tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89721008557561693462024-03-14T11:46:10.097+00:00Oxford College of Garden DesignThoughts from the Principal of the Oxford College of Garden DesignDuncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-18540041296808449472016-09-20T11:12:00.003+01:002017-12-06T09:23:42.283+00:00New Blog Location<h3>
</h3>
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We have now moved this blog onto our website</h2>
Please go to<a href="http://garden-design-courses.co.uk/blog/" target="_blank"> http://garden-design-courses.co.uk</a><br />
<h3>
<a href="http://garden-design-courses.co.uk/blog/" target="_blank"><br /></a>Thank you</h3>
Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-32739123733292309932015-09-21T07:00:00.000+01:002016-12-08T09:29:19.310+00:00Colour In The Garden<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Does And Don't On Designing with Colour</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ImLEo0i4TANp-BIHTYcj8SrPZHs10TCx6xDQryTjzVnV9pYjtPSiUPGX_IRdSL72oMUKVeqHSwUwyVM14FZYHXjDODS1WBCF70mwmhCgnb8I_iej9CMjL1TyD7c6yiJcEBw88qZsIJRp/s1600/823621_441726932564444_61292992_o1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ImLEo0i4TANp-BIHTYcj8SrPZHs10TCx6xDQryTjzVnV9pYjtPSiUPGX_IRdSL72oMUKVeqHSwUwyVM14FZYHXjDODS1WBCF70mwmhCgnb8I_iej9CMjL1TyD7c6yiJcEBw88qZsIJRp/s1600/823621_441726932564444_61292992_o1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Drive through any town or suburb and you will see many
plantings that apparently aim to include every possible colour imaginable, all
crammed together, with no thought at all for harmony, balance or indeed the colours and forms of
the adjacent or surrounding buildings. </div>
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<br /></div>
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You wouldn't buy a carpet in such a riot
of colours, but colour sense often literally flies out of the window when it
comes to exterior colour schemes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
As a very general rule, the more bland the architectural
backdrop the bolder your colour scheme can be and vice versa. If , for example
the building is a shade of grey, bright colours will work in your scheme. </div>
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<br /></div>
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New
red brick is a difficult foil for successful planting because the strong colour
of the brickwork dominates whatever is
close to it – and in a small garden that includes everything. Your course will teach colour theory, but even without that knowledge you should be able to recognise that purples
and vivid reds simply do not work against brick, even when if it is aged and
weathered. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Softer colours – pale yellows, cream, grey-greens and light blues look much better. Why? Because they
are cooler and complement the brickwork
rather than fighting it. Light peach, pink and apricot also work against red
brick, being watered down versions of the brick colour itself. However these
colours are more tricky to carry through into a broader planting scheme.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Even small changes of colour in your client's garden can make
a positive difference. Paint a plain garden shed , garden office or summer
house in an exact match or tone of one of the colours you will be using in your
planting plan. </div>
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It will immediately integrate into the overall scheme and look
cool and sophisticated. Likewise any timber structures such as fences, timber
seats and arbors will last longer and
act as a much more pleasing backdrop to planting if they are painted in soft
earthy colours such as a clay grey, slate blue or sage green. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
For ideas try studying Farrow & Ball or
Fired Earth colour cards, both of which contain colour ranges that are ideal
for use in the soft light of the United Kingdom and other northern countries. The
vivid colours that work so well in the bright light of the Mediterranean or California are less
successful further north, with the exception of
some ultra modern inner city gardens.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Colours can be mixed and matched in a variety of finishes
such as exterior eggshell. There are several commercial wood stains and paints
available but be careful – unless you
are seeking a bold and vibrant effect some are still not subtle enough for use
over large areas and may need to be mixed or thinned. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Avoid gloss paint, it gives too sharp and
shiny a finish - and don't use a spray
gun as it may dribble through to the neighbouring side of the fence and cause a
dispute for which you don't want to be blamed!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
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More thoughts on colour in the garden will follow in future
blogs. In the mean time tell us what colours you like and dislike in the garden.<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<a href="http://www.suehook.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Article by Sue Hook</a></div>
Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-71162018114602360262015-09-15T07:00:00.000+01:002015-09-27T18:39:05.275+01:00Designing For Wildlife<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE">Creating a Balance of Horticulture and Ecology</span></h3>
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<span lang="DE">The enemies of wild life gardens are mainly
domestic: cats, dogs and indifferent
humans who may have no interest in preserving a balanced eco-system. However wildlife gardens have enormous educational value for adults and children as long as
nature is not allowed to reclaim the entire garden. </span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
Explore ideas with your
clients. </h4>
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<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE">Even if they are initially cautious it should be possible to have them agree to create at least one small
wild area within or at the edge of the garden. Start with one or more small
areas of lawn in a sunny or only partially shaded site. Inscribe a small circle, rectangle or square
of grass, in scale with and set inside the larger area of lawn. </span></div>
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<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE">Ensure the
mower can be comfortably manipulated around and between the shapes. Avoid
making it too busy, but if the lawn is large you might create a pattern of,
say, four neatly edged squares, or three circles of grass to be left to grow to
a maximum of 8 or 10 cms taller than the
remaining lawn. </span></div>
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<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="DE">These will quickly yield low-growing wildflowers such as
self-heal, a variety of grasses, daisies and buttercups. Even a tiny area will
attract bees and hoverflies. Visually it
will provide a change of rhythm to the close-cut, uneventful lawn space. Be
ruthless in removing invasive weeds such as docks and hogweed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
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After they have set seed the mini wildflower
areas can be lightly mown, with the mower at its highest setting and then
retained as neatly defined areas of rough grass with late spring flowering
bulbs allowed to follow through. This introduces an entirely different look,
which is not wild but works well through late spring and early summer before
the grasses start to grow vigorously. </div>
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<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE">Plant short-stemmed tulips - I like to use a single colour - dotted
throughout the rough grass. Spring gales can easily snap the longer stems of
tall varieties and as they die down the leaves of taller plants are more
noticeable and unsightly. White, or pale yellow narcissi also look wonderful
scattered through rough grass. </span></div>
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<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoacw4m6BuncTia537pZdxyPlt-RAED_uFK6_XLKC9vL5krSLQd-lYsJaFg9kXm4Xa705FdzKFlaOa2nmrJEynwSBw_DQKL1CfHbfbJpCCkdMeW6npSPOD7N3ETCmwaYTHLPtpMLpAr8E/s1600/meadow-garden-flow_2345575b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoacw4m6BuncTia537pZdxyPlt-RAED_uFK6_XLKC9vL5krSLQd-lYsJaFg9kXm4Xa705FdzKFlaOa2nmrJEynwSBw_DQKL1CfHbfbJpCCkdMeW6npSPOD7N3ETCmwaYTHLPtpMLpAr8E/s1600/meadow-garden-flow_2345575b.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE">Experiment. Plant mid-height nectar rich
flowering plants as plugs, ensuring continuity of food supply for insects. If
your clients prefer the grass to revert to normal lawn height the rough grass can
simply be mown and should quickly recover its normal colour with a little
general fertiliser added.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE">Wild flower habitats will be populated
surprisingly quickly by beneficial insects such as bees, ladybirds, hoverflies
and lacewings, butterflies, moths, small mammals and birds that will eat some
snails and slugs. If water is a part of the plan it will increase the range of
wildlife considerably, with the potential to attract amphibians such as frogs
and newts, exotic-looking dragonflies and even kingfishers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE">Insect 'hotels' are readily available, but a
small pile of logs will do just as well. Leave a small patch of nettles in a
sunny corner, where a variety of butterflies can lay their eggs. Bird and bat
boxes will be used, as long as they are sited where local cats cannot reach
either the boxes or nearby bushes that provide initial safe resting places and
shelter for fledglings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE">A wildflower meadow is a bigger undertaking and
is the subject of a future blog, together with suggested wild flowers to
include.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="DE"><br /></span>
<span lang="DE">Article by Sue Hook<a href="http://www.suehook.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.suehook.net</a></span></div>
Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-61358278027280401892015-09-06T10:35:00.001+01:002015-09-27T18:39:31.130+01:00What Is A Garden?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYQSbh1rouCQhDis5xRV_jw29cxmk1xdHtIIEUpviz7tBQVN5ZjHM0d_nuOP9jCAvpSZq9BWg_zgngFIAr7NJBGWwdmzGID4EFFpsiPge7E5ik3jOZcDu2EYkklVuj22UHJ0S6G0hx7tL/s1600/_MG_1606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYQSbh1rouCQhDis5xRV_jw29cxmk1xdHtIIEUpviz7tBQVN5ZjHM0d_nuOP9jCAvpSZq9BWg_zgngFIAr7NJBGWwdmzGID4EFFpsiPge7E5ik3jOZcDu2EYkklVuj22UHJ0S6G0hx7tL/s1600/_MG_1606.jpg" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
The Garden Defined</h3>
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This question is so fundamental to learning
about design that it is worth looking at the instant image in your mind's eye
of a garden. I believe that on this design
learning curve you will shed many of
your pre-conceptions and open your mind and your eyes to a myriad of new
and exciting possibilities.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE">Gardens have been created all over the world for many hundreds of
years, arising from many different cultures. They have served and continue to
serve a multitude of purposes including
the provision of shade, cool air and the conservation of water in desert climates, as an expression of
wealth and opulence, as a place of contemplation and meditation, a restorative
space, a means of providing food and increasingly as an extension to the living
space in the home, incorporating some or all of the above.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzItNhnLsMnRz5YPVnTdEhAq5pfE0QCaqn6GCxntAdH5DR8Bghnm5XRVX8kM7n8gWPn_3VuqNjCAm7LFjk1iV1KM0fABLjEYke_cXDFbJff15mjfXKf_nZ7JAfWOR_xSn4iYHprSTDOMT/s1600/Spain_X4C2304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzItNhnLsMnRz5YPVnTdEhAq5pfE0QCaqn6GCxntAdH5DR8Bghnm5XRVX8kM7n8gWPn_3VuqNjCAm7LFjk1iV1KM0fABLjEYke_cXDFbJff15mjfXKf_nZ7JAfWOR_xSn4iYHprSTDOMT/s1600/Spain_X4C2304.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="DE" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: DE; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-language: FA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Andale Sans UI"; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Alhambra,
Grenada</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
A garden can be any exterior space that has
been made by humans rather than occurring naturally in the landscape. The
famous American garden designer Thomas Church observed that gardens are for
people. In essence, gardens demonstrate man's ability to impose order on and
thereby control nature. </div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE">A garden is always artificially contrived, whether or
not it attempts to recreate nature and even if it uses entirely natural props
such as plants or boulders, because these are selected, chosen for inclusion. It may use entirely artificial materials to
achieve the ambience and style desired by its maker. </span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE">Or it may redefine an
existing natural landscape, manipulating and enhancing it with the lightest and
most sensitive of touches. It may be
high on a rooftop, deep in a gulley, in the middle of a desert, on a housing
estate, or on a beach. It may be formal,
contemporary, naturalistic or traditional. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjCcz6EVU3n8PlxmUyW5PX1HPdSzBJyA0asM-fMMZBBvhl9UBBID8fj7n9Z61yM0lbW3ikgfE0ZWfSS0K0wZ3DkIVX7FIDKfkFzCgGhW7VbeAB75I0m2s4JSI3bWJkTKSkELRSpYoR2HM/s1600/dsc06911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjCcz6EVU3n8PlxmUyW5PX1HPdSzBJyA0asM-fMMZBBvhl9UBBID8fj7n9Z61yM0lbW3ikgfE0ZWfSS0K0wZ3DkIVX7FIDKfkFzCgGhW7VbeAB75I0m2s4JSI3bWJkTKSkELRSpYoR2HM/s1600/dsc06911.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;">Derek Jarman's Dungeness garden</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
It may be wholly or partially contained and
does not necessarily need to include plants, depending on its function and
aims. There is no minimum or maximum size to qualify as a garden. It can be
made on a tiny balcony, or in a miniscule courtyard (even in a stairwell, with
some light). </div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE">Or it may comprise several acres of managed and cultivated land.
It will frequently reflect the ethos, aspirations, interests, priorities,
culture and lifestyle of its owner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1zMX5s8c9maanH-FTLK1PEF8kn-G87vthhsikdtOE34EMx_yIaCK-PC7B2ZsTW8TYTC3oy-S8b7prBu4dpBpQyy1Fk4TP3V-mnq6TP561_6r-ub_fSqhckfdyIKqRLmyoRwTNN6qH9t4/s1600/screen_shot_2013-12-12_at_43538_pm-142E96198B7120694B4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1zMX5s8c9maanH-FTLK1PEF8kn-G87vthhsikdtOE34EMx_yIaCK-PC7B2ZsTW8TYTC3oy-S8b7prBu4dpBpQyy1Fk4TP3V-mnq6TP561_6r-ub_fSqhckfdyIKqRLmyoRwTNN6qH9t4/s1600/screen_shot_2013-12-12_at_43538_pm-142E96198B7120694B4.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;">Ian Hamilton Findlay's Scottish Garden</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
There is no limit to the possibilities for
interpretation of the notion of a garden.
It may be well or badly designed, more or less pleasing aesthetically or
functionally, but it is still a garden, very often crying out to be rescued with
the help of an empathetic and sensitive designer. We can explore later how
important your contribution will become.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KGnW3dSc0DiFp-h7kfTOh0tzVXN2YN6QppJAA8PUMJbdiK8nrztlMki_BdinTxiEarlIe3FWW1mYO2i0wCaEPKLnuxnLGEqLZQFtGIyjqFt3P0ZG0S9Tl8LMGMcAIYJyjUH7K8HCJWgU/s1600/502639aj_roof_garden_pan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KGnW3dSc0DiFp-h7kfTOh0tzVXN2YN6QppJAA8PUMJbdiK8nrztlMki_BdinTxiEarlIe3FWW1mYO2i0wCaEPKLnuxnLGEqLZQFtGIyjqFt3P0ZG0S9Tl8LMGMcAIYJyjUH7K8HCJWgU/s1600/502639aj_roof_garden_pan.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;">Topher Delaney roof garden</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A garden may have multiple uses or a single
purpose for its existence.</div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE">The successful realisation of any garden
depends significantly on its aspect, soil conditions and position. It may be
dry, damp, wet, shady, sunny, exposed, or all of these things. A well-designed
garden draws on every factor and turns them to advantage wherever possible,
accentuating the positive and minimising (sometimes eliminating) the
negative. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE">Every garden is completely unique in its
aspect, soil conditions and position.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE">A garden can evoke many moods. It may be
relaxing, calm and peaceful, exciting and vibrant, mysterious and
thought-provoking, witty and humorous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoiRKui07BHVhhTawXPdAN2nxLks5NpClNzDseHMHfmnLxkcPtM6CRIkddjIKhd-Wv070QJAcEBPCq_uccXD33Br-sUxa6AWmyy19Djorp1ZXfxoMTz__RPDaY7fIhRtwS13XjKuVljTU/s1600/grasses_1-010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoiRKui07BHVhhTawXPdAN2nxLks5NpClNzDseHMHfmnLxkcPtM6CRIkddjIKhd-Wv070QJAcEBPCq_uccXD33Br-sUxa6AWmyy19Djorp1ZXfxoMTz__RPDaY7fIhRtwS13XjKuVljTU/s1600/grasses_1-010.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE"> </span>The role of the designer is to make the
absolute most of a given space, whilst being realistic about its possibilities,
its limitations and potential costs, carefully respecting the client brief
while guiding your client towards the best possible outcome. </div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE">That will usually delight him or her as you
will be introducing ideas and solutions that they never would have thought
possible. The making of a garden is a challenge. It is not easy but it is
always exciting and you will never stop learning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEDIdx-X5ZozOVBONxXMPswNDZ26Gb6OJUhkVHert1SxV4rC1MBFX-SCl3Fk_5wK3PndLxE5FZElTqTeqaEo17thbBIdt-jhtbkPo71KD3vhR3i7AH3MiXnfluis2Fisa0EB_oVwNS7W6/s1600/article-2054732-0E921C0900000578-349_964x647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEDIdx-X5ZozOVBONxXMPswNDZ26Gb6OJUhkVHert1SxV4rC1MBFX-SCl3Fk_5wK3PndLxE5FZElTqTeqaEo17thbBIdt-jhtbkPo71KD3vhR3i7AH3MiXnfluis2Fisa0EB_oVwNS7W6/s1600/article-2054732-0E921C0900000578-349_964x647.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
Gardens may aspire to recreate to scale
elemental natural forms such as mountains or waves, or they may, less grandly
provide a more intimate oasis of tranquility away from the bustle of the city,
the buzz of traffic and the tensions of workaday life.</div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE">An area of lawn edged by
flower beds, a brown, timber garden shed in the background, with a bike propped
up against it, some sort of path through the middle and maybe some children's
toys, a football, and a small sitting
space with a table and chairs. The whole contained by fences, hedges or walls.
