big - LJN Blog Posts - Landscape Juice Network2024-03-29T05:34:25Zhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/bigThe Big Interview: Phil Stovell Garden Designhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/the-big-interview-phil-stovell-garden-design2013-06-27T12:00:00.000Z2013-06-27T12:00:00.000ZLandscape Juicehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/LandscapeJuice<div><p><a class="asset-img-link" style="display: inline;" href="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e20192abab667f970d-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8345192c169e20192abab667f970d" style="width: 450px;" alt="Phil Stovell" title="Phil Stovell" src="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e20192abab667f970d-450wi" /></a><br />
(image: Garden Designer Phil Stovell)</p>
<p>Phil Stovell is a garden designer based in Somerset.</p>
<p>Not only has Phil set up his business in a recession, to add to the challenge, he has also relocated from Hampshire.</p>
<p>Phil Voice asks Phil a few questions about his business and about being a garden designer.</p>
<p><strong>You are fairly new to the landscape industry, is garden design a whole new ballgame?</strong><br />
No, not really. Coming from a design background, I found moving into garden design very comfortable in all. Studying garden design however threw up all sorts of new ways of thinking that challenged me and made me realise that it was going to be a lot harder than I first thought.</p>
<p><strong>How long have you been trading as a garden designer?</strong><br />
I qualified, with a distinction, in September 2010 and immediately set up my garden design business.</p>
<p><a class="asset-img-link" style="display: inline;" href="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e201901dec97e0970b-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8345192c169e201901dec97e0970b" style="width: 450px;" alt="LJN_1a" title="LJN_1a" src="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e201901dec97e0970b-450wi" /></a><br />
<em>(image: Oxfordshire steeply sloping garden – Before)</em></p>
<p><strong>Did you throw yourself straight in at the deep end or was it a toe in the water approach?</strong><br />
My first project was my own narrow, long and sloping garden which I designed and built myself. This was, for me the best way to start as it gave me a great insight into what is involved in a garden build at every level whilst giving me the opportunity to practice my new found skills.</p>
<p><strong>You're obviously up for a challenge. I understand you've also recently re-located?</strong><br />
Yes, last year we moved house to Somerset from Hampshire and so I had the challenge of searching for new business in a completely new area. It did set me back a little but I was determined to make it work and I felt energised by being able to work in the south west with all of its own challenges, different soils, climates and mix of clients etc.</p>
<p><strong>Even though you are now located in Somerset you are still designing gardens large and small in a wide area of the south. Is there a pattern when it comes to size, value and area?</strong><br />
My projects vary in size, location and complexity but thankfully my design principals have remained consistent and always deliver great results (according to my clients). I now have projects in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Somerset and the South West.</p>
<p><a class="asset-img-link" style="display: inline;" href="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e2019103e24355970c-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8345192c169e2019103e24355970c" style="width: 450px;" alt="LJN_1b" title="LJN_1b" src="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e2019103e24355970c-450wi" /></a><br />
<em>(image: Oxfordshire steeply sloping garden – After)</em></p>
<p><strong>How long have you been designing?</strong><br />
Nearly 3 years now.</p>
<p><strong>What route have you taken to get to your current position (i.e. college; self-taught; mentoring?).</strong><br />
I took a Garden Design Diploma at The Garden Design School in 2009-2010. A brilliant course taught by 2 experienced and highly qualified practicing designers, Robin Templar-Williams and Moira Farnham. The course appealed to me because it’s only 9 months and teaches the highest level of design and importantly, the business elements too.</p>
<p><strong>How many designs do you do in a year?</strong><br />
Anywhere between 3-10 depending on the size and complexity.</p>
<p><strong>What is their average build value?</strong><br />
Between £5k - £75k.</p>
<p><strong>Typically how long do you spend on each design?</strong><br />
Depending on the size of the project, between 1-2 days (design only). Add to that, planting design and drawing up surveys can take up to a week to complete.</p>
<p><a class="asset-img-link" style="display: inline;" href="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e20192abab42d8970d-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8345192c169e20192abab42d8970d" style="width: 450px;" alt="LJN_1c" title="LJN_1c" src="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e20192abab42d8970d-450wi" /></a><br />
<em>(image: Oxfordshire steeply sloping garden – longer view)</em></p>
<p><strong>What gives you most pride, designing the garden or seeing it built?</strong><br />
It is always seeing your design come to life for me. For years, I designed things in two dimensions like brochures and branding for corporate businesses where the design mostly stayed in print. Now my designs live and breathe and I like to revisit them when I can to see how they have changed.</p>
