Green-tech Donates Landscaping Materials

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Green-tech Donates Landscaping Materials: Green-tech, the leading supplier of landscaping materials, demonstrates its commitment to community support by donating a range of materials to Great Ouseburn Community Primary School in North Yorkshire. The donation aims to enhance the school’s outdoor learning and play areas, providing students with safer and more inviting environments for exploration and play.

On Saturday, 13th April 2024, Green-tech’s Managing Director, Kris Nellist, along with two staff volunteers Josh Hebden and Connor Freeman, delivered a variety of materials to the school. The donation included 110 large bags (2 pallets) of Scotbark Playbark. One of the pallets was generously donated by Scotbark, showcasing a collaborative effort in supporting the local community. Additionally, Green-tech donated 2.4m sleepers, Green-tree topsoil and enough John Chambers Dual Purpose Wildflower Seed Mix to cover 65 square meters at the front of the school.

Green-tech Donates Landscaping Materials

Green-tech Donates Landscaping Materials

The project aimed to revamp several key areas within the school grounds. The Early Learning area received a makeover with the installation of sleepers and topsoil to build up the existing digging play pit. Playbark was installed to augment the safety and aesthetics of the playground climbing area, creating a cleaner and more inviting space for children to enjoy. The wildflower seeds will create a vibrant ‘mini-meadow’ in the front garden, fostering biodiversity and supporting insect habitats.

Nick Oswald, Headteacher at Great Ouseburn Community Primary School, expressed gratitude for Green-tech’s support, stating, “We were delighted to receive support from Green-tech with a kind donation of materials for our outdoor learning and play areas. Green-tech staff listened to what we needed and offered several suggestions. Along with one of their manufacturers, Scotbark, they provided a huge quantity of fabulous, attractive, high-quality play bark, which not only makes our Early Years outdoor learning area and play equipment safer to use, but cleaner and more inviting for all children. It is now a fun place to learn, and it is noticeable how much more it is used since the bark delivery!

Early Years have also now got a planting pit where we can grow plants, fruit and flowers, learning how to make things grow. Green-tech has also provided wildflower seeds for our ‘mini-meadow’, which we will use to encourage and support insect habitats, including bees. None of this would be possible without their support so a big thank you to Green-tech.”

Green-tech’s Managing Director Kris Nellist adds, “I am thrilled to be able to help improve the learning environment for some local children. Green-tech’s involvement in the project is part of the company’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and giving back to the community. By donating materials to revamp the school’s outdoor spaces, we hope to create an interest and appreciation, and encourage environmental stewardship from an early age.”

For more information about Green-tech and its initiatives, visit www.green-tech.co.uk

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Toro irrigation leads longevity

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Toro irrigation leads longevity: Longevity has been key to Toro’s irrigation strategy since its early development and it’s certainly something Reesink Hydro-Scapes can attest to seeing ‘on the ground’ in the UK.

As the sole Toro distributor in the UK for golf and sports fields irrigation products, Robert Jackson, manager of Reesink Hydro-Scapes, the distributor’s water division, is only now, after 30 years working in the business, needing to help the clubs he worked with in the early days of his career to update their Toro systems.

Toro irrigation leads longevity

Toro irrigation leads longevity

“Looking back through the orders books and from experience we can attest to Toro’s longevity and length of performance the systems get at UK golf clubs,” he says. “For us to see Toro giving up to 30 years of service is testament to the quality, technology, craftmanship and construction of the products.”

But it’s more than that, it’s as much to do with the design, installation, maintenance, and servicing of the system too, and that’s where Reesink Hydro-Scapes and its network of irrigation contractors step in to create the perfect partnership with Toro.

Rob continues: “There’s a reason it takes time to fit a brand-new irrigation system, and that’s because it’s being done properly. The phrase Rome wasn’t built in a day couldn’t ring more true than when it comes to this – it takes time to create great things – and if it doesn’t, it usually means corners have been cut.

