of - LJN Blog Posts - Landscape Juice Network2024-03-29T13:45:24Zhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/ofMarshalls Contractor of the Year 2013 is Shore Landscapeshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/marshalls-contractor-of-the-year-2013-is-shore-landscapes2014-03-25T06:44:51.000Z2014-03-25T06:44:51.000ZLandscape Juicehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/LandscapeJuice<div><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BjhpJYNIIAA2x9R.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BjhpJYNIIAA2x9R.jpg" class="align-center" /></a>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>And the Marshalls Contractor of the Year goes to Shore Landscapes! Congratulations! <a href="http://t.co/MUvWmNAjm2">pic.twitter.com/MUvWmNAjm2</a></p>
— Marshalls (@MarshallsGroup) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarshallsGroup/statuses/448223772999680000">March 24, 2014</a></blockquote>
</div>Young Horticulturist of the Year 2014 competitionhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/young-horticulturist-of-the-year-2014-competition2014-02-12T14:00:00.000Z2014-02-12T14:00:00.000ZLandscape Juicehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/LandscapeJuice<div><p>There is still time compete in the Institute of Horticulture Young Horticulturist of the Year (YHoY) 2014 competition. Prizes valued at more than £10,000 are on offer, including the coveted £2,000 Percy Thrower Travel Bursary prize for the winner, provided by the Shropshire Horticultural Society which also generously sponsors the Grand Final.</p>
<p>The Bursary funds a study trip anywhere in the world. The competition is open to any horticulturist who is below the age of 30 on 31 July 2014 including professional horticulturists and anyone studying for a horticultural qualification. There are three ways to take part: attend a heat at a venue in your local area; in your work place, with an Institute of Horticulture approved supervisor; or via Skype. The closing date for entries is 25 February. For more information and a trial run of some previous heat questions visit: <a href="http://www.horticulture.org.uk/page.php?pageid=562" target="_blank">http://www.horticulture.org.uk/page.php?pageid=562</a>  </p>
<p>This year’s competition is forecast to be the biggest ever, with well over 2,000 young horticulturists participating.  The heats, to test entrants’ range of horticultural knowledge, are taking place now across Great Britain and Ireland, in the form of 40 multi-choice questions, via a PowerPoint presentation. The heats will then be followed by eight Regional Finals, held in March, which culminate in the Grand Final on 10 May at the John Innes Centre, Norwich (<a href="http://www.jic.ac.uk/" target="_blank">www.jic.ac.uk</a>). </p>
<p>2013 winner, Jez Stamp, said <i>‘It was an excellent competition that highlights all the exciting opportunities that horticulture has to offer as a career. Plants are my passion. I have thrown myself in 100% and am proud to have won this competition. My travel bursary will give me a chance to continue my studies of woody plants and I will be looking at Western China and Taiwan as possible locations.’</i></p>
<p>Total sponsorship this year has exceeded £20,000 for the first time. The Shropshire Horticultural Society is the major sponsor, who through the Percy Thrower Trust, provide the Travel Bursary prize and also the considerable sponsorship of the Grand Final. 2014 marks the 25<sup>th</sup> Anniversary of the signing of the agreement between the Institute of Horticulture and the Percy Thrower Trust.</p>
</div>HTA announce Raoul Curtis-Machin as new Head of Horticulturehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/hta-announce-raoul-curtis-machin-as-new-head-of-horticulture2013-06-05T09:45:20.000Z2013-06-05T09:45:20.000ZLandscape Juicehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/LandscapeJuice<div><p><a href="http://www.the-hta.org.uk/resizeimage.php?image=63JiTmQa6VTEg.jpg&new_width=200&new_height=320" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.the-hta.org.uk/resizeimage.php?image=63JiTmQa6VTEg.jpg&new_width=200&new_height=320" class="align-right" /></a>The Horticultural Trades Association is delighted to announce that Raoul Curtis-Machin has agreed to join the HTA as its new Head of Horticulture.</p>
<p>His appointment comes following the departure of Tim Briercliffe who has left the HTA to become Secretary General of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH).</p>
<p>Raoul has been selected for the role from a very strong shortlist. Raoul has most recently worked for the National Trust as a Garden and Parks Adviser, advising on strategic garden development re-designing the training programmes for the 400+ gardeners. Most recently Raoul became a Commercial Development Consultant with the National Trust, advising them on large commercial projects, creating a new gardening brand and developing a new range of genuine peat-free plants.</p>
<p>He has also been gardening and countryside correspondent for many Scottish publications and has also appeared on Scottish national television as a gardening pundit. He also co-wrote the book Garden Plants for Scotland, published by Frances Lincoln, which was Times Gardening Book of the Year, and shortlisted for a Garden Media Guild award.</p>
<p>Raoul will take up his new role in August. His earlier career included positions as a Head Gardener, owner of his own garden design and construction business, Estate Manager and Lecturer in Garden Design.</p>
</div>Looking back, looking forwardhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/looking-back-looking-forward2013-01-17T20:33:38.000Z2013-01-17T20:33:38.000ZMichael Burthttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/MichaelBurt<div><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314182734?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314182734?profile=original" width="400" class="align-center"/></a><br/>2012 was an enormous year for Vialii Garden Design. On February 2nd the business was given an injection of youth and vitality when we welcomed aboard our newest ‘recruit’, our baby daughter Lulu Ann Burt. She’s certainly livened up the business side of things although it has got us wondering what we did with our time before Lulu came on the scene. There have been adjustments to the way we operate but, to be honest, these have been for the better. Prior to Baby Burt we would utilise a lot of spare time doing business stuff. Now we prioritise our family time but ensure that we work cleverly with what other time we have in order to keep the business thriving.<br/>Designing gardens allows us to meet some lovely people and this year has been no exception. Everybody is different as is every garden we have been asked to design, but the common theme has been an enjoyment of gardens and a desire to enjoy them more.<br/><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314194166?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314194166?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="400" class="align-center"/></a><br/>It's been an incredibly busy year too with some twelve garden designs commissioned and nine garden builds commenced and the garden builds have been a challenging but rewarding. The weather hasn’t been particularly kind(1) and has hindered some of our projects but most of our challenges have been set by ourselves. We have been commissioned to design gardens that have presented their share of difficulties in their own right whether they be sloping ground, incredibly boggy or out-and-out jungles (or all three in the case of one garden!). We have also endeavoured to stretch ourselves by included elements into our gardens that aren’t necessarily the most straightforward to build but represent a great solution to a particular problem.</p><p>It hasn't all been work though. We've visited our fair share of gardens too with our favourite probably being closely contested by An Cala on Seil Island near Oban and Glenwhan Gardens in Galloway.<br/><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314189412?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="400" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314189412?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="400" class="align-center"/></a><br/><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314186257?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314186257?profile=original" width="300" class="align-center"/></a><br/>All in all it has been a bumper year and we hope it continues. We’d like to thank all our clients for entrusting us with their gardens and we hope they enjoy using them as much as we enjoyed designing and building them.</p><p>Looking forward to 2013 our plan is to build on the successes of previous years and grow the business further and we’re looking forward to the challenges that come with that. We’re keen to bring motivated and skilled individuals on board in order that we can reduce the turnaround times on garden builds. We’re honing our processes in the design office too.