Dig Deep

Ep. 14 Inside Chelsea Build Week with Mark Gregory

Inside Chelsea Build Week with Mark Gregory What really happens behind the scenes at the world’s most famous flower show? In this episode of Dig Deep, recorded at the stunning Glasshouse Collective, Rosie Sayers sits down with legendary landscape contractor and RHS Chelsea veteran Mark Gregory to explore the pressure, creativity and precision behind Chelsea Build Week. With 36 years at Chelsea and more than 100 gardens to his name, Mark reflects on the evolution of the landscaping industry, the importance of collaboration between designers and contractors, and why sustainability must shape the future of garden design. The conversation also explores Mark’s latest venture, the Glasshouse Collective, a unique space designed to bring together landscapers, designers, architects and suppliers to share ideas, inspire innovation and support the next generation entering the industry. In this episode: • What really happens during Chelsea Build Week • Why attention to detail matters at the highest level • How landscaping is evolving towards more sustainable practices • The role of planning, collaboration and innovation in shaping future gardens • Why attracting young people into horticulture and landscaping matters more than ever 🎧 Find out more about BALI: BALI – British Association of Landscape Industries [https://www.bali.org.uk/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] This episode of Dig Deep is proudly supported by: 🌿 GoLandscape [https://www.golandscape.co.uk/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Helping inspire the next generation of landscaping professionals through careers, training and apprenticeships.   Dig Deep is a BALI production, engineered and produced by Blunt & Brave

Ep. 13 The Final 5% | What Makes an Award-Winning Landscape?

In this episode of Dig Deep, recorded at The Glasshouse Collective, Rosie Sayers speaks with John Malmo, Head Judge of the BALI National Landscape Awards, about what truly separates a good landscaping project from an outstanding one. Drawing on decades of experience judging some of the very best schemes in the country, John shares why excellence often comes down to “the final 5%” — the finer details, preparation, teamwork and discipline that elevate a project beyond the ordinary. The conversation explores how the BALI Awards judging process works behind the scenes, the most common mistakes contractors make when presenting schemes, and why attention to detail matters just as much as design and construction quality. John also reflects on how the landscaping industry has evolved over the past 50 years, from the transformational impact of Canary Wharf on public realm expectations to the rising standards seen across the UK today. This is an insightful discussion about professionalism, presentation, teamwork and the pursuit of excellence in landscaping. In this episode: * What judges really look for in award-winning projects * Why the “final 5%” matters so much * Common mistakes contractors make before judging * How teamwork influences project success * How the landscaping industry has evolved over the decades * Why entering awards can transform a business 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Dig Deep: https://www.bali.org.uk/help-and-advice/dig-deep/ [https://www.bali.org.uk/help-and-advice/dig-deep/] Supported by: 🌱 GoLandscape

Ep. 12 Building a Landscaping Business on People, Standards and Apprenticeships

In this episode of Dig Deep, recorded live at FutureScape, Rosie Sayers speaks with Charles Blumlein, founder of Location Landscapes and a long-standing BALI member, about the people behind a successful landscaping business. Charles shares how he first got into horticulture, why he built his business around soft landscaping expertise, and what he has learned from years of training, mentoring and managing apprentices. The conversation explores the importance of attitude and character when hiring, the challenges and rewards of apprenticeships, and why attention to detail, trust and high standards are essential in private garden work. Charles also reflects on the value of BALI accreditation, the importance of referrals and collaboration across the industry, and how landscaping continues to evolve through better design, materials and technology. This is an honest and practical conversation about people, professionalism and what it really takes to build a strong landscaping business. Key Topics Covered * How Charles got started in horticulture and landscaping * Why Location Landscapes was built around soft landscaping expertise * What Charles looks for when hiring apprentices and team members * The biggest lessons from mentoring young people in the business * Why character and attitude matter as much as technical skill * The value of BALI membership and accreditation * How collaboration and trusted referrals strengthen the industry * How landscaping is evolving through design, materials and technology Key Takeaways * Strong landscaping businesses are built on people first * Attitude, character and attention to detail are critical when hiring * Apprenticeships can be hugely rewarding, but they require time, patience and careful judgement * Accreditation matters because it helps maintain trust and standards across the industry * Collaboration and professional networks help raise quality for everyone Links & Resources * Dig Deep Podcast: https://www.bali.org.uk/help-and-advice/dig-deep/ [https://www.bali.org.uk/help-and-advice/dig-deep/] * BALI: https://www.bali.org.uk/ [https://www.bali.org.uk/] * GoLandscape: https://golandscape.co.uk/ [https://golandscape.co.uk/] * Location Landscapes - https://www.locationlandscapes.com/ [https://www.locationlandscapes.com/] Episode Partners 🌱 GoLandscape – inspiring the next generation of landscapers https://golandscape.co.uk/ [https://golandscape.co.uk/] 🧰 STIHL UK – trusted tools for landscaping professionals https://www.stihl.co.uk [https://www.stihl.co.uk/]

