Trees for private garden in Essex
PROJECT NEWS: Developing a private garden in Essex
The second of four projects supplied by allgrowth, Peter and the team visited a private residence in Nazeing, Essex. The customer was a building services company owner who had already seen Peter’s expertise at first-hand on a previous tree and landscaping project at Broxlea Meadows and a riverside screening project.
Honest advice from the start
Looking to create a stunning tree-lined view from his home across the rear of the property, the customer was looking at tree ferns. Whilst giving the visual impact he may have been looking for, Peter offered some alternative options – ones that would be more suitable, both from a climate and ongoing maintenance perspective.
The customer respected the honesty and instead of the ferns, allgrowth sourced, supplied, delivered and planted an impressive double avenue of Italian cypress.
Simple and effective landscapes
To accompany and complement the 12 statuesque Italian specimens, Cupressus sempervirens (300-350cm container grown), Peter advised on underplanting. Selecting and supplying 150 Photinia x fraserii Little Red Robin in 5 litre pots, these compact evergreens will display glorious green and red foliage throughout the seasons as well as delicate flowers in the Spring.
How the garden took shape:
Making a difference to the customer
“We took a small project to Peter for advice at my home with a few basic ideas of what we wanted to achieve. Peter took the base idea and was not afraid to offer his honest professional opinion and alternative suggestions. We took this on board and changed the planting ideas to Peter’s recommendations – and all was delivered and planted and looks fabulous”
We talk the right language
If you have a landscaping project or are looking for the best tree screening options, contact us today.
Call Peter on 07525 652042 or
email us at enquiries@allgrowthltd.com
Trees for screening pylons: Designed | Delivered | Planted
PROJECT NEWS: Screening pylons with large trees on Essex high end development
One of four projects supplied by allgrowth, Peter and the team worked closely with the property developer to screen some unsightly pylons. Overlooking the small development of prestigious housing at Broxlea Meadows in Nazeing, Essex, the size of the overshadowing pylons commanded some very large trees – over 40 feet tall.
Visit to site and recommendations
The first port of call for allgrowth is a site visit. Many factors can influence tree choice, not just the end game, but the soil conditions, the proximity to buildings and underground services, ultimate growth and spread, foliage cover and leaf drop, for example. Discussing a variety of options with the customer, Peter recommended the conifers, birch and maples. The trees, selected from allgrowth’s own nursery in Bedfordshire, were delivered by artic and planted by the allgrowth team.
Support and further planting
The support does not ever stop there. Invariably, there is other planting potential on a site of this stature and location and, following the delivery of the trees and their healthy establishment, the customer returned to allgrowth for some instant hedging. Peter designed the best aspect, position and extent of the hedging, and the varieties before arranging delivery and planting these up too.
Tree Choice and Planting Palette
A combination of the architectural shape of the Golden Birch (Betula ermanii), the evergreen backdrop of the conifers and the variegated foliage interest of the maples created a multi-functional tree screen, shielding the houses from the views of the pylons and creating a natural outlook all year round.
Trees supplied
- Abies concolor – White Fir (800-900 cm container grown)
- Acer platanoides ‘Drummondii’ – variegated Norway Maple (20-25cm girth container grown)
- Betula ermanii – Golden Birch (700-800cm container grown)
- Pinus nigra ‘Austriaca’ – Austrian Pine (80-90cm girth container grown)
Instant hedging
- Carpinus betulus – Hornbeam (200cm container grown hedging 80cm x 80cm)
- Taxus baccata – Yew (175-200cm wire rootball)
One more happy customer
“It’s simple. If you want a planting project done properly, you choose the right people to do it. And that’s allgrowth – the right people, advising on the right trees, delivering professionally. Not only that, they are there for ongoing support so that the trees and plants supplied establish well and meet the original brief. Peter has a wealth of horticultural knowledge and the allgrowth team have a breadth of stock availability on their nursery as well as within their networks – and we have a fantastic end result because of it.”
Talk to the right people
If you have a landscaping project or are looking for the best tree screening options, contact us today.
Call Peter on 07525 652042 or email us at enquiries@allgrowthltd.com
Riverside screening and large decorative tree planting, Hertfordshire
PROJECT NEWS: Screening, first impression and visual impact with large trees
Earlier this year (May 2020), Peter visited this private homeowner at their riverside property in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire. With views across the River Lea, the property’s rear garden enjoyed an open aspect – but a little too “open” for the owner’s preference.