</p><p>We’re both excited about this year's 100th anniversary Chelsea Flower Show and are confident it will be one of the best yet. Having missed it in 2012 due to Lulu arriving in town we are super keen to get there this year. It has it’s detractors and we can understand some of the criticisms it receives but it’s an amazing garden spectacle and is truly inspirational. We love it!</p><p><br/><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314190173?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314190173?profile=original" width="320" class="align-center"/></a><br/>Most of all we’re looking forward to spending more time in our own garden with our little Lulu. She spent a great deal of last year just watching us garden but this year we’re going to get her mucking in. It’ll be a blast!</p><p>May this coming year be a prosperous one for you all.</p><p>Speak soon,</p><p>Michael, Jill & Lulu<br/><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.vialiigardendesign.co.uk">www.vialiigardendesign.co.uk</a></p><p>1. This may be regarded as the understatement of the year but we endeavour not to bemoan what our climate throws at us too much. We live in Scotland after all and with that comes weather. As they say “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”.</p></div>Lawn scarifying for moss and thatch control, why, when and how it should be done properly...https://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/lawn-scarifying-for-moss-and-thatch-control-why-when-and-how-it2012-02-26T22:30:00.000Z2012-02-26T22:30:00.000ZAdam Pilgrimhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/AdamPilgrim<div><p><span class="font-size-3">If you are reading this blog post, you may be asking yourself some or all of the following questions:</span></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>WHY should I scarify my lawn?</strong></span></p><p>Lawns benefit from regular scarifying in order to remove and control the build up of moss and 'thatch'. 'Thatch' is the build up of dead grass, partly rotted leaves and debris that builds up in a lawn over time.</p><p>Both moss and thatch restrict grass growth by competing with it for light and water, leading to your lawn rapidly becoming thin, patchy and dying off quickly in times of drought.</p><p>Removing all of this debris encourages fresh, more resilient grass growth.</p><p></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>WHEN should I scarify my lawn?</strong></span></p><p><b><u><br/></u></b> Lawns can be scarified in the spring or autumn. HOWEVER, the grass must be strongly growing at the time the operation is carried out, otherwise recovery will be slow. The application of a seasonally appropriate lawn fertiliser will help the grass recover more rapidly.</p><p>The grass or ground should defiantly not be frozen or covered in snow at the time scarifying is carried out!</p><p></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>How should I scarify my lawn properly?</strong></span></p><p>The most important point is that any moss MUST be killed off using an appropriate moss killer such as lawn sand or sulphate of iron before even thinking about getting the scarifying machine out of the shed. Failing to kill the moss properly will just result in the moss being chopped up and spread about the lawn - often leaving you with more moss than you had before!</p><p>Products vary but we always apply lawn sand both length and cross ways across the lawn using carefully calibrated spreaders to ensure an even spread and avoiding leaving marks or lines from imprecise application.</p><p>Proper scarification involves allowing the moss killer to work for an appropriate interval (often 14 days) and not cutting the lawn in this time. Before scarifying, cut the lawn fairly short - this makes it easier for the machine to work.</p><p>Set the scarifier blades so that they are touching the turf but NOT the ground.</p><p>Scarify the lawn one way, clearing the debris if there is a lot, then make another pass at 90 degrees to the first, with the blades slightly lower but still NOT touching the ground.</p><p>Remember the machine won't get right to the edges, so use a spring tine rake to get to these.</p><p>By this point, you are likely to have a LOT of moss and debris on the surface of your lawn. This needs clearing and disposing of - but do not put it on your compost heap - dispose of it at your local civic amenity site.</p><p>Then mow your lawn again with a rotary mower, this will help to lift the grass and any remaining debris.</p><p><em>Some 'lawn care companies' unfortunately don't scarify right to the edges, re mow the grass after scarifying OR dispose of the moss and debris, leaving this to do this yourself....</em></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Doesn't all this sound like an awful lot of hard work?</strong></span></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Why not call in a professional?</strong></span></p><p><b><u><br/></u></b> If you live within a 7 mile radius of the Spalding, Lincolnshire area, ANP Services Spalding can attend your property, apply an appropriate moss killer, <strong>thoroughly</strong> scarify your lawn <strong>AND</strong> dispose of all the debris - all at a preagreed price. Following on from this, we also recommend application of an appropriate fertiliser to ensure a fast recovery for your lawn. </p><p>For your peace of mind, we are FULLY insured and licensed waste carriers, we also provide free, no obligation quotations and in most instances can offer a fixed price for any lawn scarifying works...</p><p><span class="font-size-3">For full details on what we can do for you:</span></p><p><span><span class="font-size-3">See our website</span></span></p><p><strong><span class="font-size-3"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.anpservicesspalding.com/">www.anpservicesspalding.com</a></span></strong></p><p><span><span class="font-size-3">email us at</span></span></p><p><span class="font-size-3"><strong>anpservicesspalding@yahoo.co.uk</strong></span></p><p><span><span class="font-size-3">or phone us today</span></span></p><p><strong><span class="font-size-3"> <span class="skype_pnh_container" dir="ltr"> <span class="skype_pnh_highlighting_inactive_common" dir="ltr" title="Call this phone number in United Kingdom with Skype: +447745247488"><span class="skype_pnh_left_span"> </span><span class="skype_pnh_dropart_span" title="Skype actions"><span class="skype_pnh_dropart_flag_span"> </span> </span><span class="skype_pnh_textarea_span"><span class="skype_pnh_text_span">07745 247488</span></span><span class="skype_pnh_right_span"> </span></span> </span> or <span class="skype_pnh_container" dir="ltr"> <span class="skype_pnh_highlighting_inactive_common" dir="ltr" title="Call this phone number in United Kingdom with Skype: +441775830250"><span class="skype_pnh_left_span"> </span><span class="skype_pnh_dropart_span" title="Skype actions"><span class="skype_pnh_dropart_flag_span"> </span> </span><span class="skype_pnh_textarea_span"><span class="skype_pnh_text_span">01775 830250</span></span><span class="skype_pnh_right_span"> </span></span> </span></span></strong></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><br/></strong></span></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p></div>Chavasse Park - Liverpool One Updatehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/chavasse-park-liverpool-one-update2012-02-06T16:05:10.000Z2012-02-06T16:05:10.000ZAbel Landscaping (Liverpool)https://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/abellandscaping<div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font-size-5">Chavasse Park - Liverpool One</span></strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: left;">A few years ago as part of the Liverpool Capital of Culture we took part in the installation of a major commercial landscaping makeover project in Liverpool One. Here are a few recent pictures of the park that i have found on google.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.parentdish.co.uk/media/2011/05/4.-liverpool-one-1304526702.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.parentdish.co.uk/media/2011/05/4.-liverpool-one-1304526702.jpg?width=400" width="400"/></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1e/Steps,_One_Park_West,_Liverpool_One,_DSC00973.JPG"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1e/Steps,_One_Park_West,_Liverpool_One,_DSC00973.JPG?width=400" width="400"/></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c4/Chavasse_Park,_Liverpool_One_-_DSC00974.JPG"><img class="align-center" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c4/Chavasse_Park,_Liverpool_One_-_DSC00974.JPG?width=400" width="400"/></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://liverpool-consult.limehouse.co.uk/events/7265/images/highresRGB/935339_0_1.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://liverpool-consult.limehouse.co.uk/events/7265/images/highresRGB/935339_0_1.jpg?width=400" width="400"/></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/Liverpool%20One%20Area.