<p><strong>What’s the most pleasing part of your job?</strong><br />
Being able to do one of the best jobs around is generally pleasing but if I was pushed for a single area it would have to be when a job is completed above the client’s expectations leaving everyone who was involved smiling.</p>
<p><strong>What irks you most about the garden design and landscaping industry?</strong><br />
Educating clients as to build costs. Most people seem to know how much a roll of wallpaper costs or how much a new kitchen is likely to set them back, especially if it’s all singing and dancing with lights and hidden cupboards etc. As soon as you step outdoors into the garden I find that trying to explain the value of a good garden design and build is just as valuable if not more valuable to their property. Also, explaining to clients that low maintenance does not mean no maintenance.</p>
<p><strong>Does the Chelsea Flower Show inspire you or is it unrealistic?</strong><br />
I personally find Chelsea inspiring. Any form of stage that showcases garden design has to be good for my business from an awareness level and creatively. I try to go all the shows to develop my own knowledge of planting combinations and to soak up the busy atmosphere. I also have worked with the RHS designing ‘try them at home’ planting plans based on some of the show gardens. You can download them from the RHS website or see some of the illustrations on my website.</p>
<p><a class="asset-img-link" style="display: inline;" href="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e2019103e24725970c-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8345192c169e2019103e24725970c" style="width: 450px;" alt="LJN_2b" title="LJN_2b" src="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e2019103e24725970c-450wi" /></a><br />
<em>(image: Hampshire Formal / Informal garden – on-going)</em></p>
<p><strong>Do you design every day?</strong><br />
No. I assess designs in my head every day but most days are filled with surveys, drawing up plans or paperwork. Maybe one day when my business has expanded it'll be different.</p>
<p><strong>How much time per day do you spend designing?</strong><br />
When I am designing a new garden, I spend the whole day designing as it is a time where I concentrate on the creativity and focus on the project not being distracted by day to day office work.</p>
<p><strong>What is your most creative time of the day?</strong><br />
Unfortunately for me it tends to be in the evening. I'm one of those people who wakes up in the night searching for my phone or tablet so I can either write down some notes or draw a concept that has just become clear in my head.</p>
<p><a class="asset-img-link" style="display: inline;" href="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e20192abab4a16970d-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8345192c169e20192abab4a16970d" style="width: 450px;" alt="Backgarden2sm" title="Backgarden2sm" src="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e20192abab4a16970d-450wi" /></a><br />
<em>(image: Phil's own garden which he designed and built for himself)</em></p>
<p><strong>How do you get inspired to produce unique drawings every time?</strong><br />
Every garden is different. Even if the size or layout maybe similar in some cases, there are so many variables to work with that provide interest and challenge the concept, it becomes unique through the process. I like to think that my creativity comes from years of design experience mixed with a fresh interest in new materials to work with.</p>
<p><strong>As a designer you have to be creative. Can you define creativity?</strong><br />
Creativity is a personal thing. It’s how you use your ideas and ability to deliver the right concept for the client and their requirements. Producing good designs is one thing, producing a excellent design that is creative and delivers is another.</p>
<p><strong>Who is (or who are) your favourite designer(s)?</strong><br />
Roger Platts and Ulf Nordfjell</p>
<p><strong>Contemporary or traditional...what’s your preference?</strong><br />
I'm a traditionalist at heart but I do have a contemporary edge to my designs.</p>
<p><strong>Do you listen to music (or watch the television) when designing?</strong><br />
Yes, I find it’s too quiet without music or radio commentary (until my children come home from school).</p>
<p><strong>Do you ever get designers’ block?</strong><br />
Yes, but it doesn’t last long.</p>
<p><strong>Do you consider you take risks when designing?</strong><br />
Yes I do take risks in designs but because of the level of design I was taught, it gave me the confidence to deliver concepts without being worried about the validity.</p>
<p><strong>Has a client ever said they don’t like what you’ve designed for them?</strong><br />
Thankfully no.</p>
<p><strong>Hand drawn or CAD?</strong><br />
Hand drawn. My clients always comment on the level of quality in my concept drawings, I find it has an organic quality that is far closer to the outside space that I am designing. CAD is far too clinical for me.</p>
<p><strong>After a busy week, how do you unwind and relax?</strong><br />
Spending time in my own garden with my family.</p>
<p><strong>Who (or what) in your life has given you the greatest inspiration?</strong><br />
My wife inspires me to be a better person. Whatever I try to achieve on a day to day basis, she somehow always manages to inspire me to deliver better.</p>
<p><strong>What is your garden design motto?</strong><br />
Seriously dedicated to delivering exquisite gardens.</p>