Natural screening from pleached trees
Discussing a variety of options with the homeowner, Peter looked at the best solution for a natural partial screening that shielded incoming views from river traffic and the canal path without impeding an external view of the river. Pleached trees offer clear stem height and a space-saving slimline panel of foliage, and the European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) lent itself perfectly to the surrounding landscape. This striking alternative to beech, with more distinctly veined and serrated leaves creates an instant partial screening with its 1.2m x 3.0m panel of foliage. Supplied in containers, the resulting screen met the brief entirely and will provide a semi-evergreen cover through the seasons, turning to an attractive copper in the Autumn and adding a flourish of green catkins in late spring.
Established trees for instant foliage impact
Next issue to resolve? A low level hedge. Creating a straightforward instant box hedge with established Buxus Sempervirens in 7.5 litre pots, Peter then returned to the garden to evaluate the best option for the front of the property. The new development lacked height and structure, issues easily overcome with sourcing and supplying large established trees. The choice of birch was an easy one; with silvery trunks and feathery foliage, the heavy standard trees, supplied direct from the allgrowth Bedfordshire nursery, were lifted, delivered, and – with the ground prepared – the 5 metre high trees were planted along the frontage and driveway. The birches give the instant height of an established tree with a softening effect on the surrounding landscape.
5 metre 20-25cm girth Betula utilis jacquemontii; established trees in an instant:
Beautiful specimens and bonsai talking points
To accompany the new rear and front landscaping additions, the third phase of this home’s planted journey took its path towards topiary and bonsai. Four cloud clipped Ilex crenata Japanese Hollies accompany two wow-factor statement trees: A multi-trunk Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria j. Globosa Nana) and a Japanese maple (Acer palmatum Inaba-Shidare). These container-grown specimens form umbrellas amongst the cloud formations in the beds around the development.
Screen, structure and visual beauty:
The end result
From the modest screening to the rear to the Japanese themed beauty of the peripheral planting, this private landscape has taken on a whole new identity of its own. The owner is delighted with the transformation, and praised Peter, not only on his support and interpretation of their needs and wishes, but on its translation into a beautiful landscape:
“What Peter has done at my new house is magnificent. It really is the icing on the cake for us. The decorative feel of the front garden and approach and the more functional screening at the rear has helped no end and we look forward to discussing our additional planting plans to create a lower level shrub and ground cover layer amongst the treelines.”
Listen to Peter
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – it’s worth listening to Peter. If you’re ready to bend his ear, and are looking to discuss the trees and shrubs you need for your next landscaping project, contact us today.
Call Peter on 07525 652042 or
email us at enquiries@allgrowthltd.com
Developing an orchard, copse and naturally vibrant private landscape
PROJECT NEWS: Private Estate Planting in Bedfordshire
Most tree growers and nurseries will happily take your order, select your stock, deliver and go. The minimum handling and hassle their end and they will be on to the next delivery. Well, let’s just say – that’s not allgrowth’s take on how to best serve your planting plans. This latest planting project at a client’s new home in the heart of the Bedfordshire countryside is testimony to that.
Setting the scene
A private homeowner recently moved into their new home in Bedfordshire. The beautiful homescape is set in just under four acres of land with surrounding areas formerly used as paddocks and dressage arenas. These open spaces had been left untended for some time and the owner was looking to re-purpose these for family, entertaining and outdoor living. With a healthy expanse of land at their disposal, the homeowner also wanted to create natural wildlife corridors and habitats with meadows, hedging, a copse and an orchard. This informal nature-friendly space would separate the more formal planting around the gardens and screen off the more functional, operational areas used for compost, refuse and mulching.
One of the key elements within the landscape was the planting of mature birches to extend the existing wooded vista. Both trees were approaching 13 metres in height and their safe delivery and establishment was integral to the completion of this first phase.
13 metre high birch trees: Delivered, planted and standing proud as if they had always been here:
An altogether alternative approach from allgrowth
With services very much sought after locally and across the South East, allgrowth’s figurehead and plant specialist Peter Middlicott was contacted by the homeowner in light of the multi-faceted nature of his landscape plans. The allgrowth team have a vast array of large trees, topiary and specimen statement shrubs available on their own nursery in Bedfordshire and have a long-standing reputable network of partner nurseries they work with to source the more unusual or hard-to-come by varieties.
From nursery to landscape
The complicated part of sourcing the right trees and plants is where allgrowth excel; the simple part is making the call and talking through what you’re looking to achieve in your garden or landscape. The rest is painless straight-talking and straightforward proposals and options.
“You know where you stand from the offset”
The client shares his thoughts on how his allgrowth journey developed. He continues:
“Peter was clearly considering what was best for me and my garden and not what he could “sell” me – that’s really refreshing these days. He’s honest and knows his business and this clearly comes across in every conversation we’ve had, from our initial nursery visit to view stock to his visits to our home for his professional assessment of what would work best for us.”
