Rock & Water win top employer award
Stratford upon Avon based Rock & Water has been named as one of the top employers in Warwickshire.
Judges of the 2007 Warwickshire Employer of Choice Awards praised the specialist aquatic landscaping company for flexible working opportunities and other staff benefits which were described as "exceptional for the market sector."
Rock & Water Director Jack Bartholomew was presented with a Highly Commended award in the small employer category by the Chair of Warwickshire County Council Coun John Wells.
His company was praised for having "a refreshingly relaxed approach to work-life balance" and was congratulated for "understanding the value of retaining skilled employees and ensuring that individual needs are met which is exceptional for this market sector."
Informal meetings over a pie and a pint, employee of the month awards and activities weekends are regular occurrences for the 16 strong Rock & Water team - who have also been awarded several medals by the Royal Horticultural Society for show gardens they have created.
"Without team work Rock & Water wouldn't be the successful company it is. We pride ourselves on having a strong work ethic and professional attitude to what we do as well as a desire to continue developing as a team and individually. It is very pleasing to be recognised for our endeavours and we are delighted to have been presented with the award by Warwickshire County Council," says Jack Bartholomew.
Nursery nurse with a difference
Stratford upon Avon landscape gardener Victoria Gallagher gives a whole new meaning to the term nursery. For it is not small children that she lovingly tends but young plants, trees and shrubs in gardens created by her employers aquatic landscaping company Rock & Water of Stratford Agri-park.
As part of the service offered by Rock & Water, Victoria visits clients gardens once a month to check on how things are growing and how the garden is developing. She produces a brief report which summarises the condition of the garden and highlights any potential problems with pests and disease.
We find that many people for whom we create gardens have very little knowledge of plants or how to look after them properly so they really appreciate this skilled gardening service which helps them keep things looking at their best all year round, says Rock & Water Director Jack Bartholomew.
Designing gardens self sufficient in water
Stratford upon Avon based Rock & Water has appointed a new member of staff to undertake research on sustainable water management techniques to enable them to provide clients with gardens which are completely self sufficient in water and at the cutting edge of eco gardening methods.
The specialist aquatic landscaping company regularly constructs schemes incorporating rainwater harvesting, natural springs, bore holes, sustainable drainage and other state-of-the-art techniques like reed beds, porous pavements and "green roofs".
Graduate landscape architect Claire Hunt has joined the prize-winning team to develop the consultancy services offered by Rock & Water and research ways of developing eco gardening and landscaping techniques for the future.
Since the company was formed 14 years ago, Rock & Water has earned a reputation for creating gardens which are naturally authentic but innovatively designed - and they have been presented with several prestigious medals by the Royal Horticultural Society for their work.
Director Jack Bartholomew wants to build on this now by providing clients with the expertise to allow them to have gardens which use the latest eco friendly landscape design and construction techniques to make not only gardens but homes self sufficient in water.
"As a company we are continually looking at new innovations to incorporate sustainable water use with beautifully landscaped gardens - whether they are modern and contemporary or traditional and natural looking," he says.
