complications.
3
5
1 The view from the garden building
2 View from the lawn towards the informal seating area
Under-lit bench seat providing a cosy area in the evenings
4 Bench seat with fire pit
Planting bed alongside driveway surrounding bench seat
When the project was completed, the design and build blended seamlessly. The materials used complemented one another, from the bench and raised planters, to the sound of the water and the crackle of the firepit late into the evenings. The extended patio flowed into the new outdoor kitchen area which blended with the exterior of the house and gave it the feel of having always been there, especially as this had been created by using the paving that the D & S team had previously lifted from the existing rose garden, both increasing the sustainability of the project and saving any increased cost to the client.
6 Pond with harvest clay pavers
REFERENCES
Harvest smooth sandstone paving, Dorset clay pavers, Harvest copings Mint sandstone cladding London Stone londonstone.co.uk
Digger/dumper Acorn hire Acornhire.com
Building materials Homeleighs Homeleighgroup.co.uk
Irrigation and pond supplies Landscapeplus landscapeplus.com
With over 20 years of landscaping expertise, D & S Precision Landscaping Ltd is a small Kent-based company that delivers exceptional garden transformations. Its award-winning team ensures every project is completed to the highest standard, with meticulous attention to detail. Serving Kent, London and beyond, D & S Precision Landscaping Ltd creates beautiful, enduring outdoor spaces for residential and commercial clients. dspl.uk
Thermo ash decking Roundwood of Mayfield Roundwood.com
Garden room and outdoor kitchen Garden getaways garden-getaways.co.uk
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GftK vdw 400 plus Color, the best cement-based, flowable jointing mortar!
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Wildflower
Create an instant plastic-free wildflower meadow and support Biodiversity Net Gain with our innovative solution. Our product allows you to effortlessly transform any space into a vibrant and biodiverse ecosystem, without the need for harmful plastic materials. Join us in promoting sustainability and biodiversity with our easy-to-use and environmentally friendly solution
Embankments and slopes
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Green Roofs
Lindum Wildflower and Sedum are excellent choices for creating green roofs that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of buildings but also provide numerous environmental benefits. By incorporating these plants into your green roof design, you can promote biodiversity, Transform your rooftop into a sustainable oasis with the beauty and functionality of wildflower and sedum green roofs
PROJECT DETAILS
Project value
£100k
Build time 5 days
Size of project
300m2 Awards
Pro Landscaper
Project Awards
Community Green
Space Under
£100,000
BRILLIANT Blooming
UNIQUE PROJECTS
DESIGNED BY IAN HERRIOTT
QE2 JUBILEE SUPERBLOOM FLOATING MEADOW
Unique Projects was chosen to take on the challenge of creating a statement project in the heart of the capital for its client – the Pie Factory – as part of the formal Superbloom Jubilee celebrations for the late Queen Elizbeth II. The Pie Factory is a positive impact agency that aims to deliver positive impact experiences to local communities throughout the UK and Europe.
The brief for the project was set in the spring of 2022 when Unique Projects was asked to transform a commercial barge on the river Thames into a “floating meadow” for the client’s event.
As the main sponsor for the Superbloom event at the Tower of London, this project aimed to reflect the sustainability theme that the event was set to showcase.
Given just three weeks to create a design for the project, as well as the procurement and logistics program, Unique Projects worked with its multiskilled team of landscapers with a shared vision and key “can -do” attitude.
The project was then built and assembled across five days and given two weeks of maintenance to ensure the plant growth, before a further two days of dismantling and rehoming every plant and material used.
The total project spanned across a 300m2 steel topped commercial Thames barge which was moored in the Royal Docks at the foot of the City Airport runway where Unique Projects was presented with approximately 400m2 of workspace.
Soil had been purchased from a specialist soil supplier who could prove the sustainability of the product, likewise the self-binding gravel and steel edge.
Log steps were also locally sourced from a tree surgeon felling nearby, and all plants had been sourced from a series of specialist growers in the UK and Holland.
All plants had to be sourced to the spec within the three weeks before the build began and had to be brought across from specialist greenhouses in Holland. These then had to be lovingly maintained for two weeks and irrigated – one week of which whilst it was afloat in the middle of the Thames opposite The Tower of London – and all during a heatwave in the city.
Since the project was restricted to a build time of only five days, the team worked tirelessly for up to 12 hours a day in order to meet the final deadline. Made up of ten of its core landscapers, Unique Projects also required specialist equipment such as a 20t excavator
with an extended arm to access all areas of the barge from the quayside.
Getting this machinery to site also required industrial transport and road closures to be put in place to get this to the docks. Over 6,000 plants, 80
tons of topsoil, and 20 tons of self-binding gravel were moved by hand onto the barge, along with 200 metres of steel edging that had to be welded onto the deck. The team managed all this while wearing lifejackets, which were essential for the project's health and safety requirements.
During the project, all materials had to be logged, and carbon emissions measured. Additionally, all activities, including commuting by Unique Projects and the tug that transported the barge to the Tower, were required to
be sustainably powered by biofuel. Afterwards, all plants and materials were also recycled or repurposed for community projects within London.
The completed barge was towed and taken under Tower Bridge to its mooring, then for 10 days it was used as an events space by The Pie Factory and their guests. A unique project that provided a community experience to celebrate the long rule of a remarkable Queen.
Unique Projects has been working with clients, project managers, designers, and landscape architects for 15 years to deliver exemplar schemes and often against what many thought were impossible criteria. The scale and scope of any project varies, but our approach does not. Unique Projects tackles any project with the same diligence, professionalism, and holistic approach.
Client/marketing agency We Are Pie Wearepie.com REFERENCES
TWO IN ONE
The ultimate in productivity from Toro’s ProLine H800
What if you could optimise your fleet with a cost-effective dual-purpose machine? This autumn, prepare to redefine productivity in the turf care industry with the Toro ProLine H800.
The machine was designed to take efficiency to the next level thanks to its double function, out-front rotary mowing and hopper collector: two-in-one. This way, operators can achieve a flawless cut while collecting loose grass, leaves and even cores after aerating the turf.
This kind of versatility and performance is what makes the ProLine H800 a uniquely compelling investment. Imagine a tool that enables you to mow up to 12,000m2 per hour while conveniently collecting any excess material. How would that impact your operations?
The collection process is also optimised by the Smart AirFlow system thanks to a sensor that shuts the deck off when the
hopper is full to avoid overfilling. Moreover, the direct grass collection system saves precious power by hoovering up loose material without the need to chop it up with the mower’s blades.
Speed and unmatched ease of use are two additional ingredients of this model’s success. The 19.2kW Yanmar three-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel engine enables you to
reach a mowing speed of 9.3mph and accelerate productivity. And the ability to quickly adjust the height of cut from 20 to 110mm with a simple switch, comfortably from your seat, is a real time-saver when working with different grass lengths.
Everything has been designed to minimise interruptions and help you achieve more in less time. The
Imagine a tool that enables you to mow up to 12,000m² per hour while conveniently collecting any excess material
high capacity
810L hopper with 195cm maximum dump height empowers you to mow and collect longer without stopping, while the 41L fuel tank gives you the autonomy needed to run a full day. Once you add everything up, the time savings are substantial.
