KEY SKILLS COVERED


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Session 1

Macro to Micro
Responding to the context, topography and geology

Softscape masterplanning appropriate to the brief and context whilst also considering long-term maintenance needs. Gain an understanding of gradients in association with various planting typologies, angles of repose, regrading, bulking factors and topsoil handling.

Michele Lavelle 4DLD
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Session 2

Planting typologies:
Design & Documentation

Introducing a comprehensive approach to site planning using planting typologies. Carbon consciousness and cost awareness. Guidance on selecting plant material and detailing information for planning, tender and implementation.

Michele Lavelle 4DLD
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Session 3

Working with the Industry: 
Supplier & Contractor

Understand how to produce equitable tender documentation that simplifies the process for everyone involved. Avoid common pitfalls and understand how best to collaborate with growers and contractors.

Paul Lynch Elmtree Garden Contractors Ltd
Shaw Pye  Fullbrook Nursery Ltd
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Session 4

Post Completion:
  Maintenance & Planning for 30 years

Understanding the design beyond handover and highlighting the relevance of designing with typologies to simplify the process.

Biodiversity Net Gain legislation requires maintenance plans for the following 30 years.

Michele Lavelle 4DLD

Speakers

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Michele Lavelle

Michèle started her career in an international architectural practice where she gained knowledge of designing and specifying plant material across various climatic zones, geologies and cultures. She understands what plants need and the ways they can be persuaded to thrive outside their natural environment, whilst navigating the planning and construction process.

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Paul Lynch

Managing Director at Elmtree Garden Contractors Ltd. Paul is Chair of the BALI South West Regional Committee and a Board Director of BALI. He was voted in the ProLandscaper Top 25 Most Influential in 2023. Paul is an experienced construction leader of 30 years, with a passion for ensuring client satisfaction and the longevity of planting schemes.

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Shaw Pye

With years of experience, Shaw, Director of Operations, regularly collaborates with landscapers, architects, garden designers, and developers, providing advice and tailored solutions. Fullbrook Nursery is known for its high standards of quality and service, ensuring clients receive the best solutions for their projects. Shaw offers valuable insights on plant specifying, industry trends, and sustainable sourcing.

WHY SOFTSCAPE MATTERS...

There is a recognised shortage of green skills, coupled with increased public and political awareness of the need for more vegetation in urban areas and the protection of the countryside. While everyone expects landscape architects to know about plants, the Landscape Institute has, for over 15 years, classified horticulture, plant knowledge, and understanding soils/geology as specialisms. Consequently, these subjects are neither core skills nor are they comprehensively taught at universities.

Landscape architects will often encounter earthworks, topsoil handling, and vegetation on construction sites, with clients, planners, and architects expecting them to manage these aspects. These four lectures provide a fast-track introduction to basic best practices, enabling those interested to further specialize and earn additional CPD points independently.
These four lectures introduce the subject and refresh best practice for experienced professionals.

No prior plant knowledge is required. The methodology taught is applicable globally for both interior and exterior planting.

The sessions cover contextual softscape master planning, re-grading and soil handling, planting typologies, design detail, carbon consciousness, cost awareness, specification, commercial availability, completion, successful establishment, and 30-year maintenance plans.

Insightful talks from suppliers and landscape contractors will address common challenges and highlight issues professionals should avoid.

About the sessions

The lectures last approximately 2 hours on Zoom with time for discussion. They are recorded and can be watched for 7 days after each session.

Each session discusses distinct topics and can be taken without reference to others. Booking just one or any number of sessions is possible, as four consecutive days or spread across three months. Contact us for details.

Some sessions include contributions from a soil scientist, a major nursery supplier and a multi award winning landscape contractor.

Sessions are £60.00 each or £200.00 for the course.


"The planting skills of a landscape architect are essential to tackling climate change and biodiversity loss. These skills are often overlooked and undervalued.

This course is a valuable reminder/introduction to how to ‘get it right’ and avoid the pitfalls during design, installation and maintenance”


Jane Findlay, Past President of the Landscape Institute


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