Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 68 - 2024 i Landscape & Urban Design

Some of the biggest and most exciting changes for a generation are being made to RHS Flower Shows, which will celebrate the best of UK horticulture, design and talent, take the world-class Shows to stunning new locations around the country, and work with more communities and schools. In the future, well-loved RHS Shows will tour to new locations to promote gardening to as many people as possible. The changes will be a catalyst for new content for an exciting visitor experience. Whilst RHS Chelsea Flower Show as the world’s greatest and most famous gardening event will stay as it is, RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival will become a biennial event in two years with a new Show taking place in 2026 in the historic grounds of Badminton Estate, in…

Practicality Brown have been supplying hedges and trees to Garden Designers at Chelsea for over 20 years. In 2024, Practicality Brown continued its tradition of excellence, providing top-quality instant hedges that helped bring 3 RHS special exhibits to life. All About Hedges One of the highlights was the Discovery Zone feature, designed by Dave Green in collaboration with RHS Science. This exhibit focused on the importance of hedges in urban and suburban landscapes. Practicality Brown supplied a selection of their Practical Instant Hedge™ range, including Yew, Privet, Elaeagnus, Portuguese Laurel, and Griselinia. These hedges showcased how well-chosen plants can enhance urban environments by providing privacy, reducing noise pollution, and supporting local wildlife. RHS x UBS: A Day on the Nursery “A Day on the Nursery” was designed by Emma Tipping.…

This year, at the RHS’s Chelsea Flower Show and Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, Hartley Botanic, England’s most historic and respected Glasshouse and Greenhouse manufacturer, tapped-into the timeless charm of a Victorian English garden with its ‘Simple Elegance – A Traditional English Garden’ tradestand. The manufacturer showcased its beautiful, handmade Glasshouses within a design and planting scheme inspired by the English gardens of the Victorian period, a nod to the longevity of its structures, and a celebration of the era’s opulence and elegance. Landscape Architect Rachel Sampson (BA(Hons) Dip. CMLI,) who designed the planting scheme, shares how you can achieve this iconic look in your own garden. Key Characteristics of a Victorian English Garden Quintessential English, Victorian-style gardens are known for their ornate and lush aesthetics, geometric and symmetrical planting…

In the dynamic landscape of turf maintenance, where the wheels of progress are in perpetual motion, the unspoken hero is often overlooked. Picture this: the hum of machinery, the scent of hard work in the air, and the collective pulse of an industry beating with ambition. Yet, beneath this bustling surface lies a crucial undercurrent – a commitment to uncompromising safety. For Trimax, world leader in flail and rotary cutting equipment, safety isn’t just a tick box exercise. “From the design and development of our machines to the testing and manufacturing processes, safety is always at the forefront of our minds. We believe that by prioritising safety, we can not only protect operators but also enhance their productivity and efficiency.” Caroline Shaw, Global Brand Manager at Trimax. Here we’ve got…

Landscape managers require their field management software to: • give real-time visibility of jobs, documents, and workflow operations.• provide forms for evidencing work – forms so easy to use that operatives feel more compliant and process driven. Re-flow is a cloud-based field management solution that provides worker qualification libraries, asset scheduling, job progress, photo uploads, in app communication and much more… A Case in Point Re-flow landscaping client, Shines Environmental, chose us as their field management solution during a time when they were operating on a number of siloed digital systems. They also wanted access to high-quality data and job information. A major goal was making photographic evidence a mandatory part of form submission, with tags linking the pictures back to the relevant job and operative. Shines Environmental adopted the…

Choosing a resin-bound finish for your garden pathway could be the ideal solution if you are looking to enhance the exterior of your property with a method that is both durable and low maintenance. Below, John Pearce, Co-Director at Oltco, an award-winning supplier and installer of sustainable resin bound driveways, patios and pathways, discusses just how a resin garden pathway can improve the aesthetics of the outside of your home, while also increasing functionality. Smooth and Seamless Uneven slabs on garden footpaths  can not only be dangerous to walk across but can also look untidy and uncared-for. Resin bound pathways are seamless and have anti-slip properties, making them practical and safe for walking on, as well as DDA compliant and accessible with wheelchairs, pushchairs and bicycles. This seamless finish ensures…

