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COMBATTING CORONAVIRUS: Living in the bubble…
I’m sure like us the first weekend (14/15 March) for most people was spent glued to the television news channels, where events were unfolding fast. We learned that from Monday 16th, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson would be giving daily updates which we now eagerly await. As at 16th March, the Department of Health was reporting 1534 positive tests and 36 deaths in the UK, all over 60 with underlying health conditions. On Sunday I had started to get a sort throat and lose my voice, and although not showing any other COVID-19 symptoms I had to self-isolate. This left…
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COMBATTING CORONAVIRUS: Changing Times…the dawn of realisation
This time last month we were out for the day visiting Tony Benger in Axminster – the company had two weeks previously won an award at the Pro Landscaper Business Awards and Tony hadn’t been able to attend due to being on a skiing holiday so we wanted to congratulate him in person and find out a little more about the business. Little did we know that a month later we would be isolated in our homes, unable to see our family – grandparent duties suspended and worried about our elderly parents – one set over a thousand miles away…
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COMBATTING CORONAVIRUS: Hortus Loci
Hortus Loci is a specialist wholesale nursery, retail plant centre and planting company based in Hook, Hampshire. Its business is well-placed to survive the coronavirus pandemic thanks to its diversity. Pro Landscaper speaks with co-owner Robin Wallis to find out what Hortus Loci is doing in these uncertain times. Hortus Loci is a well-known plant supplier to the landscaping market, working closely with garden designers on prestigious projects around the continent, including the world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Due to the recent outbreak, though, its wholesale arm has taken a bit of a hit. Robin says: “We lost a job…
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BALI Advises Members to Stop Going to Work for 48 Hours
The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) continues to provide frontline support to its members around the United Kingdom by delivering on its four-point battleplan strategy, which was launched last Friday. Following the latest guidelines issued on Monday, like many landscape professionals working in our sector, BALI has been seeking clarification and additional guidance from the Government for those working in the landscaping sector. BALI wants answers to the crucial question many landscape professionals have been asking; can I still go to work? In light of the lack of a response from the Government, BALI is taking the necessary measures…
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County Council Closes Country Parks to Protect Residents
Leicestershire County Council has announced that its country parks will close immediately, as efforts continue to keep residents safe during the coronavirus outbreak. The council is responding to national and local reports of people continuing to gather in public places. It had intended to keep its parks open as spaces to exercise, but fears are growing that too many people are visiting. Earlier this week, the council announced a number of closures to its indoor facilities, including a number of libraries and museums, as well as sites such as Beaumanor Hall. Events, activities, adult learning classes and clubs due to…
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COMBATTING CORONAVIRUS: Bo Cook Landscape & Garden Design
Bo Cook has been designing gardens in and around East Sussex for more than a decade. She’s a single parent to two children – a 21-year-old and a seven-year old. With school closures, Bo is now responsible for educating her youngest child, and that’s having an effect on her workload. We speak with Bo Cook to see how she’s coping. This interview, carried out on Monday afternoon, followed her first morning session of home schooling, but she does see light at the end of the tunnel. Along with many others in the UK across a variety of industries, Bo has…
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Selco to Close for Three Weeks
Selco Builders Warehouse has announced its branch network will close for the next three weeks due to the Covid-19 situation. Chief executive Howard Luft cited the welfare of customers, colleagues and suppliers as paramount after reaching the decision to suspend trading at the company’s 68 branches until mid-April. In the wake of the Prime Minister’s address to the nation on Monday, Selco announced plans to close their branches today (Tuesday) and have now extended the period in which the doors to its stores will remain shut. Howard said: “We are living in unprecedented times and I’m certain this is the…
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Coronavirus: The Royal Parks Remain Open for Visitors to Boost Physical and Mental Wellbeing
The Royal Parks will remain open for visitors who are encouraged to come and spend time in nature, relax or exercise, whilst still ensuring they follow government advice about social distancing. The parks provide visitors with crucial access to vital green spaces and present a wealth of opportunities for visitors to help boost their physical and mental wellbeing in these uncertain times. The Royal Parks charity is closely monitoring Government advice on COVID-19 and is following the advice of Public Health England. In order to prevent the spread of the virus through social contact in a busy space, the charity is taking all…
