I was delighted to have the opportunity to interview sixtime Chelsea Gold Medallist Kate Gould for this issue. As has been my experience with all those who I have had the pleasure of interviewing for Landscaping Matters she was very good value.
Kate was super. Very open, funny and relaxed and she was happy to talk about a range of subjects, including her early forays into Chelsea which saw her water feature described as looking like a cash point machine
The profile of Kate – The Gould Standard – appears elsewhere in this issue.
I am also delighted to announce that Landscaping Matters is now an award winning magazine. Our outstanding designer, Tim Moat, won Best Designed Magazine in the International Section of the Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA) awards and I was lucky enough to win a Merit Writing Award for The Man with the Golden Touch, the profile of Peter Donegan which was featured last year.
We strive to produce the best possible magazine that we can and receiving acknowledgement from the judges in an internationally respected competition encourages us to believe that we are on the right lines.
I hope that you continue to read and support Landscaping Matters – we are very excited about the future.
Scott MacCallum Editor
GroundsFest 2024 is gearing up for its second year with remarkable growth and expansion.
With an impressive 90% rebook rate from 2023 exhibitors and many new first-time exhibitors, it’s clear that GroundsFest has become a must-attend event for industry professionals. The increased demand has led to significant expansion to accommodate the growing number of exhibitors and attendees.
The Outdoor Grand Ring, which now incorporates additional space, is completely sold out and only one spot remains available in Outdoor Areas A and B. Ring B, which is now the first accessible area upon visitors’ entry to the show, has undergone significant expansion to accommodate the increasing demand from exhibitors. Inside, there are only four stands remaining in Hall 1.
This growth is further evidenced by the increase in the number of exhibitors, with 212 already signed up compared to 171 in 2023. What’s more, over 70 new companies have committed to joining GroundsFest 2024, making it the largest event of its kind in the UK. Christopher Bassett, Event Director of GroundsFest, expressed his excitement about the event’s growth, stating, “It’s truly remarkable to see GroundsFest expanding at such a rapid pace in just its second year. The overwhelming response from
exhibitors speaks volumes about the value and impact of the event within the industry. We’re committed to providing a platform that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our exhibitors and visitors.” GroundsFest 2024 is shaping up to be the highlight of the year. Behind the scenes, the team is working tirelessly to introduce even more hands-on interactive features that have never been seen at a trade show. From innovative hands-on demonstrations to educational seminars and live music, GroundsFest offers a unique and immersive experience that sets it apart from traditional trade shows.
As GroundsFest continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to
providing a platform where industry professionals can connect, learn, and see the latest innovations. With its rapid expansion and commitment to innovation, GroundsFest is leading the way in shaping the future of trade shows. GroundsFest is also committed to investing in the future of the grounds management industry through the GroundsFest Education Fund. The Education Fund offers students financial support for essential items such as course materials, tools, and even driving lessons. Additionally, students can take advantage of accredited training courses covering a range of subjects vital to the industry’s operations. n www.groundsfest.com
Agrovista Amenity will be continuing its partnership with national environmental charity The Tree Council, pledging to sponsor the planting of more than a thousand trees. The trees will be planted over the next three years in community projects the length and breadth of the country. Collectively, as part of a team of green-hearted corporate partners, Agrovista Amenity will also support the establishment of fifty
‘WE ARE DELIGHTED TO CONTINUE WORKING WITH AGROVISTA AMENITY TO DO SOMETHING TRULY WONDERFUL FOR NATURE. TREES AND HEDGEROWS ARE HEROES – THEY HELP TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE, PROVIDE HOMES FOR THOUSANDS OF SPECIES OF PRECIOUS WILDLIFE, IMPROVE OUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING AND SO MUCH MORE.’
‘Golden Orchards’, in celebration of The Tree Council’s 50th anniversary.
Commenting on the continued partnership, Ed Smith, Landscape Team Manager for Agrovista Amenity, said: “The Tree Council set an ambitious planting target to be achieved through community projects. As one of the Jubilee Partners, it was great to see this target accomplished and the huge amount of environmental, biodiversity and other ecosystem benefits made.
“It was an easy decision for us to continue this support and be a Tree Partner going forward. We regularly join The Tree Council on planting days, and it is great to see different demographics and generations getting involved and recognising the opportunity to make a positive change to our environment. The Tree Council have always been forward thinking in terms of best practice, by using biodegradable guards, locally sourced stock and sharing ideas.”
The Tree Council’s Tree Partner programme brings businesses together to plant trees and enhance treescapes across the UK, improving the health, wellbeing and biodiversity of local areas. Community groups, schools and volunteer Tree Warden Networks (www.treecouncil.org. uk/tree-wardens) will apply for funding to deliver a community tree and hedgerow planting project in
their areas during the tree planting season (November – March).
Agrovista Amenity and other Tree Partners will not only provide financial support to establish new trees and hedgerows. The treeloving business teams will also donate hundreds of volunteer hours to help establish the new trees and hedgerows and to give essential aftercare during the drier summer months to ensure their survival.
Sara Lom, CEO, The Tree Council said: “We are delighted to continue working with Agrovista Amenity to do something truly wonderful for nature. Trees and hedgerows are heroes - they help tackle climate change, provide homes for thousands of species of precious wildlife, improve our health and wellbeing and so much more. By getting involved, Agrovista Amenity is helping to grow a greener, tree-filled future for all of us. We’re so grateful to them and all our Tree Partners.”
Launched to celebrate The Tree Council’s 50th anniversary, The Tree Council’s new Tree Partners programme will build on the successes of its Jubilee Partners who, between 2022 and the end of 2024, will have collectively supported the planting and care of 42,000 trees in communities across the UK, in celebration of The Queen’s Green Canopy. n www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity
Navigating the challenges of turf management on heavy clay soil presents a unique set of obstacles. Andrew Butler, Head of Grounds and Gardens at Repton School in Derbyshire, understands this all too well.
Tasked with maintaining Repton’s extensive grounds, Andrew has turned to Mansfield Sand’s MM40 to address the specific needs of the school’s clay-based terrain.
At Repton School, the soil’s heavy clay composition poses challenges to turf health and drainage. Andrew explains, “We are such a heavy clay soil-based site...the clay has got compressed, and it is so heavily compacted.” Recognising the importance of improving soil quality, Andrew sought solutions to enhance the medium and facilitate better water movement through the profile.
Enter MM40 from Mansfield Sand, a product renowned for its ability to improve soil structure and promote drainage. MM40 is sourced directly from the Two Oaks Quarry in Mansfield where the company produces its renowned Mansil range of Silica Sands. MM40 is a moist, medium sand which is predominantly used in the construction and maintenance of
a wide range of sports surfaces. MM40 serves as a vital tool in Repton’s efforts to combat compaction and enhance turf resilience.
The implementation of MM40 extends beyond addressing surface issues. Repton School is in the midst of a comprehensive drainage programme, aiming to alleviate waterlogging and improve turf health across the entire site. Andrew
essential to maximising its impact. Andrew explains, “We only have a short window during Easter to get as much sand in as we can. We use MM40 across all the pitches, across the whole site. It has massively helped with the drainage and improved playability.”
As Repton School continues its commitment to providing top-tier facilities for its students, the role of products like MM40 in improving turf
Andrew Butler
Michael Brundle, Managing Director of long-standing suppliers F.H.Brundle, walks us through the products helping landscapers and garden designers transform the outdoor environment.
We used to talk about gardens – now we talk about outdoor spaces.
What’s changed? On the surface, not all that much. We build homes with lawns and patios the same way we have done for decades. But arguably, it’s the way we think about them that’s shifted.
People loved gardens, but they often saw them as completely separate from the home itself. Since the turn of the millennium, that’s totally transformed. Today, they’re increasingly seen as an extension of the indoor living space – places where style, comfort, and versatility are now major considerations.
For landscapers and garden designers that’s presented big challenges, and even bigger opportunities. Where once people were satisfied with functional-looking products that just ‘did the job’, now they expect the exceptional.
This is why we’ve continued to expand our range of products for this audience, providing greater style, range, and flexibility to meet the demands of homeowners and landlords.
