Pro Landscaper September 2020
You’ll no doubt have heard of the Black Lives Matter movement (if not, where have you been?). It’s an incredible campaign fighting for racial equality and highlighting the lack of diversity in a range of sectors – this, unfortunately, includes horticulture. So, now the issue has been raised, what can we do about it? Juliet Sargeant wrote an incredible piece for us in our September issue, an article that was no doubt tough to write, sharing her own thoughts and experiences as well as providing suggestions for ways you can act right now to make a difference.
Straight after Juliet’s article, you can find our own exploration into the issue of diversity and inclusion in the industry. Discover what each of our associations is doing to evoke change, and a list of suggested (or strongly recommended) reads to help better understand the issue.
The new president of the RHS, Keith Weed, has put diversity as one of his top priorities going into his new role. Director general Sue Biggs talks about this, and the obstacles the RHS has had to overcome this year as a result of the pandemic, in her column.
We also are thrilled to have new columnist Katie Flaxman on board, who kicks off her series by talking about the founding of her firm, Studio 31, and its environmental roots. Look out for Katie’s contribution every two months.
Sean Butler of Cube 1994 provides the first of a two-part series on dealing with disloyal staff – it’s a tough pill to swallow when you’re let down by an employee, but Sean says there are ways to help prevent it from damaging your company.
Are you missing the clap for the NHS at 8pm every Thursday? Why not take a look at our portfolio on the Tranquillity Gardens at Newham Hospital, which Ground Control – with help from suppliers – built as a thank you to the NHS? Those working to combat COVID-19 have done an incredible job, and this show of gratitude from our industry is incredibly welcome.
Worried where the regulars have gone? Don’t worry! You can still find our Let’s Hear It From, which is with Mark Hooley from PGSD this month, and our Company Profile with budding design practice Robert Barker Design. And there’s an abundance of other articles in this issue, for those rainy days stuck indoors or other days sunbathing (two metres apart from others) on the beach. Enjoy!
