Awarded Silver at the 2026 APL Awards – A Proud Moment for Cowen Landscapes
We’re delighted to share that Cowen Landscapes has been awarded Silver at the 2026 Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) Awards.
While awards are never the sole focus of what we do, recognition like this carries real weight within our industry. The APL Awards are widely regarded as one of the most respected benchmarks for quality landscaping in the UK, and achieving a place amongst the winners is something we’re genuinely proud of.
What Makes the APL Awards So Significant?
The Association of Professional Landscapers sits under the Horticultural Trades Association and represents some of the most professional and well-run landscaping businesses in the country.
These awards are not simply about attractive gardens or well-finished projects. They are about consistency, technical ability, professionalism, and delivery from start to finish.
Every project entered is assessed against a very high standard, and only those that meet strict criteria are recognised. That means receiving an award is not just a reflection of one good job, but of a company’s overall approach to quality.
The Judging Process: Far More Than a Photo Submission
One of the reasons the APL Awards carry such credibility is the depth of the judging process.
Entries are not judged solely on photographs. In fact, images are only one part of a much wider assessment. Judges look closely at:
- Construction quality and technical execution
- Attention to detail across all elements of the build
- Project complexity and how challenges were handled
- Design interpretation and how the brief was delivered
- Practicality, usability, and longevity of the space
Crucially, many projects are physically visited and inspected by industry experts. This means the work is judged up close, where nothing can be hidden. Levels, finishes, drainage, and build quality are all scrutinised in person.
It’s this level of inspection that makes the award particularly meaningful. It’s not about how a project looks in a carefully framed photo, but how it performs and stands up in reality.
Why It’s Not Easy to Win
The standard across the APL is exceptionally high. Members are already vetted businesses, which means the starting point for any entry is strong.
To then stand out amongst that group requires:
- Consistent workmanship across the entire project
- Strong project management from start to finish
- Clear communication with the client
- Attention to both visible and hidden details
- A team that takes pride in doing things properly
Even excellent projects do not automatically receive awards. The judging criteria is strict, and only those that genuinely meet the benchmark are recognised.
What This Means for Our Clients
For us, this award is a reflection of how we approach every project.
It represents:
- A commitment to doing things properly, not just quickly
- High standards in both groundwork and finishing
- A team that cares about the details, even the ones you don’t immediately see
- A professional, structured approach from initial enquiry through to completion
Ultimately, it gives our clients reassurance that their project is in safe hands.
A Thank You to Our Team and Clients
Awards like this are never the result of one person. They are built on the effort of the entire team, from planning and preparation through to the final clean down.
We’re also grateful to our clients, who trust us with their homes and allow us to deliver work to this standard.
Looking Ahead
While we’re proud of this achievement, our focus remains the same: to continue delivering high-quality landscaping projects that stand the test of time.
This award is a milestone, but not the finish line.
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