In essence, it’s worth listening to Peter.
The right trees and plants for you
Though it might not be rocket science, it’s definitely not child’s play. Choosing the right plants for purpose, location, soil type, end goal and maintenance options might mean a lengthier deliberation than just “tag and go”. The time spent at the business end of the process pays dividends in the endgame. Clients are encouraged to ask questions and expect honest answers – if a tree just won’t fit the bill, it won’t make the cut on your planting palette.
Overcoming hurdles
Access to the site, as is often the case, was not the simplest. A single-track lane with a 90-degree turn through a gate at the end doesn’t necessary lend itself to the safe delivery of trees over 13 metres in height. The site threw in inconveniently placed overhead cabling too – but allgrowth rose to the challenge.
Delivering large birch trees
The key here is the foresight and planning afforded by reconnaissance visits from Peter. The trees themselves also needed to be prepped on the nursery to allow for the best delivery methods. Planting holes and irrigation was prepared on the planting site well in advance to ensure the minimum delay between lifting and planting. These are all regular manoeuvres in the allgrowth armoury.
The end result
One orchard with a new lease of life, planted with cherry, pear and apples for future bumper harvests. One new copse of birches and maples as a wildlife haven and natural margin. Smaller trees to replace the tired and overgrown ivy fencing and to give visual continuity.
One stunning Magnolia Galaxy statement tree near to the house. Oaks working in unison with the native hedging. And some stunning trees for visual impact and statements, including the birch trees, planted with irrigation for healthy establishment and longevity.
One new instantly-dense native hedge line for healthy all-year-round foliage, meandering across the garden in an “S” shape. This was a design option suggested by Peter to create a natural screen in a sweeping flourish, with oaks integrated in the line for added height and interest. This planting formation allows for easy vehicle access, easy maintenance and is the perfect natural distraction from the operational side of the estate beyond.
And one very happy customer.
The S shaped native hedge screen
What’s next?
The outlying landscape is not quite complete (as landscapes rarely are!). The client has more ideas and plans afoot and Peter’s already on the case. Watch this space – there’s much more to come.
Find out more
Ready to discuss the trees and shrubs you need for your next landscaping project? Contact us today.
Are you comparing apples with pears?
Sourcing your own trees and shrubs – is it a level playing field?
It’s a regular scenario for us at allgrowth. We offer support and advice from the get-go when clients come to us to source their trees and shrubs for their gardens and landscapes. You want the right plant for the right aspect, purpose and location – but at the right price. So we’ll guide you as to what we have growing on the nursery that would suit, ask the right questions about what you’re looking for, where the plants will be planted, your budget, your timescales and your endgame. And if we don’t have it on the nursery, we’ll know where we can source it from our comprehensive professional network of nurseries and growers, UK and Europe-wide.
So off you’ll go, after our initial consultation. We all do it. “Let’s see if I can find this on the internet” – particularly at the moment when many of us are blessed with extra time on our hands. An online search – so much to choose from, we know – but you’re also being SOLD TO and this might take you in a different direction from your original specification. You search. You find. You enquire. And you get responses. And, guess what? BINGO. This nursery has just what allgrowth offered you – AND it’s a lot cheaper for what they say is the same plant…
Comparing like-for-like
But is it really what you’ve asked for? You’ll come back on to allgrowth (because you’re loyal, thank you!), tell us you’ve found it cheaper and give us the option to match the price. And you know what? Chances are, we won’t budge. Not because we’re stubborn (ok, maybe a little), but because our knowledge of the availability and suitability of stock across the spectrum is second to none. Chances are, you’re not getting the full story from your newly-found alternative supplier. Could be a smaller specimen, could be a speculative price, could be a lesser quality tree, could be other factors in the mix that haven’t yet surfaced. It could be an entirely different specification…
Just like a recent landscaper enquiry we received… went something like this.
LANDSCAPER LARRY: Peter, we’re after a couple of Photinia Red Robin – big specimens.
allgrowth: Right, let’s have a look. Aha. We’ve got just that on the nursery right now – I can do these for £X each. What say you?
LANDSCAPER LARRY: Hmmm. Thanks Peter. Leave it with me.
allgrowth: Sure – you know where we are if this doesn’t come off, OK?
[TIME PASSES. INTERNET SEARCH COMPLETE. NEW CALL TO allgrowth]
LANDSCAPER LARRY: Peter. Let me level with you. I’ve had a little look around and I reckon I can get these for 60% of the price you’ve offered. Can you match that?
allgrowth: …. afraid not. We’ll have to pass this time. Speak soon, right?
