Landscaper.Org.Uk APL News 2017 | 1 (36V) TWIN 18V LITHIUM-ION EASY MAINTENANCE, LOW NOISE, ZERO EMISSIONS & LOW VIBRATION

A look back at 2017

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ALP.indd 1 26/10/2017 12:19 (36V) TWIN 18V LITHIUM-ION EASY MAINTENANCE, LOW NOISE, ZERO EMISSIONS & LOW VIBRATION Welcome to Meet the team APL National Business Manager: Phil Tremayne Twin 18V Twin 18V Brushless Twin 18V Brushless HTA Services Assistant for APL: Chainsaw Hand Held Blower Hand Held Blower Claire Hayward DUC353 DUB362 DUB361 2017 Issue HTA PR Executive for APL: Amy Winder 017 has been another great year at the APL, but more importantly HTA Editorial Team: Gill Ormrod, Amy a great year for you, the membership. Weather has been Winder, Angela Bean reasonably kind and the “Brexit Bite” doesn’t seem to have sunk its Design: Yellowball Creative Consultants teeth in yet with sales remaining buoyant. Printed by: Buxton Press 2Converting quotations will always remain a priority, but you as members have expressed other areas that challenge you and the APL have been Advertising: Tim Bell working hard to support you. T: 07808 775 177 E: [email protected] Our first seminar of the year tackled paving. The second tackled the vertical with topics such as gabions, brick bonds and rendering to mention Get in touch just a few, and some lively and informative debating took place at both. We APL Review of the Year, have two more “Ted Talk” style events lined up for 2018. “Faking It” will Horticultural Trades Association Twin 18V Brushless Twin 18V Brushless Twin 18V explore the ever-increasing demand for artificial and composites, and the Line Trimmer Brush Cutter Hedge Trimmer Horticulture House, Chilton DUR364L DUR365U DUH551 final one will be “It’s all about the plants”. Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX1 0RN APL Cluster Groups continue to flourish with an enormous amount of information and knowledge transferred through these informal pop-up T: 0333 003 3550 pub meetings. E: [email protected] We had our most successful awards in March 2017 where we saw some If you would like to reproduce anything of the best of what our members do. APL members continued to excel at the from APL News please contact the APL shows this year, gathering a huge haul of medals which you can read about News team for permission. While every in this magazine. care is taken that all information inside We are all aware there is a skills shortage in the UK and many initiatives the magazine is correct, prices and details are happening within industry. The APL are delivering on three levels may be subject to change. APL News Twin 18V reserves the right to shorten or modify Charger with our Masterclasses in Paving, WorldSkills UK and finally another full DC18RD apprenticeship programme. These three initiatives would not be possible material submitted for publication. APL News makes no responsibility for claims without our sponsors, so I would personally like to offer my thanks to made in advertisements or advertisement Makita, Marshalls, J A Jones, Greentech, Landscapes Skills Academy and features in the magazine. Myerscough for all their support. So what’s instore for 2018? More of the same with some great additions. A brand-new Business Development Programme aimed at newly established companies and companies that are seeking to take the next step in their development. Production of our best practice guidance notes, our website will continue to be improved and our members tool box will receive a complete overhaul. So, a great 2017 and hopefully even more success in 2018. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year as Chairman and we have made great progress, however there is still much to be done. I have been supported by a strong Vice Chair in Rod Winrow, and solid committee. Cover image: Thank you for your support 6.0Ah Li-ion 5.0Ah Li-ion 4.0Ah Li-ion 3.0Ah Li-ion Overall Design & Build 55 Minute Charge 45 Minute Charge 36 Minute Charge 22 Minute Charge Sponsored by Green-tech Winner: Creative Landscape Co

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ALP.indd 1 26/10/2017 12:19 PAGE NAME

Brand in any business is important, getting that brand recognised APL Review 2017 by the wider public and your potential customers is a challenge and can be costly. The APL works hard to try and present the APL A Look Back, by Phil Tremayne brand to the consumer on your behalf, researching and taking time APL General Manager to establish where the most economical paths can be and that will deliver the best coverage and hopefully results. PL membership has continued to grow throughout 2017. Throughout 2017 the APL have attended six large flower shows Membership now stands just above 300 for fully accredited including Chelsea, Hampton Court, Harrogate, Garden Scotland and A landscaping companies. If we then include all other groups BBC GWL. In all cases the APL did not just have a stand presence within membership of APL and HTA this figure is over 2000. This at these shows, but invested time in actually building garden makes for a very powerful voice within the industry, a voice that is features to attract the consumer and help deliver the message of used to help influence policy, create training opportunities, provide “Landscaping Excellence” on behalf of its members. This enabled mentoring and support and be a community that you can rely on. the team to have extended conversations with the public on your I was promoted to the position of APL Manager earlier in the year behalf on what to look for when choosing a landscaper and what and now manage the day to day running of APL membership and to expect from an APL member. The shows delivered this message am the APL Secretary on the committee. Assistance with this is to thousands of potential customers, YOUR customers. This was gratefully received from an enthusiastic and experienced committee especially evident at the APL’s grand feature of the year, “APL and with support from the team at HTA. Avenue”. Once again APL Avenue featured a series of five small front and The APL has spent 2017 working on a set of 3 vital objectives: back gardens built by APL members at BBC Gardeners World Live, in conjunction with River Street Events. The five gardens were the • Go to Organisation for Domestic Landscaping focal point of the show and the organisers stated that once again • APL Community Business Development interest by the visitors was enormous. This year we were thrilled to • Landscape Skill Training have the 50th anniversary of the BBC Gardeners World Live Show filmed on the APL stand, and the five gardens all featured in the show, with all contractors mentioned on BBC TV. An unexpected Go to Organisation for Domestic Landscaping result for us and a very well-deserved result for the contractors This objective is a two-pronged attack. We are looking to promote involved. The show also featured APL committee member Claudia landscaping excellence to the consumer, but at the same time De Yong and her wonderful homage to Bredon Castle, which also got promote our excellence to you, the members, and the many potential extensive coverage on the show. There is still time to apply to the members in the UK. One should feed the other in an ideal world. If show to enter this year’s competition, so please don’t delay and get the consumer or designers are seeking APL members to complete involved in this fantastic opportunity. their projects, then more contractors will want to become members. All the shows that were attended had specific literature that point Likewise the more members we have that are promoting the APL, the consumer back to the APL website. The brand new consumer the more recognisable they become in the landscape community facing website for APL was launched this summer 2016, giving and to the wider public. This is why we offer folders, logos, stickers members the flexibility to add a brief description of their works, a etc. for your vans and websites so you can promote yourselves as greater focus on filters and excellent search mechanism. As with professionals and in doing so promote your brand. all websites they need tweaking and SEO is very important. But we

