Domestic Landscaping
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Majestic Trees becomes an EOT
Majestic Trees has become an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), ‘ensuring’ the company ethos and core values can continue. Managing director Steve McCurdy and his wife Janet, have sold 74% of the nursery to its current management team. Made up of Sarah Shynn, sales manager, fern snowling, planting and logistics manager, Carlos Guinand, nursery manager, Helen Morgan, HR and finance manager, Maria Bengtsson, pruning and stock control manager, and Eliot Barden, after care, apprenticeships, and training manager. Collectively the team has over 80 years of experience at Majestic Trees, and will all continue in their current roles. “The team’s future is…
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Navigating Cash Flow Concerns in the Construction Industry
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any successful business. Cash flow is what allows a company to pay its staff, purchase stock, and ensure contractual overheads are paid on time. Once cash flow becomes squeezed, problems can quickly spiral, taking a once thriving company from a position of solvency to one which is struggling to meet its financial obligations surprisingly quickly. Cash flow challenges can arise for a variety of reasons, and in many instances, they are not caused directly by the actions of the company facing these problems. Late – and even non-payment – of invoices is rife in…
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The Renaissance of Denmans Garden
An award-winning, Grade II registered garden, Denmans is renowned for its 50+ year-old gravel gardens, horticultural diversity, strong layout and planting design, and peaceful year-round interest. The contemporary country garden, located on the edge of Fontwell, West Sussex, lies sheltered by the South Downs. It features well-drained alkaline soil, good light, and a mild climate, ideal for growing a large range of plants. “The diversity of its plants and its unique planting style have resulted in a garden with year-round interest, structure, and colour,” says owner Gwendolyn van Paasschen. Far from a traditional English garden composed of carefully considered proportions,…
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Cement substitute “unlikely” to reduce global emissions
An ingredient used to create ‘greener’ concrete might not be as effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions as first hoped. Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) is a by-product of the iron and steel industry and has become an increasingly popular replacement for the carbon intensive Portland cement clinker, which is produced in kilns with other materials when heated up to around 1,480°C. But a report published this week by The Institution of Structural Engineers and others has found that increasing the use of the supplementary cementitious material in place of clinker in any one area is unlikely to have…
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SoilsCon returns in 2024
After a four-year break, SoilsCon returns next year. The one-day conference, organised by soil scientist and landscape consultant Tim O’Hare, will feature developmental insights, debates and discussions from industry experts. The speaker line-up includes, Tim O’Hare, principal consultant at Tim O’Hare Associates, Helen Elks-Smith, principal at Elk-Smith Landscape & Garden Design, and Dr Iain Gould, associate professor in soil science at the University of Lincoln. Subjects will include soil health and functions in landscapes, the challenges of garden construction, and soil requirements for Biodiversity Net Gain typologies. A Soil Surgery will be held during the day’s networking periods, with members of…
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BALI Chalk Fund sees record number of entries
The BALI (British Association Landscape Industries) Chalk Fund has seen a record number of entries into the categories of the “Landscape” and “Design” Student of the Year awards. Seven students studying a level two or above in both categories have been shortlisted for the award. The winner of each category will be announced as BALI’s Chalk Fund Student of the Year at this year’s National Landscape Awards on 1 December. The shortlist is as follows: Design students Lucy Mitchell, Capel Manor College Catharine Beck, KLC School of Design Craig Atkinson, London College of Garden Design Landscape students Joe Elsden, Active…
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Shortlist revealed for Pro Landscaper Project Awards in association with Provender Nurseries
Pro Landscaper has revealed the shortlist for its Project Awards, in association with Provender Nurseries. The Pro Landscaper Project Awards celebrate landscaping projects with a value under £50k, giving companies within the sector the opportunity to showcase the remarkable feats achievable on smaller budgets. More than 60 projects have been shortlisted across the 11 categories, with the winners and this year’s Supreme Winner to be announced at a ceremony at FutureScape on Tuesday 21 November, at London’s ExCeL. “It’s been a record year again for entries, and what’s been really good to see is the number of new businesses putting…
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When root barrier is the solution
Root barriers can prove a key asset in landscaping and construction projects. Used in a targeted way, long-term cost-saving benefits can be gained by eliminating maintenance repairs caused by root damage. However, they can also play a role in preventing legal disputes by stopping root encroachment onto neighbouring land. Installing a bamboo barrier at home, for plant containment, is a project many are now prepared to tackle. Protection & benefits At the heart of their functionality is protection, but root barrier membrane offers other benefits. They can facilitate the retention of valuable trees, curbing the need for removal and its…
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RHS and other industry members share how they’re embedding inclusivity at EDI event
