Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 63 - 2023 i Landscape & Urban Design

Unlocking Creativity and Adventure Through Innovative Rope Playground Structures In the world of play, innovation is the key that unlocks endless possibilities, transforming mundane spaces into realms of adventure and imagination. When it comes to reimagining your play space, Tayplay Rope Nets is the name that springs to mind, offering a diverse range of captivating rope playground structures that can revolutionise any environment. As Tayplay celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2023, it’s the perfect time to explore how this close-knit business, based in Perth, Scotland, can breathe new life into your projects. Crafting Playful Dreams into Reality At the heart of Tayplay’s ethos lies the dedication to turning dreams into tangible play experiences. The team at Tayplay is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of creativity, consistently delivering exceptional rope…

LANDSCAPE is established as the essential, industry-leading event for discerning garden, landscape designers and contractors that are involved in some of the most prestigious and valuable projects in the UK and beyond. This year, the show welcomes hundreds of companies that will be exhibiting new products and solutions that will most definitely up your business game! With more new exhibitors than ever before, designers know that they can source exciting products that are brand new to the market and also network with other top designers to discuss and discover the latest ideas in the industry. Alongside the exhibition, LANDSCAPE provides other fantastic features that will keep you busy across the two-day event. The show has secured over 100 incredible speakers that are keen to share their knowledge and expertise. These…

Torc make everything 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 specializes in textures, scale and especially bespoke design. Their pots are shaped by hand until they take on their own unique form - no two pots are ever quite the same. When we are surrounded by so much that is mass produced Torc believe there is a real appreciation for hand-crafted objects. The design side of their 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.…

We are the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of innovative commercial furniture and structures for the alfresco, hospitality and leisure industries. If your business is looking to improve your outdoor dining experience, we have a range of shade & shelter, furniture, heating & lighting, and flooring & decking solutions to improve your outdoor environment. Our elegant structures are manufactured using high-quality materials, made to virtually any size. Options include remote control, retractable, louvered or glass roofs and multiple features including heat and light. These solutions assure all-weather trading and offer a great return on investment. Combined with our extensive furniture options, our design and bespoke build capabilities allow us to create something unique for your space and style. SURVEY & DESIGN We work directly with you or your designated designers…

Concrete is often seen as a material which is one of the largest contributors to climate change, but there are great changes underway in the industry. Schellevis® has been committed to reducing the environmental impact of our products and production processes for many years. Despite the negative reputation that concrete has when it comes to sustainability, we believe that with the right practices and approach, it can be a sustainable material choice. Our focus is on using natural materials, recycling and reducing emissions from transportation and production. We believe that promoting the use of green spaces and minimising hard landscaping can contribute to sustainability. We love to see outdoor spaces roughly 30% hard landscaping and the rest planted with lush greenery, which will ensure future generations can enjoy healthy outdoor…

Multi award-winning Flitch Landscape Design & Build have created a beautiful garden landscape using UltraScape’s market-leading flowable grout. Background A beautiful domestic garden and patio in Southey Green in Essex has undergone a transformation thanks to the expertise of Flitch Landscape Design & Build. The Challenge It was the homeowners dream to use reclaimed Yorkstone cobbles as part of their design. A robust, but beautiful, grout was required due to constant use and because of the variances in depth, a flowable grout was preferred to save time, and the landscapers knees. The Solution Experts at creating unique and contemporary outdoor spaces, Flitch Landscape Design & Build used UltraScape flowpoint to joint the reclaimed Yorkstone cobbles and pavers to create a picture-perfect sidewalk and generous patio. UltraScape flowpoint is a flowable…

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 OASE made. 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. You need to know the right type of pump as well as the right size for your requirements. OASE pumps come in various sizes from 2500 up-to 44000 l/h. A pump for each type of feature Not all pumps are created equal. Depending on the effect you’re trying to achieve you’ll need the right pump for the job. Fountains require pressure to force water through nozzles to produce the spectacular results…

