LITTLE THE
INTERVIEW issue please email
lisa.wilkinson@pro-landscaper.co.uk. If you would like to appear in a future
A small insight into the world of other professionals in our wide and varied industry.
CHRIS DEAKIN Deakin Lock Garden Design, Suffolk/East Anglia.
www.deakinlock.co.uk
What made you want to get into the industry? It’s a long story but basically there was a girl and she persuaded me to try horticulture and amazingly I loved it! Further down the line I realized that I could combine my love of art with my love of gardens and began studying landscape and garden design. The rest is history.
How is the bulk of your work made up? Predominantly, domestic projects for clients who place a value on design. There is no particular type of garden (which I am glad about) it simply comes down to the type of person who wants to invest in their garden or outside space because they realise the value of having a well considered and beautiful outside space.
Current trends in the market? The outside living ‘trend’ is still strong. Gardens continue to get smaller with new build modern developments and people’s time is becoming more
ALEX WEBSTER Earth Garden Care & Design and Inspector at Association of Professional Landscapers, Dartmouth, Devon. www.earthgardencareanddesign.
moonfruit.com
What would you say is the best thing about your job? Every day is different. And though most weeks start with a plan things can change just like the weather, most of the time because of it.
How is the bulk of your work made up? Currently the majority of my work consists of garden management and maintenance of about half a dozen prestigious gardens in the South Devon area. We have taken care of these for a number of years, so we have a knowledgeable rapport with the clients and their gardens.
Current trends in the market? Environmental issues are at the forefront of all our minds, so no matter how we work this will affect the landscape industry in so many ways. Clients no matter their financial status, are aware of cost to
| October 2011 | Volume1 | Issue2
pressured yet many want a beautiful outside space to relax in and enjoy. Grow your own is back in a big way, even in the smallest of spaces. It really is the Good Life out there. Strong, bold colours are becoming more popular, with many people enjoying bright, hot colours.
Your company’s plans for the next five years... We want to develop a design practice covering all aspects of garden and landscape design, both commercial and domestic and become one of the country’s leading centres for design. We are also about to launch a new web-site which offers something new, so watch this space!
How do you remain competitive? This is something that needs constant monitoring. The problem with our sector is that too many practitioners of garden design are not truly professional. Several times recently we have come up against garden designers who do not survey the garden (and these were large complicated gardens) and charge such low fees that you wonder how they make a living; perhaps they don’t?
Who are you inspired by? I have to say that many garden designers produce some fabulous gardens and the standard of garden
the planet and though the bottom line will always rule, designers and contractors that are showing they have taken these issues on board will still win the best contracts and produce the best work.
Your company’s plans for the next five years? To work smarter and more efficiently, the world has changed and we all need to adapt and if necessary, to re-invent what we all do. I have discovered that it’s far more rewarding to be paid for what you know not just what you do.
How do you remain competitive? By trying to offer something special, and showing clients that they and their gardens are important to us and that we really care. So we remain competitive by paying attention to details, and keeping the client up to date with future plans and ideas for the garden. Letting them know what’s planned for the next two or three visits or even the next seasons.
Who are you inspired by? Jean Giono’s book the Man Who Planted Trees has been one of my Favourite books for a long time; it
design now, compared to when I first started in the 1990’s is a world apart. I like the planting style of Piet Oldorf and the structure of Luciano Giubbilei and Tom Stuart Smith consistently. However, I am really inspired by the many designers who ply their trade designing challenging gardens for people who don’t have big budgets.
One thing you want to do before you’re too old? Play premier league football for Norwich City although perhaps that ship has sailed? If not I would like to go on a road trip across America with some friend on Vespas.
Countryside or seaside? Seaside. I love the sea, feeling on the very edge of the land.
Your proudest achievement? Apart from two fantastic boys I think winning The Tudor Rose at Hampton Court in 1998 (The first RHS gold).
Where’s your favourite holiday destination? Southwold in Suffolk. It has everything, a beautiful beach, great fish and chips, and good Beer.
tells the story of a man who for no personal gain except for the joy of his work single-handed brings about a rural regeneration. It shows us all what we can do as individuals for the common good.
Countryside or seaside? Living here in south Devon we certainly have the best of both worlds. Home looks out over the Dart estuary and the channel beyond. And Dartmoor is only 30 minutes away. But walking along Slapton Sands on a winters day certainly gets the endorphins pumping.
Your proudest achievement? Walking around the garden house at Buckland Monachorum, with my daughter running around correctly identifying Verbena bonariensis. She was only tree and a half!
Favourite song? Currently listening to Fleet Foxes and Helplessness blues is a contender, but my all-time favourite must be Wild wood by Paul Weller. (Good Choice – Ed).
Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter? It has to be Autumn, the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.
www.pro-landscaper.co.uk
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