Simplify your mowing and fleet this autumn and get ready for clean-up with the Toro ProLine H800.
Learn more about Toro’s technology and how it could benefit your course by calling distributor Reesink at 01480 226800, emailing info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visiting reesinkturfcare.co.uk
THE TORO PROLINE H800 ALLOWS YOU TO MOW WITH COMFORT AND PRECISION IN A WIDE VARIETY OF CONDITIONS
Painter, sculptor and printmaker
Paul Gauguin once said: “Colour! What a deep and mysterious language, the language of my dreams.” Words to live by from a design perspective. Colour options are somewhat endless and transfer from not only planting but hard landscaped combinations too. Certain colours can ignite, spark and dazzle in a space but conversely also calm, slow and soothe you. From maximalist styling and decoration of a courtyard or seating area to a delicate tonal planting combination adjacent to a healing hospital garden for a space to reflect, calm and switch off, the use of colour is and always will be one of the best tricks in creating a seamless space.
Start with a colour wheel. I always try to illustrate to clients the difference between a pastel or muted palette – calming and serene – and the use of bold colours – hot, vibrant and stimulating. A colour wheel will enable you to match and pair shades that are complementary and contrasting. The chosen colour palette should obviously complement your chosen hardscape detailing, but we always find clients want to guide you on colours they like as part of the brief. This makes things easier; getting clients to think outside the box with colour can be difficult, but that’s where a designer’s job is done. If successful it will create a harmonising balance together with form and texture.
Set the Tone
Matt Evans considers how to effectively introduce colour into a space without it being overwhelming
It’s well documented that certain colours attract more pollinators than others; consider this when you discuss your client brief – don’t be guided purely by aesthetics. Light will always play a part in the successful use of colour with planting. I always tend to think about this within the overall composition of the design. How natural light interacts with colour at different times of day can lift your mood, set the tone for transitioning into the evening use of space and create shadow play alongside an artificial lighting scheme at dusk. Who’d have thought plants can be functional?
The use of colour is and always will be one of the best tricks in creating a seamless space
The aforementioned colour wheel is a useful tool for pairing colours and combinations, but I always tend to start with green. There are so many different shades, tones and textures that it really sets the mood. Spending time considering your
greens will determine your evergreen and winter structure, your subsequent autumnal colour and spring interest. Use of contrasting colour will create depth in a space. Lighter greens in a shady corner will lift a planting scheme. Consider the use of variegated leaf and white flowering shrubs. In addition to using green, a spin on the tried and tested trick of painting your fence black could be to use copper beech hedging to achieve the same darker boundary –a stunning backdrop for your greens to shine. In a large garden you can create colour zones with planting. These can be governed by the aspect and intended use of space linking the planting with functionality. Think of a white garden bursting with hydrangea and contrasting muted purples and whites –the epitome of calming – or a ‘jewel garden’, which is hot and fiery with pairings such as
Echinacea and Panicum virgatum to evoke the senses and energise you. Planting like this can surprise you, transport you away from where you are and change your mood. This really is the key to using colour successfully.
Using colour in your hardscape design can add soul and warmth to a space and help you avoid it feeling insipid, cold and uninviting. I like to do this by incorporating warmth with natural finishes and tones. Hardwoods (or composite materials that look as such) contrasting natural stone finishes and aggregates are a great way of doing this. Looking to nature for colour combinations is often a good way of creating a complementary material mix; it won’t look forced, and it will tie everything together.
In terms of overall composition, we always consider artificial lighting. I usually opt for warm white lighting it’s simple and elegant, but in the right space coloured lighting can transform a garden into a music venue or party space! A great lighting design can lift a garden, and lighting can pick out colour that after dark would go otherwise unnoticed long into the evening. Consider how lighting and the colour within planted winter interest can transform a cold frosty space. Seed heads, grasses and evergreens can be elevated out of the damp frozen ground giving you that extra lift you need during
those dark winter months. Styling your finished garden is just as important as choosing the right planting and materials mix during the concept phase of the design. We work in house with numerous suppliers to ensure that this crucial element is considered and seen through as part of the client’s budget. Cushions, parasols, outdoor rugs and accessories are all part of the brief and should be paired with pots and planting to ensure cohesion.
ANY SPACEBrighten up
Finally, it’s always worth considering how your colour choices interact with that of the interior and exterior of the house; considering the two in unison will create a seamless link between inside and out – something we always consider. Balance is important. Yes, you can have too much colour; it’s not about quantity, it’s how you use it. Silk Road cushions
MATT EVANS
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
The Silk Road cushions are handwoven using yarn made from recycled plastic bottles. Suitable for outdoor use, with removable, machine-washable covers.
Price including VAT: From £80 per cushion weavergreen.com
Hydrangea aspera Subtle colours in late summer, and flattened blooms with a ring of larger white petals surrounding smaller dusty purple flowers Price including VAT: From £13 provendernurseries.co.uk Eyam
Eyam planter comes in various sizes ranging from desktop to large
According to suppliers, there is a significant lack of regulation within the wildflower seed market in the UK and this can be difficult to navigate. Whilst some have tried and failed to introduce some kind of quality control or kite marking over the years, it's key for buyers to be asking the all-important questions to ensure they have the right product.
A great way to do this is to dig a little deeper into your seed supply chain and build relationships with trusted suppliers.
KNOW Get in the
meadows are also less likely to be contaminated with something unwelcome.”
Megan Townley from Bright Seeds would suggest that the first question should always be “Where is the seed sourced?”
“This is important to ask to ensure the seed is of UK provenance, which is widely essential in maintaining our ecosystem,” says Townley. “Identifying if your supplier grows its full range of species in-house or if they purchase seed in from other growers, and ideally where are those growers located, is a good starting point.
“This allows you to try source seed as local to your project site as possible.”
One growing source of supply Nick Mann, owner at British Wildflower Seeds, has
With the uplift in appetite for wildflower seed across the domestic, commercial, and environmental sectors within the UK, now is an important time to ensure you are purchasing the right seed for your project
always been excited about is mixes harvested from donor meadows.
“They can be difficult to specify and only available in limited volume, however, keep an eye out for them though as they can be fantastic, if the harvester knows their proverbial potatoes and the donor site is decent,” says Mann.
“Brush harvested mixes will also include native grasses, of course, whereas the grasses in constructed mixes are certified.
“There’s a fantastic shortage of native grass seed here which is perhaps surprising, but mixes harvested from existing
Together with new policy initiatives such as Biodiversity Net Gain, consumer preference for UK origin native species seed is finally driving increases in UK production, but according to these industry experts, there is still a long way to go. “What year was it harvested?” asks Debbie Halliday, marketing manager at Wildflower Turf Ltd.
“The fresher the seed the better, for some species more than others – most will keep for long periods of time if stored correctly.”
How the seed is stored, purity testing, germination testing are all basic questions that should be asked to ensure the seed you are purchasing is as good as it should be. “Buying a bag of half dub seed is a waste of money at the end of the day,” says Halliday.
