BUILD Construction & Engineering Awards 2020 72 ith a team of passionate garden design and maintenance specialists, LOAM is enthusiastic about creating an outside space that works for you. To begin with Keith provides us with a brief overview of the firm and offers more insight into the client base it typically serves. “At LOAM, a grassroots approach really underpins everything that we do and as a design, build and maintenance company, we are unique from other landscaping businesses. From the beginning, we work with the client, bringing their needs to life. Having an in-house designer means planning is a big part of the service. Although we design ourselves, we also work with a lot of other local designers to bring their client creations to life. Having a design eye means we work with them seamlessly on the build, collaborating together. “From the outset our core value has been to build sustainable gardens that are tailored to the client, taking away the stress of creating an outdoor extension of your home, somewhere to be enjoyed and to nurture through the years.” Before undertaking any new project, the selection of plants is an important factor to consider, not least because some are seasonal and others grow all year round. Moreover, as Keith goes on to explain, a client focused approach helps in this regard. “Working closely with the client and making sure their expectations are met is the most important thing. The design must seamlessly fit into the surroundings and grow with the home for years to come. Choosing the right plants is hugely important, not only for the client to maintain, but also to make sure plants do not grow too big or too small and using plants that we know are unproblematic, i.e plants that are not going to need regular chemical treatment is key. Best Garden Design & Maintenance Company 2020 - Hampshire Based in Hampshire, LOAM is a leading garden design & maintenance company who have been serving clients across the region since 2018. Following their success in the Construction & Engineering Awards 2020, we got in touch with Keith Simm to find out more. W Oct20056 “Large or small, rural, or urban, experience has taught us that creating a great garden is all about creating a “sense of place”, and 2020 has provided us with a chance to pause and rethink our busy lives, bringing our attention back to nature. Gardens have become an extended part of the home where we have been able to spend time with loved ones at a safe distance, so the surroundings in which we welcome our guests has been hugely important both on a practical level and visually.” During the early stages of COVID-19, the closure of businesses initially affected the progress of some of the firm’s projects. However, with the pandemic giving the firm time to assess their chosen suppliers, they opted for local businesses, which now keeps any unnecessary shipping to a minimum, as Keith explains further. “Using local suppliers means not only are we supporting local businesses, but we are also helping to reduce our carbon footprint and from an environmental point of view, that has to be a good thing.” In the field of garden design, competition in the Hampshire area is fierce, with many landscaping companies able to offer their expertise to clients. Moreover, as Keith points out, making sure the correct training has been provided to staff has been a key factor behind the firm remaining at the forefront of the industry. With so many now working from home people have been forced to revaluate their priorities, and as Keith goes on to explain, there is now a much bigger demand for their services. “Sometimes improving the home and garden can be overlooked by holidays or other lifestyle needs. Having a space to relax in, away from screens and the news has become a high priority, so in-turn much like the DIY sector we are seeing an increasing demand.” Finally, Keith comments on the future of LOAM, sharing one or two plans that are in place for the coming year and beyond. “Further ahead we are hoping to expand our team of experts and sustainable practices such as finding local expert planters that don’t use plastic. Additionally, our new list of suppliers should also enable us to reduce our waste and in doing so eliminate the common practice of over ordering” Company: LOAM Contact: Keith Simm Web: www.loamgardens.com
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