Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 70 - 2024 i Landscape & Urban Design

Kubota (UK) are delighted to announce two strategic appointments - bolstering knowledge and strength both internally and across the dealer network. John Davis has taken up the position of agricultural and groundcare dealer manager for the south and south west of England, while Matt Wilson joins the marketing team as groundcare product and key account manager for the UK and Ireland. Passionate about farming and machinery, John has worked in the industry since leaving school, where he enrolled in an apprenticeship scheme with former dealer Tincknells, some 30 years ago. He joins Kubota following eight years with a specialist manufacturer and brings with him considerable experience gained during his most recent role working with self-propelled crop spraying equipment. “I’m looking forward to being challenged with continual dealer development and brand-building,…

Bobcat has been selected as a Red Dot Award: Design Concept winner for RogueX2, an all-electric, fully autonomous concept loader. The Red Dot Design Award is one of the most respected design awards in the world, with its Design Concept category identifying and celebrating new design concepts and innovations as the precursors of tomorrow’s great products. “We are honoured to win the world-renowned Red Dot Award for Design Concept in recognition of the groundbreaking design of the RogueX2,” said Joel Honeyman, Vice President of Global Innovation at Doosan Bobcat. “This award is a testament to the dedication of the Bobcat teams who are passionate about pushing design limits and advancing innovation to redefine the machines of tomorrow.” Key to the machine’s development was the Bobcat Global Design Studio, which supported…

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…

Decking can transform an outdoor area, providing a versatile, attractive, and functional extension of your home. However, to ensure your deck is safe, durable, and meets your needs, it’s essential to understand the different types of decking available, the best installation practices, and the importance of proper treatment and support structure. Here are essential considerations when planning your deck: Choose the right decking Selecting the right type of decking for your project is the first step to achieving a durable, functional outdoor area. Consider: 1. Heavy-Duty Decking: This is designed for high-traffic areas and is designed to withstand significant wear and tear. This type of decking is ideal for larger or more frequently used spaces, such as public areas or large family patios, where boards need to withstand constant foot…

As the autumn draws in, spending your days lazing in the garden might seem a distant memory. But as attention shifts to garden plans for next summer, here’s what most Brits would want to put in theirs. Research has shown that whilst the average British garden contains outdoor furniture, a patio and barbecue, the UK’s dream of their outdoor space including a summer house, decking and a fire pit, with more than a third of UK homeowners choosing these aspirational items if they were creating the gardens of their dreams. According to new research, 36% of people said they would feature a luxurious summer house in their dream garden, while 34% said a fire pit and 33% chose decking to complete their aspirational space. The outdoor living trends survey, which…

With Autumn in our midst, it is a great opportunity for landscapers to carry out garden maintenance and prepare for the upcoming winter months. As the days get shorter and darker, lighting becomes vital to a landscaper’s design plan. There are various things to consider when it comes to lighting options, such as highlighting features, rather than just drawing attention to what’s directly in front of you, establishing focal points and experimenting with perspective, as well as considering the quality of lighting and direction. Lumena Lights stocks a variety of 12V and 240V outdoor light designs and colours to suit your every need. Lighting is a crucial component for setting the mood, ask any photographer or filmmaker! When the sun sets, the same principle applies to landscapes. Lighting extends the…

In the world of construction and stone fabrication, precision is key. From creating intricate designs to ensuring a perfect fit, the ability to template accurately can make or break a project. Aquacut, with its expertise in the processing and fabrication of materials like stone and porcelain, offers a state-of-the-art laser templating service that caters to the diverse needs of architects, contractors, and designers. As a leader in the industry, we understand the importance of precision, and our templating services have been developed with this in mind. What is Laser Templating and Why Does It Matter? Laser templating is a revolutionary technology that allows us to create accurate, detailed templates for a wide variety of materials even for challenging installations. This is particularly essential for professionals working with stone, concrete, or…

