Landscape Juice

Paving Expert reviews The Natural Stone Show 2013

He's not known for shyness and the man behind the Paving Expert, Tony McCormack, doesn't duck and dive with his review of the 2013 Stone Show. Tony's opening paragraph doesn't fill the reader, and potential stone enthusiast, with much hope: "Why do I keep going to these shows? When was the last time I went to a show or exhibition and came away feeling that it had been a valuable use of my time? I'm not completely sure, but it's a good while, and the day spent at The Natural Stone Show in that London's ExCel centre today is not... Read more →

Bradstone Patio Deck review

There's a new buzz in the paving industry. ...or maybe there isn't! Bradstone, have just released a new modular patio system they say 'fills an important gap in the market'. Called Patio Deck, it's a modular steel frame bolted and glued together and laid onto pre-installed pads; eliminating the need for any kind of sub-base, cutting or mortar. Patio Deck come in 8 square metre kits. To make a bigger patio you add on more kits. On the face of it the idea seems simple and it's certainly innovative. What better way for a DIY enthusiast, terrified at the prospect... Read more →

Marshalls announce new products for 2013

Marshalls have announced a number of new additions to their product range available to homeowners in 2013. Cobbletech The Cobbletech driveway system is designed to give a natural authentic cobble look to a driveway or courtyard and is equally at home in a contemporary setting. Not only does Cobbletech provide a stunning driveway option for the householder but with its innovative block design and fast point jointing solution, supplied with the block, it offers the installer an amazingly quick and effortless installation with built in durability. And if this wasn’t enough the system can be laid in all weathers, meaning... Read more →

Etesia and Wolf factory tour

Having spent the best part of 200 hours over a distance of more than 1,250 miles sat in the seat of an Etesia H124D mower I have more than a passing interest in how the machine was made. So I was pleased to be invited to last week's visit to the Etesia and Wolf factories in Wissenbourg north east France for a tour of the manufacturing process. At 1000km, the journey for me was a long one. I didn't have the option to fly and I didn't want to drive so I decided to take the TGV. I've never been... Read more →

Review: Primo 60 outdoor wood oven from the Stone Bake Oven Company

I've made and cooked pizza on three separate occasions since installing my oven and all three times my family - who are demanding and know what they like - have said to me that the pizzas are as good as from our favourite restaurant's. Read more →

How to make your own paving stones

The ratio of sand to cement is 3:1. The three parts sand may be made of a mix of different sands. To achieve consistent results (especially to get the right colour throughout) it's best to measure accurately Read more →

Marshalls Cobbletech sett to change the landscape

You can imagine, I get sent an awful lot of product news by companies who want publicity for their products and services. I do tend to avoid publishing unless I really do feel a product has a viable use for the landscape industry. I got an email from Claire Blake, who is the senior product manager at Marshalls, asking the best way of adding details of their new Cobbletech driveway sett system to the Landscape Juice Network. It's at this point I have to declare an interest and make a disclaimer. Marshalls sponsor the network and pay me some money... Read more →

Garden paving and landscaping product reviews

It is never advisable to rely on a manufacturer or suppliers PR literature if you are looking to buy a product. That is why peer review is one of the most important, honest and powerful ways of helping a potential buyer to form a view before they make a purchase. There is, like any other industry, a great deal of competition from manufacturers to persuade you to buy their paving and associated wares but some of our Landscape Juice Network members thought, quite rightly, that with their years of combined knowledge and experience, what better could there be to let... Read more →

Etesia use social media to engage directly with their clients

Etesia UK have joined the Landscape Juice Network; they are latest in a string of companies joining the site who see the benefits of social media as a tool with which to work directly with their clients. Many of Landscape Juice's commercial and domestic landscape and garden maintenance contractors use or aspire to use Etesia mowers but a recent discussion revealed some discontent with the supply of Etesia parts. South Wales based maintenance contractor Paul Forster claimed many dealers do not hold stock calling them 'useless'. Picking up on the conversation, Etesia UK general manager, Les Malin joined LJN and... Read more →

List of UK garden centres and nurseries

Below is a list of garden centres, nurseries, landscaping and garden maintenance companies - if you wish to be listed, email me [email protected]. Choose your option Company name only £0,00 Company name and weblink £10,00 Company name, weblink and address £15,00 Company name, weblink, address and description £20,00 Company name, weblink,address, description and Google Map £25,00 Garden centres abal waste ltd abbeydale garden co ltd abdulla's horticulture ltd acacia furniture ltd acw garden service ltd adam garden centre ltd aden developments ltd adrian hall ltd afgc ltd alba trees plc aldi stores (honiton) ltd alexander damian ltd alfords garden centre... Read more →