[TIME PASSES. LANDSCAPER CALLS allgrowth. HE HAS SOME NEWS]
LANDSCAPER LARRY: Peter. I’m in a bit of a pickle. Yes, the photinias were available – but they don’t have them on site. It’s going to be 10 days before they can deliver and I need to complete this garden this week!
allgrowth: Oh I see [knowing smile]. We can help – ours are still available. Can get them to you by this Thursday, if that’s any good?
LANDSCAPER LARRY: Phew. Much appreciated, as ever, Peter! Thank you.
A little tongue-in-cheek, granted. But this scenario happens on a regular basis. It simply wasn’t a level playing field. This time it was unforeseen delivery circumstances, another time it will be additional charges for delivery, a different pot size, a different height, girth or form – or the “alternative” just isn’t available.
Don’t be a Landscaper Larry. Ask yourself:
- Have I checked the specification of what I’m being offered against what I’m asking for?
- Am I comparing like-for-like?
- Is it deliverable in the time frame I need?
- Are there hidden costs or surprises I’ve not considered?
- Is this alternative really available, or will I get fobbed off with something that doesn’t fit my brief?
“Right from the initial enquiry, we want to get this right. That means the right plants, at the right price, for the right purpose, delivered at the right time. The support and guidance you get from us at the early stages pays dividends in the long run. Of course you’re welcome to do your own research – but please be sure that you’re comparing “apples with apples” – it’ll only come back to bite you later. “Peter Middlicott, allgrowth
Find out more
Ready to discuss the trees and shrubs you need for your next landscaping project? Contact us today.
Overlooked being overlooked? Choose trees for screening
Using trees to mask and separate
When considering property development on outlying land, one element that often not given enough consideration is the impact adjacent building works will have on the existing views from your own property. Of course, you may have considered the loss of distant views, but when the works are complete, the impact of overlooking buildings is, well…overlooked.
Selecting the best trees for purpose
All is not lost, however. An immediate solution is to plant large trees. Not only will their foliage and form ultimately screen and mask but you will gain a natural backdrop that will absorb sound and act as a natural windbreak – as well as looking pleasing from all aspects. Choose varieties with foliage and crown shape that suits height and aspect, or select pleached trees for maximum visual impact, coverage and the most effective use of aerial space above a wall or existing fenceline.
Tree screening options
All options are covered at allgrowth, and we’ll not only help to select and source the right trees to suit, we’ll supply, deliver and manage the project until the trees are planted and taking on their screening duties.
“We’ll visit your site to assess the issue, soil conditions and end goals then discuss options. Pleached or otherwise, allgrowth have stocks of large trees on their Bedfordshire nursery, ready to lift, swift and direct from the UK – maximum screening impact, minimum carbon footprint. Nothing overlooked here!” – Peter Middlicott, allgrowth
Find out more
Learn more about Trees for Screening in our Pleached Trees Guide. Read more >>> Ready to discuss your tree screening options? Contact us today.
allgrowth: Three Free Trees Partner with South Cambridgeshire District Council
Promoting tree planting
Peter Middlicott, allgrowth’s Managing Director, liaised with Councillor Bridget Smith who is promoting the campaign to 103 parish councils in the District. He said of the company’s involvement:
“Of course, we’re wholeheartedly behind any campaign that promotes tree planting in the region and the more that the community gets involved, the wider the impact and the better the understanding of the role that tree planting projects have in improving our natural environment.”
Contacting allgrowth and presenting their voucher towards the purchase of trees from the Cambridgeshire-based 40-acre nursery, parish representatives can choose from an impressive array of large trees and conifers grown right here in the region. The nursery also grows and supplies topiary, specimen shrubs and hedging material for commercial, residential and private planting and landscaping schemes across the UK.
Doubling nature
The Council, allgrowth and the tree partners are supporting the transition to zero carbon by 2050 and the “doubling” of nature in the region. Assisted by the publicity from the campaign, the Council hope to identify opportunities for tree-planting and habitat creation.
Cllr Smith stated at the first tree planting of the campaign in Fulbourn earlier this month:
“We hope that every village takes up our offer as it will mean hundreds of new trees are planted across South Cambridgeshire. I am hopeful that this modest project will be a trigger for much more extensive tree planting by parish councils, businesses, farmers and residents throughout our district, which has far fewer trees than most of the rest of the country. It would be great if people were inspired to make a new year’s resolution to plant more. I certainly intend to.”