<p><strong>What would you like to do more of in the future?</strong><br />
Show Gardens. I had a concept accepted for RHS Hampton Court Flower Show but the sponsor pulled out at the last minute. I am on the hunt for another sponsor so watch this space.</p>
<p><strong>Can you offer any advice to other designers?</strong><br />
I’m quite new to the business so I am not really best placed to be offering advice yet.</p>
<p><strong>Would you recommend garden designing to someone considering it as a career?</strong><br />
It’s a great career but you have to work hard at finding new business to begin with. Like most businesses, once you are established and delivering excellent work, word-of-mouth business will keep you happy for years to come!</p>
<p><strong>Lastly...show us your work space and drawing area</strong><br />
I'm in a spare bedroom at the moment but here's my new office under construction.</p>
<p><a class="asset-img-link" style="display: inline;" href="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e201901debdda0970b-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8345192c169e201901debdda0970b" style="width: 450px;" alt="PSGD_Office" title="PSGD_Office" src="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e201901debdda0970b-450wi" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.landscapejuicenetwork.com/profile/PhilStovell">Phil Stovell's page on the Landscape Juice Network</a></p>
</div>The Big Interview: Mike Warman of Aura Landscapeshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/the-big-interview-mike-warman-of-aura-landscapes2013-06-20T15:00:00.000Z2013-06-20T15:00:00.000ZLandscape Juicehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/LandscapeJuice<div><p><a class="asset-img-link" style="display: inline;" href="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e20192ab608fd5970d-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8345192c169e20192ab608fd5970d" style="width: 450px;" alt="IMG_3767" title="IMG_3767" src="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e20192ab608fd5970d-450wi" /></a><br />
<em>(image: Mike Warman (right) receiving a highly commended award from Marshalls)</em></p>
<p>Mike Warman is director of Aura Landscapes Ltd, based in Southampton. The company is fairly young, trading for just over three years but it has gone from strength to strength winning six regional awards and one highly commended in the Marshalls national awards.</p>
<p>Add to that winning the contract to hard landscape around Bath Rugby Club’s training ground it has been an excellent few years for Aura Landscapes.</p>
<p>Despite his busy workload we caught up with Mike for The Big Interview.</p>
<p><strong>How did you start the business?</strong><br />
Having worked in hard landscaping since I was sixteen and having gained the experience through working for others, I decided to set up on my own when the opportunity arose.</p>
<p><strong>Is it just you behind the business?</strong><br />
No, I set the business up with the help of my wife Paula who is now co-director of the company.</p>
<p><strong>Do you find your partnership works well?</strong><br />
Yes. Whilst I have a lot of practical experience within the industry I lack the necessary sales and marketing knowledge. With Paula previously running a sales and marketing consultancy it was a no brainer for us to combine our skills.</p>
<p><a class="asset-img-link" style="display: inline;" href="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e20192ab609865970d-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8345192c169e20192ab609865970d" style="width: 450px;" alt="Bath rugby club" title="Bath rugby club" src="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e20192ab609865970d-450wi" /></a><br />
<em>(image: Large commercial project using Marshalls ethically sourced paving at Bath Rugby Club)</em></p>
<p><strong>Starting during the recession must have been tough going. How did you get things up and running: did you have money behind you?</strong><br />
We set the business up on a shoestring budget with one van and myself and a labourer. Since then however we have grown to three vans and six employees.</p>
<p><strong>Do you do all of your work in-house?</strong><br />
We employ all our own staff for most of what we do but we will use sub-contractors when required, especially on larger commercial contracts.</p>
<p><strong>What has been the most rewarding part of the business for you?</strong><br />
Building up a customer base that has stayed loyal to us over the years. These partners bring us us repeat business and have become our advocates promoting Aura Landscapes to others.</p>
<p><strong>What made you want to become a landscaper?</strong><br />
I have been working as a landscaper gaining valuable experience since I was sixteen years of age. At nineteen I went to university where I completed a BSC (hons) Architectural Technology and Interior Design degree. Much of the work after university was computer aided design and being that I do not get on with computers and didn't want to work in an office for the rest of my career; I had to look at other options.</p>
<p>As my passion is for design, in particular, hand drawings and artistic impressions I decided to apply my design knowledge and creativity to outdoor spaces. Having had a wealth of experience in landscaping it seemed a great place to start. Now it is not only an enjoyable career for me it is a profitable family business that we hope will continue to grow for many years to come.</p>