4 APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk Follow us on Twitter @The_APL ANNUAL REVIEW

would love to have members involvement. We regularly send out commitment to standards. requests for images form you as members. We have a series of The APL, with support from our associate membership, will galleries waiting to be filled, all are credited to you, so please continue in 2017 to develop a minimum standard required send them in. Another simple step and investment in our brand for domestic landscaping in the UK. These standards will be and yours. incorporated in to the inspection and ADR processes, and will not Social media plays a very important part in any brand. Again, the only be realistic but also something you and the industry can be APL is visible on four social media platforms; Facebook, Twitter, proud of. Instagram and LinkedIn. HTA PR Executive Amy Winder and myself are regularly posting on your behalf, so please keep an eye out and APL Business Community Development become part of one of the industry’s largest online communities. Being part of an association is a large commitment for anyone. But The HTA’s market information team continued to work hard at the APL we have tried to make sure that you feel not only part of on analysing data from various market research specialists. This an accrediting body, but part of a community. A community that has enables them to provide quarterly reports on what motivates a interest in each other and mentors and supports. The team at the potential customer, what trends they are currently following and APL and committee provide a conduit to membership to be able to what average spends are within regions of the UK. This is find information, develop business relationships and keep up to date provided to you as members as a free report for you to use in your with changes that affect your businesses. own marketing activity and once again displaying the excellence An important part of this community are the cluster meetings. We of the professionalism of APL. See page 20 for an overview of the now have 12 regions within in the UK who meet at least four times latest report. a year and share information, debate key issues and form business The APL’s unique selling point and strength lies in its annual relationships that help them develop. These meetings are a huge inspection (performance review). This is a reason that many people benefit and if you have never attended one, please try and get to one join the association. The review not only ensures that you are as you can’t underestimate the value of networking and working on compliant with an ever changing legislative landscape, but also your business, not just in it. gives the customer the assurance that your company is run in a We have further embellished this community of learning this year legal and professional manner. with two focused seminars on paving and walling. These seminars 2017 saw the APL update their inspection forms. They tackle were designed to be fast paced, punchy, educational and enjoyable. three core areas, Legal, Health and Safety and Competence. The Both seminars were well received and delivered on all levels. So, we inspections are performed on site and in the office and now include will continue to work hard through 2018 and provide the information formulae that provide the member with an overall score that can you need. be used to measure your performance as a company over the past However, looking forward it highlighted there is still much to be twelve months. These scores and information can be used by the done. So 2018 will see the APL undertake the task of creating and business to help strategize and motivate. We are looking to further ratifying as set of advisory best practise documents for members strengthen in 2018, adding in new features and linking them back to to use both in their business for training and to help with their APL codes of practice, which we will be instigating throughout 2018. quotations. We will look to work with our associates to develop These will also help strengthen our complaints resolution process. these across a range of activities undertaken by the industry. This process is linked with a registered ADR (Alternative Dispute It is felt that concentration on these initiatives will help secure the Resolution Service) and enables you to give consumers confidence APL as the UK Authority for Domestic Landscaping, a brand to be when using an APL member, but also gives you protection from proud of and a community you will want to be part of. being able to instigate the process yourself. We are also looking at updating and adding to our current tool The inspections are the foundation of your membership and box of templates and information. Thus, enabling you to have all comply fully with Trustmark, the government endorsement you the support you need online to run your businesses profitably obtain. In 2016 the certificates no longer place you on a register, and compliant. but are now titled as Accredited Member. A statement that better Lastly, 2018 will see the first of our new APL business describes your commitment to being a professional. development course. This is aimed at businesses that are in their In an ever-changing climate of rules and regulations APL are 2nd or 3rd year and above, that are looking at expanding or simply committed to keeping its members ahead of legislative alterations. becoming more profitable and efficient. It will cover many areas from Over the past two years we have seen alterations in Consumer simple accountancy right through to developing a business plan that law, Alternative Dispute Resolution and CDM. will be judged “Dragons Den” style by a panel of leading experts. Our strong relationship with HSE and our Trustmark ensure we Giving you the platform and support to make your business grow. are able to keep members compliant. The HTA helplines and teams We have worked hard to develop this community, it is far from at the APL and HTA are always on hand to give advice to you when exclusive, it needs to be inclusive to give it strength. So please you are unsure of your next steps. always contact us for any initiatives you feel would be beneficial and At the route of all these initiatives is our inspection and our we will always try to help.

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Create a new kind of classic with pioneering porcelain or an enticing oasis with time-honoured natural stone. Expertly chosen, our range of paving, setts, accesories and features offer bespoke appeal and exceptional quality. 6 APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.ukwww.globalstonepaving.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @The_APL ANNUAL REVIEW

There will be regional heats (3 hours duration), followed by a Landscape Skill Training semi-final that will consist of 3 days of training covering; planting, paving and timber work, run by industry professionals. The eight competitors who qualify for the 2017 final will need APL Apprenticeship Scheme to use what they have learned to individually build elements of a garden that has been pre-designed for them. The garden may be The APL Apprenticeship Scheme is delivered through a partnership built above or in-ground and include timber construction, walls, between the APL, Myerscough College and the Landscape Skills water features, paving, varying levels, turf and planting. Academy, ensuring that the support and learning received are Entrants should be working towards or have recently achieved to an industry standard, pace and quality. Throughout the 2-year an appropriate Level 2/Level 3 S/NVQ qualification. If they are apprenticeship programme, the apprentices take part in a total of entering from employment, they should have a total of no more than seven, five-day long boot camps, delivered away from the workplace. 2 years industry experience. There are no age restrictions The boot camps provide highly intensive and practical learning for WorldSkills UK. experience off the job, resulting in a visible in the knowledge and

skills that the apprentice brings back to the workplace.

The apprenticeship programme is based on a qualification called

the Diploma in Work-based Horticulture (Level 2). This qualification

has a number of learning areas (listed below) which are assessed by

the apprentice producing work based evidence and uploading onto

an e-Portfolio system, alongside intensive off the job training, in the

form of the Bootcamps.

Apprentices focus on the following areas:

• Monitoring and maintaining health & safety • Maintain and develop personal performance • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others • Clearing horticultural and landscaping sites • Levelling and preparing sites for landscaping • Prepare and construct new structures or surfaces • Construct and maintain paths APL Master Classes • Installing flag stone surfaces After the success of our masterclasses in 2016, we took a year to • Use and maintain non-powered and hand held powered tools consolidate and learn from the feedback received and are now able and equipment to once again run these in 2018. Once again in partnership with • Load and unload physical resources within the work area Landscape Skills Academy, we hope to run four sessions in 2018. • Establishing plants and or seeds in soil Two in the South, one in the South West and one in the North. We aim to deliver practical sessions to upskill current labour force. Sessions delivered by landscapers for landscapers. So, you can hopefully see from all the above that we are not just an association that looks to take your membership fee and sit back and wait till the next years renewal. We are an association that is dynamic, forward thinking but most of all looking for ways to support you as members, in ways that can really help. We don’t always get it right, the committee work hard to come up APL WorldSkills UK with initiatives that can really support you. After all, it is made up of contractors who are just like you. But we want you as members to The WorldSkills UK Landscaping competition, run by the Association be engaged. This is your association, you have a voice in what we do. of Professional Landscapers is a great opportunity for trainee So please contact us via email or Facebook forum and give us your landscapers to showcase their skills across a number of technical suggestions. We can’t promise we will be able to deliver on all them, skill areas alongside planning and material management competing but we can certainly try and give reasons if it is not possible. to be the best in the UK. I believe that this is what being part of an association is all about, This competition requires trainee landscapers to showcase their being part of a community. I and the APL thankyou for your support skills across a number of technical skill areas and planning and Create a new kind of classic with pioneering porcelain or an enticing oasis with time-honoured and all the best for 2018. material management. natural stone. Expertly chosen, our range of paving, setts, accesories and features offer bespoke appeal and exceptional quality. www.globalstonepaving.co.uk Find us on Facebook APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk 7 GftK Paving Joint Mortars for Natural Stone, Porcelain and Concrete Paving Ideal for both NEW and REFURBISHMENT works because you can: • Work in wet weather and at low temperatures (from +3ºC) • Use fast wet slurry and self-compacting application • Get off your knees and work standing up • Have greatly reduced staining issues and eliminate surface cleaning work • Fast curing and opening for service Whilst also achieving: • Frost, de-icing salt, boring insect and weed growth resistance • Pressure jet washing and even mechanical road sweeper resistance • Optimum strength correlation (compressive to tensile) for small format paving • Permeable joints for SUDS Paving Joint Mortars for ALL Types of Paved and Trafficked areas, from Domestic Patios and Driveways to Town Centres, Market Squares and Highways Save Time and Money on Every Project For more information: Website: www.nccstreetscape.co.uk Telephone: 01257 266696 Email: [email protected]

Paving Joint Mortars from PAGE NAME

Creative Landscape Co win APL Awards 2017 GftK Paving Joint Mortars for Natural Stone, Creative Landscape Co took home the title of Porcelain and Concrete Paving APL Awards 2017 Supreme Winner.