“Quality also comes in the form of the mix. It's important to understand the per cent seed rate; a well-balanced mix should take into account seed weight and size, so per cents per species can vary to achieve a natural balance. You don't want a mix to contain an excessive amount of a certain species because the seed species is cheap.”
British Wildflower Seeds
Bright Seeds
Wildflower Turf Ltd
An exciting playscape for children to explore, that introduces its users to the charming history and architecture of Himley Hall. Partnering with architecture firm Wignall & Moore, eibe rose to the challenge of designing the first Capability Brown inspired playscape.
Echoing the follies frequently found in Brown’s landscapes, classical architecture comes to life and morphs into an enchanting playground for children to explore a landscape of forest and ruins. Doric columns become swings, egg & dart coving becomes a seesaw, even the rotunda spins like a roundabout.
Based on a Palladian ruin, The Fallen Folly will be the centrepiece of the play area, where children of all ages and abilities are catered for. Installation is now underway, scan below for progress pictures and more information about eibe Play.
Discover the expansive XGT 40V and 80V Max line-up. With over 130 products and still expanding, the XGT range is your ultimate alternative to traditional petrol and mains power sources. Experience on-demand power across our complete product spectrum. Makita provides more than just power tools, explore our full range at makitauk.com and follow us on socials for updates.
BACKDROP The perfect
Landscape and garden designer
Freddie Strickland presented ‘The RHS Adventure Within Garden’ at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2024.
The garden aimed to encourage adventure, exploration, and curiosity through two different zones, both with contrasting scales and atmospheres. In the first, a wending path guided through luscious and leafy planting, designed to encourage curiosity and a feeling of enclosure. The route led to an intimate, hidden destination with an engaging feature.
RYMER TREES AND HEDGING
Cell Grown Hedging Whips
Our 100% peat-free cell-grown hedging whips are grown in the UK from seed. Our accreditations include FRM, Plant Healthy and UKISG. We produce high quality stock with an emphasis on sustainable and environmentally friendly production. The peat-free plugs contain robust root systems, limiting transplant shock. Our whips are ready-to-plant offering flexible on-site handling, and an extended planting window. We specialise in UK natives including hedging species such as hawthorn, dogwood, field maple, hornbeam and hazel among many others. rymertrees.co.uk
In the second zone it unfolded out onto a wider area, designed in contrast to the first. Here the garden was liberating and open. The colourful planting akin to a stylised gravel garden. Within this space, there was the opportunity to walk above the planting and along a boardwalk, offering a unique perspective.
“When looking into the top hedging trends as showcased at Hampton Court, I used Carpinus betulus hedging of different sizes in the 'RHS Adventure Within Garden’ at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2024,” says Strickland.
PRACTICALITY BROWN LTD
Practical Instant Hedge™
Griselinia littoralis (Broadleaf) is a popular choice in our Practical Instant Hedge range. Its leathery evergreen leaves are an attractive apple-green and it is an excellent hedging for coastal locations because it is particularly tolerant of salt laden winds – ‘littoralis’ means as ‘growing by the sea’. It prefers acidic to slightly alkaline soil in either full sun or part shade. It is sensitive to a heavy frost so should be planted in a sheltered place although any damaged shoots can be pruned out and will regrow. Typically used as a hedge in southern coastal locations but also does well in warmer inland areas. pracbrown.co.uk
Discover how Freddie Strickland uses hedging to craft dynamic spaces that combine adventure with enhanced privacy and perspective
“As the plot was open on all sides, we used hedging to create privacy and a sense of adventure within the garden, blocking off views into the space. By leaving gaps in some of these hedging runs, we invited the visitors to peer into the garden in key locations, offering the more inquisitive viewers the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the sanctuary within.
“The hedging, which was provided by FORM Plants, also provided us with a soft, verdant backdrop for more ornamental plants to be framed in front of," he adds.
ARCHITECTUAL PLANTS LTD
This is a more refined leaf than other prunus varieties for a smarter texture and sharper lines when clipped. It also grows quickly. Happy in almost any soil but is occasionally prone to powdery mildew which needs pruning out.
Podocarpus salignus
If you want an exciting rarer hedging alternative with enchanting refined fluffy leaves and a brighter colour, we’d suggest our favourite, grown here at our nursery, Podocarpus salignus. You’ll find it in abundance in California. Slow-growing and originally from South America. 20ft tall by 15ft wide after 20-25 years. architecturalplants.com
PROVENDER NURSERIES LIMITED
Griselinia littoralis Green Horizon
Green Horizon has glossy, evergreen, green leaves that look great all year round. The leaves are slightly darker green than other Griselinia and have a high salt tolerance. The upright bushy habit lends itself to creating a dense hedge or screening plant in the most exposed of places. Ideal for coastal planting and exposed, windy sites. Fast growing, Green Horizon will reach 3-5m height and 3m spread and is suitable to most soil types in sun to dappled shade. provendernurseries.co.uk
AThe Future of Sustainable Landscapes DROUGHT-TOLERANT LANDSCAPING: EMBRACING
Explore Sovereign Turf's new sustainable solution, Xeris
s UK landscapes grapple with the increasingly unpredictable effects of climate change, one pressing issue stands out: the growing threat of drought – despite 2023 marking the wettest year in a century, and the first half of 2024 being wetter than usual.
Climate models consistently forecast a drier, hotter climate, making water conservation and preservation crucial for the years ahead. This is likely to be further compounded by available water being reduced.
In this changing climate, the importance of drought-tolerant landscaping cannot be overstated. As we look to design landscapes that are not only beautiful but also resilient to the challenges of a drier future, the development of innovative solutions becomes essential. One such innovation is the introduction of Xeris, a drought-tolerant turf from Sovereign Turf.
our love of lawns to build more resilience into our water stressed environment.
Introducing Xeris: The Future of Drought-Tolerant Turf
Xeris offers a range of other benefits that set it apart from traditional turf options, providing you with something new.
First and foremost, Xeris is drought tolerant. The secret lies in its deep, vigorous root system, which extends up to two meters – double the depth of many other grasses. These deeper roots allow Xeris to access water reserves that would have been otherwise unavailable. Xeris is also wear tolerant to withstand heavy footfall areas whilst maintaining an exceptional dark green appearance, with shade tolerance and disease resistant.
Climate models consistently forecast a drier, hotter climate, making water conservation and preservation crucial for the years ahead
In more arid parts of the world xeriscaping (the art of creating landscapes that require minimal water) they use rocky terrains, stone paths, and drought-tolerant plants like cacti and palm trees. Sovereign Turf’s latest innovation, Xeris, seeks to balance
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Xeris offers all the usual benefits we expect from grass, versus other surfaces like concrete or artificial turf. A turf lawn can reduce the surface temperature by 20 degrees compared to artificial turf. [Source: DLF: https://www.dlf.co. uk/news/2024/beat-the-summer-heat].
Moreover, it acts as a dust trapper and reduces surface runoff during heavy rains, making it an essential element in sustainable landscaping.
