How Subaru UK & Ireland is Helping Horatio’s Garden Transform Spinal Recovery

How Subaru UK & Ireland is Helping Horatio’s Garden Transform Spinal Recovery

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How Subaru UK & Ireland is Helping Horatio’s Garden Transform Spinal Recovery: Subaru UK & Ireland has partnered with Horatio’s Garden, the charity which creates and expertly staffs extraordinary gardens at NHS spinal injury rehabilitation centres across the UK.

Through the partnership, Subaru UK & Ireland has donated its award-winning ‘Subaru Cocoon’ show garden, which captivated judges and visitors alike at the most recent RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, for installation at a spinal injury rehabilitation centre at Horatio’s Garden South West at Salisbury District Hospital. The formal announcement coincided with the International Day of Forests, which is celebrated annually to raise awareness about the importance of all types of forests and trees.

Subaru Donates ‘Subaru Cocoon’ Garden to charity

Subaru Donates ‘Subaru Cocoon’ Garden to charity

The garden, originally conceived to draw attention to the crisis faced by the UK’s rapidly shrinking temperate rainforest, has been sensitively adapted and repurposed to provide pleasure and a place of calm and comfort to people with spinal injuries, their families and hospital staff.

Lorraine Bishton, Managing Director at Subaru UK & Ireland, said: “From the outset, the Subaru Cocoon Garden was designed to be more than a one-off show garden; it was meant to spark debate and draw attention to an element of the natural world in need of careful preservation: our rapidly shrinking temperate rainforests. We also wanted it to live on after the show, and now, through our partnership with Horatio’s Garden, it will.

“Horatio’s Garden does extraordinary work providing spaces of genuine sanctuary and healing for people facing life-changing spinal injuries – and the loved ones who support them. Partnering with them and ensuring the garden – and its vital conservation message – would continue to thrive under their custodianship.”

Horatio’s Garden creates and expertly staffs beautiful, vibrant gardens outside the clinical starkness of NHS spinal injury centres. The gardens offer space for reflection and adjustment, privacy and solace, and moments of joy and companionship for everyone who needs them. Evidence consistently shows that access to these gardens improves mental and physical well-being, reduces pain, and supports long-term recovery for people navigating life-changing spinal injuries.

Katie Tait, CEO of Horatio’s Garden said: “A spinal injury can be a devastating blow, with many people facing months of rehabilitation and an increased risk of anxiety and depression. That’s why we are absolutely delighted that this award winning garden is being brought to life within Horatio’s Garden South West and thoughtfully adapted for people using wheelchairs or hospital beds. We are deeply grateful to Subaru for its extraordinary support and for recognising how a calming, immersive space just moments from the hospital ward can make such a transformative difference.”

Background on The Subaru Cocoon Garden

The Subaru Cocoon Garden was conceived to highlight one of the UK’s most pressing, overlooked environmental crises: the near-extinction of Britain’s temperate rainforests. Once spanning 20% of the UK and Ireland, these rich, biodiverse ecosystems have dwindled to less than 1% of their former size. The temperate rainforest is among the most threatened habitats in the UK.
Created by Subaru UK & Ireland in collaboration with the Mike McMahon Studio, the Cocoon Garden evokes the quiet majesty of the rainforest, drawing visitors into a calming environment of texture, shadow and native planting.

Before being installed in its new home, the Subaru Cocoon has been thoughtfully modified to ensure it is fully accessible and welcoming to all those who will benefit from it. Adaptations have been made with the specific needs of Horatio’s Garden patients in mind, including those using wheelchairs or requiring bed access, ensuring that the garden’s restorative qualities can be enjoyed by everyone who visits.

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BioScapes Group heralds a new era for Rolawn

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BioScapes Group heralds a new era for Rolawn: Leading UK turf and topsoil supplier Rolawn announces a strategic realignment of its brand portfolio, with BioScapes becoming the lead Group brand and Rolawn, Hallstone and newly launched BluWater Solutions operating as specialist sub-brands.

