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THE THE OFFICIAL OFFICIAL JOURNAL JOURNAL OFOF THE THE BRITISH BRITISH ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION OFOF LANDSCAPE LANDSCAPE INDUSTRIES INDUSTRIES bali.org.uk bali.org.uk£5.00 £5.00 AUTUMN 2017 Use this button throughout to visit advertiser websites IN TE R AC T I V E ISSUE Xylella - threatening Trials, page New gardens Announcing page page page our landscape and Tetraploids at New Place the 2017 BALI 8 businesses 28 and Top Green 32 DESIGNER FOCUS 34 National Landscape LATEST NEWS TRAINING & TECHNICAL Award winners
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CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME Dear member Just when our industry is riding on the crest of a wave, with full order books, better margins, not enough working hours in the day, and all the associated challenges that come with a vibrant growing sector, I read that the Bank of England has downgraded the growth forecast in the construction sector for 2018, with difficulties predicted for the industry. Prospects have been adversely affected by the slowing of Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London, on Friday, the UK economy, with falling real wages on one side and a 1 December. If you have never attended I would urge you to sharp rise in costs on the other. It is clear that the uncertainty do so; it is a friendly, sociable, networking event that really of Brexit is now having an impact on companies and they highlights the best of the best in BALI and our industry. As are reining in their investments as they do not know if we will the industry’s premier awards event it is an inspirational have a smooth Brexit or a cliff edge one. The fact that interest experience and an occasion to witness at first hand the rates currently remain low will encourage investment in plant BALI designers, contractors and suppliers who have reached and machinery in the short term but the pressure is there, the pinnacle of professional excellence that a BALI Award with rising inflation, for rates to increase, possibly as early as recognises. I look forward to seeing you there on the day. next year. With all that said, I think we should remember this Best wishes. summer as a pretty good one all round. Paul Downer BALI, too, is experiencing the feel good factor at Landscape BALI National Chairman House. Membership enquiries and conversions are increasing markedly and we have a highly motivated skilled team to fully support the membership. I am really pleased to report that New members as at 25.08.2017 all the positions proposed at the 2016 AGM have been filled and their positive impact is already helping in their areas of operation. These appointments were necessary to ensure that our members derive maximum benefit from the association and that BALI keeps pace with a rapidly changing business Full Contracting Scotland Registered Smith Landscapes Designer environment, providing membership with advice and support South Thames of Stirling across a wide range of topics. DMS Landscaping & Ground n Gardens Yorkshire & Throughout the regional structure operated in BALI there Building Services North East Wales are a number of hardworking active regional chairs and their Blueteam Sue Barnes CMLI, Greenfingers committee members who give their time freely to plan and Scotscape MBALI Landscape organise regional events for the benefit of their local members. Landscaping These come in a variety of formats, from business-related Valley Provincial International topics to networking events, where fellow BALI members – be Group Affiliate they designers, contractors or suppliers – can share knowledge The Plantman Architectural Design and expertise and offer support to fellow members. I have South Thames Institute of Pinggu enjoyed discussing a recent tender with two other competing North Thames Designs Illustrated District in Beijing BALI members at a North Thames regional meeting and Outside Designs Scotland LAURSTUDIO wondering who is going to have that competitive advantage All Property Care Rocks off Gravel to go on and win it! I would urge you to support your regional Stone and Leaf meetings; I know it can be a challenge when times are very Carnall Landscapes East Anglia Associate busy but remember – you don’t know what you don’t know! ICL Group Warwick Taylor East Anglia Landscapes Midlands As we end the summer show season I congratulate the BALI Price Turfcare Westminster Stone members who have won medals at this year’s flower shows Yorkshire & North Thames Company and the wide range of Affiliate members who have promoted North East Rootz Landscapes their products or showcased their expertise to a wide ranging The Palfreymans Dixon Landscapes audience, highlighting once again what a fantastic industry t/a Urban Planters we are. South West Schoolscape Showcasing doesn’t have to stop at the end of the summer show season; a major highlight on my industry calendar is the BALI National Landscape Awards, being held again this year at Autumn 2017 | BALI Landscape News 3
CONTENTS Visit website Welcome I have just had the privilege of sitting for three days with the BALI Awards adjudication panel as they deliberate over this year’s entries. And I don’t use the word ‘privilege’ lightly where the BALI Awards judges are concerned. Watching them and listening to their comments, which Editor are the result of over two hundred years Denise Ewbank GARDEN of combined professional experience, is, BALI, indeed, a privilege. For the past twelve Landscape House annual awards it has been my role to record Stoneleigh Park, STRUCTURES their comments and convert those relating Warwickshire, to the eventual shortlisted winners into the CV8 2LG narrative that you read in each year’s BALI T: 02476 690333 Awards brochure. F: 02476 690077 ARCHES • PERGOLAS • OBELISKS I am delighted that, by delaying this edition of Landscape News until the end of Editorial and FRUIT C AGES • RAISED BEDS & PLANTERS News releases September, we have been able to include FLOWER SUPPORTS • FENCING • GATES ubiquita@btinternet.com the 2017 BALI National Landscape Award winners. Winning a BALI Award is no mean Copy date for feat. The judges look for excellence and Winter 2017 edition there is no place for any scheme that does 10 November not meet their exacting standards – their scrutiny is brutal! I would like to personally congratulate all Award winners and wish them every success at the Awards ceremony on Friday 1 December when they will find out who amongst them is a Principal, Special or Grand Award winner. For those of you who haven’t yet booked Design by: your seat for this year’s celebration, details bdci.co.uk Print by: are on page 35. I, and the rest of the BALI blackmore.co.uk team, look forward to seeing you there! Cover image: Best wishes. Helenium at New Place, Stratford- upon-Avon (Photo: Hannah Genders MBALI) CONTENTS • SITE VISITS • BESPOKE STRUCTURES • TRADE DISCOUNT & PRICING • PROFESSIONAL C AD/TECHNIC AL 6 32 DRAWINGS Quarterly Designer UK DESIGN & MANUFACTURE Update Focus 8 34 Latest BALI News Awards 2017 16 36 TRADE BROCHURE: Contractor Call 0333 400 1777 News Events TRADE ENQUIRIES: Email trade@harrod.uk.com Product www.harrodhorticultural.com 24 Training & Technical 42 & Affiliate News 4 BALI Landscape News | Autumn 2017
