Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 74 - 2025 i Landscape & Urban Design

BBC Radio 4’s annual Gardeners’ Question Time Summer Garden Party has announced that it will be hosted at the iconic RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex for 2025. Taking place on Saturday 2 August, during the spectacular RHS Hyde Hall Flower Show, two bumper episodes of Gardeners’ Question Time will be recorded in front of a live audience where members of the public can join an expert panel for a host of horticultural discussions. Summer Garden Party ticket holders will have the chance to meet the Gardeners’ Question Time panellists, ask their burning gardening questions and enjoy conversations on horticulture’s current hot topics. There will also be a chance to join the Gardeners’ Question Time experts at the Potting Shed Sessions, for an additional chance to give the team gardening…

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…

Haddonstone, the UK’s leading manufacturer of garden and landscaping cast stonework designs is championing the ‘Buy Once, Buy Well’ philosophy. This summer, the team at Haddonstone is encouraging the public to choose more meaningful and long-lasting choices for their outdoor space. Rooted in quality craftsmanship and timeless design, the movement is the perfect antidote to mass-produced, short-lived garden décor. Made in Britain’s Buying British Survey 2024 revealed that 50% of British consumers prefer to buy UK-manufactured products over imported alternatives, reflecting a commitment to local craftsmanship and sustainability. Produced in Northamptonshire by expert craftsmen using traditional techniques and quality British limestone, each design is made to last a lifetime. In fact, at Haddonstone’s stunning Northamptonshire-based Show Gardens you’ll find designs on display that date back over 50 years! From striking…

Green Retreats, the UK’s leading garden room company, showcases how underused garden spaces can be transformed into stylish, functional rooms with year-round appeal. Their latest collection of before and after customer projects reveals the true potential of outdoor spaces – from home offices and hobby rooms to relaxing retreats. Each transformation starts with an overlooked area and ends with a modern, insulated building made from sustainable materials, designed to suit any setting. Project 1: This project showcases how combining a garden room with thoughtful landscaping can make a space feel brand new. Designed as a home gym, the building adds incredible functionality while the surrounding garden design enhances both style and usability—proving that practical spaces can still be beautiful! Project 2: Think you need a huge garden for a standout…

Vermura garden retaining walls use 100% recycled synthetic turf to create beautiful retaining walls that offer a natural, organic aesthetic. Simple to install, Vermura can be used for sharp, straight lines or flowing curved walls. Either way, the result is a strong, durable and erosion resistant wall; perfect for environmentally conscious gardeners wanting a sustainable, softer, and more natural look to their garden. “Vermura is a licensed system that can be very quickly learned by anyone with experience in garden landscaping,” commented Richard Allen, CEO of Vermura. “Our walls offer something completely different for landscapers or architects looking to offer their clients a unique solution for their garden. They are incredibly strong, completely sustainable and they look beautiful. In addition, by using re-purposed synthetic turf, the finish is soft to…

laCividina writes a new chapter in its history and that of Osaka - the famous sofa designed by Pierre Paulin - and does so with the launch of the Outdoor version that also marks the Friuli-based company’s debut in outdoor furniture. This version carefully preserves the legacy of the original project - modularity, versatility and a wrap-around design that celebrates conviviality - as well as that of the 2013 re-edition, sublimating its distinctive features and skilfully reinterpreting them to suit outdoor spaces. Fulvio Bulfoni, President of laCividina, states: ‘The launch of Osaka Outdoor represents a historic moment for us, our first step into outdoor furniture. We have always been committed to combining tradition and innovation, and this new venture allows us to take our vision of design beyond indoor spaces,…

Contemporary architecture and design shape the future of society, both in terms of aesthetic appeal, as well as sustainability, and well-being. Beyond the structure, shapes and sizes of buildings, modern architects and specifiers are tasked with creating attractive spaces that people will love for years to come – not only because of their appearance and utility, but because of their impact on our lives and that of future generations. Designing with heart through the deliberate selection of materials that both beautify and protect our natural environment creates impactful spaces that enhance our sense of wellbeing and ensures future sustainability. Eva-Last, leaders in bamboo composite building materials, are committed to driving the construction industry to a greener future. Modern bamboo composite decking technologies are extending design capabilities beyond just decking and…