<p><a class="asset-img-link" style="display: inline;" href="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e201901da22c87970b-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8345192c169e201901da22c87970b" style="width: 450px;" alt="7" title="7" src="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e201901da22c87970b-450wi" /></a><br />
<em>(image: Re-design of domestic patio)</em></p>
<p><strong>What drives you?</strong><br />
As a creative person I enjoy creating bespoke outdoor spaces. Job satisfaction comes from the initial consultation with the client to come up with a design idea, to following it through to creation and build. The icing on the cake is when a customer loves the space as much as I do. Also, gaining the recognition that comes with winning awards in our industry is always a proud moment that drives me to continue to do what we do, well.</p>
<p>I am a very ambitious person, so growing and diversifying my business is another driver. We never sit still and are always looking for new ideas and opportunities for the business. Our aim is to be offering a larger range of services and stocking products in the near future.</p>
<p><strong>How long have you been landscaping?</strong><br />
16 years.</p>
<p><strong>What route have you taken to get to your current position (i.e. college; self-taught; mentoring?)</strong><br />
Self taught with valuable on the job experience.</p>
<p><strong>How many construction jobs do you do in a year?</strong><br />
Approx 48 a year</p>
<p><strong>What is their average value?</strong><br />
It depends on what the project may be. For example an average driveway is approx £5,000 whereas a full landscaping project is around £15,000 - £20,000 with the commercial paving work being far greater than that.</p>
<p><strong>Typically how long do you spend on each project?</strong><br />
Again this depends on the nature of the work and can be from 7 days to 28 days on a residential project and up to 3 months plus on a commercial project such as the Bath Rugby Club project.</p>
<p><strong>What's the most pleasing about your job?</strong><br />
Seeing a design I have created coming together and how much it has changed the look of the area and property surrounding it.</p>
<p><strong>What irks you most about the garden design and landscaping industry?</strong><br />
It is unregulated and so you are often competing against landscapers that are unprofessional and install poor quality installations. So we have to look to accreditations in the industry, such as the Marshalls Register, to show we are a quality, professional and reputable company.</p>
<p><strong>Does the Chelsea Flower Show inspire you or is it unrealistic?</strong><br />
For me as a hard landscaper I find it unrealistic</p>
<p><strong>Do you also design the projects you build?</strong><br />
Yes,the design part of the job is the most enjoyable for me and all our designs are hand drawn and bespoke to each project.</p>
<p><a class="asset-img-link" style="display: inline;" href="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e20191039840d0970c-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8345192c169e20191039840d0970c" style="width: 450px;" alt="Granitesettdriveway005" title="Granitesettdriveway005" src="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e20191039840d0970c-450wi" /></a><br />
<em>(image: Garnite sett driveway)</em></p>
<p><strong>What is your most creative time of the day?</strong><br />
I work on the designs when I can, which tends to be evenings and weekends, but as a creative person there is no time frame for creativity.</p>
<p><strong>How do you get inspired to produce unique work every time?</strong><br />
This is largely based on the customers brief and using new products, which is highly inspiring in itself.</p>
<p><strong>As a landscaper and designer you have to be creative. Can you define creativity?</strong><br />
The use of the imagination or original ideas in creating a piece of work i.e. a landscape/ garden.</p>
<p><strong>Contemporary or traditional gardens ...what's your preference?</strong> Contemporary</p>
<p><strong>Do you listen to music whilst working?</strong><br />
Yes</p>
<p><strong>Do you consider you push the boundaries with what you do?</strong><br />
I try to as much as possible but it is ultimately the client who has the final say.</p>
<p><strong>Has a client ever said they don't like what you've constructed for them?</strong><br />
No</p>
<p><strong>What makes a great landscape?</strong><br />
An outdoor space that is functional and complements the surrounding environment.</p>
<p><strong>After a busy week, how do you unwind and relax?</strong><br />
By hitting the gym - it's a great stress reliever.</p>
<p><strong>Who (or what) in your life has given you the greatest inspiration?</strong><br />
Winning our Marshalls awards each year. We hope to continue to do so and become recognised in the industry.</p>
<p><strong>What is your business slogan and motto?</strong><br />
Our company slogan is: Outdoor living solutions designed with you in mind. Our motto is: to be the best.</p>
<p><strong>What would you like to do more of in the future?</strong><br />
Design work and larger bespoke hard landscaping projects.</p>
<p><strong>Can you offer any advice to other landscapers?</strong><br />
Don't skimp on specification and materials.</p>
<p><strong>Would you recommend landscaping to someone considering it as a career?</strong><br />
Yes, although it is hard work it is a satisfying job that allows you to work outside in the elements.</p>
<p><a class="asset-img-link" style="display: inline;" href="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e201901da2032d970b-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8345192c169e201901da2032d970b" style="width: 450px;" alt="Van1" title="Van1" src="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e201901da2032d970b-450wi" /></a><br />
