HortWeek Podcast

HortWeek
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HortWeek Podcast

Welcome to the HortWeek Podcast where we bring you news and views on the most important topics of the day for UK horticulture professionals. For more visit https://www.hortweek.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Sustainable growth in a turbulent landscape market, with Blakedown Landscapes

    6D AGO

    Sustainable growth in a turbulent landscape market, with Blakedown Landscapes

    This week's guests are Chris Wellbelove (recently appointed managing director) and Steve Buckingham, CEO of Blakedown Landscapes. Blakedown just won the contract for the Queen Elizabeth garden scheme for The Royal Parks as part of their landscape construction framework. Chris outlines work being done using "environmentally sensitive construction methods" and Steve discusses some of the highlights of their work with The Royal Parks which goes back some 35 years, including the Greenwich Park Revealed scheme which won them a National BALI Award.  The Outdolf Landscape project at RHS Garden Wisley won the firm another BALI Award that year and Chris talks about the pleasure of a free-flowing collaboration made possible by working with the hands-on and knowledgeable Wisley team. The pair also discuss some of the challenges faced in the landscape sector, including increased and unpredictable lead-in times for materials and plants. Chris says: "By the time we get to see it it's got a specification it's got planning permission based on a certain set of materials so for us to have much input is difficult", adding "where we are involved at earlier points we do have these discussions about 'where are you purchasing from, is it ethical, is it sustainable, is there a UK alternative?'.   On plans for growth, Chris talks about how contractor design work is now part of every contract they undertake, so the firm took on Ruth Miller as a design manager to manage those design elements efficiently without disrupting the progress of the project. Andy Harris also joined as an operations manager to bolster the management team. Steve adds they are aiming for "organic growth" while looking expand activities outside their traditional territories in the South of England. Nigel Payne has also come on board to help develop Blakedown's grounds maintenance offering. Among the varied and numerous challenges thrown up in 2024, Steve says the "continually wet period" from autumn 2023 to spring 2024 was one of the hardest. And a new challenge faced by all landscape contractors is in the planning department. On the one hand, a change in pre-commencement conditions means Blakedown is being involved in signing those off after starting the contract causing delays of several weeks to commencement of works. This is exacerbated by a lack of and high turnover of overstretched planning officers, all adding to delays. "[A project] we were due to start last September, we are only getting on board now [early March]... it has a real effect on your sales forecast and your planning." Another area of growth is public realm and infrastructure improvements set in motion by the last Government's 'Levelling Up" agenda and Blakedown is embarking on a major project in to transform Canterbury's open spaces including a 'green link' to provide a safe way for pedestrians to walk around the city. Chris is inspired by how it is finding ways to "improve accessiblity but not a the cost of nature". "For the next five years it is about organic growth...We're not looking to grow hugely; we want to do what we do really well, and keep doing that." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min
  2. ICL's Andrew Wilson on Water Soluble Fertilisers

    MAR 21

    ICL's Andrew Wilson on Water Soluble Fertilisers

    ICL Professional Horticulture Technical Manager Andrew Wilson explains what water soluble fertilisers are and how they can be applied directly to the plant through drip irrigation and foliar application.  He explains how to apply them through a diluter, overhead irrigation or drip irrigation. WSF’s are usually applied as a supplementary feed in combination with a Controlled Release Fertiliser such as Osmocote 5. They are typically used to give a growth boost to outdoor crops after a prolonged high rainfall period during the growing season. Wilson talks about different types of water soluble fertilisers to suit your water type and ratios of NPK in the product, as well as conductivity (EC) of the fertiliser. He explains how AngelaWeb 3.0 software takes many nursery specific factors into account such as water quality, growing media and Osmocote levels and says how WSF’s can be used in peat-free growing with care and tells us about frequency of feeding  Lots of advice can be found on the ICL website and many practical videos on our Youtube channel ICL UK/Ire Professional Horticulture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    12 min
  3. 'Instant' Jurassic gardens for the gardeners of the future - with Roisin Wilson of HSK