Larsen Building Products, a pioneering force in the construction materials industry for almost 50 years, is making significant strides towards achieving sustainable production. Powered entirely by renewable electricity from Power NI, part of the Energia Group, Larsen’s production facilities now operate with zero carbon emissions. This move marks a major milestone not just for the company but also for the broader construction industry, as Larsen exemplifies how businesses can balance innovation, performance, and environmental responsibility. Powered with 100% Renewable Energy Larsen’s adoption of green energy is a crucial step towards reducing its carbon footprint and mitigating the environmental impact of its operations. Situated in the heart of Belfast’s docklands, Larsen’s production plants are now powered exclusively by local, renewable electricity supplied by Power NI. This shift means that Larsen’s manufacturing…

As a key part of The Hills Group, Hills Quarry Products has continued to build on its 124-year history with further expansion across the south of England - including the opening of new ready mixed concrete plants in Swindon in Wiltshire and Wilmington in Devon. Hills Quarry Products has also future-proofed aggregate supplies with planning approval for its largest gravel quarry to date at Down Ampney in Gloucestershire. With eight concrete plants, seven quarries and a large fleet of tippers and mixers, including mini-mix, Hills is perfectly placed to fulfil orders of concrete, specialist concretes, floor screeds, stone, gravel, sand and unique, decorative aggregates. Muck-away and haulage services complete the offering, with several licensed waste disposal sites available. Hills Quarry Products is an active member of the Mineral Products Association.…

Hedges Direct is the UK’s leading supplier of hedging plants, despatching direct from our 16 acre nursery site in Lancashire and covering all of mainland UK. With nearly 20 years horticulture experience, we make buying hedges easy. As a Hedging plant specialist, we have the UK’s widest range of hedging and shrubs - from popular evergreens to UK grown native varieties, available in a range of heights and root types, with year round options, in over 100 species. Expert Advice and Trade Only Pricing The Hedges Direct trade team are highly experienced and provide expert advice with 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…

The RHS will use AI to help build a knowledge bank of cultivated plants for specific uses, such as pollination, pollution capture and water management, as it launches a new five year programme of work to commence in 2025. Plants for Purpose will see the charity work in collaboration with the University of Nottingham to develop a deep learning tool that will identify characteristics among the more than 400,000 different plant cultivars found in the UK that RHS and wider industry research has shown to be beneficial. For example, RHS research has previously revealed that rough surfaced leaves are most adept at capturing particulate pollution. Machine learning techniques that reliably quantify texture, can be used to identify specimens from the RHS herbarium - a vast collection of dried plant specimens…

Since becoming Course Manager at Kibworth Golf Club in 2019 Martin Anderson has propelled the course to new heights. A crucial component in Martin’s arsenal? The superior quality sand products from Mansfield Sand Company, renowned for their performance and reliability. For over 170 years, Mansfield Sand Company has led the industry in the development and production of premium silica sand-based products. With a commitment to innovation and quality, Mansfield Sand’s range of offerings has become synonymous with excellence across sports, landscaping, and equestrian sectors. From championship golf courses to world-class show jumping arenas, Mansfield Sand’s products have impressed at some of the most prestigious venues in the UK and Europe. Reflecting on the transition to Mansfield Sand’s products, Martin speaks of the noticeable difference it has made at Kibworth Golf…

In the world of gardening and landscaping, the tools we use play a pivotal role in shaping our gardens and our overall experience. Gone are the days when gardening was solely associated with manual labour or purely petrol-driven machinery. With advances in technology, it’s easy to access a new generation of garden tools that are not only efficient but also eco-friendly. Kress Battery Electric Garden Tools are among the best – they have only ever made electric. In short, same power, cheaper to run. 1. Environmental Sustainability One of the most significant advantages of Kress Battery Electric Garden Tools lies in their eco-friendliness. Traditional gas-powered tools can emit harmful fumes and contribute to air and noise pollution. In contrast, Kress battery electric tools operate quietly and produce zero emissions, making…