Members of some of the industry’s leading charities and organisations gathered together on Friday at RHS Garden Wisley to hear the initial results of an industry-wide Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) survey. Following the signing of the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Charter for the Horticulture, Arboriculture, Landscaping & Garden Media at FutureScape last year, signatories have created a survey to provide a baseline figure for the diversity of the industry. So far, findings from the survey – which is still open for the industry to complete – show that the majority (36.4%) of the respondents are aged 45-54 and just…
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TASK Academy celebrates one-year anniversary
More than 200 students have taken part in more than 50 landscaping and horticultural courses at TASK Academy over the last 12 months. The independent training centre in Worcestershire was established a year ago to help tackle the industry’s skills shortage. Since its launch in September 2022, TASK Academy has doubled in size and has launched a curriculum of one- to three-day courses for students on its five-acre small holding near Pershore. It has also established partnerships with 10 training and 25 other industry partners, and introduced a series of one-day, land-based courses for members of the public, including dry…
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Redfields Landscaping completes the Thames Path Challenge
The Redfields Landscaping and Design team has completed the Thames Path Challenge. Setting off at 5am on Sunday 10 September, seven members walked 50km to Henley-on-Thames across 11 hours and 47 minutes (one, Charlie Parker, whilst wearing Crocs), whilst four members walked 25km within five hours and 40 minutes. The total of 97,741 steps raised £2416 for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Childrens Charity. Rachel Straughan, business development & marketing manager at Redfields Landscaping, says: “I definitely underestimated how hard it would be but I am so grateful to the team for keeping me going and for so many laughs…
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Yorkshire’s “first” drive thru concrete collection announced
Palmer Landscapes announces the arrival of Yorkshire’s first fully automated self-service collection points for concrete, mortar, and screed. The drive thru service is suitable for landscapers, builders and DIYers, offering as little as 0.25m3 of material with no minimum order charge. The fully automated Fibo collect machine fulfils orders in less than five minutes using a touch screen terminal. Reducing waste, the automated mixing technology ensures all recipes are high quality and consistent, lasting between one and three days. “When we spotted the technology earlier this year, I was immediately drawn to the potential it had to help our local…
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JJH Landscapes wins top award at BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair
Association of Professional Landscapers’ Skills Competition JJH Landscapes from Oxfordshire, with team partner Radial Landscapes from West Sussex won the Association of Professional Landscapers’ Skills Competition. “It’s important to recognise the technical skills of professional landscape teams whose talents often go unsung when it comes to building show gardens,” says Rachel Poletti-Gadd, portfolio director – gardening division at Immediate Live, organisers of the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair. Best Showcase Garden The Best Showcase Garden was awarded to Lucy Chamberlain, head gardener at East Donyland, Gemma Sturges and Kelly Fowler. The trio’s ‘Edible Garden Through Time’ showcases three significant periods…
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Bowles & Wyer celebrates 30 years of ‘looking forward’
Bowles & Wyer celebrated its 30th anniversary last night at the venue of one of its most prolific projects. The design and build company, which was founded three decades ago by Chris Bowles and John Wyer, brought its colleagues, partners and clients together for an event at 78 St James Street. The Grade II listed building in central London is where Bowles & Wyer designed and built a series of outdoor areas and roof terraces, with the largest terrace featuring a living wall and planters with edibles and herbs. It won the National Landscape Award for Best Roof Garden over £100k, and…
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National Landscape Award winners announced
The winners have been announced for this year’s National Landscape Awards 2023. Winners span across 25 categories, with 50 companies being recognised, including Ground Control – which has won five – and Wright Landscapes and GP Plantscape, which both have won three. In total, 69 awards were presented. “The willingness to partake in this process highlights our members’ continued commitment to driving the industry forward, promoting excellence and encouraging fresh talent,” says BALI chief executive, Wayne Grills. The National Landscape Awards ceremony will be held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane in London on 1 December. The event…
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West Sussex town receives RHS grant
A town on the River Arun in West Sussex has received a grant from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) to support its local greening programme. The Greening Arundel initiative, still in its first year, has received funding to help make Arundel a greener place to live, work and visit, says the group. The initiative has a ‘Green Team’ of 30 who have contributed over 500 volunteer hours, transforming areas across Arundel, including the establishment of a herb garden at the town quayside, and the potting of more plants around town amenities, such as the train station. “The timing of the…
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New border trade plans inadequate for addressing horticulture needs, says the HTA
