


About

Horticulture

Ecology

Landscapes

Greenroofs


email:
shrubfrog@
gmail.com
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@shrubfrog
horticulture
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HORTICULTURE & ECOLOGY (FREELANCE)

Alexander Mortleman BSc (Hons)
An expert Horticulturalist, with a deep background in Horticultural/Ecological consultancy, Landscape design, construction & maintenance, Habitat creation & management, experience in the UK Greenroofing industry, Botanical gardening & Plant-nurseries. Currently serving as an Ecologist in deep-field research of a newly created EU Special Area of Conservation (Capo Testa SAC, Sardinia, Italy). Whilst cultivating ornamental plant species, designing, landscaping & maintaining gardens in York, England . Availability for Freelance-works with prior planning UK/EU wide. Primarily based in England & Italy.

01 skill-set
Practical:
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Excellent plant identification, care & cultivation skills (including plant pathology & pests).
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Competent at all aspects of hard & soft landscaping (e.g. paving, fencing, cladding, decking, turfing, ponds, irrigation, stumperies, herbaceous borders, green-walls, plantings etc.).
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Proficient with hand & power tools (e.g. spades, edging, hedgecutters, chainsaws, strimmers, blowers, chop-saws, circular-saw, angle-grinder, drills, brad-nailers, pin/nail guns etc.).
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Installation of Greenroofs (extensive, intensive, biodiverse), Greenwalls & Green-facades.
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Maintenance of Landscapes, Greenroofs, Greenwalls & Green-facades.
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Execution of complex & detailed planting plans (using various methods), to design specification or by self-design (RHS Chelsea Flower Show, 2012 Olympics, Grand Designs & Ecobuild experienced).
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Specialist pruning techniques (fruit trees, Niwaki) & topiary. Ability to cultivate Cloud Trees.
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Wildlife habitat creation (design) & management (long term monitoring). Applicable to BREEAM.
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Natural building techniques specialist; cave-houses, tree-houses, dry-stone, cob, Cornish hedging.
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Light Tree-works (climbing, reductions & survey).
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Soils/substrate & seed-mix formulation & blending.
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Seed-sowing, specially formulated nutrient applications & spraying.
Technical:
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Office computing; word processing, spreadsheets, databases, powerpoint. PC & Mac.
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Website design & basic graphics, branding & marketing.
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Simple coding (Python, R, HTML, CSS) & Geospatial mapping.
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Highly proficient at creating technical documents - risk assessments, method statements, design specifications, reports, technical manuals, design briefs, product data sheets, system info sheets, bill of quantaties (BoQ), planting specifications, planning applications etc.
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Landscape/Garden, Greenroof, Greenwall & Green-facade design.
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Ecological & Horticultural surveying & reporting (including Japanese Knotweed).
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Ability to design & carry out scientific experimental research/plant trials.
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A great understanding of UK planning legislation & BREEAM in relation to urban greening.
Specialities:
Horticulture: Hardy Ornamentals, Native UK Florae, Xerophytic Florae, Hardy Succulents, Florae of the Chilean Temperate Rainforest, Andean Root & Tuber Crops, Tyrrhennian Florae & Habitats of the Mediterranean, Ethnobotany, Ecological Plant Associations, Forest Gardens.
Ecology: Botany, Phase 1 Habitat & Phase 2 Vegetation Surveys, Habitat Profiling (UK & Mediterranean), Reptiles & Amphibians, Terrestrial Invertebrates, primarily: Lepidoptera, Anophila (Hymenoptera), Heteroptera (Hemiptera), Dermaptera. Biodiverse Greenroofs. Wildflower Meadow applications. Native planting themes & habitat replications. Urban Garden ecological & ornamental design strategies (relevant to local planning) .
Music while you read, click the video above. Lark Ascending.
A classical masterpiece.

Reading in nature

A pretty fish

Arbutus unedo (Strawberry Tree)

Reading in nature

Graphosma italicum ssp. Sardiniensis (Striped Sardinian-Shield Bug). Endemic, on Daucus carota.