Artificial lawns are rapidly rising in popularity, with Aviva reporting in 2022 that 10% of UK homes have replaced at least part of their outdoor space with faux lawns, however, how many know how to properly care for it? Adrian Buttress, managing director of PermaLawn, part of PermaGroup, said: “Artificial lawn is a fantastic investment that can look great year-round. Overall, it’s relatively low maintenance, and certainly doesn’t require the regular mowing of a traditional lawn, but a small amount of work can go a long way to protect the lawn for years to come. “As we progress through autumn and into winter, it’s essential artificial lawn owners get prepared whether it’s installed in your home, a golfing green or a kids play area. “The most important thing to do…

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…

A living space outside of your home or hospitality establishment can reflect the same comforts and taste level as spaces within, so why not invest in making it the space you always wanted. Whether it is a lounge area, dining space or the outdoor kitchen, our collection of outdoor lighting fixtures will enhance your curated space to the next level. Decorative Wall Lanterns Outdoor wall lights can add safety and security to a home as well as accent the exterior appearance. Our large collection has options to suit most tastes and requirements. There are traditional black lanterns or modern LED fittings. There are wall lights suitable for harsh coastal environments, ‘dark sky’ lights that help to reduce light pollution, others with inbuilt PIR sensors and up-down lights to illuminate walls.…

Blyko, a leader in high-quality concrete paving for the UK construction industry, is excited to announce the opening of its new Hemel Hempstead office. Strategically located north of London, the new facility will open on 28th November 2024, with the current Hove offices gradually closing in the coming months. To gain more insights into this strategic move and Blyko’s offerings, we sat down with Neil Gibbons, UK Business Development Manager. What makes Blyko exceptional? “Blyko excels in manufacturing high-quality concrete paving, offering bespoke designs for a wide range of landscaping and construction needs. Our durable and aesthetically appealing solutions have made us a trusted name in the UK market,” explains Neil. Explore our paving solutions Blyko offers an extensive range of paving products, including: • Novostone®: Combines a decorative granite…

At Stoneworld Oxfordshire, we offer unparalleled expertise in natural stone and porcelain masonry, making us an invaluable partner. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a 7-axis robotic stone carver and digital templating tools, we ensure precision and innovation in every project. Our state-of-the-art masonry workshop allows us to create bespoke stone features, from intricately designed ecclesiastical sculptures to custom staircases and landscaping elements. Stoneworld customers benefit from our ability to bring complex visions to life with unmatched accuracy. Our commitment to integrating modern technology with traditional craftsmanship ensures that each project not only meets but exceeds client expectations. Whether it’s crafting bespoke curved stone steps or seamlessly integrating stone pieces into stainless steel structures, our capabilities redefine possibilities in contemporary stone design. Our collaborative approach and dedication to excellence make us…

Located at the heart of Tottenham Court Road, Whitfield Gardens has long been a vibrant spot in London, celebrated for the iconic Fitzrovia Mural—a colourful depiction of life in the 1980s. In an ambitious initiative led by Camden Council, Whitfield Gardens was selected for revitalisation under the West End Project, aimed at transforming public spaces for local residents and visitors alike. LDA Design was appointed to spearhead this scheme, with Woodscape producing a range bespoke street furniture to enhance the ambience and functionality of the space. The project aimed to enhance the urban appeal of Whitfield Gardens by modernising and beautifying this high-footfall area, creating an inviting and warm atmosphere through integrated lighting features. It was essential to design the space with flexibility in mind, allowing for a range of…

Plans for the Royal High School Building on Calton Hill are well underway including an ambitious garden project which will see exciting new gardens with free public access, created in the grounds of the building. Designed through a collaboration between award-winning landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith OBE, and Edinburgh based landscape architects, OPEN (part of SLR), the area will provide the first major new city centre public garden since Princes Street Gardens opened more than 200 years ago in 1820. The plans will give residents and visitors to Edinburgh access to a beautiful open space with outstanding views of both the capital and the surrounding landscape. With an East and West Garden the aim is to provide an oasis of calm from the busy city centre while creating a contemporary setting…