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/Liverpool%20One%20Area.jpg?width=400" width="400"/></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;">For progression pictures: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.abellandscapes.co.uk/projects/2008/chavasse-park-liverpool-one-paradise-street-project" target="_blank">Chavasse Park Liverpool One</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;">We are proud to have taken part in this wonderful project and so happy to see it thriving 4 years later.</p></div>Cost of resin bonded aggregates and how to installhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/cost-of-resin-bonded2011-07-26T19:00:00.000Z2011-07-26T19:00:00.000ZPeak surfacing ltd.https://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/Peaksurfacingltd<div><p>Resin bonded aggregates can be installed over any hard surface ideally tarmac or concrete,installing over block paving, slabs or crazy paving may lead to cracking.</p><p>Initially any cracks or small holes must be repaired using a expoxy mortar,then the surface cleaned to remove any loose material moss or algae which may prevent a good bond.</p><p>At this stage you can choose your coloured aggregate and grade.</p><p>visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.resinbondeandbound.co.uk">www.resinbondedandbound.co.uk</a> to get a idea of prices. or contact Peak Surfacing Direct on 01142 299865 for a detailed breakdown of costs</p><p> </p></div>Up and runninghttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/up-and-running2011-01-29T16:39:58.000Z2011-01-29T16:39:58.000ZPatricia Worbyhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/PatriciaWorby<div><p>Did my first gardening job of the year (I always take a break in January as it's ususally cold and miserable). Surprisingly the soil was very easy to work - I expect the snow and ice we've had has helped break up the clay.. it made me realise that actually January is a good time to get out and work the soil over if it's not frosty. I noticed weed seedlings coming up already so not a moment too soon to get hoeing. I also managed to split and divide some perennials like sedums which have got into such large clumps that they tend to get weak and fall over in the middle when in flower. Hopefully my early intervention will rejuvenate them.</p><p> </p><p>While on the subject of weeds read a really interesting article about the common spurge Euphorbia peplis which turns out to have miraculous properties for curing non-melanoma skin cancer. See the article at on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12275507">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12275507</a>. Though they are saying that people shouldn't go self-medicating (athough we've been doing that for years), it's interesting to note that a plant which people have been digging up as a weed turns out to be so useful.</p><p>That doesn't really surprise me as humans and plants have co-existed for a long time, we have evolved to be co-dependent. (and if you don't believe me read a book I highly recommend called In Defence of Food by Michael Pollan which talks all about the sweetcorn plant which would be sterile if it wasn't for man's intervention. Quite apart from all the other uses of plants I find the medical/apothecary uses quite fascinating.</p><p> </p><p>I grow many herbs in my raised herb garden at home which I add to salads and soups. They contain a great many phyto chemicals which are anti-carcinogenic, aid digestion and stimulate the tastebuds. I notice my rocket has overwintered but looks as if it has gone to seed, my thyme and marjoram need a trim (have done the camomile in the gravel already) but generally it is very obvious that plantlife is stirring and spring is not far away.<br/><br/></p></div>Planning and the destruction of UK Hedgerowshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/planning-and-the-destruction2010-12-03T00:00:00.000Z2010-12-03T00:00:00.000ZSustainable Land Managementhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/SustainableLandManagement<div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Green issues; the environment, biodiversity, sustainable development, permaculture, forestry and landscapes etc., have a large and irreversible presence on the web in printed media and in most people’s psyche also. Campaigners in such issues have prominent scientific and academic backing. European, national and local initiatives combine to create an omnipresent force, with some heavyweight NGO, Quango and Business backing.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Yet if a local planning department allow an application like this - <a rel="nofollow" href="http://wtcampaigns.wordpress.com/2010/11/16/fighting-hedgerow-removal/"><b>Woodland Trust; Fighting hedgerow removal</b></a> - to go ahead it would mean that all the above is merely toothless rhetoric. The shameful element to this is that this is just one current application amongst many that has been able to get into the limelight.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">With the UK Government pledging to plant 1,000,000 trees a year, it can easily save existing large quantities of identified important natural resources of real value, simply by enforcement, (free to the taxpayer).<br/></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><br/></span><br/><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Planning departments are very powerful and many take this power seriously and respond correctly, (indeed the planning department in charge of the above may well do also – it is important to bear in mind that the above is an application and no decision has yet been reached). But the reality is that you can travel across the UK and find example after example where in similar circumstances the highly valuable and important natural resources that make up the internationally significant UK landscape have been swept away in the interests of ‘development’ either for construction or agriculture.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">For example: In the village in South Devon where my mother in law lives, there is a planning application for 40 new houses. These houses are needed, there is a real genuine social and economic reason for them to be<br/> built. However brushing aside all hope of sustainable building, the proposed construction site is quite literally a green field site which supports a very rich biodiversity and classic Devon hedgerows, (which have been identified as ‘dangerous to persons and property’ – the ultimate get out clause as all trees fall into this category at some point in their lifetime). In the consultation process, a consultant’s report, (commissioned and paid for by the developer at the insistence of the planners) states the village infrastructure is suitable, (there is a single one lane road for the existing population of 30,000 – no train and infrequent buses) and that this village is not a ‘tourist’ area despite having three very large campsite and caravan parks within a 3 mile radius. This report can be evaluated by most as ‘poppycock’. But on the basis of this report a large tick was awarded onto the application.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Many of us will identify with and know of similar stories. And the huge decline in British hedgerows highlights the reality that existing planning procedure is simply inadequate to prevent this from happening.</span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><br/></span><br/><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Unfortunately no matter what can be achieved by way of education and initiatives is simply a drop in the ocean against the brazen and legal destruction of our natural resources. Planning has to see more than a radical<br/> new set of guidelines. It needs overhauling and it needs draconian measures in order to protect itself. It needs policing from several tiers in order to prevent development or agriculture from destroying their own interests and<br/> industry by way of destroying the very environment they aim to utilise.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Innovation, qualified practitioners and financial valuation of our natural resources are ready and waiting to ensure that required development can be carried out without long term damage to our natural environment<br/> and ecology and to utilise them legal directive must be enforced. Unfortunately someone somewhere has to also ensure that agriculture is sufficiently subsidised to allow for the correct conservation and maintenance of these resources also. That will cost a lot of money.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314158708?profile=original" target="_self">UK%20Planning%20System%20Failing%20in%20its%20Duty%20of%20Care%20to%20Our%20Countryside%20J.