This is just one of a myriad of examples of what might be thought to be 'the garden fence'.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhp2F0nvvaqWzKKQwc4RL7i8z4F0fgEE9kgqRgHOrWNABFRGDs3bUu0Ue1GMqxhEJxRGpT5pPai7zTbccrdi9JW3ZgNa4-eD-GNCUTSBQc6TJwUfYvD3Va-HJcn8uxoxPJ2gJq6i7V7wmM/s1600/w334i8449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhp2F0nvvaqWzKKQwc4RL7i8z4F0fgEE9kgqRgHOrWNABFRGDs3bUu0Ue1GMqxhEJxRGpT5pPai7zTbccrdi9JW3ZgNa4-eD-GNCUTSBQc6TJwUfYvD3Va-HJcn8uxoxPJ2gJq6i7V7wmM/s1600/w334i8449.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE"> </span>I think it is exciting to explore and research
how and why gardens have been made and doing so will inform and inspire your
own progress into the amazing and challenging world of garden design.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.suehook.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Article by Sue Hook </a></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="DE"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-17410003440064392532015-02-11T15:20:00.000+00:002015-02-11T15:26:37.299+00:0010 Swimming Pool Design Tips<div align="justify">
<b>What To Consider When Planning A Swimming Pool</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWd884IZ5Vp1rhoLuJc2INanW9D2MqyhGsvUV8d99IYvJPsiVjMqINjg039ZtpCvzrlIyeZgRR1xblIQGr4HNiOvpi-0s2I7xFX05GC46uTRrm2fCd7VIixnTz4sU6bHxRjni-VRA-ijyC/s1600/89bf49c845ae74c2d9f2e7e085b27a03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWd884IZ5Vp1rhoLuJc2INanW9D2MqyhGsvUV8d99IYvJPsiVjMqINjg039ZtpCvzrlIyeZgRR1xblIQGr4HNiOvpi-0s2I7xFX05GC46uTRrm2fCd7VIixnTz4sU6bHxRjni-VRA-ijyC/s1600/89bf49c845ae74c2d9f2e7e085b27a03.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
So assuming you have the resources and the space what should
you consider before installing a swimming pool?</div>
<h2 align="justify">
<span style="color: #249fea; font-size: x-large;">1. Firstly, will you use it?</span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8QsvTxedczUw-yXfpMabkH9nNAHLn-42DnQ49l3QNbyrd5QtfAJrf8q9u9LadWlLQHI99vCzj8GrF2y0boBBMuN_XIVrRCrpGWlyqfMyfdk9IGQFRyyUBuQTwVCCGf3JiZo2NwU8bdq4/s1600/aa6e82e4f42c49dee3be8b4dd27c482e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8QsvTxedczUw-yXfpMabkH9nNAHLn-42DnQ49l3QNbyrd5QtfAJrf8q9u9LadWlLQHI99vCzj8GrF2y0boBBMuN_XIVrRCrpGWlyqfMyfdk9IGQFRyyUBuQTwVCCGf3JiZo2NwU8bdq4/s1600/aa6e82e4f42c49dee3be8b4dd27c482e.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
Or at least use it enough to justify its existence. If your
weather isn’t consistently warm and sunny are you hardy enough? Can you be
bothered to drag a cover off the pool every time you want to use it?</div>
<h2>
<span style="color: #249fea; font-size: x-large;">2. Have you got the ideal
site:</span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GmkFA-cRgDluao1tc7qcP2Ijh7kkrgWWwkZzkAa_RO0rGyPfyLuQOTtvZMsXxyc-3dCVerKG8hh-34OyKHDgHfty11sE8lK7WrvLH5-6azExlxl0zazIjRiBxXlxgCghoO-XP7CL57mB/s1600/c98b8e64d3977edb1afb53a019942814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GmkFA-cRgDluao1tc7qcP2Ijh7kkrgWWwkZzkAa_RO0rGyPfyLuQOTtvZMsXxyc-3dCVerKG8hh-34OyKHDgHfty11sE8lK7WrvLH5-6azExlxl0zazIjRiBxXlxgCghoO-XP7CL57mB/s1600/c98b8e64d3977edb1afb53a019942814.jpg" height="640" width="481" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Open but sheltered. Away from deciduous trees that will shed
their leaves. With easy access to changing facilities and close enough to the
house for convenience.<br />
<div align="justify">
You will also need to connect services the site: water and
electricity. How easy and costly will that be? </div>
<h2 align="justify">
<span style="color: #249fea; font-size: x-large;">3. What will you use the pool
for?</span></h2>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_stUANPjoBRwGm-6phqe_uDNYfNGlbsFS48DdR4olzKhwnRKBpDPsmO-4QeBjBeWWlO4FQmSG9Fx3ByuRMLNsYu01d6WaNPXDrhlwsOlZ_cCxlM-OmHK27O8BkjOvW39qAlGPJhhowOxB/s1600/534111a6c046e8c6aca9055da3612551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_stUANPjoBRwGm-6phqe_uDNYfNGlbsFS48DdR4olzKhwnRKBpDPsmO-4QeBjBeWWlO4FQmSG9Fx3ByuRMLNsYu01d6WaNPXDrhlwsOlZ_cCxlM-OmHK27O8BkjOvW39qAlGPJhhowOxB/s1600/534111a6c046e8c6aca9055da3612551.jpg" height="640" width="466" /></a></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
This will influence its shape and size. If it is just for a
quick cool-off dip and a focal point to lounge around then a curved or shaped
pool is a possibility. </div>
<div align="justify">
If you want it for serious swimming exercise then it needs to
be big enough, deep enough and ideally rectangular. This was a major factor that
put me off. A pool less than 15 metres, 50 feet long, is not a good place to
swim. </div>
<h2 align="justify">
<span style="color: #249fea; font-size: x-large;">4. Are you prepared for the
cost?</span></h2>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UTYYlBl9mObi6XSepJxYJ6RVU56DEUmoNT6U4SzRWGj3Ajo1UsEN5UHAJy2DrYeEMq2cQw-rdRRdVngHCGPuz70CWOKZz-5pQVrI-EJGqxC-GHVAJ2Oi4oJSuIqaBwnCj_C0i6I8o_1p/s1600/11_large.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UTYYlBl9mObi6XSepJxYJ6RVU56DEUmoNT6U4SzRWGj3Ajo1UsEN5UHAJy2DrYeEMq2cQw-rdRRdVngHCGPuz70CWOKZz-5pQVrI-EJGqxC-GHVAJ2Oi4oJSuIqaBwnCj_C0i6I8o_1p/s1600/11_large.png" /></a></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Not only of installation but also of on-going maintenance? Is
that something you are prepared to do yourself, or will you employ the services
of a maintenance company?</div>
<h2 align="left">
<span style="color: #249fea; font-size: x-large;">5. What will the impact be on the
garden?</span></h2>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFdk1ZI7DcgI9QTwNmDTQo4O5SOfBgUIsRJpEmvTLT8rkwlxJuH3DITJwgD82hcnetln2ucb06NAfGXD4CgkYn7-1An5DOdCeCvbFVK_IYYLvm6vgsb7IE82XaHXEJm88dKKKGvvHQa0O/s1600/7c8be9c8e51977dc43c7f0ec9d6d9864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFdk1ZI7DcgI9QTwNmDTQo4O5SOfBgUIsRJpEmvTLT8rkwlxJuH3DITJwgD82hcnetln2ucb06NAfGXD4CgkYn7-1An5DOdCeCvbFVK_IYYLvm6vgsb7IE82XaHXEJm88dKKKGvvHQa0O/s1600/7c8be9c8e51977dc43c7f0ec9d6d9864.jpg" height="640" width="490" /></a></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
If visible from the house, will it be dominant and obtrusive?
</div>
<div align="justify">
A typical aqua blue swimming pool is pretty startling on a
cold, grey day and looks out of place in a traditional country garden. It may be
more inkeeping in a contemporary or Mediterranean setting.</div>
<h2 align="left">
<span style="color: #249fea; font-size: x-large;">6. You could consider a pool of a different
colour</span></h2>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhame8Y26F9YPhzuWeGXEqKFTZEqpTDsvGiZcazw3KOw_YGIJjoGHHbm03xmvkahr_4WDTtkzMl_N0KFjFRQZPNR4md0kjPLJZMAJmOxEqYPD4qdMRipNoVY5rY92tTyeqxpI2hW_M9ZpEs/s1600/fa01082de2c3e59242bea359d2bf8cf2+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhame8Y26F9YPhzuWeGXEqKFTZEqpTDsvGiZcazw3KOw_YGIJjoGHHbm03xmvkahr_4WDTtkzMl_N0KFjFRQZPNR4md0kjPLJZMAJmOxEqYPD4qdMRipNoVY5rY92tTyeqxpI2hW_M9ZpEs/s1600/fa01082de2c3e59242bea359d2bf8cf2+(1).jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
It doesn't have to be blue. A natural stone, soft terracotta or
clay coloured lining may be far easier to incorporate in your garden design.
</div>
<div align="justify">
Will you use a traditional concrete construction, fibreglass or
one of the various vinyl liners available? These are more frequently used today.
</div>
<h2 align="justify">
<span style="color: #249fea; font-size: x-large;">7. Natural or Chemical?</span></h2>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48k8bp8wd8XbgOxqKsAy35Fd_AtJ_ZiHfrCZiRhx__vLY6rG_LdxbuVa6oQUDvt49SC8IEqQtPSKJ_95aLkahE792fpE0jQALb10_w3OR5HdpVSscgs5jQWfbb-ekirchztI7cUrCrnxF/s1600/f1b53e2b52b777bbc3fffea36202cfbe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48k8bp8wd8XbgOxqKsAy35Fd_AtJ_ZiHfrCZiRhx__vLY6rG_LdxbuVa6oQUDvt49SC8IEqQtPSKJ_95aLkahE792fpE0jQALb10_w3OR5HdpVSscgs5jQWfbb-ekirchztI7cUrCrnxF/s1600/f1b53e2b52b777bbc3fffea36202cfbe.jpg" height="231" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Have you considered a natural freshwater swimming pool or
swimming pond <a href="http://www.naturalpoolsuk.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.naturalpoolsuk.com/</a> ? These are becoming far more
popular. </div>
<div align="justify">
They definitely sit more comfortably in a naturalistic setting,
but this is not the only possibility. Contemporary designs can be stunning. </div>
<div align="justify">
No chemicals are used because the water filtration is achieved
by aquatic plants. Much nicer to swim in; the only disadvantage: cold water!</div>
<h2 align="left">
<span style="color: #249fea; font-size: x-large;">8.will IT impact on the value of your
house?</span></h2>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkMeGn3uZUH0TlTf01yOsAba2tw89aFD_3DUf6ZCMnv_iqKCQK669CiwAZNejtFdVr9_Od2Htt9bmuHu_uJji05EEskhv-YSKQAdKFyrv_tMoXkNQI-729vsNsGWhVvKEHaHs0HSauuqb/s1600/5e754e973ba2e8c43b688e3ea28c1dd6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkMeGn3uZUH0TlTf01yOsAba2tw89aFD_3DUf6ZCMnv_iqKCQK669CiwAZNejtFdVr9_Od2Htt9bmuHu_uJji05EEskhv-YSKQAdKFyrv_tMoXkNQI-729vsNsGWhVvKEHaHs0HSauuqb/s1600/5e754e973ba2e8c43b688e3ea28c1dd6.jpg" height="299" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
A swimming pool may or may not add value. It can be a selling
point or it can be a disadvantage. </div>
<div align="justify">
Your swimming pool could put off a buyer that does not want the
bother or cost of a swimming pool. </div>
<h2 align="justify">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #249fea;">9. </span><span style="color: #249fea;">What will be
the implications if you change your mind?</span></span></h2>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCj7xyBRD9doPpD3PzX6vsrHO0AtVBMbXR8CsSKHEvIC8pOcD3HPLVAd5c9ZHSN2QlLyc6hiha1D34RMNlebg8R9Pv1aJ4cTsZhDN2BhjrhVJW5hqVwUcYHQx1XFXF-jMmz2wkmmhnswFt/s1600/14_large.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCj7xyBRD9doPpD3PzX6vsrHO0AtVBMbXR8CsSKHEvIC8pOcD3HPLVAd5c9ZHSN2QlLyc6hiha1D34RMNlebg8R9Pv1aJ4cTsZhDN2BhjrhVJW5hqVwUcYHQx1XFXF-jMmz2wkmmhnswFt/s1600/14_large.png" height="277" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Removing or filling in a swimming pool can be as difficult and
costly as installing it in the first place. </div>
<div align="justify">
You can’t just fill it in and plant in that location. You will
have drainage to consider so the structure of the pool usually needs to be
removed and soil, a lot of it, imported to fill the hole. </div>
<h2 align="justify">
<span style="color: #249fea; font-size: x-large;">10. So, if I haven't put you
off</span></h2>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcf-wxKlVFpLS1itZHDV8nP2XBGvj5iGGIdJP8IAJcSntz_yGKdJC4GWV961MT3Eq5Klc3TAxzXKErImNFB27XSLqSSofQZg_w3KNw2CKVyLTpjW7EJ5GgLP8iqtI_55PxUrd3BrXCu3J/s1600/62c4094b0451e36cc24697ed5b9ef5ce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcf-wxKlVFpLS1itZHDV8nP2XBGvj5iGGIdJP8IAJcSntz_yGKdJC4GWV961MT3Eq5Klc3TAxzXKErImNFB27XSLqSSofQZg_w3KNw2CKVyLTpjW7EJ5GgLP8iqtI_55PxUrd3BrXCu3J/s1600/62c4094b0451e36cc24697ed5b9ef5ce.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Find yourself a good designer and get a specification sheet
drawn up by an independent swimming pool engineer to include all the plant
machinery and the materials you want to use.</div>
<div align="justify">
This will mean every contractor will be quoting for exactly the
same thing, otherwise it will be impossible to get a like for like quote. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><u>This one bit of advice alone could save you tens of
thousands of dollars alone.</u></strong></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><u><br /></u></strong></div>
<div align="justify">
Consider keeping the pool a constant depth. I would recommend
4ft deep (1.2m) This is deep enough to swim in without scraping your knees and
will halve the cost of your pool both in construct costs and in heating bills.