Let’s delve into some of the standout examples on the market today.
From our experience, few outdoor products have soared the same way decking has over the last twenty years, establishing itself as almost a standard feature in outdoor spaces. Today’s cutting-edge solutions like
aluminium, are a superior alternative to traditional wood decking and offer unparalleled durability as well as being non-combustible, making it a great option for balconies and high-rise buildings, as well as gardens. Moreover, its eco-friendly attributes make it ideal for the more environmentally conscious consumer.
But the scope of decking solutions extends beyond aluminium with wood plastic composite (WPC) as the main contender in recent years. Combining the visual aesthetics of timber with enhanced durability and lowered maintenance, composite decking offers a cost-effective way of achieving the outdoor oasis homeowners are looking for. Both solutions are why we continue to push for innovations in the products we provide.
Fencing used to mean timber and nothing but timber. But not anymore. Now, as with decking, alternatives like aluminium and wood plastic composite (WPC) are the innovative front runners. Offering low-maintenance and available in a huge range of colours and finishes, aluminium and WPC offer the aesthetic versatility and performance landscapers and gardeners
need. We’ve also seen a rise in the popularity of screens, which is why we added our quality laser-cut aluminium screens to our Marano® fencing range.
Modern design trends see glass increasingly integrated into both indoor and outdoor spaces and there is an extensive range of framed and frameless glass balustrades to choose from. In my opinion, it is, without doubt, still the most stylish, modern and eye-catching way to finish a deck or patio area. }
However, there are a range of alternatives available, and our crossbar and stainless steel strand wire systems offer sleek and adaptable options that cater to a range of architectural needs without compromising on looks or practicality.
ELEVATE TO ANOTHER LEVEL!
But it’s not all about the obvious garden essentials: gardeners and landscapers alike are always looking for that something special to elevate their gardens and we think this could be it - Straightcurve®. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill garden accessory, it’s premium stuff designed to stand the test of time. From modular garden edging to raised garden beds, the range has everything - quality, durability and elegance. Plus this solution, which we have exclusive UK
exceptional range of landscaping products? Visit our website to order a brochure or catalogue for free today! n www.fhbrundle.co.uk }
supply of, is perhaps the most flexible and versatile professional solution on the market. Want to learn more about our
With some 42 acres of the finest landscaped grounds and award winning sports surfaces to manage, the Hurlingham Club’s Grounds and Gardens team is dedicated to sustainable horticultural practice. In carrying out their meticulous management and maintenance programmes, the team has worked closely for some 20 years with Andre Holt of Holts Irrigation, the East Sussex based specialists in sports turf, commercial and residential irrigation.
The iconic, diverse natural landscapes of the Hurlingham Club include sensitive historic areas, ornamental lawns and paths, hedging, herbaceous and mixed borders, rose beds, lakeside and wet area planting adjacent to the Thames. World leading sports turf facilities are in use through the year including grass tennis courts for members and showcase courts for pre-Wimbledon and other classic events. There are well manicured croquet lawns, finely preserved bowling greens, a cricket pitch and a 9-hole winter golf course.
Neil Harvey, Head of Grounds & Gardens, Deputy Head Tom Clarke and Head Gardener Aby Parrott lead a 26 member full time team. Ecofriendly horticultural practice is well established and includes the use of battery powered equipment and machinery, soil management through composting and mulching, green waste compacting and recycling management, generation of bio-fuels, rainwater harvesting, elimination of chemical pesticides, the use of bio-degradable materials and the eradication of single use plastics. Conserving water throughout the extensive irrigation regime is a key component of this approach.
The two-acre lake is the water source and its quality is maintained by sophisticated lake aeration and
filtration systems. At the heart of the irrigation management is a central computerised control system which enables the Ground and Gardens team to program, adjust and monitor watering schedules for different areas. To optimise water usage and prevent evaporation during daylight hours, irrigation is applied overnight.
There are some 270+ fixed sprinkler heads used for sports turf and landscape irrigation
and directly to the root zones of plants in well mulched areas. It is delivered throughout the day, matched to the soil’s infiltration rate so that wastage through runoff, wind drift and evaporation is eliminated. The risk of damage to delicate plants such as roses, which can be caused by misdirected spraying, is also no longer a risk.
Some two kilometres of Rain Bird’s low water volume surface
“SOME TWO KILOMETRES OF RAIN BIRD’S LOW WATER VOLUME SURFACE XFS DRIPLINE NOW FEATURES ACROSS THE ESTATE, BOTH IN NEW AREAS AND TO REPLACE SPRAY IRRIGATION”
throughout the estate. Andre Holt has recommended and installed Rain Bird 950, 750, 8000 and 5000 Series Rotors with MPR matched precipitation nozzles across all the different areas. The show tennis court and croquet lawns were fitted ten years ago, the golf course rotors some 12 years ago and other surfaces in the intervening years. They bear testimony to the reliability and durability of Rain Bird technology. There is now a concerted move towards the benefits of drip irrigation. The Gardens Team favours Dripline for its low pressure, precisely directed irrigation whereby water is applied slowly
XFS Dripline now features across the estate, both in new areas and to replace spray irrigation, with installation being rolled out by Holts Irrigation. This sensitive dell that surrounds the historic ice house, featuring curved flower beds and contoured landscaping, is one of the latest areas to benefit. “ Dripline unobtrusively ensures the necessary hydration with minimal environmental impact. It also has a number of advantages including simple layout, pressure reducing emitters that regulate water flow as well as a good range of lock type compression fittings,” says Andre Holt.
Rain Bird’s TBOS II BT Bluetooth }
battery operated controllers are used in conjunction with Dripline in many areas of the estate where mains power for irrigation controllers would be too costly or impractical to install. The controllers are have long life batteries, are highly durable with IP68 rating. Bluetooth allows Aby and the team to use smartphones with the dedicated Rain Bird App to pair with the controllers. Watering schedules can be configured, usually for two hours per day in the summer, and performance monitored.
Features such as sequential start times, seasonal adjustment and rain delay programming all promote close control over water consumption. With Dripline operating during daylight hours under separate TBOS II control, the onus of taking additional time for irrigation scheduling through the central computer is removed. To further improve efficiency, a weather station and soil moisture sensors are used so that irrigation schedules can be fine-tuned based on
actual weather forecasts and soil conditions to prevent overwatering and unnecessary usage.
Andre is considered a full member of the Grounds and Gardens team. His service contract, product knowledge and installation expertise, coupled with his understanding of the sustainability values of the Hurlingham Club, are invaluable. From reconditioning the booster pump set for the irrigation system, to replacing and repairing sprinkler heads, pump servicing and proposing aeration systems, his support will continue to make a significant contribution to the club’s environmentally friendly horticultural practice.
“We place a strong emphasis on regular maintenance of the irrigation infrastructure, as well as continuous assessment of new water saving opportunities. We can cover the quick fixes, but Andre Holt’s experience and service will continue to be indispensable,” says Tom Clarke.
Avant Tecno, a renowned manufacturer of compact loaders, is embarking on a quest to uncover the oldest Avant machine still in operation in the United Kingdom.
As part of its celebrations marking 25 years of successful operations in the UK, Avant Tecno is calling upon owners of these reliable workhorses to come forward and showcase their enduring machines.
“Do you own the oldest working Avant loader in the country?”
said Raimo Ala-Korpi, Managing Director of Avant UK. “We’re on a quest to find the longest-serving Avant loader still in operation, and we need your help!”
The search for the oldest Avant loader in the UK not only aims to identify a piece of machinery with remarkable longevity but also serves as a tribute to the brand’s journey over the past
quarter-century in the UK market. Raimo expressed his pride and delight at the expansion of the UK market for Avant Tecno. “We are thrilled to see how much the UK market has expanded over the past 25 years. The Avant brand stands out from others due to its unparalleled versatility and reliability,” Raimo remarked.
Avant Tecno’s commitment to innovation and quality has been the cornerstone of its success in the UK. From its humble beginnings to becoming a prominent player in the market, Avant Tecno has witnessed
remarkable growth, driven by its dedication to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.