Greenroof plant trials, Somerset.

Allium commutatum (Sea Garlic)

Graphosma italicum ssp. Sardiniensis (Striped Sardinian-Shield Bug). Endemic, on Daucus carota.

Octopus vulgaris (Common Octopus)

The Moon

Hair

Octopus vulgaris (Common Octopus)

02 Experience
2018-2020
HORTICULTURAL CONSULTANT & LANDSCAPE GARDENER
Fern Cottage Gardens & Horticultural Consultants, York.
Primarily garden maintenance, design & construction for private clients. Japanese Knotweed surveys, Arboriculture, Greenroofs, Habitat creation & plant procurement. Branding, marketing & website design/construction: ferncottagegardens.co.uk. A continually evolving, ongoing project between Fern Cottage Gardens & Shrubfrog (Horticulture & Ecology).
2016-2017
DESIGNER & GARDENER
PLANT PROCUREMENT
Araucana Ecological Landscapes
(Future Plants of London), Harringey.
Creation of bespoke garden designs & interior/exterior plant supply in North & West London. Landscape design/architecture & construction. Specialist substrate formulations/seed blends, plantings, water features, high-end hard landscaping etc. Supply of ornamental plants (e.g. to improve air quality in warehouse apartments). Care & cultivation of plant stock. Creation of customised 'Habitat Furniture' & features.
2016-2017
SKILLED HORTICULTURALIST
GREENROOF CONSULTANT
Plants For London, Notting Hill.
Landscape, greenroof & roof-garden maintenance, installation of hard/soft landscape projects, roof-top balconies & planters to hotels, offices, private clients & public places in central & west London. Greenroof & habitat surveys/reports, workshop carpentry & creation of novel artificial greening solutions.
2014-2015
NURSERYMAN
D-Tail Plants, York.
Care of plant stock, commercial production & customer service, in a plant nursery specialising in procurement & production of ornamentals (ferns, grasses, shrubs & feature plants).
2008-2013
CONTRACTS MANAGER &
TECHNICAL CONSULTANT
Blackdown Greenroofs (formerly BHC), Somerset.
Management of the Greenroof Maintenance division. Technical in-house support to installation teams, project managers, salesmen & marketing. External - seminars to architects, contractors, manufacturers, lectures to students & training in novel system installations/applications & relevant native plant species. Horticultural & Ecological consultancy, plant procurement, surveys, reports, design of greenroof installations & systems, specialising in biodiverse & native habitat replications. Design of the Nocturnal Wildlife Biodiverse-roof system together with the Bat Conservation Trust & assistance in developing the original NRFC UK Greenroofing Guidelines. Composition of technical documentation: Product Data Sheets, System Information Sheets, Risk Assessments, Method Statements, Design Briefs, Operations Manuals & Bill of Quantities. Specialist formulations of substrate & seed-mix blends.
2017-2020
FIELD-ECOLOGIST
Valle Della Luna Ecology, Capo Testa (Sardinia, Italy).
Deep investigations into habitats & wildlife species present in the newly formed SAC. Mapping of habitat boundaries, Phase 1 habitat & Phase 2 vegetation surveys. Identification of terrestrial invertebrates, reptiles & amphibians, mammals & birds. Formulation & undertaking of in-depth research questions. Creation of website including botanical inventory etc. See valledellaluna.org. Also anthropological elements in relation to intentional communities & natural building. Ongoing.
2015-2020
NURSERYMAN & PLANTSMAN
Vertigrow Plant Nursery, York.
Care & cultivation of plant stock Ornamental (trees, shrubs, herbaceous, indoor & unusual). Blending of growing mediums, potting-up, use of potting machine, irrigation systems, assisting in poly-tunnel construction, pruning etc. Working with interesting plants such as Hedeychium, Tree Ferns & large collections of Heuchera, Helleborus etc. Execution of planting plans, landscaping, installation of large feature plants, shrubs etc. Ongoing seasonally.
2012-2017
CONTRACTS MANAGER
HORTICULTURAL/ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANT & TECHNICIAN
Greenroof Management UK (GRMuk)