</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
The only disadvantage to this is that you should have a ‘no
diving policy’ for the kids, but they will soon get over this.</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
If you want an electronic pool cover you will need to keep the
pool rectangular, but this is also better if you want to use the pool for
exercise and games like water volleyball.</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Using a darker colour on a rectangular pool can also help
disguise its use when situated close to the house. If planned well, it can be
designed to look like a formal pond when not is use.</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Avoid ‘Roman Ends’ or putting the steps in the centre of the
pool as this ruins the ability to do lengths when exercising. Instead put them
to one side so you can do racing turns without them getting in the way.</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Always ask to see examples of contractors previous work in real
life situations and try and talk to other pool owners to share their experiences
before you take the plunge. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
Do the contractors belong to a professional body? If they do,
check to see if they are covered by an indemnity policy just in case they go
bankrupt. Some professional bodies cover the cost of finishing the pool for the
original agreed price. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong>Consider:</strong></div>
<h5>
USA <a href="http://apsp.org/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The Association of
Pool & Spa Professionals</span></a></h5>
<h5>
USA<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> <a href="http://www.floridapoolpro.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">Florida Swimming Pool Association</span></a></span></h5>
<h5>
UK <a href="http://bspf.org.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">BSPF | The
British Swimming Pool Federation</span></a></h5>
<h5>
UK <a href="http://www.spata.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">SPATA</span></a></h5>
<h5>
AU <a href="http://spasa.org.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">SPASA |
Swimming Pool and Spa Alliance</span></a></h5>
<br />
<div align="justify">
Finally find an expert you can really rely on to do a good job
and deliver a swimming pool that meets or exceeds all your expectations.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-13662111257714064672014-05-20T13:06:00.001+01:002014-05-20T13:06:27.393+01:00Breaking News RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2014 Medal Winners Announced<h3></h3> <h3>Chelsea Flower Show Medals Announced!</h3> <p>Congratulations to the Laurent-Perrier Garden, Best Show Garden, and all the award winners at the 2014 RHS Chelsea Flower Show! I am of course delighted that I called the best in show winner in my <a title="MyGardenSchool predicts best in show winner" href="http://www.my-garden-school.com/mygardenschool-full-list-of-chelsea-2014-medal-predictions-for-show-gardens/" target="_blank">MyGardenSchool predictions</a> blog from seeing the show gardens yesterday! </p> <p>Congratulations to Luciano Giubbilei - well deserved.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yzQ71kb4AJE/U3tFLAWW2PI/AAAAAAAAAzE/7HabiomuJCM/s1600-h/Image-25%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Chelsea Flower Show 2014" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Chelsea Flower Show 2014" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1Yhh7lDG9zY/U3tFMaEHRkI/AAAAAAAAAzM/ZSdrZaYq0Cs/Image-25_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a></p> <p><strong>Chelsea Flower Show Gardens - Winners</strong></p> <h3>Best Show Garden</h3> <h6><a href="http://rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/exhibitors/gardens/The-Laurent-Perrier-Garden">The Laurent-Perrier Garden</a></h6> <p><em>Designed by Luciano Giubbilei</em></p> <h3>Best Fresh Garden</h3> <h6><a href="http://rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/exhibitors/gardens/the-mind-s-eye">The Mind's Eye</a></h6> <p><em>Designed by LDC Design</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0oOjBrPU2MM/U3tFOewf8EI/AAAAAAAAAzU/a6g7UvCpnT0/s1600-h/Image-116%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Chelsea Flower Show 2014" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Chelsea Flower Show 2014" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lPPMkEeknik/U3tFQLvEIdI/AAAAAAAAAzc/IixQpWpP-TI/Image-116_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="755"></a></p> <h3>Best Artisan Garden</h3> <h6><a href="http://rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/exhibitors/gardens/Togenkyo-A-Paradise-on-Earth">Togenkyo – A Paradise on Earth</a></h6> <p><em>Designed by Kazuyuki Ishihara</em></p> <p>Gold Medallists.</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/exhibitors/gardens/The-Homebase-Garden-%E2%80%93-Time-to-Reflect,-in-associat">The Homebase Garden – Time to Reflect, in association with Alzheimer’s Society</a> <li><a href="http://rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/exhibitors/gardens/The-Laurent-Perrier-Garden">The Laurent-Perrier Garden</a> <li><a title="Cleve West's Paradise Garden Chelsea 2014" href="http://www.my-garden-school.com/chelsea-flower-show-garden-2014-by-cleve-west-m-g-paradise-garden/" target="_blank">The M&G Paradise Garden</a> <li><a title="Charlotte Row No Man's Land" href="http://www.my-garden-school.com/no-mans-land-predicted-silver-winner-for-chelsea-flower-show-2014/" target="_blank">No Man’s Land: ABF The Soldiers’ Charity Garden to mark the centenary of World War One</a> <li><a href="http://rhs.org.uk/rbc">RBC Waterscape Garden</a> <li><a href="http://rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/exhibitors/gardens/The-Telegraph-Garden">The Telegraph Garden</a> </li></ul> <ul> <li> <h5><a href="http://rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/awards#">Silver-gilt medallists </a><br><a href="http://rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/awards#">Silver medallists </a><br><a href="http://rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/awards#">Bronze medallists</a></h5></li></ul> <ul> <li><a href="http://rhs.org.uk/shows-events/PDF/Chelsea/2014-awards/RHS-CFS2014-Show-Garden-Awards.pdf"><strong>All Show Garden awards download</strong> (82kB pdf)</a> <li><a href="http://rhs.org.uk/shows-events/PDF/Chelsea/2014-awards/RHS-CFS2014-Fresh-Garden-Awards.pdf"><strong>All Fresh Garden awards download</strong> (15kB pdf)</a> <li><a href="http://rhs.org.uk/shows-events/PDF/Chelsea/2014-awards/RHS-CFS2014-Artisan-Garden-Awards.pdf"><strong>All Artisan Garden awards download</strong> (11kB pdf)</a> <li></li></ul> <h4><em>Great Pavilion</em></h4> <h3>RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2014<br><a href="http://rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/2014-stories/Plant-of-the-Year-2014"><em>Hydrangea macrophylla</em> Miss Saori (‘H20-2’)</a></h3> <p><strong>Ryoji Irie</strong></p> <h3>Diamond Jubilee Award</h3> <p>South West in Bloom</p> <h3>President’s Award</h3> <p>Birmingham City Council</p> <h3>Best RHS Discovery exhibit</h3> <p>Sparsholt College</p> <p><a href="http://rhs.org.uk/shows-events/PDF/Chelsea/2014-awards/RHS-CFS2014-Great-Pavilion-Awards.pdf"><strong>All Great Pavilion awards download</strong> (114kB pdf)</a> </p> <ul> <li><a href="http://rhs.org.uk/shows-events/PDF/Chelsea/2014-awards/RHS-CFS2014-Discovery-Awards.pdf"><strong>All RHS Discovery awards download</strong> (15kB pdf)</a> </li></ul> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:b85e9e30-c97b-4a95-8249-726c3387b30d" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Artisan+Garden+awards+download" rel="tag">Artisan Garden awards download</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Best+Artisan+Garden" rel="tag">Best Artisan Garden</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Best+Fresh+Garden" rel="tag">Best Fresh Garden</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/best+in+show+at+chelsea+flower+show" rel="tag">best in show at chelsea flower show</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Best+RHS+Discovery+exhibit" rel="tag">Best RHS Discovery exhibit</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Bronze+medalists" rel="tag">Bronze medalists</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Chelsea+Flower+Show+Gardens" rel="tag">Chelsea Flower Show Gardens</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Chelsea+Flower+Show+Medal+winners" rel="tag">Chelsea Flower Show Medal winners</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Designed+by+Kazuyuki+Ishihara" rel="tag">Designed by Kazuyuki Ishihara</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Designed+by+LDC+Design" rel="tag">Designed by LDC Design</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Designed+by+Luciano+Giubbilei" rel="tag">Designed by Luciano Giubbilei</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Fresh+Garden+awards" rel="tag">Fresh Garden awards</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Gold+medalists" rel="tag">Gold medalists</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Great+Pavilion+awards+download" rel="tag">Great Pavilion awards download</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Great+Pavilion+RHS+Chelsea+Plant+of+the+Year+2014" rel="tag">Great Pavilion RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2014</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Hydrangea+macrophylla+Miss+Saori" rel="tag">Hydrangea macrophylla Miss Saori</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/President%e2%80%99s+Award+Birmingham+City+Council" rel="tag">President’s Award Birmingham City Council</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/RHS+Discovery+awards" rel="tag">RHS Discovery awards</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Ryoji+Irie+Diamond+Jubilee+Award" rel="tag">Ryoji Irie Diamond Jubilee Award</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Show+Garden+awards" rel="tag">Show Garden awards</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Silver+medalists" rel="tag">Silver medalists</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Silver-gilt+medalists" rel="tag">Silver-gilt medalists</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/South+West+in+Bloom" rel="tag">South West in Bloom</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Sparsholt+College" rel="tag">Sparsholt College</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/The+Laurent-Perrier+Garden" rel="tag">The Laurent-Perrier Garden</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/The+Mind's+Eye" rel="tag">The Mind's Eye</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Togenkyo+%e2%80%93+A+Paradise+on+Earth" rel="tag">Togenkyo – A Paradise on Earth</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/who+won+gold+medals+at+chelsea" rel="tag">who won gold medals at chelsea</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Winners+Best+Show+Garden" rel="tag">Winners Best Show Garden</a></div> Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-30359519358886819542014-05-16T12:58:00.001+01:002014-05-16T13:34:28.068+01:00“A Game of Contrast” Former Students win Best Festival Garden 2014, RHS Malvern<p><a href="http://lsvgardens.com/" target="_blank"><img title="14050801_126" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="14050801_126" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u_7Q0rlKOMo/U3X9WdY9NII/AAAAAAAAAyo/OTRYcByNqek/14050801_126%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a> <p>This is a blog by former student Ana Mari Bull who along with former fellow student Lorenzo Soprani won Best Festival Garden 2014, RHS Malvern. <p>How many of us dream of creating a show garden as soon as we graduate, but are put off because of the lack of funding or sponsorship? Years can go by and you get more involved in building up your practice, but the dream is still there, tucked away at the back of your brain, behind the planting plans and construction drawings that need to be finished yesterday. As you take on more work, you can feel the dream becoming more and more distant. <p>This was how I felt last year; I was up to my eyes in work, so I turned to my friend and fellow student Lorenzo Soprani for help. We worked really well together and it made the lonely existence of a freelance designer more bearable. In turn, he would pass work onto me when I was quiet on the work front. We soon found that we were in fact collaborating on every project we did, so in effect had become one practice. Work started to dry up towards the end of last year and the dream started to wiggle its way back to the front of our minds. <p><a href="http://lsvgardens.com/" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1505" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1505" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eZzwvMhVbhw/U3X9Z5cLJHI/AAAAAAAAAyw/v3mKTn7tIqA/IMG_1505%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a> <p>Lorenzo picks up the story here, “It was late in January when my colleague and friend Ana and I decided to have a go at designing a show garden. To be honest I was not particularly busy and it is when the mind is at rest that those ideas spring to mind! But with not much income and no name so to speak to bring in financial backing, the chances of us being able to afford to do a show garden was still very much a distant dream. So having looked around for an opportunity I discovered that the RHS was re-launching the Malvern Spring Flower Show as the “RHS Malvern Spring Festival” and to celebrate that, they were giving away £3000 bursaries to help fund first timers in a new category of show gardens called the “Festival Gardens”. I decided fairly quickly to have a go and the design came very easily as having only 15 meter square to play with, the design needed to be simple. Once all the documents were sent off we did not think about it much, there was nothing to do apart from waiting and luckily for us the office phone was starting to ring again! It was on the 14<sup>th</sup> of March that we had confirmation that our design had been selected along with 3 others by the RHS panel. <p><a href="http://lsvgardens.com/" target="_blank"><img title="Malvern Spring Festival 25 04 2014" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Malvern Spring Festival 25 04 2014" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yl-oZxu0UGw/U3X9dAbEHOI/AAAAAAAAAy4/Gn5R7PrifSQ/Malvern%252520Spring%252520Festival%25252025%25252004%2525202014%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a> <p>At this point panic started to set in, as I feared that we couldn’t afford to do it. It was only at this stage in the process that we learnt the RHS where only giving us half of the bursary, the remainder would be paid at the end of the show once breakdown had been completed and the site was given the all clear by the organisers.” <p>With our design accepted so late in the day we had very little time to find the extra funding needed to top up the kitty, but it’s amazing how time pressures can make you focus. Having the RHS backing also helped enlist other sponsors. <p>The plants, hedges and all the hard landscaping materials were sourced, but we couldn’t find the specimen trees which were key to the design. It was now the last week in March, the end of the bare root season, and still we hadn’t found all of our trees. Finally, Lorenzo got a call from a nurseryman who had tracked down the last three trees from a nursery in Germany. It was the last day of lifting when we received an urgent email: <i>are you taking the trees?</i> All we had to go on was a poor quality photo. Without the trees we didn’t want to continue. We took them, hoping that these skinny looking ugly ducklings would turn into the magnificent swans we needed. <p>As well as having the RHS bursary, the designers of the Four Festival Garden were mentored through the build by the principal of a major design school in the area. The support and advice we got from her and from Nina Acton, the events co-ordinator for the Three Counties Showground was superb. For first timers, having someone on hand to reassure you is invaluable. The build wasn’t all plain sailing; the contractor who we had engaged to build our small wall didn’t turn up. It was at this stage that the fabled camaraderie which exhibitors say exists between those at the ground became apparent. A landscaper from another garden came over between jobs to build our wall, which he then also rendered for us, before being whisked off to finish the garden he was originally working on. Tools appeared when they were needed and disappeared just as quickly. The elves were at work. As we didn’t have a contractor we did all of the hard landscaping ourselves. I can’t take any of the credit for all the heavy jobs, which Lorenzo undertook as if he had been a professional landscaper for years. I can though, take half of the credit for the pebble path. Neither of us had done anything like this before. Having failed to find a video on YouTube on “how to build a show quality pebble path” we just got stuck in. Ignorance, as they say, is bliss. The plants arrived on the Wednesday afternoon; it took us all day Thursday to place them and then the Friday to plant them up. We were on schedule. The plants had time to naturally reposition themselves before judging on the Wednesday and we were able to primp and preen to our hearts’ content. We were more than lucky with the weather during the build; the week of the show was quite something else, and judging took place in torrential rain and extremely high winds. Malvern is windy at the best of times, but this was excessive. From eight in the morning until nine at night we waited, wet, cold, and buffeted by the wind, for the medal announcements. Luckily one of the larger show gardens had built a sunken dining area with a pizza oven which had been burning all day, so as the evening drew to a close we all huddled together to keep warm. When the results finally came in, just after 9.00pm we were too tired to take it all in, as all we wanted to do was go home to a hot bath. The wonderful thing about RHS Malvern was that the next day, two of the judges came round to each of the gardens to talk through why we received the medal we did. This was so helpful. They were really engaging and very generous in their comments. We learnt a great deal as to how the panel think! <p>If anyone is thinking of taking their first steps into the world of show gardens, then RHS Malvern is the place to start. The support is fantastic, the setting is beautiful and the experience is very rewarding… Though now we’re hooked and can’t wait to do another one! <p>Don't’ forget to pack your thermals!</p> <p>To contact LSV Gardens & Associates please click <a href="http://lsvgardens.com/" target="_blank">here</a></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:8ec3c71d-9c2d-4436-8ba2-4b6711ad3573" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/LSV+Gardens+%26+Associates" rel="tag">LSV Gardens & Associates</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/RHS+Malvern" rel="tag">RHS Malvern</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Best+Festival+Garden+2014" rel="tag">Best Festival Garden 2014</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/A+Game+of+Contrast" rel="tag">A Game of Contrast</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Ana+Mari+Bull" rel="tag">Ana Mari Bull</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Lorenzo+Soprani+Volpini" rel="tag">Lorenzo Soprani Volpini</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Garden+Design" rel="tag">Garden Design</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Show+garden" rel="tag">Show garden</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Landscape+Design" rel="tag">Landscape Design</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Planting" rel="tag">Planting</a></div> Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-8789905891492022442014-04-16T10:51:00.001+01:002014-04-16T10:51:23.487+01:00One Size Doesn’t Fit All: EU Legislation Could Ban the Sale of 100’s Common Garden Plants<p>Gardeners may be required to dig up and burn many of our favourite garden plants and Garden Centres and Nurseries, banned from selling 100’s of shrubs and herbaceous plants because of new EU legislation.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GLEaYAaw6Ms/U05SkuL0NWI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/o_UFRrMNO3k/s1600-h/103-bonfire-23-jan%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="103-bonfire-23-jan" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="103-bonfire-23-jan" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wosWRhv1X7s/U05SmPt0BRI/AAAAAAAAAwY/AkyuIg_-odA/103-bonfire-23-jan_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a>The EU has announced today that they are planning to ban the sale of 100’s of plants across Europe to stem to flow of invasive alien species (IAS). A good idea in principal, however this proposal is poorly thought through and; like so many EU directives <strong>“one size doesn’t fit all”</strong></p> <p>One mans weed is another mans prize specimen and what might be considered invasive in one country, could be considered hard to grow in another. The problem is that this legislation doesn’t take this into account. 100’s of our favourite garden plants, could be caught up in this blanket ban.</p> <p>This would mean it would be illegal to sell for example rhododendrons because Rhododendron ponticum (a very invasive species) is in the parentage of as many as 300 garden plants. This doesn’t mean that all these are invasive, however the Royal Horticultural Society are very concerned about the lack of clarity around the new powers.</p> <p>Back in September 2013 the European Commission outlined its plans to tackle the continent's invasive species. IAS are non-native plants or animals that have no natural predators, spread rapidly and overwhelm an area's native flora and fauna</p> <p>The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). held a conference in Switzerland and as a result of this the EU came up with a ban on the possession, transport, selling or growing of species deemed as of "Union Concern".</p> <p>The list was originally going to be restricted to 50, but will now have no limit. It is not clear which species will be banned. <p>Wednesday's report from the Environmental Audit Committee welcomes the strengthening of the rules. Committee chairwoman Joan Walley MP said: "The UK has to be ready to take on board the step changes that there will be as a result of the European decision. <p>Unfortunately for gardeners, Ms Walley who obviously isn’t a gardener herself, does appreciate the implications behind this legislation. <p>The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) currently has its own guidelines on restricted species.So why do we need further legislation from the EU? <p>Nobody is denying that IAS are a problem, but If this is allowed to go ahead, gardeners could be sleep waling into a situation where their favourite garden plants are considered illegal to sell and grow. <p> </p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:02b03e50-b7cf-4c48-8708-6d33bba7c7d5" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/invasive+alien+species" rel="tag">invasive alien species</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/IAS" rel="tag">IAS</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/International+Union+for+Conservation+of+Nature" rel="tag">International Union for Conservation of Nature</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/IUCN" rel="tag">IUCN</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/EU+Legigislation" rel="tag">EU Legigislation</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/European+Parliament" rel="tag">European Parliament</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/European+Commission" rel="tag">European Commission</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Gardeners" rel="tag">Gardeners</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/garden+plants" rel="tag">garden plants</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Ban" rel="tag">Ban</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Illigal" rel="tag">Illigal</a></div> Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-80024027408058091832014-03-17T09:25:00.001+00:002014-03-17T10:26:39.145+00:00Chelsea 2014 Review: The Telegraph Garden<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NAoD2cKOcqU/Uya_WkS1UWI/AAAAAAAAAuo/8x6LSI92GTg/s1600-h/GA-front-0_2850709c3.jpg"><img title="GA-front-0_2850709c" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="GA-front-0_2850709c" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3YAKxpzX1lk/Uya_Xuzb26I/AAAAAAAAAuw/hEh01Jpb0fQ/GA-front-0_2850709c_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="237"></a></p> <p>This year’s Telegraph garden is designed by Tommaso del Buono and Paul Gazerwitz and is supposed to be Italian inspired, with a modern twist. This is the first time I have seen the proposed plan and to be honest, I am a little disappointed. