INTRODUCTION Peter Killen studied landscape construction at Merrist Wood Agricultural College where he was involved with three Chelsea Gardens and awarded a cup for 'the student who contributed most to college life'. He stayed on as a landscape technician for a further two years before moving to Bournemouth in 1978.
He joined and built up Robin Hill Landscapes until 1996 with a strong emphasis on design with originality. The style of gardens currently being created by ''Ground Force" could have been taken straight from Peter's portfolio.
He recognised the potential of the use of timber in the landscape in 1988, when he found an importer of timber with long lasting qualities and suitability for timber decking and walling.
This opened up a complete new avenue for design possibilities especially for the disabled. Peter is one of the main leaders in decking designs in this country and he has laid down the main construction principles, which have been followed by the latest decking companies. The use of timber features in many of his domestic and commercial designs, include the simulation of a man made beach in a garden looking onto Christchurch Harbour.
Peter also designed and built an outside dining area with boardwalk and bridges for the Headquarters of the Birmingham and Midshires Building Society in Wolverhampton and two sensory gardens at Kings Park community hospital. He has recently been involved with in-house training for NVQ's in landscape companies and lecturing. Peter held the position of regional Chairman and National Hon. Secretary for BALI. (British Association of Landscape Industries) for several years.
He is currently designing and project managing landscape, garden and timber decking projects.
Top right: Peter Killen in red jacket with Paul Boetang MP (Junior Health Minister) at the opening of the Sensory Garden in Kings Park Hospital Boscombe, Bournemouth Dorset.
Peter Killen studied landscape construction at Merrist Wood Agricultural College where he was involved with three Chelsea Gardens and awarded a cup for 'the student who contributed most to college life'. He stayed on as a landscape technician for a further two years before moving to Bournemouth in 1978.