In the world of architectural design, finding durable, aesthetically pleasing, and high-performance materials is crucial. At Firedeck, we understand these needs and proudly introduce EXADECK, a groundbreaking decking system designed to meet the highest standards of quality and functionality. EXADECK is not just another decking option; it’s a revolutionary system of extruded porcelain decking boards, setting a new benchmark in the industry. Whether you’re designing urban landscapes, public walkways, or private gardens, EXADECK offers unparalleled benefits that make it the ideal choice for any outdoor project. One of the standout features of EXADECK is its exceptional fire resistance. Boasting an A1 fire rating, EXADECK provides the highest level of safety and reliability. It ensures peace of mind, particularly in areas prone to high temperatures and naked flames, making it an…

AKFS is a recognised market leader in commercial vehicle design and construction, firmly holding the top spot within the commercial vehicle industry - our reputation for excellence is well-deserved, reflecting our commitment to quality, innovation and our Built Without Compromise ethos. For many years, one vehicle design from our portfolio of commercial vehicle solutions has stood out as a clear favourite among our grounds maintenance, landscaping, and lawn maintenance customers: the AKFS Load & Go® Utility Vehicle. Its superior design and reliability have made it the go-to choice in the industry. Engineered specifically for the grounds maintenance and lawn management sectors, and incorporating valuable feedback from industry giant idverde, the Load & Go® delivers exceptional ROI, usability, and dependability. At its core, the AKFS Load & Go® vehicle design simplifies…

Hedges Direct is the UK’s leading supplier of hedging plants, despatching direct from our 16 acre nursery site in Lancashire, covering all of mainland UK - and with nearly 20 years horticulture experience, we make buying hedges easy. As a Hedging plant specialist, we have plants for every project - from popular evergreens to UK grown native varieties, all available in a range of heights and root types, with year round options in over 100 species. Expert Advice The Hedges Direct trade team are highly experienced and provide expert advice and a friendly, efficient and flexible service tailored to work for you. They’re here to help you with all your planting requirements, whether we stock it or not. We work with growers and suppliers of all types of plants from…

In the same way the needs of your garden change through the seasons, so do the needs of your sports pitches. As Spring is now here it’s time to start thinking about what needs to be done to maintain your pitches and ensure they are ready for the forthcoming summer period. Getting off to the right start Spring is the perfect time to start preparation of your pitch for the upcoming playing seasons. Focusing on cutting the grass and aeration of the pitch, to allow water, air and nutrients to penetrate down to the roots, will ensure you have laid the foundations for the coming year. To gain a consistent surface throughout the pitch, we recommend overseeding and feeding it. These two activities allow you to plant grass seeds directly…

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. Torc welcome the opportunity to be involved at the design stage and are happy to contribute ideas when requested. Frequently being commissioned…

Consumers today are more conscious than ever about the sustainability credentials of the products they buy and use. There is a clear trend for switching to more sustainable and environmentally friendly products. That’s why so many people turn to Osmo when looking for a wood finish, as it’s not only high-quality, durable and easy to maintain, but it is also made from sustainable ingredients. A Sustainable Solution The foundation of Osmo wood finishes is based upon purified and refined natural resources which are carefully harvested into natural oils and hard waxes. Osmo products contain natural vegetable oils to help nourish the wood and retain flexibility. Depending on the product, they might include: linseed oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil as well as thistle oil. The interior range of hard wax oil…

Give your garden project and instant uplift with ready to plant hedges. Suitable for all garden types, both commercial and domestic. At Readyhedge you can choose from: • Metre long lengths• Various heights – from 30cm tall to 200cm tall• Available in Readyhedge bags or Readyhedge troughs Our hedging expertise spans 20 years+, producing over 50,000 metres of instant hedging per year in over 35 varieties. This includes individual plants, low and high panels and even screens. Wide variety of hedges Discover the large selection of evergreen, deciduous and mixed native hedging available. There are quick growing hedges, semi evergreen, formal hedges, and even low maintenance hedges to choose from! Expertly Grown Readyhedge ready to plant hedges are grown to be fully mature, under the watchful eye of our hedging…