Ideal for both NEW and REFURBISHMENT works because you can: he annual awards ceremony, sponsored by Bradstone, • Work in wet weather and at low temperatures (from +3ºC) took place on Friday 17 March at The Brewery, London, • Use fast wet slurry and self-compacting application T to celebrate and recognise the outstanding landscaping carried out by members of the APL. Creative Landscape Co took the • Get off your knees and work standing up Supreme Winner award for its project: Garden for Country Cottage • Have greatly reduced staining issues and eliminate surface cleaning work and Barn, South Stoke Oxon. This entry is also the winner of Overall partners for their support, as without them, the APL Awards would • Fast curing and opening for service Design and Build category. not be what they are today. Creative Landscape Co created an outdoor living space to meet The APL Judges would like to thank everyone that participated in Whilst also achieving: the needs of family life and a dog with traditional cottage style the awards, and give their congratulations to the winners. The APL planting in keeping with the surroundings. The clients required a encourages the winners and finalists to use their entry to promote • Frost, de-icing salt, boring insect and weed growth resistance design solution to create a new garden within an existing walled their businesses, the industry and APL membership. • Pressure jet washing and even mechanical road sweeper resistance area to link their cottage extension and existing barn. The judges The APL looks forward to seeing everyone involved as well as new • Optimum strength correlation (compressive to tensile) for small format paving commented, “The design was absolutely appropriate for the scheme entrants and partners again for the 2018 APL Awards. with great use of structural planting to soften, hold and separate. • Permeable joints for SUDS The angle of the house provides difficult symmetry and geometry. The APL Awards were sponsored by: Paving Joint Mortars for ALL Types of Paved and Trafficked areas, from Domestic This was a challenging project and a harmonising solution.” The standard of entries exceeded expectations and yet again there Patios and Driveways to Town Centres, Market Squares and Highways were a record breaking number of submissions for the judges to Headline Partner - Bradstone, Category Sponsors - ICL, Sovereign deliberate over. On the judging panel were industry experts: Richard Turf, Classiflora, Green-tech, Anders Plus, Trulawn, Hedges Direct, Save Time and Money on Every Project Barnard as chief judge, Bob Sweet, Steve Smith, Robin Templar- Williams, and the APL’s General Manager, Phil Tremayne. Easigrass, Griffin Glasshouses, Citation and The HTA Benevolent Motivating Landscape Designer, Adam Frost, was welcomed on Fund, and Media Partner - Pro Landscaper. For more information: Website: www.nccstreetscape.co.uk the day as special guest speaker. Adam shared his landscaping inspirations and upcoming projects. For more information about the winners visit Telephone: 01257 266696 Email: [email protected] The APL Awards would like to thank Bradstone for its continued www.aplawards.co.uk headline sponsorship and thank the category sponsors and media

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Other category winners and finalists:

Project Value under £20,000 Sponsored by Trulawn Project Value £20,000 - £35,000

Winner: Conquest Hard Landscaping Winner: Claudia de Yong Designs Project: In the Night Garden Project: Georgian House

Project Value £35,000 - £60,000 Sponsored by ICL Project Value £60,000 - £100,000

Winner: The Garden Builders Winner: Living Landscapes Project: Arthouse Apartment Project: Quarry House

Project Value £100,000 - £200,000 Project Value Over £200,000 Sponsored by Hedges Direct Sponsored by Sovereign Turf

Winner: The Gardenmakers Winner: The Garden Builders Project: Vale Farm Project: Red Gables

10 APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk Follow us on Twitter @The_APL APL AWARDS 2017

Hard Landscaping Soft Landscaping Sponsored by Bradstone Sponsored by Classiflora

Winner: Original Landscapes Ltd Winner: Frogheath Landscapes Ltd Project: Pensylvania Park Project: Bexhill-On-Sea

Overall Design & Build Garden Feature Sponsored by Green-tech Sponsored by Easigrass

Winner: Creative Landscape Co Winner: Arun Landscapes Project: Garden for Country Cottage and Barn, South Stoke Oxon Project: Beharrel

Commercial Garden Community Garden

Winner: The Garden Builders Winner: Paxman Landscapes UK Limited Project: National Theatre Project: Milliners Wharf, Manchester

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Friday 16 March, The Brewery, London

Our Judges have deliberated, the shortlist has been announced – book your place at the APL Awards 2018!

Book online today at www.aplawards.co.uk to avoid disappointment

2017 Supreme Winner, Creative Landscape Co

www.aplawards.co.uk APL AWARDS 2017

AWARDS 2018

Friday 16 March, The Brewery, London

Our Judges have deliberated, the APL Rising Star Award Sponsored by Anders Plus The HTA Benevolent Fund Award shortlist has been announced Winners: Camilla Jousiffe and Ryan Wright Winner: Arbour Landscape Solutions Company: RG landscape & Construction Ltd Project: Sensory Garden – book your place at the

APL Awards 2018! APL WorldSkills

Gold Winner: Jacob Botting

Book online today at www.aplawards.co.uk to avoid disappointment

2017 Supreme Winner, Creative Landscape Co

New Company of the Year

Winner: Mango Landscapes

APL Designer of the Year AR-WEST001-D-200-R03

AR-WEST001-D-200-R03

Sponsored by Griffin Glasshouses AR-WEST001-D-202-R03

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Fireplace

Kitchen

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Winner: F Aralia Garden Design F

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Project: Westlands F

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SEPTIC TANK

Highway

AR-WEST001-D-201-R03

AR-WEST001-D-203-R03 Designer of the Year Award 2016 APL AWARDS: Westlands PROJECT: Westlands

Please presentation Note: This detail is to be referred N responsibility to only plan for the as a guide; construction remains integrity and the 06: safety of the location sub-contractor. with the appointed plan It shall be their reponsibility and to materials ensure all methods are fit for purpose proposed levels and that against buildings all the damp proof do not course. breach Drawing Title: Presentation Plan 9 Any issues 06 ARALIA - with this drawing Innovation in Landscape Design Aralia before should be raised construction with Drawing work commences. Ref: AR-WEST001-D-205-R03 Supplier Awards All drawings and Aralia details remain unless agreed the property Client Contact: issue. in writing of Edward Flaxman No changes prior to document Email: [email protected] consultation are permitted and without Site: consent in Westlands writing by Client: Aralia. Marc Verona Drawn By: A. Henderson Date: 04.04.2016 Revision: 03 Scale: 1-250 @ A2 Grower – North and Midlands winner: Coles

Grower – South winner: Provender ARALIA INNOVATION IN LANDSCAPE DESIGN Manufacturer winner: Makita & Marshalls

Innovation in Landscape Design 1 ARALIA - Service Provider winner: Citation www.aplawards.co.uk Find us on Facebook APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk 13 APL AWARDS 2018

APL Awards 2018

The entries elow is a list of the entries into the APL Awards 2018. The standard of entries so far has once again exceeded expectations and this year we had a record breaking B number of entries, and individual companies enter. The judging panel who have been trusted to deliberate over the winners are industry experts Bob Sweet, Steve Smith, Robin Templar-Williams, Phil Tremayne and Richard Barnard as chief judge. The judging process took place over 2-3 November, and the Shortlist will be announced later in the year. Good luck to all who have entered!

Project Value under £20,000 Project Value £100,000 - £200,000 Designer of the Year Agentsgreen Creative Landscape Co Aralia Gardens Ltd CONQUEST HARD LANDSCAPING Lanwarne Landscapes Ltd Wardrop Designs Green Rooms landscapes & gardens Ltd Landscape Associates Ltd Susan Young Garden Design Lanwarne Landscapes Ltd Living Landscapes UK Garden Feature Mango Paving & Landscaping Ltd Timotay Landscapes Original Landscapes Ltd Wheelbarrow Sponsored by Easigrass RG Landscape & Construction LTD J B Landscapes Ltd Project Value Over £200,000 Thorburn Landscapes Ltd Lanwarne Landscapes Ltd Kingston Landscape Group Ltd Living Landscapes UK Project Value £20,000 - £35,000 Langdale landscapes Ltd RG Landscape & Construction LTD Agentsgreen Living Landscapes UK Urban Landscape Design Ltd Ayegardening Ltd Outdoor Creations Hard Landscaping, CONQUEST HARD LANDSCAPING Ryan Alexander Associates Ltd Creative Landscape Co Waratah Gardens sponsored by Bradstone InsideOut Home and Garden Improvements Ltd Habitat Landscapes Ltd Overall Design and Build, Lanwarne Landscapes Ltd InsideOut Home and Garden Improvements Ltd Oakley Landscapes Ltd sponsored by Greentech J B Landscapes Ltd Rococo Landscaping & Building Ltd Creative Landscape Co Landscape Associates Ltd Timotay Landscapes J B Landscapes Ltd Lanwarne Landscapes Ltd Thorburn Landscapes Ltd RG Landscape & Construction LTD Papillon Designs and Landscaping Ltd Urban Landscape Design Ltd Susan Young Garden Design Commercial Garden Urban Landscape Design Ltd Project Value £35,000 - £60,000 Frogheath Landscapes Soft landscaping, Agentsgreen Kingston Landscape Group Ltd Chester Gardener Mango Paving & Landscaping Ld sponsored by Classiflora Habitat Landscapes Ltd Urban Landscape Design Ltd Creative Landscape Co J B Landscapes Ltd Landscape Associates Ltd Landscape Associates Ltd Community Garden APL Rising Star, sponsored by Anders Plus Papillon Designs and Landscaping Ltd Kingston Landscape Group Ltd APL Newcomer of the Year, sponsored by RG Landscape & Construction LTD Landform Consultants Ltd Oakley Landscapes Ltd Makita Project Value £60,000 - £100,000 Paxman Landscapes UK Limited Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Pro Bowood Landscapes Ltd Timotay Landscapes Landscaper Creative Landscape Co Frosts Landscape Construction Ltd Frogheath Landscapes The annual awards ceremony, sponsored by Bradstone, takes place on Friday 16 March Langdale landscapes Ltd 2018 at The Brewery, London, to celebrate and recognise the outstanding landscaping Timotay Landscapes carried out by members of the APL.