“Replacing or updating an irrigation system is a big job, it’s timely and disruptive work and could mean months of delays to play,” Robert says. “There’s no escaping it but the point is that when you do it you want to know that the system you choose has got the best shelf life possible and proven longevity. And that’s never in doubt with Toro. Do it properly now and don’t think about it for another two to three decades.”

Plus, with Reesink’s irrigation finance options clubs don’t even need to pay now. Reesink can spread the cost of new irrigation systems over tailored plans to give better control over operational budgets and stabilise costs in the face of fluctuating market conditions.

“We understand the outlay of a new irrigation system is significant and we don’t believe that should stop anyone accessing the best options available,” Robert concludes. “Irrigation finance does just that and includes not just the products but the installation too.”

To find out more about how the longevity of Toro and service from Reesink unite to bring the best value irrigation solutions, call Reesink Hydro-Scapes on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkhydro-scapes.co.uk.

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GGM Group spring forward with growth

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GGM Group spring forward with growth: Leading Groundscare specialist GGM Group has reported growth and expansion as the business enters its busiest season, with the introduction of a series of new initiatives to benefit customers.

The organisation, with sites in Colne and Haydock, has expanded its team with the appointment of new members of staff throughout the business including in parts, workshop and accounts departments in a bid to support business growth and offer job opportunities in the local area.

GGM Group spring forward with growth

GGM Group spring forward with growth

The new roles come after a busy first quarter for the business which has seen the unveiling of a refurbished showroom in Haydock, created to enhance the overall customer experience.

Recent months have seen the launch of three exciting new franchises for the group. Last year, they announced their appointment as a Honda authorised dealer for the lawn and garden range, which includes walk-behind lawn mowers, ride-on lawn mowers, robotic mowers, tillers and a range of handheld equipment including brushcutters, hedge trimmers and blowers.  The new expanded range of TP Chippers offers customers a range of high-performing on the road chippers including a 100% battery model and the recent inclusion of the FSI range of stump cutters cements GGM’s commitment to providing the ARB sector with a range of quality market leading machinery for all tasks.

The business also reports a huge uptake in the recently launched LANTRA accredited training academy, which provides delegates with the skills and knowledge required to safely operate and maintain relevant machinery through courses that deliver both practical skills and health & safety guidance. All training can be carried out on customers premises, using the equipment that team members will be using on a day-to-day basis or at the dedicated GGM training centre.

The LANTRA accredited training courses ensure that operators are trained to a national standard whilst fulfilling the organisations legal obligations with regards to the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulation 1998 (PUWER).

In order to continue to offer customers a first-class service online, the business has launched a brand-new website, designed to further enhance the customer experience. The navigation makes it even easier for customers to find their favourite products and access GGM’s many services.

Managing Director Chris Gibson says:

“While many businesses have struggled over the past 12 months, we are delighted that GGM has continued to thrive. We have done this thanks to our fantastic team and our focus on innovation, always keeping us one step ahead of the game. In addition, we decided to recruit for these roles to help the local job market, as well as to facilitate business growth and our future plans”.

GGM is a specialist supplier of tractors and high-quality professional land-based equipment for commercial and domestic use across the North-West, Cheshire and Merseyside, with depots in Haydock and Colne. With a proven record of delivering a trusted service and exceptional after sales support, driven by a set of deep-rooted values, GGM takes pride in building long lasting customer relationships, based on anticipating needs, solving problems and delivering on time, every time.

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Alderney Golf Club’s Triumph with Origin Amenity Solutions

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Alderney Golf Club’s Triumph with Origin Amenity Solutions: A stunning coastal golf course located on Alderney Island, the third largest of the Channel Islands, Alderney Golf Club is a haven for golf enthusiasts seeking both challenge and natural beauty.

In recent years, the club faced a persistent threat to its greens in the form of Dollar Spot, a fungal disease notorious for its detrimental impact on turf health and playing performance.