The extensive range of multifunctional loaders and over 200 attachments offered by Avant Tecno has catered to various industries, including landscaping, forestry, construction, agriculture, and property maintenance. This versatility has made Avant loaders indispensable to countless businesses and individuals across the UK.
As Avant Tecno celebrates its 25th anniversary in the UK, the search for the oldest Avant loader serves as a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy and the trust it has garnered among its customers. If you believe you own the oldest working Avant loader in the UK, don’t hesitate to reach out and become a part of this historic celebration.
n www.avanttecno.com/uk
ANorth Yorkshire turf grower has been nominated for an award at the world’s most prestigious gardening show for the second year in succession.
Lindum Turf, based at Thorganby near York, was named as the winner of the Sustainable Garden Product of the Year category at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last year, for its plastic-free wildflower turf.
The turf, which can produce an instant wildflower meadow effect, is grown on a fully biodegradable growing medium, unlike many others that use a single-use plastic mesh that damages the environment.
This year, the company has been shortlisted in the same category for its latest innovation – Species Rich Turf – a mixture of hardy grasses and wildflowers that can directly replace a monoculture grass lawn.
As with wildflower turf, Species Rich is also entirely plastic free, ensuring that laying it does not damage the environment in any way.
Lindum Turf managing director, Stephen Fell, said to be nominated two years in succession was a great honour.
Chelsea Flower Show is the pinnacle achievement for both garden designers and suppliers into the industry, meaning winning at the prestigious event is a huge source of pride.
Mr Fell said: “Being nominated at Chelsea last year, and then winning, was a tremendous achievement and testament to the hard work and innovation the team at Lindum Turf dedicate to creating new and sustainable products.
“Our wildflower turf is not only plastic free, meaning no single use plastics are buried in the soil to degrade into microplastics, it also provides a rich diversity of flora that attracts vital pollinators.
“Our Species Rich Turf builds on
this idea, but with the addition of some hardy grass varieties to make it robust enough to replace a normal family lawn.
“The turf can withstand being walked on and played on, but adds a large diversity of plants to a garden making it much more ecologically beneficial than a monocrop lawn. It’s a great way to maximise the environmental benefits of your garden without compromising on utility.”
Lindum Turf will have to wait for the show, which takes place from May 21-25 at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, to find out if they have won.
Some turf producers grow turf with a plastic-reinforced mesh incorporated, which helps to keep it together when being lifted, but the mesh is buried in the soil once the turf is laid leaving it to break down into microplastics which pollute the soil and even nearby watercourses.
Last year, Stephen Fell challenged the industry to remove single use plastics in turf as it is environmentally damaging.
The Chelsea Flower Show has already banned plastic bags, floral foam, and plastic artificial turf across its shows and is aiming for the complete removal of single use plastics by 2025.
It holds the Sustainable Garden Product of the Year category to encourage and highlight innovation in this area and reward companies doing the best work.
Mr Fell described single use plastics as the antithesis of environmentally friendly garden.
He said: “People want to create wildflower meadows because of the beautiful colours and because they provide the type of biodiversity we need to help restore nature.
“This aim is entirely inconsistent with burying harmful plastics in the ground so it is high time the industry fully addressed this issue.”
TURF CAN WITHSTAND BEING PLAYED ON, BUT ADDS A LARGE DIVERSITY OF PLANTS TO A GARDEN MAKING IT MUCH MORE
BENEFICIAL THAN A MONOCROP LAWN.
Root barriers provide a physical safeguard that can help maintain neighbourly goodwill by curbing the intrusion of bamboo, invasive plant species and unruly tree roots. A preventative measure, that can be used to contain rampant plant growth and protect property boundaries. With considered selection and installation, root barriers are a defensive measure against encroachment and potential disputes.
Not so long ago, there was what seemed to be an insatiable appetite to use bamboo as a screener. It was frequently planted in UK gardens without consideration for the plant’s non-native status. Years could go by with the plant remaining relatively confined, only for it to suddenly start spreading across lawns and into neighbouring properties.
In the UK climate, running bamboo – the more troublesome variety –can appear like clumping bamboo. The latter remains more confined and spreads slower, whilst running varieties send out bamboo rhizome
runners that can be over 3m in length. The associated problems have led to solicitors advertising services for nuisance claims, in much the same way as they’ve been doing for Japanese knotweed.
The installation of bamboo root barrier is a wise precaution when dealing with either a clumping or running variety. There are over a thousand species of bamboo, amongst them some of the fastest growing plants in the world.
Bamboo root barrier can be used to prevent bamboo popping up on your own lawn, at client property, or at a neighbouring property.
• Type of Bamboo: Identify whether the bamboo is clumping or running as this impacts the type of root barrier needed.
• Barrier Material: Choose a durable material like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) - HDPE root barrier has the puncture resistance to withstand aggressive rhizomes.
• Installation Depth: A bamboo root barrier depth of at least 60 centimetres deep to effectively contain bamboo rhizomes.
• Above-Ground Extension:
Ensure the barrier protrudes approximately 10-15 centimetres above ground to prevent rhizomes from crossing over the top. Inspection and Maintenance: Conduct annual inspections and maintenance to trim any rhizomes that attempt to cross the barrier. Barrier Coverage: The barrier should form a complete enclosure around the bamboo to ensure containment on all sides.
• Barrier Joining: Use appropriate joining methods such as specialist root barrier tape or root barrier adhesive to ensure gaps do not form between barrier sections.
Japanese knotweed has certainly become the UK’s most notorious invasive plant species. Capable of derailing property sales, causing neighbour disputes, and the subject of highly publicised Japanese knotweed legal cases. Whilst many now feel comfortable undertaking the installation of bamboo barrier themselves, there are other specific considerations when it comes to Japanese knotweed. Vertical root barrier can be deployed at property boundaries to prevent
the plant spreading in from a neighbouring property, or out from an infested one. However, the associated documentation matters.
Japanese knotweed root barrier should be used as one element of a Japanese knotweed Management Plan. An Invasive weed specialist can draw up and implement a plan of this type, which may also include herbicide treatment, or even on-site cell burial of Japanese knotweed using a specialist permeable root barrier. Mortgage lenders and solicitors working for buyers, will expect to see a plan of this type with an insurance backed guarantee. Both are normally required before matters can progress smoothly at a property with knotweed present.
Root barrier is not only deployed for aggressive, non-native plants –it’s also frequently used for native species, in the form of trees. In fact, because of the variety of barrier applications for trees, there is a lot of choice when considering the best root barrier for the job.
The requirements of the job need to be carefully considered before an appropriate barrier can be selected and the installation of tree root barrier can commence. Barrier structure and material changes according to the use case:
Solutions for planting can come preformed hoops or be joined to form a ring. Particularly in urban settings, these products are often specified by landscape architects. Ribbed root barrier is one such variety, designed to steer root growth downward and prevent root spiralling. This mechanism helps plant roots achieve a safe depth, and one at which they won’t interfere with manmade structures.
Root barrier selection for this task is dependent on the structure being protected, the extent of the root area and even the soil in which the tree is present. And, root barrier also has its part to play in protecting utility infrastructures where roots are attracted because of the moisture retained.
This is another issue, like Japanese knotweed, where specialist expertise is required. Often, in addressing tree related subsidence more advanced root barrier solutions are deployed. For this task, Arboriculturists frequently favour a permeable root barrier, that allows water to pass through.
Many of the benefits of root barrier come from preventing issues before they arise. Legal precedent has set greater consequences to
allowing plants to spread, produce damage, or cause the loss of enjoyment of the land. Where there is a risk of such issues, root barrier has a crucial role to play in maintaining neighbourly relations.
If tackling the job yourself, proper preparation is essential, which should include selection of the correct tools for root barrier construction. When confronting intricate issues like subsidence, structural damage, or the containment of regulated invasive species, it is prudent to seek expert guidance.
In situations like these, where root barriers form a part of the remedial strategy, choosing a reputable root barrier installation company is crucial. Before proceeding, examine their track record for installations, the training level of their personnel, and their professional qualifications. It is important to acknowledge that managing invasive species, trees near buildings, and ensuring structural integrity demand distinct expertise and knowledge.