    MAR 14

    'Instant' Jurassic gardens for the gardeners of the future - with Roisin Wilson of HSK

    Roisin Wilson is business development director at HSK Gardening and Leisure, which is a specialist importer of 'Jurassic' plants from the Antipodes, specifically Dicksonia antarctica tree ferns from Australia. It is a tightly regulated activity, but Roisin explains that the tree ferns it imports from Tasmania are 'rescue' tree ferns that might be otherwise cast aside by loggers. Big plans are afoot at HSK and Roisin talks about the recent rebrand of the company and a shift towards "concept gardens" which takes inspiration from IKEA's approach to retail providing a "garden in a box" providing "instant impact, instant garden". These 'Jurassic' concepts will be retailed through independent garden centres and bigger chains, with a focus on educating them on the concept, how it works and how to sell it. Roisin feels it is an "untapped market" and the ideal way to reach reluctant and perhaps younger customers - "the gardeners of the future".  She also believes there are opportunities to access new markets in Europe "and what was really interesting when I was at [IPM] Essen [in January 2025], there were no tree ferns, no big trees. There was one stand that had two tree ferns, but other than that, there were no tree ferns anywhere. And that was really, for me, that was quite striking." HSK is also adding more species and took in its first shipment of Dicksonia squarrosa from New Zealand in Janaury 2025: "We are currently growing them on and probably will do a release of those in the summer once we know that they are all you know very very happy and growing beautifully in this country." As a relative newcomer to horticulture, Roisin gives her perspective on the sector. Upsides include the people-focus of the sector. But she highlights the need to promote women and encourage and develop young people and she celebrates the work of the YPHA in doing just that. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    20 min
  4. A vocation for garden design with Andrew Wilson MBE

    MAR 7

    A vocation for garden design with Andrew Wilson MBE

    Having recently been awarded an MBE for his contributions to landscape architecture, garden design, and heritage, Andrew Wilson speaks to HortWeek editor Matthew Appleby about what this means to him personally, but also what it means for the industry. He talks about his teaching career and how, as director of garden design studies at London College of Garden Design, he is seeing more students come in from other professions and is curious about what’s causing them to deflect from their initial interest in horticulture. He also touches upon the mergers and closures of horticulture colleges and whether it is a trend likely to continue. As a former RHS judge, Wilson says he often gets asked for his advice on whether show gardens are good things. With his garden designer hat on, he says they are, especially for nurturing students. He says: "Andy Sturgeon probably wouldn't be where he is today, or Tom Stuart-Smith, without the Chelsea gardens that they have produced. So from my student-nurturing point of view, they’re undeniably a good thing.” Wilson also talks about his concern around sustainable gardens all looking similar: “I am totally supportive of gardens with sustainability running through everything. But it can potentially produce similar results in terms of where materials come from, how materials are used, and how our planting works.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
  5. How The Parks Trust’s funding model helps to protect and enhance green spaces in Milton Keynes

    FEB 28

    How The Parks Trust’s funding model helps to protect and enhance green spaces in Milton Keynes

    Set up as an independent charity in 1992, The Parks Trust was granted 999-year leases for 4,500 acres of green space land in Milton Keynes, and an endowment in the form of freehold ownership of income-generating commercial properties valued at £22 million. Deputy chief executive of The Parks Trust, Hannah Bodley explains the benefits of this model.  Head of operations and forestry at The Parks Trust, Frank Gill, talks about how climate change is affecting Milton Keynes, with issues such as flooding and the rise in pests and diseases, and how they are managing these. Gill also reveals that litter is one of the biggest challenges, with the team removing over 100 tonnes from the parks every year. Bodley adds that caring for green spaces with multiple users – including livestock – can come with its difficulties.  And with Milton Keynes set to grow, Bodley explains how The Parks Trust plans to grow with it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    28 min
  6. Peat-free standards with Evergreen Garden Care, Durston's, Westland, Melcourt, Southern Trident