To book and for more information on APL Awards 2018, visit www.aplawards.co.uk

14 APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk Follow us on Twitter @The_APL CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

APL members impress once again at RHS Chelsea Flower Show APL members had an impressive presence at the world famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May. 12 APL members were involved in over half of the 28 main featured gardens with many of them working on multiple gardens. The awards were as follows:

Show Gardens

The Linklaters Garden for Maggie’s

Design: Darren Hawkes Landscapes Build: Bowles & Wyer

Royal Bank of Canada Garden

Design: Charlotte Harris Build: Landscape Associates

The Welcome to Yorkshire Garden

Design: Tracy Foster Build: Landform Consultants

Silk Road Garden – Chengdu

Design: Laurie Chetwood and Patrick Collins Build: Bespoke Outdoor Spaces

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Artisan Gardens

Seedlip Gardens

Design: Dr Catherine MacDonald Build: Landform Consultants, Supported by Gadd Brothers

Walker’s Wharf Garden supported by Doncaster Deaf Trust BEST ARTISAN GARDEN Design: Graham Bodle Build: Walkers Nurseries

The CWGC Centenary Garden

Design: David Domoney Build: Arun Landscapes

Hagakure – Hidden Leaves

Design: Shuko Noda Build: Frogheath Landscapes The Poetry Lover’s Garden Design: Fiona Cadwallader Build: Landform Consultants

16 APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk Follow us on Twitter @The_APL CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

Fresh Gardens

City Living BEST FRESH Design & Build: Kate Gould Gardens GARDEN Supported by: The Team Landscapers

Mind Trap sponsored by id verde

Design: Ian Price Build: Conway Landscapes Supported by: Conquest Landscapes & Habitat Landscapes

Bespoke Outdoor Spaces, Zion Landscapes, Morgan Oates Ltd and Barcham Trees were all involved in 5 Star Trade Stands, whilst TKE Landscapes got a 4 Star.

Inland Homes: Beneath a Mexican Sky

Design: Manoj Malde For more information on the RHS Chelsea Flower Show visit Build: Living Landscapes https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show

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HTA and APL members scoop awards at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show APL members showcased some stunning gardens at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, with many winning top awards at the show. This year APL members were responsible for over 60% of the gardens being built at the show and HTA members were present in the fantastic Floral and Festival of Roses Marquees. The awards are as follows:

Blind Veterans UK: Its all about Community Garden BEST CONSTRUCTION Design: Andrew Fisher Tomlin and Dan Bowyer IN SHOW Build: Landform Consultants

Brownfield – Metamorphosis Perennial Sanctuary Garden

Design: Martyn Wilson Design: Tom Massey Build: Keyscape Design and Construction Build: Landform Consultants

18 APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk Follow us on Twitter @The_APL HAMPTON COURT

Urban Rain Garden On the edge: The Centre for Mental Health Garden Design: Rhiannon Williams Build: Landform Consultants. Sponsored by Squires Design: Frederic Whyte Garden Centres and Landform Consultants Build: Benton Landscapes

Turismo de Galicia: The Pazo’s Secret Garden Not for Sale

Design: Rose McMonigall Design: Mark Whyte and Sharmayne Ferguson Build: Bowood Landscapes Build: Hythe Garden Landscapes

For more information on the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show and to view the full list of award winners visit www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-hampton-court-palace-flower-show

Find us on Facebook APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk 19 APL MARKET UPDATE

and demographics it means we’ll be able APL Market Update to present a much more detailed picture of domestic landscaper clients. This PL businesses confidence has Employment has continued to rise as we should help you (and us) build a better remained positive for the second move further into 2017, and the proportion understanding of consumers who are A quarter of 2017. 39% of APL of people who are unemployed has also in the market for domestic landscaping businesses surveyed reported the value continued to decrease. The employment projects, and ways to reach them and volume of their enquiries was higher rate reached the highest level (~75%) since effectively. It’s also giving us evidence of than this quarter in 2016. comparable records began in 1971. While how much garden landscaping contributes Consumer confidence has fallen to the low unemployment levels would usually to the economy, helping us to represent same level as immediately after the Brexit drive wage growth, we are not currently our industry to government. vote. Despite the unknown impact of Brexit, seeing this, and disposable incomes In this feature we look at what the the UK economy has not been hit as badly continue to decrease as inflation rises. survey is starting to tell us about domestic as some predicted in the aftermath of the Fuel prices seem to have stabilised landscaping clients. For the purpose of referendum result. Whilst consumers may as we continue in to 2017. With the gap this feature we’re defining a ‘landscaping be uncertain about the UK’s economic between the lower supermarket prices and client’ as households that report spending situation, consumer confidence remains the UK average remaining 2.8 pence per more than £1,000 in the past year with a fairly positive in the short term. As Brexit litre. Petrol prices fell as the price of oil professional landscaper in the survey. negotiations start in earnest there is a decreased in the second quarter of 2017. Fewer than 1% of British households chance that consumer confidence may The number of house purchases spend more than £1,000 with a garden continue its downward drift, as consumers made in the second quarter of 2017 landscaping or design professional in a experience the squeeze of increasing remained stable. Low interest rates, low given year. It’s a very niche market both inflation. unemployment and high demand for nationally and locally. Nationally these APL members were surveyed about housing, are all contributing to steady consumers tend to be concentrated in the their business expectations for the next purchase figures. However prices may south and east of England, but there are 6 months (with 1 being very negativeand remain flat for at least the next year due concentrations in affluent areas all across 7 being very positive). The proportion of to political uncertainty. Other factors such the UK. businesses that are positive (6 or 7) about as stamp duty and the changes to tax on Overall, clients tend to be affluent and their business prospects in the next 6 buy-to-let properties are also likely to be in their 40s to 60s. Despite being slightly months has remained high in quarter two having a negative effect on pricing. older than the UK population as a whole, of 2017 (totalling 71%). In 2016 we negotiated the inclusion they are also more likely than average Landscapers’ perceptions of questions on garden landscaping into to have a taste for active participation in regarding the volume and value of the TGI survey1. These ask how much outdoor sports, especially those associated enquiries during quarter two 2017 consumers spend each year with garden with higher participation costs like compared to quarter two 2016 were landscapers and designers. Because the winter sports, tennis, triathlon, sailing, that there have been higher value TGI survey also includes thousands of etc. Naturally they like gardening, and enquiries as well as a higher volume, than other questions on areas like consumer they are also more likely than average to the same time in 2016. attitudes, purchasing, media consumption be theatre-goers and to take part in the

20 APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk Follow us on Twitter @The_APL APL MARKET UPDATE

arts and other pursuits with high levels of social or cultural prestige. Looking at the web pages and promotions of these types of organisation can help give clues as to the style of communications that are likely to appeal to these consumers. Equally if there are local clubs or groups looking for support or sponsorship, these could provide cost effective promotional opportunities.