Marano Integrated is the latest addition to F.H. Brundle’s stylish aluminium fencing range. This versatile system consists of boards, screens, posts, and inserts that can provide either total privacy or boards with 25mm gaps between them. Multiple spacers can also be used to create larger spaces between boards. In common with the broader Marano range, Marano Integrated is long-lasting, requires extremely little maintenance, and is therefore highly cost-effective. Simple to install, the product features a single universal post measuring 80 x 80mm, with a narrow 20.6mm slot on two sides, and an extra wide slot on the third side. The post can be used as an intermediate, corner, and end post by adding or removing extrusions. The Marano Integrated infill range consists of four hollow sections – one 55mm section…

Colour has a huge impact on how we feel, act and react. There are various psychological studies on how different colours evoke different moods, which can profoundly effect our happiness and productivity. Interestingly, the history of the first colour used in art, dates back to 75,000 years, when red, from ochre, was used for caveman drawings – using colours inspired by nature. Nature provides us with ever-changing beauty, the waves of the sea and the wilderness of roaring rivers, these are the elements that Osmo UK have drawn upon for inspiration. With innovative design, Osmo UK has created an new product with nature in mind. Explore the colours inspired by nature, from the ocean floor to your home. New Country Shades Country Shades is a stunning new wood finish to…

Outdoor areas play a major part in creating first impressions and can serve to either attract or detract from your property’s curb appeal. By adding a beautiful outdoor facility that you can enjoy right away, you not only improve its attractiveness and utility immediately, you also increase its resale value over time. Here are five key considerations for outdoor upgrades to unlock your property’s potential: LIFESTYLE/FUNCTIONALITY This may seem obvious, but the kind of lifestyle you lead or wish to lead or the functionality you require should guide your decision on what outdoor upgrades you should consider. Are you an entertainer? Do you like to do outdoor yoga? Do you need a quiet space to read and relax or to send the kids to play safely outside? Be it a…

UK Construction Week (UKCW) Birmingham, returns for its ninth year this autumn. The UK’s largest event for the built environment, registration is now live for UKCW Birmingham, which will run from October 3rd to 5th at the NEC Birmingham. The three-day construction show, welcoming over 25,000 visitors, will hero culture change in construction and will feature over 6,000 products and services. The first set of speakers and details on seminar hubs have been announced and UKCW will host three days of debate and discussion with high-profile names bringing some of the industry’s most eminent leaders under one roof. Together they will challenge, discuss & address the core issues affecting the built environment sector; from transforming infrastructure performance, sustainability, well being and building health and technology and the skills gap are…

The University of Bath, a prominent UK institution known for its teaching and research excellence, responded to the rising demand for quality student accommodation by constructing Brendon Court, a new student housing complex on campus. Comprising 113 flats, Brendon Court accommodates 126 first-year undergraduate students. The heart of the complex features a communal area serving as both an access pathway and a comfortable outdoor seating space. Main Contractor K P Wilton & Son Ltd engaged SureSet, a seasoned expert in resin bound paving installation, for the project. Resin bound paving was chosen due to its remarkable attributes, including durability, permeability, aesthetics, low maintenance, versatility, and eco-friendliness. The process involved preparing a permeable asphalt base for effective drainage, followed by the installation of the resin bound paving, professional executed by Subcontractor…

In all environments, a good protection and maintenance regime is essential, in order to retain a tile’s aesthetic and performance. In outdoor settings, this can be a particular challenge, especially with increasingly severe weather, greater footfall and the advent of heavily textured engineered tiles. In response, Mapei has developed the UltraCare range of cleaners and protectors. Formulated in the Mapei Research Laboratories, and designed for professional and end-user application, Mapei UltraCare provides a solution from installation right up to the protection and maintenance of surfaces in private and commercial settings. Treatments are formulated for all types of natural and engineered stone and tile finishes, from sandstone to external grade porcelain. Cleaning external paving Mapei’s UltraCare cleaners are tailored to a tile’s finish and individual characteristics. Each formulation provides a safe…

