Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 55 -2022 i Landscape & Urban Design

HOW 13.2MILLION PLASTIC BOTTLES WILL BECOME A GAME CHANGING RANGE OF FURNITURE IN 2022 This Global Recycling Day (March 18th), LifestyleGarden® – one of the UK’s most exciting outdoor furniture manufacturers – has its eye firmly set on a more sustainable future with the launch of its new Nassau® offering, powered by Social Plastic®. This incredible new collection of chairs and tables (from RRP £299) has been created in a uniquely sustainable way by using ethically recycled Social Plastic® from Plastic Bank, part of an exciting longterm partnership between the two brands. And, what a partnership it shall be, with both parties perfectly aligned in their vision to create a world without waste, further building on similar partnerships such as that with the Eden Project and the ground-breaking DuraOcean®…

Outdoor spaces have become even more important over the past two years. According to the Garden Trends Report 20221, the value of a well-kept outdoor space has also increased significantly. Conservatories topped the list of garden improvements which add the most value to a home, directly followed by a garden home office. Ensuring it’s offering responds in the most useful way to this trend, Garden building suppliers Timberbox LTD have created the ‘PassiveBox’ - the latest item in their garden building range and it incorporates three MDF products from sustainable wood panel manufacturer MEDITE SMARTPLY. “The ‘PassiveBox’ Collection is heavily focused on longevity and performance,” said Arthur Moore, Director of Timberbox LTD. “MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME (MTX) provides us with an unrivalled exterior cladding option, for its excellent machinability, high quality…

With importing restrictions becoming tighter on plants commonly used in planting schemes, Provender Nurseries are expanding further into growing some of our own stock to ensure consistency of supply and quality to our customers. With Lavender being one of the most popular plants used in commercial and domestic landscapes it was decided that Lavender would be an obvious addition to the extensive list of plugs for growing on to supply our cash and carry. All Lavenders are potted up and grown in our new on-site growing facility into peat free compost in 2L blue kerb-side recyclable pots. As election of our Lavender choices are grown in 20L air pots which keeps the compost on the dryer side due to the air circulation around the roots. We have found that plants…

Whilst the last two years have sparked a unique enjoyment of the great outdoors, initially through necessity, and now through choice, Samson have been working hard to provide contemporary weather protection systems to transform outside spaces. Supplying and installing high quality domestic and commercial outdoor living products since 1995, Samson Outdoor Living are a top UK specialist for luxury products, including: - Awnings- Retractable canopies- Glass and poly carbonate verandas- Garden glassrooms- Bioclimatic roof systems- Large umbrellas and parasols Samson’s expertise, dedicated team and bespoke products can be utilised for all types of outdoor settings. From small patios and cosy pub gardens to exquisite outdoor restaurant areas, the goal is to transform outside spaces so that fresh air can be enjoyed, comfortably, throughout the year. With modern technologies constantly evolving,…

Resilience is a current “buzzword”, particularly in relation to our urban spaces and infrastructure, but what does it mean? What defines resilience? Who defines resilience? And more importantly, what can every one of us do to encourage resilience? The Oxford Dictionary defines resilience as: “The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness” and “the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape; elasticity”. So, what does that mean? GreenBlue Urban believe that resilience as in urban resilience must be designed at an early stage. Whilst some projects may be resilient “by mistake”, it is more successful if we all try to make sure that any changes that we make in our urban areas are designed with future changes in mind. None of us has access to a…

ABG Geosynthetics and their installation partners Geogreen have been awarded their third major roofing industry award for the Leeds Skelton Lake Motorway Services wildflower green roof. The roof was named as the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) Project of the Year in a Buried Application at the recent awards event held at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool https://www.lrwa.org.uk/winners-revealed-at-the-2022-lrwa-awards/ This completes a hat-trick of roofing awards following on from ABG and Geogreen also picking up the green roof trophy at the recent BALI and NFRC association awards at the end of 2021. The full case study for this award winning green roof project can be read here: https://www.geogreen.co.uk/case-studies/green-roof-installation-skelton-lake/…

