Stratford Development
Project Title: Plot 1 and Plot 7, Stratford Development, London
Contract Value: Approx. Combined Value £500,000
Client: Volker Highways
Landscape Architect: Gross Max
We commenced works on Plot 7 in November 2010 and this completed in July 2011. Plot 1 is due for completion at the end of August 2011. Both plots are designed on a central courtyard area which is situated on the first floor surrounded by high rise apartments. Two challenging projects which have the constraints of physical access to the sites; delivery access and logistics; procurement of unique materials and administration processes for all aspects of the works.
Plot 7
This consisted of installing Bauder green roofing drainage layers on top of the waterproof membrane on the slab. Different areas were then built up in different materials depending upon their use.
Three polystryene angular mounds were constructed around tree pits. The mounds were covered in washed sand and terram erocell which was infilled with topsoil. The tree pits within the middle of the mounds were constructed out of perforated concrete rings, and layers of leca, washed sand and topsoil. Three hand picked Pinus sylvestris 40-45cm girth trees were planted within each mound. The mounds were turfed with contract grown turf from Lindum Turf. The overall effect is a striking sharp edged design – minimal but bold.
Shrub bed areas were built up with layers of washed sand and topsoil. These were planted with blocks of perennials such as Micanthus sinensis Morning Light, Deschampsia caespitosa Gold Tau and Vinca Minor.
Large 1 tonne paving slabs were placed through the central courtyard and planting beds, these were broken with linear strips of sedums planted between the slabs.
The central courtyard is surrounded with linear beds of buxus hedging and Carpinus betulus instant hedges.
Plot 1
This comprises of a central courtyard on a raised slab. Once again Bauder roof garden drainage products were installed. Lawn area, trees, shrubs, hedging and bulbs will be planted. Areas are to be built up with layers of subsoil, leca, washed sand and topsoil. This project is due for completion at the end of August 2011.
Jewish Care Homes
The Contract comprises of a portfolio of 23 properties with grounds of various sizes ranging from small paved seating areas with planted containers to a 16 acre parkland site consisting of woodland and grassland areas with herbaceous borders and a pond.
Sites are visited weekly by a dedicated team: Works consist of
- grass cutting
- leaf collection
- weed control
- sweeping of hard standing areas
- regular hoeing of shrub beds
- regular pruning of plants and shrubs, in line with good horticultural practice
- tree surgery
- supply and installation of seasonal bedding and hanging baskets
In addition to the maintenance contract we have carried out resurfacing of a tarmac entrance road (approx. 1,800m2), supply and installation of a Summer House and construction of decking and paved areas.
Chorleywood
Landscape Architect: Wilson McWilliam Studio
The Landscape Architect –Gavin McWilliam of Wilson McWilliam Studio has used two forms of birches throughout the birch walk – one being the ‘nigra’ the other being ‘pendula’ complimented with a stunning arrangement of Deschampsia caespitosa ‘Bronze Veil’, Digitalis and sweeping designs throughout including Buxus Sphere’s for all year round attraction.
The pond’s marginal and dense planting are rapidly putting on stunning growth, producing a beautiful foliage harbouring and attracting a vast array of wildlife which include dragon fly, ducks, moorhens and wagtails.
The main lawn area within the back garden has now been laid. The levels of the lawn were extremely important as this will be a main focal point from the kitchen and dining areas of the house. The lawn is now taking a keen hold giving a lush green and softening the scheme as a whole.
The main terrace has been completed to an exquisite finish, with stainless steel lights set in to the stone highlighting the walls. The walls situated around the garden have moved on from render stage to painted finished products, using a self cleaning paint giving the client a defined finish with low maintenance.
Piazza Extension – Hyde Park
Landscape Architect: Wilson McWilliam Studio
The Maintenance of a commercial office space open landscaped space, the Piazza Extension is used by both the private business employees and general public.
The Maintenance comprises of mowing, edging, weed control and litter collection.
Shrub and bed maintenance – dead heading, weeding, bark top ups, plant replacement and pruning.
We also maintain the irrigation system, and hand watering of additional areas.
Plant health and tree inspections are carried out where they are checked on a regular basis for pests, diseases, damage, staking and general health.
10 Fleet Place
10 Fleet Place is an office complex and part of the Broadgate Estates portfolio situated in central London.
The site was recently awarded the Edmund and Annie Hart trophy by The Flowers In The City Campaign (supported by the City of London) for its outstanding flower display during the winter period.
The site consists of raised planters. containing a mix of high specification topiary Buxus and Taxus hedging which is complimented by Sarcococca sp., Hedera sp. and seasonal bedding.
We carry out maintenance visits – twice weekly during the growing season & once a week during the winter. These consist of: watering, hedge clipping, weed control and fertiliser applications.
Purchase & planting of bedding plants occur on a seasonal basis.
We also supply, install, decorate and maintain a large interior Christmas tree annually and install Christmas lights to the exterior trees.
Hampton Court Flower Show 2011
Awarded RHS Silver Medal
Working in conjunction with Designer David Domoney and Anglian Home Improvements the ‘Naked Garden’ was constructed for the Hampton Court Flower Show held in July.
A unique design which focused on growing plants without any growing medium other than water – to give the visual display of a ‘naked’ garden. Plants were sourced from America, Brazil, Netherlands, Europe and Thailand using some of the best varieties that can remarkably grow without soil to produce flowers, foliage, fruit and vegetables. Such as Cyperus papyrus – papyrus, Vanda ’Blue Magic’ and Zantedeschia – Arum lily.
The different plant species that were chosen by David Domoney were presented in a range of cleverly constructed transparent containers. Thus showing aspects of plants that are traditionally left undiscovered, providing visitors with a different perspective. A minimalist design – where cube shapes were used from the entertaining area to the seating area and plant pots to tie the design together.
JCoSS
We were contracted to undertake the soft landscaping works for this privately run Jewish School situated in Barnet, Greater London. Works included turfing, alongside supplying and installing seeding for reinforced grass areas. In addition to this, vast amounts of planting was carried out, consisting of a range of shrubs and trees such as Olea europea, Cornus sanguinea and Salix lanata.
After project completion was achieved, we are now contracted to maintain the site by performing works such as
- grass cutting
- pruning and pest inspection of all trees and shrubs
- litter removal
- weeding
RAF Museum, Hendon
We are contracted to maintain the grounds of the RAF’s Museum in Hendon, London.
Operations include grass cutting on a fortnightly basis during the growing season, using ride-on mulching mowers, thus reducing the amount of green waste generated. Weed control, leaf clearance, shrub pruning and regular dead-heading of roses.
Variation works include supplying and managing the road sweeping of the car parks and design and implementation of new planting schemes.
Challenges of the site include managing the operations to be carried out whilst the site is open to the public.