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…

Revolutionising Turf Care for Landscapers With Kress RTKn mowers, Kress showcases the pinnacle of possibilities in automated mowing. These mowers integrate advanced technologies such as RTKn (Real-time kinematic to the power of network), MAP (Mowing Action Plan), and OAS (Obstacle Avoidance System) with new innovations, setting a new benchmark for performance and precision in turf care. Key Features and Technologies RTKn Technology: The Kress RTKn mowers utilise a real-time kinematic network, eliminating the need for traditional powered antennas. This innovation not only makes the system immune to power surge damages, enhancing its reliability and resilience, but also avoids the extra costs and eyesores associated with line-of-sight aerials, this ensures the aesthetic and beauty of the landscape are preserved. Mowing Action Plan (MAP): This feature optimises the mowing pattern for efficiency,…

Butler Wiltshire has recently completed a series of seating and planter clusters for the City of London, made from terracotta and repurposed timber. The sculptural, tessellating modules have been designed to respond to the City’s unique architectural heritage and provide much-needed pockets of seating and greenery within the high-rise Eastern City district. The geometry of the modular design derives from the Coats of Arms of the historic City Livery Companies, which are typically a 5-sided crest or shield. These symbols are synonymous with the City and can be seen throughout the district, typically on buildings, gateways, and street furniture. From the archetypal shield motif, a subtly altered, tessellating tile geometry was developed. This was extruded to create vessels of six different heights, with the same basic form used to create…

With a reputation carved out from a combination of quality porcelain and naturally sourced stone paving, walling and associated products Stone & Porcelain Supplies redefines how stockists can access the best paving products while enjoying excellent prices achieved by its international buying power. With a focus on customer care, product choice and huge stocks, read why you should be speaking to Stone Paving Supplies. A Commitment to Quality and Affordability Stone & Porcelain Supplies has built a solid reputation in the industry by consistently delivering high-quality products at affordable prices. The company imports a wide range of natural stone and porcelain paving, ensuring customers can access the finest materials at amazing prices. Whether it’s the timeless beauty of sandstone or the sleek, modern appeal of porcelain, Stone & Porcelain Supplies…

Mapei has launched MapePave - a new pre-blended ready-to-use mortar system for the fast installation of natural and engineered stone pavers externally, all year-round. Ideal for 20mm porcelain and natural stone, the new system provides normal setting and controlled shrinkage for fast-drying bedding and installation. When grouted with MapePave Brush in Grout, pavers can accept foot traffic after 24 hours. The new MapePave line comprises of three products: MapePave Slurry – a single component water mixed bonding slurry – which is applied to the backs of pavers or tiles. The slurry enables the monolithic bonding method of installation to a bed of fresh MapePave Mortar. It can also be used as a bonding slurry to bond Mapepave Mortar to solid concrete bases. MapePave Mortar – a pre-blended, ready to use…

It is common knowledge among professional builders that water is the enemy of timber and the leading cause of deterioration for decks. It can lead to mould, mildew, rot and premature deck failure. To prevent moisture from undermining your next installation, keep these four tips in mind: 1. Survey the slope Water must drain away from a deck structure. Set the deck framing at a pitch of 1% to 2% to slope away from the building site. If you plan to install an under-deck drainage system, decide where the water will discharge. Consider adding a French drain (a.k.a. an engineered trench), reservoir or other means to redirect the water or collect it for use in watering a garden or planting area. 2. Protect the substructure The lumber used in deck…

Get ready to immerse yourself in a day filled with inspiration, and celebration as the most prestigious event in the landscaping industry returns this year – the National Landscape Awards on the 6 December 2024! Tickets for this illustrious occasion will go on sale in mid-August, and you won’t want to miss securing your spot at the forefront of landscape excellence. Why Attend the National Landscape Awards? 1. Recognise Excellence in Landscaping: The National Landscape Awards honour the outstanding achievements of professionals in the landscaping industry. From innovative designs to sustainable practices, this event showcases the pinnacle of talent and creativity. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness first-hand the projects that set new standards and inspire future trends. 2. Network with Industry Leaders: This event is a melting pot…

