Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 71 - 2025 i Landscape & Urban Design

Two walled gardens dating back to the 1700s, a collection of Chelsea-inspired celebrity gardens in a shopping centre and a landscape that inspired Jane Austen are among the 15 beautiful and unique gardens which will become Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Partner Gardens in 2025. RHS members can now visit over 230 spectacular gardens across the globe, along with the five iconic RHS Gardens in the UK. RHS Partner Gardens Partner Gardens & Affiliated Societies Manager, Prunella Murray, says, “We are hugely proud of our Partner Gardens which are all brilliantly unique and provide RHS Members with 231 opportunities to absorb themselves in stunning gardens free of charge. The new gardens enhance the variety and quality of gardens in the scheme and include some unusual locations that one might not normally…

With sustainability and recyclability high on the agenda, metal is becoming a popular choice for decorative outdoor features in residential and commercial landscapes. Combining metal with the latest in powder coated finishes offers an exciting range of colours and textures to designers and landscape architects. Lightweighting in landscape architecture Using metal in the design of landscaping features has many advantages. Abundant and recyclable aluminium is a ductile metal that can easily be shaped into complex forms without risk of breaking. It is lightweight, compared to stone, terracotta and wood, and offers advantages for energy saving in handling and transport. Items such as planters, screening, sheds, water features and outdoor furniture, traditionally made in heavier materials, can all be designed in metal and coated with Powdertech finishes to faithfully represent the…

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

DuraPost® is a standout fencing solution in landscape and urban design, offering durability, sustainability, and style. The galvanised steel fence posts, aluminium and composite panels resist the elements and require low maintenance, suitable for residential and commercial use. Its eco-friendly production aligns with sustainable design trends, and its modern look enhances various architectural styles. For strength and aesthetics, DuraPost® is the top choice. Learn more at durapost.co.uk http://durapost.co.uk/…

If you’ve been looking for decking solutions, you might have come across ceramic decking. It is one of the newest and most superior options in the decking market, with unrivalled properties. So why is it becoming so popular? Three main reasons: durability, low maintenance, and fire resistance. With increasing awareness of fire safety, homeowners are turning to ceramic decking to help limit fire spread. Let’s look at what ceramic decking is. Exadeck is the flagship ceramic decking solution from Fire Deck. The decking boards are much thicker than traditional porcelain tiles, with a 26mm depth. They’re extruded to create holes through the centre, which reduces the weight while boosting strength by evenly distributing loads. Circles are one of the strongest shapes in architectural design. At a glance, ceramic decking resembles…

Kickstart 2025 by taking a deep dive into the exciting world of water leisure at SPATEX 2025. Discover the latest trends, materials and technologies specific to designing water features and building in a water leisure environment. Whatever the project, SPATEX is the place for architects, builders, pavers, tilers, developers, specifiers to meet over a thousand people from the water leisure industry in one day, and it’s free to attend. Held at the Coventry Building Society Arena, Tuesday 4th to Thursday 6th February, the UK’s annual exhibition is your starting point for spas, wellness suites, swimming pools, steam rooms, saunas, enclosures and all the ancillary equipment. 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…

Birchwood Business Park is owned by Warrington Borough Council, and it is one of the largest business parks in the Northwest, with many nationally important companies on the site. The park layout uses an interconnected network of paved pathways and pedestrian areas, linking communal seating areas with planting zones and water features. These are predominantly paved with butt-jointed, reconstituted granite stone blocks, together with some highlight areas of natural sandstone slabs. The paving was originally laid as unbonded, flexible paving, meaning the granite blocks and sandstone slabs, were laid, butt-jointed, in sharp sand over compacted subbase (e.g. MOT type-1), and the narrow joints (~ 5mm), were filled with ‘jointing sand’. However, over longer periods of time, this is not particularly durable, as the sand can be washed out, and unsightly…

Porada’s commitment to environmental sustainability continues, particularly in relation to the company-owned forests located in Burgundy, France. Since 2011, Porada has pursued a strategy of investment in the French land to guarantee a sustainable and certified supply of ash wood for the production of its furniture. This ensures supervision of the wood management and procurement phases, while reducing the environmental impact of purchasing raw materials from external suppliers. Over the years, the forest’s surface area has increased to 260 hectares located in several municipalities of Burgundy: Vitry Lache, St-Aubin des Chaumes, Devay, Thaix and Remille, in the Nièvre department. For Porada, the forest is not only an area destined for timber production, but also an ecosystem to be preserved in compliance with the laws and regulations set by the French…