“Our goal with Xeris was to create a turf that provides some answers to a changing climate, and with many years growing turf in Portugal we transferred some of that learning to here in England.” says CEO, David Waring.“We believe Xeris represents the next evolution in turf technology. It’s about delivering the high quality that Sovereign Turf is known for while also offering a sustainable, cost-effective solution for the future.”
The Sovereign Turf Legacy
For over 36 years, Sovereign Turf has delivered unrivaled quality and consistency in the turf industry. Xeris is the latest chapter in this legacy of excellence. Freshly cut and delivered within 24 hours, Xeris combines Sovereign Turf’s long-standing commitment to quality with cutting-edge innovation, offering a turf solution that is as sustainable as it is stunning.
As we face a future where water conservation is more critical than ever, Xeris offers you a solution that will keep your landscapes green and vibrant.
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Cultivating
For the last 15 years, the London College of Garden Design has been at the top of its game – and it has a raft of successful graduates to show for it
Five gold medals, two best in category awards, one bronze medal and an RHS feature garden – that's the impressive list of achievements for graduates of the London College of Garden Design at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show alone.
“It’s an incredible haul for our graduates,” says Andrew Wilson, one of the founding directors. “Each year, we have those success stories, and it builds that full character of the college – that it’s not just about teaching, but about involvement with the wider profession.”
That’s why, when choosing its tutors, the college only works with those who are also practitioners – to ensure its students are learning from those who are practicing what they preach.
“That’s not to denigrate
teaching but because we’re looking for somebody who is designing and is able to share and encourage students and give that connection in the profession.”
In the 15 years since the college was founded, it has become known for producing a long list of reputable garden designers
It seems to be working. In the 15 years since the college was founded, it has become known for producing a long list of reputable garden designers, some of whom even return as guest lecturers such as Tom Massey and Harry Holding.
And it’s determined to maintain its reputation. Garden designer Nina Baxter has recently joined Wilson and fellow founder Andrew Fisher Tomlin as a director to ensure the college continues to evolve and adapt to the industry’s changing needs. All three have a longstanding passion for teaching – which is how the college was originally founded.
Right place, right time Wilson had been teaching garden design since 1984, having been introduced to the Inchbald School of Design by lifelong friend Peter Thurman. Discovering how much he enjoyed it, Wilson started fitting
WORDS: NINA MASON
Andrew Fisher Tomlin, Nina Baxter and Andrew Wilson
What is required for training the NEXT GENERATION OF GARDEN DESIGNERS?
Charlotte Harris
Before we met and while we were training as designers, both Hugo and I spent time gaining insight into practical construction –he was a labourer, and I did a landscape construction NVQ. This was invaluable to grasp the practical considerations of designing a garden, from levels to sequencing to detailing to soil handling. Contractors that we work with continue to generously share their experience and expertise, for which we are hugely grateful. I would encourage students to consider practical site experience as much as, for example, planting for show gardens, as part of their development skills.
Manoj Malde
his freelance work as a landscape architect around teaching before being offered the opportunity to run the course in 1989.
Sustainability must be at the heart of design. Future designers must be trained so that sustainability is second nature as the process of design begins. It is interlinked with impact of construction methods, materials, plants and planting methods.
Is it necessary to always start with a blank canvas? Understanding the existing space, what can be maintained, re-incorporated into the design, reused and repurposed will help greatly with designing gardens that reduce negative impact on the environment.
As part of their training, the use of a carbon footprint calculator will help things like efficiency, waste reduction and cost saving etc.
Adam Vetere
Since graduating in 2019, the world has changed significantly and costs have risen dramatically – there is often a sense of entitlement, which is borne out of unrealistic expectations from clients. To help new designers succeed in this industry, there should be a greater focus on building relationships with contractors and clients, through closer collaboration, efficient client and contractor selection processes, the managing of expectations from the first meeting, clear and regular communication with all parties throughout the design process, and an honest appraisal of budget expectations with all parties involved from day one!
He wanted to buy the college, though – something which Inchbald wasn’t interested in at the time. So, he resigned in 2003 to pursue setting up his own. While he searched for somewhere, Wilson took on the role of running a course at Merrist Wood College, where Charlotte Harris was one of his students. He juggled this alongside teaching postgraduate Landscape Architecture for Kathryn Moore at Birmingham City University and the Garden and Landscape Architecture programme at the University of Greenwich as well as his own design work.
Exhausted riding home on his motorcycle from Birmingham one day, he reluctantly decided to attend a launch party of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in King’s Road. That’s where he started talking to Fisher Tomlin, who told him that he’d been teaching at the English Gardening School and was looking to purchase it.
Fisher Tomlin had spent 10 years in retail banking before studying horticulture at Askham Bryan College and setting up a design and build business in London. He’d been asked to teach horticulture and construction to students at various colleges but felt as though it was an “afterthought”.
He sold the construction business in 2004 and carried on working with Dan Bowyer, who had just joined the company, running their own design
There’s been a shift in those coming onto the course to be primarily planting designers and working for landscape architects, – it’s become a specialism
Andrew
Fisher Tomlin
practice. This freed up some time to consider other opportunities, such as how to enhance the way garden design was being taught.
Wilson was already running a venture with prolific landscape contractor Mark Gregory called The Tutor Group, responding to people’s requests for areas of training rather than running an official course. Fisher Tomlin joined this, with the three evolving it into the London College of Garden Design.
Gregory says he was eager to share knowledge and mentor those coming up through the industry. Though he is no longer a director, having left when he felt he wasn’t able to give the role as much time as it deserved, Gregory continues to teach as a guest lecturer which he finds “exhilarating” and says it’s “humbling” to have helped to shape the careers of designers such as Tom Massey and Emily Erlam.
“What we aim to set up was something that’s really pure and very top end and delivered by some great people. It’s a responsibility to give really concise, accurate conversations of the moment,” says Gregory.
They needed to find somewhere to do this, though. The nonnegotiables were that it would be linked to a garden and would be close to public transport. Regent’s American College London at the bottom of Regent’s Park fit the bill. They ran an open day and carried out interviews for prospective students before running their first year of the garden design course in 2009 with 16 students, including John Davies and Henrietta Murray-Wicks. “It’s incredible that we had great students in our first year who have gone on to be successful garden designers and ambassadors for the school,” says Wilson.
The college’s initial success hit a bump in the road when they found out that the American College was expanding, and they’d therefore need to find a new base; but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as this is how they ended up moving to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. “It ticked all the boxes – it was a garden, it was accessible, it was world famous,” says Wilson.
After a bit of back and forth to confirm, the college started from its new home in 2011, taking on a member of Kew staff as part of its annual contract. In the first year, this happened to be Richard Wilford, who is now Kew’s in-house designer.
The college’s reputation was already starting to grow in the industry, and the need to build onto its offering was becoming apparent. “Our waiting list was expanding, as was our market awareness. Andrew Fisher Tomlin had been working on a planting design programme and so he started to get that underway, which broadened our approach.”
Fisher Tomlin says this diploma was to look at planting design in more detail and it’s now been running for 12 years, from January to July. “There’s been a shift in those coming onto the course to be primarily planting designers and working for landscape architects, such as Alexa Ryan Mills – it’s become a specialism.”