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/chelseaflowershow/10694648/Chelsea-Flower-Show-2014-introducing-the-Telegraph-garden.html" target="_blank"><strong>Click Here to see the Telegraph Article</strong></a></p> <p>Why? ……Because I have been looking forward to seeing their entry, especially after seeing the beautiful examples of their work on their website <a title="http://delbuono-gazerwitz.co.uk/" href="http://delbuono-gazerwitz.co.uk/">http://delbuono-gazerwitz.co.uk/</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ktQHYguTBSA/Uya_av2tMDI/AAAAAAAAAu4/xXmejtlVack/s1600-h/home04-1000x6672.jpg"><img title="home04-1000x667" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="home04-1000x667" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FxBK6KxzqKI/Uya_byMqGZI/AAAAAAAAAvA/sWoEcl5iY5E/home04-1000x667_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a></p> <p>They appear to have 2 distinct, almost opposing styles of design. The first ‘contemporary classical’ using a formal axial design and the second heavily plant based, using herbaceous perennials interspersed with topiary. I particularly liked the clean simple lines of their gardens and particularly liked the their “Topiary no flowers approach to gardening” which relies more on light and shadow, form and shape to provide the visual interest.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zxz_LMX0Ggw/Uya_eFhXrqI/AAAAAAAAAvI/1rJ_VDcFbR4/s1600-h/home02-1000x6672.jpg"><img title="home02-1000x667" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="home02-1000x667" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oL1K4Nl5hzA/Uya_ffr1w4I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/koHPJy10Nwc/home02-1000x667_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a></p> <p>Their other style, relies heavily on planting and while nice, can be seen in many other designers portfolios.</p> <p>What concerns me about their Chelsea exhibit, is that it appears to be a pastiche of both style -neither one thing or the other. I would surmise that being a design partnership, Buono favours the contemporary classic and Gazerwitz the horticultural fluff. But not having met them, I can only speculate that the coming together to create this exhibit, has been an uneasy compromise of both designer’s work.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NOSwmktIZD8/Uya_gFyR7GI/AAAAAAAAAvU/6vmsF6ONbEw/s1600-h/2014-03-16_15-25-463.jpg"><img title="2014-03-16_15-25-46" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-03-16_15-25-46" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FlI5wAEdP4g/Uya_hNdwqwI/AAAAAAAAAvg/S3XbtzRNQLA/2014-03-16_15-25-46_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="266"></a></p> <p>The plan is based on a simple grid system and designed to be viewed from both the side and the front, although the front view is likely to give the best overall impression of the garden. In the Telegraph article they describe the garden </p> <blockquote> <p><em>“as to adhere to the guiding principles of Italian horticultural tradition, but with a modern slant, and will be refreshingly simple in nature.” </em></p></blockquote> <p>If I squint, I can just about see the Italian influence, but could “refreshingly simple” be another description for dull?</p> <p>A central formal lawn (seen in so many Chelsea gardens in the past) is bordered by a stone path (or is that a simply a mowing edge, dependent on the vigour of the topiary?) The flower borders are minimal in width and they will struggle to create anything crowd pleasing in those. </p> <p>The one unknown in all this is the topiary at both ends. If they can find trees of a sufficient size and maturity to create the canopy roof they talk about, then they may just pull it off.</p> <p>Having said this, I am unconvinced by the way the tree trucks interfere with the usable space on the rear terrace, rendering it useless as a dinning space and only fit for a few chairs.</p> <p>While critiquing a garden from plan is very difficult, the technical execution of its building will be paramount to its success or failure. The six figure budget will almost certainly guarantee it a gold medal, but will it be a best in show – I personally don’t think so.</p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="3">Let us know what you think, Do you agree or disagree?</font></u></strong></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:8281679d-d60f-4eec-bc12-eac91805a516" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Telegraph+Garden" rel="tag">Telegraph Garden</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Chelsea+Flower+Show+2014" rel="tag">Chelsea Flower Show 2014</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Chelsea" rel="tag">Chelsea</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/RHS" rel="tag">RHS</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Royal+Horticultural+Soceity" rel="tag">Royal Horticultural Soceity</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Tommaso+del+Buono" rel="tag">Tommaso del Buono</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Paul+Gazerwitz" rel="tag">Paul Gazerwitz</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Italian" rel="tag">Italian</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Garden" rel="tag">Garden</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Exhibit" rel="tag">Exhibit</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Review" rel="tag">Review</a></div> Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-59728296425716740932014-03-04T13:11:00.001+00:002014-03-04T14:26:11.202+00:00Fruit Tree Specification & Rootstocks Guide<h3></h3> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-npa0qwNUOzs/UxXQUjeTnPI/AAAAAAAAApk/WaR7ggzCAO0/s1600-h/apple1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="apple1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="apple1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UTrRL-2H8hM/UxXQV_aKU0I/AAAAAAAAAps/Z8mGmpR32Q4/apple1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="329"></a></p> <p align="justify">When specifying fruit trees, variety and rootstock are the two most important factors. Almost all fruit trees are grafted onto rootstocks. The rootstock is the most important factor in determining the vigour and eventual size of the tree. </p> <p align="justify">The choice of rootstock will therefore determine the suitability of the tree for the position and the form in which you intend to grow it. Please find below a list of rootstocks and their characteristics, including mature height, spread, Planting distance, yield and form types.</p> <hr> <h1>Apple</h1> <h3><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PurP4Ub6R20/UxXQYYleb0I/AAAAAAAAAp0/igUUZTnt680/s1600-h/1.%252520Apples%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="1. Apples" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="1. Apples" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z94yaNv3p70/UxXQZuT3rtI/AAAAAAAAAp8/r_JYfgxNia4/1.%252520Apples_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></h3> <h3> </h3> <h3>Apple: M27 (Very dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: Good soil conditions. Ground should be clear of weeds and grass. Permanent staking required. Water in dry conditions.</p> <p>Mature height: 4-6ft (1.2-1.8m)</p> <p>Spread: 5ft (1.5m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 4-5 ft (1.2-1.5m) apart, 6ft (1.8m) between rows</p> <p>Mature yield: 10-15lb (4.5-7kg)</p> <p>Bearing age: 2 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Dwarf pyramid, centre leader, step-over</p> <p> </p> <h3>Apple: M9 (Dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements <br>Good soil conditions. Ground should be clear of weeds and grass. Permanent staking required. Water in dry conditions.</p> <p>Mature height: 6-8ft (1.8-2.4m)</p> <p>Spread: 9ft (2.7m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 8-10ft (2.4-3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows</p> <p>Mature yield: 25-50lb (11-23kg)</p> <p>Bearing age: 2/3 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, centre leader, cordon</p> <p> </p> <h3>Apple: M26 (Semi-dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: Can be grown in all reasonable soil conditions including grass orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: 8-10ft (2.4-3m)</p> <p>Spread: 12ft (3.6m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 8-12ft (2.4-3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Mature yield: 30-80lb (13.5-36kg)</p> <p>Bearing age: 2/3 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, centre leader, cordon, minaret, espalier, container</p> <p> </p> <h3>Apple: MM106 (Semi-vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including grassed orchards and relatively poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: 10-13ft (3-4m)</p> <p>Spread: 13ft (4m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Mature yield: 50-100lb (23-56kg)</p> <p>Bearing age: 3/4 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Half standard, bush, cordon, espalier, container</p> <p> </p> <h3>Apple: MM111 (Vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including grassed orchards and poor soils. Staking preferable but not necessary if planted as a one year old. Stake for first 3 years if planted as 2/3 year trees.</p> <p>Mature height: 13-15ft (4-4.5m)</p> <p>Spread: 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 15ft (4.5m) apart, 20ft (6m) between rows</p> <p>Mature yield: 100-400lb (45-180kg)</p> <p>Bearing age: 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Standard, half standard, large espalier</p> <p> </p> <h3>Apple: M25 (Very vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including grassed orchards and poor soils. Staking preferable but not necessary if planted as a one year old. Stake for first 3 years if planted as 2/3 year trees.</p> <p>Mature height: Over15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Spread: 20ft (6m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows</p> <p>Mature yield: 200-400lb (90-180kg)</p> <p>Bearing age: 5/6 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Standard</p> <h1>Pear</h1> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-G8hlASecsFw/UxXQanY2QtI/AAAAAAAAAqE/RB0v5XHqmdg/s1600-h/peartree%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="peartree" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="peartree" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1c_k5mNchj0/UxXQbTa6J7I/AAAAAAAAAqM/ViCOjQ8azPA/peartree_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="302"></a></p> <h3>Pear: Quince C (Dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: Good fertile soil. Ground should be clear of weeds and grass. Stake for at least the first 5 years and preferably permanently.</p> <p>Mature height: 8-10ft (2.4-3m)</p> <p>Spread: 9ft (2.7m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 9ft (2.7m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age : 3/4 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, centre leader, cordon, espalier</p> <p> </p> <h3>Pear: Quince A (Semi-dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including relatively poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height : 10-12ft (3-3.6m )</p> <p>Spread: 12ft (3.6m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Suitable Forms: Half standard, bush, cordon, espalier, container</p> <p> </p> <h3>Pear: Pyrodwarf (Semi-vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements; A new relatively dwarfing pear rootstock. Can be used for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: Over 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Spread : 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 15ft (4.5m) apart, 20ft (6m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age; 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Half Standard</p> <p> </p> <h3>Pear: Pyrus (Very vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including poor soils and grassed orchards. Staking preferable for the first 3 years.</p> <p>Mature height: Over 20ft (6m)</p> <p>Spread: 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Planting distance; 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age; 5/6 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Standard</p> <h1>Plum</h1> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VIs9fTAKkZY/UxXQdt-CNtI/AAAAAAAAAqU/FOheCdGl8cE/s1600-h/images%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="images" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="images" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_elKyuj0V2k/UxXQerdpTEI/AAAAAAAAAqc/f5vZQ3GQ33A/images_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <h3>Plum: VVA-1 (Dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements; A new dwarfing rootstock for plums. Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.</p> <p>Mature height: 7-9ft (2-2.7m)</p> <p>Spread; 9ft (2.7m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 8ft (2.5m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 3 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Plum: Pixy (Semi-dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.</p> <p>Mature height: 8-10ft (2.4-3m)</p> <p>Spread; 10ft (3m)</p> <p>Planting distance; 10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age; 3 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Plum: WA-VIT (Semi-dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: A new semi-dwarfing rootstock for plums, damsons, apricots and peaches. Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively dry conditions. Stake for the first 5 years</p> <p>Mature height; 9-11ft (2.7-3.3m)</p> <p>Spread: 11ft (3.3m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 4 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, Half Standard, Fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Plum: St. Julien A (Semi-vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m)</p> <p>Spread: 12ft (3.6m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms; Half standard, bush, fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Plum: Brompton (Very vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: Over 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Spread: 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Standard</p> <h1>Peach</h1> <h3><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iQ6W7KlEx68/UxXQfvRn9SI/AAAAAAAAAqk/EkeoWTpOdo4/s1600-h/peaches%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="peaches" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="peaches" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2aQda_Od7t4/UxXQgf80DjI/AAAAAAAAAqs/aKjpeiumkZQ/peaches_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a></h3> <h3>Peach: VVA-1 (Dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: A new dwarfing rootstock for plums. Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.</p> <p>Mature height: 7-9ft (2-2.7m)</p> <p>Spread: 9ft (2.7m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 8ft (2.5m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 3 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Peach: Pixy (Semi-dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.</p> <p>Mature height: 8-10ft (2.4-3m)</p> <p>Spread: 10ft (3m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 3 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Peach: WA-VIT (Semi-dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: A new semi-dwarfing rootstock for plums, damsons, apricots and peaches. Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively dry conditions. Stake for the first 5 years</p> <p>Mature height; 9-11ft (2.7-3.3m)</p> <p>Spread; 11ft (3.3m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age; 4 years</p> <p>Suitable forms; Bush, Half Standard, Fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Peach: St Julien A (Semi-vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m)</p> <p>Spread: 12ft (3.6m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age; 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms; Half standard, bush, fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Peach: Krymsk 86 (Semi-vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: A new rootstock suitable for peaches, nectarines and almonds. Can be used for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: n/a</p> <p>Spread: n/a</p> <p>Planting distance: n/a</p> <p>Bearing age; 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms; n/a</p> <p> </p> <h3>Peach: Brompton (Very vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height; Over 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Spread; 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms; Standard</p> <h1>Nectarine</h1> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5ezEABaag6U/UxXQhggNM3I/AAAAAAAAAq0/m_ZSZuL16os/s1600-h/Nectarine_Fantasia%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Nectarine_Fantasia" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Nectarine_Fantasia" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RjVZuH9a22s/UxXQivHgsvI/AAAAAAAAAq8/jmFsaVzCEIo/Nectarine_Fantasia_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="380"></a></p> <h3>Nectarine: VVA-1 (Dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: A new dwarfing rootstock for plums. Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.</p> <p>Mature height; 7-9ft (2-2.7m)</p> <p>Spread: 9ft (2.7m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 8ft (2.5m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 3 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Nectarine: Pixy (Semi-dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.</p> <p>Mature height; 8-10ft (2.4-3m)</p> <p>Spread: 10ft (3m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 3 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Nectarine: WA-VIT (Semi-dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: A new semi-dwarfing rootstock for plums, damsons, apricots and peaches. Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively dry conditions. Stake for the first 5 years</p> <p>Mature height: 9-11ft (2.7-3.3m)</p> <p>Spread: 11ft (3.3m)</p> <p>Planting distance; 10ft (3m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 4 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, Half Standard, Fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Nectarine: St Julien A (Semi-vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m)</p> <p>Spread: 12ft (3.6m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Half standard, bush, fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Nectarine: Krymsk 86 (Semi-vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: A new rootstock suitable for peaches, nectarines and almonds. Can be used for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: n/a</p> <p>Spread: n/a</p> <p>Planting distance: n/a</p> <p>Bearing age; 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms; n/a</p> <p> </p> <h3>Nectarine: Brompton (Very vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: Over 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Spread: 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Standard</p> <h1>Apricot</h1> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Rrj2IjG-jUg/UxXQj_AM28I/AAAAAAAAArE/CA8qBc5EoWg/s1600-h/moorpark-apricot-tree-4131.jpg"><img title="moorpark-apricot-tree-4131" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="moorpark-apricot-tree-4131" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-N4IZn8_n2wA/UxXQlO6VGoI/AAAAAAAAArM/JHE74w8CPfc/moorpark-apricot-tree-4131_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <h3>Apricot: VVA-1 (Dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements; A new dwarfing rootstock for plums. Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.</p> <p>Mature height; 7-9ft (2-2.7m)</p> <p>Spread; 9ft (2.7m)</p> <p>Planting distance; 8ft (2.5m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age; 3 years</p> <p>Suitable forms; Bush, pyramid, small fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Apricot: Pixy (Semi-dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.</p> <p>Mature height; 8-10ft (2.4-3m)</p> <p>Spread; 10ft (3m)</p> <p>Planting distance; 10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age; 3 years</p> <p>Suitable forms; Bush, pyramid, small fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Apricot: WA-VIT (Semi-dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: A new semi-dwarfing rootstock for plums, damsons, apricots and peaches. Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively dry conditions. Stake for the first 5 years</p> <p>Mature height: 9-11ft (2.7-3.3m)</p> <p>Spread; 11ft (3.3m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age; 4 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, Half Standard, Fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Apricot: Torinel (Semi-dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: A new rootstock suitable for apricots. Can be used for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m)</p> <p>Spread: 12ft (3.6m)</p> <p>Planting distance; 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age; 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms; Half standard, bush, fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Apricot: St Julien A (Semi-vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m)</p> <p>Spread: 12ft (3.6m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms; Half standard, bush, fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Apricot: Brompton (Very vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: Over 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Spread: 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Standard</p> <h1>Cherry</h1> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-d1DkKmrCUuE/UxXQmoVogII/AAAAAAAAArU/RuqidjgardU/s1600-h/CherryLapins%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="CherryLapins" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="CherryLapins" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HIoESCyCfCY/UxXQn83BNlI/AAAAAAAAArY/fLdnunH5gXY/CherryLapins_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <h3>Cherry: Gisela 5 (Semi-dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: Good fertile soil. Ground should be cleared of weeds and grass. Staking required for the first 5 years. Very sensitive to systemic herbicides such as Glyphosate the use of which should be avoided around young trees.</p> <p>Mature height: 8-10ft (2.4-3m)</p> <p>Spread: 10ft (3m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 3 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, small fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Cherry: Colt (Semi-vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including relatively poor soils and grassed orchards. Staking preferable but not necessary if planted as a one year old. Stake for first 3 years if planted as 2/3 year trees.</p> <p>Mature height: 12-15ft (3-4.5m)</p> <p>Spread: 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 15ft (4.5m) apart, 20ft (6.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Half standard, bush</p> <p> </p> <h3>Cherry: F12/1 (Very vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including poor soils and grassed orchards. Staking preferable but not necessary if planted as a one year old. Stake for first 3 years if planted as 2/3 year trees.</p> <p>Mature height: Over 20ft (6m)</p> <p>Spread: 20ft (6m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 5/6 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Standard</p> <h1>Medlar</h1> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UB2B9PKjs-c/UxXQpk46dKI/AAAAAAAAArk/BtskId_OAX8/s1600-h/Mespilus%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Mespilus" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Mespilus" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Dtwsqfwejo4/UxXQq71Tn4I/AAAAAAAAArs/hTTm8DVubN0/Mespilus_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="438"></a></p> <h3>Medlar: Quince C (Dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: Good fertile soil. Ground should be clear of weeds and grass. Stake for at least the first 5 years and preferably permanently.