September 26, 2025 - Turf Matters

Record-Breaking Turf Science Live 2025: Turf Science Live 2025 drew record attendance in Ireland and strong engagement in Scotland, underlining the continued demand for practical, research-led learning in turf management.

Organised by ICL and Syngenta, the series brought together turf professionals to explore the latest research and technology. Held at Carton House and Fairmont St Andrews, delegates rotated through technical stations covering precision spray application, precision nutrition, adapting disease control to a changing climate, building fertilisers for the future, and the role of biostimulants in turf management.

Record-Breaking Turf Science Live 2025

Reflecting on this year’s events, Colman Warde, Country Manager for ICL in Ireland, said: “Turf Science Live is about creating a learning environment where turf professionals can see new technologies and innovations in practice and ask questions directly to the people behind them. The feedback has been outstanding again this year, and it is clear that events like these help greenkeepers and grounds teams take away practical knowledge they can apply straight away.”

A highlight of the St Andrews event was a presentation from The R&A on Championship Agronomy, giving attendees a rare insight into how world-class playing surfaces are prepared and maintained for major tournaments.

Delegates represented every level of the industry, from apprentices and assistant greenkeepers through to course managers, superintendents, agronomists, and head grounds staff. The mix of practical experience and perspective added to the open discussion and knowledge-sharing across both events.

Sarah Hughes, Business Manager at Syngenta, noted: “At Turf Science Live we focused on two key areas for turf managers: precision spray application and adapting disease control to a changing climate. From practical sprayer set-up and new nozzle technology to strategies for managing turf health under more unpredictable weather patterns, the sessions showed how Syngenta research is being translated into real-world solutions.”

Neil Holger, Course Manager at Hamilton Golf Club, who attended the St Andrews event, said: “For me, the best thing about Turf Science Live is finding out what’s new and what’s coming, but also the networking. As course managers and greenkeepers we’re always busy, so it’s good to catch up, hear what others are doing, and speak to the experts. It’s always a worthwhile day out.”

With positive feedback from both venues, Turf Science Live will return in 2026, continuing to bring innovation and applied knowledge directly to turf professionals.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

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Greenleaf makes double appointment amid growth: phs Greenleaf has appointed two new business development managers as the interior and exterior planting business continues to grow across the UK.

Siobhan King joins the team as the new senior business development manager, alongside Debby Pickering who is the new business development manager and biophilic interior designer for phs Greenleaf.

Greenleaf makes double appointment amid growth

phs Greenleaf has been providing expert planting and grounds maintenance services to businesses for over 25 years, including indoor and outdoor plants, artificial and live planting, living walls, hanging baskets, grounds maintenance and Christmas trees and decorations.

Siobhan has been in the landscaping business for 26 years and specialises in vertical greenery and living walls and pictures.

Debby is a qualified interior designer and ran her own office design business in South Africa for eight years before moving to the UK.

Speaking about phs Greenleaf, Siobhan said: “The commercial landscaping market can feel crowded but phs Greenleaf stands out. We take a vibrant and modern approach and have a reputation for our continuity of service and cost-effective solutions. We have the best talent in the market, and we have the power and robustness of the phs Group and Bidvest behind us.

“I’m looking forward to working with more businesses, particularly FMs, to help transform their commercial spaces with innovative and creative planting solutions that really work for them.”

Debby said: “The scope of work at Greenleaf is a really exciting opportunity. We work with the hospitality sector, retail, public buildings, leisure venues, commercial premises and more, and each design reflects that business’ needs.

“My passion is biophilia – bringing that innate connection to nature to life in a commercial space. People now understand the importance and the benefits that plants bring to our health and well-being and are embracing the concept of biophilia in their designs.

“With many businesses focused on getting more employees back to the office, creating a positive, healthy and uplifting working environment is key.”

Part of the phs Group, phs Greenleaf supplies over 8,000 customers right across the UK with full, high quality horticultural services.

Its 2025 range of pre-decorated and lit Christmas trees and accessories for businesses are available to view on its website now. phs Greenleaf also offers bespoke Christmas tree designs.