The project rejuvenates a natural water lily pond, creates a new river edge along the Brahmaputra, and seamlessly connects the site to the adjacent heritage museum, fostering public interaction. The Brahmaputra, one of the world’s widest and longest rivers, serves as the lifeline of northeast India. Perched on its banks, the site offers views of an island adorned with an ancient temple, a boat corridor, and a cable car. A 10-meter elevation difference between the river’s high water mark and the ground is navigated through gently cascading terraces and pathways that respect the natural contours, minimizing cut-and-fill. Terraces intertwine with the riparian vegetation like interlocking fingertips and increase biomass through a combination of gabions and recharge pits that improve soil health. Trees and shrubs spanning 250,000 square meters rejuvenate native…

Urban Spaces and the Importance of Paving Urban spaces are defined not just by their architecture but also by the surfaces that connect and protect them. Paving is a vital element in creating environments that are both functional and visually appealing, whether in a bustling commercial district, a tranquil residential neighbourhood, or a heritage site in need of sensitive restoration. Innovative Solutions for Modern Urban Challenges In today’s urban landscape, the evolution of paving techniques has addressed challenges such as water management and safety. Modern solutions include permeable systems that allow rainwater to filter through the surface, easing the burden on drainage systems and helping to replenish groundwater. At the same time, enhanced finishes and textures contribute to better visibility and improved slip resistance, ensuring that the practical needs of…

Otterbine’s Fractional aerating fountain has transformed what was once a problem pool at Derwen Mill Holiday Park in Powys, Wales. Owner Richard Jones explains how the five-star family-owned park prides itself on creating a peaceful, tranquil escape with its privately-owned holiday homes set on spacious pitches, wrapped around lakes and pools, or overlooking large greens spaces. It therefore stands to reason that its pool experiencing problems urgently needed a reliable and effective water solution. Richard says: “We’ve got four thriving pools but the fifth really struggles due to its location at the lowest point on the park. It suffers with Canadian pond weed and floating algae and it’s difficult to maintain. We often joke about how it just doesn’t like being a pond!” The park has had an Otterbine fountain…

At Russell Play, we’ve spent over 30 years creating spaces that bring people together. Whether you’re planning a new housing development, designing a public realm project, or managing a community space, we help turn ideas into purposeful, inclusive play environments that leave a lasting impression. Russell Play is one of the UK’s most experienced and approachable commercial playground specialists. Our focus is on creating spaces that are safe, inclusive, challenging, and well-designed — for every age and ability. We work with a wide range of clients, including house builders, architects, local councils, schools, visitor attractions, and community groups. Whether you need us to lead the full design or support just the play element, our team is set up to work alongside you. No two sites are alike. Our strength lies…

When Adrian Strudwick, owner of Brentwood Tree Surgery, was weighing up whether to hire another employee or invest in a new machine, he made a game-changing decision — and hasn’t looked back since. The purchase of an Avant 630 compact loader has not only accelerated operations across his tree surgery and firewood businesses, but it’s also unlocked new opportunities, turning the machine into what Adrian now calls “the centre of the firm.” Adrian’s background is in engineering — he began in aircraft engineering before joining the forces in 1982. After leaving the military, he retrained in arboriculture, eventually gaining a degree in the subject and setting up Brentwood Tree Surgery. Over the years, his business has expanded to include firewood processing, site management, and driveway installation — and the Avant…

KLAFS, a world market leader for saunas, wellness, and spas, unveils the TARAS outdoor sauna, offering a blend of functionality and style tailored to customers’ gardens. With a huge 23 different floor plan variants, from glass fronts and panoramic and side windows to glazed wood panelling or metallic surfaces, owners can customise their TARAS sauna to seamlessly fit the aesthetic of their outdoor space. Since 1928 KLAFS has been renowned for creating wellbeing facilities of the highest quality design, materials and technology, resulting in the creation of the ultimate relaxation haven. The TARAS outdoor sauna combines both elegance and sophistication, while boasting numerous health benefits. Gilles Darmon, Director of KLAFS UK, comments; “We are extremely excited to be launching the TARAS outdoor sauna, offering a completely customisable wellness retreat to…