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It’s been one heck of a year QUARTERLY for landscaping! UPDATE Despite the referendum, now over BALI members have great bargaining and swiftly. When somebody does twelve months ago, and what seems strength when looked at collectively. withdraw consent, their details must to be constant turmoil on the political Recent BALI system reports show that be permanently erased, and not just front since, the vast majority of BALI members have a combined annual deleted from a mailing list. GDPR gives members are still reporting good turnover of £5.9bn and currently employ individuals the right to be forgotten. trading conditions, tempered with over 103,000 staff. In the event of a data breach, GDPR a slight note of caution over Brexit forces companies to inform relevant issues and the corresponding mood Data protection authorities within 72 hours, giving full of their clients. From speaking with details of the breach and proposals for In May 2018 the Data Protection Act our members on a regular basis, we mitigating its effects. (DPA) will be replaced by the EU’s are beginning to see some slowing General Data Protection Regulation From the initial stages onwards, in client commitment, albeit more (GDPR), a framework with greater scope organisations must consider the on the commercial side than in the and much tougher punishments for impact that processing personal data domestic market. those who fail to comply with new rules can have on an individual’s privacy. BALI was once again invited to attend around the storage and handling of This means, for example, that every a round table discussion on Brexit and personal data. Whilst this new framework new business process or product that its impact on trade by the Ambassador comes into effect in the midst of the could involve personal data or impact of the Netherlands at their Embassy in process to uncouple the UK from the EU, the privacy of an individual must be London. Well attended by representatives the ‘European Union (Withdrawal) Act’ designed in accordance with data from British companies, the meeting was means it is likely to be converted into protection requirements. an interesting one, with a more land- British law. We will be covering this important based focus than previously. The Dutch The DPA dates from the 1990s, a time issue in more detail for members in the are clearly concerned about the Brexit when only the largest companies had coming months but, in the meantime, situation and its effect on their country’s the means to collect and store significant please be aware that this legislation future trade with the UK. amounts of data. In the intervening years, is on its way. As a BALI member, you I will obviously keep you posted on these however, the ease and sophistication of have access to expert advice through matters as and when they arise but, in data collection means that thousands BALI HR and BALI H&S provided by the meantime, BALI will be seeking your of SMEs not only collect personal details Qdos Consulting. You can gain access views as members on how you feel Brexit but store, move and access them online. to their details through the members’ may or may not affect your businesses. Personal data is used in everything area of the website, or by calling the This will ensure that we represent BALI from sales to customer relationship helpline number 01162 437881. members properly at senior government management to marketing. level whenever we have the opportunity. Industry Engagement One of the biggest changes SMEs will Could I ask you to take the time to face concerns consent. Under the new We continue to press for wider industry respond to any of the surveys we send regulations, companies must keep a engagement, particularly with other out to members to ensure we have a thorough record of how and when an industry associations, societies and better understanding of your businesses individual gives consent to store and institutes. Some of the ongoing work we so that ours is a truly representative use their personal data. Consent will have on our agenda includes: voice for our industry? Unless as many mean active agreement. It can no longer members as possible provide their • BALI to host a meeting with the be inferred from, say, a pre-ticked box. feedback the clout we need when Rt Hon Anne Milton MP, Minister Companies will have to show a clear discussing these issues with a whole for Apprenticeships and Skills audit trail of consent, including screen range of stakeholders, whether industry • The Parks Alliance – BALI grabs or saved consent forms. or government, will be diminished and continues to attend regular could damage our attempts to protect Individuals also have the right to meetings and represented TPA your livelihoods post Brexit. withdraw consent at any time, easily at the Green Flag Awards 6 BALI Landscape News | Autumn 2017
The GoLandscape ‘Watch this Space’ garden at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show • Ornamental Horticulture Round Table Group – BALI contribution to industrial strategy and meeting with Defra Minister of State George Eustice MP • Plant Health and Biosecurity meeting, Defra • Horticulture and Landscaping Trailblazer Apprenticeship standards • BALI’s continued support of the RHS Young Landscape Contractor Competition at the RHS Flower Show (The Outdoor Room) Tatton Park and designer Andy • Attendance at RHS Chelsea Sturgeon MBALI. They came Flower Show and RHS Hampton up with the concept of reusing Court Palace Flower Show and materials from previous award-winning participation in parliamentary tours RHS Chelsea Flower Show gardens and reusing them in one garden design BALI Landscape House at both events at Hampton Court. David realised and staff moves • Numerous visits to BALI members this could be a great opportunity to undertaken by myself and the team Since my last update we have two promote GoLandscape and careers in at Landscape House new starters at Landscape House. landscaping if trainees and apprentices Stephen Ensell, as already mentioned, • Horticulture Framework for the built the garden and he and other has taken up the role of Education Future (Scotland) – This document industry professionals mentored them. Officer and whilst he has previously is to be launched in the coming With some financial support from the run a BALI Award-winning contracting months RHS, the garden was given the go- business with his brother, he was also • I represented BALI members at the ahead with just three weeks to go! The a landscaping and horticulture college Majestic Trees Grand Opening of APL and other organisations provided lecturer for a number of years. their new Visitor Advice Centre and support during the build and a superb celebration of 15 years in business garden was delivered – I should know, Jayne