</p> <p>Mature height; 8-10ft (2.4-3m)</p> <p>Spread: 9ft (2.7m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 9ft (2.7m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 3/4 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, centre leader, cordon, espalier</p> <p> </p> <h3>Medlar: Quince A (Semi-dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including relatively poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m )</p> <p>Spread: 12ft (3.6m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age; 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Suitable Forms: Half standard, bush, cordon, espalier, container</p> <p> </p> <h3>Medlar: Pyrodwarf (Semi-vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements; A new relatively dwarfing pear rootstock. Can be used for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: Over 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Spread: 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 15ft (4.5m) apart, 20ft (6m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Half Standard</p> <p> </p> <h3>Medlar: Pyrus (Very vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including poor soils and grassed orchards. Staking preferable for the first 3 years.</p> <p>Mature height: Over 20ft (6m)</p> <p>Spread: 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Planting distance; 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 5/6 years</p> <p>Suitable form: Standard</p> <p> </p> <h3>Medlar: Crataegus (Semi-dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is commonly used as a rootstock for medlars. Suitable for a wide range of soils including grassed orchards and relatively poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m )</p> <p>Spread: 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 15ft (4.5m) apart, 20ft (6.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 3/4 years</p> <p>Suitable forms; Bush, half standard</p> <h1>Quince</h1> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eOcbpgMoQeE/UxXQs8nxoCI/AAAAAAAAAr0/pe4X_BYgL1M/s1600-h/Quince06%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Quince06" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Quince06" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GexcvibyRgs/UxXQuOjInBI/AAAAAAAAAr8/ZQhU4hZyYWs/Quince06_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <h3>Quince: Quince C (Dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: Good fertile soil. Ground should be clear of weeds and grass. Stake for at least the first 5 years and preferably permanently.</p> <p>Mature height: 8-10ft (2.4-3m)</p> <p>Spread: 9ft (2.7m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 9ft (2.7m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 3/4 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, centre leader, cordon, espalier</p> <p> </p> <h3>Quince: Quince A (Semi-dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including relatively poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m )</p> <p>Spread: 12ft (3.6m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age <br>4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms <br>Suitable Forms: Half standard, bush, cordon, espalier, container</p> <p> </p> <h3>Quince: Pyrus (Very vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including poor soils and grassed orchards. Staking preferable for the first 3 years.</p> <p>Mature height: Over 20ft (6m)</p> <p>Spread: 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 5/6 years</p> <p>Suitable forms; Standard</p> <h1>Almond</h1> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mQWk1030Ssc/UxXQu3-J1kI/AAAAAAAAAsA/voPJMawLfh4/s1600-h/almond-tree-01%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="almond-tree-01" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="almond-tree-01" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XpG8-EyuXio/UxXQwJlDupI/AAAAAAAAAsM/dR0e88nh5cM/almond-tree-01_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="336"></a></p> <h3>Almond: St Julien A (Semi-vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m)</p> <p>Spread: 12ft (3.6m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Half standard, bush, fan</p> <h1>Bullace</h1> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BYXBhNE-l3g/UxXQxKojygI/AAAAAAAAAsU/Ga3tuu3Qg5k/s1600-h/Sloes_On_Tree_5589%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Sloes_On_Tree_5589" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sloes_On_Tree_5589" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uJxBvqJR1ps/UxXQx_jtk2I/AAAAAAAAAsc/tcQ64BJ6b2s/Sloes_On_Tree_5589_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="193"></a></p> <h3>Bullace: VVA-1 (Dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: A new dwarfing rootstock for plums. Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.</p> <p>Mature height: 7-9ft (2-2.7m)</p> <p>Spread: 9ft (2.7m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 8ft (2.5m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 3 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Bullace: Pixy (Semi-dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.</p> <p>Mature height: 8-10ft (2.4-3m)</p> <p>Spread: 10ft (3m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 3 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Bullace: WA-VIT (Semi-dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: A new semi-dwarfing rootstock for plums, damsons, apricots and peaches. Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively dry conditions. Stake for the first 5 years</p> <p>Mature height; 9-11ft (2.7-3.3m)</p> <p>Spread: 11ft (3.3m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 4 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, Half Standard, Fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Bullace: St Julien A (Semi-vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height; 10-12ft (3-3.6m)</p> <p>Spread; 12ft (3.6m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Half standard, bush, fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Bullace: Brompton (Very vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: Over 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Spread: 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Standard</p> <h1>Cherry Plum</h1> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GKdKUZsWrtM/UxXQz043dQI/AAAAAAAAAsk/gsqvRmZiEk0/s1600-h/prune5%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="prune5" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="prune5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-51t_453fLlw/UxXQ1PmJb2I/AAAAAAAAAss/A7u5_WWnKt0/prune5_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <h3>Cherry Plum: VVA-1 (Dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: A new dwarfing rootstock for plums. Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.</p> <p>Mature height: 7-9ft (2-2.7m)</p> <p>Spread: 9ft (2.7m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 8ft (2.5m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 3 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Cherry Plum: Pixy (Semi-dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.</p> <p>Mature height: 8-10ft (2.4-3m)</p> <p>Spread: 10ft (3m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 3 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Cherry Plum: WA-VIT (Semi-dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements; A new semi-dwarfing rootstock for plums, damsons, apricots and peaches. Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively dry conditions. Stake for the first 5 years</p> <p>Mature height: 9-11ft (2.7-3.3m)</p> <p>Spread: 11ft (3.3m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 4 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, Half Standard, Fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Cherry Plum: St Julien A (Semi-vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m)</p> <p>Spread: 12ft (3.6m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Half standard, bush, fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Cherry Plum: Brompton (Very vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: Over 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Spread: 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Standard</p> <h1>Damson</h1> <h3><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LrI2NHJxsmg/UxXQ11Fx7HI/AAAAAAAAAs0/WJWPDr-IKeM/s1600-h/tree%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="tree" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="tree" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G7y6PQIg-PM/UxXQ3DKRT4I/AAAAAAAAAs8/ewwMOeHCILg/tree_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="357"></a></h3> <h3>Damson: VVA-1 (Dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: A new dwarfing rootstock for plums. Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.</p> <p>Mature height: 7-9ft (2-2.7m)</p> <p>Spread: 9ft (2.7m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 8ft (2.5m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 3 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Damson: Pixy (Semi-dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.</p> <p>Mature height: 8-10ft (2.4-3m)</p> <p>Spread: 10ft (3m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 3 years</p> <p>Suitable forms; Bush, pyramid, small fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Damson: WA-VIT (Semi-dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: A new semi-dwarfing rootstock for plums, damsons, apricots and peaches. Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively dry conditions. Stake for the first 5 years</p> <p>Mature height: 9-11ft (2.7-3.3m)</p> <p>Spread: 11ft (3.3m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 4 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, Half Standard, Fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Damson: St Julien A (Semi-vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m)</p> <p>Spread: 12ft (3.6m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Half standard, bush, fan</p> <p> </p> <h3>Damson: Brompton (Very vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: Over 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Spread: 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows</p> <p>Bearing age: 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Standard</p> <h1>Crab Apple</h1> <h3><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J6s9a2BPWU8/UxXQ4J8bt2I/AAAAAAAAAtE/RBaOs5sbzN4/s1600-h/appletree%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="appletree" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="appletree" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-htUXHsY766I/UxXQ45Q_rWI/AAAAAAAAAtM/eo5qAm9ILJk/appletree_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></h3> <h3>Crab Apple: M27 (Very dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: Good soil conditions. Ground should be clear of weeds and grass. Permanent staking required. Water in dry conditions.</p> <p>Mature height; 4-6ft (1.2-1.8m)</p> <p>Spread: 5ft (1.5m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 4-5 ft (1.2-1.5m) apart, 6ft (1.8m) between rows</p> <p>Mature yield: 10-15lb (4.5-7kg)</p> <p>Bearing age: 2 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Dwarf pyramid, centre leader, step-over</p> <p> </p> <h3>Crab Apple: M9 (Dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: Good soil conditions. Ground should be clear of weeds and grass. Permanent staking required. Water in dry conditions.</p> <p>Mature height; 6-8ft (1.8-2.4m)</p> <p>Spread: 9ft (2.7m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 8-10ft (2.4-3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows</p> <p>Mature yield; 25-50lb (11-23kg)</p> <p>Bearing age: 2/3 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, centre leader, cordon</p> <p> </p> <h3>Crab Apple: M26 (Semi-dwarfing )</h3> <p>Requirements: Can be grown in all reasonable soil conditions including grass orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height: 8-10ft (2.4-3m)</p> <p>Spread: 12ft (3.6m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 8-12ft (2.4-3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Mature yield: 30-80lb (13.5-36kg)</p> <p>Bearing age: 2/3 years</p> <p>Suitable forms; Bush, pyramid, centre leader, cordon, minaret, espalier, container</p> <p> </p> <h3>Crab Apple: MM106 (Semi-vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including grassed orchards and relatively poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.</p> <p>Mature height; 10-13ft (3-4m)</p> <p>Spread: 13ft (4m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows</p> <p>Mature yield: 50-100lb (23-56kg)</p> <p>Bearing age; 3/4 years</p> <p>Suitable forms; Half standard, bush, cordon, espalier, container</p> <p> </p> <h3>Crab Apple: MM111 (Vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including grassed orchards and poor soils. Staking preferable but not necessary if planted as a one year old. Stake for first 3 years if planted as 2/3 year trees.</p> <p>Mature height: 13-15ft (4-4.5m)</p> <p>Spread: 15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 15ft (4.5m) apart, 20ft (6m) between rows</p> <p>Mature yield: 100-400lb (45-180kg)</p> <p>Bearing age: 4/5 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Standard, half standard, large espalier</p> <p> </p> <h3>Crab Apple: M25 (Very vigorous )</h3> <p>Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including grassed orchards and poor soils. Staking preferable but not necessary if planted as a one year old. Stake for first 3 years if planted as 2/3 year trees.</p> <p>Mature height : Over15ft (4.5m)</p> <p>Spread: 20ft (6m)</p> <p>Planting distance: 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows</p> <p>Mature yield: 200-400lb (90-180kg)</p> <p>Bearing age: 5/6 years</p> <p>Suitable forms: Standard</p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:82ea2ec0-a12a-46d3-9d84-6dc717ee92dc" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Fruit" rel="tag">Fruit</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Tree" rel="tag">Tree</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Rootstock" rel="tag">Rootstock</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Specification" rel="tag">Specification</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Requiremnets" rel="tag">Requiremnets</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Mature+height" rel="tag">Mature height</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Spread" rel="tag">Spread</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Planting+distance" rel="tag">Planting distance</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Mature+yield" rel="tag">Mature yield</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Bearing+age" rel="tag">Bearing age</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Forms" rel="tag">Forms</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Standard" rel="tag">Standard</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/half+standard" rel="tag">half standard</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/large+espalier" rel="tag">large espalier</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Crab+Apple" rel="tag">Crab Apple</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Damson" rel="tag">Damson</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Cherry+Plum" rel="tag">Cherry Plum</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Bullace" rel="tag">Bullace</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Almond" rel="tag">Almond</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Quince" rel="tag">Quince</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Medlar" rel="tag">Medlar</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Cherry" rel="tag">Cherry</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Apricot" rel="tag">Apricot</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Nectarine" rel="tag">Nectarine</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Peach" rel="tag">Peach</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Plum" rel="tag">Plum</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Pear" rel="tag">Pear</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Apple" rel="tag">Apple</a></div> Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-65454648034814691442014-01-22T15:16:00.000+00:002014-01-22T15:16:00.101+00:00CDM2014 Update<p>The latest word is that CDM2014 is more likely to be CDM2015 as it is unlikely that any change to legislation will come into force until April 2015 at the earliest. With an election in May 2015 it is possible that it may be an October 2015 enactment. <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DxtaEDmWur4/UtqbUqjd2rI/AAAAAAAAAnk/-Gr5JKEc9zo/s1600-h/piPlanningSupervisors%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><strong><img title="piPlanningSupervisors" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="piPlanningSupervisors" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F7ogWt1MMoo/UtqbVfhvvLI/AAAAAAAAAns/gjvucUpqDNE/piPlanningSupervisors_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="404"></strong></a>We understand that the HSE are still planning to hold a 3 month industry consultation period. <p>In brief we believe that the HSE may be proposing:</p><strong></strong> <ul> <li><strong>Removal of the independent CDM Co-ordinator role and placing Design Phase health and safety co-ordination with a 'Principal Designer' (working title).</strong> <li><strong>Removal of the Appendix 4 Competence Assessment criteria.</strong> <li><strong>Placing construction phase co-ordination duties with the Principal Contractor.</strong> <li><strong>Full application of CDM Regulations to all projects with more than one contractor on site (including domestic projects).</strong> <li><strong>Placing client duties for domestic projects with the first appointee (architect or contractor).</strong></li></ul> <p><strong><a href="https://www.aps.org.uk/download.php?download_file=Li4vLi4vdmlzYWdlaW1hZ2VzL3BkZnMvTmV3cy9IU0UlMjBCb2FyZCUyMFBhcGVyJTIwLSUyMFJlZ3VsYXRpb24lMjAlMjBvZiUyMHRoZSUyMENvbnN0cnVjdGlvbiUyMEluZHVzdHJ5LCUyMFNlcHQlMjAyMDEzLnBkZg==">Read the HSE's Board Paper "Regulation in the Construction Industry" to find our more about their plans.</a></strong> <p>We are now anticipating publication of their proposals in January 2014 with the consultation to follow during February March and April.</p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:b763163e-55fd-41d1-aeb9-c4282223cb6c" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/CDM" rel="tag">CDM</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Regulations" rel="tag">Regulations</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Construction" rel="tag">Construction</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Design" rel="tag">Design</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/%26+management" rel="tag">& management</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/regulations" rel="tag">regulations</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/HSE" rel="tag">HSE</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Health+%26+safety+executive" rel="tag">Health & safety executive</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Prinicipal+Designer" rel="tag">Prinicipal Designer</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Planning" rel="tag">Planning</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Building+Regs" rel="tag">Building Regs</a></div> Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-66612368555542824242014-01-18T13:50:00.001+00:002014-01-18T13:57:49.857+00:002014 Construction Design & Management Regulation<h1>Revised CDM Regulations and guidance will come into force in October 2014:</h1> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Hs79I9kU5tc/UtqIWBEPUYI/AAAAAAAAAnM/hPG-uc-fdCs/s1600-h/CDM-2014-Plan-Manage-Monitor%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="CDM-2014-Plan-Manage-Monitor" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="CDM-2014-Plan-Manage-Monitor" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6cta6_TT0Do/UtqIXK6r4NI/AAAAAAAAAnU/fldAzDYoLr4/CDM-2014-Plan-Manage-Monitor_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="517"></a></p> <p>CDM does not just apply to large building projects, and the proposals will seek to underline that the Regulations also cover smaller projects, including most domestic work, building maintenance and landscaping projects.<br><br>The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) aims to deliver core guidance on how to manage health and safety on-site, and provide a "clear interpretation" of the revised Regulations. This will be supported by a practical guide to managing health and safety on small construction projects, and a number of sector-specific guides for "typical small construction projects. (Possibly including the landscape industry)<br><br>There will be much more emphasis on the need for those involved in construction-related activity to follow the general requirements of CDM, and less emphasis on the additional requirements that apply to 'notifiable' (e.g. larger building site) projects.</p> <p>Key references to safety pre-qualification requirements are set to disappear, which is expected to leave the door ajar for pre-qualification guide PAS 91 and prequalification questionnaire (PQQ) umbrella scheme <a href="http://www.constructionline.co.uk/static/acclaim/SSIP.html" target="_blank">SSIP</a>, allowing them to assume a bigger role in the industry. <br><br>The HSE has been careful not to release other specific details in advance of the consultation, but in addition to the expected removal of the current 'CDM coordinator' role, a new role is set to appear – the 'principal designer'.</p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:fcd8f044-bdf5-4ba1-b9a9-908dae37ccca" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/CDM" rel="tag">CDM</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Regulations" rel="tag">Regulations</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Construction" rel="tag">Construction</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Design" rel="tag">Design</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/%26+management" rel="tag">& management</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/regulations" rel="tag">regulations</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/HSE" rel="tag">HSE</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Health+%26+safety+executive" rel="tag">Health & safety executive</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Prinicipal+Designer" rel="tag">Prinicipal Designer</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Planning" rel="tag">Planning</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Building+Regs" rel="tag">Building Regs</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/SSIP" rel="tag">SSIP</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Safety+Schemes+in+Procurement" rel="tag">Safety Schemes in Procurement</a></div> Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-21971771896253515072013-11-10T11:49:00.001+00:002015-08-24T15:46:18.385+01:00Garden Designer Interview: Duncan Heather<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 10:18<br />
<strong><em>In our series of interviews with garden designers that have a plethora of knowledge and talent, we at Notcutts were lucky enough to have caught up with one of Europe’s most successful garden designers, Duncan Heather.</em></strong> <br />
<img align="left" alt="" src="http://blog.notcutts.co.uk/storage/Duncan.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1382607153093" style="display: inline; float: left;" />Duncan Heather When reading Duncan Heather’s biography you can’t help but be impressed. He is one of Europe’s most successful garden designers, winning five gold, one silver and one bronze medal along with three best show awards for his work. Duncan trained under and worked for John Brookes – one of the most influential garden designers of the 20<sup>th</sup>Century. In 1991 while working for Mr Brookes who is known for the world famous Denmans garden in West Sussex, Duncan was offered a directorship, something he declined in favour of concentrating on his own design practice in Henley-on-Thames. <br />
Duncan splits his professional time working on a variety of garden design projects with lecturing at the <a href="http://www.garden-design-courses.co.uk/">Oxford College of Garden Design</a>. He is the Founder and Principle of the college, since its inception in 1992, Duncan now offers a diploma course which can be obtained via online lectures, tutorials and video lectures. <br />
We were lucky enough to catch up with Duncan to discover what it was like to train under and work with John Brookes, and what he believes is the key ingredient to a well thought-out and executed garden design. <br />
<strong>What was it like to train under and work with John Brookes?</strong> <br />
I rate John as one of the top designers of the 20<sup>th</sup> Century and he will go down in history as such. I was very privileged to be his design assistant and one of a handful of people to work with him. Working with him gave me a deeper insight into how his design philosophy (called Pattern Analysis) works, although he has written numerous books about design. It was this insight that helped me to set up Oxford College of Garden Design and reach the goals I wanted to achieve. <br />