A Victorian mansion hotel in Hampshire has undergone a full internal restoration now, all the attention is focused on the outdoor space and gardens. Geveko Markings’ GeoPave EzFloat was the ideal choice for the pathways around the garden, complimenting the Victorian architecture of the building whilst seamlessly blending with the modern and contemporary feel of the entertainment space. Coldeast is a beautiful Victorian mansion set in 10 acres of wonderful gardens and parkland, with views towards the River Hamble in Southampton, Hampshire. Built in 1765, Coldeast Mansion has been owned by several wealthy families who have, over the years, extended and modified the house. In 1924 the Estate was sold to Hampshire County Council, who added a further 170 acres to the estate and converted its use to a psychiatric…

Brett Landscaping played a key role in the completion of Crystal Palace’s new £20m academy and training ground when they were able to offer the best product with the shortest lead time. The leading independent concrete paving manufacturer was selected to provide more than 1,300 square metres of the new high performance Invicta block paving at the Premier League club’s new complex in Beckenham. Architects KSS worked very closely with the Crystal Palace chairman and senior management in selecting premium products for the exterior at the prestigious site-and Brett’s Invicta Pearl and Invicta Onyx met the high standards of everyone at the club. The club and architect required a high-end product, with the flexibility of large plank sizes for larger areas, but that would match up and blend with a…

Levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are at an all-time high. Whilst CO2 is an essential element to the survival of plants and animals, too much CO2 has a catastrophic impact on the environment. The continuous burning of fossil fuels by humans has resulted in a massive rise in greenhouse gases, creating an imbalance in the atmosphere. In May 2021, CO2 levels reached 419 parts per million – the highest average ever recorded. “As a manufacturer, we know we have a responsibility to be as sustainable as possible. Sustainability and environmental impact has always been a high priority for us and I am delighted to announce that we have introduced further environmental initiatives, all with the aim of reducing our environmental impact.” Mark Shorrock, Managing Director at Instarmac. UltraScape…

The climate change conference, COP 26, highlighted construction activity as major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions; it also highlighted that using more sustainable materials like wood could reduce emissions significantly. The environmental performance of construction products is in the spotlight like never before. In this respect, the environmental benefits of wood are compelling. By any measure of sustainability wood scores highly; it’s a renewable material that locks up the carbon absorbed by growing trees. Using more wood however is not as simple as it may seem. That’s because the main softwood species used for building and landscaping lack the durability to deliver the performance required for some applications. The good news is that the durability of wood products can be enhanced using a factory controlled preservative treatment or wood modification…

Events like Earth Day serve to highlight the impact humankind has on nature and climate change, and sometimes the issues can seem overwhelming. The good news is that the awareness allows us to take informed action and it’s encouraging to see organisations implementing Carbon Net Zero and Biodiversity Net Gain plans and policy, turning every day into earth day. Urban green spaces serve an important role for UK wildlife including small mammals, birds and insects; many of which are facing dramatic declines. Many of these green spaces are under the ownership of agencies who are now looking to improve, maintain and monitor their estate for wildlife in line with new Natural England metrics for assessing and attaining Biodiversity Net Gain, taking account of priority habitats and species. The connectivity of…

For decades, aluminium wasn’t a material you’d find in the average garden. Widely used in heavy industry, aerospace and automotive, its usage in more residential contexts was relatively rare. But in more recent years, that’s changed. It’s now much more common to find it in gardens, on balconies, and in other residential settings. Why? Because aluminium is an outstanding modern material, suitable for a whole host of different sectors and applications. Firstly, it’s strong, lightweight, easy to handle, and both watertight and weather resistant. It also offers sleek, fashionable aesthetics, low maintenance and good traction for all areas. In fact, at F.H. Brundle, we think it’s a great decking material – which is why we’ve recently added our new Synergised aluminium decking range to our extensive selection of timber alternatives.…