<em>(Image: One of Aura Landscape's smart liveried trucks)</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.landscapejuicenetwork.com/profile/MikeWarman">Visit Aura Landscape's page on the Landscape Juice Network</a></p>
</div>The Big Interview: garden designer Michèle Martin talks Chinesehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/the-big-interview-garden-designer-michele-martin-talks-chinese2013-06-07T14:30:00.000Z2013-06-07T14:30:00.000ZLandscape Juicehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/LandscapeJuice<div><p><a class="asset-img-link" style="float: right;" href="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e201901d18d3ff970b-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8345192c169e201901d18d3ff970b" style="width: 150px; margin: 0px 0px 5px 5px;" alt="Michele" title="Michele" src="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e201901d18d3ff970b-150wi" /></a>Garden designer Michèle Martin spent twenty years in the corporate world before choosing to pursue her passion for gardens. Having earned an HND from Reaseheath College, Michèle went on to get an honours degree in Garden Design at Myerscough, Lancashire.</p>
<p><em>Image right: garden designer Michèle Martin</em></p>
<p>After winning a gold medal at Southport Flower Show she was able to get enough work to start her business.</p>
<p>Since then Michèle has done some amazing jobs in the industry, including BBC TV Chelsea flower show team 2010; BBC TV Adviser Chelsea Flower Show where she worked with Carol Klein & Chris Beardshaw; Regional Organiser for the Society of Garden Designers professional body; Gardening Guru for BBC Radio Merseyside on their weekly live phone in show.</p>
<p>Michèle is currently Executive for Southport Flower Show Gardens.</p>
<p>Michèle has an interest in traditional Chinese gardens and talks to Landscape Juice about her passion.</p>
<p><strong>Can you pinpoint the time and place when the spark for Chinese gardens was first ignited?</strong><br />
I was walking across Tatton Park on the way to visit the Japanese garden with Sam Youd the head gardener. During our conversation I asked Sam if he had been to Japan to see the gardens there. ‘Not as often as I could have’ came the reply. I asked him why and he told her when he first got this job he wanted to go to China first to see how the Japanese style had developed from its roots in China.</p>
<p><a class="asset-img-link" style="display: inline;" href="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e20191030f71cf970c-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8345192c169e20191030f71cf970c" style="width: 450px;" alt="Chinese" title="Chinese" src="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e20191030f71cf970c-450wi" /></a><br />
<em>Chinese inspired garden</em></p>
<p><strong>So that was the trigger for your interest in Chinese gardens?</strong><br />
Yes. I came away from that visit determined to find out more about Chinese gardens and two years later I devoted my final year project for my degree in garden design to discovering more about the mind games Chinese garden designers play on their clients.</p>
<p>I then used my new found knowledge by joining a group set up to restore Rivington Gardens (summer residence of Lord Leverhulme) and devised plans to restore their derelict Chinese gardens.</p>
<p><strong>Have you been to China to see any gardens?</strong><br />
Yes, following the Rivington project I went to China and visited many of the gardens recommended by Sam Youd.</p>
<p>I saw how the traditional scholar’s gardens attempts to mimic the vast acres of the emperor in much more modest spaces created lots of visual tricks to expand space.</p>
<p>First of these tricks is to make all visitors enter the garden via the house. Chinese houses always have a threshold and the more important the home owner the higher the threshold, the emperor has the highest of all, around a foot high. Those who've been rushing round out in the busy city traffic are confronted with a high step leading to a hallway kept deliberately dark.</p>
<p>The natural reaction is to stop while their eyes become accustomed to the gloom. In doing so they physically and mentally slow down and the result is the subsequent garden seems bigger than it would have because the visitor is no longer rushing around.</p>
<p>The next space expanding trick is to show the visitor a tiny courtyard. It’s a bit like a canapé before a banquet. Often just a small tree or a rock or a stand of bamboo this sets expectations and forces the visitor to notice small details, rather like setting your camera to macro mode.</p>
<p>From there you are led round the garden from one focal point to another. At each point there is another glimpse of something else that leads you on to a reveal. No path is straight and few are level and there are lots of choices “shall I go over the bridge or up the rockery?”.</p>
<p>Soon you've lost all sense of the outside world and become delightfully disorientated and totally immersed in the garden. You may cross over a previous path but because it looks different coming a different way you’re led to believe the garden goes on forever. Entering a traditional Chinese garden is like becoming a child on a secret mission to discover hidden treasures, waterfalls, seats or dragons running along the tops of walls.</p>