Source: Kantar media TGI survey. Base: 148 GB adults spending more than £1k with a garden landscaper

1The TGI survey is one of the World’s most authoritative consumer surveys filled out by around 25,000 UK adults every year. For details see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_ Group_Index

Prospective clients tend to start looking Online search for landscapers in late winter to early Appearing top on Google searches can spring. Google search data shows that help you generate visits to your web site over the past four years the volume of 73% and enquiries. There’s a useful guide on Google searches for ‘Garden landscapers’ of GB adults spending search engine optimisation (helping your has increased steadily. It also shows that >£1k with a garden landscaper site appear high up in search results) on peak search volumes are in March, April this link: https://offers.hubspot.com/seo- are aged over 35 and May. This means that marketing and myths promotions to put your business in the ‘shop window’ of prospective clients is Google offers targeted local marketing likely to have a greater return during these that you can pay for. Put simply, whenever months. Ensuring that your website is up someone types in a term like ‘Garden to date and Ensuring that your website is landscapers’ into Google you can bid to up date and likely to have a greater return appear on the search results page. You during these months. 13% can set your campaign up to only pay if of GB adults who regularly or someone clicks through to your website, occasionally do triathlons spend >£1k Targeting local promotions and so you don’t exceed a given budget. with a garden landscaper It’s likely that there are some smart and There’s a useful guide on Google AdWords targeted opportunities to promote your on this link: https://support.google.com/ business locally and at very cost-effective adwords/answer/6227162 rates compared with an advert in the local paper. Tennis, sailing, triathlon groups or clubs could present sponsorship We hope you find this useful, and as opportunities direct to local networks of always please let us know if you’ve got 23% prospective clients. Similarly, local theatre suggestions for future Market Updates. of GB adults spending >£1k or arts groups could present similar Don’t forget, there are detailed pen with a garden landscaper are opportunities to reach the small number of portraits of ‘typical’ domestic landscaper consumers likely to be ‘in the market’ for a clients for you to download on the APL National Trust Members garden landscaping project. website.

Find us on Facebook APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk 21 APL AVENUE

APL Avenue at BBC Gardeners World Live once again impresses the judges!

The APL once again hosted APL Avenue at BBC Gardeners’ World The Peoples’ Choice winner, chosen by the public from the gardens Live, and our members didn’t let us down. The five gardens once along APL Avenue, was Pro-Gardens Ltd ‘CLIC Sargent’ Garden, again impressed our judges, with this year’s results improving on receiving a lot of public attention and praise throughout the show. last year. Lanwarne Landscapes took home the Best Construction Displays of excellence such as this, where all of the gardens took award as well as a Silver-Merit, and two of our gardens, Living home at least a Silver-Merit, demonstrates the high quality that APL Gardens and Big Fish Landscapes, took home a Gold. Accreditation offers.

Big Fish Landscapes, Herefordshire

Design: Cherry Carmen, Cherry Carmen Garden Design

Living Gardens, Lancashire

Design: Peter Cowell & Monty Richardson, Living Gardens

22 APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk Follow us on Twitter @The_APL APL AVENUE

CHERRY CARMEN, DESIGNER ON THE BIG FISH LANDSCAPES GARDEN, SAID “Great build and we were thrilled with Gold medal! The real sense of community throughout the build with the APL was awesome. Would definitely do again!”

MATTHEW LINES OF LANWARNE LANDSCAPES COMMENTED “We couldn’t have wished for more. It was a really steep learning curve, but to get the Best Construction Award is the most we could have ever wanted!”

Pro-Gardens Ltd, Oxfordshire PEOPLE’S CHOICE Design: Jamie Langlands, GARDEN Pro-Gardens Ltd

PETER COWEL OF LIVING GARDENS SAID “It was an amazing experience. The build was so relaxed Lanwarne Landscapes BEST and the BBC Gardener’s World Live team were really helpful CONSTRUCTION Design: Martin Lines, AWARD throughout. We are thrilled with the Gold!” Lanwarne Landscapes

REFLECTING ON THE APL COMPETITION BRIEF, PRO GARDENS JAMIE LANGLANDS SAID “It is great to see an avenue of gardens that are achievable, inspirational and fresh!”

The Wyevale Garden Centres ‘Romance in the Ruins’ Garden, designed by Claudia de Yong Designs and built by Twigs Landscapes Design and Big Fish Landscapes in the other show garden area of the show, received Gold and also the Best Show Garden. The Tesco ‘Every Little Helps’ Garden designed by Owen Morgan, Mosaic Landscape Design and built by Big Fish Landscapes took Silver. The five front or back gardens that feature on the APL Avenue, give the public the opportunity to witness first-hand what can be achieved in a small space. Landscapers are asked Artemis Landscapes, Kent to produce a breakdown of costings to share with the public to Design: Viv Seccombe, give a greater understanding of the costs of a garden build. Outside Visitors to the BBC Gardeners’ World Live at NEC Birmingham, 15-18 June, are also being asked to vote for their favourite garden on the APL Avenue. The Peoples’ NICK GREEN FROM ARTEMIS LANDSCAPES SAID Choice voting will take place during the show days with “This was our first ever show garden. We learnt so much and thoroughly the award being presented towards closure of the show on enjoyed the experience. The sense of support from River Street and other Sunday afternoon. APL members has been superb!”

Find us on Facebook APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk 23 Not all patios are created equal.

With the finest materials and accredited installers, Marshalls makes it easy to get the patio of your dreams. That’s why 99%* of our customers would recommend our products and installers.

Visit marshalls.co.uk/createdequal or search ‘created equal’ to take a step closer to your dream patio.

*Post-installation feedback from 2,070 respondents up to October 2016. APL SPRING SEMINAR

APL Spring Seminar • FIRST CHOICE FOR • Faking it aRTIFICIal Wednesday 17th January 2018 HTA, Horticulture House, Chilton,Oxfordshire • 10am - 4pm GRaSS Book now at hta.org.uk/aplseminar • £75 + VAT SuITablE FOR pRIvaTE and COmmERCIal uSE

HEADLINE SPONSOR

his one-day technical seminar looks at the T challenges of artificial landscaping. Industry experts and practitioners will be on hand to provide information and technical knowledge about all aspects of everything ‘fake’within WORK landscaping. The content of the day will cover:

Artificial grass During this session we’ll be uncovering the various types and differences of artificial grass and what installation standards and techniques you need to adhere to when using artificial grass. We’ll also be looking at the sustainability of product, size of the market, environmental issues and import (China, Europe) pros and cons. Is this an expanding marketing and what exactly what does the future hold? HOmE Composite Decking The aim of this session will be to look at the different types of composite decking and the main differences between them. Looking at installation standards and techniques (Clip systems, screws), environmental issues and the pros and cons of importing these goods.

Recycled products In this session we will be looking at decking and mulch whilst looking into the sustainability of using recycled products and the growing demand for them.

Artificial Plants plaY In this session we will be looking at what the market has to offer and what are their uses? The main focus of this session will be on quality, cost and the best products on offer. This session will also cover; how View our full range and request free can they be integrated into design with real plants and could this samples at namgrass.co.uk provide a solution to the problems we face regarding Bio Security? • T 01425 627832 • [email protected] NAM088 10/17 Pots and Paving There is a big move towards fake pots that look like granite, terracotta or steel. The focus of this session is to look at the pros and @Namgrass cons of using these and the cost comparisons between the two. We will also be covering paving and porcelain products that are printed to look like wood.

Find us on Facebook APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk 25 Carefree HR & Health & Safety

L MEM /AP B A ER T S H

H N L

T Y A DISC / A OUNT P L Y M L E ON Let us help you to: MBERS – Make Health & Safety simple – Get through everyday employment issues – Win more business with our Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) support – Free up time to concentrate more on what you went into business for.