Claim your Three Free Trees
There are full details of who can apply, how to apply at https://www.scambs.gov.uk/three-free-trees and further tree planting guidance at https://www.scambs.gov.uk/climate-and-environment/action-on-climate-change/guidance-for-three-free-trees/
New year, new office | allgrowth on the move
Growth and expansion
The office move rides on the back of two years’ exciting growth and expansion in the business and further solidifies the company’s reputation for technical and planting support, sourcing and supply services, provided by the allgrowth team to their private estate, commercial and residential landscaping clientele across the UK.
New allgrowth Office Address
Peter Middlicott and the allgrowth team can be reached at:
St. Marys House
Everton Road, The Heath
Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2YQ
Tel: 01767 650236
Email: peter@allgrowthltd.com
Contact us today >>
Getting the right size and spec, not just the “standard”
We worked with Horton Commercials just like that. We looked for commercially-available vehicles for our nursery needs: the right size and spec for us, not just the standard. Richard Hall at Horton got the gig because he got “us”. Our new vans – on the road since earlier this Summer – allow us to deliver quickly, to your site, when and where you need plants. Small drops of top notch plants and trees for top notch planting projects.
Like Hortons, buying from allgrowth is different. Buying plants in bulk isn’t always the cheapest option in the long run – double-handling, double-labour, double-downtime, double-hassle.
Imagine a different scenario….
A nursery that understands what you’re asking for. One that appreciates the constraints under which you are working. One that won’t just sell you what they’ve got but will work with you to supply you with the right plants for the job, the client, the location, the purpose. One who delivers when you want. In “manageable chunks” – smaller deliveries where and when you need the plants. In vehicles that give you flexibility of delivery and on-site access. That’s allgrowth. Has been for 10 years. Will be forever.
Why pay for plants AND hassle? Don’t. Read on..
Trees for screening pylons: Designed | Delivered | Planted
PROJECT NEWS: Screening pylons with large trees on Essex high end development One of four projects supplied by allgrowth, Peter and the team worked closely with the property developer to screen some unsightly pylons. Overlooking the small development of prestigious...
Riverside screening and large decorative tree planting, Hertfordshire
PROJECT NEWS: Screening, first impression and visual impact with large trees Earlier this year (May 2020), Peter visited this private homeowner at their riverside property in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire. With views across the River Lea, the property's rear garden...
Developing an orchard, copse and naturally vibrant private landscape
PROJECT NEWS: Private Estate Planting in Bedfordshire Most tree growers and nurseries will happily take your order, select your stock, deliver and go. The minimum handling and hassle their end and they will be on to the next delivery. Well, let’s just say – that’s...
Are you comparing apples with pears?
Sourcing your own trees and shrubs - is it a level playing field? It's a regular scenario for us at allgrowth. We offer support and advice from the get-go when clients come to us to source their trees and shrubs for their gardens and landscapes. You want the right...
Overlooked being overlooked? Choose trees for screening
Using trees to mask and separate When considering property development on outlying land, one element that often not given enough consideration is the impact adjacent building works will have on the existing views from your own property. Of course, you may have...
allgrowth: Three Free Trees Partner with South Cambridgeshire District Council
allgrowth are collaborating with the South Cambridgeshire District Council in their new campaign to encourage the planting of trees across the region. The Three Free Trees Campaign offers every parish in the district a £60 voucher to cover the cost of purchasing three...
New year, new office | allgrowth on the move
The team at allgrowth have recently moved to a new larger premises in Sandy. Just around the corner from the previous base, the new offices at St Marys House are set in 8.5 acres of glorious Bedfordshire countryside. Operating the sales and administrative side of...
Getting the right size and spec, not just the “standard”
We worked with Horton Commercials just like that. We looked for commercially-available vehicles for our nursery needs: the right size and spec for us, not just the standard. Richard Hall at Horton got the gig because he got “us”. Our new vans - on the road since...
Why pay for plants AND hassle? Don’t
Buy in bulk for the cheapest plants, right? We always say the nursery trade, growing plants, trees and hedging for others, is a peculiar one. Yes, it is in some ways – who else still works by fax machine?! - but it has lots of the same bugbears we all experience in...
10 years at the heart of the landscape
Great trees, great clients, great landscapes: 10 years on Ten years since we pulled on our allgrowth boots and one thing remains the same - our aim to support, advise and offer the best options to our clients when they are considering plant selection for their...
allgrowth Ltd
St. Marys House
Everton Road The Heath
Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2YQ
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allgrowth Delivery Terms
allgrowth Privacy Notice
Contact: Peter Middlicott
Email: peter@allgrowthltd.com
www: allgrowthltd.com
Tel: 01767 650236
Mobile: 07525 652042