Nationwide (although primarily London/Nort-East England) maintenance & habitat management of Greenroof projects (extensive & biodiverse). Installation of Biodiverse-roofs, remedial works to extensive Sedum-roofs to repair & improve biodiversity value. Habitat creation by plantings & bespoke 'Habitat Furniture' for public & private clients (i.e. Islington Council, multiple schools, private offices, the British Horseracing Authority/Jockey Club, NHS Health Centres). Production of technical documents, manuals, training programme, website creation.
2014-2016
LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
LANDSCAPE GARDENER
Gardener Design, York.
Garden design, construction & maintenance for private clients in York. Small-scale greenroof installation & estate maintenance. Creation of ornamental & edible planting strategies. Specialising in maintenance of herbaceous borders & shrubberies.
2013
HARD LANDSCAPER
SKILLED HORTICULTURALIST
Axminster Landscapes, Devon.
Paving, walls, dry-stone, fencing, landscape groundworks, turfing, planting & garden maintenance. Installation of new features & remedial works to old patios, walls etc..
2008-2013
SCIENCE OFFICER (R&D)
HORTICULTURAL & ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANT
GREENROOF INSTALLER/SUPERVISOR
Blackdown Horticultural Consultants (BHC/GREENROOF), Somerset.
The first Greenroofing design, supply, installation & maintenance company in the UK. Personally selected straight from university. In-depth scientific trials on suitable plants, substrates & moisture control systems. Greenroof system designs, plant procurement, cultivation & installation of relevant species & systems. Greenroof Horticultural & Ecological consultancy. Company plantsman for RHS Chelsea flowershow (in conjunction with Sheffield University), multiple Grand Designs & Ecobuild etc. Media liason (appearances on BBC One Show, BBC Radio) including national broadsheets, tabloid & local newspapers. Installations of award winning projects (e.g NFRC Greenroof of the year 2011 - West Ham Bus Garage).
2008
MAINTENANCE GARDENER
Phil Rose Landscapes, York.
All aspects of garden & exterior grounds maintenance. Including light tree-works, hedge-cutting, grass-cutting, herbaceous borders, shrubberies, leaf-blowing, removal of undesirable plant species. For private clients (e.g. the family members of the Shepherd Building Group & York Minster gardens). Many Roses.
2007-2008
PLANT SPECIALIST
Ivybridge Garden Centre (Endsleigh), Devon.
Pimarily care/maintenance of plant stock, customer support & display design of relevant specialist outdoor plant area (climbers & roses) in Devon's largest garden centre. Plant procurement of shrubs, ferns, grasses, climbers & roses. Link with indoor plants section focusing on orchids & plants suitable for reptile vivariums. Vocational work during final year of university (BSc (Hons) Horticulture). Based in Plymouth.
2005-2007
HORTICULTURALIST
Eden Project, Cornwall.
Trained as a global Horticultarist with a high-level of plant identification/care skills. Experience of working in all Horticultural areas at Eden: Mediterranean biome (Warm-temperate), Jungle biome (Humid-tropics), Outdoor ornamentals & crops, Watering Lane Nursey (Desert-biome, plant quarantines/control & general plant cultivation) & the Science team (plant pathology, mycology & pests & diseases, note* first person in the northern hemisphere to discover 'Pinus boeneri' - Pine Wooly Aphid). In conjunction with Heritage Botanic & Historic Gardens Training Scheme & FdSc Ethnobotany, Rosewarne College. Specialist areas: Chilean Temperate Rainforest re-construction, Andean Root & Tuber Crop Exhibit, Mediterranean, South African planting displays & tropical palm/banana plantation exhibits.
2004-2005
PLANT PROCUREMENT/SUPPLY
North Hill Horticulture, Plymouth.
Sourcing of outdoor/indoor ornamental plant specimens for private clients, clubs, pubs & offices. Wholesale supply, plant care & cultivation. Whilst studying at unversity.
2004-2005
NURSERYMAN/BOY
Imberhorne Lane Nursery (Camellias Online), East Grinstead, West Sussex.
First job in Horticulture. Care & cultivation of plant stock. Nursery/polytunnel maintenance. Irirgation & spraying. Ornamental garden plants, but the nursery specialised in Camellia cultivars & propagation.