John developed ‘Pattern Analysis’, which is the polar opposite of the ‘SAD’ technique most garden designers are taught, allowing designers to create modern art within the garden. The boundaries of the garden, act as a picture frame. With the house always being the most important element of the design. An imaginary grid is setup, which is unique to the site and is created using the proportion of the house. As a result all the patterns created within the picture frame, relates back to the house in scale. The spaces within the design, can represent water, paving, lawn or planting and the lines dictate where a hedge set of steps or wall can be placed. <br />
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<strong>It sounds as though you have been extremely influenced by John Brookes, even mentioning his Pattern Analysis as a way of teaching. How does the Oxford College of Garden Design differentiate with ‘John Brookes: An introduction to garden design’?</strong> <br />
John is no longer teaching a face to face course, but does teach a four-week online course with my sister school, <a href="http://www.my-garden-school.com/">MyGardenSchool </a>. The classes I teach with Oxford College of Garden Design are intended to teach those who are wishing to become professional garden designers, whereas MyGardenSchool aims to teach horticultural classes to the general public. <br />
Both John and I co-wrote the classes taught at MyGardenSchool, and John is available to answer any questions, help with any design elements people may have and mark their work. He is very much involved in teaching and has embraced new technology throughout his career. We are both very excited about online learning, and I really believe this is the future; within a decade I believe all universities will be teaching their lectures this way. <br />
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<strong>You and Elspeth Briscoe founded MyGardenSchool the world’s first virtual gardening school and you’ve also launched MyPhotoSchool. When you’re not lecturing how do you spend your time? I’ve noticed your garden is quite large, have you found time to do all the garden chores yourself?</strong> <br />
My wife Carol, does most of the gardening, but yes I do a little work here and there. I tend to use my time to build and run my businesses, blog, do a little SEO and teach online. I am very lucky when it comes to how I spend my time. I love gardening and this is my full time job and photography is a great hobby of mine and I’ve been able to incorporate this into my work load too. MyPhotoSchool was founded after our Flower Photography course proved to be the most popular class we had to offer and since then we have been able to ask top photographers to teach at our online school. <br />
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<strong>Following your article ‘Would you be a better Landscape Designer if you were Dyslexic?’ and being dyslexic yourself, do you believe it has made you a better designer?</strong> <br />
Those with dyslexia tend to see things more holistically. We’re more arty than analytical. Do I think it has made me a better designer? I think it has helped. I struggle less with visualising what I want to do. When I walk into a garden, within half an hour I have a clear plan of what I intend to do with that space. <br />
<strong>What do you believe to be the key ingredient to a well thought out and executed garden design?</strong> <br />
The house and site are the main factors for every garden design. What a lot of people believe is the most important aspect of garden design is the client, but what I want to create is a garden with longevity. Although the client is important, after all they are paying the bill, you also need to ensure the next owners like the garden too. It has to work with the house and location. The style and location of the house needs to be put at the forefront of any design, whether it is a countryside setting or in a more urban environment. The architecture is the main focal point; it is the beginning and end of all design. The design then has to revolve around it. <br />
<strong>What influenced your garden? Are there places you like to source inspiration from?</strong> <br />
I have a two acre garden, which is located in a heavily woodland environment. One part of my garden is filled with beach woodland which makes it difficult to grow anything, not even brambles could grow under the trees due to the lack of light. So in the second part of my garden, I removed 60 of the trees and create two woodland glades. One is grass and the other is a natural duck pond. <br />
What inspires me is light. When you walk into a church with beautifully painted stain glass windows and they catch the light it can be breathtaking, and often makes the hairs on your neck stand up. This is what I have created in my garden with mounded flower beds (two to three feet high); it’s wonderful to see plants with a natural back light. This height, or having the border westerly faced, ensures that you can create shafts of lights. When I walk through my garden, I will get a different feel at all times of the day. Playing with light quality inspires me and if a designer gets it right, you can create shadows that dance on the grass and take the art of design to another level. <br />
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<strong>Do you think Chelsea Flower Show is a good place to start pulling ideas for your garden if you’re a novice?</strong> <br />
To me the <a href="http://blog.notcutts.co.uk/latest-articles/2013/6/10/rhs-chelsea-flower-show-infographic.html">Chelsea Flower Show</a> is a complete waste of time. The RHS are not going to like what I say, but I feel it’s the same old designers, techniques and gardens just rehashed year upon year. It is dated and irrelevant. <br />
I always suggest to my students that they go to the <a href="http://www.domaine-chaumont.fr/en_festival_festival">International Garden Festival</a> at Chaumont-sur-Loire in France. Each year 30 gardens are built by architects, designers or anyone who is artist and not bogged down by planting. They create mind blowing art installations within hedged exteriors that are not large in scale, but gigantic in artistic flare. They use sound, light, water, reflectivity, shadow and mirroring to create something that pushes the boundaries in design. <br />
<img alt="" src="http://blog.notcutts.co.uk/storage/Untitled7.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1382607553940" /> <br />
<strong>Trees seem to take centre stage in your garden; what do you look for when buying a young tree?</strong> <br />
I take a look at the roots to make sure it is healthy and prefer pot bound trees. I look out for a good, strong trunk that is damage free and has a good head of branches with two or three leaders, and often opt for trees with 8-12cm to 16-18cm girth. I prefer to <a href="http://blog.notcutts.co.uk/latest-articles/2012/11/2/gardening-guide-planting-a-tree.html">plant young trees</a> as they don’t need as much TLC as mature trees and tend to get away more quickly. <br />
<strong>What advice can you offer those wishing to build a magical garden from scratch?</strong> <br />
Take your time; a garden isn’t like a house and you can complete the build over the course of many years; but do have a master plan to work with. If you don’t feel you have the qualifications to draw up a plan, bring someone in to help you and don’t be afraid to gain help in building your garden. <br />
Although this is a cliché, the garden is an extension of the home, especially now as we can incorporate the outside sofas and art. I use photography in my garden to create an art installation; experiment with different ideas. Segregate parts of the garden with natural walls or use meshing with photographs for a modern twist; this is especially great for urban environments. Light control is also great to experiment with as you can create all sorts of atmospheres. <br />
<img alt="" src="http://blog.notcutts.co.uk/storage/Untitled9.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1382607565604" /> <br />
<strong>What does the magic of gardening mean to you?</strong> <br />
In the spring time I love to go outside, sit on my deck with a glass of wine and listen to the birds singing. There is nowhere else I’d rather be and my wife and I never chose to travel in April because of this. <br />
The garden is the most magical retreat and if you get it right you can create a real oasis. In urban environments you can use the sound of water to mask on-going traffic or add screens to create privacy. When you sit in your garden the pace of life changes, your quality of life improves in this space you’ve created <br />
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<br />Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-40918933203681162962013-05-24T12:31:00.001+01:002013-05-24T12:31:28.536+01:00Chelsea Flower Show 2013<p><b><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EMuZ11NdNSc/UZ9OsBU7v1I/AAAAAAAAAhk/OJbvnN94Zn4/s1600-h/telegraph_2565906k%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="telegraph_2565906k" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="telegraph_2565906k" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UG6_8KDJ7tw/UZ9OtRxp57I/AAAAAAAAAhs/N9cUbL7g16g/telegraph_2565906k_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="539" height="338"></a></b></p> <p><b>The Daily Telegraph Garden</b><br><i>Exhibitor: The Daily Telegraph<br></i><i>Designer: Christoper Bradley-Hole </i><br>Christopher Bradley-Hole's garden is an abstract design inspired by the English landscape, with Japanese overtones. His Latin garden for the <i>Daily Telegraph</i> in 1997 won Best in Show. He says: "The garden is a representation of England as a wooded landscape from which openings were cleared to allow settlement, civilisation and cultivation. English native trees and shrubs are used in a graphic way to create an understorey which expresses the way a field pattern has been superimposed on the land."</p> <p>Picture: Martin Pope <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9GrxsHSwuw4/UZ9OvYpEA-I/AAAAAAAAAh0/2jX4W8JLiZ8/s1600-h/sentebale_2565903k%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="sentebale_2565903k" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="sentebale_2565903k" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WcMyIrPK7UA/UZ9OwXpPHjI/AAAAAAAAAh8/Mo97rK6F9F0/sentebale_2565903k_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="539" height="338"></a> <p><b>B&Q Sentebale 'Forget Me Not' Garden </b></p> <p><i>Exhibitor: B&Q Sentebale<br></i><i>Designer: Jinny Blom </i><br>This garden was inspired by Prince Harry's charity Sentebale, which supports vulnerable children in the African country of Lesotho. The garden is intended to evoke the landscape and culture of Lesotho, featuring round houses, muted colours and mountainous plants. Its designer, Jinny Blom, says it is also intended however to evoke the Prince's experience of losing his mother. A pattern of “heart and crowns” is engraved on the circular central terrace, based on a Lesotho blanket design which was loved by the Princess of Wales.</p> <p><strong>Picture: Martin Pope</strong> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QwDtxrLQQeE/UZ9OxmOPPOI/AAAAAAAAAiE/BOssESzljmM/s1600-h/east_2567699k%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="east_2567699k" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="east_2567699k" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-me0G2T2vUWA/UZ9O0zbuTqI/AAAAAAAAAiM/rZe5Ms26hkI/east_2567699k_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="539" height="773"></a> <p><b>East Village Garden </b></p> <p><i>Exhibitor: Delancey<br></i><i>Designer: Michael Balston and Marie-Louise Agius</i><br>Inspired by the Olympic East Village, this garden is intended to represent the sustainable regeneration of an urban area. It combines urban-feeling materials such as steel and glass with vibrant planting. Co-designer Michael Balston said: "When I visited East Village for the first time I was struck by the amount of public and private green space. It was... fundamental to the inspiration behind the East Village Garden." <p><strong>Picture: Martin Pope</strong> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_Uj0V0eZkp8/UZ9O394AaBI/AAAAAAAAAiU/zrTq5AQTbe8/s1600-h/brewindol_2567723k%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="brewindol_2567723k" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="brewindol_2567723k" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cgXqK-batwU/UZ9O58QQ2TI/AAAAAAAAAic/PQmnbyZe7lY/brewindol_2567723k_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="539" height="338"></a> <p><b>The Brewin Dolphin Garden </b><br><i>Exhibitor: Brewin Dolphin<br></i><i>Designer: Robert Myers </i><br>A relaxing space with its plants drawn heavily from UK native species. <i>Telegraph</i> writer Bunny Guinness says: "Robert Myers restricted his plant palette to predominantly British native plants. This was a good twist, hopefully making more gardeners realise what a great range of excellent native garden plants there are, and Robert has used them in a contemporary setting." <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ty1GVt5uNEo/UZ9O8zLsQ8I/AAAAAAAAAik/whVnYVihUsE/s1600-h/trailfinders_2565911k%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="trailfinders_2565911k" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="trailfinders_2565911k" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PmmkZd7DeOA/UZ9O-qnt6KI/AAAAAAAAAis/MeaDhIs9X6g/trailfinders_2565911k_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="539" height="338"></a> <p><b>Trailfinders Australian Garden presented by Flemings </b><br><i>Exhibitor: Fleming's Nurseries<br></i><i>Designer: Phillip Johnson </i><br>A quirky "off the grid" garden which demonstrates its designer's environmental passions. It uses solar panels and recycled water, while all the building materials are also locally-sourced, or reclaimed. <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Mc4-OFVWMt0/UZ9PAmduLHI/AAAAAAAAAi0/vzGyV9cX-Is/s1600-h/homebase_2567731k%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="homebase_2567731k" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="homebase_2567731k" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fkZ9F_ac9Is/UZ9PD9Db6YI/AAAAAAAAAi8/aHIIxTnN5Pw/homebase_2567731k_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="539" height="773"></a> <p><b>The Homebase Garden </b><br><i>Exhibitor: Homebase<br></i><i>Designer: Adam Frost </i><br>A "modern family garden", designed to allow a small family to garden, entertain and enjoy themselves, but also encouraging wildlife to thrive. <p><strong>Picture: Martin Pope</strong> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WnjHXaef2fc/UZ9PG-_i2ZI/AAAAAAAAAjE/ZUOD45W-U-8/s1600-h/wastelabd_2567711k%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="wastelabd_2567711k" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="wastelabd_2567711k" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vM-Y_wCvsJo/UZ9PIpzlzcI/AAAAAAAAAjM/wyKIZsUfyAM/wastelabd_2567711k_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="539" height="338"></a> <p><b>The Wasteland </b> <p><i>Exhibitor: Kate Gould Gardens<br></i><i>Designer: Kate Gould </i><br>The story behind Kate Gould's garden is that it was once a derelict urban space, transformed into a garden using recycled items, such as the insides of an old mattress reworked into a trellis screen and shopping trolleys turned into frames. It is intended to demonstrate that beautiful gardens can be built without sourcing new materials. <p><strong>Picture: Martin Pope</strong> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lhzNqfTjlgA/UZ9PLOIrLOI/AAAAAAAAAjU/lz28-EEKr_c/s1600-h/laurent_2567712k%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="laurent_2567712k" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="laurent_2567712k" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cu2mAm6jJwc/UZ9PMTYa2DI/AAAAAAAAAjc/l2NFN5gNgNU/laurent_2567712k_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="539" height="338"></a> <p><b>The Laurent-Perrier Garden </b><br><i>Exhibitor: Laurent-Perrier<br></i><i>Designer: Ulf Nordfjell </i><br>Ulf Nordfjell’s garden for Laurent-Perrier has been described by <i>Telegraph</i> columnist Val Bourne as "an evocation of a vineyard involving lots of Mediterranean plants that evoke the French landscape". <p><strong>Picture: Martin Pope</strong> <p><strong><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-93nLeV2SnDc/UZ9POBNk0LI/AAAAAAAAAjk/pPht3qeVJ4U/s1600-h/mandg_2565900k%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="mandg_2565900k" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="mandg_2565900k" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cxsd9n4RkOU/UZ9PP7F46-I/AAAAAAAAAjs/SqXLykqednM/mandg_2565900k_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="539" height="773"></a></strong> <p><b>M&G Centenary Garden </b><br><i>Exhibitor: M&G investments<br></i><i>Designer: Roger Platts </i><br>Designed to mark the Chelsea Flower Show's centenary, this garden evokes trends and themes from Chelsea gardens past and present. Shrubs popular when the show began in 1913 and classic British design elements are mixed with modern plant varieties. <p><strong>Picture: Martin Pope</strong> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cDQR79i1IsI/UZ9PRg67TEI/AAAAAAAAAj0/KEyMojP-2nw/s1600-h/royalbank_2567695k%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="royalbank_2567695k" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="royalbank_2567695k" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m1_-0xGHyAA/UZ9PSmum0XI/AAAAAAAAAj8/FQXJ3MNVEEo/royalbank_2567695k_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="539" height="338"></a></p> <p><b>RBC Blue Water Roof Garden </b></p> <p><i>Exhibitor: Royal Bank of Canada<br></i><i>Designer: Professor Nigel Dunnett and the Landscape Agency </i><br>In keeping with the bank's Blue Water Project, which aims to help protect fresh water, the RBC's urban rooftop garden focuses on how city dwellers can create a garden which supports biodiversity and protects natural resources. Features include "living walls" that do not require irrigation and a wetland area which captures rain.</p> <p><strong>Picture: Martin Pope</strong></p> <p><strong><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VGPu6PQypNs/UZ9PUUhrSJI/AAAAAAAAAkE/frO8TDdXYwo/s1600-h/seeabilitygdn_2567709k%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="seeabilitygdn_2567709k" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="seeabilitygdn_2567709k" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KHj5oOG6tP0/UZ9PVuKJacI/AAAAAAAAAkM/MMdujejTU6k/seeabilitygdn_2567709k_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="539" height="338"></a></strong></p> <p><b>The SeeAbility Garden </b><br><i>Exhibitor: SeeAbility and Coutts<br></i><i>Designer: Darren Hawkes </i><br>This garden is the first RHS Chelsea show garden from designer Darren Hawkes, and is a garden for the blind and partially-sighted. it features bright, clearly contrasting plants that can be distinguished more easily by partially-sighted people, and an installation of stainless steel balls cascading with water.</p> <p><strong>Picture: Martin Pope</strong> <p><strong><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M47yxVE5zkU/UZ9PX_v58hI/AAAAAAAAAkU/qy5zcO8WjSE/s1600-h/stockton_2565904k%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="stockton_2565904k" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="stockton_2565904k" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-n_Tb-LsSXJA/UZ9PZDGshFI/AAAAAAAAAkc/uY9gjXqtArw/stockton_2565904k_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="539" height="338"></a></strong> <p><b>Stockton Drilling as Nature Intended Garden </b><br><i>Exhibitor: Stockton Drilling Ltd</i> <p><i>Designer: Jamie Dunstan </i><br>Designed to promote the use of natural materials and traditional craft, this garden features a number of plants with important uses - such as a field of winter barley (used within the brewing industry) and taxus (used in the treatment of cancer). <i>Telegraph</i> writer Tim Richardson says "This is one of the most conceptually interesting gardens this year." <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eUkfjx0S8l0/UZ9PbQWdOJI/AAAAAAAAAkk/Ra13Gu5QhPQ/s1600-h/feragarden_2567706k%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="feragarden_2567706k" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="feragarden_2567706k" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MZpQfmpSyrg/UZ9PcjSxCsI/AAAAAAAAAks/pBV27QyjZns/feragarden_2567706k_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="539" height="338"></a> <p><b>The Fera Garden: Stop the Spread </b><br><i>Exhibitor: the Food and Environment Research Agency<br></i><i>Designer: Jo Thompson </i><br>Disease and death pervade this garden, which is themed around the threat that diseases, pests and invasive species pose to British trees and plants. Features include a grove of dead trees in one corner, and a striking lonely ash sapling on its own island. <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sWnea8RCUjw/UZ9Peavg3wI/AAAAAAAAAk0/PUff2t7PTBo/s1600-h/arthirtisgarden_2567704k%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="arthirtisgarden_2567704k" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="arthirtisgarden_2567704k" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q6PLyAfzLHM/UZ9PgGdvpdI/AAAAAAAAAk8/Cz8cNO44p-0/arthirtisgarden_2567704k_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="539" height="338"></a> <p><b>The Arthritis Research UK Garden</b><br><i>Exhibitor: Arthritis Research<br></i><i>Designer: Chris Beardshaw </i><br>This lush garden is divided into three parts; a woodland garden, a brightly planted section and a pool garden with a modern sculpture. They are designed to reflect the three stages of a person's journey after being diagnosed with arthritis. <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xO_EFZrsc3U/UZ9PiXPJaUI/AAAAAAAAAlE/bQ3NAo4yLfc/s1600-h/stoke_2567702k%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="stoke_2567702k" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="stoke_2567702k" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MYFjWQQ2LVU/UZ9Pjg8h8_I/AAAAAAAAAlM/6-OoDa1ju7M/stoke_2567702k_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="539" height="338"></a></p> <p><b>Transformation</b><br><i>Exhibitor: Stoke-on-Trent Garden Partnership<br></i><i>Designer: The Landscape Team, Stoke-on-Trent City Council </i><br>A bright and busy garden dedicated to Stoke-on-Trent past and present, which also celebrates the city's links with Lidice, a Czech village nearly destroyed during the Second World War.</p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:697c1122-20b0-44aa-b3f3-605ce7eba7d5" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Chelsea+Flower+Show+2013" rel="tag">Chelsea Flower Show 2013</a></div> Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-27796979025418628992013-04-04T11:36:00.000+01:002013-04-04T11:36:00.790+01:00Looking for Design Inspiration in Nature<p>How do you create innovative creative design? Where do designers get inspiration from. The true it that true design inspiration comes from everything around us. In this video architect <a href="http://www.b3architects.com/" target="_blank">Barry Burkus</a> take a screwed up piece of paper and talks us through how the shape can inspire you to design a building.</p> <div id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:2af5c2eb-0ad0-49cc-9132-b0389315d62a" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; width: 560px"><div id="7f0773a1-07e6-444d-b96e-b535b5894f21" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwJB7KzDEbQ" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-e2ATfA-ib9s/UVL2n_cYkRI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/NLEWMCMQHxk/video5fe60337de49%25255B50%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('7f0773a1-07e6-444d-b96e-b535b5894f21'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"560\" height=\"315\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/fwJB7KzDEbQ?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/fwJB7KzDEbQ?