FIT Show is the UK’s No.1 trade show for the glass & glazing industry. Whether you install or fit windows, doors and conservatories, hardware, gates or garden rooms, you need to be at FIT Show 2022. When FIT Show returns to the NEC Birmingham from 10-12 May 2022 we will be bringing every link in the fenestration supply chain together. All under one roof. For the first time in three years. That’s a whole lot of opportunities to see the very latest products, speak directly to the people that manufacture them, network and upskill alongside the best in the business. And it’s completely FREE to attend! 1 - Over 200 Brands, all Under 1 Roof Get ready to see over 200 brands display the very latest products and materials for…

Adding water to a project has never been easier. This is because OASE has created complete solutions for installers. This means that everything from the pump to the feature itself is made by OASE. You can expect German-engineered, functional, and easy to install products across the board. This harmony ensures ease-of-use and reliability. We pay attention to every aspect of design, from the magnets in the pump impellors, to the copper used in the windings. OASE can provide the technical knowledge and support on all the products you use. Let’s talk pumps Pumps are the beating heart of any water feature. When working out which size you need, start by measuring the overall height of the feature. If you know what flow rate is recommended, you can use pump performance…

At this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, award-winning garden designer Kate Gould’s ‘Out of the Shadows’ garden is a lesson in how brilliant garden design can seamlessly incorporate the most demanding of wish lists. With our post-pandemic gardens being asked to work harder than ever, here Kate shares some clever ideas to make even our most ambitious garden ideas make sense in a small garden. Kate Gould said; “As we (hopefully) come out of the pandemic, people have certainly become more mindful about creating safe spaces they can hunker down in. They are thinking outside the box in terms of what they want their gardens to deliver when it comes to outdoor living, and they are often not sure how to achieve this within a traditional garden model. With ‘Out…

As the 350,000 plants for Europe’s biggest living wall start to grow, its creators give advice on how to recreate a living wall in a garden or small outdoor space. Europe’s biggest living wall will be a key feature of Eden, a 12-storey office building currently being built in Manchester which will set the sustainable building agenda for years to come. It’s being developed by The English Cities Fund who are pioneering in delivering buildings which set ambitious sustainable standards in design, construction and operation. As part of its many sustainable and wellbeing elements, Eden will have a stunning all-year-round living wall covering a surface area of approximately 4,000m2 which will encompass 32 plant species. Each species of plant has been specially selected for its biodiversity, rich in pollinators or…

Larsen Building Products BS 7533 compliant ECO paving mortar system utilises waste material from another manufacturing process. Before we delve into the detail, let’s look at some interesting facts around cements contribution to the worlds carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), research into partial cementitious replacements & the impact on the environment in terms of CO2 reduction. Concrete is the most extensively used manufactured material in the world and is only second to water as the most-consumed resource on the planet. The manufacturing process of cement results in a staggeringly high emission of greenhouse gases such as CO2. Cement is the source of about 8% of the entire world’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, according to Chatham House and as a result has an immense impact in contributions to global warming. Due to…

Over a quarter of UK houses are terraces, more than any other housing type1. Many of these were constructed in the late Victorian era to house factory and mill workers as people flocked to cities for work. This kind of housing is so prevalent in our cities that over half of UK homes are built in terraces or pairs2. These homes present challenges to modernisation, as they are situated on small plots with restricted access; often some form of a restrictive covenant or even no access at all. The current rate of new home construction in the UK cannot keep pace with inner-city population growth3; not only are not enough houses being built, but space restrictions in inner cities also prevent new developments. A new home built today would have…

With several national lockdowns firmly under our belts and despite offices being shut for most of 2020, the Department of Transport has noted a 38% increase in cycling since before the pandemic. Although this increase has been predominantly recreational the government is hoping that this can be the stimulus to continue this trend into long-term travel habits for us all. With our drive towards Net Zero, transport is without doubt one of the most challenging sectors to tackle. Our car-dependent lifestyles along with roads, vehicles, and heavy use of fossil fuels are truly embedded in all walks of life. One obvious way to reduce our transport emissions will be to firmly embrace the bike! Across the country, many of our major cities are getting on their bikes! For example, The…

