MONTH IN REVIEW
GOVERNMENT
UK SECURES INCREASED PROTECTION AGAINST XYLELLA DISEASE
Increased protections against the plant disease , Xylella , which afects olive , cofee and citrus trees has been approved .
The European Commission ’ s Standing Committee on Plants , Animals , Food and Feed ( SCOPAFF ) has approved ( Thursday 19 October ) increased prevention against Xylella fastidiosa .
The plant disease has afected olive plantations in southern Italy and is killing plants and trees in areas across Europe .
Last month , the Environment Secretary Michael Gove wrote to the European Commission stating that if EU protections were not increased , the UK would consider its own national measures , which may include the suspension of high risk imports .
The disease , which could be deadly to the country ’ s oak trees , were be diicult to eradicate if it was to arrive .
The new measures incorporates proposals from the UK , includes strengthened movement requirements on high risk plants and requires quicker responses to potential indings of the disease . Gove said : “ Xylella poses a serious threat to our plants , trees and horticulture sector and as I made clear to Commissioner Andriukaitis last month , we need to see robust action by the EU against the disease . I am therefore pleased this has been taken forward .”
We need to see robust action by the EU against the disease .’’
Michael Gove , Environment Secretary
DEPARTURE
NICK MATTINGLEY STEPS DOWN AS RHS SHOWS DIRECTOR
Nick Mattingley will be stepping down from his role as the show ’ s director at the Royal Horticultural Society ( RHS ) at the end of November .
Mattingley joined the RHS as head of shows in February 2015 following a career in which he organised large scale events such as the British Military Tournament , English Heritage Picnic Concerts and Natural History Museum Ice Rink , as part of the Arts and Entertainment team at IMG .
He was promoted to shows director in 2016 .
The RHS said : “ Nick Mattingley , shows director will be leaving the RHS at the end of November 2017 . The RHS Shows team are continuing to plan the 2018 Shows as normal and are delighted with interest from exhibitors , designers , sponsors and growers wanting to be at Chelsea next year . The recruitment process has begun to ill the shows director role .”
TREES
CAMERON GARDENS CRANE OSMANTHUS MULTISTEM INTO ANNABEL ’ S ROOF TERRACE
The team at Cameron Landscapes & Gardens spent the weekend craning the central tree into the new Annabel ’ s Roof Terrace garden in Mayfair .
The tree - an Osmanthus Multistem - will provide a focal point for the terrace , the aim of which is to provide visitors with a tranquil and serene space in contrast to the urban surroundings . This atmosphere will be supported by the sound of running water from the water feature .
The living conditions of under loor heating and a retractable roof have had to be taken into account while sourcing the tree and plants .
Whilst working on the design of the new Annabel ’ s roof terrace , the team at Cameron Gardens considered several factors , namely the atmosphere desired , the architecture of the new building , the need for the design to support and complement the functionality of the space . The plants ’ living environment ; varying day and night temperatures and humidity levels , and the practicalities of creating an established garden in central London were also considered .
To enable maximum space for plants whilst allowing for the required number of covers and room needed for visitors , Cameron Gardens has sourced a mix of pots and planters including a number of decorative urns and plinths .
December 2017 | Landscape Insight 15