Brentford Group
A Visit From The ALCI
For those who don't know, The Association of Landscape Contractors of Ireland (ALCI) was founded in 1971 as a representative body for the landscape sector in Ireland across its Northern and Southern Regions. From its inception it has endeavoured to improve the quality and standards in the landscape industry in Ireland and is today the leading professional body for landscape contractors, with over 150 members.
The APL have always reached out work collaboratively with other organisations. With our links already well established across the water via WSUK, this was a relationship we are always keen to nurture. When Neville Stein reached out and asked if we would be able organise a tour for a few of their members. The answer was always going to be yes.
After battling with a few logistical and itinerary issues, they eventually arrived on 16 and 17 April
Below are some images and highlights
The Kingston Landscape Group
First stop of the day was with The Kingston Landscape Group. We were invited to join them for drinks and pastries at their beautiful new offices in Egham. Managing Director Steve Evans and Managing Director of Otter Nurseries Abigail Evans met us and were very generous with their time, discussing with the group their history, issues and ambitions for the future.
It was then off to their award winning site at Brentford for a tour with their senior contracts manager Adam Cheadle. Adam took the group through the whole process of the build and we finished off on the amazingly impressive podium garden that is a focal point for many residents at this impressive development.
Brentford
New Steps By River
Podium Roof Garden
Podium Roof Garden 2
Landform Consultants Ltd
After leaving Brentford, the group made their way to the offices and yard of Landform Consultants Ltd. A meeting with Mark Gregory who was extremely generous with his time, showing the group around his office complex, yard and then his new glasshouse areas he is developing for his team and others as a meeting place. Mark gave the group an insight into his Chelsea builds and other significant projects Landform have created, plus some informative advice.
Landform
Industry Chat
Fran Barnes CEO of the HTA
Old Friends Gary Graham and Mark Gregory
Some construction on the new site
Bushy Business
After a lovely lunch at Mark Gregory's we were off to Godalming to meet up with Bushy Business at one of their sites. This was a huge project that consisted of paving, walling a lot of groundworks and planting. The garden had been designed by Raine Garden Design Ltd. Chris was brilliant at showing the group around, they were impressed at the level of professionalism and health and safety awareness on a domestic project.
Bushy Business
Some Walling
Some large planting and excavation
Hiding from the hail shower
Four seasons in a day - time to go.
The Cluster
A visit wouldn't have been a visit without the APL cluster experience. We organised a brilliant evening at The Percy Arms in Guildford. We had some great food, debate and discussion. Thanks to all those who attended. A big thank you to the SGD Group Surrey for coming along. We hope to see a few of you again.
The Cluster
The Bury Hill Mob
Neville and his crew
Rod and Debs
Kitti Kovacs and SGD
The Bushy Boys
JJH and Adam Vetere
After a great evening it was off to Romsey to meet up with JJH Landscapes and Adam Vetere at their latest project. Again, they were inspired at the level of professionalism displayed by the company, but were blown away by the project they saw. A relatively small garden that was packed with planting, structures and sublime detailing.
JJH
A view of the pergola
A chat with the client
Some paving detail
A beautiful water feature
The Courtyard Garden
From there we went to another JJH and Adam project, this time completed and award winning. This was the courtyard garden. A beautiful space created to culture drought tolerance and resilience.
The Courtyard Garden
Stop for a Chat
Corten
A Walk Towards the Ravine
A border waiting to spring into action
Blurred Lines
The aptly named blurred lines was the last visit of the day. This time down in Buckinghamshire at Artforms amazing project designed and built by David Strows (APL Vice Chair)
This garden combines contemporary with naturalistic. Its a playful space that takes you back to your childhood. Some amazing detail. A very fitting end to the day.
Bespoke Lean to
A place to sit
Lovely detailing
Blurred Lines
So that was it. A brilliant couple of days. Thanks to all that supported the trip in any capacity. Thanks again to Neville Stein for reaching out. Look out for tales of our return trip to Ireland!!