<p>We all know that dividing up spaces makes them appear larger but the Chinese have lots of deft ideas for adding interest to tempt you to stay a while and to prevent the space from feeling claustrophobic such as having roofs of buildings from adjoining courtyards visible over walls.</p>
<p>Chinese scholars would never waste a plot of land by just building on one corner of it and leaving the rest to use only when the weather is dry. Instead their homes and gardens are more integrated with the buildings strung out round the plot like a pearl necklace.</p>
<p>Chinese gardens are designed to be enjoyed in rain and snow in sunshine and moonlight and it was this and the last couple of years poor summers that propelled me to design my ‘Dirty Stop Out’s Garden at Tatton Park Flower show this year.</p>
<p><a class="asset-img-link" style="display: inline;" href="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e201901d195634970b-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8345192c169e201901d195634970b" style="width: 450px;" alt="Dalton Grange terrace Before Outside Influence" title="Dalton Grange terrace Before Outside Influence" src="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e201901d195634970b-450wi" /></a><br />
<em>Project at Dalton Cross before work began</em></p>
<p><strong>A bit more about you</strong><br />
<strong><br />
What are you and how do you define what you do?</strong><br />
I'm a garden designer – I create individually tailored gardens their owners love.</p>
<p><strong>How long have you been designing?</strong><br />
I designed my first garden for a client in 1999 but professionally for 8 years.</p>
<p><strong>What route have you taken to get to your current position (i.e. college; self-taught; mentoring?)</strong><br />
Initially self taught and doing evening classes in the RHS general certificate and the complete set of City & Guilds exams then went to college to do HND in Garden Design followed by Honours degree in Garden Design.</p>
<p><a class="asset-img-link" style="display: inline;" href="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e201901d19998b970b-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8345192c169e201901d19998b970b" style="width: 450px;" alt="Dalton Grange by Outside Influence" title="Dalton Grange by Outside Influence" src="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e201901d19998b970b-450wi" /></a><br />
<em>Project at Dalton Cross after completion</em></p>
<p><strong>How many designs do you do in a year and what is their average value?</strong><br />
Not as many as I’d like: My biggest job was 6 figures my smallest a few hundred pounds.</p>
<p><strong>Typically how long do you spend on each design?</strong><br />
I aim to get back to the client after we've agreed their wish list within a couple of weeks.</p>
<p><strong>What gives you most pride, designing the garden or seeing it built?</strong><br />
Neither – it’s seeing the clients’ enthusiasm for their garden. Just today I was in the middle of a tricky construction drawing when a message popped up on my computer saying one of my clients had sent me some photos of their garden which was built a year ago. How many jobs are there where clients contact you after a year to say how much they are enjoying your work?</p>
<p><strong>What irks you most about the garden design and landscaping industry?</strong><br />
The way it’s so undervalued by the general public from the prime minister to the builder’s labourer. I'm hoping for a public epiphany about our parks and gardens similar to the one about our architectural heritage which was being destroyed during the 60’s and 70’s.</p>
<p><a class="asset-img-link" style="display: inline;" href="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e20192aad80af7970d-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8345192c169e20192aad80af7970d" style="width: 450px;" alt="Wildlife friendly garden before Outside Influence" title="Wildlife friendly garden before Outside Influence" src="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e20192aad80af7970d-450wi" /></a><br />
<em>Wildlife garden project before</em></p>
<p><strong>Does the Chelsea Flower Show inspire you or is it unrealistic?</strong><br />
Both. It’s the best opportunity for showcasing the industry as it’s one of the few (only?) horticultural events that the general population and the powers that be, take note of.</p>
<p><strong>Do you design every day?</strong><br />
No</p>
<p><strong>What is your most creative time of the day?</strong><br />
3.00-4.00am</p>
<p><strong>How do you get inspired to produce unique drawings every time?</strong><br />
The clients. Every client is different and wants to use their garden in a different way and every site is different. I just respond to them and the creation creates itself.</p>
<p><strong>As a designer you have to be creative. Can you define creativity?</strong><br />
Making something new, sometimes unique sometimes a new twist on an old idea.</p>
<p><strong>Who is (or who are) your favourite designer(s)?</strong><br />
Edwin Lutyens, Bunny Guinness, Alain Provost, Ge Yuliang and the unnamed Chinese designers of the great classical gardens of the Ming and Qin dynasties.</p>
<p><strong>Contemporary or traditional...what's your preference?</strong><br />
Both – I love good design no matter what style.</p>
<p><strong>Do you listen to music (or watch the television) when designing?</strong><br />
Sometimes I play music or have radio 4 on in the background.</p>
<p><strong>Do you ever get designers' block?</strong><br />
Oh yes nearly every time I get a new design I think I’ll never square this circle, but usually after a couple of 3.00am with ‘I've got an idea’ it resolves itself.</p>