White has also joined the team, during the live panel debate about I spent over two hours watering it! This which is now at a full complement, to biosecurity was a fantastic demonstration of what take up the role of Membership Officer GoLandscape is capable of achieving. working with Emily Feeney. Jayne joins us from another membership At the beginning of August our newly organisation and brings a number of appointed Education Officer, Stephen skills with her to help support BALI Ensell, took up his role at BALI and will members and their businesses. I do now help bring the GoLandscape pilot hope that you will welcome both to its conclusion and begin planning Stephen and Jayne to BALI and that you I am delighted to report that this BALI the official launch and phased roll out. will find them both, together with the initiative is gathering great momentum Stephen will also have responsibility rest of the team, a great support for you and is being talked about all over the for BALI’s other learning programmes and your businesses. industry at the moment. Its greatest but will focus heavily on GoLandscape achievement to date was to build a in these early stages of the initiative. Wayne Grills feature garden at Hampton Court Should you wish to support CHIEF EXECUTIVE Palace Flower Show! This was the GoLandscape in any way please e-mail brainchild of BALI members David Dodd Stephen at stephen.ensell@bali.org.uk Autumn 2017 | BALI Landscape News 7
Trees delivered by company HGVs with truck-mounted telescopic forklifts for off-loading Majestic Trees’ celebrations Majestic Trees tempered by Xylella worries Visitor Advice Centre Managing Director of BALI Affiliate the stock and minimises risk to the health joined on the panel by Mark Gregory of member Majestic Trees, Steve McCurdy, of staff and to the environment by using BALI Registered Contractor Landform chose to mark his company’s fifteen 50% less chemicals with 80% less drift. Consultants, BALI Registered Designer years in business and the opening of No stranger to industry accolades, Andy Sturgeon, Peter Seabrook, and its stunning new Visitor Advice Majestic Trees has won UK Nursery RHS Council member Jon Wheatley. Centre with a Landscape Stock Grower of the Year four times, It was clear that, despite action clearly Industry Symposium, most recently this year, and won Silver being taken by Professor Spence’s team focusing on the biosecurity at the International Grower Awards in in the fight against Xylella, there was threat from Xylella and 2011 and 2016. Many of the company’s concern from some members of the the risk the bacterium workforce of over thirty employees have audience that, whilst nurseries are being poses to the entire been with Majestic Trees for a large part held to account for their actions, other landscape industry. of its existence and staff retention speaks members of the landscape industry, such volumes for its ethos. as landscape contractors and landscape Managing The event, which took and garden designers, can also play a key Director Steve place at Majestic Trees’ Following Steve McCurdy’s welcome role in containing the threat. Wayne Grills McCurdy nursery at Flamstead and introduction to the symposium, suggested in his response that a joined- near St Albans, welcomed garden journalist, broadcaster, speaker up approach is needed across the wider landscape architects, garden and horticultural legend Peter Seabrook landscape industry as opposed to smaller designers, contractors and other formally introduced the Visitor Advice initiatives run by different sectors. There industry professionals, who were Centre, before Professor Nicola Spence, was a clear sense of urgency amongst the treated to a packed programme of UK Chief Plant Health Officer, gave the audience and some disquiet that the UK keynote speeches, panel discussions and keynote address - Biosecurity: Risk and Government had been caught unawares seminars. In addition, there were static responsibility sharing; future threats and by Xylella; more should now be done displays from Vermeer, JCB, Amenity opportunities. in terms of awareness of the bacterium Land Solutions, Platipus, as well as Professor Spence discussed the threat and its potential to cause wide-spread Majestic’s own tree handling machinery, posed to the UK by pests and disease and plant losses and damage to nursery and and electrostatic sprayer. particularly the emerging Xylella situation landscaping businesses. Majestic Trees stocks the widest range across Europe, which is likely to impact After lunch, there were seminars on of container-grown semi-mature sizes how landscapes in this country are buying specimen trees (Steve McCurdy), and varieties of trees and hedging in designed, planted and maintained in the running a profitable business (BALI the UK, with over 10,000 specimens of future if high-risk host species are to be Registered Designer John Wyer), and some 400 varieties on the nursery at any avoided. She explained the preventative planning, handling and planting big trees one time. Some trees at the nursery are work currently being undertaken by the (Mark Gregory). A second panel discussion fifty years old. Nurseries across Europe Government and the horticulture sector, with Jody Lidgard and designer Ann- are visited to find those with the very including plant passports and regular Marie Powell gave the audience a further highest biosecurity protocols and pest liaison with the EU, and cited successes opportunity to discuss client charging and disease control practices from to date in terms of biosecurity. Critically, and business profitability. which to source stock. The vast majority Professor Spence, who has spent a great of new stock is brought in over the deal of time engaging with the nursery An excellent day concluded winter, either in rootball or bare-root industry, stressed the importance of with drinks and canapes and an form, and then planted into Air-Pots to the wider industry working together to opportunity to network in beautiful encourage the rapid development of protect the nation’s landscape. surroundings. Congratulations to a healthy, fibrous root system that will Majestic Trees on their fifteen years in The panel discussion, which followed a withstand transplanting in any season. business and for organising a much- short break, was facilitated by Professor Pest and disease control is paramount at needed and timely symposium in Spence who directed questions from Majestic Trees and the company’s use of their new Visitor Advice Centre. the audience to the panel speakers. electrostatic sprayer technology protects BALI’s Chief Executive Wayne Grills was majestictrees.co.uk 8 BALI Landscape News | Autumn 2017