Small space gardening makes a comeback at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022, sponsored by The Newt in Somerset, as the popular Balcony and Container Gardens return as judged garden categories. Proving that any space, no matter how small, can be turned into a gardening haven, the Balcony and Container Gardens are joined again by the Houseplant Studios, supported by Close Brothers Asset Management, to offer plenty of inspiration for making the most of limited space and resources. Living in a high-rise apartment in Manchester, Jason Williams, also known as the Cloud Gardener UK, decided to transform his own balcony into an urban oasis during lockdown. Using his own self-taught experiments with planting, the ‘Cirrus Garden’ includes a colourful mix of wildflowers and edibles to create a sanctuary for wildlife in…

EverEdge has been manufacturing steel landscaping products in Britain for over 25 years. EverEdge have an extensive range of steel lawn, garden and landscape edging products for domestic, commercial and public projects. More recently, EverEdge have introduced a range of steel planters and walls that have been specified into projects such as hospitals, podium landscapes, streetscapes and stately homes. Manufacturing in Britain ensures that all EverEdge products are made to the highest standard. It also means that EverEdge limit their impact on the environment and are sheltered from the worst of the current global supply chain issues. EverEdge’s bestselling edging product to the landscape trade is the Titan range of heavy duty steel edging. EverEdge Titan is available in a range of thicknesses from 2.5mm up to 6.0mm and depths…

During March 2022, Provender Nurseries in conjunction with Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, provided 1500 trees and 900 plants free to every resident of Ebbsfleet as part of their ‘Greening the City’ initiative. Provender Nurseries applied for the tender in late 2021 and were selected by Ebbsfleet Development Corporation to source and supply trees, 2L plants and associated sundries due to their biosecurity credential and Plant Healthy certification in January 2022. Working closely with Kevin McGeough, Head of Strategy and Placemaking at Ebbsfleet Garden City and Miriam Fagbemi, Ebbsfleet Community Building Manager, Provender Nurseries selected trees and plants that would increase biodiversity to the city with a mix of native trees, trees with high wildlife value, edible fruit trees and smaller plants grown in Kent in peat-free compost and kerb recyclable pots…

Offsite construction comes with a lot of advantages from sustainability to time savings. You just need to search for modular buildings online and you will find a variety of options, from mass produced units to suppliers of more bespoke designs. This allows for every budget, design and user requirements. Modular builds are constructed offsite, in advance of delivery and installation, in as little as a day, minimising disruption on site. Cleveland Sitesafe Ltd have been manufacturing modular buildings and storage solutions with a focus on security and longevity. When we say we are highly secure, we mean it, not just windows and doors but the complete structure. They can be finished in a range of aesthetically pleasing cladding options and can even accommodate a green roof, great for encouraging biodiversity.…

Picture the scene – it’s late June and the sun is shining. The garden retail sector has come together to showcase the latest innovation and merchandising solutions ahead of the 2023 season, to source new trading partners and to network with peers. The scent of barbequed food drifts through the open doors as suppliers demonstrate their latest grills, pizza ovens and smokers, and post-show drinks take place in the warmth of the late afternoon sun…..this isn’t a false reality, this is Glee 2022! In 2022 Glee will take place in late June (28th – 30th, NEC Birmingham), which means the show will benefit from a summer festival feel unlike never before. Not only will visiting retailers be better armed with their range needs for the year ahead following the peak…

Carrying the weight of a 16l or 18l-full knapsack of treatment chemicals can cause challenges for operators who work full days spraying sites. Joint, ligament and muscle wear and tear across the entire back and in the hips can result if the upper body is inadequately supported during spraying. Body parts will often compensate for the extra weight but they cannot sustain the strength for too long and begin to degenerate, which can cause stiffness and loss of range of motion, and pain, research reveals. Further, the gradual degeneration can lead to chronic back pain, compressed discs in the spine (herniated discs) neck pain an altered posture and gait and even pain in the feet, according to Dr Kenneth Hansraj, lead author of a study conducted in 2018, and a…