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>In landscape design, nature is our inspiration. Probably the most famous example of this is Thomas Church’s design for the swimming pool in the Donnell Garden (a quintessential example of Thomas Church and mid century modern design) in Sonoma County</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2aKxn0BKBcQ/UVL2o42wbTI/AAAAAAAAAg8/XxIZWVkgiDA/s1600-h/donnell%252520pool%252520by%252520thomas%252520church%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="donnell pool by thomas church, Thomas Church, Donnell Garden, Sonoma County, Landscape Design, Design Inspiration, Creative design" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="donnell pool by thomas church, Thomas Church, Donnell Garden, Sonoma County, Landscape Design, Design Inspiration, Creative design" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XaRfKO-p1aM/UVL2qfGZlcI/AAAAAAAAAhA/XxA5YwmNO4I/donnell%252520pool%252520by%252520thomas%252520church_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="554"></a></p> <p>It was said that Church used the curve of the river in the valley below (centre top of the image) and copied it to form the shape of the pool.</p> <p>For further reading on this subject I would recommend <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471285099/oxfordcollege-21" target="_blank">From Concept to Form in Landscape Design</a></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:8090dfea-a122-4452-b11f-07171493db68" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Thomas+Church" rel="tag">Thomas Church</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Donnell+Garden" rel="tag">Donnell Garden</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Sonoma+County" rel="tag">Sonoma County</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Landscape+Design" rel="tag">Landscape Design</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Design+Inspiration" rel="tag">Design Inspiration</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Creative+design" rel="tag">Creative design</a></div> Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-55993120420008212302013-03-28T10:23:00.000+00:002013-03-28T10:23:00.100+00:00The Design Process: Bubble Diagrams<p>This is an interesting video on the design process. The thought patterns that go into designing a space. In this case a house, but we use exactly the same bubble diagram/ function diagram process for designing outside space.</p> <p> <div id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:bcd37328-a1f0-4329-9470-df928172520f" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; width: 560px"><div id="dd5a10af-3f46-46a6-b68f-f0d650efef38" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmHoGicPQQQ" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n--wqESMfQ0/UVLlIf_q6mI/AAAAAAAAAgU/GLxRuR6wDIU/video64c7dda12812%25255B15%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('dd5a10af-3f46-46a6-b68f-f0d650efef38'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"560\" height=\"315\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/vmHoGicPQQQ?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/vmHoGicPQQQ?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div><div style="width:560px;clear:both;font-size:.8em">The Design Process: Bubble or Functional Diagrams</div></div></p> <p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:b42b1913-27ca-49ae-9b2a-7dd95ba09ccd" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/The+Design+Process" rel="tag">The Design Process</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Bubble+Diagrams" rel="tag">Bubble Diagrams</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Functional+Diagrams" rel="tag">Functional Diagrams</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/How+to+design+Space" rel="tag">How to design Space</a></div></p> Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-60615146438464772722013-03-27T07:09:00.000+00:002013-04-09T15:31:30.159+01:00Award Winning Australian Design<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-54EN865seLo/UVG6q2VPFCI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/sxdnQKu5CjE/s1600-h/Image08-650x432%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Garden design, Courtyard, contemporary, raised planters, water feature, modern design, landscape design," style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Garden design, Courtyard, contemporary, raised planters, water feature, modern design, landscape design," src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-12E-SkB7bjQ/UVG6r42RYxI/AAAAAAAAAeY/aJkHMlNDoAA/Image08-650x432_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="371"></a>This multi award winning courtyard designed by <a href="http://www.cosdesign.com.au/">Cos Design</a>, transformed what was a tired, old unused space into a stylish and functional outdoor room. A three level water feature hides the courtyards rear access, while custom built in bench seating and furniture, built in BBQ, raised planter boxes and screening bamboo planting, provide the aesthetics and functionality required by the clients. </p> <p>The internal light well is also a feature from the bathroom window and stairwell. This garden was the winner of the 2009 National landscape of the year (Under $100k) along with 3 state awards.</p> <p>[photography by <a href="http://www.timturner.com.au/">Tim Turner</a> as featured on <a href="http://www.designhunter.net" target="_blank">Designhunter</a>]</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x-o99tBVFYs/UVG6tYUoNbI/AAAAAAAAAeg/yAvVrqOJems/s1600-h/Image04-650x977%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Garden design, Courtyard, contemporary, raised planters, water feature, modern design, landscape design," style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Garden design, Courtyard, contemporary, raised planters, water feature, modern design, landscape design," src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EBbJPEVf2ek/UVG6vYGHGvI/AAAAAAAAAeo/ZFWrZl7OTWE/Image04-650x977_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="829"></a></p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-94Q5husoaIc/UVG6w4rBRzI/AAAAAAAAAew/epEPY2SnLIY/s1600-h/Image06-650x977%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Garden design, Courtyard, contemporary, raised planters, water feature, modern design, landscape design," style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Garden design, Courtyard, contemporary, raised planters, water feature, modern design, landscape design," src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ghwJxndZcT0/UVG6yQdWwAI/AAAAAAAAAe4/QJ677PAe50M/Image06-650x977_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="829"></a> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LbhR_nuMxBU/UVG6z1Uh1eI/AAAAAAAAAfA/H2wsHMPhrmE/s1600-h/Image01-650x432%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Garden design, Courtyard, contemporary, raised planters, water feature, modern design, landscape design," style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Garden design, Courtyard, contemporary, raised planters, water feature, modern design, landscape design," src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2jFea4DO3gk/UVG61D5oLPI/AAAAAAAAAfI/FexvhY3PeR4/Image01-650x432_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="371"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aAaEBhhScCM/UVG62jiqNBI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/13hSGI0bp3o/s1600-h/Image03-650x977%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Garden design, Courtyard, contemporary, raised planters, water feature, modern design, landscape design," style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Garden design, Courtyard, contemporary, raised planters, water feature, modern design, landscape design," src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VMu8nmyrBhg/UVG64WY3stI/AAAAAAAAAfY/k6UZj2O_Xfg/Image03-650x977_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="829"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ktqs-RX6pyI/UVG68hl8nbI/AAAAAAAAAfw/10OawSXTSpM/s1600-h/Image07-650x977%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Garden design, Courtyard, contemporary, raised planters, water feature, modern design, landscape design," style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Garden design, Courtyard, contemporary, raised planters, water feature, modern design, landscape design," src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YXhbhbOgI6Y/UVG6-QwoexI/AAAAAAAAAf4/UhQoGMWus4Y/Image07-650x977_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="829"></a></p> <p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:9173455f-1b50-47f0-b6ba-a7a9da571047" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Garden+design" rel="tag">Garden design</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Courtyard" rel="tag">Courtyard</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/contemporary" rel="tag">contemporary</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/raised+planters" rel="tag">raised planters</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/water+feature" rel="tag">water feature</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/modern+design" rel="tag">modern design</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/landscape+design" rel="tag">landscape design</a></div></p> Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-31980377376247757762013-03-26T13:08:00.001+00:002013-03-26T13:08:30.074+00:00ARCTIC ICE AT RECORD LOW<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7YMZ7lvrPsE/UVGdvMbKSZI/AAAAAAAAAdo/j4WqC-Hu0No/s1600-h/seaicearea_09_21_1979_flat%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="seaicearea_09_21_1979_flat" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="seaicearea_09_21_1979_flat" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ksbK6R_Zjuc/UVGdwQ81W2I/AAAAAAAAAdw/ZJ1QYMJsDrk/seaicearea_09_21_1979_flat_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="313"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wQcyQYuZCwc/UVGdx7q-Z7I/AAAAAAAAAd4/r5EtIOHrxoE/s1600-h/seaicearea_08_26_2012_flat%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="seaicearea_08_26_2012_flat" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="seaicearea_08_26_2012_flat" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WoXCS4iuSl8/UVGdzB-Yg8I/AAAAAAAAAeA/gWGpq4EeIkc/seaicearea_08_26_2012_flat_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="313"></a></p> <p>Last year NASA released these rather shocking satellite images of the polar ice caps. According to its scientists and researchers at the National Snow and Ice Data Center, the area of the arctic ice sheet fell to a <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/arctic-seaice-2012.html">record low</a> in August . And it is expected to continue to retreat over the next few weeks. <p>The extent of the arctic ice sheet grows during the winter and shrinks during the summer. The first photo above shows the total extent of the ice sheet’s retreat in the summer of 1979. The second shows its retreat so far this summer. The orange line shows the average minimum ice cover from 1979 to 2010. <p>According to NASA, the seasonal minimum area of the arctic ice sheet has gotten 13 percent smaller each decade for the past three decades. <p> </p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:2cd84509-23e8-4493-a3ba-81d41a9c9f19" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Climate+Change" rel="tag">Climate Change</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Melting+ice+caps" rel="tag">Melting ice caps</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/arctic+ice" rel="tag">arctic ice</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/global+warming" rel="tag">global warming</a></div> Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-20627722123085495522012-10-03T12:44:00.001+01:002012-10-03T13:21:58.016+01:00APLD Winner Sophie Dixon On Entering Garden Design Competitions<p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sBZ89hyDb_8/UGwnAj_5xcI/AAAAAAAAAbI/Thx2FaMiQt0/s1600-h/Screen%252520shot%2525202012-09-30%252520at%25252018.56.50%25255B1%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 18.56.50" border="0" alt="Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 18.56.50" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pJltgEmVWxM/UGwk77m2dYI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/UyHa0AkitaQ/Screen%252520shot%2525202012-09-30%252520at%25252018.56.50_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="554" height="394"></a></p> <p align="justify">To be honest, I ignored the invite to enter the APLD competition the first time I heard about it. It had been a long year, and I felt I was no longer a student and had left those college projects behind me. However, Sally Court, our vice principal sent round a follow-up, and when it comes to Sally, I like to oblige...... </p> <p align="justify">So, come January, I found myself looking back at all those old files, and wondering if I really had time to take it on. I did some research, and found that an <a href="http://www.garden-design-courses.co.uk/" target="_blank"><font color="#33aaff"><strong>Oxford College of Garden Design</strong></font></a> student, Tracy Rich, had been runner-up the year before, so, rather cheekily, I emailed her and asked for any feedback she may have. She said to make sure it was all clear and particularly well labelled, to make it as easy for the judges as possible. Well, I do love a good competition, and I now had the bit between my teeth, so was up and running...... <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AXfIGma7jZg/UGwk9xBMbMI/AAAAAAAAAbU/jrsnqFl281s/s1600-h/section%252520and%252520perspectives%252520S%252520Dixon%2525202%252520ALTERED%252520AND%252520ENHANCED%252520FOR%252520PORTFOLIOauto%252520contrast.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="section and perspectives S Dixon 2 ALTERED AND ENHANCED FOR PORTFOLIOauto contrast" border="0" alt="section and perspectives S Dixon 2 ALTERED AND ENHANCED FOR PORTFOLIOauto contrast" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LIXP_A1FnNw/UGwk-6tm9JI/AAAAAAAAAbY/1lEIyjR8ad0/section%252520and%252520perspectives%252520S%252520Dixon%2525202%252520ALTERED%252520AND%252520ENHANCED%252520FOR%252520PORTFOLIOauto%252520contrast_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="394"></a> <p align="justify">The first decision was which project to enter. Project three was obviously the big one, my final piece of college work. This should have been my best, and was certainly my most comprehensive in terms of quantity. However, there was no way you could submit the lot.... there were about 70 pages of technical sheets for a start! And I wondered if its large scale actually counted against it. However the most important factor was that the same project had been used the year before by Tracy, so the judges had already seen that site. Project two by comparison was felt (by Duncan and Sally) to be very well suited to the US market in terms of scale, and I was very happy with it. Decision made. <p align="justify">It was actually more work than I had anticipated, as some of my sketches needed re-doing because they had never been scanned, and were looking a bit world-weary after being through several exhibitions. They also requested a written description of up to 1,000 words, which was something we hadn’t had to include as part of the coursework for college. This description could include things such as; design intent and project program, relationship of design to site conditions and limitations, relationship of plants to other elements, outline of scope of project and designer’s specific mandate and availability of on-going maintenance. I decided it was worth spending some time on this, as it is the best way of giving the judges real understanding of the project, the difficulties of the site and the design decisions I had made. It had been a very tough brief, and I wanted them to realise it! <p align="justify">I left much of it to the last minute as always..... and was sending the work sheets through electronically in the early hours of the morning. They had set up a new system of uploading, and the whole thing was a bit untried and tested. There were the usual technical issues, and I certainly would advise trying to give yourself a bit more wriggle-room than I did! I think my final sheet uploaded about an hour before the deadline, which was a massive relief. <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FW9y9qEkakA/UGwlDfTAnmI/AAAAAAAAAbc/XSLMBCnhygY/s1600-h/Screen%252520shot%2525202012-09-30%252520at%25252019.03.29.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 19.03.29" border="0" alt="Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 19.03.29" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qZQCyMKsNZ4/UGwlFc2CMvI/AAAAAAAAAbg/rwdZ9d3IVIs/Screen%252520shot%2525202012-09-30%252520at%25252019.03.29_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="554" height="394"></a> <p align="justify">It was all a bit of an anti-climax after that, with delay after delay from the APLD. Then suddenly Sally Skyped to congratulate me. I hadn’t heard anything, so it was a bit of a bolt from the blue. The email saying I had won had never turned up........ <p align="justify">Anyway, the important thing was that they liked it. Here is some of the positive feedback I received; <p align="justify">“The designer of this project has a wonderful grasp of form generation and rhythm, and did an exceptional job of relating the landscape to both the architecture and the existing landscape...... The details are very thorough....... The planting compositions are excellent, well integrated, and balanced....... All in all, this project was well conceived and presented.” <p align="justify">“Very good site analysis and concept plan.....Well detailed planting plans with rich diversity and mixed grouping patterns...... All drawings are very professional.” <p align="justify">“A very well executed plan. Design Brief is clear, well written and presents the challenges and solutions in an excellent manner. The Site Analysis with photographs really helped me to understand the project and your design solutions much better. Line weight well presented. Very nice rendering. Congratulations.” <p align="justify">I was invited to the awards ceremony in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, but sadly couldn’t make it. The conference sounded like it would be a valuable experience though; I will definitely try and attend another year. <p align="justify">I would recommend entering competitions as a student, it’s a really good way to start making a name for yourself. I am the only person to ever win both the APLD and SGD student competition, and those sort of accolades help when you are just starting out. I now have a design practice based in North Devon and Bristol, and take on commercial and private projects throughout the South West, UK and abroad. And, yes, I may enter the odd competition now and then.... <p align="justify">You can contact Sophie at <a href="http://www.sophiedixon.com" target="_blank">www.sophiedixon.com</a><font color="#33aaff"><strong><u></u></strong></font> Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-14190536036420660112012-08-10T14:11:00.001+01:002012-08-10T14:39:08.941+01:00Global Warming: Is it too Late to Save the Planet?<h5>Global Warming is here to stay and there nothing we can do about it</h5> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 435px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:1da45ecc-a64e-4490-8237-745f6b889e83" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="6201c4ba-2ff3-45c7-96ab-be406eec7d77" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEMse22h8c8" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Nu4LBFE13vg/UCUImmihihI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/GZ26Z9cyxKE/videoa67638c73728%25255B203%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('6201c4ba-2ff3-45c7-96ab-be406eec7d77'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"435\" height=\"244\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/MEMse22h8c8?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/MEMse22h8c8?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"435\" height=\"244\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>Is it too late to save the planet? Should we stop trying to cut CO2 emissions and start planning for the worst?<br><br>Many scientist are quietly saying that we have past the tipping point and what ever we do now, the temperature is going to increase by 5-8 degrees. Leaving much of the planet in the next 100+ years as either desert or flooded by a 3-10m rise in sea level.</p> <p>The worst drought ever, is currently hitting the USA. Europe, Russia, China and other parts of Asia have; or are currently experiencing, some of the worst flooding in living memory. </p> <p>Famine, drought, flooding, and unprecedented crop failures, could lead to 3rd world starvation on a never before seen scale, mass migration, and even world war. (see <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8594000/8594274.stm" target="_blank">BBC Mass Migration</a>)</p> <p>Over the top? Alarmist? Scaremongering?………… May be! </p> <p>But already global food prices are set to rocket for the 3rd year in a row and if the USA, (the bread basket of the world) has two more similar years of failed harvests, then the developed countries could struggle to feed themselves, let alone the poorer nations.</p> <p>When global scientist are said to have reach a consensus on climate change (when do scientist ever reach a consensus??? they either agree or disagree!!) we know we are in trouble! The whole climate change/science debate, has allot more to do with politics than it does real science.</p> <p>For example in 2009 it was revealed in the press that Sea levels were predicted to rise twice as fast as first predicted in 2007 (see <a href="http://bit.ly/QMeLT9" target="_blank">Guardian</a> and <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/sea-levels-rising-twice-as-fast-as-predicted-1642087.html" target="_blank">Independent</a> report) </p> <p>The IPCC's 2007 report ‘missed out’ the melting of the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets which would be the key drivers in dramatic sea level rises. And these figures today are still not included in the report.</p> <p>Yet Greenland alone is loosing enough water per year, to cover a country the size of Germany 3 feet/1m deep in water.</p> <p>This might not sound much in global terms, but ice and snow are incredibly reflective. The less ice, the less reflective surface there is to reflect the suns heat.</p> <p>This in turn, allows the oceans to heat up, and in the process expand in volume due to thermal expansion.</p> <p>If that isn’t bad enough, as the artic tundra regions begins to thaw, they will release millions of tonnes of stored methane, which is significantly more dangerous than CO2</p> <p>Scientist believe that the tipping point to a 5 degree temperature increase could be the discharging of this methane gas, as once released into the atmosphere, there will be an unstoppable bounce in global temperature.</p> <p><a href="http://www.jameslovelock.org/" target="_blank">Professor James Lovelock</a> believes we should now be planning for the worst. Small islands such as Britain, New Zealand, Ice land the parts of the artic circle and Canada could still support farming and therefore a viable human population. But mankind will be reduced from 8 billion to just 1 billion in a mater of a few 100 years.</p> <p>Depressing indeed! Unfortunately most governments only have a 4-5 year political life before they need to get re-elected. Climate change is an in-precise science, so no one has the political will to deal with it. <p>Coal, gas and oil fired power stations all emit unacceptable levels of CO2. <p>Wind power is not cost effective and unreliable. Hydro and wave can't supply enough energy. Europe needs to build Nuclear power stations if we are not to be held ransom by less stable countries; at least until countries like Spain and Africa can build enough Solar farms and start selling electricity to there neighbours <p>Just as some of the greatest strides in science and human ingenuity happen during war time, governments have to come together and treat this issue as the worst global catastrophe in human existence.