03 education & training
Degrees:
BSc (Hons) Horticulture - Plymouth University (Duchy College Rosewarne, Cornwall).
FdSc (Hons) Ethnobotany - Plymouth University (Duchy College Rosewarne, Cornwall). Eden Project.
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Short Courses:
Heritage Historic & Botanic Gardens Training Scheme - Eden Project, Cornwall.
Cert. Ed. Psychology/Human Biosciences - Plymouth University.
Climate Change & Global Warming - Open University. Science Short Course.
The Human Genome - Open University. Science Short Course.
Fossils & the History of Life - Open University. Science Short Course.
Nutrition & Health, a Chemical Story - Open University. Science Short Course.
Maps & the Geospatial Revolution - Coursera, Pennsylvania State University.
Ecosystem Services: a Method for a Sustainable Environment - Coursera, University of Geneva.
Understanding Plants; What a plant knows - Coursera, Tel Aviv University.
SQL Databases - Coursera, Stanford University.
Python Basics - Coursera, Duke University.
The Google Algorithm - Coursera, Harvard University.
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Training:
CSCS - Operative/Supervisory. Construction Skills Certification Scheme.
PASMA - Portable Access Scaffold. Prefabricated Access Suppliers & Manafactures Association.
IPAF Harness. Brittannia Safety & Training.
RHS Pruning. Duchy College Rosewarne.
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Other:
A-Levels: Psychology, Sociology, Business & Economics, General Studies.
ASDAN Award; Business Issues - York Sixth-Form College.
GCSE's - Fulford School, York.
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04 current research
The projects listed below are being used in preparation of postgraduate research and to engage other graduate/postgraduate researchers, the local commune of Santa Teresa di Gallura, the European Union Nature Information System (EUNIS) & wider acknowledgment of conservation issues in the Capo Testa SAC & across the Mediterranean landscapes. Please visit the Valle Della Luna Ecology website for more information.
RPR1: Development of a practical ecosystem approach model, in mitigating the risk of wildfires whilst providing optimal biodiversity benefits to local wildlife species in Meso-Mediterranean Holm-Oak Forests. Specifically in Capo Testa SAC, Sardegna. Status: Literature review, field work & write-up.
RPR2: Investigations into Dermaptera (Earwig) species present in the Valle Della Luna research area, Capo Testa SAC. With focus towards local food-web interactions & change in biomass quantitative survey results, relative to differing climatic conditions over time, seasonally & annually. Status: Literature review, field work & write-up.
RPR3: Identification of pollinating insects, primarily Anthophila Bees), Syrphidae (Hoverflies), Heteroptera (Flower Bugs) & Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies) species present in the Valle Della Luna research area of Capo Testa. With particular focus on angiosperm associations & endemic ecosystem/habitat interactions. Status: Initial field-work.
RPR4: Assessment of topography specific nesting habitats relative to Anthophila (Bee) & Syrphidae (Hoverfly) species in a range of different habitats across Capo Testa SAC. Status: Initial field-work.
RPR5: Identification & analysis of preferential habitat requirements for Testudo marginata (Marginated Tortoise) in Capo Testa SAC. With focus upon the current quality of habitat, health of populations & enhancement or restoration of natural habitat quality. Status: Literature review & field work.
RPR6: Evaluation of IUCN Red-List endangered Reptilia (Lizard & Skink) populations. In-depth concentration upon biocenoses & cenoses in specific Tyrrhenian habitats & endemic ecosystems in the Capo Testa SAC. Status: Literature review, field work & write-up.
RPR7: Investigation into the endemic habitat association between Graphosma italicum ssp. Sardiniensis (Sardinian Striped Shield Bug) & Daucus carota (Sea Carrot) in Coastal Elicriso Gariga (EUNIS 5320: Low Formations of Euphorbia pithyusa close to Cliffs). Paying particular attention towards lifecycle, breeding populations & specific optimal habitat provision. Status: Literature review & field work.
RPR8: Observations of the ecosystem dynamics in a novel plagio-climax habitat of Sarsaparilla-Lentisco Gariga, in Cala Grande Capo Testa SAC. With particular focus upon a large community of Rattus norvegicus (Norweigan Brown-Rat) & local effect on other wildlife species present, in particular the holistic ecosystem balance & food-web interactions. Status: Literature review & field work.
RPR9: Examination of ecosystem dynamics in a niche mosaic of habitats, where Holm-Oak Forest, Arborescent Macchia with Juniperus phoenicea, Thermo-Mediterranean Tree-Spurge Gariga & endemic Sardinian Genista Gariga converge (Macchia del Gatto Rosso & Teschio Woodland - Capo Testa SAC). Status: Initial field work.
RPR10: Invasive or beneficial? A study of 5 non-native plant species present in the Valle Della Luna research area: Malva veneta, Aloe arborescens, Oxalis pes-caprae, Caprobrotus acuniformis & Solanum lycopersicoides. Status: Literature review, field work & write-up.
RPR11: Nocturnal wildlife present in a niche Cliff-top arborescent Macchia with Phillyrea latifolia. Focus upon Moths, Bats, Lizards & Birds. Status: Initial field work.
Current Projects