The University of York has a “Campus for the Future” masterplan which includes delivering a major 1480-bed student accommodation project. The £130m flagship scheme, which has transformed the Heslington East Campus began in November 2019 and has recently been completed. The location was chosen to strengthen the link between Campus East and Campus West while maximising views of the lake and surrounding parkland. The student accommodation project will help to meet the news of its expanding global student body as well as aid with the university’s student recruitment strategy.
Palmer Landscapes was awarded the landscaping contract to create green areas for the students to enjoy and to bring their outdoor space to life. This was achieved by planting tens of thousands of shrubs and hundreds of trees, spreading 10,000 sqm of seeding and turfing all the green spaces. Green-tech has a long-standing relationship with Palmer Landscapes and supplied all the machine round tree stakes, tree belting, and blocks, MONA irrigation systems, and bespoke grass seed mixes that were used throughout the project. We also supplied the underground anchor systems and gator watering bags to stabilise and irrigate the trees.
Green-tech is the largest UK supplier of tree planting materials and sundries. The machine round tree stakes used for this project have been treated with Green Osmose AE500 to guarantee longevity and were used with cross bars and belting which secure trees to help reduce tree damage or movement from the wind until roots have established. Greentech’s Mona Relief Tree Irrigation watering systems are an essential tool to guarantee the success of urban planted trees and shrubs. Lack of water at the tree’s root ball can be detrimental to the lifespan and survival of the tree. The Mona Relief is a robust unit that delivers water straight to the roots of the tree. Installed with a perforated pipe that surrounds the tree’s rootball, the Mona Relief system is a costeffective solution for preventing drought with newly planted trees. By proactively installing a system that will irrigate at the root ball the tree’s roots instantly receive the much-needed water to aid growth.
Palmer Landscapes Contract Manager Sam Isles comments, “Green-tech was one of our main suppliers for this project. We have a strong relationship with them. They stocked all the products we needed and provided materials on a quick turnaround timescale. All planting materials were delivered on time and gave that professional finish that we pride ourselves on. The seed specification we were working too was very detailed so being able to tap into their expertise was invaluable and helped us so much.”
The main contractor GRAHAM Building has won the GB & Rol New Build Project of the Year, above £2.5m’ accolade at the CEF 2023 Excellence Awards. The judging panel agreed GRAHAM’s work on this project was a “remarkable achievement.”
Professional and home gardeners don’t need to worry about aching arms and strained backs when using heavy equipment and tools, thanks to the new Henchman Lifting Harness from Henchman.
The leading ladder specialist, which is well known in the horticulture world for its adjustable tripod ladders and high-step platforms, has introduced a multi award-winning, new and improved model to keep users safe and comfortable while working.
Designed with precision engineering, the Henchman Harness takes up to 100 per cent of the weight of heavy garden tools to dramatically reduce back strain, arm fatigue, and repetitive strain injury, while retaining better posture.
The lightweight harness features a rotating overhead boom arm and carabiner, which can be easily attached to most hand-held equipment, such as pole saws, hedge cutters, grass trimmers, and blowers.
Made from durable, rust-resistant cast aluminium, the handy piece of kit takes weights up to 9kg, allowing users to work comfortably for extended periods of time.
The Henchman Harness has already been recognised for its outstanding design, having recently been hailed as best product in the “Outdoor Equipment” category at the European Product Design Awards and the prestigious iF Design Awards.
Created with wearability and usability front of mind, the harness is lightweight, easy to assemble and is worn like a backpack, allowing for a full range of motion, greater precision and improved control, while using less energy.
Tom Kitching, CEO of Henchman, commented: “At Henchman, we’re
dedicated to helping our customers get their gardening jobs done safely and comfortably. The Easy Lift Harness has been a popular product for many years, helping to reduce the aches and pains that many gardeners will have undoubtedly suffered when carrying out common tasks.
“The introduction of the new model, which has already been recognised as outstanding across Europe, marks
the next chapter in the Henchman Harness, having been redesigned using the latest engineering to ensure a more supported and comfortable experience.”
The Henchman Harness is the newest product introduced by Henchman, having recently launched the Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladder range earlier this year. n www.henchman.co.uk
Kress has been making headlines in the groundskeeping industry for the past few years. Here are the ways Kress believe they have changed everything…
Kress raises the bar for sustainability, productivity, and profitability. A groundbreaking battery technology is at the heart of the 8-minute CyberPack innovation, which leverages proprietary chemistry to deliver high-current flow without the typical heat buildup that accelerates battery degradation. This breakthrough allows for unprecedented power and a full charge in merely eight minutes, while ensuring unmatched longevity, backed by a 6-year or 3,000-cycle limited warranty.
To ensure continuous operation throughout the day, the Kress CyberSystem features a unique selection of portable DC-DC chargers, enabling ultra-fast, battery charging on-the-go, even when miles away from the nearest AC power source. Two- and four-stroke engines reach their maximum torque and power
at high RPMs when they hit a sweet spot in their performance curve.
In contrast, as we know from EVs, electric motors maintain peak performance over a broad range of RPMs. Yet, conventional low voltage batteries, like those used for OPE, could only deliver high power by pushing the current to levels that would degrade or even damage cells.
Kress’s 4 Ah 8-minute CyberPack on-board battery delivers the power equivalent of a 55 cc twostroke engine, but with maximum torque delivered instantly at the pull of the trigger. This means instant power access without the wait, transforming operators’ work experience with newfound efficiency and productivity.
Kress is committed to advancing the expansion of green landscaping by offering a unique business model designed to support landscape maintenance companies. This model revolutionises the traditional approach to fleet renewal by eliminating upfront costs, thus preserving working capital. The simple yet effective formula relies on manageable monthly installments,
comfortably balanced by the savings from reduced fuel and maintenance expenses. The result? Enhanced profitability through pure profit, making the green transition not only feasible but financially advantageous.
The transition to zero-emission landscaping not only helps cities achieve their decarbonisation targets but also elevates the overall health and quality of life for its residents. Landscapers, who face the most significant risk associated with emissions from petrol-powered equipment, can experience immediate health benefits. Switching to Kress battery-powered solutions eliminates exposure to toxic exhaust fumes and significantly reduces the consequences of noise and vibration. Transitions can only happen when a viable solution is available.
Kress transcends conventional battery limitations, blending advanced technology with an innovative business model to offer the only eco-friendly solution that promises significant long-term cost savings over fossil fuels.
Kress Commercial products are now available at select commercial dealerships throughout the UK and Ireland. n Kress.com/en-gb
Power tool manufacturer
Makita has added a new battery powered wheelbarrow to its extensive LXT outdoor power equipment range. The DCU601 is equipped with an electric lift for even easier loading and unloading.
The DCU601’s electric lift can only be operated on flat ground, where it can elevate from 475mm to 1,020mm in approximately 30 seconds, allowing for the easy transfer of materials to and from vehicles. It has an increased maximum load capacity of 300kg on flat ground (0 – 3 degrees) and 180kg on slopes up to 12 degrees. It has three speed settings of 1.5, 3.5 and 5.0km/h, plus a reverse setting with a speed of 1.0 Km/h.
The machine is powered by two 18V LXT Li-ion batteries, but up to four can be used in series for a longer run time of up to 100 minutes. The machine will automatically switch to the second pair once the first two batteries have depleted.
The DCU601’s rear wheel axle is designed to tilt, to enable the front (driving) wheels to stably touch the ground for reliable driving even on bumpy road surfaces. The guard rails keep materials secure when transported and can be easily lowered below the flat frame by lifting and sliding them, allowing
for easy loading and unloading by dragging rather than lifting materials. Its soft start feature and electric, electromagnetic and hand lever-operated mechanical brakes provide full control over its operation, making the DCU601 incredibly easy to manoeuvre. The wheelbarrow also has a swivel lock feature, providing control over the direction of the machine, as well as its speed. Headlights, taillights, a warning beeper and a level gauge all add up to a safer operation.
Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK commented: “The DCU601 makes a fantastic addition to our growing range of battery powered wheelbarrows and outdoor power equipment. Its electric lift function has been designed to help users load and unload materials with ease, but also to make crossing building sites more efficient, saving time for more technical jobs in the process.” n www.makitauk.com
STIGA have launched their giveaway ‘We Care, That You Care’ campaign with the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service being the first to receive a host of gardening goodies.
The hospice provides specialist care and support to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families, across Berkshire and into surrounding counties. The hospice team
received a wide range of products. Debbie Tonkinson, Volunteer Development Manager, said: “We are so grateful to STIGA for the wonderful donation of garden machinery. The kindness and generosity shown by STIGA is going to make a world of difference to our Gardening Club Volunteers, the equipment will enable them to continue keeping our grounds looking beautiful, whilst also keeping our outside spaces safe and “play friendly” for our children and families to enjoy. We feel very fortunate to have benefitted from STIGA’s We Care That You Care campaign, it’s a great initiative that will really help a lot of great causes.”
The ‘We Care, That You Care’ campaign embodies the STIGA passion for nature and the pledge
towards a more sustainable future. The goal is to support 90 community garden groups throughout the UK, honouring each year of the 90th anniversary, by empowering others with innovative, eco-friendly garden products.
If you are responsible for any non-profit, community group or charity that looks after a green space and would like to receive products from STIGA’s innovative, eco-friendly garden product range... for free, then simply register on the wecare.stigauk.com website. The STIGA judging panel will assess your application. You will be notified if you are successful, stating the free products that will be donated to your community group.
Martin Beaumont of Monty Miracle advises how to keep landscaped areas looking good
Alot of skill goes into creating landscaping and good grounds, so maintaining the results is only right.
This is about maintenance: making sure that the lovely stone and wood surfaces used in outdoor spaces are protected throughout the year.
Winter frosts and what turned out to be one of the wettest winters on record, can play havoc on stone and wood, causing cracks in masonry and creating the perfect breeding ground for organic growth, moss and algae – and if left untreated, these can damage the surfaces, as well as looking unsightly and being slippy underfoot.
It’s vital that organic moss is dealt with and that any tiny cracks
are not worsened by the wrong kind of aggressive cleaning.
Aggressive jet washing might seem appealing but it can take the top layer off stone and splinter wood, leaving these areas vulnerable to the elements. It can also blast away jointing between stones and doesn’t actually deep clean the organic growth, it just pushes the roots deeper, so it comes back year on year, meaning it needs to be done more frequently – using more effort, creating a thankless task.
Monty Miracle is a better approach. The product’s unique formulation cleans, cleanses and eliminates organic growth and staining, and following the process the solution is fully neutralised allowing it to safely go into the soil or down drains. Quicker, easier and kinder to the surface.
Leaving the grounds looking good all year round. n www.montymiracle.co.uk
STIGA’s battery lawn tractors are the smarter and greener option for lawns up to 7500 m2. With no fumes, low noise and reduced vibrations these models are the best for comfort when sitting on the tractor for longer sessions. Expect better sound quality, less noise and no smelly fumes while you work – or lingering in the air when you’ve finished!
For very big lawns up to 7500 m2 on one charge The Tornado 7108e side discharge model can cover up to 7500 m2 on a 110 minute charge. The Estate 798e collector model can mow up to 7000 m2 on a single charge.
Thanks to the STIGA electric drive and the STIGA One Pedal Drive system, you can control every function with just one foot, ensuring effortless acceleration, mowing and deceleration.
Two STIGA patented blade motors perform a precise, neat and efficient cut – producing little noise and vibrations. And thanks to the electromechanic brake and internal blade controller, it’s completely safe, too.
Download the dedicated App, connect the smartphone via Bluetooth and start using it as a virtual dashboard. It displays important information about the cutting session, such as energy optimisation, garden coverage during mowing, battery status and other features. The STIGA Smart Charge Schedule allows you to select a specific time slot for your tractor to recharge.
The intuitive STIGA dashboard allows you to manage all the functions with just a few taps while you’re in the driver’s seat – from starting the machine, adjusting the blade speed and emptying the grass bag.
A simpler mechanical structure means less maintenance and lower running costs. Reduced fuel costs and a lower environmental impact, make it a smart and costeffective choice for sustainable, long-term garden management.
The perfect performance of a STIGA garden tractor comes from its careful development and thorough testing of the whole. The positioning and orientation of the cutting deck and blades improves the uniformity of the cut. The central tunnel boosts bagging performance and helps prevent chute-blockage. The wedgeshape of the collection bag and its material ensures it gets packed to capacity and is emptied efficiently.
With the highest quality chemistry from the automotive industryusing the larger 21700 cell form factor to be as efficient as possible - STIGA ePower integrated battery cells powering the STIGA electric tractors give performance and reliability that’s hard to beat. Beyond standards, born inside the tools: ePower integrated batteries for electric tractors are offering unparalleled runtime and performance. Tested at a ‘real-life’ usage current to stay strong after 500 charging and discharging cycles – equating to 10 years of weekly machine usage. Up to 1 hour 50 minutes of runtime - enough to mow up to 7500 m2 on just one charge.
Trade in your old petrol ride-on mower and receive a minimum of £300 off the purchase of a new STIGA battery ride-on. More details on the STIGA website and this promotion is only available at participating dealers. n www.stiga.com/uk
Kubota is broadening its FC mower range by introducing the FC3-221E, a smaller, agile and adaptable centre-collect machine ideal for various applications, including residential gardens, schools, recreational areas, as well as large-scale sports facilities.
The new 2WD FC3-221E boasts superb accessibility, with a seating position that provides operators with full visibility of the mower deck, giving increased control and precision for every operation. In addition to the ergonomic design, the mower comes equipped with a state-of-theart digital instrument display. This advanced feature provides real-time access to vital operating information, allowing for informed decisionmaking and optimised performance. Engineered with precision, the
mounting and positioning of the mower deck are meticulously crafted to follow the contours of the ground. The front-mounted deck configuration further adds to the performance, by generating optimal air pressure beneath the housing.
This approach guarantees a smoother cut and facilitates the seamless flow of grass cuttings to the collector turbine, which lies at the heart of the machine’s functionality. This patented design element significantly reduces the distance travelled by the cut grass, enabling rapid and efficient grass collection.
Additionally, the FC3-221E features an expansive 600-litre grass collector, meaning operators can cover significant areas before it requires emptying.
The 22hp FC3-221E is powered by the efficient Kubota D902 engine, providing the necessary power and torque to drive the hydrostatic transmission and hydraulic system with ease. Paired with hydraulic power steering, a soft-grip steering wheel and a steering knob, this setup guarantees exceptional manoeuvrability. Enhanced by a deluxe padded suspension seat, adjustable armrests and a high backrest, all tasks can be comfortably managed.
The front mower decks are equipped with two pairs of blades
per rotor, offering distinct advantages over mid-mount configurations. By eliminating grass traversal before cutting, the two-wheel drive configuration offers greater manoeuvrability and precision in areas inaccessible to mid-mount setups. Available in 1.12m (44”) and 1.26m (50”) wide deck variants, this new Kubota mower guarantees a finer cut and accelerated mowing. The machine’s versatility is further improved by the option to attach either a flail mower, a snow blade or even a vacuum hose.
The FC3-221E is well-suited for extensive mowing duties yet remains compact and agile for smaller spaces. Its thorough cut-and-collect system makes it suitable for all grass maintenance requirements, providing outstanding results. The FC3-221E is also homologated for driving on public roads, facilitating transfer from one work site to another.
Maintenance access is a crucial aspect to ensure longevity and reliability and on the FC3-221E it is prioritised. By lifting the hightip collector and the operator platform, access to the engine compartment becomes easily reachable. All routine maintenance tasks can be conducted safely and efficiently, with ample space to access and service components. n www.kubota.com
To celebrate the launch of the Lawn Mowing Simulator game, how would you like to win a STIGA ride-on mower, LSM merchandise pack and branded STIGA gloves?
To enter, this is all you have to do:
1. Follow @LandscapingMag on X 2. Email your name and address to mary@landscapingmatters.co.uk
This competition will run until 31 May 2024 and the winner will be chosen at random from all entries received and contacted within 7 days of the closing date.