For more than 20 years, Platipus Anchors has played a pivotal role in introducing urban greening to the continuously expanding metropolis of Dubai. This sprawling city, nestled in a geographically challenging environment, has enthusiastically embraced the notion of tree and palm anchoring as a solution to infuse greenery into its urban fabric. This innovative approach not only involves securely planting huge specimens but also rapidly transforms spaces into inviting retreats, alleviating the stress often experienced by the city’s vital tourist population. Furthermore, it significantly contributes to cooling the local environment in the face of Dubai’s blistering heat. A prime example of this approach is West Beach at Palm Jumeirah, a popular tourist hub adorned with luxury hotels and fine dining establishments. The area’s exposure to relentless sunlight prompted the strategic…

The 47th National Landscape Awards will once again be held at the iconic JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London on Friday 1 December 2023 and this year hosted by comedian, business leader, entrepreneur, podcaster, writer and keynote speaker Cally Beaton. Tickets are now on sale with limited early bird tickets available to purchase till the 8 September. Join us to celebrate this year’s National Award winners and be among the first to find out who goes on to win the Principal Award in each category, Special Awards and of course, the coveted Grand Award. As always, demand for tickets will be high, ensure you visit baliawards.co.uk to confirm your place at the largest landscape Awards in Europe. TICKET INFORMATION Early Bird Prices (+ VAT) Individual Place - £210.00…

Otterbine’s Air Flo 3 underwater ‘bubbler’ diffused aeration system is the safe solution for Pinewood Scout Centre in Croydon, bringing its lake back to life and reopening it for water sports after a period of closure due to poor water quality. When Jim Clements, site manager and scout leader, took on Pinewood Scout Centre last year he made it his mission to reform the site’s grounds, and fixing the lake that hosts the centre’s watersport activities was the first step. With the water quality of the lake being key to keeping the scouts safe, the Otterbine Air Flo 3 aerator was the ideal choice to get the lake back into action. When it came time to find an aeration solution, Jim was after two key things: a system that is…

KES Power and Light Ltd is the sole UK distributor of PCE industrial plugs, sockets, and electrical distribution equipment. Notably, we are also a key player in the field of sustainable transportation, offering PCE E-Bike and EV chargers. With a full-cycle approach, our electrical panels, distro and switchgear are designed, manufactured, and perfected in the UK. The company’s proficiency in CAD design and in-house metalworking ensures top-notch quality. Additionally, our laser engraving capabilities add a personalised touch. KES Power and Light Ltd stands as a beacon of British innovation, delivering cutting-edge industrial electrical distribution and eco-friendly solutions for electrical and transportation needs. Contact our friendly sales team to find out more. Tel. 02380704703 | Email. sales@kes.co.uk Web. www.kes.co.uk…

Re-flow, an award-winning field management solution, empowers both operatives and field managers by seamlessly integrating and enhancing oversight over all key operational processes. With its widespread adoption by numerous businesses nationwide, including esteemed regional firms like Tony Benger Landscaping, Taylor Made Landscapes, and Shines Environmental, Re-flow has proven to be a game-changer in streamlining operational processes and facilitating sustainable growth. In the landscaping industry, rapid business growth often exposes the limitations of manual systems, which are hindered by outdated and siloed processes, unreliable communication and human error. Re-flow, on the other hand, offers a comprehensive suite of digital tools designed to address these challenges by managing all critical operational processes seamlessly and efficiently. The user-friendly desktop dashboard boasts a multitude of powerful features, including creating detailed job packs, intelligent scheduling…

The sports ground and pavilion in Shinfield, Berkshire is a joint enterprise between Reading University and the Parish Council. The primary intention is to encourage more young and diverse people to play cricket in a bid to make the sport more inclusive and accessible to everyone. However, on a broader level, the sports ground will provide a safe space in which children can meet and play and, when the cricket season is over, the pitches will be used for football. The pavilion building will provide shelter from the elements for spectators and changing facilities for the teams and will also be used as a daycare centre for dementia sufferers during the week. The pavilion, created by TG Escapes, provides two team changing rooms, changing facilities for officials, showers and WCs,…

