Commercial soft landscaping at a National Retailer’s Head Office

ENHANCING A FLAGSHIP LOCATION

A leading UK retailer worked with OUTCO for a commercial soft landscaping project, aiming to refresh the landscaped planting at its head office, creating an outdoor environment that reflected the quality of its brand and provided an attractive setting for employees and visitors alike.

Working alongside an external landscape designer, the existing border was re-designed into six distinct areas. The first phase of the project focused on two of the largest sections, transforming tired planting beds into vibrant, sustainable landscapes.

From the outset, OUTCO worked closely with the client to deliver a joint approach throughout the project. This involved working with the client to incorporate existing plants into the new scheme, as well as plants from their own products they stock. This cooperative approach reduced waste, maximised the use of the client’s existing plant stock and supported a more sustainable landscaping project.

THE CHALLENGE: DELIVERING A LARGE-SCALE PLANTING PROJECT

The project required extensive planning and close coordination from start to finish. OUTCO assessed the existing planting, retained suitable specimens and removed the remaining ageing stock.

The team then cultivated the planting beds before incorporating compost, Polymer P4 soil conditioner and moisture-retention granules to improve soil structure. This then creates the ideal conditions for healthy plant establishment.

To support the large scale programme, OUTCO used mechanical excavators for ground preparation, tree installation and material handling. This combination of skilled operatives, specialist equipment and careful planning enabled the team to complete the project safely, efficiently and to the highest standard.

THE SOLUTION: EXPERTISE, TEAMWORK AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL

OUTCO’s dedicated in house soft landscaping team delivered the project, with additional external labour resources aiding the programme to keep the works on schedule.

Planting followed a carefully planned sequence to give every element the best opportunity to establish successfully.

The teams began by planting the large trees to establish the structure of the landscape. Next, the team planted structural shrubs to provide year round structure and visual interest. They then added herbaceous perennials and ornamental grasses to introduce colour, texture and seasonal variation.

Finally, they applied a high quality amenity bark mulch across all plant beds. This helped retain moisture, suppress weed growth and create a clean, professional finish.

Throughout the project, OUTCO worked closely with the client and the landscape designer. Together, they ensured the finished planting scheme reflected the original design while making the best use of the retailer’s existing plant stock.

OUTCOME: A LANDSCAPE FIT FOR A HEAD OFFICE

The completed planting scheme has transformed the appearance of the retailer’s head office, creating a welcoming and attractive environment that will continue to mature over the coming seasons.

The project showcases OUTCO’s ability to deliver complex soft landscaping works through careful planning, technical expertise and collaborative working.

Throughout the project, OUTCO combined specialist horticultural expertise with the right equipment and a dedicated delivery team. As a result, the team transformed one of the client’s most important locations into an attractive, high-quality landscape. In addition, by reusing suitable existing planting stock, OUTCO helped reduce waste and supported a more sustainable approach.

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