%20Honeyman.pdf</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314165434?profile=original">ukforestsfragmentation.pdf</a><br/></span></p></div>The Sale of England's Woodlandshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/the-sale-of-englands-woodlands2010-11-15T21:00:00.000Z2010-11-15T21:00:00.000ZPip Howardhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/PipHoward<div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Whilst following the media reports and subsequent response from <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/cif-green/2010/nov/12/england-woodland-sale-caroline-spelman">Caroline Spelman</a> has been interesting it is also disturbing. It has displayed a very poor understanding of the history, present position and practice of land management by both the media and government PR and thus reflects many feelings of those within the industry with regards the perception of their chosen profession.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">There is no real reason to be nervous about selling UK woodland to the private sector at face value. There is at present a very large amount of woodland for sale to the private sector and a great deal of woodland<br/> with high conservation value exists in private hands with no signs of a lower conservation value – indeed sometimes the management in public owned forest or woodland can be argued as detrimental to conservation values. Potential purchasers are thin on the ground in any case due to the constraints of woodland ownership and the reality that the planning laws and constraints make an owner feel more like a custodian will be unattractive to the ‘golf course and tourist industry barons’ for whom it is easier to start from scratch and thus actually expand woodland cover.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Who is going to be tempted by yet more ‘For Sale’ signs placed at the roadside when a woodland borders it. In the Westcountry of England there have been signposts such as this pinned to trees for several years now.</span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><br/></span><br/><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">There is a potential risk that public pressure will lead to an ‘all or nothing’ position – as has recently been reported the ‘green’ lobby through a lack of knowledge with regards the real scenario have actually<br/> created political decisions that can cause real harm in the long term and even allow for the worst case scenario via the back door. A sell off with absolute priority to UK charities is not the best route to take as demonstrated below.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Another example to be aware of is the situation that occurred before the foxhunting ban; although regulation was clearly needed, hunting was proven to be a necessary evil – however the campaign by the ‘Countryside<br/> Alliance’ played right into the hands of the opposing lobby. If a radical opposition group, (and any such group would instantly fit on the outer reaches of the right wing), in favour of the change of policy for woodlands gained the media spotlight, the results could be catastrophic.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">A perspective from within the industry -</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">As far as purchasing as an investment, there is little difference in the felling schedules and management between the public and private sector at present and many would argue the regulations placed upon the private sector means they are far more responsible in their management. It has been assured that regulations would not be slackened as a result of any sell off and this would be difficult to change given the current publicity, let alone the plethora of new regulations on the back of ongoing environmental and landscape protection initiatives coming into force.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Caroline Spelman’s speech came across as a not so subtle attempt to suggest the <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-chl/w-countryside_environment/w-woodland/w-woodland-management.htm">NT</a> and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/Pages/default.aspx">Woodland Trust</a> amongst others will find it easy to purchase large areas of woodland. Can they afford to do so? I doubt it and despite proven good management by both these groups and other <a rel="nofollow" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-governmental_organization">NGO’</a>s is this really a secure future for conserving large tracts of UK woodland? I would say not and what would be particularly disastrous is to see the end of the regional identity of woodlands. These NGO’s rely on access to members to encourage ongoing funding and subsequent to the previous labour governments enforcement on the <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.forestry.gov.uk/">FC</a> to emphasis public access as the primary issue for woodland and forest management, (in grant aided private woodland as well as FC land), the resulting signage, cycle tracks and unhindered tramping in natural areas which has been seen in UK woodland will surely increase and combined with ownership heavily reliant on volunteers for management this is a scary future. It is thus very important prior to any ‘sell off’ to also revise public access within the grant system if it is to remain. A new scheme is thus needed in tune with the excellent <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/farming/funding/es/default.aspx">Environmental Stewardship</a> schemes, allowing public access with no emphasis on having to prove it by garish presentation to ensure grant income. It would also encourage the use of professional practitioners rather than a gang of weekend volunteers and thus bolster the industry as well as maintain landscapes as they should be.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><span style="font-size: small;"><br/></span><br/><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">The previous paragraph could be read as a damnation of public access, but in terms of actually discovering woodland as it should be the over emphasis of the last 20 years on ‘leisure’ activity has led to a ‘dumbing<br/> down’ of the actual ecological and conservational value of these woodlands. The obligatory interpretation panels are planted almost as grave stones with an epitaph for the wildlife that once lived there. The enforcement of simple rights of way, without fluorescent waymarkers, picnic benches and the occasional heritage centre will allow us all and our children to regain our lost connection with our natural world.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">The current access the public have to forests and woodland could be increased and enhanced by private ownership.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">It is very interesting that Scotland is not included in the current commentary. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.whoownsscotland.org.uk/">Scotland</a> has vast tracts of forest</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">and woodland in private hands. Often owned by foreign groups or individuals, (like the Danish landowners - <a rel="nofollow" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aage_V._Jensen_Charity_Foundation">Aage V Jensen Foundation</a>), and the philanthropy of these owners is often disguised by the media. The reality is that such ownership is exceedingly beneficial to the ongoing conservation of the wildlife and preservation of the landscape.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">The one huge factor that is necessary to allow the proposals to succeed as per Caroline Spelmans comments is that the FC must remain with its powers intact. The FC can over ride local government decisions, (when<br/> Caroline Spelman started to talk about planning departments in her speech – I was more than a little wary considering the fact that some local or regional governments have a very poor track record in terms of anything to do with trees), when they are in conflict with one of the best established, scientific yet practical, published systems of forest and woodland management in the world.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Also I am personally very scared that the preservation of the best resource for practical land management in the world, the FC publications and Website as well as the best ongoing research into trees and woodlands may be at risk of cuts. The sale of woodland in the UK to anybody can only be achieved if the research and resources of the FC remains.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">There was a large choice of potential titles for this blog – ‘The Only Quango worth saving’ – ‘If all Quangos were like the FC, what a utopia it would be’ etc. I personally have never really felt that the FC was a quango. It is of course an institution of national importance. I give you free of charge the superb FC website: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/fchomepages.nsf/hp/England">http://www.forestry.gov.uk/</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">As of 28th / 01 / 2011.