Since 1963, Civic Trees have been at the forefront of tree relocation throughout the UK, from importing the very first Vermeer tree spade into Europe, to designing and constructing the Newman Frame which is now used worldwide. Civic Trees are always looking to pioneer new techniques that aid the relocation of trees. Tree relocation is a concept that involves uprooting trees from one location and transplanting them to another. With current events surrounding environmental issues, relocating trees is even more important now than ever before. By relocating trees instead of cutting them down, we can preserve nature’s beauty while also promoting sustainability. We are proud of our reputation for efficient, cost effective and reliable tree relocation throughout the UK. You can be confident that through our exemplary commitment to staff…

As the weather improves, spending time outside is good for our health and wellbeing. But with the Great British weather not always complying, creating an all-weather outdoor space with CRL Glass Rooms is a perfect, simple to install solution. Featuring an intelligent modular design, the aluminium structure means very few supports are needed even over large areas. The innovative connectors give a high degree of flexibility with many variations possible, while optional extras including sliding doors, vertical blinds and ceiling blinds makes it simple to create a unique space that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons. The system’s modular design enables the Glass Room to be configured to suit any space, from simple rectangles to more complex L shape designs. The drainage is cleverly integrated into the post, with rainwater…

Glasdon UK is an industry leader in the design, manufacture and supply of innovative products that combine three vital factors to help maintain your open spaces and encourage visiting guests. Cleanliness and safety are essential for open spaces to succeed; that’s why we design our products with practicality, engagement, and user access in mind. Additionally, we firmly believe sustainable practices are essential to all organisations; hence, we incorporate environmental practices into our own processes, utilising recycled and recyclable materials where possible. Solutions to be proud of… Make waste disposal effortless through optimal waste control. Since 1959, our outdoor litter solutions have come with a pedigree of high-quality design. From contemporary to traditional style, our bins feature designs to suit multiple locations and complement any surroundings. Recently, we introduced a new…

Welcome to the world of Aquacut, where artistry meets precision, and innovation reigns supreme. As a leading manufacturer of steps for retail, commercial and domestic properties, we take pride in creating thousands of bespoke steps every year. Our commitment to excellence drives us to deliver the highest quality products that meet the unique demands of our esteemed clientele. Let’s take a fascinating journey through our step-by-step process, where every detail matters. Precise Templating At Aqucut, we embrace the challenge of fabricating intricate step designs, including the enigmatic spiral staircases. Our secret weapon? High-end computerised laser templating systems, accurate to the millimetre. From the first moment of templating, we ensure that every curve, angle and dimension is flawlessly plotted, setting the stage for a perfect masterpiece. Cutting-edge CNC Technology Waterjet cutting…

North, east and west, some of London’s most iconic residential and commercial developments have benefited from using a combination of green roof substrates and natural, as-dug soils from one of the UK’s leading growing media suppliers, Boughton. Here we learn more about the latest project at Canary Wharf and look back at some of previous London highlights that have helped to put Boughton well and truly on the map. The Pavilion at Landmark Pinnacle, Canary Wharf Part of a much larger scale project which includes the UK’s highest tropical garden, the Pavilion at Landmark Pinnacle is the work of Gillespies, Valley Provincial and Farrer Huxley. The green roof which swoops over the ground level commercial space at the foot of the 75-storey skyscraper, will provide much needed green space for…

Skatepark Řeporyje is a multifunctional leisure activity park, that is connecting movement and art in public space. The impulse for the proposal of the leisure activity park in Řeporyje came straight from the residents of the city district and their need for a multifunctional sports and leisure activity area. Our goal was to create a safe and attractive public space, that will bring variability of use for various ages and social groups. The design contains a skatepark, parkour, pump track, picnic tables with grill, as well as a wooden stage for events and outdoor cinema. All merged into one space. Important parts of the proposal are statues from the most famous Czech sculptors – Čestmir Suška and Lukáš Rais. Sculptures are in direct dialogue with the composition and elements of…