Alderney Golf Club's Triumph with Origin Amenity Solutions

Alderney Golf Club’s Triumph with Origin Amenity Solutions

Dollar spot causes small tanned spots about the size of a Dollar coin (Dollar Spot!) around 2-5cm in diameter.  It is spread through small bits of mycelium moving to a new plant host. They move in water and can also be spread on shoes, golf equipment, and turf management equipment. Spots can typically coalesce which can wipe out large areas of turf.

At Alderney Golf Club, both Poa and Bent grasses contribute to the botanical sward composition. Unfortunately, Dollar Spot threatens both grass species and their susceptibility to the disease necessitated a targeted management approach.

Dollar Spot has plagued Alderney Golf Club for half a decade. Despite efforts to control it, the disease was historically initiated in June. In response to this challenge, Alderney Golf Club sought the expertise of Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS), a leading provider of turf management solutions. Working closely with OAS technical advisor Marcus Hewitt, the club devised a proactive strategy to combat Dollar Spot and rejuvenate its greens.

OAS recommended the implementation of Exteris Stressgard, a potent fungicide, applied in mid-May with a follow-up application two weeks later. This pre-emptive approach aims to suppress the Dollar Spot before it gains momentum.

Maintaining a healthy plant is extremely important when managing Dollar Spot so the Course Manager Paul Flairclough focused on enhancing turf health. A tailored regimen comprising Liquid N, Seaweed, and Elevate Fe, supported by a wetting agent programme featuring Tricure AD and Seaquest, strengthened the turf against disease while promoting vigour and resilience.

The results were remarkable. Paul comments ‘Since working with Marcus from OAS the course has been in immaculate condition. Marcus’ support with Dollar Spot management has improved summer playing conditions on the greens and our membership and visitors have provided excellent feedback.’

As autumn approached, Dollar Spot pressure continued due to the high humidity. Dedicate fungicide was applied with Trimate in September keeping the greens Dollar Spot free and prepared for any Microdochium Patch outbreaks that would often start in late September.

The success story of Alderney Golf Club stands as a testament to the power of strategic collaboration and innovation in turf management. By partnering with Origin Amenity Solutions and embracing cutting-edge solutions, the club not only conquered Dollar Spot but also elevated the overall quality of its greens. Today, Alderney Golf Club continues to shine as a beacon of resilience and excellence, offering an unrivaled experience amidst the unspoilt terrain of the Channel Islands.

Paul concludes, “Exteris worked extremely well on our golf course and we had good control over Dollar Spot for the first time in five years on this site. Due to the Stressgard technology, the grass was healthy and looking amazing.”

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ICL launch two new hand-held spreaders

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ICL launch two new hand-held spreaders: ICL is pleased to announce the addition of two new hand-held spreaders to its comprehensive range of spreaders: the ShakerPro and the HandyPro. These compact tools are designed for turf managers and landscaping professionals looking for a convenient solution for small-scale applications.

‌The HandyPro is a hand-held rotary spreader. It allows for the easy application of ICL fertiliser or grass seed with just a turn of the handle. Its design focuses on ease of use and comfort, making it an excellent choice for quick and small-scale spreading tasks. Its portability and straightforward mechanism make it a valuable tool applying products to small areas.

ICL launch two new hand-held spreaders

ICL launch two new hand-held spreaders

‌Similarly, the ShakerPro is a shaker style spreader, offering users a simple and efficient way to apply the ICL range of fertilisers, granular wetting agents, and seeds to small areas. Its hand-held design is particularly suited for tasks such as divot repair, where targeted application is more important than extensive coverage. The ShakerPro stands out for its ease of handling and for making fertilisation and seeding on small areas hassle-free.

‌The ShakerPro and HandyPro and are now available through ICL’s network of distributors.

‌Both spreaders have been added to Turf Rewards. The ShakerPro can be claimed for just 5 points and the HandyPro 10 points.

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

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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