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314152865?profile=original" target="_self"><font size="2">The%20Role%20of%20the%20Public%20Forest%20Estate%20in%20Scotland.pdf</font></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><h2><span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblTitle"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314157998?profile=original">NECR066.pdf</a></span></h2><p class="MsoNormal"><font size="2"><br/></font></p></div>The Threat of Phytophthora gets worse - Time to turn to the practitioner for help.https://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/the-threat-of-phytophthora2010-11-06T18:00:00.000Z2010-11-06T18:00:00.000ZPaysage Durablehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/PaysageDurable<div>This is a scary time for European trees, since it was first discovered, <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pramorum"><i>Phytophthora ramorum</i></a> and some of its <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.scientificsocieties.org/aps/proceedings/sod/Papers/Brasier/default.htm">relatives</a> have not abated. The spread of the disease has not been halted despite some serious investment and efforts by the FC and DEFRA in the UK and their European counterparts. Recent news that the spread is as a result of sporangia in Larch plantations is a massive new problem.<div>With most EU countries now adopting austerity measures or cuts to public spending, how much will the budgets of the organisations dealing with this problem be affected. This is already answerable and we know that funding has been dramatically reduced and will continue to be reduced.</div><div>However how much are the public involved in the assistance to halt the spread of the disease and also how much are the practitioners involved? How much are the nursery and horticultural industry responsible for the outbreak of <i>P. ramorum</i> and other diseases in the first place? And as such what measures should we in the industry be taking.</div><div>The FC have produced guidelines and introduced what appears to be an excellent and comprehensive package - advocating increased vigilance and following discovery serious efforts to curb spread through cleaning of tools, clothing, vehicles and staff. Following removal of the infected plants, r<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/fcreplantingrecommendations.pdf/$FILE/fcreplantingrecommendations.pdf">eplanting instructions</a> are provided. Financial aid is also given to landowners who have large outbreaks.</div><div>This does not alleviate the frustration many practitioners and owners must feel about being unable to stop the spread of the disease in the first place.</div><div>It was evident to some that an outbreak of <i><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/markeaston/2008/12/map_of_the_week_killer_fungus.html">P. kernovia</a></i> in Cornwall was spreading in localised areas away from land that saw public access on a large scale but that <i>P. ramorum</i> seemed to occur in areas which did see significant public access. On one plant I saw that had been affected it was evident that the Rhododendron in question had been clipped for cuttings by someone who did not work on the estate in question. Dirty secateurs by a cutting thief? The suggestion for controls to persons, animals and vehicles moving in and out of areas with the disease has been suggested plenty of times but restrictions have not been forthcoming in any tangible amount.</div><div>Media reaction has been largely good, the fear and horror angle of these diseases appeals to the public and consequently much has been written - surely aiding those tasked with trying to halt the diseases. Or maybe the cynics amongst us will think that this publicity was counter productive, media hype about a threat that is hardly the end of the world, leading to a slow down in funding.</div><div>With the recent news about the spread and the fact that budgets will certainly be lowered now it is surely the time to trust the practitioners to do more than just report on the disease and clean their boots regularly.</div><div>The current position of the UK land industry is well placed to assist: It is largely made up of smaller, localised but highly knowledgeable professionals. Many of whom are trusted by their clients to a degree unseen in many other industries. With a threat as great as this it is surely essential to arm those already trained in horticulture and land based industry with more than a 'mopping up' information sheet. The practitioners could already be out there helping to ensure; new planting is carried out to minimise the risks; checking up on the supply chain of plants; removing highly susceptible plants from contact with important native and ornamental trees and other significant specimens; warning clients directly; testing products and having the right to impose restrictions on high risk areas when concerned without waiting in consultation, etc.,</div><div>Quangos have frequently kept operations to themselves, but with these new threats and with the budget cuts looming it is surely time to allow the practitioners to relieve some of the burden of the work ahead in fighting these diseases. Indeed the existing base of practitioners, their knowledge and access to materials and different techniques specific for different regions is surely a good place to look for potential solutions or experimentation in reducing the continued spread.</div><div><br/><div><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.paysagedurable.com">Paysage Durable</a></div><div><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314154662?profile=original">pressrelease_forest20110307.doc</a></div></div></div>Green plants recommended for future BREEAM assessment by UK-GBChttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/green-plants-recommended-for2010-08-23T13:46:38.000Z2010-08-23T13:46:38.000ZLaura @ eFIGhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/LauraeFIG<div>We are excited to report that eFIG Ltd are getting interior landscaping noticed officially! The eFIG committee, namely <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.efig.eu.com/thomas/profile" target="_blank">Thomas Palfreyman</a> of Urban Planters and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.efig.eu.com/idrummond/profile" target="_blank">Ian Drummond</a> of Indoor Garden Design, have been in talks with the <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ukgbc.org/site/home" target="_blank">UK Green Building Council</a> and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.breeam.org/" target="_blank">BREEAM</a> which is an international environmental assessment standard established by the British Research Establishment.Earlier this month the UK Green Building Council published a report for BREEAM on future directions to facilitate a Sustainable Built Environment. This report will inform and direct future assessments circa 2011.“This is great news for interior landscapers,” enthused eFIG chairman and MD of <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.efig.eu.com/Details/Urban-Planters" target="_blank">Urban Planters</a>, Thomas Palfreyman. “We have been seeking the recognition for plants that they deserve for some time knowing how effective they can be for clean air and a green business. “In the <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ukgbc.org/site/resources/show-resource-details?id=822" target="_blank">Appendix 1: Technical Issues</a> of the report, it recommends that plants be considered for IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) acknowledging that ‘there is growing support for the wide range of direct health and IAQ/IEQ benefits that plants bring to the indoor environment as confirmed by the latest piece of <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.efig.eu.com/greening-the-great-indoors-for-human-health-and-wellbeing" target="_blank">research</a>, produced in by the University of Technology, Sydney’ confirming that just one plant has a positive effect on our moods and therefore our performance.UK-GBC also acknowledging that plants are an effective environmental tool to combat poor IAQ i.e. not only will plants remove CO2 and improve O2, reduce energy bills and reduce large changes in temperature as well as improving performance and reducing absenteeism across the workforce.In assessment, they recommend that points should be attributed for seeking specialist advice from an interior landscaper and having indoor planting maintained by professionals.All good news for eFIG members who are the professionals of this industry and are available to advise on these matter. “We know that making sure that the ‘right plant, right location’ policy works to facilitate the best possible effects for the building and the occupants,” confirmed Ian Drummond of <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.efig.eu.com/Details/Indoor-Garden-Design" target="_blank">Indoor Garden Design</a> who earlier this year had success at the Chelsea Flower Show and the London Festival of Architecture demonstrating how plants could create an eco <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.efig.eu.com/press-release-the-living-office-at-chelsea" target="_blank">Living Office</a>.A further factor which has alerted UK-GBC to recommend plants in the BREEAM assessment is the inclusion of indoor planting in the Australian <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.gbca.org.au/green-star/green-star-overview/" target="_blank">Green Star</a> environmental accreditation and the inclusion in the USA-GBC’s <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=19" target="_blank">LEED accreditation</a>.