0345 844 1111 citation.co.uk/horticulture

A landscaping supplier you can rely on Rural Tree Planting • Tree Shelters and Guards • Bamboo Canes and Wooden Stakes • Tree Belting • Tree Anchoring Urban Tree Planting • Tree Irrigation • Root Protection • ArborRaft Tree Planting System • Tree Anchoring • Tree Grilles and Guards Maintenance • Grass and Wild ower Seed • Lawn edging • Fertilisers and Weedkillers Call today for a copy of any of our literature including our 2018 catalogue T: 01423 332100 E: [email protected] www.green-tech.co.uk

26 APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk Follow us on Twitter @The_APL APL STONE SEMINAR

APL Stone Seminar Paving the Way

he APL Stone Seminar – Paving the Way, sponsored by London Stone, brought together landscapers, designers and T suppliers to discuss and debate the methods and issues involved in laying stone. Held at Whittlebury Hall in Northamptonshire on 17 January, the 80 strong audience heard from a number of experts and industry practitioners about all aspects of working with stone from the importance of design and sub-bases to sealing and sourcing. Laying stone used to be a relatively straightforward process when there were just a relatively small number of traditional stone types available, it is very different now. Now with such a plethora of stone on the market from across the world, particularly from India and China, it is a much more complex picture with associated technical issues. Speakers through the day looked at some of the intricacies involved in selecting and laying stone – it is clear that there is no Top tips from the day include: one size fits all approach and all jobs need to be assessed according • Consider the design carefully, ensuring your choices are fit for to site conditions such as sub-soil and soil type and along with the purpose aspect of the garden. • Don’t apply a one size fits all approach Leading consultant Barry Hunt, Director of IBIS Limited, the UK’s • There is no standard depth of a sub base first consultancy specialising only in building materials problems, • Rigid on rigid or flexible on flexible was best laying practice provided a fascinating talk about what to do when things go wrong. • Consistency is key Barry emphasised the point that stone is the innocent party and • Apply the 5% rule - strive to make every job 5% better failure is normally the result of poor preparation or understanding • Share knowledge and best practice – everyone has something leading to the works not being fit for purpose. Barry was inundated to learn with questions imparting his valuable knowledge to the audience. • Make sure you use experts in the field – pick up the phone There was also much debate about porcelain - ‘the new kid on the • Know where your stone comes from block’ which despite its excellent qualities is still to stand the test of • Get the manufacturers to come out and demonstrate how to use time. a product APL Chairman, Ken White from Frosts Landscape Construction, • Sealing of natural stone is not necessary however it can add who opened and closed the seminar, comments, “Whilst it is evident benefits provided the right sealant is used. that there is no one size fits all approach to working with stone • Define the purpose of the stone and understand the there are areas of commonality. The day provided a great forum for specification – ensuring it is fit for purpose. discussion, debate, and sharing of information, the industry is better integrated and informed.”

Speakers included Jason Lock (Deakinlock), Paul Hensey (FSGD from Green Zone Design), Steven Walley, Craig Potter and Chris Durnford (London Stone), David Sewell (The Gardenmakers), Giles Heap (CED), Barry Hunt (IBIS Limited), Martyn Fear (Specialist Precast Products Ltd), James Lucas (Extensive Limited) and Mark Gregory (Landform Consultants).

Many thanks to headline partner: London Stone, conference partner: ICL, and exhibitor partners Aggregate Industries, CED, CambridgeHOK, Citation, Ecovision, Global Stone Paving, Melcourt, Millboard, Towergate HTA Insurance and XL Horticulture.

Find us on Facebook APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk 27 TATTON PARK

APL have reason to celebrate at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park RHS Flower Show Tatton Park is took place from 19 – 23 July, and APL members showcased their skills once again amongst the show gardens. APL members Warnes-McGarr finally got the coveted GOLD that they have been working towards, and also took home the Best Future Spaces Garden and Best Construction Awards. The awards were as follows:

Business & Pleasure

Design: Jake Curley Build: Evergreen Cheshire Ltd

Arrange: Rearrange Countryside Garden, Sponsored by RHS Young Contractor of the Year

Design: Young Planting Designer - Anna Rhodes Build: Young Landscape Contractor - Joshua McDonnell, Bespoke Outdoor Spaces

28 APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk Follow us on Twitter @The_APL TATTON PARK

Cactus Direct: 2101, Sponsored by Cactus-Direct.co.uk BEST BEST CONSTRUCTION FUTURE SPACES Design: Michael McGarr AWARD GARDEN Build: Warnes-McGarr

Gabriel Ash Greenhouse Garden, Sponsored by Gabriel Ash

Design: Lilly Gomm Build: Urban Landscapes

For more information on the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park and to view the full list of award winners, visit www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-flower-show-tatton-park

Find us on Facebook APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk 29 SHOW TIME

The APL make a show in 2017 What we do for you

romotion of the APL brand is always top of the agenda for the committee and the team at the APL. It is not an easy P thing to do in a cost-effective manner and we spend a great deal of time deciding what is going to achieve the best results. Many articles we write are picked up by consumer magazines and we have a great presence on social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. However, we have found one of the best ways to support you as members and meet your potential customers is by building garden features at some of our biggest flower shows. This gives a great Finally, our garden at Hampton Court was a massive success. We opportunity to boast about what the APL is and how it ensures had the feature professionally designed by APL Garden Design landscaping excellence. members Vara Designs. The garden was named “A Place to This year we have built gardens at Chelsea, BBC GWL and meet” and Hampton Court is indeed a great place to meet up with Hampton Court. All of them had a brief and all of them were members old and new, but most of all the public. designed to promote you. So, with help from our members Living Landscapes based in West The Chelsea garden was put together by the APL and the HTA, Sussex and once again Garden House Design we created an amazing and was run in conjunction with Peter Seabrook and The Sun as a small space where we could have great conversation and hospitality celebration of Peter’s 40 years working at the newspaper. with our visitors. APL members Bowood Landscapes helped to build the garden, which featured ideas and inspirations from a typical modest suburban back garden. It was judges and achieved a Silver Medal.

The feature at BBC GWL was built by Design It Landscapes who are based in the West Midlands, supported by West Sussex based Garden House design with one of their fabulous Renson canopies. These gardens would not be possible without the support from The garden was a great attraction for the public, but also was a our members, but also from sponsorship of products to build platform used by Monty Don and Alan Titchmarsh for their look them with. We have already mentioned the Renson Canopy from back at 50 years of Gardeners World celebration edition filmed for Garden House Design, but also we received fabulous support from the BBC show. Marshalls, Bradstone, London Stone, Stark and Green Smith, Living Landscapes Bespoke Furniture, Cozy Bay Garden Furniture and plants supplied by Midlands based Coles Nursery and Longacres Garden Centre in Surrey. This sort of collaboration is indicative of our industry and is ever present in our fantastic APL Community. It is difficult to put a figure on the amount of exposure these shows give, but combined you have visitor numbers that are close to half a million and I know we talked to a lot of them as throats were very sore by the end of the show season.

30 APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk Follow us on Twitter @The_APL PAGE NAME

Xylella fastidiosa

Landscaper businesses need to be conscious of where they are The scheme itself will consist of four main areas: purchasing their plants from. If an outbreak is found either on your • Management premises, or a garden you have worked on, the legal ramifications • Plant health controls could be horrific and bankrupting. • Recognition and training • Site housekeeping ears about the draconian measures caused by an outbreak of Xylella fastidiosa have focussed industry efforts on improving As a starting point, each business should have a plant health policy. plant health management in the supply chain. For the first This may sound a bit obvious but it really helps to focus thinking on F exactly what you are trying to achieve. Beneath this sits an analysis time, all professionals dealing with plants – landscapers, growers, designers, landscape architects and retailers – are brought into of the risks associated with different product lines, and plans for the the regulations, and we all have to start being very careful about higher risk categories. where we get our plants from. At an HTA grower meeting, hosted by We are encouraging all businesses to sign up to the following Johnsons of Whixley and held the day after the HTA and APHA 2016 statement as a minimum policy: Biosecurity conference, the group decided that the industry had to “We have taken the decision NOT to knowingly purchase any host step up to the plate. plants originating from regions where the disease Xylella is known The consensus was that we need to be growing more in the UK to exist. The decision has been taken after detailed consideration as and doing a much better job of managing plant health at a nursery to the potential catastrophic impact the introduction of the disease level. It was decided that to improve plant health management, a could have to the UK environment, coupled with the ever-increasing standard needed to be created with a quality assurance system to number of host plant genera of this disease. This is in line with drive improvements and spell out responsibilities. This would be DEFRA’s good practice recommendations. developed to become a badged scheme with a logo and audit, and would then help landscapers, plant buyers, designers and specifiers The HTA is aware that this is a minimum standard and therefore in making confident choices about sourcing plants. It would never individual businesses are encouraged to develop their own policy for guarantee pest and disease-free plants, but it would help to managing the risks posed by Xylella fastidiosa.” guarantee high quality, responsible management and traceability. To find out more information, visit www.hta.org.uk/xylella

Find us on Facebook APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk 31 APL MEMBER AWARDS

Other awards won by

APL Members in 2017 RHS Chatsworth Flower Show The Wedgewood garden

With so many great shows around the country, our members are Award: Gold Medal often involved in show gardens all year round. Here are just some of Build: James Bird Landscapes (This was their first ever show garden) the other accolades our members have won:

RHS Chatsworth Flower Show Moveable Feast

Award: Silver Medal Build: Big Fish Landscapes

RHS Malvern Spring Festival Molecular Garden

Award: Gold and Best Spa Garden Build: Big Fish Landscapes

32 APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk Follow us on Twitter @The_APL APL MEMBER AWARDS

Southport Flower Show Kuro

Award: Large Gold, Southport Corporation Trophy, The Pontins Trophy, Brian Aughton Memorial Trophy Design & Build: Kirman Design Garden Sponsor: C&W Berry Ltd

Harrogate Autumn Breathing Space

Award: Gold and Best in Show Build: Nicholas Edwards Gardens and APL

Harrogate Spring A Fresh Start

Award: Gold Medal and Best Soft Landscape in Show Build: Paxman Landscapes and APL (Plants supplied by J A Jones)

If you are getting involved with any show gardens in 2018 let us know, and we can look at coming along and covering your garden in our publications!

