Amazing result at Hever Castle

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Amazing result at Hever Castle: The historic English Yew Maze at Hever Castle in Kent dates back to 1906 when it was created by William Waldorf Astor, a former owner who restored the castle.

Hever was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Queen Elizabeth 1. It draws 350,000 visitors a year, most of whom will test their sense of direction and memory by walking the maze. Originally intended only for family use, it comprises more than 1,000 individual yew trees imported from Holland, it measures 80ft by 80ft (24.4m) and is 6,4000 square feet. The hedges reach 8ft (2.4m) in height and there is almost a quarter of a mile (0.4km) of pathways inside. The Yew maze is one of two at the castle.

Amazing result at Hever Castle

Amazing result at Hever Castle

To maintain healthy Yew hedging requires decompaction of the beach pebble pathways and specialists Terrain Aeration carried out the work using their Remote Terralift machine. The baby of the Terralift fleet, the Remote weighs in at just eighty kilos and measures only sixty centimetres wide. This allows it to fit through narrow pathways such as the maze and work in confined spaces other machines cannot reach. It still has the power of a standard Airforce Terralift to hammer the hollow probe up to one metre deep and release a hydraulic blast of compressed air at up to 20Bar (28psi).

The roots of all plants need to respire and absorb oxygen from the air spaces between soil particles. If these spaces are closed the roots tend to die back from such areas. Soil loses airspaces by compacting, whether under its own weight or because it has been loaded by passing feet. The latter is very much the case for the Hever Castle maze. Having fractured the soil underground and created fissures, the Remote Terralift’s probe releases dried seaweed which expands and contracts with the moisture, and the probe holes are backfilled with Lytag aggregate to maintain aeration.

“It is absolutely necessary to ensure the health of the Yew trees which are nearly 115 years old.” Says Neil Miller, Hever Castle’s Head Gardener. “The last time we had Terrain Aeration do the aerating was ten years ago, so we know it works. It’s the only way to keep the old topiary alive. Terrain were with us for the day last January and treated the pathways and perimeter. The result is the Yews are looking extremely healthy.”

Since closure during the Covid-19 crisis, the maze at Hever Castle is currently closed to ensure the Yews fully benefit from the work. Although this is not essential it will make an added contribution to maintaining their good health.  Terrain Aeration 01449 673783

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Roll call of improvements for West Herts

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Roll call of improvements for West Herts: There’s a veritable roll call of improvements for West Herts Golf Club after the installation of a new Toro irrigation system in the Winter of 2019.

Consistency of growth, water savings, reduced cutting heights, more definition, healthier turf and visual improvements are all highlighted by general manager Jonathan Kaltner, as well as the “best possible service” during the installation that took place during the pandemic.

Roll call of improvements for West Herts

Roll call of improvements for West Herts

Thanks to the installation of Toro Lynx Central Control and Toro sprinklers, West Herts Golf Club’s course is “head and shoulders above where it was last year,” says Jonathan.

“The new system has been operational since June and we’ve already seen a big improvement,” he explains. “Previously hot weather would cause problems such as burning the turf on the tops of bunkers, requiring us to re-turf them in the autumn. But there’s no sign of that now.

“The Toro sprinklers all have head control valves and using Lynx Central Control allows you to turn on one sprinkler at a time and pinpoint your irrigation to where you need it. Plus, the application in millimetres can be set and left overnight, with the weather station able to pick up if it’s rained and automatically change the application in response to that, so you don’t waste water.

“With Toro irrigation, you get incredibly accurate and uniform application, which means there is far more consistency of growth,” he says. “Because of that, we’ve been able to reduce cutting heights in some areas and get more definition. It’s phenomenal what it’s been able to do visually.”

The improvement to the course has proved all the more sweeter as it was a refit long overdue: “Parts of the system had reached 40-years old and while it had been added to over the years, it was not as efficient as it could be,” explains Jonathan. “So, we started to look into upgrading and had Irritech come to do a survey and put together a proposal. Based on what needed doing, we realised a Toro irrigation system could provide many efficiencies that would really benefit us. Plus, our head greenkeeper is a big fan of how Toro machinery operates, so we knew we could trust the brand.”

