GARDEN DESIGN
A key challenge for Rupert was ensuring that this aggregate was stabilised and did not migrate when walked on by the visitors to the show . Additionally , the solution had to meet the sustainability theme and be easy to install .
Oliver Collins , Product Marketing Manager at ACO House & Garden , suggested the use of ACO ’ s GravelGuard Grey Eco modular tiles . Commenting on the project , Oliver said : “ When Rupert came to us for advice , we knew instantly that GravelGuard would be best suited for the application . Our suggestion was to use the Grey Eco version , as it matched the natural-coloured gravel and design .
“ More importantly , it is made from 100 % recycled polypropylene and is specifically designed to prevent gravel from moving , making it ideal for driveways , paths and shed bases . Thanks to its integrated membrane , it can prevent weeds taking root as the garden matures , while its geotextile design speeds up installation . This was a key requisite of the project given the tight turnaround times facing Frances and Rupert .” Two pallets of GravelGuard were delivered to Rupert in Birmingham . With a total of 34 tiles and 61m ² coverage , the installation took only one day .
Award-Winning Design Underpinned with Simplicity With its challenging and thoughtprovoking design , along with its commitment to BBC Gardeners ’ World Live ’ s sustainability theme , Frances Tophill was awarded a Platinum Medal and also Best Show Garden .
On the project , Rupert said , “ This has been one of our most challenging briefs yet , given how almost everything had to be sustainably sourced or produced . We were very
thankful to the team at ACO for their expertise and knowledge . The GravelGuard Grey Eco solution was delivered fast and on time , while the product itself was easy to handle and install , making this part of the project quick and simple .”
After the show , elements of the garden were donated by Frances to Foleshill Community Centre , which has a community garden to grow produce used to cook or give to members of the social supermarket they have set up . As well as this , the charity has set up a thriving well-being programme , including yoga , craft , food days and gardening sessions .
For more information about GravelGuard and ACO , please visit https :// www . aco . co . uk / products / gravelguard
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