LATEST NEWS Xylella fastidiosa and the threat to the UK What is Xylella, and why is • Spartium junceum (Spanish broom) – In the event of an outbreak in the UK On sale in the UK, host of ssp. multiplex there would be a massive impact on the it important to prevent its and ssp. pauca. Has accounted for 27% affected nursery and any other nurseries spread to the UK? of positive diagnoses in PACA. While a within the buffer zone, currently 10km. major host in southern member states, Xylella fastidiosa is a bacterium, which Xylella is subject to EU emergency it is not a high volume seller in the can cause disease in a particularly wide measures and any signs of it should be UK. However, it may be planted more range of woody plants. It has four sub- reported as follows: widely in southern and coastal areas. species, each attacking different plants: For England and Wales, contact your • Xylella fastidiosa ssp. Multiplex • Hebe – Widely grown in the UK, a host local APHA Plant Health and Seeds of ssp .multiplex. Very large volumes of • Xylella fastidiosa ssp. Fastidiosa Inspector or the PHSI Headquarters, UK own production and EU imports. • Xylella fastidiosa spp. Pauca Sand Hutton, York. Tel: 01904 405138 It is planted in a very wide range of Email: planthealth.info@apha.gsi.gov.uk • Xylella fastidiosa ssp. Sandyi private garden and amenity landscape situations across the UK. For Scotland, contact the Scottish Xylella is responsible for large scale losses Government’s Horticulture and of commercial and amenity trees in USA, What does Xylella do to Marketing Unit: Italy and Brazil. In Brazil, 40% of citrus trees have been lost to the bacterium, host plants? Email: hort.marketing@gov.scot resulting in $120 million of lost revenue The disease attacks the water- For Northern Ireland, contact the to the economy. In Europe there are conducting mechanisms of the host DAERA Plant Health Inspection Branch: currently major outbreaks in: plant, inhibiting movement of water and Tel: 0300 200 7847 Email: planthealth@ • Provinces of Lecce and Brindisi – nutrients. This can lead to the death of daera-ni.gov.uk Southern Italy the plant. For more information on Xylella, visit: • Provence Alpes Cote d’Azur (PACA) – How is Xylella spread? Southern France, and Corsica Defra Plant Pest Factsheet The bacterium is spread by insects • Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza, with a (for example, common froghopper), planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/assets/ finding also confirmed on mainland which feed on the water-conducting factsheets/xylellaFastidiosa2015.pdf Spain (Alicante) mechanisms within a plant. The UK • An outbreak in Germany is relatively contains several species that fit into this small compared to the situations in category and, should Xylella become Spain and Italy as it relates to a small established in the UK, the insects number of plants, which have been could spread the bacterium over long moved in trade. distances. Xylella may also be spread through the transporting of plants as The official measures required in part of landscaping schemes. the event of an outbreak under the Commission Decision for Xylella are very What are the symptoms? similar for all sub species/strains. This Xylella symptoms vary widely and means that any outbreak of Xylella in according to the host plant species the UK will have a very serious impact on but the presence of any of the the growers affected by it. The multiplex following visual symptoms should strain is considered to pose the greatest be investigated further: plant health risk to the UK. • Marginal leaf scorch Host plants • Wilting of foliage More than 150 plants have been • Withering of branches infected by Xylella fastidiosa on the continent but the number of plants that Severe cases of Xylella can result are susceptible to the bacterium may in the death of the specimen. extend to more than 300. The link below provides the latest information from Has Xylella reached the UK? the European Commission: Directorate Is it a viable threat? General for Health and Food Safety Although Xylella has not yet reached the UK, the Food and Environment ec.europa.eu/food/plant/plant_health_ Research Agency (FERA) has suggested biosecurity/legislation/emergency_ that, once in the country, Xylella is likely measures/xylella-fastidiosa/ Leaf tip and to establish in plants both outdoors and susceptible_en marginal leaf under protection. Warmer UK regions yellowing In addition, the following should be with minimal frost are most at risk from noted: the pathogen. Autumn 2017 | BALI Landscape News 9
LATEST NEWS Training providers and speakers attend the launch of the industry’s Trailblazer Apprenticeships Marcus Jones MP is new parks and green spaces minister Following June’s General Election, Marcus Jones, MP for Nuneaton and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Local Government), has now been given the parks and green spaces brief to add to his already weighty responsibilities at the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). These include homelessness, troubled families and adult social care. Thamesmead An MP since 2010, having served as a local councillor and leader of Bedworth Borough Council, Landscape Marcus Jones was appointed Minister for Local Government in May 2015. Before that he served as Contractor Day the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. He takes over responsibility for parks and greens spaces from Andrew Percy MP, the first Following the article in the likely to be awarded, outline the government minister to have summer edition of BALI Peabody procurement process, parks listed within his official Landscape News, Peabody, and include a tour by mini-bus of responsibilities, who resigned the organisation driving the Thamesmead with its Director of following the election to return to regeneration of London’s new Landscape & Placemaking, Phil the back benches. Andrew Percy town, Thamesmead, is holding Askew. had been encouragingly proactive a workshop for all of those The workshop will provide an in engaging with stakeholders who are interested in working opportunity to fully understand involved in the Communities on the project. The day will be Peabody’s commitment to the and Local Government an opportunity for landscape project and its desire to work with Committee’s parks inquiry and contractors to see Thamesmead quality contractors and suppliers had recommended a cross- and understand the ambitious to achieve its aims. departmental group be established programme of regeneration in light of the inquiry findings. and development upon which Peabody is embarking. Places for the workshop, depending on the level of It is hoped that the progress made response, may be restricted to with moving parks and green Taking place in the heart of one representative per company. spaces up the government agenda the town at Sporting Club To secure your place please email will continue under the new Thamesmead on Wednesday, owen.baker@bali.org.uk who will minister and that the findings from 25 October, 2017, the workshop forward full details of the event the parks inquiry will avoid falling will explain the Thamesmead and a registration form. into the long grass! project and the types of contracts 10 BALI Landscape News | Autumn 2017