<p><a class="asset-img-link" style="display: inline;" href="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e201901d19a799970b-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8345192c169e201901d19a799970b" style="width: 450px;" alt="Wildlife friendly garden after Outside Influence" title="Wildlife friendly garden after Outside Influence" src="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e201901d19a799970b-450wi" /></a><br />
<em>Wildlife garden after</em></p>
<p><strong>Do you consider you take risks when designing?</strong><br />
All the time – that’s what the job’s about – pushing new boundaries.</p>
<p><strong>Has a client ever said they don't like what you've designed for them?</strong><br />
Only once Actually they loved the design but wanted the garden to look full from day one so they ripped out all the plants and replaced them with totally inappropriate ones including a monkey puzzle planted 5 feet away from the patio doors; You win some....</p>
<p><strong>What makes a great garden designer?</strong><br />
One who listens to their client.</p>
<p><strong>Hand drawn or CAD?</strong><br />
CAD</p>
<p><strong>After a busy week, how do you unwind and relax?</strong><br />
Go to the theatre, watch a film, eat out with hubby or potter in my garden.</p>
<p><strong>Who (or what) in your life has given you the greatest inspiration?</strong><br />
John Brookes – it was his lecture that ignited my dream to become a garden designer as my next career.</p>
<p><strong>What would you like to do more of in the future?</strong><br />
Fruit gardens with trained fruit trees. Fun things to get kids of all ages (like me) outside and enjoying the great outdoors like wacky dens and tree houses.</p>
<p><strong>Can you offer any advice to other designers?</strong><br />
Network – it can be a lonely job and joining groups with others in a similar situation can help you keep grounded and sane. I made a lot of friends and mentors by joining the Society of Garden Designers.</p>
<p><strong>Would you recommend garden designing to someone considering it as a career?</strong><br />
No, it’s not easy to earn a decent living (bit like being an actor) but if you’re driven and want to do it you won’t need my encouragement.</p>
<p>...and finally - please provide a photo of your design studio or drawing area.</p>
<p><a class="asset-img-link" style="display: inline;" href="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e20191030ef272970c-pi"><img class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8345192c169e20191030ef272970c" style="width: 450px;" alt="MM in Outside Influence office" title="MM in Outside Influence office" src="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345192c169e20191030ef272970c-450wi" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.landscapejuicenetwork.com/profile/MicheleMartin">Michèle Martin's page on the Landscape Juice Network</a></p>
</div>Marshalls Contractor Cheshirehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/marshalls-contractor-cheshire2012-01-25T12:01:11.000Z2012-01-25T12:01:11.000ZBig Dig Groundworkshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/BigDigGroundworks<div><p><span class="font-size-5"><strong>Cheshire</strong> based <strong><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.bigdiggroundworks.co.uk" target="_blank">Big Dig Groundworks</a></strong> are pleased to be able to say we are a member of the Marshalls register. </span></p><p>We can install you new drive or patio to the highest quality using only the highest quality matrerials.</p><p>Whether you would like Block paving, Indian stone, York stone, granite setts or flags we have the knowledge and skills to complete the project to meet your expectations.</p><p>Based in Widnes, Cheshire we are able to cover parts Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Lancashire.</p><p>After having indepth discussions with contractors already on the scheme and a serious think about the direction I wanted my business to go I decided to apply to join the Marshalls register of approved contractors.</p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-4">I thought I would give an insiight into the service I received from Marshalls and why I decided it was right for <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.bigdiggroundworks.co.uk" target="_blank">Big Dig Groundworks</a> as a <strong>patio and driveway installer</strong>.</span></p><p>After the intial contact Mark, the regional assessor, came out to have a chat with me and hand me the forms to be completed. Instantly I was impressed with the level of service and the passion they had for their brand.</p><p>Once I had completed the forms I rang Mark who then arranged to meet me again to go through the next stages of the application. I wont bore everyone with the details but it did involve my work being inspected and myself being checked out.</p><p>They were thorough in the checks to make sure that I have an excellent standard of work and to ensure that I myself can be trusted.</p><p>Once Marshalls had completed their vetting process I received confirmation through the post that I was accepted on to their Approved contractor register. This was then followed by another visit from Mark to go through the finer details of the scheme and how Marshalls can benefit my business.</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314195462?