Green-tech is proud to share an inspiring update on Janet Willoner’s progress. Back in 2019, motivated by her grandchildren’s passion for combating climate change, Janet embarked on an ambitious mission to grow 5,000 trees from seed by the time she turns 85 - a remarkable achievement that Green-tech is delighted to support. As 2024 draws to a close, Janet has grown an additional 800 saplings, bringing her total to an incredible 3,500 trees raised since she began this journey. Many of these saplings have been planted at Skipbridge and Bank Woods in Summerbridge, part of the beautiful Nidderdale area. These new trees will enhance the local landscape, support biodiversity, and contribute to the Northern Forest project. Janet continues to prepare for the coming year with her characteristic determination. She has…

As the summer heat dissipates and autumn arrives, ponds and lakes go through subtle but quite significant changes. While natural and cyclical, these changes can profoundly impact your water and, if untreated, cause potential disturbances to its ecosystem. For owners of lakes and ponds, now is the time to take proactive, preventative measures to maintain (or, indeed, improve) water quality. The first thing you need to consider is thermal stratification – a natural process that occurs during warm weather. As the sun heats the surface of the water body, cooler water, which is more dense, settles and warm water rises, creating discrete layers. As temperatures drop in autumn, the stratification effect weakens and layers mix again via a process called turnover. When oxygen-depleted water mixes with oxygen-rich water, overall water…

Creating spaces where children can explore, grow, and thrive is at the heart of what we do at Wicksteed. Since 1918, we’ve been designing and manufacturing outdoor playgrounds that inspire fun, encourage development, and bring communities together. Whether in a local park, school, housing development, or community hub, our play areas are more than just equipment—they’re spaces where connections are made, skills are developed, and lasting memories are created. Playgrounds offer more than an outlet for energy. They foster creativity, build physical and social skills, and serve as cherished destinations where families and friends gather. At Wicksteed, we believe that every community deserves a space where people of all ages and abilities can connect. Why Choose Wicksteed? As the UK’s leading Outdoor Playground, Leisure, and Fitness Manufacturer, Wicksteed brings over…

Established in 1900, J. A. Jones & Sons has a long heritage of growing in Southport. From humble beginnings, the company has matured into one of the UK’s leading wholesale nurseries with an enviable international reputation. As a certified ‘Plant Healthy’ nursery, our 105 acres of field grown trees and 8,000 peat-free air pot and container grown trees can be transported throughout the UK. This includes all our OPM-free Oak trees, ranging in size from 8-10cm to 16-18cm girth. In addition to our tree stock, we also grow over 25 acres of shrubs and perennials to ensure we’re able to offer a complete ‘one stop’ shop. With the increasing difficulty of international trade and rigorous plant health inspections, why not alleviate any concerns by buying British, safe in the knowledge…

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…

When you picture a luxury home, you probably think of sleek interiors, state-of-the-art tech, and exquisite details. But one of the most defining aspects of true luxury isn’t inside at all, it’s the landscape design. A well-crafted outdoor space doesn’t just complement the home; it turns it into a tranquil retreat where elegance, nature, and personal taste come together seamlessly. It is true that the exterior is the first impression of any home, but I think it’s the landscape which truly sets the tone. Imagine lush gardens, sculpted hedges, serene water features, and winding pathways; these elements instantly communicate sophistication and care. The landscape becomes an invitation, a promise of the beauty and luxury to be found inside. But a great landscape isn’t just about looks, it also portrays how…

In the evolving world of outdoor design, consumers and professionals alike are seeking innovative, sustainable, and high-performing materials. Moso Bamboo Decking from Gripsure UK has emerged as a superior choice, outperforming traditional hardwood and composite decking in numerous ways. Its combination of eco-friendliness, durability, and aesthetics makes it a game-changer in the decking industry. Here, we explore the many benefits of choosing Moso Bamboo Decking over hardwood andcomposite alternatives. Unparalleled Sustainability One of the most significant advantages of Moso Bamboo Decking is its sustainability. Unlike hardwood, which can take decades or even centuries to grow, bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth. Bamboo reaches maturity in just five years, making it a rapidly renewable resource. Traditional hardwood decking often relies on tropical trees harvested from rainforests, leading to…

Corten Steel has become a very favoured material for a lot of contemporary architects and landscapers. It is currently one of the most popular types of steel widely used in gardens, public places, and private properties. Corten, also known as weathering steel, refers to a range of steels with a chemical composition that creates a stable layer of rust that shields it from further corrosion when exposed to the influence of outdoor weather conditions. This layer of rust is called a patina. Although the history of Corten Steel is vast, its research started in the 1910s, when steel alloyed with different amounts of copper was exposed to the elements; the research continued into the early 1920s, and around 1926 it was discovered that phosphorus content also helped with the corrosion…