As has come to be expected of Accredited members, the level of quality and complexity of many of the schemes entered in this year’s Awards highlighted the commitment of members to continue driving the industry forward, while increasingly considering the environmental impact. Head judge, John Melmoe said, “Each of this year’s National Landscape Award winners exemplifies outstanding quality and craftsmanship. The attention to detail in these schemes is truly remarkable, with every element thoughtfully executed to create cohesive and inspiring outdoor spaces. To win any Award at this level, with such a high standard of vetting in place, is a true testament for any business or individual that receives one. The level of innovation and the skill demonstrated is evidence of the exceptional talent in our industry. These projects set…

Last month, we had the pleasure of attending GroundsFest once again, and what an incredible event it was! As exhibitors for the second year in a row, we proudly showcased some of our latest and most beloved playground equipment. It was fantastic to see so many of our customers, both familiar and new, come by to explore our diverse product range. Our stand featured a mix of timeless classics and innovative new designs. The iconic Rocking Horse, a favourite for over four decades, stood alongside exciting newcomers like the Vertex Climbing Boulder, and our latest thrill-seeking Adrenaline collection. We were also thrilled to display our inclusive Nest Whirl roundabout, demonstrating our commitment to accessible play for all. Additionally, our Wicksteed Robinia range was a highlight, offering a beautiful natural timber…

Emission-Free Turf Care for Greenkeepers As sustainability gains importance for golf courses and large turf areas, greenkeepers are increasingly looking for efficient and cost-effective methods to lower their carbon footprints. Kress RTKn robotic mowers integrate advanced technology with zero emissions, offering a solution for environmentally conscious turf care. Precision and Performance Kress RTKn mowers provide precision and performance in turf maintenance. These machines operate quietly and without emissions, providing an alternative to traditional petrol-powered mowers. According to estimates, an 18-hole golf course could potentially reduce its carbon emissions by up to 10 tons annually by transitioning to Kress RTKn robotic mowers, contributing to environmental sustainability efforts. Addressing Turf Care Challenges Maintaining a well-kept golf course or turf surface presents challenges, especially under time constraints and varying weather conditions. Kress RTKn…

As the colder months set in and the festive season approaches, many homeowners forget the importance of preparing their gardens for winter. Preparing your garden for the cold not only shields your tools and outdoor winter furniture from the elements but also keeps your outdoor space in prime condition for spring. It’s all about keeping your outdoor space in great shape during the holiday season and beyond. Here’s a comprehensive guide on getting your garden ready for winter, especially if you have wooden furniture that requires more attention to handle the cold and damp. Protecting garden furniture If you want to leave your wooden furniture outside during winter, correct waterproofing and treatment techniques are essential. While most types of wood can handle a little rain, in winter the rain is…

Practicality Brown is always known as an innovative company! The first company to develop pre-grown instant hedge in the late 1990s, and we have since gone on to develop our own award-winning Practicality Instant Hedge™. Our tree nursery also specialise in evergreen screening trees, to bring privacy to every garden. We are now pleased to announce two new online developments, our Hedge Shop and our full Tree Availability List. Hedge Shop Our Hedge Shop is now available online. Fully integrated with our existing website, or available direct at https://shop.pracbrown.co.uk/ - this is an easy way to select and buy Practical Instant Hedge™ from the Instant Hedge Specialist. We have over 15,000 metres of hedging available across 16 species, so there is something for every project. Tree Availability List We have…

Our ready to plant hedging is fully mature and perfectly knitted together, designed to give your outdoor space an instant transformation. The team at Readyhedge are passionate horticulturalists, with a passion for growing beautiful hedgerows. Every year we grow over 40km of hedges in over 35 different varieties. Including individual plants, low and high panels, and screens. Our range of instant hedging is suitable for all garden types, both commercial and domestic. 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! Our aim is to fulfil orders in 48 hours, we offer secure and punctual delivery to any location within the country. For more information contact…

