A question of quality

Quality: what it is and how to achieve it’ is the theme of the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) and Society of Garden Designers (SGD) autumn workshop which will be held at Capel Manor College in Enfield on Thursday 17 September (10.00 – 4.30).

This is the third joint APL/SGD event and builds on the success of the previous two which have each been attended by over 150 delegates. Well-known leading and award winning designers and contractors have kindly agreed to share their thoughts and experiences and delegates can look forward to a mixture of light-hearted, honest accounts of the successes and challenges that designers and contractors regularly face and hard hitting reports on current topics including vertical wall gardens.

Commenting on the event APL CEO Jason Lock said, “This year’s programme looks set to challenge, inspire and enthuse delegates. The day provides an excellent networking opportunity for APL and SGD members to get together to listen to, compare and share ideas and experiences – which in many cases have led to successful collaborations.”

Chief Assessor and RHS Show Judge Andrew Wilson from Wilson McWilliam Associates will introduce the first session in which APL vice chair Mark Gregory from Landform Consultants will interview Luciano Gubbilei, designer of the Laurent Perrier Garden at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show on his perception of quality. Jason Lock will follow, providing a whistle-stop guide to the importance of having a good contract. Andrew Wilson will then discuss quality and chair a panel discussion in which a number of leading designers and contractors will be questioned on their views of quality and how it is measured.

The afternoon session, which will be introduced by APL chair Adam Frost from New Ground Landscapes starts with the 2009 APL Supreme Award Winner David Sewell from The Gardenmakers talking about his experience of creating an award winning garden, his views on quality and what role that played in winning the supreme award. This will be followed by Mike Cottage of Greenfix Sky-Garden, a supplier of green roofs, living walls and sedum roofs, who will talk about the use of green walls, their properties, and how to avoid problems with a clearer understanding of how they work.

The day, which includes plenty of time for networking, will be concluded by Steve Dowbiggin OBE, CEO of Capel Manor College, who will introduce a tour of the many beautiful gardens at Capel Manor.

To take advantage of the early bird rates you need to book your place by the end of August – just £59 + VAT for APL and SGD members and £109 + VAT for non-members. The standard rate for bookings received on or after 01 September is £69 + VAT for APL and SGD members and £129 + VAT for non members. Last date for bookings is Friday 11 September.

For further details and to book your place contact the APL events team by visiting www.landscaper.org.uk, emailing events@the-hta.org.uk or calling 0118 9303132.

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