After speaking to Reesink Turfcare to finalise the perfect sprinkler combinations for the course, the club enlisted MH Irrigation Ltd to carry out the installation consisting of everything from new water storage tanks to underground pipework.

“We had a total refit, plus Lynx Central Control and around 400 Toro sprinklers installed. The support from MH Irrigation Ltd and Reesink was fantastic throughout,” says Jonathan. “Obviously there were additional difficulties due to COVID-19, but Reesink moved some training online and did everything they could to adapt to the situation and provide the best possible service.”

As part of the club’s continued investment in the course, the excellent results Toro irrigation has delivered is a “real game changer” says Jonathan: “The feedback has been superb and it puts the club in a fantastic position moving forward. With our Toro machinery lease renewal coming up and improvements to be made to the bunkers and club house, the only way is up for West Herts!”

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Harrowden Turf opens new Collection Depot

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Harrowden Turf opens new Collection Depot: Harrowden Turf has co-located a new Collection Depot at its Head Office site in Islip near Kettering in response to customer feedback and to improve accessibility to its product range and convenience for Midlands based customers.

The new Kettering Depot joins existing collection locations in Southport, Warrington, Norfolk, and Edinburgh in offering customers a more convenient local collection point in Northamptonshire.  This supplements our existing nationwide delivery service.

Harrowden Turf opens new Collection Depot

Harrowden Turf opens new Collection Depot

The new site will effectively operate as a “call and collect” facility allowing customers to access our full range of products by pre-ordering on the existing phone number of 01832 777100.

Stuart Ridd-Jones – Harrowden Turf Managing Director:

“We are continually looking at ways to enhance our service offering and having a dedicated collection depot co-located at our Head Office site near Kettering gives us a great base to increase accessibility to our products and provide local convenience for customers across the Midlands.

The depot is aimed at both trade and retail customers looking for a local outlet for turf, wildflower turf, sedum green roof products, topsoil and other items from our landscape range.

Please call to pre-order and arrange your collection from our new depot in Islip near Kettering”

Our full product range can be found at our retail website: www.turfonline.co.uk

Trade pricing is available on application.

Kettering Collection Depot details are:

Harrowden Turf Kettering Depot
Colpmans Farm
Islip
Kettering
Northamptonshire
NN14 3LT

Tel:       01832 777100 (Option 1)

Email:   kettering@harrowdenturf.co.uk

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There’s nothing to beat the APEX zero-turn

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There’s nothing to beat the APEX zero-turn: The latest Ariens APEX zero-turn mower spells increased productivity and greater profitability for the commercial operator, says Ariens.

It’s a claim that can be wholly backed up when you consider the features and benefits of this high-quality machine. Now refreshed for the 2020/21 season, the model’s redefined features rightly take it to a leading place in the UK’s fast-growing zero-turn market.  Take a good look at what’s under the bold exterior.

There’s nothing to beat the APEX zero-turn

There’s nothing to beat the APEX zero-turn

The sheer speed at which you can cut grass compared to other types of ride-on mower would be enough in its favour but there is a lot more worth considering when you’re choosing a zero-turn. As a family-owned brand, Ariens has built on a reputation for engineering excellence and it is evident in the way the APEX is constructed with well-crafted components, Hydro-Gear® transaxles and a hardy deck. Its speed and ability to turn on its axis mean users can expect to cut mowing time in half. Perfect when you need to get to your next job.

The APEX features an industry-leading frame design, with large formed tubular frame rails serving as the backbone to support the loads of the machine. Most important in the list of commercial-grade features is the 10-gauge welded cutting deck design. You get a highly durable 14cm (51/2”) deep deck with a reinforced leading-edge providing the airflow you need to tackle tough mowing conditions. The APEX boasts 15 cutting positions in 0.6cm (1/4”) increments, effortlessly chosen with the vertical dial selector. Models available: APEX 48 with a 122cm (48”) cutter deck or the APEX 52 with a 132cm (52”) cutter deck.

The constant belt tension system ensures correct belt tension, minimising wear and heat while providing enhanced belt life with minimal adjustments. There is also little effort required in lifting the cutting deck since the APEX has a foot-operated deck lift system, which is ideal for travelling over paths and gravel areas. When you are covering the ground at speed, and the APEX travels forwards at 8mph, you need large tyres for superior traction while moving gently across lawns and grassed areas without scuffing. Even in reverse, it will do 4mph. Not that you need to reverse often since the beauty of zero-turn is just that, At the end of each pass the APEX can turn 180° in its footprint and begin the next pass. Manoeuvring around difficult obstacles has never been easier so you’re saving a substantial amount of time, and money.

