Green shoots

Despite some pretty tricky weather economic green shoots are in evidence. BTME in Harrogate was extremely busy with exhibitors reporting successful trading at the show. The Golden Acre Nursery show near Bournmouth also attracted a record number of visitors.
Our recruitment site www.landscaperjobs.co.uk is carrying many new vacancies and according to advertisers on the site, producing many high quality applicants. Advertising in The Landscaper is 33 per cent ahead of the same issue last year.
Confidence is returning although it’s a delicate flower that needs nurturing.
Plenty to read this month. The 2010 APL awards sponsored by Bradstone attracted a record number of entries this year they are a celebration of the high standards achieved by its members. We report from Harrogate, dig into artificial grass, visit Twickenham as it prepares for the Six Nations - and there’s more… a bumper news section, Hardscaper and Hortmonth .
Finally, if you want to keep right up to date you can sign up to our fortnightly digital newsletter which now goes to over 6,000 subscribers in 87 countries.. just email me and I will put you on the free list.
See you in March…
David Curtis
editor
david.curtis@metropolis.co.uk

Front cover
Gardens For Life were the Supreme winners of the 2010 APL awards
Their client was keen to see an abundance of flowers, grasses, winter stems and trees to maintain a natural look to the garden and encourage wildlife. The focal point of the garden is the lake - imposing as you enter the drive. All aspects of the lake were softened with planting to create a feeling of continuity, movement and flow. Repeat planting was used to lead the eye around the lake at different times of the year. The lake was emptied and its contours re-sculptured to a new design using on-site clay. An island and two waterfalls were created and an oak deck/jetty was constructed with covered pergola.