LATEST NEWS Draycote Water hosts the 2017 BALI National AGM Members attending BALI’s 2017 number of entries and attendance National AGM on 7 September at the event in London, resulting headed to Draycote Water near in a boost in Awards income of an Rugby, where the AGM followed additional £8,000 on the previous by a technical workshop on weed year. In addition, BALI membership treatment technologies were increased steadily to 900 at Year held. 35 members representing 31 End with a corresponding increase member companies attended, with in income. apologies received from a further • The increase to membership fees The proposition to accept the 66 members. approved at last year’s AGM had directors’ recommendations for the National Chairman Paul Downer allowed the association to appoint reappointment of the following to opened the meeting by welcoming an Education Officer to drive serve as Officers of the Association members and explaining that Chief forward the GoLandscape initiative was unanimously adopted: Executive Wayne Grills would field any and a Technical Officer (Policy & Research) to further support Paul Downer questions for the Treasurer, Richard members. National Chairman Stone, who was unable to attend. The minutes of the previous AGM on 6 Matt O’Conner • The Reserves Policy discussed at September 2016 were approved and Vice Chairman last year’s AGM has been introduced under matters arising Wayne Grills with the aim of retaining 6-7 Robert Field apologised that the updated Articles months of operating costs as guide. Immediate Past Chairman of Association could not be circulated This year £100,000 of the reserves Wayne Grills prior to the AGM as BALI’s solicitors has been ringfenced and the fund Chief Executive had recommended a more extensive will be increased as and when a review and updating of both the Richard Stone surplus allows. Honorary Treasurer Articles and the Memorandum of Association. Once this is completed The financial accounts for the year Wayne Grills gave a presentation the proposed updated documents ending 31 March 2017 were duly summarising the Association’s will be reviewed by the Board before adopted. A constructive discussion activities over the previous twelve being issued to members. followed on the proposal for a months and highlighting future plans. mandate from the members to increase fees by 3% for the Following the formal business of membership year 2018/19 to cover the AGM, members enjoyed a BBQ the association’s increased operating lunch and those registered for the costs. Following the Board’s review afternoon’s event - Weed Treatment: of membership fees and bands a Exploring New Technologies – joined C10 category will be introduced for colleagues to hear presentations companies with turnovers in excess from Andrew Turner, of £40m and that consultation with the HSE’s Principal the members affected will take Inspector of Health place prior to implementation. In and Safety; Tracey addition the differentials between Ware, Pesticides membership bands will be reviewed Policy Team for The National Chairman’s, Chief and adjusted. the Chemical Executive’s and Honorary Treasurer’s Regulations reports, which appeared in the The proposal was carried with 27 Division, and formal Annual Report and Accounts votes for (16 from the room and 11 Thomas Scanlon, document sent to members prior to proxies), 9 against (3 from the room Key Account the AGM, were taken as read. Wayne and 6 proxies). Manager, Crop Grills highlighted aspects of the Protection at The meeting was advised that Janine Treasurer’s report in Richard Stone’s Monsanto UK. Pattison MBALI would be standing absence: Leading manufacturers down and not seeking re-election to • Of the £47,000 reported surplus, the Board. The Chairman thanked her and suppliers, including £18,000 relates to the sum agreed for her contribution throughout her Weedingtech, Overton (UK), for the development of the ROLO tenure as Design Director. Existing Cardley, Amenity Land Services, Health & Safety Awareness Course board members Neil Huck, Nigel Ubiqutek, Green-tech, Rigby for supervisors and managers, which Bowcock and Jodie Read were re- Taylor and Monsanto, attended has now been given the go-ahead. elected by unanimous vote. with products and equipment, Following the introduction of the providing members with an The Chairman advised that there informative afternoon that included new financial standard FRS102, this were now two vacancies on the demonstrations. sum could not be carried forward Board. Following the five nominees’ to the next accounting period and The minutes of the AGM will be personal statements Marian Boswall has therefore boosted the Year End circulated to BALI members once MBALI and Rosemary Coldstream results; available. MBALI were duly elected to the • The 40th Anniversary BALI National BALI Board with 20 and 19 votes Landscape Awards saw the highest respectively. Autumn 2017 | BALI Landscape News 11
LATEST NEWS Help create great school grounds Learning through develop solutions that meet their best ways of bringing that diversity different needs and provide the best into the site, sparking creativity and Landscapes (LTL) is looking experiences for the children who use developing the imagination. Schools for BALI Registered them. The best school grounds are also need a variety of spaces in their places where pupils make friends, Designers and Contractors play, get close to nature, learn about grounds that can be used in different ways. Keeping open spaces for sport, who are experienced in risk taking, challenge themselves to active play and large-scale learning, working with schools, try something new, develop their whilst also having small, intimate sporting skills, and learn, not only or who would like to, to about the world around them but spaces where children can meet with a friend or get away from others and become members of the also maths, English and more. Outside sit quietly, are equally important. they can experience things that are charity’s accredited network. just not available inside. To find more about the work of LTL encourages schools to find out Creating diverse school grounds Learning through Landscapes visit what experiences they want their provides pupils with the opportunity ltl.org.uk and for more information pupils to have outside before thinking to have a greater variety of on the accredited network and the about the features that will enable experiences and incorporating nature training offered, contact Matt Robinson them to happen. This helps schools into school grounds is one of the at mrobinson@ltl.org.uk 2017 Houzz UK Landscaping home. Nearly one in 10 is investing in outdoor kitchen equipment, such as a Trends Survey finds we’re barbecue and either built-in cabinetry, a sink and/or a refrigerator (8%). Pizza ovens are also popular additions, with influenced by our neighbours 9% prioritising one. Along with large scale projects, UK British homeowners are (73%), exchanging courtesy greetings homeowners on Houzz are making looking to their neighbours for (67%), helping when needed significant investments in their (45%), and sharing drinks with gardens. Half allow a budget of £3,000 inspiration when undertaking each other (32%). One in five (23%) or less for their landscape projects landscaping projects, according (51%), but only two-fifths spent this however, admitted that their garden to the 2017 Houzz UK makeover was motivated by a lack amount (42%). Meanwhile, more than Landscaping Trends Survey. of privacy, demonstrating that UK half spend more than £3,000 (58%), The survey of UK homeowners homeowners value their own space, with only 49% budgeting this amount, using Houzz (houzz.co.uk) and who too. Unsurprisingly, half (50%) of those indicating that budgets do not always are in the midst of, are planning, or who updating non-structural features, align with spending. recently completed, an outdoor project improved their fence or property border. “Our research shows that one in found that among those with next-door A nation of garden lovers, UK two renovating homeowners make neighbours, one in five (23%) revealed homeowners spend around eight hours upgrades to their gardens and/ that their new garden had been or outdoor structures,” said Andrew per week in their gardens during the influenced by a nearby household. warmer months, and two hours per Small, Managing Director of Houzz The study also found that British week during the colder months. During UK. “Home buyers are key drivers of homeowners are building bridges landscape projects, British homeowners these renovations, motivated to extend with neighbours following landscaping are creating comfortable outdoor spaces their living spaces to the gardens and renovations, as 15% of homeowners for entertaining and relaxing with items achieve stylish yet low maintenance interact more with their neighbours like outdoor dining and lounge furniture surroundings. Outdoor kitchens and after a landscaping update. Top (43% and 33%, respectively), treating elaborate outdoor lighting are key interactions range from small talk their gardens as an extension of the trends to look out for in 2017.” 12 BALI Landscape News | Autumn 2017
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LATEST NEWS LATEST NEWS in the process of organising training sessions. These will be in the form of FROM four training days, each in a different location across the UK to ensure they are available to as many employees as possible, and it is anticipated that each day will be split into two – half the time focusing on hedge cutters and half on strimmers. Once the final details Training based of course content and locations have been confirmed they will be advertised on credible data across BALI-NCF members and the wider BALI membership. This year BALI-NCF members have been sharing accident statistics to determine what the main causes BALI-NCF membership of the most frequently occurring grows accidents are across all member BALI-NCF membership has increased organisations. Until now there has and we are pleased to welcome Steve never been any specific, credible data Thompson of Out There Services. available relating to safety in the UK This increase in membership and the grounds maintenance industry and commitment of the existing members this latest collaboration has shown and support of their organisations is that the main risks come from hedge testament to the work that BALI-NCF cutter and strimmer use. has done over the last three years to In order to be able to address safety represent the national contractors issues it is important to have live involved in delivering principally information to inform decision making grounds maintenance services and implement more robust training across the UK and in assisting the regimes to help prevent accidents. growth of those aspiring to become There is a real will amongst BALI-NCF national contractors. Each year brings members to work together to reduce increasing pressures on all contractors the risk that we all face from hedge and BALI-NCF seeks to identify industry Images cutting and strimming, and from other wide challenges and to address them courtesy of idverde UK operations. To this end BALI-NCF is for the benefit of members. Find your staff with BALI Jobs BALI Jobs – a joint partnership through Horticulture Careers, Erratum Notice – which is operated by BALI Affiliate member Eljays44 – offers 2017/18 BALI Who’s Who BALI members a heavily discounted rate to help them fill their staff vacancies. All job credits can be purchased using the special BALI rate of £200 (standard rate £300) and vacancies will be advertised on Landscape Directory the job board at horticulturecareers.co.uk on weekly e-shots to Unfortunately, in the 2017/18 edition of candidate databases, and on vacancy aggregator sites such as the BALI Who’s Who Landscape Directory, indeed.co.uk. Members also have the opportunity to advertise an incorrect email address was printed their vacancies on the jobs pages within Pro Landscaper for BALI Registered Contractor The magazine, again at the special rate of £200 (standard rate £300). Plantman Ltd. The correct email address is For further details contact Amber Bernabe at darren@theplantman.co. BALI would like amber.bernabe@eljays44.com or call 01903 777581. to apologise to Managing Director Darren Stobbart for any inconvenience this error eljays44.com may cause. 14 BALI Landscape News | Autumn 2017
Visit website Visit website Hy-Pave EKG1 Porous Cellular Interlocking Paving Tiles Load Bearing Capacity up to 350t/m² W ! NE 4mm Thick Walls for Best Performance High Open Area to Maximise Appeal Unilog Pro Clever Design for Simple Assembly Unique Flex Zones for Level Changes landscape timbers Environmental Friendly Solution SUDS Source Control Compliant are perfect for www.hy-pave.co.uk creating innovative Aldington Mill, Mill Lane, landscaping features. Tel: 01233 720097 Aldington, ASHFORD, Kent TN25 7AJ HY-TEX sales@hy-tex.co.uk www.hy-tex.co.uk Fax: 01233 720098 A wide range of sizes and material grades available supported with a 15 or 30 years desired service life warranty. All grades of timber are treated in accordance with Simple and Quick Installation British standard BS8417. Professional, Unobtrusive Finish Light Weight (less than 400g/m²) Easily Form Edges, Corners and Curves Practical Alternative to Haunching Recycled Material UV Resistant and Durable www.edge-guards.co.uk Edge-Guards Path and Garden Border Edging Kerb Ideal for ► Modular design · Earth retaining walls ► Create curved · Palisading NEW walls · Raised flower beds range of ► Multiple mounting · Border edging sleepers now options · Pathways and steps available ► Flexible spacing · Ornate bridges ► Secure anchorage · Playground amenity projects ► Efficient irrigation ► Easy installation ► Simple maintenance ► Strong and durable 01233 720097 01233 720098 M&M Timber also supply machine round sales@dot-pot.co.uk fencing posts, sleepers, playground structures, www.dot-pot.co.uk palisade fencing, plant display stands and gazebos Call 0333 0035133 E: sales@mmtimber.co.uk TM www.mmtimber.co.uk Supplied by d tp t M&M Timber, Hunt House Sawmills, Clows Top, Nr Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY14 9HY A trading name of Hy-Tex (UK) Limited M&M Timber is a Division of Forest Garden Ltd.