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Survey Reveals the True Horror of Coronavirus Pandemic to the Ornamental Horticulture Industry
Sales for ornamentals growers are expected to be down around 50% this year with some expecting a far greater fall in sales. 96% of countries responding predict their industry will be severely impacted. The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) has surveyed its grower association members and other industry associations to understand the impact of COVID-19 and what is happening in different countries. Although still early into the crisis for many countries the timing is critical with the normally busy Spring season and many flower-giving celebrations being directly hit. 70% of respondents expect to see growers going…
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COMBATTING CORONAVIRUS: Tony Benger Landscaping
Devon-based Tony Benger Landscaping is a multi-disciplined landscaping company that has been established for more than 35 years. Much of its business is for domestic gardens in and around its home county, and many of these homeowners are in the vulnerable people category of over 70 years old. Since new Government measures around coronavirus have been put in place, the business has started offering support packages for some of its less able customers. We spoke to Gabriele Pangonyte, head of finance and NB at Tony Benger Landscaping, to find out more. The packages contain various basic non-perishable food products, such…
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Glasgow to Join European Cities in Cities with Nature Project
Glasgow is to join a group of 11 European cities in the Cities with Nature group, a unique initiative that recognises and enhances the value of nature in and around cities. Hosted by ICLEI (Local Governments for sustainability) it provides a shared platform for cities and their partners to engage and connect. London and Manchester are the other UK cities in the group. Joining Cities with Nature means that Glasgow will have access to the knowledge hub; possible collaboration partners around the themed activity, the first of which is Cities with nature for health. Cities with Nature has 128 member cities…
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Perennial Prepares for Increase in Demand as Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hits UK Landscape Workers and Businesses
Perennial is the safety net for people in the horticulture industry and is here to help anyone working in, or retired from any job involving trees, plants, flowers or grass. As the effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continue to evolve for the whole industry, including everyone working in landscaping, Perennial is urging anyone who is worried or has questions about how it will affect them, or their family, to get in touch. The team’s clear message is ‘we’re in this together’ and wants everyone in the industry to know they are here to support you. Perennial’s helpline is operating…
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RHS Britain in Bloom 2020 – Coronavirus statement
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, this year’s RHS Britain in Bloom UK finals competition will not be going ahead. This is a worldwide and unprecedented challenging time for so many people and of course the health and safety of communities, volunteers and judges remains the RHS’ number one priority. With the Government advising everyone to follow social distancing measures, it is sadly not currently possible for finalists to carry out their usual community gardening activities. READ NEXT: VIRTUAL RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW 2020 Communities put huge year-round effort into Britain in Bloom to the benefit of both people…
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Improving Shoreditch Park
Over 1,600 people told the Council what they would like to see in Shoreditch Park, in the first stage of consultation on a £2m project to improve it for local residents. Most of those that responded wanted to see green areas in the park improved – including revamped grassed areas, more trees, and more planting onsite to improve biodiversity and soundproof noise from New North Road. People also wanted to see facilities for a wider range of sports and fitness activities, as well as new toilet facilities, seating and an updated play area introduced as part of the proposals. The…
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‘Outstanding Beauty’ in Times of Need
In these very challenging times that we face Surrey Council want to remind you that the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is still here. Covering over a quarter of the county of Surrey the hills stretch across the North Downs from Farnham in the west to Oxted in the East. Including the Greensand Hills which rise in Haslemere and stretch east to Leith Hill, the highest point in South East England. READ NEXT: NATIONAL TRUST TO OPEN ALL GARDENS FOR FREE With an extensive network of footpaths, byways and bridleways, there’s plenty of trails for…
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Council’s New Green and Blue Infrastructure Plan Will Help Protect Environment
As global attention focuses ever more closely on the environment, Belfast City Council has published its first Green and Blue Infrastructure Plan. Helping protect green spaces, rivers and other natural assets in the city. Chair of Belfast City Council’s Planning Committee, Councillor Arder Carson, said: “Our new Green and Blue Infrastructure Plan is about protecting our environment and improving quality of life. As the city develops, we need to carefully balance the needs of our residents and our valuable natural habitats. Aiming to protect and create spaces for recreation, improve air quality and encourage wildlife to thrive.…