With Lawn Mowing Simulator’s recent releases on Nintendo Switch, along with a brand-new VR version available now on Meta Quest, Skyhook Games are celebrating by running a substantial giveaway to offer one lucky winner!
The total prize package includes:
• One STIGA Swift battery-powered ride-on wower (worth approx. £3,000) • Branded STIGA gloves
• One Lawn Mowing Simulator merchandise pack (comprising an LMS cap, t-shirt, mug and pen)
Enter now: Good luck!
About Skyhook Games
Founded in 2014, Skyhook Games is a full game development and outsourcing studio based in Liverpool. Creators of Lawn Mowing Simulator, they also provide high quality digital art and development services for the video games industry.
Nestled in the picturesque
Avon Valley of South Leicestershire lies Kilworth Springs Golf Club, a renowned destination for golf enthusiasts seeking both challenge and beauty.
Maintaining a lush green course amidst heavy traffic has often posed a significant challenge for Head Greenkeeper Joel Chappell, pictured. After a thorough search for the ideal seed, Joel discovered EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair by DSV, a breakthrough solution that has transformed the course’s resilience and aesthetics.
EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair from DSV emerges as a game-changer in turf management, boasting rapid germination and establishment.
Specifically designed for cool-season over-sowing and surface repairs, this innovative seed blend incorporates Tetraploid Ryegrasses renowned for their vigour and adaptability. With attributes like fast germination, strong colour retention, and resistance to diseases and drought, Pro Rapid Repair emerges as the go-to choice for demanding environments like Kilworth Springs Golf Club.
Joel shares insights into the unique challenges posed by Kilworth Springs Golf Club and the transformative impact of EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair. “Maintaining grass here is no easy feat,” he remarks, referring to the club’s sandy and gravely, free-draining terrain. The course’s popularity, coupled with its inland links layout, subjects it to heavy wear and tear, especially around hightraffic areas like tees and approaches.
Joel’s quest for a resilient seed led him to EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair. “We tried many different seeds,” he says. “We were looking for a seed which was hard-wearing, could establish quickly and could withstand low mowing heights.
The EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair stood out by far and ticks every box for us. In the growing season it is establishing within 3 or 4 days.”
Joel also highlights the critical
role played by Pro Rapid Repair in rejuvenating damaged areas with remarkable speed and durability. “Last summer we had irrigation issues and had to dig up parts of the course. We overseeded with Pro Rapid Repair and within two weeks we were able to take those areas out of Ground Under Repair (GUR). That shows you just how well the seed works.”
According to Joel, the success story of EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the exceptional customer support provided by his DSV representative Hamish Crichton and Rhys Norville from Regen Amenity, a DSV distributor.
“Their expertise and support have been invaluable,” he adds.
“As a Head Greenkeeper, you are so focussed on what you are doing and trying to achieve.
“Therefore, it can be beneficial to listen to other opinions and fresh perspectives.”
Kilworth Springs Golf Club’s transformation with EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair sheds light on the rising prominence of the EuroGrass Pro Mixtures in the UK sports turf market. With solutions tailored for various sports including golf, cricket, horseracing, and winter sports, the EuroGrass Pro range from DSV exemplifies versatility and effectiveness. As Joel summarises: “For us, EuroGrass Pro Rapid Repair is a winning solution.”
Acacia Groundcare Equipment Rental Ltd are delighted that their Garden Machinery division MowersUK recently won a prestigious Garden Machinery Dealer of the Year Award.
The national Awards, organised by business magazine Service Dealer, recognise outstanding sales, service advice and support by dealers in the garden machinery, professional turfcare machinery, farm machinery, ATV and forestry equipment industries.
MowersUK, based just outside Basingstoke, offer both domestic and commercial sales and service/repair. They also have an extensive hire fleet with specialist machinery available through Acacia Groundcare in Henfield.
The Award was sponsored by Husqvarna and was presented to Manager Sam Hudson. At just 27, Sam is one of the youngest Managers ever to receive the award.
Acacia Groundcare’s Managing Director Ritain Patel said “This award is well deserved by everyone in the
MowersUK team. They all work exceptionally hard to go that extra mile to ensure we deliver the best customer experience, and I am delighted to see their efforts oficially recognised.”
MowersUK’s continuing focus on how to better serve their customers is part of the Acacia ethos. The judges said, “MowersUK are all about puting customers at the heart of their business. In the light of the costof-living crisis, they considered how best to serve their community during troubled economic times by extending the value end of their range. They have also emphasised the importance of increased local footfall into the showroom to highlight their personal service and after sales support.”
Steve Gibbs, editor of Service Dealer magazine, added “Our winning companies and individuals exemplify how exceeding customer expectations is standard practice in their working lives. Our Dealer of the Year winners prove that friendly, highly skilled, one-to-one service is both vital and to be cherished.” n www.acaciarental.com
Kate Gould, a six time Chelsea Gold Medallist, took time to speak with Scott
KATE COMES FROM A FAMILY OF KEEN GARDENERS AND IT WAS A CAREER IN GARDEN DESIGN WHICH WON OVER STUDYING TO BECOME AN ARCHAEOLOGIST, WHEN IT CAME TO A BATTLE OF HEARTS AND MINDS.
“Do daffodils come in Blue?” That’s not the sort of question you’d necessarily expect to see posed in one of the country’s foremost landscaping magazines, but it was actually the very kind response to a warning to my latest interviewee that I might be asking a question that may be one of the stupidest she’d ever been asked.
“Oh, that’s unlikely,” said six time Chelsea Gold Medallist, Kate Gould, before explaining that she had been asked about the colour options for one of the nation’s favourite flowers. Wordsworth would be turning in this grave.
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills
When all at once I saw a crowd
A host of Blue daffodils
Doesn’t work at all.
As for my potentially stupid question, we’ll come to that later, but, fortunately for me, it appears that Kate was either being kind or didn’t consider it to be one of her top 10 daft questions.
Londoner Kate is renowned for her small city gardens, but she doesn’t limit herself or her team to that one genre, she will tackle any project, big or small.
“I can be running anything from 20 to 40 jobs at any one time and we will do small planting jobs, big planting jobs as well as full gardens.
I do like the variety and, while what we do can be quite elitest and often requires quite a lot of money, if we can make something work for someone who has a reasonable budget we will go in and do it,” explained Kate, adding that she has a team of 17 to 18 strong which needs to be kept busy.
With a huge whiteboard dominating the office upon which it is currently impossible to add even the smallest of jobs, being kept busy seems to be the least of the challenges for Kate Gould Gardens.
It’s a far cry from when she started off as a one-woman band over 20 years ago, but unlike many who, as a business grows, finds themselves up their ears
in financial spreadsheets, health and safety and human resource issues, Kate makes time to ensure she still gets her hands dirty.
“I do spend a lot of my time not designing gardens and not planting, but instead sitting at my desk crunching numbers, but I do try to be on site if we are planting. I’ll be in the back of the lorry. You can’t stop me, much as though the guys would like to!”
Kate comes from a family of keen gardeners and it was a career in garden design which won over studying to become an archaeologist, when it came to a battle of hearts and minds.
“I loved history, but someone once said, given what I do now, that I must
have been attracted to being up to my knees in mud. Basically I haven’t grown out of making mud pies!”
With archaeology set to one side Kate freely admits that she had little clue to what she was doing when she started out in the garden design business.
“I was 23 and had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I placed a small ad in Gardeners’ World magazine and managed to get a job through that, while I got another job through my tutor.”
Ah, that tutor. Often success or otherwise can come down to those sliding door moments and one of Kate’s came when she started to take Garden Design evening classes and was given
“WE ARE IN PEOPLE’S FACES AS LANDSCAPERS. OFTEN WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH THEIR HOUSES TO GET TO THE GARDEN AND IT’S NOT A QUICK PROCESS. IT’S A MISSION AND WE CAN BE THERE FOR MONTHS BUILDING A GARDEN. WE NEVER WANT TO OUTSTAY OUR WELCOME BUT ALWAYS WANT TO MAKE THE BEST JOB WE CAN,” SAID KATE.
