GARDENS, A FORCE FOR GOOD

Given the large accumulative area of residential and public gardens in the UK, this large amount of land has the potential to sequester carbon, provide ecosystem services and offer diverse habitats to help reverse the loss in biodiversity. It is therefore our responsibility as designers and professionals to recognise this unique opportunity and do it justice.

 We recognise however, that in a counter-intuitive way, creating a garden is not always the greenest activity and can carry a big carbon footprint.

At Barbara Samitier Gardens we are creative and curious thinkers; we want to propose solutions that meet our client’s needs, whilst being mindful of our impact on the natural world.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO JOIN THE EFFORT TO ADDRESS THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY, BIODIVERSITY CRISIS AND OVER-CONSUMPTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES.

WE WANT TO BE PART OF THE SOLUTION RATHER THAN PART OF THE PROBLEM.

 Our pledges include:

·      Designing with a deep respect for the natural environment and its fragile ecosytems.

·      Keep learning and sharing our knowledge. Attend CPD programs to keep in touch with the rapid and complex changes in the industry and understanding of the environment crisis, keep in touch with the relevant innovations. Share the knowledge we’ve acquired with peers and collaborators.

·      Adopt a less is more approach: Less hard landscaping using noble and sustainable natural materials sourced locally.

·      Minimise waste. We try and remove as little as possible from existing sites and re-purpose materials found on site as much as possible.

When waste is unavoivadable, we make sure it is disposed in a responsible way.

·      Paper free office. We ask our suppliers not to send paper brochures ( with  a very few exceptions, we prefer pdf brochures). Most of our internal files, client drawings and documents are filed electronically.

·      Campaign and celebrate. We use our voice to campaign, push for change within the industry and the community. We endeavour to communicate in a positive way and make time to celebrate, even the small wins. We stand with all climate activists who are bravely demanding business and political leaders to act now.

·      Business travel: Assess whether travel by public transport, train is possible before reverting to car/plane, including for trips abroad.

We’ve learned with the pandemic that a lot of meetings and presentations can be done online in a very effective way, saving time and costs to our clients in the process. We still enjoy face to face meetings and visiting sites is very important to us but not all trips are necessary.

·      Ask questions and challenge preconceived ideas. Greenwash is prevalent and can be difficult to spot. We endeavour to ask questions and demand transparency from our suppliers and understand the full cycle, supply chain of a product before recommending it to our clients.

We invite you to read our manifesto. Please note that it is not an exhaustive or set-in-stone document but an evolving document that will be regularly reviewed and amended.

BSG CLIMATE AND BIODIVERSITY MANIFESTO – March 2022

 We are in the midst of a global climate and biodiversity emergency unprecedented in human history.

 As a small team ourselves we know that sometimes the little things can make a big difference and equally that we are stronger together. So whereas it is vital that governments and large organisations take action, individuals and small businesses also play a role.

The Society of Garden Designers and Landscape Institute have declared a climate emergency and we are dedicated signatories of their

 This Manifesto sets out our commitment to implementing positive and practical changes towards the mitigation of the ecological breakdown.

 It’s not an exhaustive or set-in-stone document but an evolving document that will be regularly reviewed and amended.

THE FOUNDATIONS > INFORMING AND EDUCATING

 ·      Educating ourselves - continued in office learning through CPDs and learning from trusted collaborators.

·      Educating our clients by informing them.

·      Sharing knowledge with peers.

·      Campaigning.

CONCEPT DESIGN STAGE > OUR DESIGN ETHOS

·      Designing with a deep respect for the natural environment and its fragile ecosytems.

·      Designing in context and for the future/timeless style.

·      Designing gardens to last.

·      Repurpose materials found on site to try and reduce waste leaving the site to a minimum.

·      Working with the existing, retaining where we can and enhance, transform. This not only reduces waste and carbon footprint but it can save costs and results in creative solutions and unique features.

·      Adopt a “less is more” approach promoting good quality, noble, natural preferably local and recycled materials.  Less but better materials.

DETAILED DESIGN STAGE > CONSTRUCTION & HARD LANDSCAPE SPECIFICATIONS

·      Materials are selected with longevity and durability in mind. We reuse existing materials where possible which, as well as reducing the carbon footprint, helps with cost and can help the garden feel more anchored and unique.

·      On a quest for building methods minimising use of concrete.

·      Avoid over engineering and resource-hungry features.

·      Demand transparency from supply chains, be mindful of greenwash.

·      Specify local suppliers and materials (UK or European materials) such as English limestone and UK grown Oak and chestnut whenever possible (most of the time).

·      Favour

·      Water usage

DETAILED DESIGN STAGE > PLANTING FOR BIODIVERSITY

 Recent studies have shown that there is more biodiversity in private gardens than in the UK countryside and parks. Gardens can be mini nature reserves which collectively and especially if connected, can play a huge role in reversing biodiversity loss.

·      We always apply the “Right plant, right place” principle. In following this principle, we produce planting schemes that require less maintenance and input and create healthy plants.

·      We always try and include native plants and native trees in our planting schemes but we understand that diversity is key for planting to be resilient to climate change. 

·      No astroturf or artificial plants

·      We are pledging to use seeds more, along potted plants.

·      We source plants from reputable nurseries which work to high standards qnd comply to strict biosecurity checks. 

·      Ensure that our planting schemes provide nectar for all pollinators throughout the year, provide food and shelter for pollinators throughout their whole life cycle.

·      Encourage and advise on installation of Bird boxes, bird baths, bug hotels.

·      We only specify peat free and organic compost.

·      We encourage the creation of green corridors, with for example the incorporation of hedgehog highways in all new fencing.

·      We try and encourage a custodian mentality in our clients.

·      We apply principles of permaculture in our designs and garden ongoing care development when relevant.

·      We make sure our gardens, once delivered, are being maintained by professional gardeners that share our vision.

COMPANY VALUES > OUR BIG VISIONS & OUR DAILY HABITS

·      Printing and paper use is kept to a minimum in the office. We are a (almost) paper -free office with most of our files being stored electronically rather than on paper.

·      We use Ecosia instead of Google for our web searches.

·      Active travel or public transport to our clients sites is always favoured over car use.

·      Barbara Samitier is a member of Society of Garden Designers  and of the SGD for Sustainability sub group.

·      We are a member of Diversity in Design.