CONTRACTOR NEWS Whiting Landscape celebrates 40 years In July, BALI Registered Contractor Whiting Landscape celebrated 40 years in business with a family fun day for staff and their families. The company was first established in 1977 and Managing Director Maurice Murphy and his fellow directors Wayne Bridges, Laurence Upcott and David Griffiths, wanted to thank their hardworking staff for contributing to the company’s success. Whiting Landscape was first set up by Maurice Murphy and Colin Spear when they joined the Midlands based Wilson Group of Sutton 30 YEARS OF Coldfield to create a landscape division to complement Wilson’s existing construction companies. Whiting Landscapes moved to its PROFESSIONAL current headquarters in Bromsgrove in 1984 and the offices are now LANDSCAPE surrounded by a 16 acre tree and shrub nursery. Maurice and Colin led a buyout of Whiting from the Wilson Group in MANAGEMENT 1991 and the company is now privately owned by Maurice and three other directors; Colin retired from the business in 2013. Focusing on a relatively small number of blue chip companies, Whiting obtains Based in Stone, Staffordshire, BALI most of its work from its existing clients who benefit from the Registered Contractor Hortech was company’s comprehensive range of services. first established in 1987 and now, BALI members since the early 1980s and winners of many industry as it celebrates its 30th anniversary, awards, including the BALI Grand Award, Whiting has experienced steady growth throughout its history, with 2016/17 predicted to be it is a multi-activity landscape a record year for the company. There was plenty to celebrate at the management company with depots open day, which hosted activities ranging from a bungee run and across the country and a workforce bouncy castles to mini bumper cars, a magician and face painting. of 130 employees. A long-standing A beautiful Victorian carousel was the star of the show and plenty of food and drink was available in the marquee. BALI member, Hortech won a BALI National Landscape Award in 2006 Speaking at the event, Managing Director Maurice Murphy said: “I can’t believe we’ve been in business for forty years. It’s a real for Trentham Gardens. milestone and we wanted to mark it with a celebration that said a Having started out working predominantly in big ‘thank you’ to all our employees who work so tirelessly year in, the industrial sector providing specialist grounds year out. A special mention must be made for all the teams out on maintenance services for the oil, nuclear and our sites in all weathers, often in very challenging conditions – today electricity industries, Hortech now also supports was about letting them know how appreciated they all are.” facilities management companies to offer a diverse range of services, from traditional whitinglandscape.co.uk landscaping, grounds maintenance and weed control to graffiti removal, pest control and Managing Director Maurice Murphy (centre left) and gritting. The company prides itself on the extensive Whiting staff at their 40th anniversary celebrations in-house skills and health and safety training it delivers to its employees to ensure the customer experience is second to none. The business also includes Hortech Wholesale Nurseries, which supplies plants nationwide to customers including landscapers, garden designers, local authorities and landowners. Having worked to develop a suitable peat-free growing medium the company hopes soon to operate an entirely peat-free nursery. The company re-branded this year with a fresh, contemporary logo, marking the start of a new era in its development. Commenting on the Hortech’s success to date, company director Duncan Jones said: “The art to what we do is to anticipate the needs of the client, continually innovate and invest in our staff.’’ hortech.co.uk 16 BALI Landscape News | Autumn 2017
CONTRACTOR NEWS Prime Minister Theresa May opens the Sir Nicholas Winton Memorial Garden in Oaken Grove, Maidenhead Prime Minister’s M & N Horticulture seal of approval cultivates 20 years for landscaping of growth of memorial garden Norfolk based M & N Horticulture, which BALI Registered Contractor became both a limited company and ANB Groundcare received a BALI Registered Contractor in 2005, the Prime Minister’s personal is celebrating its 20th anniversary this congratulations for their year, having been established in rural contribution to the landscaping Wymondham in August 1997 by Martin and of a memorial garden in her Nicky Wood. Maidenhead constituency. A family-run company with an enviable track record in Designed to reflect the story of Sir Nicholas the design, construction and maintenance of high quality Winton, who helped arrange for hundreds of landscape projects across Norfolk and Suffolk, M & N children to be brought to safety on the eve of Horticulture Ltd, which trades as MN Landscapes, continues the Second World War in what later became to deliver at the highest level, thanks to the daily hands- known as the Czech Kindertransport, the on involvement of Martin and Nicky and their constant memorial garden was officially opened by Prime searching for new ideas. A recent highlight for them both Minister Theresa May at a ceremony at the new and their team was the construction of The Notcutts Garden, site in Oaken Grove Park, Maidenhead. which was opened in May by the Lord Mayor of Norwich at Notcutts Garden Centre. Since the Notcutts show garden at The garden features a water fountain, giant the Norwich Show they have installed similar gardens for the willow arch, pond, plaques quoting Sir Nicholas Notcutts Group in Nottingham, Staines and Tunbridge Wells, and a winding pathway linking the features. with more to follow. 