Learning to evolve
Five years ago, the college also launched its construction design certificate, held from September through to December. Wilson says many colleges weren’t addressing this area in their garden design programmes and, as an adjudicator for the Society of Garden Designers, he thought this could prove useful.
“We cannot just offer that initial design training, but we also need to offer the continuing professional development like planting design and construction design,” adds Fisher Tomlin.
Its garden design diploma, running from September through to July, was still growing too. The
LCGD alumni
MATTERSON
“[ANDREW] STARTED TALKING ABOUT STORYTELLING WITH PLANTS AND CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE - AND I JUST KNEW I WANTED TO BE THERE.”
Course: Planting Design • Graduated: 2021
It was at the start of an unusual year for the London College of Garden Design that Helen Olney started studying the planting design course. Four years ago, just before the pandemic hit, she started attending the lectures at Kew, having moved in with her partner and discovered a love of plants when revamping their back garden.
While trying to decide which college to choose, she went for a coffee with Andrew Fisher Tomlin. “He started talking about storytelling with plants and creating an atmosphere - and I just knew I wanted to be there.” So, she cancelled appointments with the other colleges and signed up to the LCGD.
But a national lockdown forced all her classes to go online. The change certainly didn’t impede Olney. “I was totally absorbed by all my college projects; it was the most wonderful distraction, and it turned out quite well, I think.”
That’s an understatement. The garden designer, who also works part time as creative director at the BBC Sounds, dived in at the deep end with her RHS Chelsea Flower Show debut this year, picking up not only a Gold medal but also the Best Sanctuary Garden Award.
She’d won a competition for college alumni through grant-making scheme Project Giving Back to design a Chelsea garden and, having gone straight back to working for the BBC after completing her course, Olney leapt at the opportunity for a new project.
“I hadn’t learned all the 3D software yet, so I ended up making a Play Doh model of the garden on my kitchen table to work out the spacing, the proportions and the views. Then I took a photo of the model and sketched over it. That was my submission for the competition. But I got through that, and Andrew Fisher Tomlin supported me throughout, pairing me with Ross Conquest and his team to build the garden which was brilliant, I couldn’t have done it without them. It was a big team effort.”
Olney is in the process of relocating the Burma Skincare Initiative Spirit of Partnership Garden to Dulwich College, with the new space set to open in September.
class size had doubled to 30 and its waiting list was steadily increasing. “We realised that if we didn’t do something, then we were going to be passing on students to other places when we’d rather teach them ourselves,” says Wilson.
Then the pandemic hit, and the college moved over to Zoom, despite vowing to always provide face-to-face training. Rather than hinder them, though, Wilson and Fisher Tomlin found the platform to be effective and saw it as an opportunity. “We could share a tutorial and take control of someone else’s screen; it became much more interactive.”
At the same time, applications “exploded” during lockdown. People who had been putting it off decided to take the plunge. So,
the college decided to evolve, continue to take on 30 face-to-face students for its garden design diploma as well as an extra 10 online spaces.
“That proved very valuable – not just in terms of being able to take on a larger number of students and start working on the waiting list, but also because it brought us international students again,” says Wilson, who explains that this refreshes and enriches the course.
They’ve now taught students in France, Italy, the Dominican Republic, Maine and even one in California who was getting up at 2am for lectures. Last year (2023) marked the first year that an online student won the Top Student award too.
It’s proved so successful that the college is now moving its construction design certificate to be solely online this year, led by Paul Hensey. “It fits in better with people’s careers; they find it more flexible,” says Wilson.
As for the garden design diploma, this will be undergoing another transition in the coming months, with James Aldridge taking over from Andrew Wilson as course leader from September 2025.
When Wilson’s wife was diagnosed with cancer in 2018, he took a step back from the practice he’d set up with Gavin McWilliam,
What is required for training the NEXT GENERATION OF GARDEN DESIGNERS?
Adam White
With more garden designers now being invited to work on community spaces and public realm projects, it’s essential they understand the legal professional practice implications, especially when you don’t know who the end user is going to be.
We find career changing students bring a diverse range of complementary skills but after their academic studies are complete, they still need to continue with their CPD. This will help them gain the essential foundation knowledge in contracts, statutory legislation, CDM health & safety whilst ensuring they understand the various insurance policies.
So, rather than setting up as a sole practitioner after graduating, we always advise them to get work experience in an established design studio and consider becoming a member of either the SGD or the Landscape Institute. As a member of the Landscape Institute, they will have the opportunity to continue to study whilst working and then join the Pathway to Chartership. This takes lots of time, study and experience but to become a chartered professional is still the most useful practical highlight of my career.
Hugo Bugg
I’d like the educational establishments to help set up new designers for commercial success by having conversations about profitability, whether they’re planning to work for a practice or step out solo. Design ability; planting passion; human connection with clients and collaborators; making thoughtful, sustainable, resilient, and often experimental work – all these are at the bedrock of our practice. At the same time, everyone needs a salary, and salaries come from delivering work profitably. Profit allows us to learn, play, experiment, make pay rises, give paid sabbaticals and much more.
Liz Nicholson
Garden design is often seen as a highly creative job but in reality, today's designers have a tangible responsibility to create projects that are light touch on climate and nature. A clear understanding of existing site soils, water relations across the landscape, biodiversity, and connectivity to surrounding habitats, not to mention the carbon impact of construction is imperative in today's modern garden designers. Rather than being restrictive, this wider worldly responsibility comes with a wonderful opportunity to bring our knowledge of design, science, and commercial understanding together to form innovative and exciting spaces for the future.
KATHRYN COX - THE FLOWER POWER FIELD
LCGD alumni
“HAVING THAT SUPPORT GROUP REALLY PROPELLED ME TO GO FORWARD AND SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES THAT CAME MY WAY”
Harry Holding
Hwho he’d taught at Greenwich. He then committed more to the college which had more of a set timetable, supporting McWilliam’s practice and taking on studio work where he can. Their partnership continues in this way today, and though his wife is now seven years on from the original diagnosis through immunotherapy, Wilson is keen to continue to keep that balance - “to find time for us, for the college, and for design work.” So, Aldridge will manage the day to day of the diploma, with Wilson still being heavily involved.
Graduate aftercare
Fisher Tomlin and Gregory. “The college has generated a huge momentum. Not only is there a growing body of excellent graduates, but there are also incredibly professional tutors at the top of their game. I’m now looking at where we go from here.”
arry Holding has fit a lot into the five years since he graduated. His practice, Harry Holding Studio, has grown to include two other designers and, earlier this year, he launched his own professional aftercare business, LDN Horticulture.
Last year, Holding won the People’s Choice Award at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for his first exhibit, the School Food Matters Garden. The RHS invited him back this year to design the first feature garden “designed by children, for children” - the RHS No Adults Allowed Garden.
Then there’s the growing list of awards to his name. After winning Top Student of the Year at the college, he became one of Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation winners in 2020. He has since won multiple SGD Awards, including one earlier this year in the Big Ideas, Small Budget category.
