ALERTING LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO HOGWEED DANGERS

Item dated 12/03/07

In the current issue of Government & Public Sector Journal, Wreford alert Local Authorities to the public health risks presented by Giant hogweed. In an article entitled “Britain’s Most Dangerous Plant?” Jim Glaister of Wreford states: “Giant hogweed growing across or along the route of a public right of way is a lawsuit waiting to happen.” Giant hogweed often attracted a great deal of media coverage 20-30 years ago but seems ignored by the press these days in favour of the more headline-grabbing Japanese knotweed. Whilst not as widespread as knotweed, Giant hogweed presents a health risk that knotweed never can – merely coming into contact with the huge plant can lead to severe blistering that can have lifelong repercussions. Wreford, as well as being experts in the treatment of the plant, are committed to seeing the health issues relating to Giant hogweed back in the media spotlight where they belong. To read the whole article please click here.

WREFORD CASE STUDY

Item dated 01/03/07

The latest issue of trade publication Sustain magazine has published a Wreford case study to compliment their leading article on invasive weed issues across the UK. The case study outlines Wreford’s solution to a Japanese knotweed infestation at a South Norwood site where construction works were in danger of being delayed. Wreford supplied a range of different control methods, including reduced dig, reduced burial, installation of specialist membranes, screening, removal to landfill and herbicide treatment. As a result of these methods, the quantity of material required to be disposed of at landfill was dramatically reduced – being around a third of the client’s original expectations. It is Wreford’s policy to always reduce the amount of knotweed waste taken to landfill wherever possible, as this is both in line with the latest Environment Agency Code of Practice and prevents further unnecessary strain on Britain’s already stretched landfill resources. Wherever possible, Wreford seek to conduct on-site solutions to the knotweed problem, removing the need to take anything to landfill at all.

MAGAZINE FOCUSES ON WREFORD CLIENT

Item dated 26/02/07

One of Wreford’s former projects has been featured in the latest issue of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine. The seven-page article focuses on Dorset property developer Rebecca Lang’s first project, a five-bedroom detached house in Poole, where Wreford were employed to landscape the garden. The project was filmed by Channel 4 and broadcast last year as part of their popular Property Ladder series. Wreford are currently employed on Ms Lang’s latest project, which is nearing completion, and which will also be filmed by Channel 4. The March 2007 issue of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine is on sale now.

FURTHER WORKS AT LEISURE WORLD

Item dated 05/02/07

Wreford have returned to the Leisure World site in Southampton, following the first stage revamp of the car park shrub beds carried out in November last year. The rock-grass-shingle design will be applied to two large shrub beds in the centre of the car park. In addition, the bed alongside the main entrance to the site will be tidied and re-mulched. Once the current works have been completed the new scheme will have been applied to around half the beds in the Leisure World car park. At this stage it is unclear as to when further beds will be converted. Current works are scheduled to complete by Friday 16th February.

LOCAL MP JOINS SALES TEAM!

Item dated 02/02/07

Wreford received a parliamentary seal of approval today at a prestigious new commercial development at Alderbury, near Salisbury. Oakridge Office Park, consisting of seven office units in a courtyard setting, was officially opened by Robert Key MP. The development, by the Handston Group, was landscaped by Wreford. For the opening ceremony, Wreford’s Hedging and Topiary department supplied four decorative potted topiary trees and two attractive planted troughs. Two Bay trees framed the doorway of Unit 4 and were used to anchor the ribbon Mr Key cut during the ceremony. Mr Key began his speech by joking he was representing Wreford and was looking to sell the two Bay trees for £400 each! During the course of the afternoon the two trees were indeed sold (but not at Mr Keys’ prices), though whether this was due to Mr Keys’ sales pitch cannot be confirmed. Also in attendance at the ceremony were representatives from the developers, construction companies, architects, agents (and, of course, Wreford) who were involved in the construction and sale of the development, as well as representatives of local businesses, banks, schools, the Parish Council, Wessex Archaeology and the local press.

CHRISTMAS TREE PRAISE FROM CLIENT

Item dated 23/01/07

Wreford has received praise from Rushmoor Borough Council for their professionalism and choice of Christmas trees. Mike Bamber, Rushmoor Borough Council's Parking Manager (who is also responsible for Christmas lighting) said: "We asked Wreford to supply three 'centrepiece' Christmas trees in 2006. The trees were delivered on the agreed dates and times and each one was lifted into position within 30 minutes with considerable skill and no drama. The trees, 45', 40' and 30', were undamaged, in superb condition, of presentation quality (shape and symmetry), and held their needles throughout the 7 week display period. The Council received significant praise for the trees and we commend Wreford for fulfilling the contract without compromise, and have already reserved their services for 2007."

HTA GIFT VOUCHERS ON SALE

Item dated 23/01/07

Wreford’s hedging and topiary supply service continues to go from strength to strength, with sales and visits to the website increasing. Wreford’s specialist supply of native and European mature hedging, trees and high quality large topiary, offers a wide variety of plants, handpicked from nurseries throughout Britain and Europe. To improve the service, Wreford will now be selling the Horticultural Trades Association’s National Garden Gift Vouchers. These will be available to purchase from the website – see www.hedgingandtopiary.co.uk for further details. Wreford are also in the process of purchasing a nursery site in Ower, near Southampton, and the Vouchers will be available over the counter once these new premises opens to the public in 2-3 months.

COMING SOON TO A TV NEAR YOU…

Item dated 19/01/07

Spring 2007 will see Wreford’s second appearance on popular Channel 4 programme Property Ladder. In March 2006, Wreford conducted landscaping works to a residential garden in Poole on an episode of the property development show that was broadcast last summer. The same developer, Rebecca Lang, has asked Wreford to return for her latest project, this time in the Parkstone area of Poole. For this project the scheme is much more ambitious, and Wreford will be involved in removing tarmac sub-bases, and removing and replacing fencing and turf. In addition, Wreford will be installing decking, railway sleepers, trellis, shrubs and a shingle path. Works have already commenced and are anticipated to complete by the end of February / early March. Initial filming began at the end of December 2006 and the programme, presented by property guru Sarah Beeny, is expected to be shown on Channel 4 later this year.

MILD WINTER FOOLS KNOTWEED

Item dated 17/01/07

Wreford has received an unseasonably high number of hits on its Japanese knotweed website this month. At this time of year, the highly invasive plant lies dormant, with the canes above ground dead and the root and rhizome system awaiting the spring before producing new shoots. Initial growth of knotweed in Britain normally occurs between April and May each year. However, the unusually mild winter appears to have confused the plant and new shoot buds have already been observed on a number of sites. The record for early growth, though, must go to a site in central London, where a new stem measuring 13cms (around 5 inches) and sporting several leaves has been recorded this week. In 2005, the uncommonly early spring resulted in the widespread growth of knotweed in late February. Unless there is a severe frost in the next few weeks, knotweed is likely to make itself known around the country for late January / early February this year, which will be the earliest Wreford has ever experienced.