In May 2022, the renovation and upgrading plan for the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal (Wuxi section) was completed, proposing a design strategy of gradual implementation of “renovation, revegetation, connection, revitalization, and empowerment”. In 2023, Liangxi District of Wuxi City launched the construction of the waterfront space in the Beitang Street section. The entire project is about 3.6 kilometers long. The starting point is at Jieguan Pavilion Alley on Beitang Street, and the end point is the planned and under-construction Beijian Park. It is a waterfront green corridor connecting Beijian Park and the park belt along the ancient city moat. Renovation and new construction. In the northern section (Shanbei Bridge - Fengxiang Bridge) within the 3.6-kilometer section, except for a small amount of remaining dock facilities, there is basically no construction content…

We are an award-winning independent consultancy known for our excellence in providing Environmental Design services within the UK’s planning and development sectors. Our track record showcases a proven ability to deliver successful, sustainable projects in environmentally and historically sensitive locations. At the core of our success is a dedicated team of skilled Landscape Architects, Ecologists and Visualisers committed to bringing our clients’ projects to life. We specialise in designing and implementing solutions that consider sustainability from the outset and integrate seamlessly with the natural and built environment. We excel in collaborating closely with design teams, clients, and co-consultants to design, restore and deliver green and blue infrastructure projects, including parks and open spaces, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDs), lakes, treatment works, watercourses and coastlines. We have a proven track record of…

Grantham Relief Road is a pivotal infrastructure project led by Lincolnshire County Council in collaboration with South Kesteven District Council, Homes England, and the Greater Lincolnshire LEP. With aims to improve the town’s infrastructure and boost its growth. Dobson’s, a family-run landscape contractor is entrusted with working alongside the Main Contractor, Galliford Try, and Green-tech to deliver the substantial landscaping package which is due for completion in 2025. The large-scale infrastructure scheme is a new 3km distribution road and is a crucial component for the development of the town of Grantham. The route provides direct access to an employment site on the A1 which is forecast to generate over 370 jobs in the area. Opening up additional employment land along the new route will further increase the ability of the…

Public spaces have long been the backbone of community interaction. But recent studies revealed that 90% of teenage play areas are dominated by boys, leaving girls feeling unwelcome and unsafe (Parkwatch Report, 2023). With traditional facilities such as skateparks, shelters, and multi-use games areas (MUGAs) catering only to specific interests, a considerable portion of the population seems to be forgotten. Something new is needed to bridge the gap, provide a more inclusive space, and to give local authorities the tools to ensure that community needs are met. One proposed solution is a new style of MUGA, one that aims to reimagine public spaces as vibrant hubs of inclusivity, empowerment, and community engagement. Jupiter Play and Leisure have developed a framework for this new type of MUGA, that they call KORE.…

Organising a team and putting them to work comes with challenges, especially related to compliance, asset maintenance, and ensuring everyone has what they need to get the job done. For team members who are techaverse, adopting digital software can feel like a leap. But the right intuitive software makes that leap effortless and worthwhile. Hundreds of companies like Tony Benger, ATV, Shines Environmental, Tilhill Harvesting, and more have found Re-flow Field Management easy to use. Connecting office to site enables teams to log their time, capture equipment usage, provide photo evidence, and submit data instantly. Smart resource scheduling not only simplifies workflows but transforms how you manage. Plan, Assign, Execute • Every asset, from fencing to chippers, vehicles, staff, and equipment, is recorded, has a last known location, and can…

Greenhouse Partitions The use of partitions in Greenhouses is becoming increasingly popular as gardeners look for more precise control over their growing environment and formally divide structures for additional lifestyle uses. By dividing Greenhouses into distinct zones, partitions allow for tailored microclimates that cater to the specific needs of different plants optimising conditions such as temperature, humidity, and light exposure. This not only improves plant health, it also enhances resource efficiency, allowing for more specific heating, ventilation, and watering. Additionally, as a physical barrier, partitions can reduce the spread of pests and diseases and the need for environmentally-friendly controls. At the 2024 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Hartley Botanic showcased its stunning Victorian Manor Glasshouse, with a partitioned-off work/lifestyle room. Increasingly, Hartley Botanic customers are now using partitions to create separate…

Ensure that your customers garden stays bustling and brimming with blooms during the spring and summer months with our selection of flowering plants. From firm British favourites to more exotic species, our summer flowering plants category casts a wide net, providing the best varieties with the greatest growing characteristics. Four Oaks Cash & Carry Trade Plant Nursery has been a family-owned business for over 50 years, serving the country with high-quality plants and garden supplies from all over the world. Our passion for gardening has been passed down through generations, and we are proud to continue providing exceptional service to our customers. Four Oaks continue to provide fresh and interesting seasonal, value added range of pots and baskets made onsite on throughout the year. Now offering over 1500 lines of…

As the year draws to a close, spending your days lazing in the garden might seem a distant memory. But soon attention will shift to garden plans for next summer, so 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…

