Barenbrug Launches Wildflower Advice Guide

Grass expert, Barenbrug UK, has launched a new wildflowers advice guide alongside a refreshed range of 14 wildflower mixtures.

The free guide provides practical information—for landscapers and local authorities—on evaluating soil fertility, planning for sowing, maintenance tips, and choosing the right mixture for your environment.

Around 15,000 hectares of unimproved grassland are believed to remain nationwide. This figure is now on the increase as more and more public open spaces, gardens and road verges are being established, to provide a habitat for wildlife and protect the unique botanical identity of the UK.

Each Barenbrug mixture caters for the highly precise needs of specific environments, for instance: Hedgerow and Woodland Edge, Short Flowers and Coastal. Bees and Butterflies, for example, contains only flower varieties listed on the RHS Perfect for Pollinators list.

TRENDS IN WILDFLOWERS

Commenting on wildflowers trends, Barenbrug Wildflower expert, Luke Hunt says:

“Working with key merchants in the industry, we’ve noted two strong trends. Sustainability… to improve the natural habitat of wildlife. And quick to establish, high impact colour. Think: vibrant swathes of colour at the London Olympics. These non-native annuals—such as California Poppy and Cosmos—are incredibly easy to grow, provide a quick hit of colour and are cheaper than bedding plants. That’s why local authorities are increasingly relying on wildflowers to brighten up public open spaces and embankments. We’re also seeing increased interest from agriculture and golf courses.”

To order a free copy of the guide, or to speak to a wildflowers expert, call Barenbrug on 01359 272000, email info@baruk.co.uk or visit www.barenbrug.co.uk.

Grounds Team of the Season award winners announced for 2016/17

The EFL has announced the winners of the Grounds Team of the Season award for 2016/17 in each of the three divisions.

The awards recognise the importance of the quality of pitches for professional football and acknowledge the clubs and their ground staff who consistently produce the best playing surfaces in the EFL.

In the Sky Bet Championship, Aston Villa win the award for producing a perfect pitch at Villa Park this season. Derby County and Newcastle United are both highly commended.

In Sky Bet League One, Sheffield United’s ground staff followed the example of the club’s playing squad, by picking up the divisional title for the excellent surface at Bramall Lane. Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic are highly commended.

The award for Grounds Team of the Season in Sky Bet League Two this year goes to Carlisle United, while the ground staff of promoted trio Doncaster Rovers, Plymouth Argyle and Portsmouth are all highly commended.


Sky Bet Championship

Winner: Aston Villa
Highly Commended: Derby County
Highly Commended: Newcastle United

Sky Bet League One

Winner: Sheffield United
Highly Commended: Bolton Wanderers
Highly Commended: Charlton Athletic

Sky Bet League Two

Winner: Carlisle United
Highly Commended: Doncaster Rovers
Highly Commended: Plymouth Argyle
Highly Commended: Portsmouth

The EFL’s Grounds Team of the Season Awards are determined initially using marks from referees and away managers for each Sky Bet EFL game and are then followed by detailed pitch inspections and a review of management operations.

These visits were carried out by Dr Stephen Baker, Head of Sports Surface Technology at the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI).

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