A Golf Course Manager from a deluxe golf and spa resort nestled in the scenic Cheshire countryside explains why they use Attraxor to keep their turf green, clear of Poa annua, and easily maintainable. Golf course manager John Quinn, based at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa near Knutsford, has been using Attraxor for three seasons and has shared the benefits he’s seen on the golf course. The Mere offers a deluxe fourstar hotel experience with a spa and a scenic 18-hole lakeside Championship Golf Course, encompassed by mature trees and extensive vegetation. The 81-room hotel is a popular retreat for avid golfers, with many posting their experience on Trip Advisor complimenting the greens as being “smooth, fabulous, and well kept.” John discussed the reasons he began to use Attraxor…

Green spaces deliver a wide array of environmental, social and economic benefits. Only in recent times have we truly understood the harmful effect of urbanisation, the loss of greenbelt and the need for SUDs. Trees play a vital role – absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen and controlling the rainwater entering watercourses, reducing the likelihood of flooding. The Woodland Trust suggest ‘trees can reduce outdoor and indoor pollution by an incredible 50%’. It’s also widely accepted that green space can enhance mental health and wellbeing. The negative impact of urban trees In some cases, however, structures, services or infrastructure can be damaged by tree roots – directly through pressure or indirectly through subsidence. Structural damage is generally only an outcome where trees’ uptake is within shrinkable clay soils leading to subsidence.…

Hedges Direct is the UK’s leading supplier of hedging plants, despatching direct from our 16 acre nursery site in Lancashire to both trade and retail customers. With nearly 20 years horticulture experience, we make buying hedges easy. As a hedging plant specialist, we have plants for every project – from the popular evergreen to UK grown native varieties, all available in a range of heights and root types. Delivered with care We have been delivering plants since 2005, so we know how to grow, pack and transport then to you in excellent condition. We also have nominated day and next day delivery options available. 12 month Plant Guarantee The Hedges Direct 12 month guarantee is our promise that you can buy our plans with complete confidence – if any fail…

Leading UK plant nursery, Johnsons of Whixley, has provided over five thousand plants to a five-star luxury spa hotel in County Durham, as part of the venue’s £8.5million expansion plans. The Yorkshire-based horticultural business was chosen to supply a range of plants and trees to Seaham Hall Hotel’s grounds, including its bungalow lodges, 44,000sq ft spa area and hotel terrace, as a project to develop a series of new luxury suites for the hotel also gets underway. Johnsons of Whixley, which worked with Richard Porter of Garden Vision Ltd, supplied the plants for the project, providing a diverse range of plants and trees, ensuring a considered approach in keeping with the property’s Georgian heritage. The supply included Allium hollandicum plants, Allium nigrum, Betula jacquemontii trees, Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’, Lavandula ‘Hidcote’…

Looking for inspiration? SPATEX 2024 brings an exciting new dimension to landscape and urban design. The very latest water features, fountains, swimming pools, swimspas, ice spas, wellness suites, enclosures, steam rooms and saunas can all be viewed under the convenience of one roof at the UK’s only dedicated water leisure show, Coventry Building Society Arena, Tuesday 6th to Thursday 8th February. Water adds a unique sight and sound element and elevates design to whole a new sensory level. Free to attend, visit SPATEX 2024 to view the latest products and innovations from the international world of water leisure, gain inspiration, and source free, impartial advice for your projects. Unique showcase - With over a hundred exhibiting companies, including all the leading water leisure manufacturers and suppliers from around the world,…

Eco Clipper offers large area mowers that help field managers minimize mowing costs while producing a professional finish. The Eco Clipper mowing system was originally developed to replace the cylinder mower in turfgrass production. The aim was to retain the cutting performance of a well-tuned cylinder mower, but not the high maintenance requirements and sensitivity to mowing conditions, such as wet grass and weeds. The System The smooth cutting decks with fast spinning small blades ensure a high quality of cut and a good distribution of clippings. Thanks to the electrically driven blades, the mower is very economical and quiet. The large wheels and smart mower deck linking system ensure good contour following and enable high mowing speeds. Municipalities and sports field and park managers have also discovered the advantages…

