Holland Landscapes

Earlier this year, I was invited to get up really in the morning, head off to Stansted Airport, hop on a plane to Belfast and take part in the Roots to Revenue Podcast with Robbie Lynn and Jason. Robbie records most of his podcasts in winter time and then does the editing and publishing as the year goes on. Here's the video of the podcast we made together - I'd love to hear your comments on it. And please, if you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the channel - I promise you won't regret it. https://lnkd.in/ePgSCfNs Association of Professional Landscapers (APL)

In January this year I had the privilege and absolute pleasure to meet Robbie Lynn who I have known for many years. He has a successful lawn care business and associated YouTube channel. This year he launched a new channel called Roots to Revenue which is a podcast featuring small business owners who share the tips and tricks they have learnt whilst running a business. The recoding we did in late January is coming out soon so please keep an eye out for more shorts and the full video in the next few weeks Please like this video and share as much as possible. Also subscribe to both of Robbie’s channels. https://lnkd.in/eP5QE6PU https://lnkd.in/e4-3ZebC https://lnkd.in/eebt4pRa

Tomorrow, October 10th is World Mental Health Day This year's official theme is about prioritising mental health in the workplace. With workplace stress on the increase, employees everywhere are feeling the pressure. Burnout, anxiety, and depression are on the rise affecting job performance, creativity, engagement, and overall life satisfaction. This means that conversations about mental health can no longer be confined to personal lives. There are many ways that both employers and employees can raise awareness, act, and make sure everyone who works around them feels supported and knows that help is on hand. Talking about what's going on in our dat-to-day lives and how we're feeling can help us cope better with life's ups and downs. This is not only true with friends and family, but it's just as important with the people we work with. So why not take 5 minutes to check in with those around you today? You never know, simply asking "How are you?" might just make all the difference. Here are some tips from @Perennial - Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Society to help get the conversation started. 🍰 Tea and Talk: Sometimes simply offering a cuppa and having a catch-up can work wonders, whether it's one-on-one or you make it more of an event in your workplace. 🗨 Don't just ask once - ask twice: Don't take "I'm fine" for an answer. Asking "How are you?" a second time shous ou're genuinely interested and can encourage people to open up. 🗨 Choose specific topics: Ask about things like "Hows the family?" or "How's work going?" Sometimes, starting with specific questions makes it easier for someone to share. 👍 Don't worry about getting it wrong. You don't have to have all the answers. Just showing you care is a wonderful first step. If you feel a colleague would benefit from further support, encourage them to speak to their employer, GP, or reach out the the Samaritans. For more support visit https://lnkd.in/e8uq_Fvw #WorldMentalHealthDay #PerennialHelps

Spotted on a recent trip to Houghton Hall in Norfolk. (Just shows what a landscaping geek I am!). Everyone else was eager to see the Anthony Gormley art exhibition and I was spellbound by the surfacing in the old stable yard. Now I don't know for sure, but I strongly suspect that these pavers were laid when the house was built for Robert Walpole, our first ever Prime Minister. Which would mean that this surface is around 300 years old. WOW! Admittedly this area was tucked away to the edge of an archway so probably hasn't ever been driven on by carriages by cars, but I think it goes to show that when you invest in good quality materials and have them installed by skilled craftspeople - you really do only have to do a job once in a lifetime - or, in this case, several generations worth of lifetimes. I just wish I could go back in time and shake the hand of the landscaper who laid these. #landscaping #landscapingexcellence #builttolast

Flashback to earlier this year when we completed this water feature in a steeply sloping garden in Leigh On Sea. We worked through some horrendous weather and there were a lot of materials to carry up and down the garden. But we did it - and we couldn't be happier with the results.

I was very lucky when it came to starting my career in landscaping. My Dad gave me plenty of work experience on weekends and bank holidays. After a spell of trying something else (computer sciences) it was obvious that my heart lay in creating gardens and Dad kindly welcomed me into the family business. Much of my training was in-house but I'm also a big fan of external training in order to keep up to date with new materials and current best practice. I truly believe that a combination of theory and practical training are essential for any career in the landscape industry and that's why I was pleased to see that the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) have published an article about starting a career in gardening or landscaping. Click on the link to learn more - and if you're a student of landscaping, I heartily recommend APL Student Membership - it's not just valuable - it's FREE! https://lnkd.in/ezTqVX-K #LandscapingExcellence #landscapingblog #landscapinglife #younglandscaper #apprentice #careers #landscapingjobs #weareapl

Congratulations to our Team Leader, Ben Jackson who has just welcomed his first baby into the world. Baby Leo arrived safe and sound a couple of weeks ago and is very much loved. I wonder if he'll follow the family tradition and become a landscaper.

Super proud to have two of our gardens shortlisted for Association of Professional Landscapers awards. We'll be sharing more images in a blogpost later this week - watch this spot! #landscaping #wishusluck #weareapl

Another thought provoking blog from MD Paul Baker What would YOU say is the biggest lie in your industry? https://lnkd.in/eKj9DCfe #weareapl #landscaping

A Patio doesn't need to be monochrome or boring. By mixing and matching materials of different colours and textures, and even introducing planting pockets, you can create a space that will be interesting all year round. Here's one we made earlier......... #landscaping