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Sharrocks Expand with Acquisition
F. R. Sharrock Limited, have acquired the assets of Jacobsen Direct UK in a deal. This will also see responsibility for the distribution of Jacobsen machines & products in the Staffordshire, Shropshire & Derbyshire. Commenting on the deal, James Sharrock, Managing Director of F. R. Sharrock Limited said: “Jacobsen Direct UK have done an outstanding job in building direct relationships with landscapers. These new machines, incorporating knowledge gained in the Utility sector with Ransomes, has produced some of the most innovatively engineered, well-built and robust machines I have seen in my 30 years in the industry. …
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Works Begin for Poole Life Project
The latest stage of the Poole Park Life project which focuses on improving access in and around the park, is due to start week commencing 23 March 2020. The works form part of a £2.7 million National Lottery grant. Awarded to the council in 2017 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund for vital improvements to the infrastructure of the park, with Access; Play; Lakes and Lagoons; Heritage and Landscape; and Geese and Wildlife all consulted upon. The initial stage of the Access works began in February. Starting with the removal of 33…
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Wood Awards 2020 Launches Call for Entries
The Wood Awards has now launched its 2020 call for entries. 2020 is the 50th anniversary of this prestigious competition. It celebrates excellence in British architecture and product design using wood. Anyone involved in a UK-based wood project is invited to enter and has until 22nd May to submit their applications. There is no entry fee and entrants may submit more than one project. The wood awards were Established in 1971. They recognise, encourage and promote outstanding design, craftsmanship and installation throughout the UK. The Wood Awards’ elite independent judging panel not only judges all submitted entries but…
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Gardeners World Live 2020 Cancelled
River Street Events has taken the decision that, as a result of the evolving COVID-19 situation, it is no longer possible to hold BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2020. It is with extreme regret that the decision has been made to postpone the shows until June 2021. Exhibitors and sponsors are being contacted personally. Anyone who has booked tickets to attend BBC Gardeners’ World Live will be contacted within 14 days regarding refunds. READ NEXT: CORONAVIRUS EFFECT ON EUROPEAN PLANT TRADE A huge amount of planning has gone into the development of the show, which was scheduled to have…
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Jack Dunckley’s RHS Winning Show Garden
Jack Dunckley has been the inspiring force behind a magnificent show garden near Oxford. The story came to light when Jack was reminiscing on social media about his RHS award-winning show garden ‘Deserts Delight’. A follower of his commented that this garden at Hampton Court Garden Festival had in actual fact inspired him to produce his very own creative piece in his back garden. Steve Moodey, had worked in a garden centre for 12 years but found that rare or unusual plants were hard to find. After seeing how well a Musella Lasiocarpa grew in his sisters garden, this prompted his…
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FlowerTrials® Board Release Coronavirus Statement
Following the general guidelines relating to the COVID-19 Corona virus in The Netherlands, the FlowerTrials Board has collectively decided to wait until April 6th before taking a final decision on whether to cancel the physical FlowerTrials event completely or go ahead. The situation is monitored on a daily basis. Any amendment to this decision will be communicated immediately. READ NEXT: SGD POSTPONE SPRING 2020 CONFERENCE DUE TO CORONAVIRUS The organisation continues to share the upcoming plant innovations for the season via newsletters and social media posts. Alongside this the website offers an extensive overview of all upcoming breeding achievements…
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Virtual RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2020
An open Letter from Sue Biggs, RHS Director General. Regarding the creation of an online Virtual RHS Chelsea Flower Show 18-23 May 2020. Dear gardening friends and horticultural community, All of us here at the RHS have been extremely touched and moved by all the support, kindness and offers for help from the horticultural industry. Our members, volunteers, show visitors, the BBC and so many more following the sad cancellation of RHS Chelsea Flower Show and our other shows and garden events until 30 June due to Covid-19. When so many people, businesses, charities and everyone in the horticultural industry…
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The Landscaping Industry’s Response to the Coronavirus
The coronavirus outbreak is sending ripples round the world affecting hundreds of millions of people. Spreading far beyond its origin in China, we are currently waking up to a world of uncertainty. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an epidemic, which quickly became a global pandemic, emerged from a densely populated manufacturing and transport hub in central China and has since spread worldwide. In contrast to the Western Africa Ebola emergency in 2013 – more deadly, but less contagious, COVID-19 presents larger economies with dilemmas. Corporate titans have warned that the virus is set to hurt profits as the authorities battle…
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