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314195462?profile=original" width="486" style="padding: 5px;" class="align-center"/></a></p><p>Having now been a member of the scheme for nearly 3 months I am still impressed in the level of service I am recieving from Marshalls. I have now recieved my own logo'd brouchures and met up with Mark at least 6 times in the last 3 months. </p><p><strong>Some of the benefits of being a member of the Marshalls Register:</strong> </p><ul><li>Gives potential customers peace of mind that I am a contractor who can be trusted.</li><li>Proof that my work is inspected to ensure my installations are always to a high standard.</li><li>Enables me to offer customers the Marshalls Hard Landscaping Guarantee.</li><li>Help and support from my IDM and Assessor.</li><li>Training courses.</li><li>Straight to site deliveries from Marshalls.</li><li>The opportunity to win Marshalls awards.</li><li>Our own <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.marshalls.co.uk/profilecreator/PDF/PDFS/low/1071.pdf" target="_blank">profile page</a> on the Marshalls website</li></ul><p></p><p>If you are looking for a new drive or patio in Warrington, Runcorn, Widnes, Sale, Altrincham, St Helens, Frodsham, Helsby or anywhere else in Cheshire, Merseyside or Greater Manchester.</p><p><strong><span class="font-size-4">Call Big Dig Groundworks to see what we can do for you.</span></strong></p><p>TEl: <strong>0151 424 5462</strong></p><p>Mobile: <strong>07914 563266</strong></p><p>Email: <strong>george@bigdiggroundworks.co.uk</strong></p><p>Web: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.bigdiggroundworks.co.uk" target="_blank">www.bigdiggroundworks.co.uk</a></p><p></p></div>Why do I import, distribut, sell gardening products?https://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/why-do-i-import-distribut-sell2009-03-02T23:30:00.000Z2009-03-02T23:30:00.000ZOfer El-hashaharhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/OferElhashahar<div>What a great week,the sky are blue sometimes and there are few signs for spring but not less exciting for me .It is seems like business start working and have a great potential.I had few orders of products on my website,( run out of all the root barrier I had in stock). and sold few raised beds.After i worked more to improve my website I started a campaign I reduce the prices and advertise on google advert- there were 170 hits on Sunday. - Hooray lots of interest on the lawn edging. And samples are send to few landscaper/designers and to Kerry.But why not like the rest I just do garden design/ landscaping or maintenance. So first I do a bit from time to time.But when I relocated to the UK from Israel- I found it hard as before I did lots and earned well after years of learning but I will write about it on another time.I hoped to get a job in the UK but of course the plants are different and even the same plants behave different as the weather is completely not the same.I applied for few jobs and got the same answer- what can I offer. I build few gardens in the UK and tried to learn from books about the plants.But you can not learn from books what you learn in years of working with plants.In books it is might be hard to guess how the plants will look like in the winter, how fast it grows, Is it easy to transfer or so.I thought to bring over products and plants from israel, As we stayed at a christian wonderful people that have amazing garden they showed me a book about biblical gardens an old fashion of people that tried to grow plants from the bible.Than I decided to call my business Plants from Zion'.Later I decided that It might be easier to start with products than plants.But I kept the name.Yes, I did not knew a thing about how to import, regulations, had no contacts but only motivation.I found that import from Israel is free of tax, manufacturing in Israel cost less than Europe and shipping cost less than china. Quality is high and there is lots to offer- but <u>Can I really make It?</u>How did I meet my manufacturers, and why I decided on some products, How was it in the first show for me' BBc Gardeners world'.Did I manage to make it? all on part two.I started with two lines of products that I used for about 7 years.one was the lawn edging: I used many of them in nearly any garden I made. I used strimmers on them once-twice a month, 10 time a year- as it grow fast in the irrigated lawns with hot climate. I could see how cheap lawn edging does not last and reaped off. Good ones saving lots of time when using a strimmer you just 'fly' it on the edging. It does add a clean line to the lawn.Yes I saw in many gardens here much nicer edging build from stones and concrete but these are far more expensive and require labor so I guess it a matter of budget.to be able to demonstrate how strong it can be I showed people (at the Bbc Gardeners world ) that I can fold it many times and try to cut by hand and it is impossible. I sold lots there, and heard from some people that they could not find a good one in the same prices.Most people said first : oh lawn edging we tried it it is crap (sorry) and I gave them a peace and let them feel it- ''this is very strong was there answer and they usually bought it or asked me to send it to them.In the begging I thought do I really want to sell plastic but actually as it is all recycled it is far more environmentally than any other lawn edging.I am happy to send free samples to anyone.I am happy because it made me developed few other products when getting the support from my manufacturerAt the 'Bbc Gardeners World Show'. 10, 25 and 50 metre rolls of few lawn edging .to see more <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.best4garden.co.uk/shop/page/5?shop_param=">visit the web site</a>.<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314120216?profile=original" alt="" width="2048" height="1536"/></p></div>