Dig Deep – Details, episodes & analysis

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Dig Deep

British Association of Landscape Industries

News

Frequency: 1 episode/22d. Total Eps: 18

Welcome to Dig Deep, the official podcast from BALI – the British Association of Landscape Industries. Each episode brings together the voices shaping the future of landscaping, from expert contractors and suppliers to policy leaders and innovators.

We go beyond the surface to tackle the issues that matter – from sustainability and skills shortages to dispute resolution, design trends, and cutting-edge technology.

New episodes drop fortnightly. Subscribe now to hear fresh insights, real stories, and practical advice from those working at the heart of UK landscaping.

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Ep.18 Backing the Next Generation: Why People Are Landscaping's Greatest Asset with Richard Gill from Origin Green-tech

Episode 18

Thursday, August 6, 2026 • Duration 14:04

In this episode of Dig Deep, recorded live at FutureScape, Rosie Sayers speaks with Richard Gill, Sales Director at Origian Green-tech, about how the landscaping industry has changed over two decades - and why its people are its greatest asset.

Richard joined Origian Green-tech as a junior sales rep at 21 and, 22 years later, leads the sales team as director. That journey gives him a rare, ground-level view of how far the sector has come: from landscaping being the first thing value-engineered out of a project, to sustainability, biodiversity net gain and urban greening moving to the top of the agenda.

The conversation turns to the challenge every business in the sector knows well - finding and keeping skilled people. Richard is refreshingly honest about Origian Green-tech's approach: take a chance on young people, train them up, and back the ones with common sense, drive and a bit of passion. It's a warm, practical case for investing in the next generation rather than waiting for the perfect hire to appear.

He also reflects on why green infrastructure is spreading out of London and into cities across the UK, what BALI membership brings to a supplier, and the message he'd give any 16 or 17-year-old unsure of their next step: look at what you could build.

It's an open, optimistic conversation about people, progress and pride in the landscape profession.

In this episode:

How Richard went from junior sales rep to Sales Director over 22 years at Origian Green-tech
Why landscaping is no longer the first thing value-engineered out of a project
The rise of sustainability, biodiversity net gain and urban greening
Origian Green-tech's approach to recruitment - taking a chance on young people and training them up
The traits Richard looks for: common sense, drive and people who genuinely care
Why green infrastructure is spreading out of London into Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and beyond
What Origian Green-tech gets out of BALI membership - and why "what you put in, you get out"
Richard's message to government, and to the next generation of landscapers

Key takeaways:

The industry's biggest opportunity - and its biggest challenge - is people
Training up young talent beats waiting for a ready-made skill set
Landscaping's visibility is at an all-time high, but there's still work to do to get it recognised earlier
Green infrastructure is going national, not just staying in London
Attitude beats experience: common sense, drive and care go a long way

Links & Resources

Dig Deep Podcast: https://www.bali.org.uk/help-and-advice/dig-deep/
BALI: https://www.bali.org.uk/
Origian Green-tech: https://www.green-tech.co.uk/
GoLandscape: https://golandscape.co.uk/
STIHL UK: https://www.stihl.co.uk/

Episode Partners:

GoLandscape — inspiring and supporting the next generation of landscaping professionals — https://golandscape.co.uk/ STIHL UK — trusted tools for landscaping professionals — https://www.stihl.co.uk/

Dig Deep is a BALI production, engineered and produced by Blunt & Brave, with music sourced from Artlist.

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Ep. 17 Why Landscaping Is Outperforming the Economy with Trevor Williams

Episode 17

Monday, July 20, 2026 • Duration 18:43

In this episode of Dig Deep, recorded remotely, Rosie Sayers speaks with economist and strategist Trevor Williams about the economic forces shaping the future of the UK landscaping industry - and why, against a sluggish national economy, landscaping is quietly outperforming.

Fresh from his keynote at the BALI National Conference, Trevor explains why demand for green space is structural rather than a passing trend. From building regulations that now require outdoor space and oxygenation, to the deep, evolutionary link between nature and wellbeing, he sets out why people and businesses are willing to pay to bring the green environment into where we live and work.

The conversation moves from the forces driving growth - climate policy, the housing shortage, and a lasting shift in how we value green space since the pandemic - to the very real pressures facing businesses today. Trevor is candid about razor-thin margins, a shrinking domestic workforce (with the UK fertility rate now around 1.42, well below the 2.1 replacement rate), and why "it's not going to be a walk in the park."

He also offers practical, grounded advice for landscaping business owners over the next 12 months: protect your margins, pick the right contracts, embrace technology and innovation, and never underestimate the personal touch and the value of repeat business.

It's a clear-eyed, genuinely useful conversation about growth, resilience, and why this is an industry whose time has come.

