Perennial launches Christmas appeal

/in , /by

Perennial launches Christmas appeal: In the lead up to Christmas, Perennial, the charity helping people in horticulture, is launching an urgent appeal in response to the worst cost of living crisis seen in a generation. People in horticulture are on some of the lowest incomes in the UK and the impact of the crisis is being felt across the industry as we approach the festive period.  

The charity is calling for donations to support its services and prevent people in horticulture from struggling emotionally and financially this season and beyond.

Perennial launches Christmas appeal

Perennial launches Christmas appeal

The pressures of Christmas combined with the strain of increased energy bills, interest rates and food costs are cause for concern. Circumstances will worsen still when winter hits and freezing temperatures slow the pace of work, leaving people with less money.

In anticipation of higher calls to its helpline and demand for its services this winter, Peter Newman, Perennial’s Chief Executive says:

“After two years of pandemic and lockdowns, we emerged into 2022 only to encounter massive increases in energy costs along with hikes in interest rates and food costs. In the horticulture sector, where many are not well paid, people are under strain and we can see the evidence of this by the number of people contacting our helpline. We’re hearing from people on tight budgets, who are facing more than just a squeeze on their income. These are real people experiencing real difficulty. Worryingly, the worst is yet to come this winter when we must switch on our central heating, or not, as the case may be for some. Every year I am heartened by the generosity of our supporters. Please donate if you can.”

When a Hampshire-based landscaper called Perennial for help, its team at was able to talk through the situation and provide advice. He was struggling with significant business and personal debt and had suffered a mental health crisis. He says: “Perennial was there for me in my hour of need and may well have saved my life. It sounds dramatic, but their calm guidance at a time when my life was in turmoil massively helped me. I’m in a far better place now both financially and mentally. There’s a macho thing that you have to get on with it, but sometimes you just can’t, and you’ve got to share the load. I hope that my story will help others.”

This story echoes the lives of thousands of others who are also struggling.

You can help people in horticulture this season by making a donation online at justgiving.com/perennialchristmas2022

People in horticulture can call Perennial for support and advice on 0800 093 8543 or visit perennial.org.uk.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Agrovista Amenity launches biodegradable tree guards

/in , /by

Agrovista Amenity launches biodegradable tree guards: Agrovista Amenity has announced the launch of Tree Hugger™ Biodegradable Shelters – a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to plastic tree shelters or guards.

Made from organic cotton encapsulated in renewable pine tree rosin, the Tree Hugger™ Biodegradable Shelters have a minimum 5-year lifespan giving the tree valuable protection during its critical establishment period. They will completely biodegrade at the end of their lifespan meaning that the removal of single use plastic shelters is no longer required, saving time and money, and ultimately reducing the amount of plastic waste that is left in the environment.

Agrovista Amenity launches biodegradable tree guards

Agrovista Amenity launches biodegradable tree guards

The woven material structure provides strong protection against damage from grazing animals but is gentle on the plant offering little friction which could cause damage to the newly planted whip.

Agrovista Amenity has partnered with BMP Europe, the inventor and manufacturer of the Tree Hugger™, and will be exclusively distributing the product.

Commenting on the partnership and the product, Ed Smith, Landscape Team Manager for Agrovista Amenity, said:

“BMP Europe has a rich history in processing polymers and textile materials and has manufactured a product of the highest quality which meets all the criteria of a biodegradable guard. Our visions align – we have established a great partnership and we are looking forward to where we can take it.

“Plastic guards are further adding to a growing problem which is plastic pollution in the environment and there is a big movement towards sustainable planting.”

Agrovista Amenity launches biodegradable tree guards

Agrovista Amenity launches biodegradable tree guards

Tree Hugger™ Biodegradable Shelters are available in two different heights: 0.6m which protect against small browsing animals such as rabbits and 1.2m which protect against larger grazing animals such as deer. There is a choice of two ties – a releasable tie, which is nylon and can be recycled and reused, and a metal tie which will biodegrade. Furthermore, unique laser etching is available for company / customer logos.