Cala di l'Ea Dune Grassland

Testudo marginata (Marginated Tortoise)

Habitat/species mapping

Cala di l'Ea Dune Grassland
Valle Della Luna Ecology - Capo Testa SAC. Ecological research programme. website: valledellaluna.org

Landscape/Garden design

Landscape/Garden construction

Landscape/Garden maintenance

Landscape/Garden design
Fern Cottage Gardens & Horticultural Consultants. Based in York.
website: ferncottagegardens.co.uk

Biodiverse Greenroof (meadow-design)

plug-planted Sedum-roof

Bombus lucorum sipping from Echium vulgare

Biodiverse Greenroof (meadow-design)
Rooftop-Habitats. Specialist living-roof consultancy & maintenance. website: TBA
Extensive Greenroof design & specification technical manual (pdf download)
Past Projects (a few examples..)

Ladybirds on Sedum: BBC One Show, BBC Radio etc.

Hemel Hempstead Snow Centre. Installation. Over 2000m2 largest Greenroof in the country at the time.

Cultivation/care of Aloe. Mediterranean Biome/Watering Lane Nursery, Eden Project

Ladybirds on Sedum: BBC One Show, BBC Radio etc.

Greenroof system design. Planting mixes, substrate blends & moisture-control.

Athletes Village 2012 London Olympics. Multiple Installations. Biodiverse-design.

Falmouth Art College. Biodiverse installation.

Greenroof system design. Planting mixes, substrate blends & moisture-control.

Garden design & specification. (Richmond).

Trained & Educated at the Eden Project.

Smailholm tower, Scottish borders. Trials & installation. NRFC Greenroof Finalist 2012.

Garden design & specification. (Richmond).

Essex Disability Centre, BREEAM Excellent. Installation.

Biodiverse-roof for Bees. St Mary Magdelene Academy, Islington.

Planted/constructed balcony. Whitechapel.

Essex Disability Centre, BREEAM Excellent. Installation.

West Ham Bus Garage. NFRC 2011 Greenroof of the year. Installation & maintenance.

Biodiverse-roof. Old street, London. Habitat management.

Hotel decoration. The Gore, London.

West Ham Bus Garage. NFRC 2011 Greenroof of the year. Installation & maintenance.

Pizza Express, Jersey. Coastal Sedum-roof installation.

Hardwood slatting with portable scaffold. Whitechapel.

Award winning roof-garden. Bristol. Installation (Barrat Homes).

Pizza Express, Jersey. Coastal Sedum-roof installation.