The move responds to rising demand for nature-based solutions that help the built environment perform under climate pressure – bringing together expertise in water management, biodiversity and landscaping to deliver resilient landscapes with long term value.

BioScapes Group heralds a new era for Rolawn

BioScapes Group heralds a new era for Rolawn

“BioScapes was created from a simple conviction: the future of outdoor spaces has to work harder – for people, for nature and for water,” said Paul Dawson, Managing Director and Chairman of the BioScapes Group. “We’re inspiring customers to exchange landscaping for ‘bioscaping’, creating places that balance nature with functionality and support life in every form. By connecting healthier landscapes, biodiversity and smarter rainfall management, we can help build a more resilient future.”

The Group is strengthening its blue-green innovation pipeline with developments including solutions for green and blue roofs and walls, in addition to partnerships with leading names in blue-green infrastructure, recently being named sole UK distributor and fulfilment partner for Hydrorock.

Responding to urgent environmental pressures

The realignment comes as the UK faces accelerating environmental and climate risks:

• Biodiversity loss: UK species have declined by around 19% on average since 1970, and nearly 1 in 6 are threatened with extinction1.
• Surface water flooding: 4.6 million properties are currently at risk from surface water flooding in England2.
• Wellbeing: Access to nature is consistently linked with better mental and physical health outcomes.

The Group’s ecologically sound product suite and associated services actively promote environmental stewardship, supporting the eco-system while creating opportunities for exposure to and interaction with nature.

A clearer offer for a changing market

Paul Bensley, Group Commercial Director of BioScapes Group, said: “This brand architecture is designed to simplify specification and procurement – enabling earlier collaboration and more integrated outcomes from concept and compliance through to installation and long-term performance.”

Under the new structure:

• BioScapes Group provides the strategic, joined-up offer across water, nature and wellbeing, translating complex requirements into practical, deliverable solutions.
• Rolawn remains the specialist brand for high-quality landscaping materials and expertise.
• Hallstone continues to make professional-grade landscaping materials easily accessible across the industry.
• BluWater Solutions leads on blue-green water management solutions, supporting sustainable drainage and resilient place-making.

The realignment of this leading group of companies marks an exciting period of growth and expansion intended to address market needs with a portfolio of future proof products and services.

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Why Sheffield Wednesday’s Pitch is One of the EFL’s Toughest Groundskeeping Challenges

Why Sheffield Wednesday’s Pitch is One of the EFL’s Toughest Groundskeeping Challenges

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Why Sheffield Wednesday’s Pitch is One of the EFL’s Toughest Groundskeeping Challenges: Sheffield Wednesday’s stadium presents a challenging environment for turf, with significant shade and limited use of supplementary lighting. Alongside this, the pitch sees consistent use from first team and under-21 fixtures, as well as training sessions.

“Our biggest challenge is a very old, heavily shaded stadium with limited use of lighting rigs,” says Head Groundsman Lee Jackson. “Maintaining grass cover through the season is never straightforward.”

Maintaining Grass Cover in a Shaded Stadium

Maintaining Grass Cover in a Shaded Stadium

As part of a partial rebuild ahead of the 2025 season, ProSelect 1 Premium Pitch, a perennial ryegrass mixture designed for high-wear sports pitches, was used for renovation and overseeding.

“I’ve used ProSelect 1 for close to 10 years and have always trusted how it performs, so I had no hesitation using it again, even in a completely different environment,” Lee explains.

Establishment proved difficult initially due to high temperatures during summer 2025 and the nature of the rebuild.

“The early grow-in was tough because of the heat, but once it got going the coverage developed faster than I’ve seen for a number of years.”

Following establishment, the pitch was subjected to sustained use, particularly between December and February.

“We had eight first team games and ten training sessions on the pitch during that period, and we’re around 10% up on usage compared to last season,” says Lee.

Despite this, grass cover has been maintained through the winter months.

“We’ve kept more grass cover than many expected through that period, and recovery after use has been strong, especially considering the environment.”