Ariens puts operator comfort high on the pre-requisite list with a high back seat, and padded armrests. For operator protection, a Rollover Protection System can be added to the frame. Power comes from a reliable, premium-grade Kawasaki V-Twin 726cc engine. The APEX demonstrates Ariens’ confidence in its product with a 4-year or 500 hours commercial warranty and the machines are built in the UK for the growing domestic and European markets in zero-turn mowers. So, you can have full confidence in the after-sales and support through the network of Ariens dealers.

The combination of zero-turn mowing with high durability puts the APEX at the forefront for increased productivity and profitability for the commercial operator. It’s well worth looking into. For more information visit your local dealer or go to ariens-uk.com

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SALTEX moves to November 2021

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SALTEX moves to November 2021: Due to mounting pressure from the global Coronavirus pandemic, the Grounds Management Association (GMA) regrettably announces that it has taken the decision to move SALTEX to 3-4 November 2021, from its planned Spring dates (3-4 March 2021).

The GMA has been strategically planning for every eventuality to ensure the exhibition is a bio-secure event, in partnership with the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and internationally recognised professional events bodies, however ongoing Government restrictions and local and national lockdowns, as well as rising cases of Coronavirus have highlighted the immediate challenges to stage a successful event in March.

SALTEX moves to November 2021

SALTEX moves to November 2021

This decision has factored in recent analysis from both exhibitor and visitor surveys, as well as discussions with relevant parties. Organisers have been closely re-negotiating with the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), returning the exhibition to its original Autumn dateline.

When visitors were asked on date preferences to attend a trade event, November was the first option – followed by October and September. Exhibitors also echoed this, with 64% stating a preference to attend SALTEX in November 2021 due to latest news and restrictions. In addition, latest visitor research showed that an overwhelming majority (80%) stated that attending an indoor trade show was their number one preference.

In more usual circumstances, SALTEX brings over 9,000 visitors across two days with circa 400 brands exhibiting, and visitor attendance at the NEC has significantly grown year-on-year. The next show will be its 75th anniversary marking the longstanding contribution to the grounds sector.

Geoff Webb, CEO at the GMA commented: “As hard as this decision was to make, we knew it was important to act quickly and responsibly so we can begin looking to the future and stage a successful event once restrictions ease again. We have recently seen confidence eroding despite early optimism.

“Our recent surveys have given us excellent insight from both exhibitors and visitors, giving us evidence that reflects current circumstances so we can continue planning an event that best reflects the turf care sector’s requirements.

“The majority of our respondents expressed high confidence levels in attending indoor trade shows and we can see that there is still a huge appetite going forward – we are already looking ahead to what is required for what will be a milestone edition of SALTEX in November 2021.”

Exhibitors have the option to carry over their March 2021 booking to the November show at a preferential rate and retaining their stand location. There is also the added option to secure a 2-year SALTEX loyalty deal for those transferring their booking (for November 2021 and 2022), with improved benefits for GMA Corporate Plus members.

Alternatively, exhibitors due to showcase in March 2021 can apply for a full refund in writing. The GMA’s events team has contacted all exhibitors personally to discuss preferences, as well as payment terms and plans.

Geoff continues: “Despite the circumstances, and a future where Covid will always be present, we are really touched by the number of exhibitors that have expressed that they are on this journey with us and wish to be part of SALTEX at the next possible opportunity. We are determined to help contribute to the growth – and celebrate the sector – albeit at a later date in 2021.”

Luke Perry, Director of SALTEX and Events for the GMA added: “We have worked hard to reflect changing situations. We intend to maintain this regular, frequent communication going forward whilst continuing to analyse how our sector feels about events in general.”

All exhibitors with a confirmed stand have been informed directly and are being urged to contact the sales team at SALTEX@thegma.org.uk for any further queries.

For more information visit www.gmasaltex.co.uk

Follow SALTEX on Twitter @GMA_SALTEX and Facebook – www.facebook.com/GMASALTEX

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