Johnsons supply plants to ‘Best in show’ at the RHS Cardiff Flower Show
Johnsons of Whixley has congratulated Chris Myers on winning ‘Best in Show’ at the RHS Show Cardiff for his garden celebrating the mythical tale of ‘Bloudeuwedd’.
According to the myth, Blodeuwedd was a woman created from flowers, and the wife of the hero Lleu.
While her husband was away, Blodeuwedd fell in love with a neighbour and together they hatched a plan to kill Lleu while he bathed.
But Lleu thwarted death, and transformed into an eagle to flee, before returning to human form.
As punishment, Lleu turned Blodeuwedd into a tawny owl and she was banished to live a solitary life in the woods.
Elements from this magical story were represented in the garden.
Chris also received a Gold Medal in recognition of the high standard of his garden.
Johnsons is proud to have supplied plants to the award-winning garden, including ferns, ivy, blackthorn and oak.
RHS Cardiff was held at Bute Park in the heart of the city centre, and celebrated the best of springtime while encouraging visitors to learn and grow as gardeners.
Chris, who is best known as the presenter of Channel 4’s ‘Wild Things’, is a regular guest blogger on the Johnsons website.
Posted 11th Apr 12:57pm
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Johnsons supply Spring Flower Show’s largest ever show garden
After supporting and supplying plants to the largest ever show garden at Harrogate Spring Flower Show, as part of a project being delivered in conjunction with Help For Heroes, we are proud to announce that the garden, named ‘A Homecoming Prayer’ won gold – taking top honours at the show.
Johnsons supplied plants including bamboos, grasses, acers, specimen conifers and trees, at a heavily subsidized rate as part of their sponsorship of the project.
The garden will now be relocated, in its entirety, to its final home at Dishforth Airfield, near Thirsk, where it will serve as a memorial space for the 6th Regiment Royal Logistics Corps, who recently returned to the UK from Germany.
There are plans to construct a new Cenotaph as part of the garden.
It is hoped that the garden will not only enhance the barracks, but also kick start wider gardening initiatives, including workshops for military wives and partners.
The garden is a collaborative effort, led by the 6th Royal Logistics Core, working with Help for Heroes, in support of wounded, injured and sick veterans around the country.
Members of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) have helped to support the design and build of the show garden.
The project is also being sponsored by HESCO, a globally renowned manufacturer of defensive barriers used to protect military personnel overseas and to save homes and businesses from flooding.
Posted 21st Apr 12:51pm
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To mark World Health and Safety Day (Friday 28th April) we have asked Johnsons’ resident Health and Safety experts, Dave and Terry from Sound Safety, some questions around the subject and their work with us.
How long have you worked with Johnsons of Whixley?
We started working with Johnsons in June 2006, so just over 10 years!
What systems have you helped put in place during your time with Johnsons?
Initially we focused on getting senior managers, managers, supervisors and shop floor personnel involved and talking about health and safety, and started to hold regular executive and general committee meetings discussing, planning and actioning health and safety issues on site. We’ve monitored how effective our systems are through regular audits and inspections. This model has been instrumental in achieving all the improvements that have been made over the past ten years at Johnsons.
What’s been the most frequently reported incident you have come across working with different businesses?
That’s a difficult question, as we work with many different companies who operate in different environments. But there is always a human element in reported accidents and incidents. Often someone has failed to do something they should have done, or someone has done something they shouldn’t have done. Incidents involving vehicles contribute to most of the incidents reported here at Johnsons.
How often do you work with Johnsons?
We work with Johnsons one day per week, but we are always on call in the event of an emergency, or if anyone requires support or advice.
What does a day working at Johnsons entail?
In the morning, we review any accidents or incidents from the previous weeks, prepare for committee meetings that we may be attending, and work on any documents around systems and risk assessments – in other words any paperwork that needs doing. Usually in the afternoon we investigate any accidents or incidents, carry out a scheduled workplace inspection at one or two of the sites, and spend time with managers who may have raised a concern.
What do you like most about working with Johnsons?
When trying to develop a robust health and safety culture in any organisation there has to be a genuine commitment and practical involvement at senior management level. Without this commitment, it’s difficult to encourage middle management and supervisors to get on board – we believe Johnsons have those elements in place. Having an open an honest relationship with management is one of the keys to job satisfaction.
How did you both get into the health and safety industry?
For me (Terry), it just seemed a natural progression in my career, coming from an engineering background in a highly regulated chemical industry. I (David) applied for the job as Safety Officer as it meant a promotion and more money than I was getting working as a chemist – hat was 27 years ago when I had a full head of hair!
Have you been involved in any accidents or incidents yourselves in your career?
About 20 years ago I (Terry) was working on a scaffold with a colleague, when one of the scaffold boards snapped in half and I fell about four metres injuring my back. I (David) haven’t suffered any injuries at work but I once nearly electrocuted myself at home trying to fix the washer while it was still plugged in! Fortunately for me the RCD tripped so I was not injured too badly. It’s worth noting that many more injuries are caused by accidents in the home than they are by accidents in the workplace.
Finally, what health and safety advice would you give to people working in the horticulture industry?
Listen and take on board any health and safety advice you’ve been given, adhere to any training or instruction that you have received, challenge anything that may potentially put you or your colleagues at risk, and report anything that has the potential to hurt someone.
Posted 24th Apr 3:23pm
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