Are you seeking expert advice to help you choose the ideal wood finish? Look no further. At Osmo, we understand the inherent beauty and enduring appeal of wood. For over a century, we’ve been dedicated to developing premium wood finishes that not only protect and preserve this timeless material but also enhance its unique character. With such a wide variety of finishes available — and an even broader range of wood species, each with its own specific needs and characteristics — selecting the right product can feel like navigating a minefield. That’s why we’ve developed the “Osmo Recommends” app: a comprehensive tool designed to guide you through every possible scenario, ensuring you get the right product and finish for your project — first time. Whether you’re working with interior surfaces…

Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica ‘Angustifolia’) is an elegant evergreen hedging plant, which works well in any garden setting. Practical Instant Portuguese Laurel Hedge from Practicality Brown is currently looking splendid – and this fine hedging available in two heights 1.5 -1.8m and 1.8m. Like all the Practical Instant Hedge™ range, it is grown in 1m long hedge bags, making handling and planting very easy, whatever the time of year. Top 5 features of Portuguese Laurel: 1. The leaves are ovate and dark green, growing from dark reddish stems2. Attractive and compact growth habit3. Likes most soils including clay and at home on shallow chalk, unlike Common Laurel4. Can be planted in either sun or shade5. Easy to care for, prune once a year in late summer See for yourself Practical…

Jun in Japanese means ‘pure and sincere’ and never could a name be more fitting for a collection that aims to strike straight at the heart. The eponymous creation designed by fresh Compasso d’Oro winner Marco Acerbis for Talenti, a multi-award-winning high-end outdoor brand, bets on an immediate and authentic design, without rhetorical artifices or redundancies. And it is precisely from these principles that the inspiration for a family of furnishings with a clear and precious design was born. An intrinsic value whose beauty is clearly expressed through the choice of displaying wood in an elegant and balanced way, enhancing the attention to detail. The mood ‘The main characteristics of Jun, the new collection designed by me for Talenti,’ explains Acerbis, ’are the balance due to the interplay between the…

Planning a deck can be a daunting prospect for homeowners. Creating the perfect outdoor space that can be used all year round can require a big investment – so if you’re working on a decking project for customers, chances are they’ll welcome your professional advice on how to get it right. Lee Heitzman, UK & Ireland market manager for Trex, the world’s number one decking brand, said: “A deck is a great way for homeowners to create more space for relaxing or entertaining while embracing outdoor living. But to create the perfect deck there are lots of important details that should be considered.” Here’s a selection of essential tips to help your clients plan the deck of their dreams. Perfect position Firstly, think about where to locate the deck. Your…

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…

Green-tech is proud to have supported the Garden of the Future at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 by donating its Green-tree soil substrate, helping bring a powerful vision of climate-resilient horticulture to life. Designed by Butler & Parker and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Garden of the Future received a prestigious Gold Medal at this year’s show. Constructed by Acacia Gardens, the thought-provoking installation explored sustainable living and resilient planting in the face of climate change, demonstrating how collaboration and innovation are key to supporting communities across the globe. Set in a near-future UK, the garden imagines a world where the climate is continuing to change. Where countries are experiencing higher-than-average temperatures, more extreme weather, periods of drought, and sudden, heavy rainfall. Designed to thrive…

Jo Beau’s latest range of woodchippers, available through Global Machinery Solutions, offers powerful, compact options for private and professional use. The standout M600 GORILLA features a 40hp EFI petrol engine, remote control, adjustable hopper, and innovative X-tracks for slope stability and compact transport. The M300 Pro is a robust 13hp Honda-powered chipper ideal for contractors and rental use, while the lightweight M150 is perfect for gardeners, handling up to 5cm diameter branches. All models use Jo Beau’s renowned drum technology, which chips, pulls, and ejects with efficiency. There are also smaller woodchippers available, along with a range of stump grinders and landscaping equipment. For more information or to explore dealership opportunities, contact Global Machinery Solutions at 01476 568384 or visit www.globalmachinerysolutions.co.uk.…

Revitalising Community Spaces with a Sustainable Vision A public play area and open space makes a monumental difference to a community, and in more ways than just play and access to the Great Outdoors. In the UK and particularly Scotland, the weather is both a challenge and a deciding factor when choosing landscape materials, surfaces and substrates. The decision to install ONE-DNA™ Play 100% circular artificial grass from LazyLawn at Innerleithen Park marks a national first, aligning perfectly with the Scottish Border Council’s eco-conscious goals. The environment, drainage, functionality and visual appeal were important considerations for the councillors in the Borders town of Innerleithen as they discussed the options for the long-awaited revamp of their playground, equipment and its combination with the surrounding landscape. Designing for Drainage and Durability with…