Ep. 11 Making Biodiversity Net Gain Simple | BNG, Design and the Future of Landscaping

In this episode of Dig Deep, recorded live at GroundsFest, Rosie Sayers speaks with Oliver Lewis CBE, founder and CEO of Joe’s Blooms, about one of the biggest changes affecting the landscaping industry today: Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). BNG requires developments to leave nature in a measurably better state than before — but for many in the industry, the process has felt complex, technical and, at times, overwhelming. Oliver explains what BNG really means in practice, why it has been challenging for designers and contractors, and how new tools are making the process faster, simpler and far more accessible. The conversation explores how landscapers can engage with BNG without getting lost in spreadsheets, how real-time design tools can transform the process, and why biodiversity should be seen as an opportunity rather than a barrier. Key Topics Covered * What Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) actually means * Why BNG can feel complex and difficult to implement * How digital tools can simplify biodiversity calculations * Real-world examples of BNG applied to live projects * The role of landscapers in delivering biodiversity outcomes * How BNG is evolving in the UK and globally * Why biodiversity should be integrated into design thinking Key Takeaways * BNG doesn’t have to be complicated — the right tools can make it intuitive and fast * Landscapers are already leading the way in biodiversity — BNG simply quantifies that work * Technology can remove barriers and allow designers to focus on creativity * BNG is here to stay and is likely to expand across sectors and internationally Links & Resources * Joe’s Blooms: https://joesblooms.com [https://joesblooms.com] * Dig Deep Podcast: https://www.bali.org.uk/help-and-advice/dig-deep/ [https://www.bali.org.uk/help-and-advice/dig-deep/] * BALI: https://www.bali.org.uk/ [https://www.bali.org.uk/]

Ep. 10 What Excellence Looks Like in Landscaping | BALI Awards, Collaboration and the Future of the Industry

What does excellence really look like in the landscaping industry? In this episode of Dig Deep, we sit down with Nick Coslett, long-time industry figure, BALI Awards judge and Chair of the BALI Chalk Fund, to explore how quality, collaboration and industry leadership shape the landscapes we create. Nick offers a rare behind-the-scenes insight into the BALI National Landscape Awards judging process. From visiting projects on site to meeting the designers, contractors and clients behind them, he explains why the best schemes are about far more than what appears in a submission form. We discuss why collaboration across the industry has become increasingly important, how award-winning projects are judged, and why taking the time to reflect on completed work matters in such a fast-moving sector. The conversation also explores the work of the BALI Chalk Fund, which supports students and colleges across the UK by funding training, competitions and vocational qualifications that help address the industry’s skills shortage. Nick also shares his perspective on the changing workforce in landscaping, the growing number of career changers entering the sector, and why landscaping offers a wide range of career paths — from horticulture and design to ecology and environmental management. It’s a thoughtful conversation about excellence, collaboration and the people shaping the future of landscaping. In this episode we discuss: • How the BALI Awards judging process works • Why collaboration is key to successful landscape projects • The story behind some standout award-winning schemes • How the BALI Chalk Fund supports students and colleges • Tackling skills shortages in the landscaping industry • Why landscaping offers diverse and rewarding careers Episode partners 🌱 GoLandscape – inspiring the next generation of landscapers https://golandscape.co.uk/ [https://golandscape.co.uk/] 🧰 STIHL UK – trusted tools for landscaping professionals https://www.stihl.co.uk/ [https://www.stihl.co.uk/] Dig Deep is a podcast from the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI).