Author: Barry Holdsworth

  • RHS to review judging system

    RHS to review judging system

    The closed world of judging by Royal Horticultural Society is up for review and not before time some would say. To all those designers that have toiled away at the recent Chelsea Flower Show may well wonder why they got the medal they did, not matter what colour. As feedback is all but non-existent and…

  • Plant guarantees may change because of climate change and possible severe winters

    As climate change continues to reshape weather patterns across the globe, the reliability of plant guarantees is coming under increased scrutiny. Traditionally, plant guarantees have offered consumers confidence that their purchase of a plant—from ornamental garden selections to agricultural crops—would thrive under expected environmental conditions. However, with the shifting climate, particularly the potential for more…

  • Listed Property Garden Designer

    Listed Property Garden Designer

    Considerations Designing a garden for a listed property requires a thoughtful approach that respects the property’s historical significance while enhancing its overall aesthetic. Barry can help you create a sensitive and well-balanced design, tailored planting schemes, and carefully chosen features that complement the style, design, and period of your property. Whether you want to honor…

  • New maze at Cliveden

    New maze at Cliveden

    The original maze at Cliveden has been lost, but The National Trust has recreated the original one commissioned by Lord Astor. It took over two years to reconstruct and last winter over 1,000 2 metre high Yew trees were planted and the maze is now open. This is just one part of the large formal…

  • New Biopesticides unveiled

    New Biopesticides unveiled

    At its technical centre in Wellesbourne Centre, Fargro formally introduced two new biological crop-protection products, reflecting the rapid shift within horticulture toward more sustainable pest and disease management strategies. The first product, Met52, is a granular bioinsecticide developed by Novozymes. It is based on a naturally occurring strain of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. This beneficial soil-dwelling microorganism infects…

  • Live bees to be supplied to gardeners

    Live bees to be supplied to gardeners

    There is a first time for everything and now gardeners will be able to purchase bees either by mail order or from garden centres. Dragonfli and Wildlife World will be marketing live bumblebee hives for gardeners and garden centres. Gardeners are increasingly being offered new ways to support pollination at home, including the opportunity to…

  • Artificial turf

    Artificial turf

    Artificial turf has seen a marked rise in popularity in recent years as garden owners increasingly seek immaculate, evergreen lawns with minimal maintenance demands. What was once associated primarily with sports surfaces or temporary installations has evolved into a sophisticated landscape product, now used in private gardens, roof terraces and even selected areas within prestigious…

  • Arboricultural Method Statement

    Arboricultural Method Statement

    Once planning permission has been granted, it is common for the Local Planning Authority to impose conditions requiring a detailed tree survey and the submission of an approved Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS). This ensures that existing trees — particularly those protected by Tree Preservation Orders or located within Conservation Areas — are properly safeguarded throughout…

  • Tree Survey

    Tree Survey

    Barry Holdsworth provides comprehensive tree surveys undertaken in accordance with BS 5837:2012 – Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction, with management and work recommendations aligned to BS 3998:2010 – Tree Work Recommendations. These recognised British Standards establish the professional framework for assessing trees within development sites and ensuring that informed decisions are made regarding their…