When preparing soil for turf, grass seed or wild flowers, what’s the best piece of equipment to use? A rotavator will churn up the ground, bringing stones and debris to the top, leaving four of five inches of lumpy, soft soil that will need to be re-consolidated and top-raked in order to achieve a firm, stone-free surface. No matter what compaction method is used, the job will be timeconsuming and the sub-soil will rarely be as firm as it was previously. Consequently, it is liable to slump when the first serious fall of rain comes along, and the client will expect the contractor to return to site to rectify the problem. The profitable alternative is to use the Turf Teq Power Rake. It has twice the working width of a…

An investment in the installation of 4500m² of artificial lawn to create a safe, attractive, clean space for families to relax and play come rain or shine has transformed an area of a holiday park in Kent from a no-go zone to a popular hang-out. Prior to the installation, the area was actively avoided by many families as it looked scruffy and was peppered by rough, uneven patches due to the contours of the area. Artificial Lawn Company was given the mission to turn it into an area that could be used all year round. As well as uneven ground and awkward contours, the area had poor drainage, so it was often overly muddy or extremely dry and hard, creating unsuitable surfaces for children to use the play equipment. To…

Comment from Charlie Alexander, founder of Oxenwood. Gardens can be a space of great beauty and inspirational planting, but they also provide a place to relax and switch off in peace and quiet, to spend time with family, or to enjoy entertaining friends on long summer evenings. Creating a sense of place and a haven in your garden to relax and unwind is no mean feat and requires a lot of thought, planning and care. While personal taste and styles vary greatly, one of the key elements to transform your garden into a true oasis is quality outdoor furniture. Garden furniture goes far beyond a practical level of simply providing somewhere to sit. It can also be a statement piece and an eye-catching design feature, and so requires careful consideration…

In January 2023, Caribbean Blinds worked with landscaping professionals, Bancroft Lee Landscapes, to install a stylish outdoor shading solution at a residential property in Cheshire. The result was a fully covered sunken seating area within a multi-zoned open plan garden that can be used all year round. The client The client – a couple with two young children – recently had their garden landscaped by a designer who created the overall concept, including the sunken seating area. Bancroft Lee Landscapes saw the opportunity to add one of Caribbean Blinds’ Outdoor Living Pods™ to this element and mocked up a digital design. This was then approved, and the client chose the colours for the Pod itself, as well as for the fabric for the 4 screens. The finished result Our ‘Deluxe’…

As the global awareness of environmental issues continues to grow, sustainable practices have become paramount across various industries. One area where sustainability is making a significant impact is in construction and landscaping, specifically in the realm of paving. In the UK, the paving industry has undergone a remarkable transformation, with a spotlight on eco-friendly alternatives to conventional paving materials. Bradstone, a well-established brand that has taken substantial strides towards reducing its carbon footprint while maintaining the quality and aesthetic appeal that customers have come to expect. Bradstone’s commitment to environmental responsibility is shown through its innovative Eco Paving product range. This range not only highlights Bradstone’s dedication to sustainability but also shows the brand’s determination to create products that align with a greener future. The introduction of ECO paving brings…

Fully mature, ready to plant hedges, perfectly knitted together to give your garden an instant transformation. There are so many types to choose from including individual plants, low and high panels and even screens. Ordering from Readyhedge is as easy as… 1. Choose your hedge variety 2. Select the height you desire 3. Measure the required distance in metres You need 1 bag or trough for every metre measured, it really is that simple! Create the perfect frame for any garden with our choice of over 35 varieties of hedges. You can find a hedge to accommodate any UK climate and soil type. If you’re seeking immediate and impressive impact, instant hedging units are the ultimate option. Our aim is to fulfil orders in 48 hours, we offer secure and…