A non-prescriptive form of play, the Playspaces pole climbers are fast becoming one of their most popular product types. Their innovative combination of wooden climbing frames and ropes provide a stimulating setting for children to play. Resembling the popular children’s game ‘Pick Up Sticks’, the pole climbers’ scattered appearance and non-uniform design creates a challenging play environment for children, encouraging the development of core balance skills, coordination and overall body strength. Children are also inspired to use their imagination while climbing, hanging or balancing, as well as thinking strategically about traversing the climbing frame. With a wide variety of sizes, styles and options there is a suitable pole climber for every play space, from Early Years upwards. The pole climbers are just one part of Playspaces’ vast selection of outdoor…

Simon Bodsworth, Managing Director at Daval Furniture says, “The race for green space during the pandemic has brought a newfound appreciation to the home and garden, with several trends now coming together like biophilic design and sustainable living, which are helping to shape custom design schemes in and outside of the home. For example, we are seeing a growing number of alternatives to the traditional conservatory or orangery, welcoming stylistically pure indoor-outdoor spaces that can function as an outdoor kitchen with alfresco dining, home office, gym, or simple garden retreat to entertain guests separate from the primary residence. Homeowners are therefore keen to explore custom solutions which will enhance family life outside of the home with organizational furniture in garden rooms helping to cater to outdoor entertaining with the support…

In preparation of capturing the essence of summer, we have been adding lots of gorgeous pieces to our outdoor collection, designed to transform your space into a luxurious retreat. Seamlessly blending style and functionality, our Sweetpea Seasonal Style Guide unveils a curated selection of must-have pieces that will redefine outdoor living, letting your bask in the beauty of summer with unparalleled elegance. JUST LANDED: WILLOW’S OUTDOOR COLLECTION Our newest Willow’s Collection invests in both style and sustainability, bringing the textural elements of wood and rattan to the outdoors. Contrast the natural finishes of the furniture bases with soft, white upholstery to brighten your outdoor haven whilst inviting that timeless, beleric feeling to your space. SHOP WILLOW’S OUTDOOR COLLECTION ALFRESCO ACCESSORIES As we transition into the warmer evenings, we expect people…

Lux Unique design and manufacture bespoke high quality steel garden products in the UK. The team behind Lux Unique are family and fabricate all their own products in Cheshire. They have a wealth of state-of-the-art machinery and expertise at their disposal and are very experienced in all aspects of steel fabrication and design. Over the last few years, the company has grown to support many garden designers and clients in creating bespoke pieces for their outside spaces which are beautifully designed and will stand the test of time. The popularity of Cor-ten steel known for its exceptional strength, longevity and zero maintenance has seen this material become the product of choice for so many landscapers and garden designers. Lux Unique offer a minimum thickness of 3mm on all Cor-ten products…

Spring has sprung a little later than anticipated this year, but there’s still plenty of time to get your garden heatwave-ready with homeware and garden retailer VonHaus. The Manchester-based brand has just launched a brand-new garden furniture range which compromises of 3 different sets, all of which go by the name of Alba. You can choose from a 6- or 8-seater dining set, or if you’re looking for something a little more casual, there’s also a reclining garden sofa set available. Following an increase in demand for affordable and high-quality outdoor furniture, the range – which is constructed with robust steel and durable PE rattan – is an ideal choice as its water-resistant and UVresistant qualities mean they require minimal maintenance, resulting in the sets lasting many more years than…

Ever since the pandemic, there has been a huge upturn in homeowners investing in their gardens. Even with lockdown firmly in the rear-view mirror, we have continued to take pride in our outdoor spaces turning them into beautiful areas to host friends and family. You can’t build a great building on a weak foundation and the same is true about laying new paving. Create a solid foundation so future generations can enjoy your hard work by using UltraScape prembed mortar and prem-prime slurry primer on your next project. Designed for bases commonly found in domestic gardens, prembed mortar and prem-prime slurry primer are incredibly easy to mix and apply and require minimal tools to install. With the paving laid, choosing the perfect finish is fundamental for the style and integrity…

Family-owned contractor, Perfect Pitches of Grantham, Lincolnshire, are long time advocates of the Wiedenmann Terra Spike XF. Indeed, Director, Keith Exton and his son, Alex, go as far as saying it is the only deep aerator on the market that can get the depth without damaging the surface in the harsh cricket square environment. Perfect Pitches have an established reputation for first-rate care and attention, whether it be for one of their blue-chip clients like Lords, the Oval, Trent Bridge or work with the smallest village clubs. Keith always partners their Wiedenmann XF, with a trusty John Deere 3720 on Galaxy turf tyres, for autumnal cricket square Terra Spiking, “Every square is different. However, correct set up is essential. The forward speed of the XF is much quicker than any…