Find us on Facebook APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk 33 PAGE NAME

How do you enhance

the perfect project? D

H C With decking that’s enhanced by nature of course. Unlike other composite decking, – Millboard decking is hand-moulded from natural timber. Meticulously tested and I N A R expertly crafted, it won’t rot like real wood, warp like real wood or attract mould like G D C E real wood. It just takes the best of real wood and enhances it. Stylish, slip-resistant E N H A N and timelessly beautiful, our Enhanced Grain and Weathered Oak collections blend naturally with any backdrop – even the fixings are discreet.

Millboard: Live. Life. Outside.

Discover the collection at millboard.co.uk Live. Life. Outside.

MIL-17-002 - 297x210 APL.indd 1 18/10/2017 09:41

How do you enhance

the perfect project? D

Millboard: Live. Life. Outside.

Discover the collection at millboard.co.uk Live. Life. Outside. 34 APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk Follow us on Twitter @The_APL

MIL-17-002 - 297x210 APL.indd 1 18/10/2017 09:41 APL AUTUMN SEMINAR

APL Autumn Seminar 2017 Oliver Magnuson, Frosts Landscape Construction, giving an overview on the role of a structural engineer and highlighting the importance of giving them as much information from the start as Vertically Challenged possible, as this may help to avoid costly changes and problems later; Paul Hensey, Green Zone Design Ltd, discussing planning, the On 26 September, the APL held a one-day seminar on the different types of walls and when to use them; Andy Loudon, DSWA challenges of vertical landscaping at the HTA offices in Chilton, Master Craftsman and Chief Examiner, giving hints and instruction Oxfordshire. The day was a great opportunity for experts in the on how to achieve the look from a master dry stone Waller and industry to get together and share best practice and experiences Paul Masters, London Stone Paving Ltd, talking about Design Clad, as well as network. a very popular porcelain cladding system used as an alternative to rendering. he day was introduced by APL Chairman, Ken White, who discussed the amount of expertise in the room and how as T an association, there is a real community of knowledge that There was great opportunities for networking and a chance can be shared. He then introduced previous APL Chairman, to visit our exhibitor sponsors CED Natural Stone, Citation, Mark Gregory, who chaired the rest of the day and gave insights into Global Stone, London Stone and Makita. his experiences of vertical landscaping over his career. The day included some educational and insightful talks from Kate Gould, Kate Gould Gardens, discussing the design process and the considerations that should be explored in a project; HEADLINE SPONSOR

How do you enhance

the perfect project? D

Millboard: Live. Life. Outside.

Discover the collection at millboard.co.uk Live. Life. Outside. Find us on Facebook APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk 35

MIL-17-002 - 297x210 APL.indd 1 18/10/2017 09:41 APL ASSOCIATES

Hard landscaping supplier Lime Cross Nursery APL Associates 01323 833229 Bradstone www.limecross.co.uk 01530 512328 TRADE ONLY www.bradstone.com Pacific Nurseries 0121 3534017 CED www.pacificnurseries.co.uk 01708 867237 Aquatic plants www.ced.ltd.uk Scotsdale Nursery & Garden Centre Anglo Aquatic Plant Co 01223 842777 Deco-Pak www.scotsdalegardencentre.co.uk 020 8363 8548 www.angloaquatic.co.uk 01422 204394 www.deco-pak.co.uk Chessington Nurseries Beaver Plants 01372 725638 Kebur Garden Materials www.chessingtongardencentre.co.uk 01342 833144 www.beaverplants.co.uk 01252 517571 www.kebur.co.uk F.Russell & Sons 024 7630 3627 Artificial plants Kelkay www.russellsgardencentre.co.uk 01405 869 333 Easigrass Distribution www.kelkay.com 0845 163 4724 Photography www.easigrass.com London Stone Paving Striking Places Green Envee 01753 212 950 07966 086133 www.londonstone.co.uk/stone-paving www.strikingplaces.com 0203 893 1110 www.greenenvee.co.uk Marshalls Plc 01422 312000 Plant breeder’s agent Bulb supplier www.marshalls.co.uk Plants for Europe Gedney Bulb Company Natural Paving Products (UK) 01825 731831 www.plantsforeurope.com 01406 550341 0845 072 1150 www.gedneybulb.co.uk www.naturalpaving.co.uk Polytunnel supplier Kapiteyn BV Hedging 07807 96325 XL Horticulture www.kapiteyn.nl Hedges Direct 01404 823044 www.xlhorticulture.co.uk 01257 263873 O A Taylor & Sons Bulbs www.hedgesdirect.co.uk 01406 422266 Pots and Planters www.taylors-bulbs.com Insurance provider Cadix UK Composite Decking HTA Insurance (Towergate Insurance) 01440 713704 www.cadix.co.uk 01482 577283 Senate Composites www.htainsurance.co.uk 01438 362547 Power tool manufacturer www.senatecomposites.com Irrigation Supplies Makita UK Consultant Hozelock 01908 211678 www.makitauk.com 0121 313 4242 Cedar Associates www.hozelock.com 01926 338060 Raised bed manufacturer www.cedarassociates.co.uk Landscaping products R. J. White & Son FLP Consultancy Arbour Landscape Solutions 01384 442190 01896 757 458 www.whitesraisedbeds.co.uk [email protected] 020 8953 6177 www.arbourlandscapesolutions.co.uk Recruitment LandPro Ltd Fargro 01252 795030 Horticruitment UK www.landpro.co.uk 01903 721591 www.fargro.co.uk 01233 732767 www.horticruitment.com Crop and plant protection products Greentech Huntmore 01423 332100 Tildenet www.green-tech.co.uk 01780 480530 0117 966 9684 www.morepeople.co.uk www.tildenet.co.uk Marketing Seaweed extract manufacturer Digital signage Refinery Group Maxicrop (UK) 01612 735511 Review Systems www.refinerygroup.co.uk 01405 762777 01772 875536 www.maxicrop.co.uk www.reviewsystems.com Garden Connect 0203 475 5541 Swimming pool supplier Garden products supplier www.gardenconnect.com S C P (UK) F H Brundle Nursery and garden centre 01293 546126 07795 668457 www.poolcorp.com www.brundlegardener.co.uk Adrian Hall Garden Centre 020 8751 7600 Telecommunications Growing media manufacturer www.adrianhall.co.uk 2 Circles Bulrush Horticulture Cooling’s Nurseries 0800 9541633 02879 386 555 01959 532269 www.2circles.com www.bulrush.co.uk www.coolings.co.uk Jiffy Elveden Farms Tool manufacturer 0870 366 7930 01842 890 223 Fiskars www.jiffygroup.com www.elveden.com 01782 204141 Melcourt Industries Fillpots Nursery www.fiskars.com 01666 502711 01206 273834 www.melcourt.co.uk www.fillpots.co.uk