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) says more progress is needed following the publication of the government’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM). New controls were set out today that the government says will ensure more efficient trading and better protection against biosecurity threats, all of which will help to create a “world-class border system”. Lord Benyon, Defra’s Minister for Biosecurity, says the new model “sets out our innovative system of border controls, which will continue to uphold UK biosecurity and support trade with other countries.” But Fran Barnes, chief executive of the HTA, says that whilst she acknowledges the positive strides…
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It’s time for “The Green Italy”
Horticulture, forestation and urban space represent a triptych of thriving sectors for Italy. According to ISTAT (the Italian National Institute of Statistics), the country boasted a relevant added value of 38.4 billion euros in 2022 (ranking second in the EU-27, after France) and the third highest value of agricultural production in the EU-27 (72.4 billion euros, +18.2% vs 2021). The next steps to take are closely related to structural and long-term governmental measures, aimed to improve the energy transition strategies. Those hot topics will be on stage at Flormart – The Green Italy, the international exhibition of horticulture, green space…
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Volunteers needed to rebuild show garden
An award-winning show garden from this year’s RHS Flower Show Tatton Park needs volunteers to help rebuild it at Clatterbridge Hospital in Liverpool, where it is being donated. The Constructing Minds garden designed by Carolyn Harden and Jon Jarvis won Silver Gilt and Best Show Garden at Tatton, where it raised awareness for suicide rates in the construction industry. Inspired by the Japanese practise of shinrin-yoku (‘forest bathing’), the belief that immersing in nature can have revitalising benefits, the garden is now being relocated to the hospital to afford patients and staff a space for “sanctuary” and “rejuvenation.” Harden and…
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RHS launches new indoor flower show for “urban dwellers”
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced its new Urban Show, it’s ‘first large-scale” indoor flower show which will be held in central Manchester next year. “With over 80% of the UK population living in towns and cities, the new show will enable more urban dwellers to garden, especially where access to green spaces can be limited,” says Helena Pettit, director of gardens & shows at the RHS. The new Urban Show, which is reminiscent of the original RHS Summer Urban Garden Show that used to be held in London, will feature design inspiration for vertical gardening and urban farming,…
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The Frustrated Gardener is here to help
The Great Comp Summer Show, scheduled to take place this weekend, will feature over 25 specialist award-winning exhibitors, including Dan Cooper. Many will recognise Cooper from his acclaimed gardening blog, The Frustrated Gardener, which he launched in 2012. It quickly took root and he was celebrated in the press for creating a ‘subtropical paradise dominated by dramatic colours and shapes.’ “I decided that I needed some kind of project to really reignite my interest in plants and gardening and to share that with other people. “[The blog] really took off and I enjoyed it, the opportunity to research the content…
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30 Under 30: A catch up with Rachel Platt
A year after becoming one of Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation winners, Rachel Platt has scooped a hat-trick of awards at this year’s RHS Flower Show Tatton Park, including the coveted People’s Choice Award. Platt’s show garden at this years Tatton Park, ‘Chained to Tech’ in partnership with J. Parkers, explores the behavioural and psychological repercussions of excessive screen-based technology usage in young people. “The theme was important to me because I’ve experienced it myself, and I think everyone I’ve spoken to has a son or a daughter that is addicted to technology in some way,” explains…
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Chelsea show garden to feature at UK festivals
The Samaritans Listening Garden, which debuted at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May, is now being reimagined for festivals. It will travel around the UK this summer in partnership with the Samaritans Festival Branch, including a trip to this weekend’s Latitude music and art festival. Since Festival Branch’s inception in 1973, volunteers have attended around 550 festivals to date, providing support to almost 2,000 festival goers across 16 festivals in 2022. The Samaritans’ show garden was awarded a Silver Gilt medal at Chelsea this year, with its planting and hard landscaping designed to create a calming environment, to encourage…
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5 Tips to Get the Perfect Stone Step Treads
Creating a visually appealing and safe outdoor space requires attention to every detail, including the proper installation and design of stone step treads. These essential components not only ensure the functionality and longevity of your stairs but also contribute to the overall aesthetics of your landscape. In this article, we will explore the importance of correct installation and design techniques for stone step treads, allowing you to create stunning and durable steps, terraces, staircases and more, that stand the test of time. Choosing the Right Step Treads When it comes to stone step treads, selecting the right material is crucial.…
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RHS Young Designer of the year announced
Nathan Webster has been awarded a hat-trick of awards for his Off the Grid Garden, including the Best Young Designer Garden award at the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park 2023. His woodland design exhibits how an individual can live self-sustainably within nature, featuring beds of edibles, fire pit cooking station and an outdoor shower. The RHS Young Designer of the Year category has been a feature at Tatton Park since 2009, open to entrants aged 28 and younger, to help create a stepping-stone into the garden design and landscaping sectors for the younger generation. This year’s Young Designer winner, Nathan…
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