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:d4449d06-0b04-4086-bba1-c0805efa533c" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/CO2+Global+warming" rel="tag">CO2 Global warming</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Solar+Power" rel="tag">Solar Power</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Climate+change" rel="tag">Climate change</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Rising+sea+level" rel="tag">Rising sea level</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Gas" rel="tag">Gas</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Oil+Coal" rel="tag">Oil Coal</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Power+Stations" rel="tag">Power Stations</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/James+Lovelock" rel="tag">James Lovelock</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/drought" rel="tag">drought</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/USA" rel="tag">USA</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/famin" rel="tag">famin</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Crop+failure" rel="tag">Crop failure</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/famine" rel="tag">famine</a></div> Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-36817807980029507482012-08-07T09:16:00.001+01:002012-08-07T09:30:14.895+01:00APN12 Avoid Damage to Trees by Paving and Excavation<p><a href="http://www.treesource.co.uk/acatalog/info_155.html" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="APN 12_Page_1" border="0" alt="APN 12_Page_1" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W3Ae9H6cB5E/UCDO1ZtDzKI/AAAAAAAAAZM/jvTrs7XOeho/APN%25252012_Page_1%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="174" height="244"></a> <p align="justify">This blog describes the techniques for the construction of access drives, which may avoid or lessen the damage caused to trees. Compaction of the soil, pollution, changes in soil levels in the root zone and cutting roots can all kill existing trees. <b><i></i></b> <p align="justify">Most tree roots are contained within the top 900mm/3ft of soil. and many of the trees feed roots within the top 100mm/4”. It may not be wise to make even shallow excavations within the root zone of existing mature trees which are to be retained. Where Planning Permission is needed Local Authorities may make special construction techniques mandatory for any paving and drainage, etc. in what are known as Tree Protection Zones (TPZs). <p align="justify">The objective is to avoid damaging roots, preventing compaction of the soil and to allow water and oxygen to permeate through any construction. Details are shown in the current edition of BS 5837 or APN12 e.g. using a geogrid fabric, Type 1 sub-base and a <b><i>porous</i></b> block pavers or a no-fines gravel topping. The area affected should be restricted to >20% of the root zone. <p align="justify">APN12 is a very useful document for all landscape designers and architects and I would recommend all design practices own a copy of APN12 in the design library. APN12 embraces the principles first published as 'Driveways Close to Trees' (APN1) and reviews where the principles may be applied in practice.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:bba7e1d0-1868-4d0e-8479-657c3006bea4" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/APN12" rel="tag">APN12</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Trees" rel="tag">Trees</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Drives" rel="tag">Drives</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Construction" rel="tag">Construction</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Excavation" rel="tag">Excavation</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Damage" rel="tag">Damage</a></div> Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-71156550634275635392012-04-26T15:21:00.001+01:002012-04-26T16:21:31.633+01:00Does Garden Design Have a Future in these Times of Austerity<p align="center"><a href="http://www.garden-design-courses.co.uk"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Housing Development Bay Area Remains Unfinished." border="0" alt="Housing Development Bay Area Remains Unfinished " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vormbSCEoAM/T5lZ0g6OM2I/AAAAAAAAAYY/5bOPJxUlVUQ/Housing%25252BDevelopment%25252BBay%25252BArea%25252BRemains%25252BUnfinished%25252B6oE4_iXmqtFl%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="277"></a></p> <p>Yesterday the UK officially entered a double dip recession. The first in nearly 50 years. Led by the building industry, it’s predicted that this sector will remain in negative grown for at least the rest of this year.</p> <p>With house building at an all time low, and Europe and America in the worst recession since the 1930’s, what will happen to the middle classes, that up till now have been the life blood or our industry?</p> <p><a href="http://www.garden-design-courses.co.uk/curriculum.htm" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Irish Houseing Estate Abandoned" border="0" alt="Irish Houseing Estate Abandoned" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BbcXmAtzEuE/T5lZ1hRutSI/AAAAAAAAAYg/Jkg-FVNvmAs/irish-opener_2092075b%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="274"></a></p> <p>Garden design as an industry, has had 20 years of unparalleled growth. Prices in the housing market have risen across Europe (and more recently America) at a staggering and in hind-sight, unsustainable rate.</p> <p>It goes without saying that the housing market and the landscape industry go hand in hand. There have been housing market slumps before and the garden design industry has always recovered. But this time it could be different. </p> <p>Countries like Spain and Ireland have huge housing estates abandoned like ghost towns, and parts of the US have deserted subdivisions, reminiscent of 1930’s dust bowl America, where thousands of acres of farmland where abandoned.</p> <p>With house price crashes in some countries in excess of 50%, it’s going to take more than a generation to put right these wrongs and as a result, the middle classes are going to be squeezed very hard, for a very long time.</p> <p>So what effect for the garden design industry? I believe it’s inevitable that the industry will contract. More people will be fighting for the smaller bread and butter jobs while the upper end will remain strong. </p> <p>Those designers who are properly qualified, stand the best change of making a living. Charging professional frees and offering a professional service. </p> <p>Fewer people will enter the professions; and those that do, will need to do their homework very carefully. Too many courses cater for the “ladies who lunch brigade”. They focus on the froth, rather than teaching their students the professional practice side of the industry. </p> <p><a href="http://www.garden-design-courses.co.uk" target="_blank">The Oxford College of Garden Design</a> took the decision last year to only offer our on-line course for the foreseeable future. Thus allowing our students to continue to work and earn a living, while they study.</p> <blockquote> <h3><a href="http://www.garden-design-courses.co.uk/why_study_online.htm" target="_blank">“What most course don’t tell you is that it will take another 2-3 years after you graduate, before you will earn a living”</a></h3></blockquote> <p>By pre-recording all our lectures and offering them as <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/GardenDesignCourses" target="_blank">downloadable video tutorials</a> student can continue to train while still bringing in a salary. </p> <p>Too may student graduate, only to then drop out after 12 –18 months because they can’t afford to live.</p> <p>If you want to thrive in the 21st century you need to think smart, plan ahead and have the best training you can afford.</p> <p align="center"></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:c32d4946-bcf0-43f0-a5bc-a47af57bd502" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Double+dip+recession" rel="tag">Double dip recession</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Building+sector" rel="tag">Building sector</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Industry" rel="tag">Industry</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/1930's" rel="tag">1930's</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Recession" rel="tag">Recession</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Slump" rel="tag">Slump</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/UK" rel="tag">UK</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Europe" rel="tag">Europe</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/USA" rel="tag">USA</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Garden+Dersign" rel="tag">Garden Dersign</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Landscape+Design" rel="tag">Landscape Design</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Sub+Divission" rel="tag">Sub Divission</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Housing" rel="tag">Housing</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/estate" rel="tag">estate</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Ireland" rel="tag">Ireland</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Spain" rel="tag">Spain</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/On-line" rel="tag">On-line</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Onlin" rel="tag">Onlin</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/On+Line" rel="tag">On Line</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Training" rel="tag">Training</a></div> Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-67580644248650462442012-01-04T17:33:00.001+00:002012-01-04T19:02:57.898+00:00Video Tutorial: Understanding Section Elevations<p align="center"> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 448px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:19f75653-fa19-48bd-96b1-9f1be0012bae" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="a47d4e33-370e-44b4-b4d6-4350e78ff2c9" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlZCNrlcXd0" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9x7jxvBYTJ8/TwSiYJkl8nI/AAAAAAAAAU4/yEI4-_HP6tU/videoab59ab2afc79%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('a47d4e33-370e-44b4-b4d6-4350e78ff2c9'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/ZlZCNrlcXd0?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/ZlZCNrlcXd0?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>Sections are a vital tool in landscape design.<br><br>This video lecture explains what they are, how to use them and also shows examples of plan drawings and elevations, showing how they deliver additional information to the viewer, which is otherwise unavailable in a 2D plan.</p>Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Video" rel="tag">Video</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Tutorial" rel="tag">Tutorial</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Section" rel="tag">Section</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Elevations" rel="tag">Elevations</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Sections" rel="tag">Sections</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/tool" rel="tag">tool</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/examples" rel="tag">examples</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/drawings" rel="tag">drawings</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/information" rel="tag">information</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/viewer" rel="tag">viewer</a> Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-24403746249273477022012-01-03T10:40:00.001+00:002012-01-03T10:41:45.342+00:005 Tips for Planning the Perfect Outside Dining Space<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SCc_hQtI6w0/TwLa5P3pYmI/AAAAAAAAAUw/7MbyNG-HZt4/s1600-h/Bliss%252540Kovan-Alfresco-Dining%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Bliss@Kovan-Alfresco-Dining" border="0" alt="Bliss@Kovan-Alfresco-Dining" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4C2DeEWAMiY/TwLa6AfMwhI/AAAAAAAAAU0/CMK3sWbrEUY/Bliss%252540Kovan-Alfresco-Dining_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="461"></a></p> <p align="justify">The dining terrace is without question the most important part of any garden. It is the link between the artificial environment of the house and the biological environment of the garden. You start and finish your journey round the garden and its the area on which most outside activity takes place.</p> <blockquote> <h3>If the terrace doesn’t work the rest of the garden won’t either!</h3></blockquote> <h2>1) Position</h2> <p align="justify">Keep the dining area close to where the food is prepared. You don’t want to have to walk miles with plates and cutlery let alone freshly prepared food. So for this reason, it is most likely going to be next to the house. However in is some warmer climates I have built “summer kitchens” which are away from the main home, usually next to the swimming pool or tennis court. These are fully fitted outside kitchens complete with fridge stove and can be undercover with an adjoining dining area.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LZI0qXfsdAc/TwLa9MM3GOI/AAAAAAAAATQ/80Ie56C3034/s1600-h/Electrolux-outdoor-kitchen2%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Electrolux-outdoor-kitchen2" border="0" alt="Electrolux-outdoor-kitchen2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yBL3ZMBSYsg/TwLa_EoHFpI/AAAAAAAAATY/kiV-nfCX6jA/Electrolux-outdoor-kitchen2_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="333"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8ctewFYjMzQ/TwLbAa96wDI/AAAAAAAAATg/74t-cPHyW2E/s1600-h/Electrolux-outdoor-kitchen3%25255B33%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Electrolux-outdoor-kitchen3" border="0" alt="Electrolux-outdoor-kitchen3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qF93Wb_0-Tc/TwLbBHx0CpI/AAAAAAAAATo/SI8_OV9FOlQ/Electrolux-outdoor-kitchen3_thumb%25255B31%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="333"></a></p> <h2>2) Scale</h2> <p align="justify">Scale is vital in all design but even more so when it come to the dinning area. the first thing you have to remember is that outside furniture is usually significantly larger, therefore you will need a much larger outdoor space than you would if you were planning the same space indoors. The other major area of importance is circulation space. i.e. the area around the perimeter of the table for people to move, serve food or pull their chairs out when leaving the table. Unlike interior spaces where people are prepared to squeeze behind chairs to enter or exit, outside you need at least 1m (3ft) behind the chairs to comfortable accommodate pedestrian flow.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qZU0k-95R18/TwLbCENFSuI/AAAAAAAAATw/8TS5ORYePuE/s1600-h/OutsideDiningArea%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="OutsideDiningArea" border="0" alt="OutsideDiningArea" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xzuNarHyKk0/TwLbDKHheVI/AAAAAAAAAT4/9cyeHRQ3qKg/OutsideDiningArea_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="341"></a></p> <h2>3) Material & Detail</h2> <p align="justify">For obvious reasons any surfacing material needs to be hard wearing if the dining space is to be a permanent fixture. Stone, and concrete, make perfect paving materials while decking works well provided it is sufficiently supported by large enough joints to avoid any bounce. Because you and your guests will spend so much time in this one position, if budgets and site permit, you can also spend more time and money here on paving detailing, as it will be more likely to be appreciated.</p> <p align="justify">The exception to the rule is the temporary dining area, which may only be used once then moved. These are placed on lawns or under trees for their view or their romantic atmosphere</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1_N9T0__fRs/TwLbEMmZgOI/AAAAAAAAAUA/IFw8GiW3CGA/s1600-h/Sabora_OutsideDining%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Sabora_OutsideDining" border="0" alt="Sabora_OutsideDining" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7BlC5aLAD-s/TwLbGnxkr-I/AAAAAAAAAUI/DG-U0EatLzY/Sabora_OutsideDining_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="176"></a></p> <h2>4) Aspect</h2> <p align="justify">There is something quite special about eating next to water, be it a swimming pool, pond or even the Ocean, water adds a magical quality to the dining space. The only proviso would be to double the circulation space to 2m (6ft) as sitting to close to water can give guests an uncomfortable feel. </p> <p align="justify">If you can’t provide water then planting is the next best thing. Surround the dining area with soft planting that provides a cocooning feel without blocking the views. Grasses and translucent perennial planting is perfect for this as it created just enough screening without feeling claustrophobic.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tyb4tBG0VRo/TwLbHsCg8HI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/O5Ofr8hgOb0/s1600-h/Royal-Island-Resort-Spa-Dining-by-the-sea%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Royal-Island-Resort-Spa-Dining-by-the-sea" border="0" alt="Royal-Island-Resort-Spa-Dining-by-the-sea" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LVWqFOOWAzU/TwLbJJEqyPI/AAAAAAAAAUY/oFf2a86M9Go/Royal-Island-Resort-Spa-Dining-by-the-sea_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="281"></a></p> <h2>5) Privacy & Screening</h2> <p>In urban areas, privacy when eating can be difficult to achieve. In these circumstances an overhead arbour or pergola comes into its own. Not only do they provide screening, but also create a human scale to the outside space, so important in making people feel comfortable. </p> <p>The Arbour doesn’t have to be very heavy to give the subliminal feeling of a roof, but at the same time can control light quality (depending on the choice of climber) and provide shade, as fewer of us now enjoy eating, unprotected from the damaging effects of the sun.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HYWVN8xRxYI/TwLbLPLY-pI/AAAAAAAAAUg/q2z-0HQiKKg/s1600-h/Villa_Prikonas_dine_al_fresco%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Villa_Prikonas_dine_al_fresco" border="0" alt="Villa_Prikonas_dine_al_fresco" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ujs8zhTkxzs/TwLbMG1nEGI/AAAAAAAAAUo/GsaSi-5itAg/Villa_Prikonas_dine_al_fresco_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="305"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.garden-design-courses.co.uk/faculty/dheather.htm" target="_blank">Duncan Heather</a> is Director and principal of the <a href="http://www.garden-design-courses.co.uk/" target="_blank">Oxford college of Garden Design</a> which runs an Online diploma course and 4 week online short courses in all aspects of gardening</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:213237c7-1428-4e2d-89da-b55f06213f44" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Garden+Design" rel="tag">Garden Design</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Patio" rel="tag">Patio</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Landscape" rel="tag">Landscape</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Planning" rel="tag">Planning</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Terrace" rel="tag">Terrace</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Dining" rel="tag">Dining</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Alfresco" rel="tag">Alfresco</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Oxford+College+of+Garden+Design" rel="tag">Oxford College of Garden Design</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Eating+outside" rel="tag">Eating outside</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/dining+area" rel="tag">dining area</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Outside+Kitchen" rel="tag">Outside Kitchen</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Paving" rel="tag">Paving</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Pool" rel="tag">Pool</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Planting" rel="tag">Planting</a></div> Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8972100855756169346.post-81476030572323714952011-11-03T09:18:00.000+00:002011-11-03T09:18:00.462+00:002 New Professional Online Courses Launched for November<p><a href="http://www.garden-design-courses.co.uk">The Oxford College of Garden Design</a> launches two new 4 week on-line planting courses for industry professionals and enthusiastic amateurs. <p align="justify">The Oxford College of Garden Design in conjunction with its sister site <a href="http://www.my-garden-school.com/">MyGardenSchool</a> have launch 2 new online planting design courses taught by multi award winning Hillier Nurseries MD; Andy McIndoe. <p align="center"><a href="http://www.my-garden-school.com/courses/" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image002" border="0" alt="clip_image002" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eL8SlGjbC6o/Tq_Viwgte5I/AAAAAAAAAR4/f8n8EuUpQZM/clip_image002%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="466" height="187"></a> <a href="http://www.my-garden-school.com/course/shrubs-%e2%80%93-the-backbone-of-the-garden/">A Professional Guide to Choosing, Using and Planting Shrubs</a><b> </b>covers:-<b> </b> <p align="justify"><b>Week 1:</b> The role of shrubs in the garden and how to use them. How to selecting the right shrub for a situation and a guide to buying the best plants. Giving your shrubs the best possible start in your garden; how and when to plant them.<br><b>Week 2:</b> Caring for your shrubs. How and when to prune flowering and foliage shrubs to control shape, size, foliage quality and flowering. Feeding your shrubs: how, when and why.<br><b>Week 3:</b> Hard working foliage shrubs – the foundation of good planting. The importance of shrubs for structure in gardens of all sizes. Maintaining a colour scheme with foliage throughout the year and creating exciting planting combinations.<br><b>Week 4:</b> Shrubs for interest throughout the year. A pick of the best shrubs that will work hard in your garden to deliver colour, texture and form in every situation, including sun, shade, clay, chalk and in pots and containers.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.my-garden-school.com/courses/" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image004" border="0" alt="clip_image004" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3THEbhJZM0I/Tq_VjYtC2_I/AAAAAAAAASA/bvjh4s398ZA/clip_image004%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="468" height="179"></a><a href="http://www.my-garden-school.com/course/a-professional-guide-to-choosing-using-and-planting-trees/">A Professional Guide to Choosing, Using and Planting Trees</a><b> covers:-</b> <p><b>Week 1 – Tree for all Gardens – Introduction<br></b>Why plant trees? The role of trees in the landscape and the visual impact of trees in different seasons. The environmental impact of trees and their role in attracting wildlife into your garden. Trees for screening, trees for shelter and trees for shade. Why we are afraid of trees in gardens. What are the risks and the relationship between a tree and a building.<br><b>Week 2 – Trees for Small Gardens<br></b>Choosing the right tree for a specific situation focusing on the small garden. The best choices for country gardens and for town gardens including trees for pots. Choosing trees for more than one season of interest: for fruit and flowers, bark and foliage colour.<br><b>Week 3 – Planting Trees and Productive Trees<br></b>Buying a tree; how, when and what to look for. Planting a tree: giving it the best possible start in life – the importance of staking and aftercare. Fruiting trees as an alternative to or in addition to ornamentals: including apples, lemons, olives and figs.<br><b>Week 4 – Designing with Trees<br></b>Trees as part of a planting scheme; how a tree can lead a planting scheme through the colour of its foliage. What to plant with foliage trees to create a planting picture. Climbers to grow through trees. Planting trees for future generations. <br>Both courses are on line, allowing students to study from the comfort of their own homes. The next course starts on 5<sup>th</sup> November and then monthly on the first Saturday of each month. To book please visit our website at <a href="http://www.my-garden-school.com/courses/">http://www.my-garden-school.com/courses/</a> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:aa8ef7e8-4794-4e05-bfdd-d76ecf13f242" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Online+Course" rel="tag">Online Course</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Shrubs" rel="tag">Shrubs</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Trees" rel="tag">Trees</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Class" rel="tag">Class</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Course" rel="tag">Course</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Oxford+College+of+garden+Design" rel="tag">Oxford College of garden Design</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Professional" rel="tag">Professional</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Guide" rel="tag">Guide</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/How+to+Plant" rel="tag">How to Plant</a></div> Duncan Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10333502720505647382noreply@blogger.com