Presentation and surface consistency have also improved across the season, supported by relatively low disease pressure.

“There’s been a noticeable improvement overall, and that’s been recognised by players and staff who have been here a number of years,” Lee adds.

For Lee, performance in this type of environment is the real measure.

“If you can get grass growing and maintain it in this kind of stadium, with limited lighting, it shows its value as part of the overall pitch management programme.”

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-growingsolutions.com

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Segway Navimow robotic lawn mowers set new benchmark

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Segway Navimow robotic lawn mowers set new benchmark: Segway Navimow, the pioneer in lawn care technology, has successfully subjected its X420 and i206 AWD robotic lawn mower models to rigorous testing by TÜV Rheinland.

Both devices are the first and only to receive the coveted Lawn Care certification. This award confirms that Navimow robotic lawn mowers have Minimal Lawn Impact Performance, thus setting a new standard for ultimate lawn protection.

Segway Navimow robotic lawn mowers set new benchmark

Segway Navimow robotic lawn mowers set new benchmark

The certification is based on a comprehensive test catalogue that incorporates international standards as well as TÜV Rheinland’s own benchmarks and certify the performance characteristics for maintaining a healthy and well-maintained lawn. As part of the intensive Accelerated Ageing Model a full calendar year of high-frequency mowing was simulated under European conditions. The results demonstrate:

  • Minimal lawn impact: Both models achieved Level 2 of TÜV Rheinland’s 5-level damage standard, meaning that after long-term operation, only minimal, localised traces remain, which do not affect the overall aesthetics and health of the lawn and are only visible upon close inspection.
  • Ultimate terrain capability: The robotic mowers successfully navigated steep slopes—the X420 operated smoothly on inclines of 57.7 percent (30 degrees), the i206 AWD on 47.6 percent (25 degrees)—while simultaneously recognising and avoiding complex obstacles such as tables, chairs, and cables.
  • Industry leadership
    • The X420 is the world’s first four-wheel drive robotic mower to receive TÜV Rheinland Lawn Care certification.
    • The i206 AWD is the only 3-wheel AWD robotic lawnmower on the market with this official certification.

With this TÜV Rheinland certification following rigorous testing, Navimow underscores that its mowers achieve the perfect balance between ultimate off-road capability and meticulous lawn care, even in complex gardens and demanding environments.

For more on the i2 AWD, visit the Segway Navimow website.

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GreenTek launch new StarGreen TD3000 Bulk Topdresser

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GreenTek launch new StarGreen TD3000 Bulk Topdresser: GreenTek has strengthened its StarGreen range with the launch of the new TD3000 Bulk Topdresser—a high-capacity, British-built machine designed to meet the demands of modern turf professionals.

Building on the proven success of the StarGreen line, which has earned a reputation for robust engineering, high productivity and long-term reliability at an affordable price point, the TD3000 represents the largest model in the range to date. With a 5-tonne capacity, it is purpose-built for large-scale applications where output and efficiency are critical.

GreenTek launch new StarGreen TD3000 Bulk Topdresser

GreenTek launch new StarGreen TD3000 Bulk Topdresser

The TD3000 comes equipped with comprehensive in-cab controls, allowing operators to easily adjust both belt and spinner speeds for precise application rates. A hydraulically operated rear flow gate ensures clean transport by preventing sand leakage between jobs, while a cleated conveyor belt delivers consistent and effective material discharge.

Designed with contractors firmly in mind, the machine runs on wide 700/40-22.5 flotation tyres to minimise ground pressure and protect playing surfaces. A hydraulically braked axle, integrated parking brake and full road lighting package make it safe and practical for road towing, enabling efficient movement between sites.

With its combination of capacity, build quality and operator-friendly features, the TD3000 is ideally suited to contractors, as well as large-scale users such as sports complexes, polo grounds and golf course fairways.

The addition of the TD3000 further enhances GreenTek’s growing Turfcare portfolio, offering professionals a dependable, high-performance solution for bulk topdressing applications.

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