</div>COMPETITION SEEKS TOP LEARNERS FROM THE HORTICULTURE WORLDhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/competition-seeks-top-learners2010-08-09T15:17:39.000Z2010-08-09T15:17:39.000ZLantra Sector Skills Councilhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/LantraSectorSkillsCouncil<div><b>The best students drawn from the nation’s parks, gardens and sports grounds are set to compete in Lantra’s Welsh Land-based Learner of the Year Award.</b>Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based industries, has called for nominations for its annual awards to recognise those developing their skills.Kevin Thomas, Lantra’s National Director for Wales, said: “These awards honour the best gardeners, greenkeepers and groundsmen Wales has to offer. Land-based industries are the backbone of the Welsh economy and this is your chance to recognise the people that work hard everyday to keep it together.”You can nominate a young land-based learner (16-26), a lifelong learner (27+) or someone who has used Farming Connect’s Skills Development funding to develop their skills.The winners will be announced at a high profile event at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair on 29 November.Kevin continued: “The deadline of 30 September for nominations is fast approaching. Anyone can nominate, so do it now – they might just be our next top land-based learner.”To nominate now and for more information visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.lantra.co.uk/land-based-learner-wales">www.lantra.co.uk/land-based-learner-wales</a>, call 01982 552646 or email wales@lantra.co.uk.</div>Office Plant of the Yearhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/office-plant-of-the-year2010-07-16T14:17:19.000Z2010-07-16T14:17:19.000ZLaura @ eFIGhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/LauraeFIG<div>By this time next week an independent panel of judges will have named your Office Plant of the Year!The judges – Matthew Appleby of Horticulture Week, Adam Pasco of BBC Gardeners World Magazine and Claudia de Yong, award winning garden designer and regular contributor to Landscape Juice - will share their horticulture expertise to make the decision.So that prompts the question, “Have you voted for your top two desk-top plants yet?” It’s your chance to have your say and nominate the two plants you think work best in the office and fulfil the criteria:• Easy to maintain• Good for any location i.e. can tolerate light and shade• Popular with clients• Good at scrubbing the air – remember all plants remove toxins• Interesting plant – architectural structure or other reason• Good for desk tops – fulfilling research criteria – one plant improves mood and performancePlease send your nominations to Joanna at info@efig.eu.com by the end of this week to be included.</div>World Health Day 7th April 2010https://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/world-health-day-7th-april2010-04-06T15:05:08.000Z2010-04-06T15:05:08.000ZLaura @ eFIGhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/LauraeFIG<div><b>Creating a green oasis at work</b>This year World Health Day focuses on urban areas making us all aware of the problems and lobbying for a redirection of resources.But we can all do our bit! Is your business thinking about how it can improve the working environment? A simple and cost effective way is to include indoor plants. It’s a sure way to get the best from your workforce but it’s not only employers who benefit either, being surround by green plants gives the employees a feeling of calm and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.efig.eu.com/the-benefits-of-plants" target="_blank">improves their overall well-being</a>.<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.efig.eu.com/thomas/profile" target="_blank">Thomas Palfreyman</a>, chairman of the interior landscapers’ association <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.efig.eu.com/about-efig" target="_blank">eFIG</a> suggests, “There are some simple ways you can really improve your working lifestyle and productivity by simply including a green plant or two near to your desk.”Surrounding your workspace with plants either on or by desks refreshes the air which will keep everyone alert. More than that the plants really aid concentration according to a study carried out in Holland, especially if employees sit glued to a pc screen for four hours or more a day.Plants not only aid concentration and therefore by default make everyone more productive but also improve creativity according to another study conducted in the States.It’s no surprise that the colour of calm is green. Natural green spaces and plants have an organically calming effect on us. They create a tranquil space so you won’t be surprised that more research has found that having plants around lowers stress, especially in the workplace. The researchers found that pulse rates and blood pressure – two of the physical signs of stress – were both reduced for delegates working in planted surroundings.And this is only the beginning – plants also help to clean the air we breathe indoors which can be more polluted than the air outdoors. How? Well all those plastics used to make electrical equipment, soft furnishings, carpets, cleaning commodities and even personal hygiene products omit VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) some of which are recognised as cacogenic. Plants absorb these pollutants and turn them into food for themselves.As we spend the majority of our time indoors – up to 90% - bringing a bit of the outdoors in makes sense – it’s what we respond to best, it’s our original natural habitat. So be sure your workspace has a plant or two by desks.“All these things make interior planting a sound investment for business, “ agrees Palfreyman. “A more productive staff and a staff less likely to go off sick because of the planted environment make the investment good business sense. And you can do your bit towards promoting a healthy environment.”You can read more about this at eFIG’s website <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.efig.eu.com" target="_blank">www.efig.eu.com</a>.</div>The Society of Garden Designers: A Damp Squib Washed up on the shores of mediocrity?https://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/the-society-of-garden2009-12-28T18:00:00.000Z2009-12-28T18:00:00.000ZDuncan Heatherhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/DuncanHeather<div><p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314154096?profile=original" alt=""/></p>Are so called professional body; the Society of Garden Designers, has forced through what I consider to be the worst piece of legislation in its pitiful 30 year history.It has decreed that from 2010, if you want to apply to become even a lowly corresponding member you have to submit work before a panel of your piers to be weighed, measured and no double found wanting!Its bad enough having to apply for full membership in this patronising and archaic fashion, but to expect potential probationary members to go through this as well is frankly bonkers.It doesn’t take a genius to realise that the whole membership thing is in a mess. Why is it that the membership ratio of full members to corresponding has never risen much above 1-10.That’s right; after 30+ year there are only about 180 full members of the society in the whole world! This despite consecutive councils trying their best to up the numbers.Councils discuss the same things and make the same mistakes time in, time out, like some giant horticultural ground hog day.They think by vetting the ‘newbie's’ and putting a 2 year time limit on them to apply for full membership they will improve things.Far from it! I predict the membership will fall further and the organisation will become even more redundant than it already is.In any other professional organisation, education is the route to full membership. Surveyor, engineer, architect, all have to have a first degree before they can apply.Unfortunately the SGD has been too much of a coward to go down this route, because so many of the founding members have a vested interest in the lucrative garden design education market.Take away the corresponding members and you don’t have a viable membership. So the Society has become little more than a Surrogate training centre for sub- standard design schools.It’s not until students have completed one of these lesser courses, that they realise how poor their training has been, only to be taken up by the SGD’s seminar program which in itself is a poor substitute for proper tutorage.Instead of this controversial adjudication panel, I propose the SGD introduce and examination. This could then be sold to the schools and colleges at a profit and would weed out those courses not capable of passing it.The colleges could then use there exam marks as a guide to the quality of the course.If they still wish to have a period of professional practice before full membership then so be it, but stop this lunacy before more of us give up on you and don’t renew our memberships.