In this episode:

Why landscaping is outperforming a sluggish UK economy
The wellbeing and evolutionary case for green space - and why people pay extra for it
How climate and building regulations are driving demand
The lasting impact of the pandemic on how we value green spaces
Why margins are so tight - and the biggest risk to businesses right now
The labour shortage, a falling birth rate and an ageing workforce
The UK housing shortage (around 4.2 million homes short) and what it means for landscaping
Trevor's practical advice for business owners for the next 12 months

Ep. 16 Building a Landscaping Brand Young Talent Wants to Join

Episode 16

Monday, July 6, 2026 • Duration 17:47

In this episode of Dig Deep, we’re joined by Gareth Jones, Managing Director of NorthHort, to talk about building a premium landscaping brand and attracting the next generation into the industry.

Gareth shares his journey from growing up working outdoors to creating a business focused on high-quality service, strong values and a clear identity. Based in Cheshire, NorthHort works across premium grounds maintenance, landscaping, wildflower, ecology and commercial projects, with a focus on creating outdoor spaces that clients and teams can be proud of.

In this practical and honest conversation, Gareth explains why branding is about far more than how a business looks. From uniform and vehicles to team culture, progression routes and quality equipment, he explores how a strong company identity can help attract, motivate and retain great people.

We also discuss recruitment, the importance of hiring for attitude and passion, and why clear career pathways matter if landscaping businesses want to keep talented people in the sector.

Gareth also shares why he is optimistic about the future workforce, particularly young people who care deeply about sustainability, wildlife, technology and the environment.

This episode is sponsored by GoLandscape and Stihl.

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Ep. 15: The Spirit of Chelsea: Stories from the BALI Hive Garden

Episode 15

Monday, June 8, 2026 • Duration 45:59

Recorded live from the BALI Hive Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, this special edition of Dig Deep explores the people, ideas and stories that make Chelsea so much more than a flower show.

Throughout the week, Rosie Sayers spoke to designers, suppliers, innovators, industry leaders and even one of the Chelsea Pensioners whose home becomes the backdrop to the world's most famous gardening event.

Together, these conversations reveal the themes shaping modern landscaping: collaboration, biodiversity, wellbeing, sustainability, public spaces and the powerful connection between people and nature.

Guests include:

• Catherine Barrett, Managing Director of Furnitubes, on creating public spaces that bring communities together and launching the new Hive furniture range.

• Kate Miller, Managing Director of Natural Swimming Pools Ltd, on designing chemical-free swimming environments that work with nature rather than against it.

• Roger Moore, Contracts Manager at Lindum Turf, on 40 years of innovation, the logistics behind Chelsea and the people who make it all happen.

• Barry, a Chelsea Pensioner whose reflections on nature, community and getting your hands dirty provide a moving reminder of why outdoor spaces matter.

From biodiversity and wellbeing to craftsmanship and collaboration, this episode captures the spirit of Chelsea through the voices of the people helping to shape the future of landscaping.

Dig Deep is a BALI production, engineered and produced by Blunt & Brave.

This episode was recorded live at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 from the BALI Hive Garden.

Ep. 14 Inside Chelsea Build Week with Mark Gregory

Episode 14

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 • Duration 22:57

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

This episode of Dig Deep is proudly supported by:

🌿 GoLandscape 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?

Episode 13

Thursday, May 7, 2026 • Duration 19:47

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/

Supported by: 🌱 GoLandscape

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

Episode 12

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 • Duration 21:35

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

Episode Partners

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

Episode 11

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 • Duration 13:19

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
Dig Deep Podcast: https://www.bali.org.uk/help-and-advice/dig-deep/
BALI: https://www.bali.org.uk/

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

Episode 10

Monday, March 16, 2026 • Duration 21:50

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/

Ep. 9 - Roots, Robots & Revolution: How GroundsFest Is Reshaping the Landscaping Industry

Episode 9

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 • Duration 19:39

Recorded live at the BALI Awards, this episode of Dig Deep explores collaboration, community and the future of the landscaping industry.

Luke is joined by Chris from Grounds Fest to discuss what makes the BALI Awards such a standout moment in the industry calendar, and how the partnership between BALI and Grounds Fest is helping to strengthen and grow the sector.

Chris reflects on the deliberately inclusive, festival-style approach that sets Grounds Fest apart from traditional trade events, and why creating a welcoming, hands-on experience matters for attracting the next generation of professionals. The conversation also takes in the rapid rise of robotics and green technology, the ongoing recruitment challenge facing businesses across the industry, and why collaboration — not competition — is at the heart of what makes landscaping special.

A wide-ranging, forward-looking conversation about what the industry needs right now, and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead in 2026 and beyond.

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