The Colour Fence range is maintenance free, guaranteed for 25 years, withstands gusts of 130mph, fireproof and environmentally friendly. We have been operating for over 20 years within the UK. Due to unprecedented demand we are now looking to introduce our product ranges to selected trade partners in dedicated areas across the UK. Trade Partners We have successfully partnered with various landscapers and fencing contractors and we are now looking to expand our network further. The demand for our products is growing fast, hence our need to build stronger relationships with Trade partners. For the first time in our company’s history we have decided to offer our range to selected quality Trade partners, to come on board and build strong relationships. In certain circumstances we will forward relevant leads/opportunities directly…

From the first warm day in spring to the last sunny day in autumn, bees fly around looking for nectar and pollen to collect. As well as flowers on herbs and plants, blossoming trees play an important role in providing a food supply for bees. In the search for food, willows are a favourite during the early spring and after this fruit trees. After the fruit trees have blossomed, there is not much more to be found until summer. In order to give the bees a helping hand you can plant trees that blossom and produce nectar or pollen at different times throughout the growing season. Blossoming lime trees are perhaps the most valuable pollen plants for bees. By planting a wide range of species, the blossoming period can be…

As a technical advisory service, the TDCA receives enquiries daily. But too often we get asked the same questions that are fundamental to both timber decking and cladding. We’re working hard to address them and provide resolution to common misconceptions by providing free resources on our website as well as on-hand guidance. As well as our popular Timber Decking and Cladding Handbooks, the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section of our website has a host of solutions to common issues and if you can’t find the answers there then you can get in touch. Whenever we receive and deal with a new enquiry, if the subject is not already covered on our site, we create a new FAQ. If you’re after a particular fixing, coating or timber component look no further…

Coping stones can elevate both aesthetics and function in your home and garden. These versatile stones have many diverse applications adding both form and function to a project. 1. Pool Surrounds: Coping stones are ideal for pool edges, offering a comfortable grip and a sleek appearance. Copings can be laid to allow water to fall away or into a pool, preventing marks and stains. Different edge profiles can be customized to match the pool’s design. 2. Wall Protection: Placing coping stones atop walls safeguards against rainwater damage, stains, and structural decay. The stones’ overhang directs water away from the wall’s surface, preserving its appearance. Drip grooves aid water runoff, while matching coping to various materials enhances the wall’s appeal. 3. Step Treads: Coping stones double as step treads, ensuring secure…

GreenBlue Urban is proud to announce the launch of SuDSPod, a groundbreaking and cost-effective solution that addresses a multitude of challenges associated with stormwater management. SuDSPod offers an innovative approach to on-plot attenuation, delivering unparalleled performance while tackling issues such as peak flow rates from roofs, complex designs, and combined sewer overflow (CSO) overspills. Traditional stormwater management solutions have often fallen short in meeting the evolving demands of urban development and environmental conservation. SuDSPod represents a remarkable leap forward, introducing a versatile and advanced approach to stormwater attenuation that not only benefits new developments but can also be seamlessly retrofitted to existing private, public housing, and service buildings. The cornerstone of SuDSPod’s success lies in its patented design, which redefines the concept of drain-down vessels for stormwater management. This next-generation…

Meadows have emerged as a celebrated feature in the tapestry of modern landscapes, capturing the hearts of landscape architects, urban designers, and architects alike. Crafting an enduring meadow community demands finesse, but with the right groundwork and adept management, the result is an enchanting display of blossoms that transcends time. Here’s a comprehensive guide to seamlessly incorporate perennial meadows into your projects. The Heart of Growth: The Right Growing Medium The bedrock of a thriving meadow lies in its growing medium. Striking a balance between drainage and fertility is pivotal. A drier, nutrientpoor medium nurtures a diverse range of flowering species that flourish under stress. A successful meadow requires a growing medium with a pH of 6-7, low phosphorous content, modest potassium levels, and a nitrogen index below 1%. Innovatively,…