“I’m not competitive at all but put me on a showground and I become, quietly, the most competitive person you can imagine” says Kate Gould
a tutor who subsequently has shaped her professional life.
“I struck gold because my tutor was absolutely awesome. That was 25 years ago and she was the one who insisted that I give Chelsea a go. She nagged me about it being time, to the extent that it planted that seed in my head. That was very important to me.”
Those early days are so valuable to any landscape designer, although perhaps not in monetary terms.
“We were talking only yesterday that we had a quote in for a job and that it was for twice my first year’s turnover and now I turnover more
in a day than I did in my entire first year in business,” said Kate, in a manner which focuses more on the pride of surviving that first year than it does the success she now enjoys.
That element of self-deprecation is even more evident when asked when it was that she first realised that she excelled at garden design.
“I don’t think I ever have,” spoke the six-time Chelsea Gold Medallist, with a degree of melancholy.
“No honestly. Every day is a school day. I’m constantly questioning and you are only as good as your last garden. I’m pretty sure I’ve got imposter’s syndrome.”
But surely six Gold Medals, including a top honour Best in Show, must count for something? “Maybe I got the judges on a good day.”
She is quite clearly wrong, but it is refreshing, and very much at odds with the current modern culture, which sees so many wannabes pushing themselves in front of cameras, only for them to confirm what we already all suspected, that they had no discernible talent whatsoever.
Chelsea is one occasion when Kate does have that spotlight on her, but even then it is the process and collaborative nature of designing and building a garden which rocks her boat more than the end result.
“I love Chelsea because I love the feeling of creativity and teamwork that you get and I’m very fortunate to work with a bunch of people who also love it. We bounce off each other and create things which are perhaps different to what other people have seen and which other people might be too scared to build. That might be why we have Gold Medals,” said Kate, who added that while she and her team did do three Show Gardens, in 2018, including Chelsea and Singapore, it
took three months out of the year.
“We now try to stick to one a year.”
While the building element is a highlight, waiting to discover the judges’ verdict is very much a lowlight.
“There is no worse feeling than standing outside your garden waiting for the judges to come round. It’s vile, you literally want to vomit. It’s worse now because in the last few years they come with the BBC who stick a camera in your face. I’ve actually perfected a technique of dropping in the odd expletive to ensure that the footage can’t be used, particularly if I’ve been disappointed and on the verge of tears,.
Her first visit to Chelsea brought a Silver Medal, which would have pleased many, but not Kate.
“I was disappointed at the time, but it was actually a massive learning curve. The judges said that my water feature looked like a cash point machine... And it did!”
With such a successful CV, those disappointments have been rare. Gold Medals in ‘07, ‘09, ’13, ’17, ’18 and ’22, place her in the upper echelons of the business and she knows very much what is expected to hit the mark.
“You know pretty much within the first week of building a garden. If your plants are good and you hit your brief you kind of know what to expect in terms of medal. We are self-judging the whole time. I’ve had feedback from judges which has seemed unpalatable but then gone away and thought about it, and a few months later concluded that they were probably right,” she confessed.
“I’m not competitive at all but put me on a showground and I become, quietly, the most competitive person you can imagine. It brings out the worst in me.”
If the industry suffered during
the pandemic is was nothing more than a glancing blow as people became much more appreciative of their homes – inside and out.
“I think the gardening world kept the economy going, during those dark times.
“We all did quite well, but there has been a slow down as people don’t have as much money as they had before. But if you are wealthy you don’t feel it and those clients tend not to go away.”
She is also grateful that clients are so willing to accept the upheaval that garden design brings.
“We are in people’s faces as landscapers. Often we have to go through their houses to get to the garden and it’s not a quick process. It’s a mission and we can be there for months building a garden. We never want to outstay our welcome but always want to make the best job we can,” said Kate.
So, what of my potentially stupid question?
Here it is.
Is there actually a medal, or is it just a certificate with an embossed medal on it?
Kate, showing great patience.
“No, there is an actual medal, but you only get one the first time you win. After that it is a certificate with the medal painted on it. The actual medal comes in a little 10cm by 10cm box and as far as I know it’s real gold,” she explained, adding that her certificates are up on the wall while the medal is tucked away somewhere in a cupboard.
Now it may be that there are nurseries or laboratories around the world working on a blue daffodil, in which case, I will go up a place in Kate’s list of top ten of stupid questions, but until then I’m quite satisfied that I managed to get away with it.
Designed by Peter Donegan and built by Semken Landscaping, ‘A Moment in Time‚ presented by Daisy’s Garden Supplies has been awarded the People’s Choice Award for the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2024.
The nine day build featured show garden is story of an Air Force veteran who returns to a place he hoped to be able to recall home and aims to show what is when there is no head stone to one who has not fallen and, though a body is not lost, there remains a mind that can never be the same as it was prior.
The garden features a fragmented
path winding to an aged, grassed roof wood cabin and a Piper PA-28 Cherokee aircraft, the project that once was a wished for return to flight of a then younger man, not complete in its repair or trajectory stalled by tree growth over time, stimulated only by the turbulence of what comes with the witness of conflict.
setting, the obstacles and struggles our veterans may face are shared by their counterparts across the world.
The garden design was born during Peter’s time designing the gardens at 13th Century Château de Péronne (France) and the Irish World War 1 centenary peace garden.
Through collaboration with the Australian construction team the design has evolved to be set in SouthEastern Australia in the early 1980s. The garden intends to highlight the difficulties some veterans may face when returning to their former lives or when trying to create a new path post service in the Air Force. Whilst this garden portrays an Australian
The garden is in support of the Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA) whose purpose is to promote and protect the interests of serving and former members of the Australian Defence Force and their families. We hope this project will honour the heritage and proud traditions of the Australian Defence Force.
The garden’s intention is to highlight the struggles some may face when returning to civilian life post service in the armed forces and Peter says it has been an honour to hear the stories of veterans and their families and thanks all of those who have served, past or present.
If you or a family member are in need of support, help is available from many organisations such as Defence Force Welfare Association. Please reach out to discover how they can assist you. n www.DoneganLandscaping.com
The Society of Garden Designers (SGD) is bringing a striking gardenscape stand to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year allowing Show visitors to feel immersed in an English country garden setting.
The new stand, designed by SGD Member Rosemary Coldstream MSGD will feature products and services from the Society’s own Affiliated Business Partners (ABP) including planting, garden furniture, flooring and pots and planters.
An expansive landscape image of a garden designed by Sue Townsend MSGD and photographed by Richard Bloom will create a theatrical backdrop to the stand that will be adorned with plant-filled pots and benches to create an enticing courtyard garden environment.
Fresh from her success at RHS
Chelsea 2023 where she received a Gold Medal, People’s Choice and ‘Best in Category’ accolades, for her Feels Like Home Garden, Rosemary Coldstream was a natural choice to design the stand.
Rosemary said: “I wanted to create a piece of garden theatre for the SGD at RHS Chelsea this year with a design that celebrates beautiful planting.” The courtyard garden will be filled with Roses, Lavender Salvias and Erigeron in shades of pink, purple, yellow and white to tie in with the colours in the photo backdrop and to create a scented garden experience. Spotlights will highlight key features and at night the stand will be backlit for dramatic effect. Show visitors will be able to view the work of many of the Society’s Registered Members in a coffeetable portfolio that will sit on
the stand. Each designer profile featured in the book will include a QR code that links to the designer’s own website allowing visitors to explore more of their work.
SGD AFFILIATED BUSINESS PARTNER PRODUCTS ON THE SGD STAND
• Garden Furniture supplied by Oxley’s
• Flooring supplied by All Green
• Flooring built by Landesigns
• Garden pots supplied by Pots & Pithoi
• Roses supp;ied by David Austin Roses
• Plants & tree supplied by Creepers Nursery
• Topsoil supplied by Boughton Loam
• Photograph for backdrop supplied by Richard Bloom.
Based in Olney with a depot in St Albans, George Davies Turf (GDT) has spent the last 22 years building up a vast and loyal customer base and a reputation for exceptional customer service and high-quality turf. As a result, the business transports 1.4 million rolls of turf to 35,000 gardens a year and are affectionately known as ‘The Landscaper’s Choice’.