Torc make everything by hand from their studio in the British Isles creating beautiful pots and planters to enhance any outdoor (or indoor) space. Working alongside a talented team of artisans this family run business really specialize in textures, scale and particularly bespoke design. The design side of the business is getting busier all the time with landscape architects and garden designers alike realizing just how much expertise this company has to offer with a wealth of experience in design and problem solving to bring to the table. Torc welcome the opportunity to be involved at the design stage and are happy to contribute ideas when requested. Frequently being commissioned to provide planter designs and outdoor furniture as a one-off template for both commercial and residential spaces. Launching their new…

A well-designed garden should provide you with year-round enjoyment. Think about how you can design a space that works throughout the seasons. While a lawn might be a great space for kids to play in summer, for example, you will probably avoid it in the wet, winter months. With non-slip decking you can create a space that stays safe and welcoming all year round. Because it never gets slippery, even in wet or icy weather, Gripsure anti-slip timber decking will extend the time you spend in your dream garden. That could mean creating a large deck where you can host family and friends, or a quiet corner of the garden for you to enjoy relaxing with a book. Considering your needs in autumn and winter means you might decide to…

The number of people working from home has grown rapidly over the last two years - as has the need for a separate working environment away from the house. All-weather garden rooms offer the perfect solution for home workers who want to keep the 9-to-5 outside the walls of the main residence. However, a garden room has much more potential than just a productive office space, it can also be used as a home gym, playroom, studio, or an all-year-round extension of your living space. Designing your ideal garden getaway to suit your personal requirements is easy with Harlestone Projects. All our garden rooms are bespoke, making them totally flexible to your needs. Why choose Harlestone Projects? There’s a wide range of sizes and structures to choose from Each garden…

Low-intervention permeable paving overlays can transform worn-out paving and deliver SuDS, green infrastructure and healthy streets. To understand how, it’s worth reminding ourselves of the unique characteristics and attributes of modular concrete paving generally – as the trade body Interpave explains. Concrete Block Paving technology is based on high-strength, interlocking units installed with granular material filled joints and laying course. It enables small displacements between blocks, while retaining interlock, to create a particularly durable wearing course over structural layers below and forming a ‘flexible pavement’. Decades of use internationally have demonstrated its suitability for the most taxing paving applications. A wide choice of shapes, styles, colours and finishes – including natural aggregates – add a richness, diversity, visual interest and a human scale to the urban realm. Concrete Block Paving…

The extensive benefits associated with the creation of living walls have been well established and their importance will only grow as we seek to improve our environment. The Platipus G-WALL® Modular Living Wall System was developed as a viable solution for everyone from the designer, contractor and end user allowing them to enjoy the many benefits it brings and support the advantages of vertical greening. Every area, no matter how small, has some vertical space, be it a wall or other suitable structure, that is perfect for populating with plants. G-WALL® is an easy to install modular system that will allow everybody to transform bare boundaries or spaces into vibrant colourful living walls. To encourage more living walls to be used we made G-WALL® simple to assemble and install. Using…

1. What is Urban Paving? ‘Urban Paving’ is the term used for paved roads and pavements in our towns and cities, including the trafficked paving around all types of public buildings, retail and commercial developments and facilities, as well as other paved areas with public access, such as in our historic market squares for example. This type of paving is always installed as ‘rigid’ or ‘bound construction’ paving, with a substructure and build-up that is designed to accommodate the traffic load, with the paving elements bound into a bedding layer and securely jointed, again to accommodate and distribute the load stress into the substructure, as well as to prevent water wash-out in service. The selected paving and jointing materials must also be able to withstand continual exposure to weathering and…

The landscaping of any period building plays an important role in providing the background to its character, contributing to the overall appearance and complementing the building’s architecture. Listed buildings are required by law to retain, re-use and repair any existing floors that are original to the building, whereas the spec for exterior landscaping is often less prescribed but equally important. Many period properties have original flags which can prove tricky when restoring as original flagstones such as Yorkstone are notoriously expensive and difficult to source. Restoration and conservation projects require carefully considered detail and design, something that Westminster Stone has spent nearly 40 years perfecting, with many of their handmade Stonecast products approved for use in Listed buildings. The maturity and character of Stonecast paving is frequently specified for film…

The installation of living trees throughout urban areas can enhance environmental quality in a variety of ways. This includes the absorption of noise and pollution, in addition to the production of oxygen and the creation of privacy and land stabilisation. However, the planting of trees in landscaped or paved exterior public spaces can present a number of challenges that must be considered at the very initial design stages. Chris George, Business Development Manager at Howe Green, discusses the key factors that should be addressed when specifying tree pits and tree grilles for landscaping developments to provide a safe and efficient installation, without compromising on the overall visual effect. Whilst planting trees in urban areas provide many benefits, any trees or saplings must be initially planted into a safe and secure…

Glass Balustrades are becoming increasingly popular in Gardens and Outdoor Spaces. The main use being Barriers to either protect people from falling or to define an area within your Outdoor Space. With the introduction of Wind-Dam your Outdoor space can also be protected from the Wind as and when required extending the time you can comfortably spend outside. Wind-Dam can be used commercially or domestically around Restaurants, Patios, Decking Areas Balconies, Roof Terraces or Hot Tubs to add protection from the elements. Its unique retractable Glass solution takes the Balustrade from a standard 1100mm high to 1800mm high by simply applying pressure on the top edge of the glass to allow the Toughened Glass Wind Break to rise into position. Tested to withstand winds of up to 138kmh (86mph), when…

Tackling compaction on previous untouched ground, a Redexim Verti-Quake® 2516 has dramatically improved the downward movement of moisture at Rotherham’s Phoenix Golf Club. The Verti-Quake®, delivered in September 2021, complements the aeration work conducted with their existing Redexim Verti-Drain®, with Multi-Sport Complex Manager Mark Smith citing outstanding results on some of the sites historically waterlogged areas. Constructed on clay-based land, the 65 hectares that make up the complex includes cricket facilities, a bowling green and nine football pitches, alongside the 18-hole parkland golf course. Working with Mark on the maintenance is a team of five, meaning that operations such as aeration have been limited by time and resources. “The Verti-Drain® has traditionally been utilised on the greens but not on larger, open areas because of staffing levels” explains Mark. “We’d…

A tornado of mowing fabulousness has just blown in from Mountfield and it is available to buy now from B&Q! ‘Typhoon’ is a cordless hover mower which will allow you to mow with the flow! This easy to use and easy to manoeuvre wonder of Mountfield mowing technology glides across grass, forwards, backwards and side to side, with the grace of a ballerina!…. And with no cord to get tangled in bushes, hedges, or garden furniture! The Typhoon is powered by 2 x 4Ah (20V) smart Stiga e-power batteries that provide ample power to cut lawns up to 100sqm from one charge. The unique cutting deck traps the air to create the right amount of energy to produce the cushioning effect that lifts the mower from the ground similar to…

Cub Cadet, the proven innovator of zero-turn technology, has created the industry’s strongest line up of zero-turn riders – whether you are a landscape professional looking for a machine that can handle any terrain or a small business owner looking for a machine for your customers large lawn maintenance. You can book a demo of our machines by finding your nearest dealer at www.cubcadet.co.uk or contact Cub Cadet on 01869 363677. Once tried. Never forgotten. Z9 – Top of the range professional zero-turn The NEW top of the range Z9 183id zero-turn, proven by landscape professionals, will fulfil all your commercial requirements. With extremely wide double wheels, the Z9 has been developed to effortlessly tackle even the steepest slopes up to 25°/46%. The ability to control all four wheels with…