A new micronised water retention product that can significantly improve soil works in landscape projects by cutting the amount of nutrients and irrigation needed. SoilWater Ltd has built on an Innovate UK grant and 75 years of past global efforts to introduce a cost-efficient and sustainable solution to boost soil productivity and resilience, effective for both open and intra-urban landscapes. Christian Murray, founder, and CEO of SoilWater Ltd., states: “Our quality and small size of material allows us to offer the world’s only instantly soluble soil amendment/conditioner, technically called a flocculant.” Rescaype® Product is used in such small amounts, just 1 g/m2 of it assures the soil will remain virtually free of any residues, unlike many other soil conditioners. Keeping gardens and plants in the best shape possible while reducing…

Spending time in the garden is one of life’s joys and incorporating some lighting into your outdoor space will really help to make the most of the warmer evenings. Here, Mara Rypacek Miller, MD at Industville, gives us her top tips on how best to light your garden, whether that’s a modern space with a trendy outdoor kitchen and bar for entertaining, or a more traditional cottage garden in which to relax at the end of the day. 1. Plan your Layout Plan where you want your lighting to be placed and what level of brightness you need. Uplights for example, can be cleverly placed to illuminate trees, pergolas, architectural elements, or sculptures, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the beauty of the garden, whereas downlighting help to brighten pathways and…

With the climate and economy throwing more challenges than ever before at those responsible for keeping our landscapes in top condition learning from others, networking and seeing new innovations has a key role to play. This is where SALTEX, Europe’s largest free, sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition can step in. The event delivers an unmissable mix of learning and networking opportunities, education, and exhibition, all in one place over two days. If your work involves managing landscapes–whether you are a groundsman, contractor, gardener, or horticulturalist - you will be able to learn from your industry’s opinion formers and see new products and services from the industry’s leading suppliers. Now in its 77th year SALTEX 2023 will provide the visitor the chance to view over 400 brands in three…

Having been machinery partners to Hertfordshire’s Centurion Club for a number of years, George Browns recently played a pivotal role in the successful delivery of the LIV Golf League London event in early July. The supply of additional equipment and service training was the result of six months of intricate planning between Course Manager Andrew Garland, Stuart Gray from Baroness and David Fisher, Area Sales Manager at George Browns’ Chesham branch. The result, says Andrew, was “outstanding support and a perfect playing surface from start to finish!” Nestled into rural countryside to the west of St Albans, the Centurion Club delivers a mixture of open, undulating holes combined with challenging woodland-lined holes, delivering a feeling of maturity to the club which opened to members and the public in 2013. “Our…

The countdown is on and it’s time to get ready for the most anticipated event of the year. GroundsFest is set to be the largest, annual, free must-attend event for grounds staff, greenkeepers, landscapers, gardeners, local authorities, estate managers and contractors. Taking place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 20 – 21 September, here is a snapshot of what attendees can look forward to. The Landscape Zone An entire hall dedicated to all those involved in the planning, design, and construction of outdoor environments in the landscaping sector. The Landscape Zone will spotlight the latest outdoor environment technologies, solutions and innovations and will be a must-attend event for landscape architects, local authority landscaping professionals, garden designers, landscape contractors, interior designers, facilities managers and many more. In the Landscape Zone, there will…

STIHL will be showcasing its full AP System range of professional battery tools at the first GroundsFest 2023 exhibition, highlighting how cordless tools can meet the varying needs of landscapers and groundscare teams. Visitors to the STIHL stand will be able to see the new PS 3000, STIHL’s first portable 230V power supply, providing users with a quiet, low maintenance and emission-free alternative to petrol-powered generators. Weighing only 19.8kg and boasting a 3.6kW power output, the new PS 3000 offers a high power-toweight ratio and is one of the most powerful portable power supply units in its weight class. Other new tools available for professional users to get their hands on at the exhibition will be the BGA 300 backpack blower, HSA 100 cordless hedge trimmer, and the updated MSA…