Ricky Mullen from Bosham Landscapes trying to look serious

Ricky Mullen, founder of Bosham Landscapes works with some of the UK's best known garden designers and their clients to bring their visions to life. He builds luxurious spaces for high profile people and yet modestly avoids the industry spotlight. In this exclusive interview, we discover where he learnt his trade, who inspires him and what advice he would offer aspiring landscapers.

Q: What Inspired You To Become A Landscaper?

A: I fell into landscaping after travelling for a few months. I actually started out as a plasterer, but I've been working on sites with my Dad since I was old enough to hold a handsaw!

Q: How Long Have You Been In Business?

A:  20 years landscaping as a partner in another firm, 8 years on my own as Bosham Landscapes.

Q: Where Did You Train?

A: I have an NVQ Level 2 in bricklaying and that's my only official qualification. I would say I'm a very competent carpenter and obvioulsy I can plaster/render.

Q: Do You Design And Build Or Work With Garden Designers?

A:  Yes, I've done lots of projects with garden designers. A couple for Anna Helps, Diana Arnold, a few for David Loy and I've build several gardens designed by Andy Stedman.

attractive back garden with large natural limestone patio adjacent to the house

close up detail of limestone pavers and setts neatly installed and grouted

Q: Where Do You Gain Inspiration For Your Work?

A: Instagram, American concrete contractors, traditional garden designers.

Q: Who Has Been The Biggest Influence On Your Career?

A: That's easy to answer! My Dad.

Q: Natural Stone, Porcelain, Or Reclaimed Stone, Which Is Your Favourite and Why?

A: Always natural stone for me. But porcelain works great on modern clinical designs. There's a place for all three!!

 

corten steel water feature placed upon a circular patio created using limestone slim setts from Arbour Landscape Solutions

contermporary timber built pergola by Bosham Landscapes

Q: How Do You Feel Your Work Transforms Your Customers' Lives?

A:  Unfortunately we probably take gardens a little bit for granted as it is just a job to us and I've probably built or workid on a thousand gardens in my career. But I know from my own garden how important a practical outdoor space is to families, both for adults and kids! So I know it massively and positively improves peoples' home lives having a nice garden.

Q: What Advice Would You Offer To Newly Qualified Landscapers?


A:  Work for an established company until you reach a very high level, and understand the business side of things a little more. Don't just jump ship as soon as you can do a few things because you think you can earn more money elsewhere. If you want to earn more money, learn quicker or work weekends to practice on your own jobs

Q: Which Trade Shows Do You Like To Attend?

A: World of Concrete, Stone and Hard Surfaces Show, Bauma

Q: Which Areas Of The Country Do You Cover?


A: Chichester, Emsworth, The Witterings, Itchenor and maybe as far as Arundel for the right job. Basically about 15 miles from home.

Thankyou Ricky for such an insightful look at your career - and for the trade show recommendations. It's great to learn from industry stalwarts such as yourself and we look forward to featuring more of your work on the Arbour Landscape Solutions social media profiles very soon indeed. 

Click here to 'meet' more of Arbour Landscape Solutions valued clients

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