Whiting Landscape recently invited landscape architects from across the Midlands and beyond to their tree and shrub nurseries at Wildmoor Lane, Bromsgrove, for an Open Afternoon.
On Thursday, July 11th over 40 architects attended two informative presentations made by Peter Flugge of Hamburg growers Von Ehren Nurseries, and Andrew Richardson from Johnsons Nurseries of Whixley, near York. Peter spoke about semi-mature tree production and supply and Andrew gave an explanation relating to the production of shrubs for the amenity market.
Both speakers faced questions and expanded on the challenges that the Landscape Industry currently faces, among them climate change, pests and diseases and the impact that this is having on stock. The presentations were followed by a tour of Whitings’ extensive tree and shrub nurseries where the guests were able to view in excess of 1500 semi-mature trees and 20,000 specimen shrubs.
Architects were given a practical demonstration of underground guying and an explanation of tree sizing where they were able to view and compare the range of tree sizes from 16 – 18cm to 45 -50 cm.
A mobile, wood fired pizza truck provided a variety of delicious homemade pizzas and salads throughout the afternoon and drinks were available from a converted horse box which served as a bar.
The event was rounded off with the arrival of Dean’s Traditional Ice Cream Van and a queue soon formed for a selection of gorgeous salted caramel, mint and vanilla with raspberry 99’s – not forgetting the chocolate flakes!!