The first product to catch our eye was a range of linear drainage channel covers, gulley covers and manhole covers by Aqua innovations. This may sound like an unpromising start to the blog but this company have transformed the drainage cover into a work of art. There was a large range of beautiful designs on offer in either a brushed steel finish or in cast iron which oxidises to a rich rust colour. We think that this company will go far.
Staying in the metal theme we spotted some gorgeous zink leaf balls by 'A Place in the Garden'. They consist of a spherical steel frame covered in hundreds of individually cut leaves, layered and hand welded into place. They come in four sizes and either of the larger two, standing alone, would make a significant impact in the garden. The images on their website do not do justice to them as the finish only improves with age.
There were a number of recycled plastic products represented at the show which is a promising sign. Decking, pots and furniture have all undergone the transformation and the look of these items is improving all the time. We preferred the ones which were not pretending to be wood or other material but making the most of their own properties.
Decking is an area where recycled plastic could make a big impact. The slip proof properties of these products give them a real advantage over wood particularly in public projects and once installed there is no maintenance to undertake other than an occasional jetwash. We liked the grey decking by UPM.
Decking can also now be made from recycled rubber and the rain garden at the wetlands centre in Barnes contains a good example.
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| Where the product is actually sitting in the water the advantages are obvious. |
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| This particular product is very similar in look to real wood and had me fooled. |
posted by Jo