10,600 plants and shrubs were supplied and planted out by ANB Groundcare, making Over the past twenty years, M & N Horticulture has this their biggest and highest profile soft developed an impressive team of dedicated landscaping landscaping project to date. professionals, supported by a range of specialist equipment and machinery that enables the company to handle more Alastair Brooker, ANB Groundcare’s Managing involved and technical projects. Martin Wood said: “Garden Director, said: “It was a great honour to be landscaping has evolved over the past twenty years. The involved with the landscaping of this high modern trend is for people to use their gardens as an profile memorial garden. For myself and our additional room in their homes for families and social Operations Manager David Hampshire to be entertaining. In the future we expect to see an increase in congratulated in person by Theresa May was the use of our construction services as well as a change very rewarding. We have worked for many in design and planting themes to take into account the years for The Royal Borough of Windsor and changing seasons. We are delighted to still be providing our Maidenhead but this is by far the biggest garden maintenance services to some of our very first clients and most complex planting scheme we have of twenty years ago.” carried out for them to date. We worked seamlessly with the Project Centre and fellow mnhorticulture.com BALI Contractors Hickman Brothers’ Landscapes who carried out the hard landscaping.” anbgroundcare.co.uk Autumn 2017 | BALI Landscape News 17
CONTRACTOR NEWS Roof garden, Rotherhithe, South East London WELCOME TO VALLEY PROVINCIAL GROUP BALI contractor makes Multi-discipline business Valley Provincial Group based in Dartford, Kent, is celebrating achieving bereaved family’s BALI Registered Contractor status. This growing, dynamic company operates under three brands: memorial garden a reality Playcubed, Provincial Planters and Valley Landscape Management, each offering a distinct area of expertise and helping deliver a complete solution for its clients. New BALI Registered Contractor Warwick Taylor Playcubed designs and installs playground and Landscapes of Chelmsford came to the rescue multi-use games areas (MUGAs) for schools and when the dreams of the grieving parents of five councils. Bespoke designs incorporate the client’s year old Violet Mornington, who passed away visions and requirements and every project is after a short illness in 2013, looked as if they delivered safely and efficiently. Playcubed has also developed its own range of safety surfaces would be thwarted. and play equipment that meets and exceeds all ‘Violets in Bloom’, a charity established by them in her name to build safety legislation. a memorial garden that could be shared by other grieving parents Provincial Planters installs and maintains plants and siblings, had raised sufficient money and secured donated space and flowers for commercial clients. From indoor at the local cemetery in Lichfield, Staffordshire, where the garden was planting schemes to living pictures, Provincial to be built. Construction eventually began in May 2016 but it soon Planters brings corporate horticulture to the offices became clear that the chosen contractors had misinterpreted the of some of the world’s biggest brands, including brief and work came to an abrupt halt, with the threat of the loss of Virgin, Adobe and Nike. monies spent to date. Valley Landscape Management provides Violet’s family and the cemetery managers Dignity PLC eventually commercial grounds maintenance and landscape managed to recoup all the money that had been paid to suppliers management, holding contracts with many large and in March 2017 Warwick Taylor Landscapes were asked to submit property companies. Its extensive range of services a design for the garden. Working closely with Clews Landscape provides clients with a very efficient one-stop-shop Architecture, they produced a concept plan that reflected the needs for all exterior works. of parents and children, offering space for both quiet contemplation and safe play. Clients for whom the company has completed showcase projects include Telford Homes, Tolent Violet’s father, Ivan, had thought long and hard about the garden and Construction and Neilcott. With the increasing his ideas were incorporated into the design so that the whole would requirement to include recreational provision be a fitting tribute to a much loved little girl. Once the cemetery within new developments Valley Provincial Group owners, the charity and the family had approved the design, Warwick will undoubtedly build on its success to date, but Taylor Landscapes were invited to build the garden – but with a with the added credibility of its hard-won BALI completion date of 3 June, what would have been Violet’s ninth Registered Contractor status. birthday, just three weeks away. valleyprovincial.com Notwithstanding the almost impossibly tight deadline, Chris Taylor, director of Warwick Taylor Landscapes, was up for the challenge and his team began work immediately on the 550 square metre garden, which features a tunnelled walkway, resin bound pathways, mature yew hedging, lawns, play equipment, trees, art installations and a wild flower meadow. Chris has worked in the landscape industry since leaving school and although his own business is relatively young, he has strong relationships with suppliers and employees. From the outset he had complete confidence that his team could complete this high-spec project on time and on budget, and he was right. The unofficial opening of Violet’s garden took place as planned on 3 June. Violet’s family and friends were delighted with the results; their dream of a children’s memorial garden, where parents could grieve privately and siblings could feel relaxed and secure, had been realised. See more images of the garden by vising violetsinbloom.org School playground scheme, Plumstead, warwick-group.co.uk South East London 18 BALI Landscape News | Autumn 2017
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