For 2025, take a deep dive into the world of spas, wellness suites, swimming pools, steam rooms, saunas, water features, enclosures and all the ancillary equipment. SPATEX 2025 explores the latest design trends, materials and technologies specific to designing and building in a water leisure environment. Free to attend, the UK’s annual exhibition is held at the Coventry Building Society Arena, Tuesday 4th to Thursday 6th February. With over a hundred exhibiting companies, including all the leading manufacturers and suppliers from around the world, SPATEX 2025 gathers under one roof the industry’s key decision-makers. This is where all the conversations that will shape the water leisure market over the next 12 months will take place. Innovations View and compare a host of new innovations., both for the commercial and domestic…

Your garden is the easiest way to connect with nature – and with a little TLC, it can be the perfect sanctuary. Spending time in your garden is great for your mental health too, with over three million Brits noticing an improvement in their mental health once they moved out of an urban area and into a home with a garden or outdoor space. Levelling up your garden doesn’t have to be as daunting as it sounds and outdoor tiling is proving incredibly popular, with over 8,000 Brits googling “garden tiling” each month. Here, tiling experts Instarmac find out the best ways to transform your garden with outdoor tiling. How popular are garden renovations right now? Gardens have been a key area of focus for Brits looking to upgrade their…

Developed for the contract and landscape sectors, LTP’s ECOPROTEC® range includes sustainable surface care products - for all types of natural and engineered stone - spanning sealing & protection, cleaning & restoration, and aftercare treatments. All products are made in the UK and the sealing and protection products benefit from the most advanced research in water-based technology - combining high performance with low odour and low VOC formulations. Best-selling treatments for the autumn and winter seasons include ECOPROTEC® Black Spot & Algae Remover. Ideal for tackling slippery paths and patio areas, Black Spot & Algae targets organic residues, including black spot, white spot, lichen, moss, algae and other stains caused by damp and slippery leaf matter. Treatment in the autumn, in particular, breaks down microspores and hyphae before they colonise.…

As we transition into tree planting season, it’s time to focus on sustainable solutions that enhance urban green spaces. At GreenBlue Urban, we are committed to fostering a greener future through our innovative ArborSystem™ suite of products, designed to support the growth of healthy trees in urban environments. UK Manufacturing and Sustainability Products are proudly manufactured in the UK, ensuring that we not only support local economies but also minimise our carbon footprint. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our use of recycled materials sourced from within the UK, reducing waste and conserving resources. With our products in stock and ready to supply, we are poised to meet the growing demand for green infrastructure solutions. Award-Winning Solutions We are thrilled to announce that our leading pavement soil support system,…

This groundbreaking £76 million initiative is one of Pictorial Meadow’s latest SuDs projects. The project has three core objectives: mitigating flood risks, enhancing biodiversity, and creating multifunctional green spaces. The project aims to mitigate flood risks by incorporating a variety of nature-based solutions such as bioswales, detention basins, rain gardens and permeable pavements into the urban landscape to manage surface water runoff. The initiative will reduce flood risks for 90,000 residents, handling over 58 million litres of water and significantly improving local flood resilience. Additionally, the project will create 390 new jobs, further benefiting the community. An Integrated Approach As part of The Green Estate Community Interest Company, Pictorial Meadows were able to provide an integrated solution that covered everything from substrate development to planting and ongoing maintenance. The Green…

At Quality & Service (Q&S), we are breaking free from traditional corporate constraints to lead the way in incorporating new, sustainable practices into our work. As an independent, socially responsible company, we are committed to creating landscapes that promote environmental health and leave a positive legacy for future generations. Our decision to embrace organic practices has not only enhanced sustainability and biodiversity but has also improved the mental well-being of our employees, supported by our wonderful like-minded clients. At Q&S, we are proud to be pioneers in redefining green spaces, especially in urban areas. Our focus on sustainability and biodiversity has resulted in positive community engagement and the revitalisation of local ecosystems. We prioritise environmental consciousness by operating 100% chemical and single plastic-free, using hand tools and battery powered equipment,…