With a farming background and degree in agriculture, Owner George Davies has spent more than two decades perfecting his knowledge to become an expert voice on all things relating to turf, soil, crops and landscape materials and he is passionate about sharing this insight and encouraging sustainable practices.
Becoming the UK’s largest independent supplier of turf has
been no easy feat, but GDT believe the following factors have enabled them to remain competitive and be standout players within the industry:
• Uniquely structured to achieve fast delivery from turf farm to customer
• Award-wining customer service
• Core values embedded into everything
• In-house fleet of lorries and management of logistics chain
• Hyper-local focus concentrating on a 50-mile radius
• Timed delivery slots ensuring exceptional turf quality
• Fantastic supplier relationships Commitment to professional standards Embracing technology
The last 12 months have delivered a period of significant change
for George Davies Turf as they have evolved to meet customer’s demands and stay one step ahead. From investing in cutting-edge technology and undergoing a major rebrand to last month’s exciting new acquisition of former familyrun business St Albans Stone.
Based in London Colney and set up by Mike Johnson in 2002, St Albans Stone became specialists in the import and sale of natural stone products as well as providing a wide range of landscaping materials including Flagstones, Aggregates and other Landscaping products.
George Davies said, “I’ve known Mike for many years, and we’ve always had a lot of respect for each other having built our businesses from scratch. I’m delighted to be able to grow the business even further and to offer our customers a complete one-
stop shop for all their landscaping needs, from turf, topsoil and decking to paving and much more. This is another exciting chapter in the GDT story and we remain focused with ambitious plans to dominate the UK turf market over the next 10 years.
This strapline underpins George Davies Turf’s growth plans to defy the industry norm and strive to be the best in what they do, whilst being accountable and having a positive impact on the future of their industry
With five awards under their belt for customer service and excellence including the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI): Supplier Exceptional Service award 2023, George Davies Turf are certainly one to watch.
n www.georgedaviesturf.co.uk
Last year Landscape Services, providers of commercial grounds maintenance services across Kent and the Southeast of England, added the Toro GrandStand mower to its Toro fleet to deliver speedy operations in even the most awkward areas.
The USP of the GrandStand is in its name, literally. It’s a stand-on mower meaning it’s smaller and more compact, allowing greater access to smaller areas than a ride-on.
And it’s this that was the selling point for Mike Harris, head of operations at Landscape Services. He says: “With the addition of the Toro Grandstand we were able to quickly service larger areas regardless of whether they had small points of access. This meant more efficient mowing and better use of staff time, which has proven the machine popular with both management and our operational teams.”
In addition, this mower combines the speed and comfort of a zero-
turn rider with the on-and-off ease of a wide area walk-behind creating a fast, manoeuvrable and more productive alternative.
All this complemented Landscape Services’ existing fleet of Toro TM7490 gang units and CT triple cylinder mowers, which have long delivered the high level of customer satisfaction the company has strived for over its 80-plus years in business.
“It’s good to have a combination of mowers to cover all surface requirements. The cylinder mowers give a finer cut, which works well for cricket outfields and customers who prefer the more aesthetic appeal,” says Mike. “The additional access benefits of the GrandStand means quicker work and less disruption to the customer, resulting in improved overall customer satisfaction.”
When it comes to groundscare machinery, trusting in Toro and Reesink Turfcare’s South East Sheffield Park branch has proven to be a well-founded decision.
“At the time of purchase Toro
offered the best value for money and the best backup service. On top of that, from our experience working with Reesink, the staff have always been helpful and knowledgeable, offering advice and guidance whenever needed, which is a big plus for us,” says Mike.
Choosing the GrandStand isn’t where investing in technology stops for the company either. Mike says, “Over the next couple of years we will be looking to innovate via our fleet of machines, to reduce maintenance costs, support a positive carbon footprint and diversify our portfolio with mixed specialist technology.”
n www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk
Scott MacCallum travelled to Northern Finland to find out more about Avant and their brand new battery technology
Where better to develop new batteries than one of the northernmost locations on the planet? Avant are based in Tampare, Finland, 100 miles north of Helsinki, and a place which is renowned for being a bit chilly. It is therefore perfectly suited to testing the extremes of new battery technology and, having developed a battery which can cope in such conditions, Avant has recently opened a new battery factory to product the power units to operate their sophisticated
range of electric loaders.
“Following a lot of development we believe we have produced the perfect solution for our type of machine. Of course it is not the perfect solution for any kind of moving machine, but we don’t have aa huge circumference to cover, compared to cars which need a huge infrastructure of for recharging points,” Avant CEO, Jani Käkelä, explained to Turf Matters.
“For us the electric vehicle are very viable as a solution of a way to create a machine with zero emissions. We don’t need a huge battery so the cost of the machine is still reasonable and
then also the charging infrastructure doesn’t need to be too big. Overall the size of the machine has not altered from that of the diesel machine.
The Avant HQ, even taking away the stunning Nordic scenery, is impressive with the new battery factory fitting seamlessly into the overall plant, and it is the ability to produce their own batteries which
is seen as a gateway to taking the company onto the next level.
The new OptiTemp battery packs feature a globally unique immersion lithium-ion technology offering Avant users several benefits.
The 4-module 27 kwh OptiTemp battery gives an electric Avant e5 loader twice the capacity of other loaders in its size class.
With a 4-module battery it is possible to work the whole day with one single charge. A globally unique thermal management system keeps the temperature optimised and gives you the same capacity in hot and freezing weather. Rapid charging. Thanks to the structure of the battery, you can
• Fully electric loader series. Zeroemission, very quiet. Low operating and maintenance costs.
• Two models: Avant e513 (battery capacity 13 kWh) and Avant e527 (battery capacity 27 kWh).
• Excellent capacity in hot conditions and severe frosts.
• Fast charge in under 1.5 hours. Type 2 charging, built-in 3 kW battery charger. The maximum charging current has been increased by 50% compared to previous Avant electric loaders.
• Two electric motors: one for driving hydraulics, and one for auxiliary hydraulics, boom, and steering. Thanks to the electric motor, maximum torque is immediately applied, which ensures excellent thrust.
• The further improved cooling system in the engine package keeps the machine’s heat under control even in soft terrain. Increased load resistance in short-term hard work.
• The updated multifunction display provides information on battery status, temperature, power consumption, operating hours, auxiliary hydraulics output, maintenance needs, and more.
“FOR YEARS, THE MARKET HAS BEEN LONGING FOR FULLY ELECTRIC LOADERS THAT WOULD BE MORE LIKE DIESEL LOADERS IN TERMS OF FUNCTIONALITY.”
charge your battery in just one and a half hours with a rapid charger, which enables long workdays.
Unique solutions for safety –the structure and the immersion cooling system of the battery –guarantee 100% safe batteries.
Avant has been producing compact loaders and attachments for over 30
years and they have risen to become the global market leader in their field.
But it was having worked with electric loaders and batteries for a number of years that the began to realise that there was no battery pack available to fulfil the needs of their loaders.
Since the battery factory
*In medium duty loading work; no hydraulic attachments used.
Charging time is affected by prevailing conditions and temperature. The charging times are indicated from 10% to 80% of the battery’s available charge level (SOC).
Avant Power, a subsidiary of Avant Tecno – was opened a few months ago he batteries now produced are truly fit for purpose – and fully capable of dealing with Finland’s extreme temperatures, but also in hotter temperatures in other parts of the world.
The new Avant e513 and Avant e527 loaders are almost identical, the only difference being the capacity of the batteries. The Avant e513 (13 kWh) is a good choice for short-term continuous use on cattle farms, horse stables, greenhouses or DIY and leisure time, for example.
The Avant e527 loader (27 kWh) with a larger battery is ideal for demanding professional use. Construction and demolition contractors will benefit from this model.
The fully electric Avants are ideal for working in confined spaces and on construction sites that have strict limits on noise and emissions.
“For years, the market has been longing for fully electric loaders that would be more like diesel loaders in terms of functionality. Until now, operating time and pricing have been key issues related to electric loaders, but with Avant’s new e series, we solve them both”, explained Jani. n www.avant.co.uk