    FEB 20

    Peat-free standards with Evergreen Garden Care, Durston's, Westland, Melcourt, Southern Trident

    HortWeek's podcast about peat-free standards was recorded at the Garden Press Event with Evergreen Garden Care, Durston's, Westland, Melcourt, Southern Trident, Responsible Sourcing Scheme, Growing Media Association and Treasure. Speakers in order are: 1: 20 - Simon Blackhurst with Durston's, Treasure Gardening and the Growing Media Association 5: 03 - Colin Stephens of Evergreen Garden Care 10: 15 - Stuart Staples of Westland 13: 35 - Catherine Dawson of Melcourt Industries 14: 10 - Steve Harper of Southern Trident and the Responsible Sourcing Scheme The industry leaders told HortWeek editor Matthew Appleby a standard could be introduced by as early as 2026 to show consistency, sourcing and quality of peat-free consumer growing media. But speakers acknowledged the hard work required over decades it has taken to get here and that there is work to do in the future to educate gardeners towards success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    19 min
  7. The Grounds Management Association on sector challenges and opportunities as it celebrates its 90th anniversary

    FEB 14

    The Grounds Management Association on sector challenges and opportunities as it celebrates its 90th anniversary

    With the celebration of its 90th year and announcement of a brand refresh, this week the Grounds Management Association (GMA) talks to HortWeek about what this means for members.  Jason Booth, chief operating officer of the GMA and Jennifer Carter, director of communications & marketing at the GMA also explore some of the challenges facing the turf sector with a recent GMA survey showing 68% of head grounds managers think climate change is their main challenge. Booth argues that the football pitch is often the least invested in, despite footballers spending 90-95% of their working week on one. He explains how the GMA is trying to change perceptions. Carter explores the common challenge of the skills shortage and how GMA NextGen is looking to help this, launched to inspire the next generation of grounds professionals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    26 min
  8. Plant exporting masterclass from IPM Essen

    FEB 3

    Plant exporting masterclass from IPM Essen

    HortWeek spoke toa range of industry experts at IPM Essen trade show 2025 on how to export. Andy Jeanes of Guernsey Clematis says planning, procedure and relationships with customs and shipping agents and phyto inspectors are the keys to successful exporting. The USA could become an issue. Soiless plants are air freighted to the US but there are concerns about 25% Trump import levies, as there has been for Canada and Mexico. Commercial Horticulture Association's Susan Fairley says research the target market, establish demand, identify market trend data, plan a strategy, find the right country, identify channels, get staff trained and ready, build relationships, use Department of Business and Trade webinars, be patient, consider costs and make sure you know your IP, customs paperwork, credit check customers and get the right logistics in place. Cenrral Asian countries are places of growth. Tim Briercliffe of AIPH adds that understanding your target market and how easy it is to reach it are important. Systems such as Floriday can be a way in. The UK has not been strong at exporting as businesses concentrate on the home market. You need something new, special and different. He says potential levies are challenges, while exchange rate problems can be huge. Plant health issues like false codling moth are becoming bigger threats to international trade. Green cities are the areas to look for growth. David Austin's head of international partner networks Kate Porter said selling licences rather than plants is the rose grower's way forward, post-Brexit. There is US growing base so it is the brand that is exported. Australia is a growing market. Air-Pot's Suzie and Jamie Single say there is a team of partners around the world, in Europe distributors and otherwise consultants working on commission. Taiwan is a growing market, as is Switzerland and the US. The CHA help Air-Pot with exports, particularly via IPM Essen. The Scottish Government is helpful, she said, while a new Air-Pot 7 product, endorsed by ex-Kew arboretum head Tony Kirkham, has created a wave of publicity for the company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    25 min
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    Ratings & Reviews

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    out of 5
    2 Ratings

    About

    Welcome to the HortWeek Podcast where we bring you news and views on the most important topics of the day for UK horticulture professionals. For more visit https://www.hortweek.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    • Creator
      HortWeek
    • Years Active
      2020 - 2025
    • Episodes
      207
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