36 APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk Follow us on Twitter @The_APL APL ASSOCIATES

Topsoils Classiflora Imports Kilworth Conifers 08700 600420 01858 575477 Boughton Loam & Turf Management www.classiflora.com www.kilworth-conifers.co.uk 01536 510515 www.boughton.co.uk Cobbins Nursery Ladybird Nurseries (Snape) 01903 700230 01728 688289 British Sugar www.cobbins.co.uk www.ladybirdnurseries.co.uk 0870 2402 314 www.bstopsoil.co.uk Cottage Farm Nursery Lovania Nurseries 01234 838383 01772 817030 Greentech www.cottagefarmnurseries.co.uk www.lovania.co.uk 01423 332100 www.green-tech.co.uk Craigmarloch Nurseries Majestic Group 01236 821355 01582 843881 Veolia www.craigmarloch.co.uk www.majestictrees.co.uk 0207 812 5000 www.veolia.co.uk Crowders Nurseries New Leaf Plants 01507 525000 01386 442055 Training provider www.crowdersnurseries.co.uk www.newleafplants.co.uk CAFRE College (NI) D-Tail Plants Oakgate Nursery 028 9442 6601 01904 780700 01939 250087 www.cafre.ac.uk www.d-tailplants.co.uk www.oakgatenursery.co.uk Capel Manor College David Austin Roses Osberton Nurseries 01902 376300 01909 485621 0303 003 1234 www.davidaustinroses.com www.capel.ac.uk www.osberton.co.uk Dingle Nurseries Dundee and Angus College Palmstead Nurseries 01938 552587 01233 813340 01382 834860 www.dinglenurseries.co.uk www.dundeeandangus.ac.uk www.palmstead.co.uk E W Burrow Nursery Hadlow College Perryhill Nurseries 01435 862992 01892 770377 0808 555 1434 www.ewburrownursery.co.uk www.hadlow.ac.uk www.perryhillnurseries.co.uk Earley Ornamentals Myerscough College Premium Christmas Trees 01845 524511 01257 793748 01995 642222 www.earleyornamentals.co.uk www.myerscough.ac.uk www.premiumchristmastrees.com Europlants UK OnSite Training UK Provender Nurseries 01707 649996 01322 611692 01933 234928 www.europlants.net www.onsitetraininguk.co.uk www.provendernurseries.co.uk Farplants Sales Reaseheath College Robin Tacchi Plants 01243 553311 01953 681312 01270 625131 www.farplants.co.uk www.reaseheath.ac.uk www.robintacchiplants.com Frank P Matthews Scotland’s Rural College Rumwood Nurseries 01584 810214 01622 861477 01506 864800 www.frankpmatthews.com www.sruc.ac.uk www.rumwoodnurseries.com Glendale Horticulture Warwickshire College Tendercare Nurseries 01452 740216 01895 835544 0300 456 0047 www.glendale-horticulture.co.uk www.wcg.ac.uk www.tendercare.co.uk Golden Grove Nursery The Plant Yard Wholesale nursery 01205 460432 01590 615372 Agrumi www.goldengrovenursery.co.uk www.the-plant-yard.co.uk 01590 683487 Growforth Trees Please www.agrumi.co.uk 01383 410099 01434 633049 Amethyst Horticulture www.theplant-market.co.uk www.treesplease.co.uk 01795 522828 Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants Van Arnhem Nursery www.amethyst-horticulture.co.uk 01256 896533 01483 812077 Anglia Group of Nurseries www.hardys-plants.co.uk www.vanarnhem-nursery.co.uk 01366 728380 Howard Nurseries Viking Nurseries www.darby-nurseries.co.uk 01379 898529 01603 882196 Ball Colegrave www.howardnurseries.co.uk www.vikingnurseries.co.uk 01295 811833 J A Jones & Sons Welland Vale Nurseries www.ballcolegrave.co.uk 01704 228235 01572 822729 Barrow Nurseries www.jajones.co.uk www.wellandvale.co.uk 01244 300500 James Coles & Sons (Nurseries) Woodgrow Horticulture www.livinglandscapesltd.com 01162 412115 01332 517600 Beaver Plants www.colesnurseries.co.uk www.woodgrow.com 01342 833 144 Johnsons of Whixley Wyeplants www.beaverplants.co.uk 01423 330234 01775 722408 Bernhard’s Rugby Nurseries www.nurserymen.co.uk www.wyeplants.co.uk 01788 521177 Joseph Rochford Gardens Wyevale Nurseries www.bernhards-nurseries.co.uk 01707 261370 01432 845200 Chapel Cottage Plants www.rochfords.net www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk 01354 740938 Kernock Park Plants Wykeham Mature Plants www.chapelcottageplants.co.uk 01579 350561 01723 862406 Chessum Plants www.kernock.co.uk www.wykehammatureplants.co.uk 01767 312 144 www.chessumplants.com

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APL Associates TRADE ONLY

Designers

Aralia Garden Design LLP Rebecca Hadley 01279 721 461 www.aralia.org.uk

Claudia de Yong Designs GARDEN Claudia de Yong 020 7938 2063 STRUCTURES www.claudiadeyong.com

Green Zone Ltd ARCHES • PERGOLAS • OBELISKS Paul Hensey • METAL RAISED BEDS & PLANTERS 01730 601967 FLOWER SUPPORTS • FENCING • GATES www.greenzonedesign.co.uk

K & K Gardening Cymru Cyf Kurt Fernandez 07766667437 [email protected]

Katja’s Country Gardens and Pool Design Ltd Katja Griffiths 0778 792 3434 www.designbykatja.com

Sakura Garden Design Limited Clive Anderson 01799 540185 www.sakuragardendesign.org.uk

Susan Young Garden Design • SITE VISITS • BESPOKE STRUCTURES Susan Young 01234 826430 • TRADE DISCOUNT & PRICING www.susanyoungdesign.co.uk • PROFESSIONAL CAD/ TECHNICAL DRAWINGS Tapestry Design Studios Paul Baker UK DESIGN & MANUFACTURE 07970828881 www.tapestrydesignstudios.com

Lucy Conochie Garden Design Lucy Conochie 020 8509 7225 www.lucyconochiedesign.com

Amanda Broughton Garden Design Amanda Broughton 020 8449 5781 www.abroughtondesign.com TRADE BROCHURE: Call 0333 400 1777 TRADE ENQUIRIES: Email [email protected] www.harrodhorticultural.com

38 APL News 2017 | www.landscaper.org.uk Follow us on Twitter @The_APL PAGE NAME

Students and apprentices once again impress to make the APL WorldSkills finals

his years’ APL WorldSkills UK semi-final saw a bit of a change from the past two years with the event moving away T from RHS Tatton Park Flower Show, and having more of a focus on the training and development of the competitors.

Over the three days (21-24 August) the nine semi-finalists had tasks to complete including paving, decking, walling and plant ident, procurement and working to a client’s brief.

All the semi-finalists impressed the judges, but we are pleased to announce the seven competitors progressing to the finals are:

• Ryan Bell • Daniel McGeoghegan • Thomas Cartledge • Samuel Taylor • Josh Dow • Kelvin White • Adam McGarry

The first two days were held at Myerscough College, Preston, where the competitors completed the walling, paving and decking tasks. They also had training sessions in different types of paving and the benefits and drawbacks of each type from head judge, Jody Lidgard. On the second day, there was the chance to get hands on with a table top saw and practice cutting porcelain.

The third day took place at J A Jones cash and carry in Southport. Here the competitors took part in a plant ident, and were then given free reign of the nursery to design a garden to meet a client brief. This gave the competitors a real challenge in regard of choosing the The finalists will be competing at the Skills Show at the NEC right plants to suit each brief and really test their plant knowledge. in Birmingham, taking place from 16-18 November 2017. To register to come along and see the final competition for A massive thank you to all of our APL WorldSkills UK sponsors yourself, visit www.worldskillsuk.org/the-skills-show/book- Green-Tech, J A Jones, Makita and Marshalls. Without them, the the-skills-show competition would not be able to happen.

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SINCE 1956

BRADSTONE PORCELAIN

If your customers are looking for high quality, beautiful garden paving that’s also low maintenance, look no further than Bradstone’s Porcelain collection.

Porcelain paving is resistant to water absorption and as you don’t need to apply a sealant, your customers can be reassured their paving will be stain and mildew resistant.

Pauta® in Silver Grey Mode® Profiled in Beige Tordillo® in White

When you work with the best, always use Bradpoint all weather jointing compound, or super strong Bradbond Slurry Primer for brilliant results.

Want to know more? Visit www.bradstone.com

40or callAPL ourNews 2017 sales | www.landscaper.org.uk office on 01335 372 222 MAIN IMAGE:Follow Causse us on Twitter® in Dark @The_APL Grey

BRA4151_Porcelain Insert v3.indd 1 25/10/2017 09:25