Makita is giving away a 4.0Ah BL4040F battery with the purchase of qualifying XGT and Connect-X outdoor power equipment up until 30th September 2025. The ‘tabless cell technology’ battery delivers high-power, longer runtimes, and cooler running making it easy for professionals to get the job done. The BL4040F is ideal for higher drain tools such as chainsaws, lawn mowers, brush cutters, and more. The tabless lithium-ion cells eliminate the bottleneck caused by current concentration, meaning the battery is kept cooler when working (32% cooler compared to the standard 4.0Ah BL4040), increasing battery service life. The tabless 4.0Ah BL4040F battery also delivers up to 36% longer runtimes due to reduced resistance and more effective energy flow within the battery cell. Additionally, it is 34% more compact and 28% lighter than the…

STIHL has unveiled its latest addition to the AP System range, the FSA 110 R battery-powered brushcutter, offering professional users a powerful yet lightweight solution for maintaining green spaces, all with the added benefit of quiet, low-vibration performance. Engineered with landscapers, groundskeepers and facilities maintenance teams in mind, the FSA 110 R combines exceptional cutting performance with impressive ease of use and ergonomic design, making it ideal for tackling everything from grass trimming to tougher clearing tasks, even in noise-sensitive areas. At the heart of the tool is a high-efficiency EC motor that delivers consistent power across two speed settings. ECO mode is designed for lighter work such as edging and clean-up tasks, helping to extend battery run time, while the higher speed setting delivers maximum cutting performance for tougher…

The debate between natural vs artificial turf is longstanding, with one of the most common reasons for artificial grass being superior is to cut down on maintenance in the garden. It’s understandable, especially today - not everyone is a keen gardener and wants to spend what little free time they have pushing a lawn mower up and down the garden! However, as natural turf suppliers, we admittedly may be slightly biased but we’re not convinced that this reason alone outweighs the benefits of natural grass. Aesthetics When it comes to choosing a new lawn, one of the most important things to consider is how it’s going to look. Artificial grass comes in all sorts of varieties and, honestly, some are very good quality. However, can it ever really compete with…

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…

Transform your outdoor living space into a place for everybody to enjoy with UltraScape’s much-loved domestic range of paving installation materials. From tranquil patios to stylish entertaining areas, your dream outdoor space is just a few steps away with the UltraScape domestic range from Instarmac. Blending innovation, durability, and ease of use, this comprehensive suite of landscaping products is designed to help homeowners and landscapers bring imagination and concept to reality. Whether you’re refreshing your garden or building from scratch, UltraScape’s trusted solutions provide the perfect finish every time. Build a solid foundation with prembed mortar Before choosing your final finish, your paving needs a solid foundation – enter UltraScape prembed mortar. This fibre-modified bedding mortar, designed specifically for domestic use, mixes easily with sand and water to form a…

The great challenge as a supplier is to be able to see the final garden when everything has been supplied, transported, planted and finished. Nine times out of ten we only ever see a garden in its early stages with none of the finesse of the final design. So, it was a great pleasure to not only support the development of a new garden design but to also be able to see the final version in all its glory. The garden in question was developed by a group of horticulture students from Derby College under the supervision of Mike Baldwin. The garden was designed in collaboration with Derby College, The Derbyshire Historic Building Trust and Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust and focussed on the Bonsall Field Barn Restoration Project. The students…

With spring fast approaching, we look at the winning formula for introducing colour, texture and interest to an outdoor space using border plants, whilst keeping to your client brief. Consider your aspect and light levels Clients may have a vision for their outside space but it’s always worth paying heed to Beth Chatto’s wise words of finding the “right plant for the right place” when you select the planting scheme for any border. South-facing borders need plants that love full sun, from alliums to succulents, whilst shadier spots in north-facing borders can be pepped up with dramatic foliage and pale flowers to create a tranquil ambience. They key to success is longevity, siting plants where they will thrive, and creating something that is realistic for your client to maintain. With…

Decking may appear green from a range of biological growth including algae, moss and lichen. As well as being unsightly, it can cause problems like wood rot which causes wood to become brittle and break. Simply painting over this growth unfortunately won’t solve the problem of green decking as it won’t kill off the biological growth underneath or protect the wood. This means algae and lichens could continue to grow more prevalently than ever! Instead, we would recommend treating the wood with a biocidal cleaner before applying a wood stain preserver like Roxil Coloured Wood Stain Preserver which will provide a bright colour and lasting protection from UV and wood rot. Here are some tips on how to preserve and protect your decking with colour. Repainting a fence when algae…

At Stoneworld Oxfordshire, we bring complex stone visions to life with unmatched accuracy. Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, our highly developed masonry workshop enables us to deliver exceptional quality and precision in every project. Our expertise spans bespoke curved stone steps, seamless integration of stone into stainless steel structures, intricately designed ecclesiastical sculptures, custom staircases, and unique landscaping elements. We are dedicated to exceeding client expectations by blending innovation with timeless skill. In addition to our bespoke masonry services, we offer an extensive range of natural stone products available to browse and purchase at our indoor and outdoor showroom located at our Oxford site. Whether you’re searching for elegant flagstones, durable cladding, or beautiful natural stone tiles, our diverse collection ensures you’ll find the perfect material to suit your…

At Pictorial Meadows, we have always been in the business of developing and delivering urban nature-based solutions. Throughout a twenty-year collaboration with the University of Sheffield’s Department of Landscape Architecture, we have been developing the technical understanding required to deliver urban nature-based solutions alongside a range of products and services to support their widespread implementation. Flowering Meadows and Local Regeneration The Pictorial Meadows company was first incorporated to create high-impact meadow seed mixes to benefit both people and pollinators, and was used extensively on large areas of cleared housing land in Sheffield. These spectacular, colourful Pictorial Meadows transformed areas associated with dereliction and abandonment from brownfields to flower fields, changing the way that residents felt about their environment, and supporting a narrative shift in what had been some of the…

The mortar can be brushed onto dry, damp, or wet paving with no mixing required and is suitable for all paving types, including porcelain and sandstone. Dry mortar can be returned to the tub for later use, reducing any waste. Supplied in 12.5kg tubs and available in four colours: Flint, Anthracite, Hessian and Cream. tuffjoint Utility is resin and polymer free, hard-wearing, and comes with a 20-year product guarantee. Application in four simple steps: Brush into the joints, remove any excess, spray the joints using a fine mist of water and then clean. www.tuffbau.com…

Groundtel Ltd is a family-run business with a proud reputation for precision, reliability and service. With over 150 schools on its books, the company has become one of the region’s leading grounds maintenance providers. At the heart of operations is Danny Perkins, Contracts Manager and member of the founding family, who’s helped steer the business into the next generation of efficiency with the help of robotic line marking machines. “We were already delivering a high standard,” says Danny, “but the TinyLineMarker robots have taken us to a different level. They’ve paid for themselves ten times over.” Each season, Groundtel’s team prepares a wide range of sports markings across school playing fields. For summer months, this includes 100m, 200m, 300m, and 400m running tracks, complete with relay boxes, rounders and softball…

The Retreats Group, which encompasses three of the leading luxury hotels in Wales—Twr y Felin Hotel, Roch Castle, and Penrhiw Priory—has always been dedicated to maintaining immaculate grounds that reflect the beauty of its locations. For Ollie Davies, the groundskeeper and supervisor for The Retreats Group, maintaining these stunning landscapes has become significantly easier since the purchase of a Etesia Hydro 100 ride-on mower. “The properties are undulating and steep in places,” says Ollie. “My brother used to help me look after the grounds, and when he left, we decided that instead of employing someone else full-time, we would invest in one of these machines and see how it would benefit me.” Before the Hydro 100, Ollie managed the extensive lawns using pedestrian mowers—a task that was both time-consuming and…

With the launch of the Kress KR237E, robotic mowing technology has taken a bold step forward, bringing a professional-grade solution to the world of golf courses and large sports turf fields. This next-generation mower is designed not just to automate turf maintenance but to elevate its quality, efficiency, and consistency. The KR237E boasts a top mowing speed of 1.0 m/s—significantly faster than typical robotic mowers—allowing it to cover expansive grounds quickly without compromising precision. Its enhanced 110W cutting motor, a 60% increase in power, enables it to slice cleanly through dense, heavy turf, maintaining immaculate playing conditions even in the most demanding areas. Where this machine truly shines is in its adaptability. With a cutting height range of 10 to 60mm, the KR237E is versatile enough to manage both manicured…