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…

GreenBlue Urban is delighted to showcase our collaboration on the transformative Wood Street project in Cardiff, executed in partnership with Arup, Cardiff Council, and Knights Brown. This initiative significantly enhanced the local community by addressing urban challenges through innovative green and blue infrastructure. The project removed 6,800m² of impermeable surface from the combined sewer system, ensuring resilience against 1 in 100-year rainfall events. Road space was reallocated to create wider pavements, integrated seating areas, enhanced cycling infrastructure, and new green spaces. This transformation from a grey, urban street to a vibrant green space improved air quality with 25 semimature trees, six large biodiverse rain gardens, and three sedum-roofed bus stops. Commitment to Quality Despite the potential for value engineering to reduce green infrastructure, all stakeholders remained committed to nature-based solutions.…

The Mega Flora project, a pioneering collaboration between North Lanarkshire Council and the innovative planting experts at Pictorial Meadows, is redefining urban green spaces in Motherwell and Strathclyde Country Park. From residential areas to a repurposed red ash football pitch, this ambitious initiative is transforming landscapes into vibrant, flower-rich meadows while addressing biodiversity loss, climate challenges, and budget constraints. At its heart, Mega Flora combines ecological enhancement with practical benefits. Pictorial Meadows’ specialist Landscape Team has sown over 53 million perennial seeds across 70,000 square meters in 130 plots, creating stunning meadows that attract wildlife and delight local residents. Additionally, more than 900 tall herb plants, representing over 100 species, have been planted. Using bespoke seed mixes designed specifically for urban spaces, these areas now bloom with seasonal colour and…

Established in 2021, Rymer Trees and Hedging has distinguished itself as an innovative tree nursery focusing on cell-grown, peat-free sustainable tree cultivation. Specialising in one-and two-year-old UK native hedging and woodland species, the nursery supplies to multiple sectors – from large grantaided schemes to smaller scale landscape design projects. Led by a dynamic board of directors boasting extensive experience across arboriculture, farming, landscape design and horticulture, Rymer Trees and Hedging is backed by a passionate and dedicated on-site team led by Director and Nursery Manager Harry Hoblyn – 2023 alumni of the renowned Pro Landscaper 30 under 30 award. “Our emphasis is to build innovation within the peat-free sector” says Harry. “We are dedicated to producing high quality trees from seed, with excellent establishment rates whilst minimising our environmental footprint”.…

There aren’t many quick wins in life, but Reesink and Toro certainly provide one when it comes to winter machinery maintenance. Getting ready for winter means being prepared. The work is tougher and harder for machines, and that means parts are more likely to wear out, bend, crack or damage more easily and with more frequency. But there’s no need to experience a delay to work or unnecessary downtime. Here’s a genuine take on why. Having the reliability of Reesink as a distributor means parts delivery within 24 hours to anywhere in the UK. That level of service reduces the amount of downtime incurred, as well as making life easier. The reassurance of having a genuine service don’t end there. It comes with a comprehensive stock reserve and local support.…

The quest for the perfect lawn has long been a balancing act between aesthetics, durability, sustainability, and maintenance. Traditional natural grass, while beautiful and soft underfoot, often requires significant upkeep and struggles to maintain its lush appearance under heavy use or adverse weather conditions. Artificial turf offers durability and low maintenance but can lack the natural charm and ecological benefits of real grass. Hybrid grass is a groundbreaking innovation that merges the best attributes of both natural and synthetic turf, offering a transformative solution for modern landscaping. Our Hybrid grass system allows natural grass to grow through the synthetic fibers, creating a resilient and versatile lawn that meets the demands of contemporary landscapes. This innovative approach offers several compelling advantages that make it an ideal choice for a variety of…

Modern playground design is a world away from the traditions of the past - and anyone redeveloping playgrounds should be engaging with designers who understand the play needs of children. Playgrounds in schools and housing have undergone significant transformations over the years, evolving from simple recreational areas to versatile spaces that accommodate a range of activities. Modern school playgrounds now need to encompass various zones that enhance learning, physical development, social interaction and imaginative play. Climbing zone Climbing zones enhance gross motor skills, build strength and coordination and improve all-around fitness. There is also the positive impact of overcoming the challenges posed by climbing equipment. Successfully meeting a challenge can benefit a child’s selfe-steem and resilience, while helping them develop their risk-taking and problem-solving skills. Today, there is a wide…

With sustainability high on the agenda for many golf courses around the country, there has never been a better time to review all aspects of the greenkeeping operation – including the method of power. Aspen Fuel is an alkylate petrol, 99% cleaner than traditional pump unleaded and offers a viable alternative for serviceable petrol-engined hand tools and equipment. Visitors to BTME 2025 can find out more as Aspen make their debut on stand 423. Aspen Alkylate petrol offers numerous benefits to professional and commercial customers, making it a popular choice for those working in construction, landscaping and arboriculture, and already making a name for itself with golf courses around the world. Virtually free from sulphur, benzene and solvents, it reduces emissions and all-but eliminates odours – freeing operators from the…