</div>Getting started in Landscape Designhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/getting-started-in-landscape2009-11-22T11:46:44.000Z2009-11-22T11:46:44.000ZDuncan Heatherhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/DuncanHeather<div>One of the first things students should be doing after graduating, is contact their local Architects.They are a ready made source of work and because of new planning regulations, many applications now require a planting plan as part of the planning conditions.<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314135670?profile=original" alt=""/></p>As qualified designers, you should be able to offer architects:A full planting service to include specification and 5 year maintenance schedule.A Arboriculture method statementA Tree survey to BS5837 (2005)A RPA plan and APN12 recommendationsIn addition to this you can also offer a full 3D perspective and rendering service if you CAD skills are up to scratchAll of the above should be laid out in a letter to the architect having first found out his/her name so you can address it to them personally.You then follow up this letter with a call a few days later enquiring if they received the information and if you can be of any further help.Think about it! If a homeowner builds an extension they will change the footprint of the garden. As a result the garden will need re-planning. By offering to assist the architect they can provide a cheep and very lucrative source of work.</div>Recycled Plastic Lawn Edginghttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/recycled-plastic-lawn-edging2009-05-16T18:00:00.000Z2009-05-16T18:00:00.000ZOfer El-hashaharhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/OferElhashahar<div>The continual search for the perfect edging material for lawns is an ongoing process. Iron, cement edging, wood borders - all have been used as those necessary elements to demarcate and define the borders of our gardens. The tendency for grass to "rhizome" itself into the gardens and the general root expansion of the always-voracious grasses and imperialistic lawns is a common problem often requiring substantial hand work and labor to maintain a good, separate edge. Indeed, this is one of the more common chores, historically, for any lawn and garden aficionado and one which any number of us can tell exasperating and long tales about this continual battle.One great answer is available currently in the shape of this newer brand of durable plastic lawn edging, a lightweight, easy to install, non-biodegradable product which covers the expansion factor as well as offering a simple but very defining edge. Another supreme virtue is that it stays somewhat hidden, supplying a nearly invisible bulwark against the encroachments of rhizomes and weeds and offering a distinctive and pronounced edge between the green expanse of the lawn and the colorful riot of a garden.Composed of completely recycled plastic materials, this lawn edging product can not only quietly define the lawn edges and bed lines between your lawn and garden, but you can feel environmentally-responsible while using it. For many, this may seem a small, insignificant addition to our modern ways of product use, but it is actually far more than that. Each tonne of recycled plastic saves two tonnes of CO2, generated by the production of new plastic. Needless to say, inasmuch as plastic is a product resulting from oil, we also gain by a distinct measure in saving on this invaluable and increasingly rare comodity.The installation is starkly simple. Excavating a trench alongside a lawn is a normal project nearly every Spring anyway. Clearing and mucking out the invasive tendrils of both the grass and the weeds threatening the lawn is a pretty predictable Spring - and an even on-going Summer - chore. This time, inserting the edging and securing it in place with the simple fasteners secures not only the edge, but also the lawn for "the duration". The 6 inch product offers ample protection from rhizoming root spread and anchors itself extremely durably as the roots secure it in place as well.Another implicit positive is in the lawn edging's ease of installation and of its possible relocation. Want to change the bed lines? Easy! Merely remove the edging material (which 20 years from now will be as durable and intact as the day it was installed) and adjust it to fit the new design. It is honestly a picture of simplicity, yet it functions in a perfectly professional manner - long-lasting, environmentally-friendly, color neutral and, once again, inconspicuous but very functional.Hundreds of happy folks have installed this simple product to rave reviews. Begin making life easier on yourself by utilizing the newer technologies that the best gardening minds have come up with. These products are a fabulous method of aiding the gardener and lawn fancier by isolating each in such a simple yet effective fashion.<a rel="nofollow" href="http://best4garden.co.uk/shop/page/37?shop_param=" target="_blank">http://best4garden.co.uk/shop/page/37?shop_param=</a></div>The Value Of A Tree.https://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/the-value-of-a-tree2009-04-14T10:00:00.000Z2009-04-14T10:00:00.000ZSustainable Land Managementhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/SustainableLandManagement<div><p>Trees are rarely valued properly, there are numerous factors to take</p><p>into consideration and as such the real or financial value of a particular tree is hard if not simply impossible to ascertain. Following on from work carried out by D R Helliwell and latterly the CAVAT system and in light of growing academic research, (particularly into the sustainable attributes of tree planting, which has yet to have penetrated the psyche of the average layman and thus rarely gets any serious consideration from government), this list illustrates just how much value can actually be placed on any particular tree.<br/><br/><b>The Environmental Value:</b> It is well documented that trees have the ability to lessen pollution, create shade and a more ambient atmosphere in urban settings. They can reduce wind hazard, stabilise soils and create O2 from CO2. There are numerous scientific methods to calculate each relevant environmental benefit a tree can have but essentially, and this goes for all the subsequent values listed below, it is essential to determine such factors on each individual specimen.<br/><br/><b>The Ecological Value:</b> A single tree is a habitat in itself, the huge range of both flora and fauna which can benefit from the trees presence can often play a huge role in the surrounding habitat. Beneficial animals will help to control pests in productive gardens, the mychorrizal fungi's help in the remediation of the soils.<br/><br/><b>The Landscape Value:</b> (see D R Helliwells valuation method). Obviously there are many trees in the landscape that will actually increase the land and property value of any given area. The thought process by Landscape Architects and Garden Designers, (as well as amateur gardener), in determining the placement of a tree has a financial worth. This value is increased year on year as the tree matures and gives benefit to more and more people. Peter Blake, former Chairman of the International Tree Foundation, Cornwall Branch and retired County Horticulturalist, gave many hours to campaign in convincing developers and councils that new developments had to planted with trees, using the facts that those sites which were, were simply stronger community areas as a result, the take up was poor and remains so as the maintenance costs are too high - yet the benefits socially and financially of trees in the community clearly mark this to be a massive false economy.<br/><br/><b>The Nursery Value:</b> A simple value and often used as a tool for insurance purposes. If the tree was removed how much would it cost to replace the tree as it was. Imagine such costs if the tree was a 150 year old Oak, (hiring in the kind of machinery required alone would amount to 5 figures).