Charcon, the commercial hard landscaping division of Aggregate Industries, has supported the Institute of Quarrying by donating quality commercial flag paving and kerbs to the largest show garden that featured at the inaugural RHS Chatsworth Flower Show.
To mark its centenary, the Institute of Quarrying entered the ‘Quarry Garden’, which celebrates the essential role of quarrying and mineral extraction in modern life.
Designed by award-winning professional garden designer, Paul Hervey-Brookes, the garden garnered a hat trick of successes, winning 'Best in Show', a coveted Gold Medal and 'Best Construction' from esteemed RHS judges.
A total of 600mm x 600mm EcoPave Textured flag paving in Grey Fleck has been used throughout the garden. This sustainable product, containing 50% recycled or reclaimed materials, incorporates uniquely formulated Cornish aggregates to optimise performance, durability and the aesthetic appeal of granite.
In addition, Eco Countryside Kerb served as the garden edging and likewise replicates the look of natural granite. Being manufactured here in the UK from 82% recycled or reclaimed material content, it boasts excellent environmental benefits and is highly durable. This means that the garden, which will be reconstructed at the National Memorial Arboretum following the show, will retain its premium finish for the long term once in situ at its new home in Staffordshire.
Horticultural students from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) were also involved in the project by being challenged to produce the initial garden concepts which Paul Hervey-Brookes then developed into a completed design. Beyond the concepts, the students continued on a journey to learn about how a show garden is created, from the growing process and the origins of landscaping products, through to construction of the actual garden.
Earlier in the year, three of the NTU students involved in the project took part in a tour of the Hulland Ward factory, home of Charcon, to understand the manufacturing process of both domestic and commercial landscaping. They were able to see the Eco Countryside Kerb being produced, along with where the aggregates and cement are stored, how they are transported to the various different machines and what varying methods of production are at work at this particular site.
Mike Davies, Sector Marketing Manager for Charcon, comments: “We feel very privileged to have been involved in this project as it makes a very positive statement about the quarrying of today and how the land is protected and preserved throughout the extraction process.
“It was a tremendous result to learn that the judges had responded so well to the concept and finished result, awarding it three awards. The team at Charcon can’t wait to see the garden installed as a permanent fixture within the National Memorial Arboretum, where the quality and durability of our products will truly stand the test of time.”