“Studying the garden design diploma at LCGD was a transformative step in my career,” says Holding. “Having worked in the horticultural industry for a number of years, I came to college hungry for knowledge and with a drive to become a designer.”
He says it was “masterfully covered” by the college. But what surprised him most was the network he realised that he’d developed over the course.
“From expert mentors to fellow students – having that support group really propelled me to go forward and seize opportunities that came my way. There’s no hiding from the fact it is a rigorous course – all consuming, one might say. I’m fortunate to return to the college as a visiting tutor and stay in touch with all the fabulous teachers.” Course: Garden Design diploma • Graduated: 2019
New director Baxter, on the other hand, is looking to develop further how the college looks after its graduates. She arranged a competition this year, for instance, for recent graduates to design and build an Asteraceae-themed border at this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival which was an “enormous success”. Now, she’s looking at a “graduate question time” initiative to make it even easier for them to ask questions in their first year after leaving the college as garden design can be a “lonely profession”. “Our strength is our graduates – the fact that they are so good but also so positive about the college.”
Baxter joined as the course leader for the planting design diploma, taking over from Fisher Tomlin. She’s eager to continue to build on the success of Wilson,
The college has generated a huge momentum. Not only is there a growing body of excellent graduates, but there are also incredibly professional tutors at the top of their game
Nina Baxter
Moving the construction design certificate to being hosted online has freed up teaching in the autumn, so the college has launched a selection of short courses such as a series on ‘The Business of Garden Design’. And whilst Baxter says her first year as director has been spent “making minor adjustments and not breaking anything”, she’s now working on introducing a horticulture qualification. “A lot of people who come onto the planting design course do the RHS Level 2 in Horticulture, which is the best that there is; but it does contain a lot of horticulture that they might never use. So, I’d like to offer a ‘horticulture for designers’ certificate geared towards what designers really need to know and understand.”
She and Fisher Tomlin are also both exploring how to incorporate sustainability further into the courses. Since Baxter came on board, Fisher Tomlin’s new title is director of environmental design, which comes from a passion that comes “full circle back to horticulture”. “There are some amazing people in our industry who are pushing the environmental agenda, and I’m interested in that and how we can
ADAM PHOENIXHEALING POWER
As the profession changes, we will change, always striving to provide graduates with the skills necessary to be able to work from the word go, as soon as they leave college.
Andrew Wilson
create much more sustainable designs in our work,” he says.
“We’ve got to be at the forefront of ensuring that we’re moving towards sustainability and not going backwards. We’re the heart of that and it’s a really exciting place to be. There’s a responsibility around it as well, so we’ve been talking about how we can ensure that sustainability underpins everything that we talk about from the start and that there has to be a rationale behind the choices people make.”
International influence
Fisher Tomlin also teaches for six weeks of the year at the college's partner institution in Melbourne. “The Australians are way ahead of the UK on sustainability and understanding climate change, so it’s a joy to be able to teach and talk with really engaged
students over there as well.”
The partnership came about when Fisher Tomlin met Brent Reid at the Australian Garden Show. He’d been aware of Reid through mutual acquaintances, and they ended up designing and building
a garden next to each other. Reid, a horticulturist with a successful design business, told Fisher Tomlin that he wished they had a programme
like the one in London there in Australia. This snowballed into the two and Wilson setting up LCGD Melbourne.
"There’s more of a hunger there for a two-year course. So, we teach almost a combination of the garden design and planting design diplomas and the construction design certificate – we do the whole lot in one go, in one course that’s 50% longer than the garden design course in London.”
They opened the doors three days before lockdown, so “the first two years were tough”. But it’s now “turned a corner” and is attracting talent from all over Australia, with half of the students studying online.
Whether in London or Melbourne, the college seems to make its mark – but it’s clearly not resting on its laurels.
“If you’re a successful athlete or football team, then you’re
trying to work on your success and maintain that success – to keep that quality,” says Wilson.
“So, Nina, Andrew and I will constantly have an eye on that aspect of quality and attracting fabulous students – because it’s the quality of the students that we bring in that forms that success, starting with their applications and their interviews. And as the profession changes, we will change, always striving to provide graduates with the skills necessary to be able to work from the word go, as soon as they leave college.”
“The graduates are our best salespeople,” adds Fisher Tomlin. “As much as our graduates get the gold medals, that’s a small proportion of our graduate base who are out there running professional companies and doing extremely well.” Their success speaks for itself.
KATE BROWNA SUMMER HAZE
TO 2030 and beyond...
Don’t rely on Labour to transform our industry – it’s down to us, urges Chris
Whatever side of the political schism you align yourself with, you are likely to feel it’s a time of rebirth. There is no doubt that, from an environmental perspective, we leave 14 years of the Tory rule in a better place than we joined it. The Environment Act 2021 and the entry of biodiversity net gain (BNG) into legislation is a big leap forward and may well be one of their better legacies. Before getting our hopes up about a new government, bear in mind that anything radical planned by Labour is probably already well past the drawing board stage. The 1.5 million new homes so desperately needed are likely already in the pipeline. Yes, for those focused on delivery there should be rich pickings; but designers and planners may not be so lucky. UK plc is broke, and so expenditure on public infrastructure is likely to be on a strict-needs basis only. Even if phase two of HS2 comes back it’s likely to use the previous designs and so the need for a significant refresh will be limited. Actually, I don’t believe politics has that much to do with the industry’s fortunes; our focus and rewards are largely driven by us responding to other forces. Take BNG as an
Any radical change in terms of environmental salvation is likely to come from within the industry
example; the concept was not dreamt up by any politician. I remember using Warwickshire County Council’s early BNG back in 2010-11 when working at Warwick University. It went on to be adopted by Defra, finally hitting the statute book over 10 years later, and the reason it did so was not because politicians were driven by a commitment to save the nation’s ecology, but because Gove recognised that in BNG he had a policy that just about everyone would sign up to and would not cost the public purse anything. So, any radical change in terms of environmental salvation is likely to come from within the industry. I ask what radical transformative changes should we, the green industry, be self-imposing in the next five years? There are two simple headlines to which all of us should subscribe. Firstly, the continuing acceptance of plant failure in the landscape industry is nothing short of criminal, and we have all turned a blind eye for far too long. Every plant represents huge investment in terms of manpower, resources and cost and yet as soon as a healthy, living, thriving plant leaves the nursery yard, its prospects of survival to maturity are poor. I accept that much of the time the failure is down to the failings of third
parties; but surely, we have to teach those who become the custodians of our offspring how to nurture what, after all, is a living thing. Secondly, very simply, we need more trees. Whether for reasons of capturing carbon or tackling environmental extremes, trees offer by far the most resilient, most cost effective, most manageable, most durable solution to the crisis we face. The UK currently has circa 1.5 billion trees and to achieve the step change that is needed we need to increase that number by at least 25% – in other words, 75 million per year over the next five years. To do so requires a restructuring of our industry, its funding, production, installation and aftercare. It is incumbent on all of us to be smarter about the way we select, nurture and manage our tree stock. Unless there are logical, technical reasons for not increasing tree numbers – such as in a peat bog – the default position must be to increase both quantum and extent.
If by 2030 we can show that we have largely fixed these two very simple objectives then we, as an industry, can look ourselves in the mirror knowing that we have done what is necessary.
Chris Churchman is the founder of cquester, a not-forprofit venture seeking to raise awareness of the value of nature in addressing climate change. cquester.co.uk
CHRIS CHURCHMAN
Churchman
WONDERS Winter
Now that show season has drawn to a close, the RHS is busying itself with exciting developments across its gardens, shares Clare Matterson
At the time of writing the new Glasshouse borders at RHS Garden Wisley – originally designed and then re-designed by Piet Oudolf – are flourishing and bringing to life his vision to create an immersive landscape like no other. It is a reminder that even as we come towards the winter season, our prestigious gardens are continually changing – not just echoing the seasons but creating new sensory experiences for visitors.
It is a point of principle that as the UK’s leading gardening charity we never stand still; rather, we continue to inspire and to grow.
Consequently, I’m delighted to share that in addition to the stunning new Piet Oudolf border at Wisley, our other RHS gardens –Bridgewater, Harlow Carr, Hyde Hall and Rosemoor –have exciting developments taking place this winter that will enhance our gardens and provide new areas to discover for first time and returning visitors.
accessible pathway and the opportunity to select new roses that, whilst providing a beautiful and stunning display, will also be more climate resilient.
At the opposite end of the country at RHS Garden Bridgewater, the garden team continues to create and develop the Chinese Streamside Garden. This long-term project working with the Chinese community in Greater Manchester and horticultural experts from China is creating a uniquely inspired garden.
Covering over seven acres, this predominantly woodland garden is being planted with 40 bamboos this winter that will form part of a bamboo garden or ‘Bambusarium’.
Our prestigious gardens are continually changing – not just echoing the seasons but creating new sensory experiences for our visitors to enjoy
This garden will eventually sit alongside the creation of 11 distinct garden spaces including classical pavilions, a meandering meadow, birch wood and the sinuous stream with its series of small pools and weirs.
The new area will merge with three Model Gardens to create a unified landscape with stunning seasonal colour that peaks in the winter months. This vast space will provide new routes so that visitors feel tempted to explore as it becomes a central feature of the garden. This year, The Harrogate Arms Cafe opened at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, with its surrounding landscape still being developed this winter. Built in 1844, the Harrogate Arms and the nearby Bath House were originally set in pleasure gardens. This project blends the area's history with the garden landscape as well as highlights the fresh garden ingredients. The new area will now open up views across the garden, connecting the Harrogate Arms with the Bath House through the meadow and mature tree planting.
Our gardens aim to inspire, while serving as learning spaces for school children, budding horticulturists, and plant enthusiasts. Our team has embraced these developments to showcase our horticultural excellence and ensure everyone can enjoy our work.
RHS Hyde Hall in Essex has long been known for its flamboyant collection of roses, which flourish in the clay soil and sunny, open aspect of the Hilltop Garden. In the next few months, one of the garden’s most historic areas, the Rose Rope Walk, will be rejuvenated. This feature was created by former owners Helen and Dick Robinson some 50 years ago and will see the renewal of the original wooden framework, the creation of an
Carefully chosen trees, a rare Fraxinus profunda (pumpkin ash), a Catalpa, a stand of birch and Japanese maples will be an important component of the re-development of the Winter Garden at RHS Garden Rosemoor in Devon. Doubling its size and aiming to bring a magical enchantment to the garden on crisp winter days, the newly revived Winter Garden has been designed by award-winning landscape designer, Jo Thompson.
CLARE MATTERSON
Clare Matterson CBE is the director general of the RHS. She was previously executive director of engagement at the Natural History Museum and spent 17 years with the Wellcome Trust leading its work in engagement, education, policy and strategy. Clare was awarded a CBE for services to public engagement and a Fellowship to the British Science Association for outstanding contributions to public engagement and was named on GQ's Most Connected Women in Britain in 2015. rhs.org.uk
MARKET? A deflated
Nurseries are struggling with a downturn in sales, says Lewis Normand
This is the first year in a long time that I can recall being distinctly quieter than others in terms of market buoyancy. Plant sales track industry activity well; if landscapers and garden designers are busy, then plant sales are similarly quick moving and lively. When the market slows, plant sales observe the downturn rapidly and noticeably.
I started to sense that we were headed this way last year, with a couple of clients asking me to requote for plants in smaller pots than their initial request. On occasion, this is clients tightening their belts to ensure they get everything they want in their newly designed gardens, but I rarely experience it more than once. When it popped up again, I felt we were headed towards a market slump. Housebuilding slowed in 2023 and hasn’t bounced back yet in 2024, so there is a knock on from that in terms of the plant market as well.
There are several factors at play here, and most are economic, like the cost-of-living crisis. The cost of plants has also steadily risen well above the normal rate since Brexit, and administrative cost increases have impacted on plant import prices in 2024, adding even more. Fuel increases have impacted not just on transport but on the price of producing plastic plant pots. A drop in interest rates may well help to kick start the market again,
but it will likely be a slow change, and the damage will have been done with regards to plant production this year.
Colleagues and friends in both wholesale and retail plant sales are finding the market slow, with customers less keen to spend and difficult to incentivise. A number of nurseries are either heavily discounting stock to get customers to take it or have had to compost large quantities. These are last resort strategies, but as a garden centre owner friend of mine said to me last week, “[Wholesale garden centre growers] keep offering me stock at low prices, but I have to remind them that I still have their last delivery as it is selling far slower than normal.” Inevitably, most of these growers generously give plants to local community groups or schools, for instance, to clear the decks, but this isn’t a sustainable solution long term.
Colleagues and friends in both wholesale and retail plant sales are finding the market slow, with customers less keen to spend and difficult to incentivise
Plants are grown in good faith and with the expectation of previous years’ sales being met. Normally, this works; but slight fluctuations in market interest can see stock disappear quickly, or worse, sit around on the nursery indefinitely. During covid, the initial nightmare for some nursery owners considering wasting huge quantities of stock was replaced by the new nightmare of distributing plants, seeds, pots and compost to the additional three million new
lockdown gardeners as well as regular customers stuck at home and looking to garden. These problems, while trying, are so much more welcome than plants not selling.
Some hardy plant producers will be able to pot plants into larger pots and, while a simplistic solution that seems foolproof, it also means that they will then have to sell larger plants, at a greater price the following year to an unknown market in terms of buoyancy. It can work, but there are no guarantees, and plant production remains both a science and a mystic art in terms of knowing what people will want and when.
Some nurseries, already tired with the increasingly difficult market, may well shut up shop, particularly if the market doesn’t pick up soon. Some are reducing production over the next 12 months. Hungry salespeople are looking to bag a new client or offload stock. It isn’t a pretty scene and is worrying that those further up the food chain designing and building gardens are also facing tough times.
LEWIS NORMAND
Lewis has worked in a wide variety of roles within horticulture over a 20-year career. He has lectured on garden design and horticulture, and designed gardens in the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Since 2011, Lewis has focused on nursery sales, now working as sales manager at Bernhard’s Nurseries, and has helped to launch a number of new plants into the UK plant market. He is a specialist supplier to show gardens, supplying more than 100 gardens at major shows.
Our tree nursery has a long spanning tradition over 125 years. As a full-range tree supplier, we provide everything from one single source for your projects. A high-quality production method as well as good advice and personal contact distinguish us, just as much as the diversity of our product range. Keeping up with modern needs we o er you new trends and an ever greater choice of climate resistant plants. No matter your needs, a large number of uniform plants, trees with individual growth or an out-standing size, we can provide it.
Boom & Bonheur – because trees give life and bring happiness
& Bonheur BV
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Tree & Hede Nursery
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Book a visit or chat to our Horticultural team to find out more.
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enquiries@wykeham.co.uk
THINK BIG!
Tree planting has always been an important part of a great many landscape projects. There has been a growing tendency, however, to think small, especially in urban situations. The growing availability of either species or cultivars which do not grow that big and have a neat vase-type shape has made it easier to select trees which ornament a new development rather than have any influence on its environment. The wonderful thing about many older urban areas with good tree planting is the way that large trees with extensive canopies create a continuous band of shade. Vase-shaped trees with upright-swept branches cast very little shade.
During hot summers the shade cast by mature trees is a real blessing. Large trees can also reduce temperatures through transpiration. Extensive tree growth can cool whole suburbs, as 'heat map' imaging of urban areas from the air shows dramatically. Trees that are planned as 'add ons' or decoration will never perform these environmental services. We need to take a leaf out of the book of those
built shade in from the very beginning. It is interesting to experience Warsaw in summer too, where extensive tree planting was regarded as fundamental to rebuilding a city which had suffered massive wartime damage. Planners and landscape designers in late 1940s and 1950s had no catalogues of vase-shaped trees to choose from, only native forest species. The results can be experienced in one of Europe's greenest cities, with mature oaks, ashes and limes surprisingly close to city centre buildings, or filling the courtyard-type spaces behind many buildings.
Big shade-casting trees will be one of the key ways to make urban areas liveable in a climate change future. We should perhaps argue that we should follow the philosophy of landscape urbanism and put trees and their place in the landscape at the beginning of the planning process, so we think of a forest and then how to work buildings, roads and other 'hard' structures into it. Of course, what happens underground is of crucial importance. There is now so much underground infrastructure that 'root room' for trees is often limited; and how can we expect to get a good canopy tree flourishing in the glorified containers that 'tree pits' are?
Big shadecasting trees will be one of the key ways to make urban areas liveable in a climate change future
winter temperatures not far off 30 below, suggests we may be missing a trick. Planes and limes have long been favoured across southern Europe and parts of the Middle East for good reasons. Nothing of course is perfect – wingnuts (Pterocarya species) have the perfect shape and grow fantastically fast but throw up so many suckers around the base (space for variety selection in the nurseries?), and some American oaks are heat tolerant and develop wonderfully spreading branches but are probably too vulnerable to our fungal pathogens to risk. Tree health depends too on choosing species with diverse gene-pools, which limits the whole concept of selecting genetically restricted cultivars. We cannot afford to see what happened in those American cities that used elms as street trees. Although we may, I suppose, hope for some breeding to produce disease-free trees with that perfect 'gothic arch' which was created by avenues of American elm.
The more I think about this, the more I think this is one of the most crucial issues for our climate change future, and we need to start planting now!
Species selection will be vital. It's interesting to observe how rarely English oak (Quercus petraea/robur) is used as a street tree in Britain; it's use in Bishkek, Kyrgystan, where summer temperatures are in the 30s and
is a
and
has long promoted naturalistic planting design. He also runs the education website gardenmasterclass.org. noelkingsbury.com
who planned some Indian cities (where they know about heat), such as New Delhi or Bhubaneswar, where extensive tree planting
Noel Kingsbury
freelance designer, writer
researcher who
Large trees have a lot to offer our cities, argues Noel Kingsbury
NEW DELHI, INDIA
WARSAW, POLAND
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INTERVIEWS Little
Garden designer, Katerina Kantalis Garden Design
RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2024, Garden: The Mediterraneo Garden
What was the inspiration behind this garden?
The inspiration for this garden is that in the times that we live in now. We're all driven by social media, so, my thinking was to create a space where you could sit away from all of those side-tracking things. To sit with a friend and actually be able to have a conversation with them face to face, without being distracted. We all use or need to use social media simply because of the time we live in, but just now and again, it's good to just leave that behind for a while and just chill out in nature.
What challenges did you have to overcome?
Plant choice was one, in terms of what you choose when you submit your plant list way back earlier in the year, isn’t always exactly what you end up planting. But the other thing that we had to consider at the site itself is that it isn't level. When we originally visited the site back in February, it was explained to us that the Gardener’s World Live teams would be creating a flat space for us to work within, but surrounding this gap are very steep boundaries and it's not until you physically get in the space that you know what you're up against.
What was the inspiration behind this garden?
The inspiration came from my recent move on to a boat. Suddenly we needed a water tank, we had to fill up and empty a composting toilet, and all with the tide lifting us twice a day. It just got me thinking a lot about water conservation and the impact of the moon on large bodies of water on this planet, and this garden tries to embody these features and offer some solutions.
What are the water solutions installed within this garden?
We have green roofs, which slow down and help in capturing water. We have a plunge pool which doubles up as a reservoir, which we use to top up the lower planting beds. And then the upper beds are drought-tolerant, which also free drain into the lower beds and the reservoir, which helps fill the composting toilet. This is helping to save a huge amount of water and stops the patio from acting as a water catchment zone. Using permeable patios are great because you're just putting it straight back into the water table, but at the same time, we can use a patio as if it were a roof to harvest rainwater and then reuse it later.
What was the inspiration behind this garden?
The garden was inspired by the Mediterranean and in particular the warmth and vibrancy of Greek landscapes. I wanted to take their iconic features and timeless charm and transplant them into British gardens, helping to address the necessity of climate adaptation in our gardens. I'm also incredibly conscious of the fact that our UK climate is changing, and we're all trying to navigate how we garden in a new form of seasons – wet and dry. If I can show how permeable paving, gravel, natural stone and drought tolerant planting can play a role in a UK garden, then I've played a small role.
How did the garden at Hampton relate to the garden at BBC Gardener’s World Live?
I was keen to continue the Mediterranean theme, permeable paving, and drought tolerant planting in both. The audience was different at BBC GWL, so the garden there was tailored with the visitors in mind. I knew they would love the 70's leaf motif blocks, and they went down a storm. The garden was part of the APL avenue with the theme 'the Good Life', so if I could take people back to the 70s and the good life, then I achieved something.
Sandhurst Garden Design
Garden designer, Fenton Gardens
JULIE HAYLOCK KATERINA KANTALIS
JOSHUA FENTON
BBC Gardener’s World Live 2024 Garden: Lunatica
BBC Gardener’s World Live 2024 Garden: Stop and Smell the Flowers