<br/><br/><b>The Holistic value:</b> Trees are more and more being seen as a method of determining an event, and unfortunately often a bereavement. Sometimes the tree is the event itself - the site of a proposal, death or other life changing moment. As these trees mature how can you place a value on this and if you were to do so, imagine just how much this is could amount to. Celebrity trees can often hold a huge value - the tree Mark Bolan crashed into or the famously photographed drooping palm on a beach, (how much in financial royalties is this tree owed?). We all have our favourite places - the trees in those places hold tremendous value to us and as such each of us can place a huge value to a particular tree, which cannot be quantified by anyone else - but must be taken into account. Evidence from psychology scientists is that a tree is remembered within a memory easily, if someone is searching out the backdrop to a distant memory and the trees contained within that memory have disappeared the memory disappears also.<br/><br/></p><p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314117025?profile=original"/></p><i>the Acer pseudoplatanus Mark Bolan of T Rex crashed into.</i><br/><br/><b>The Timber Value:</b> As a growing specimen, year on year, many trees accrue a small but significant value in terms of their timber. Cherry wood, walnut wood etc., all have huge value to particular markets well beyond those valuations given by way of Forest Mensuration practice.<br/><br/><b>The Production value:</b> A garden with a large, productive orchard or even single fruit tree, which can produce year on year will have a quantifiable financial value based on the supply of fruit. Apples are one of the fastest growing sectors of land industry and as such years ago when they fell in popularity and hectares upon hectares of trees were removed, little thought was given to how much 'food' was removed from the system. I know of a few successful enterprises for the 'foliage' market, again it is easy to quantify how much each tree earns and as such place a financial value on it.<br/><br/><b>The Sustainable Value</b> Historically in Europe and still across the vast majority of the world; trees are the primary energy source. With depleting stocks of carbon based fuel sources, it is still a viable option for the future. Intensive coppice crops can provide significant resources and are completely renewable. Coppice has fallen out of favour for the last sixty years but it is making a comeback. Together with modern wood burning technology it is an option that can be ignored. Thus a tree which is able to provide a cycle of wood for coppice crops has an increasing financial value.<br/><br/><p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314119625?profile=original"/></p><p><br/><br/>Add up all the above, if you can, you are looking at a hefty price tag. As such when a tree is felled simply because it blocks the light to the bathroom window, how much money is lost. If property values started to reflect these values, (indeed many do, but via property valuation which is usually always a 'comparable' value and as such should hold little credence), we would see some real and long overdue financial injections into the landscaping and arboricultural industries. In particular the short sighted local governmental decisions to simply cut down trees or not to plant in the first place to save costs, actually miss out on huge real financial added value to the community they are meant to serve.<br/><br/><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.paysagedurable.com/"></a></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">As part of the <a rel="nofollow" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" href="http://thetreeyear.wordpress.com/">Tree Year project 2011</a> a valuation of some trees in real terms, with the methodology described where possible on the <a rel="nofollow" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" href="http://europeantrees.wordpress.com/">European Trees</a> website is being published online during 2011.</span></p><p><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.paysagedurable.com/">www.paysagedurable.com</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>A rolling review of the British Landscape Industryhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/6660693_BlogPost_240792008-08-22T09:00:00.000Z2008-08-22T09:00:00.000ZPhil Voicehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/philvoice<div><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3284611423?profile=original" alt="" width="150" height="136" style="float: right;" />Correct me if I am wrong but I believe that Landscape Juice is the only publication, website or otherwise, that is determined to find a fair deal for all competent and capable businesses in the United Kingdom. It is not uncommon for an editor to just report news as it happens and accept the PR nonsense of the representative who writes it. I like to look behind the flannel and try and paint a true picture of how it really is and what genuinely lies behind the shop door. This is one of the driving forces behind the Landscape Juice Network - a desire to create equality for everyone who strives for a high standard but yet struggles to be recognised because someone else has the final word. By being a member here you have the opportunity, for free, to tell the whole world about what you do and how you intend to achieve it. It might sound pompous but all of you are making history - it is the first time that the two landscaping organisations that serve the United Kingdom have been challenged for their supremacy. My aim is not to bring down the <a href="http://www.bali.co.uk/index2.asp">British Association or Landscape Industries</a> or the <a href="http://www.landscaper.org.uk/index.asp?c_idno=2035&m_idno=897&s_idno=">Association of Professional Landscapers</a> but to inform them that their time as self appointed umpires of the landscape and horticultural trades is going to be challenge by bringing self regulation, honesty and integrity to every level of the trade without putting any form of financial barrier in the way. I have this morning written about how the <a href="http://www.landscapejuice.com/2008/08/bali-membership.html">BALI system of membership</a> is flawed and may be deemed as exclusive - what is the real cost to a one man band who wants the BALI sticker? The <a href="http://www.landscapejuice.com/2008/08/the-association.html">APL have criticised me</a> for my 'antagonistic' style of writing yet I have tackled every subject in an objective manner. I understand there are changes afoot within APL so I will keep a beady eye on what develops and report it as I see it and everyone retains the right to reply. I encourage debate and I welcome comments and feedback. You will not get shouted down or ignored if you challenge any view point that is put on the LJN forum. Now is the time for serious questions and for the trades associations to look at themselves long and hard. Membership here is free and every individual or organisation will be accepted at face value. The rules are basic and sincere. You provide what you say you can provide and you adopt a fair and business like approach. It is not me who will determine who is a bad egg but the person or business will do that for themselves.
</div>An Association of Professional British Landscapershttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/association-professional-british-landscapers2008-07-20T17:30:00.000Z2008-07-20T17:30:00.000ZPhil Voicehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/philvoice<div><p><span class="font-size-2">I am seriously considering a name change for the Landscape Juice Network to The Association of Professional British Landscapers to reflect how serious I am to determine opportunities and mould the future of our undervalued industry.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2">In the first instance, how to you define Landscaper? - I consider any individual or business who works within the following horticulture trades.</span><br />
<span class="font-size-2">Garden Designers</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span class="font-size-2">Garden Maintenance</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-2">Landscape Architects</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-2">Nursery Plant production</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span class="font-size-2">I believe there to be no other site available in the United Kingdom that is so focussed on supporting the UK Landscaping and Garden industries.</span><br />
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<span class="font-size-2">Everywhere I look I see very high membership fees or complicated requirements to be an associate and I am increasingly uneasy with the perception that support for gardening companies in the UK is only available to an exclusive few.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-2">To my mind, this is wrong and we need to develop a system that allows a landscaping company to find the answers and support that they need - we should make the assumption that all businesses qualify for affiliation unless proven otherwise.</span></p>
</div>