Agrovista Amenity also distributes WhiptecBio tree and hedge guards which offer a smaller alternative to the Tree Hugger™ Biodegradable Shelters. The WhiptecBio guards are made from recycled material, are 100% sustainable, have an estimated lifespan of 2-4 growing seasons and do not require clips or ties.

A video introducing Tree Hugger™ Biodegradable Shelters can be viewed here.

More information on WhiptecBio tree and hedge guards can be viewed here.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Master Greenkeeper dedicates success to memory of his mother

/in , /by

Master Greenkeeper dedicates success to memory of his mother: The latest member of the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) to attain Master Greenkeeper status has dedicated his success to the memory of his mother, who passed away just weeks before he achieved the certification.

David Perdisatt, course manager at Mullingar Golf Club in Ireland, said his mother, Marion, was a “massive supporter” of his career, making it bittersweet that he wasn’t able to tell her when he discovered he had achieved the highest accolade available to BIGGA members.

Master Greenkeeper dedicates success to memory of his mother

Master Greenkeeper dedicates success to memory of his mother

David, 41, said: “Becoming a Master Greenkeeper is a massive milestone in my career and the first person I would have told would have been my mother. She has been so supportive in my career but she passed away last month very unexpectedly, so it was a bittersweet moment.”

David has become just the second Master Greenkeeper based in Ireland and is the 88th to achieve the certification since 1991. The Master Greenkeeper Certificate is awarded to those members of BIGGA who have reached the highest standards of greenkeeping and golf course management.

An R&A Scholar, David has previously worked at Beechpark and Naas golf clubs and in 2016 was a finalist in the Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Awards. He was also the first Irish greenkeeper to participate in the John Deere TPC Sawgrass Volunteer Programme.

Married to Fiona and a father of three, throughout his career David has gained plenty of tournament experience, having volunteered at the Singapore, Dutch and Irish Opens.

David said: “Opportunities to progress never present themselves, you have to go after them yourself and Master Greenkeeper is a process that validates everything you have done in your career. It’s a tough process but in any industry, if you are recognised as a master of your trade, that’s something to aspire to. I have lots of hopes and ambitions for the future and I think being a Master Greenkeeper might be pivotal for my career in the years to come.

“I want to thank BIGGA for everything they’ve done for my career. I lean on them, particularly through the education side. I’m always accessing the website and the resources on there and I just want to say a massive thank you for the opportunity to help progress my career with the Master Greenkeeper certificate.”

David will be presented with his Master Greenkeeper certification at the BIGGA Welcome Celebration, taking place on the opening evening of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition in January 2023. Registration for the event is free and for more information head to www.btme.org.uk

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

New Partnership for Soil Health Products

/in , /by

New Partnership for Soil Health Products: Two companies; one offering over 100 years of established reputation and experience, the other, a newer concern, bringing innovation and the latest ideas, are coming together to provide easy access to a range of complimentary products for turf health, root growth and enabling total soil moisture control, throughout Europe.

Consolidate Turf has a combined experience of over 100 years in the Amenity sector. It provides a perfect blend of first-hand practical experience with a vast knowledge in plant physiology. Products are manufactured at a new state of the art premises along with a 10,000sq ft warehouse that has enabled the company to expand and meet all client’s present turf needs and those in the future.

New Partnership for Soil Health Products

New Partnership for Soil Health Products

Aqua Aid Europe is a young company that has established itself worldwide in the professional sports turf and horticulture industry. In just a brief time it has built a reputation for providing industry leading products for soil health which are now used at many of Europe’s leading sports venues.

By establishing a partnership of mutual co-operation, Aqua-Aid Europe is now the exclusive distributor for Growing Solutions for the whole of the EU Continent.

Hans de Kort, Managing Director of Aqua-Aid Europe describes the reasons behind the new partnership.

