Solutions4Gardens

For the past few years, Solutions4Gardens has cemented its local reputation as a design and landscape company that specialises in top quality work and products. Now fully accredited by Marshalls and Trex, helmsman Mark Woodman examines 2020 trends in garden design and explains why the strong relationship they have with their suppliers is so important to their success. Happy to tackle any sized landscaping job, Solutions4Gardens loves nothing better than the challenge of large scale, high end garden projects that encompass decking, pathways and patios. “It’s where we have been moving in terms of the type of product and services we offer” explains Mark. Those products include paving and stone manufactured by Marshalls who has recently awarded them with professional accreditation meaning their work has been inspected and found to be of the highest standard. “Our new connection with Marshalls was a natural move for us” Mark says. “The range of products they offer allows us to meet the diverse needs of our customers, whether we are asked to build a contemporary garden or simply create a traditional path in a cottage garden. “In addition, their products and service have the quality that matches our ideals and standards. It is a commitment we share because Marshalls inspects their accredited landscapers to ensure our quality meets their standards too.” Solutions4Gardens understands that when looking for someone to design and build your garden space, trust is a vital factor in the selection of a contractor. “Personal recommendation is a big part of where our commissions come from, but we also wanted to find a way for new clients to be able to have trust in our capabilities. “There are lots of ways to be accredited but we decided to go with industry-led experts rather than just relying on general trade review companies” says Mark. “Being accredited by Marshalls now allows us to guarantee our work. We are inspected at least twice yearly to maintain standards. We also benefit from Marshalls’ technical support and help with more challenging projects.” The Marshalls Register is a national network of SOLUTIONS4GARDENS

Accredited Landscape Contractors and Driveway Installers” explains Danny Laino, Installer Development Manager for Marshalls plc. “For a homeowner, it’s important to source the right installer as you will rely on their advice, product knowledge and workmanship to achieve the desired end result. That’s where the Marshalls Register comes in. Although Solutions4Gardens is not employed by Marshalls, they have been vetted for their levels of competence and performance when installing our products and are an installer you can trust.” Thanks to the accreditation, Solutions4Gardens can offer a 5-year labour and 10-year product guarantee. The mandate for quality and reliability extends to all aspects of any project the company undertakes. As such, Solutions4Gardens only works with top class suppliers too; consequently, they obtain their Marshalls products from local stalwart Henlow Building Supplies. “We rely on reputable and reliable suppliers for the kind of projects we do” says Mark. “HBS not only offers us guaranteed delivery but we never have to worry about product quality. It is vital in our type of projectmanaged business that deliveries arrive on time, as expected and when needed. Having the support of suppliers like HBS helps us achieve that.” Although Solutions4Gardens still undertakes traditional landscaping projects, they are seeing a growing trend towards more contemporary design. Porcelain tiles are now becoming popular for outdoor landscaping and despite the traditional belief that porcelain is fragile, these state-of-the-art tiles are very durable with the bonus of being nonslip and algae resistant. “Porcelain is really taking off” Mark says. “As with anything, it is important to use a quality product and install it correctly, but if that is done, porcelain

is extremely hard wearing and easy to look after. There are so many different colours and styles that it can be used in virtually any kind of garden. You can achieve some stunning results mixing these newer materials with natural stone. “People often want a Mediterranean feel to their garden in keeping with it being more of a social space these days” he adds. Mark is also designing gardens with more geometric lines and sculptural touches, for example, walling made with sawn sandstone. Porcelain fits with the modern requirement of low maintenance, but there has been a recent move towards quality artificial turf as a component of a full garden design. Although Mark thinks a natural lawn is hard to beat, he considers Marshalls’ artificial grass to be by far the best. “I was genuinely surprised at how good the Marshalls lawn products are” says Mark. “The depth and quality of the pile, along with the colour, was by far the best I have ever seen. It was the real surprise product of 2019 for me.” As well as being accredited, Solutions4Gardens has earned numerous commendations with Marshalls for its expertise. These include recognition for customer service, horticultural qualifications and specialisms such as walling, paving, installing artificial lawns and water features. “We had a really super 2019 with some amazing projects for some great customers” Mark says. “We’re looking forward to an even more exciting 2020.”

Tel: 01767 348 028 Email: info@solutions4gardens.com Web: www.solutions4gardens.com Solutions4Gardens‘ spotlight on DECKING will appear next month.

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