In the greenhouse, where sunlight and moisture converge, emerges a sacred space for the growth of flowers and crops. Inspired by the everyday scenery of agricultural greenhouses in Changhua, Taiwan, “Flourish” features a bamboo-structured dome. This artwork utilizes agricultural materials such as bamboo and agricultural mesh, aiming to showcase the vitality of blooming flowers through modern geometric structures. The interior of the dome presents a variety of spaces, including large floral floating islands, greenhouse mist irrigation systems, original electronic music, and projection art, intending to bring a vibrant new atmosphere of spring to the public. The bamboo dome of “Flourish” is constructed using heat-treated bamboo pipes and metal joints, supporting a colossal dome measuring 9 meters in height and 23 meters in length and width. The structure primarily employs thicker-diameter…

75 years is just the beginning… At HAGS, the emphasis on sustainability has guided our efforts over the last 75 years. Even though the concept of "sustainability" might not have been as prevalent in the past, our genuine concern for both the environment and people has always been a driving force. As a company, we hold the responsibility of ensuring that our operations remain sustainable from economic, social, and ecological standpoints. We have teamed up with some of the most renowned Scandinavian designers to develop a range of park and Urban Furniture products encouraging the local community to socialise and enjoy spending time outdoors. Boasting a timeless aesthetic and improved usability, our park and urban furniture range will cope with heavy use and age beautifully over the years. Suitable for…

Subconsciously, design and development exclusivity are examined and consciously, the parking, garden, room sizes, local amenities, public areas, housing prices are observed, according to a recent Which report. Launching Verti-Crete fencing this year, Paul Cartwright, Business Development Director at Elite Precast Concrete knew the product had to serve the needs of housebuilders, as well as homeowners, which is why the concrete fencing product is decorative, cost effective, long lasting and low maintenance. With boundary, acoustic or security fencing needed for most developments, the easy to install, cost-effective, decorative fencing system serves the purposes of all stakeholders. If fencing falls into disrepair within 5 years, the housebuilder is usually blamed, Paul says, “housebuilders can get a bad name for cutting corners during specification, resulting in cheaper developments, which are bad for…

By taking on the distribution of Perrot sprinklers in the UK, Reesink Hydro-Scapes is expanding its offering of professional irrigation solutions for sports customers. Perrot is known for being able to provide the right irrigation solution to suit any size and meet any requirements, whether for natural, synthetic or hybrid turf. The various combinations of sprinklers available mean that an extremely wide range of different needs can be easily met. Reesink is bringing to the UK three types of sprinkler technology in six powerful Perrot sprinklers to suit all sorts of sports surfaces – football, golf, hockey, tennis, even horse racetracks. Regardless of which sprinklers are chosen, Perrot systems can reach every inch, in every tight corner, ensuring maximum turf health with minimum water consumption says the manufacturer. When Toro…

As part of the Construction Environmental Management Plan, a sustainable surface water drainage system (SuDS) was implemented, designed to reduce rates of stormwater run-off. An Attenuation basin will control water flow from the site into the existing watercourse. These sustainable drainage features will also create a range of water habitats for wildlife. A maintenance regime has been established to ensure the future performance of sustainable drainage features. Attenuation basins are a common sight on most new build sites and allow for safe and contained storage for excess rain and stormwater as it allows for its release over time into the sewer system at a controlled rate. They remove much of the potential flooding risk caused by the inability of excess water to drain safely. Cox Landscapes is the experienced landscape…

As is becoming ever more apparent, global warming and the rapid expansion of cites are contributing to the frequency and severity of flooding. The challenge of managing flood risk is intensifying, posing severe threats to landscapes, infrastructures and homes. Here at Flood Control International, we are at the forefront of this critical issue, offering innovative solutions that redefine how cities, landscapes and individuals can prepare and respond to flooding. Since 1994, Flood Control has designed, supplied and installed the widest range of flood protection solutions in the world. Our experience spans thousands of projects and together with the full spectrum of associated professional services, we pride ourselves on our ability to offer the most innovative and effective flood defences available today. Available flood defense systems range from demountable flood barriers…