“Brexit created several challenges for European end users wishing to obtain certain products from the UK. Our objective is to remove the obstacles that have deterred customers from coming forward, by creating a full-service warehouse in Holland. From here we can ship across Europe within the partner network as well as direct to customers.”

The mix of Consolidate Turf nutrition products combined with Aqua Aid Surfactants and bio-stimulants has proven to be remarkably successful in areas such as football and golf. To facilitate the efficient and uninterrupted supply, Aqua Aid has begun the process of registering all products it handles to the new EU fertilizer regulation, including a CE labelling project to avoid separate registration in all EU countries. This guarantees a smooth process of delivery to all customers.

Paul Benson Managing Director of Consolidate Turf agrees with Hans “It has become increasingly important to have the right partners and network to find the ideal way to the market. Consolidate Turf has become an increasingly important partner for Aqua Aid in the UK. Therefore, by establishing this co-operation between our companies, we believe we have a devised a scenario where everyone in the UK and Europe benefits!”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Pellenc stands out above the rest

/in , /by

Pellenc stands out above the rest: Tony Chalkley, General Manager of D. Horne Services, has explained why he chose Pellenc above other brands of battery-powered equipment.

“For anyone that is considering changing to electric equipment I would certainly recommend Pellenc,” said Tony. “The products have been 100% in every single way.”

  1. Horne Services, based in Girvan on the Ayrshire coast, offers a comprehensive range of external grounds maintenance and management services to a diverse client base which includes sports facilities, housing associations, educational establishments, and the corporate and private sector.
Pellenc stands out above the rest

Pellenc stands out above the rest

As the company continues to grow in both stature and reputation, Tony believes that it is essential to keep looking to the future and that is where battery-powered technology comes in.

“Over the past six months we’ve been looking for alternatives to our machinery which was using fossil fuels,” said Tony. “It is important to us as a company to be able to promote zero emissions, and there are so many other benefits to using electric equipment.

“We contacted our local Pellenc dealer, which is Agrovista Amenity, and they very kindly setup a demo. We then went away and researched other battery-powered products on the market, but we were so impressed by the demonstration that we felt the Pellenc equipment would be best for us.”

Over recent years, Pellenc has gained market recognition by offering a unique range of ‘zero emission’ battery-powered tools, thanks to the development of Lithium-ion ultra-high-performance batteries.

The extensive Pellenc product range features an impressive portfolio – from chainsaws, pole saws and hedge cutters to grass strimmers, brushcutters, blowers and mowers and Tony claims that the benefits are huge.

“It is important when you are doing grounds maintenance that you look after the customer as best you can,” he said. “We work very close to offices and main buildings, and it is essential to be able to cut grass, strim, and maintain the areas as best we can without disturbing the client. The Pellenc equipment enables us to do this because it is so quiet.

“Another reason for moving over to the Pellenc equipment is because fuel prices are escalating and going through the roof. As a small company we needed to diversify and look for other opportunities to be able to do the job and do it more economically. The savings that we are making compared to fossil fuels, is a significant amount.”

Tony’s Pellenc fleet features Rasion mowers, Helion hedge-cutters, Excelion strimmers and Airion blowers – and he can’t imagine ever switching back to petrol-based machinery.

Pellenc stands out above the rest

Pellenc stands out above the rest

“These Pellenc tools easily go on for hours on end with a full battery life,” he said. “You don’t get the vibrations, they are lightweight and easy to use, and we’ve never had any issues whatsoever. The difference between this equipment and petrol-based machinery is night and day.”

Pellenc offers an industry leading four-year commercial warranty for all batteries and a three-year warranty for all tools.

Pellenc is distributed exclusively in the UK by Etesia UK.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.pellencuk.com

You can watch an interview with Tony by clicking – https://youtu.be/r7cwT8hhais

You can also follow Pellenc on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @PellencUK for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.