A win for Dorset Soils & Aggregates

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A win for Dorset Soils & Aggregates: BALI Registered Affiliate, Dorset Soils and Aggregates, have been awarded the British Association of Landscape Industries’ (BALI) prestigious award for Exceptional Affiliate Service.

Much excitement and anticipation was felt amongst the team as it led to the day they’d receive this respected award from the BALI adjudicators.

A win for Dorset Soils & Aggregates

This significant award ceremony was the 43rd annual BALI National Landscape Awards, held on Friday 6th December at the iconic JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London.  Sponsored by BALI Registered Affiliate, Green-tech, it was this glamorous event that saw the celebratory awards ceremony for the skills, hard work, quality, commitment and successes of BALI Registered members. This is the largest landscape Awards in Europe, being an association which recognises excellence in landscape design, construction and maintenance both in the UK and overseas, as well as awarding Affiliate customer service and employer excellence.

Dorset Soils and Aggregates are a national supplier of soft and hard landscaping materials, ranging from specially blended soils, to their flagship Wessex® Coolfresh turf to a vast range of both porcelain and Indian sandstone paving. The business began in 1998 and has since expanded year on year to now consist of 3 different branches, a recycling yard/ distribution centre and head office. Their three branches are based in Ferndown, Dorchester and Bournemouth, all of which have inspirational display areas created by their landscaping customers and a friendly team of customer advisors with many years of training and experience behind them.

Dorset Soils and Aggregates stand for two things: unbeatable prices and the highest levels of customer service. This was consistently demonstrated to the BALI adjudicators and led to the success of winning this highly respected award. As the South’s leading supplier of landscaping materials, this company could give examples of regular, returning customers that gave outstanding testimonies to the business, highlighting their ability to source any required products from around in the world, along with their friendly and knowledgeable manner.

The staff members possess over 75 years of experience in the landscaping and building industry between them, ensuring Dorset Soils and Aggregates are able to give the best possible service from start to finish. Offering an inviting and friendly atmosphere for both the trade and DIY enthusiasts; their customer advisors are always on-hand to offer advice, source products at the best prices, arrange fast and efficient delivery and guarantee the customer received a good experience.

This was the second year the Awards were successfully delivered in-house by the team at BALI’s Landscape House. Events Project Manager Leah Brookes, who attended the 2018 Awards and project managed the 2019 event said, “It has been an immense pleasure managing the BALI Awards 2019. From attending the event last year, to meeting and working alongside the expert adjudicators, to managing the whole entry process and advising members on their submissions. To see the fruition of a year’s work come together on this special day and celebrate together with each and every member is fabulous. I send my heartfelt congratulations to all our winners and thanks to all our sponsors, adjudicators and stakeholders for their continued support of the prestigious National Landscape Awards.”

Sport and lifestyle presenter Mark Durden-Smith played host for the afternoon’s proceedings in front of over 1,000 BALI VIPs, members and guests, including Adam White MBALI, President and Fellow of the ‘Royal Chartered’ Landscape Institute and BALI Registered Designer; Chair of the Society of Garden Designers, Sarah Morgan; Rod Winrow, Chairman of the Association of Professional Landscapers; Sue Biggs CBE, Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society and Gerald Bonner, President of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIOH).

This is a great accolade for Dorset Soils and Aggregates and gives them the recognition and credit that each member of staff has worked so hard to achieve. This year, BALI saw a record-breaking amount of first-time entries; receiving a total number of 145 entries to go through, making it even more impressive that Dorset Soils and Aggregates secured the Exceptional Service Award.

Paul Miller, Managing Director: ‘Well done to all our staff for helping achieve this prestigious National Award – twenty-one years in the making. We’ve come a long way since one man and a transit tipper!’

www.sandandgravel.uk.com

A full list of award-winners and a description of the winning schemes is available on the BALI Awards website here.

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MM the key to course improvements

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MM the key to course improvements: Visitors to the Limagrain UK stand (162), located in the Blue Zone at BTME 2020, can expect a range of market leading products that can significantly improve both the quality and aesthetics of a golf course.

For 2020 there will be two new exciting MM mixtures which will offer turf managers new grass seed solutions for golf and general sports turf.

MM the key to course improvements

As the demand and pressure placed on the modern-day greenkeeper to produce a consistent playing surface continually grows, seed quality, purity and vigour are the essential ingredients for a first-class golf course and Limagrain’s MM range of seed mixture provides exactly these.

For over 30 years, greenkeepers and course managers have been enjoying the benefits by choosing the MM brand and the high-quality varieties used in MM mixtures. All varieties are thoroughly tested at the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) – ensuring that the finished product will meet your requirements for play, appearance and maintenance.

For golf greens MM9 – a three-way Browntop bent mixture continues to be a leading mixture for renovations and species exchange. For links style courses and sustainable golf, MM8 offers a great option – a three-way fescue mix with excellent disease resistance, drought tolerance and minimal fertiliser requirements gives course managers a fine, dense sward. MM8 contains varieties such as Nikky and Aporina which have proved to be successful in coastal conditions.

If you are looking for a mixture ideal for tees and fairways, then the 100% ryegrass MM50 should be considered. It is capable of rapid establishment and fast recovery from divot scarring plus high wear tolerance and has extremely fine appearance

For links style golf where damage and wear are lower, MM12 or MM13, are both well suited to this challenging environment as they are drought tolerant and have low maintenance requirements.

Visitors to the stand can also find out how Limagrain’s Wildflower and Colour Splash mixtures have been benefiting countless golf courses throughout the UK and beyond. The mixtures are ideal for those wanting to bring a splash of colour to their golf course as well as attracting some fantastic wildlife.

With a wide range of mixtures available, both the Wildflower and Colour Splash mixtures are extremely easy to sow and the resulting flowers are vigorous plants which are more than capable of competing with weeds. Their vigour is equally matched by robustness; resisting long periods of drought. They are also fast flowering and cost effective.

Limagrain’s amenity seed specialists will all be on hand at BTME to discuss the products in more detail and will also be available to offer their expertise on any queries you may have.

For further information, please contact Limagrain UK on 01472 371471 or visit the company’s website www.lgseeds.co.uk/amenity – you can also follow the company on Twitter: @MM_Seed

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KAR UK & Hunter join forces at BTME

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KAR UK & Hunter join forces at BTME: KAR UK and Hunter Industries are joining forces to exhibit at BTME 2020 on Stand 270 in the Red Zone.

KAR UK, the leading wholesaler of irrigation equipment in the UK and an integral distributor of Hunter Industries irrigation equipment, will once again be exhibiting at the Harrogate based show. Visitors to the joint stand can expect to discover a wide range of market leading irrigation products that could make significant improvements to turf.

KAR UK & Hunter join forces at BTME

Here is a glimpse of what to expect:

NEW Hunter TTS rotors

The Hunter TTS-800 rotors provide maximum uniformity and longevity. The high-torque gear drives are the strongest in the industry, so the challenges of reclaimed water use or poor water quality are mitigated. An extra-large, fast-access flange compartment comfortably accommodates wire connections and other components.

The new 800 series feature Hunter’s patented TTS (Total-Top-Service) technology which allows for every serviceable element of the rotor to be accessed through the top. Mechanical and electrical, big and small, you can get to every component without disturbing the playing surface. That means there’s no more digging, no more unsightly scars, and more importantly, one less item on a busy turf manager’s schedule.

NEW ST-1700V rotor

Another highlight on the KAR UK and Hunter stand will be the recently launched ST-1700V rotor which offers unrivalled high-performance irrigation for synthetic turf. Simplicity is the key to the ST-1700V as it integrates Valve-in-Head (VIH) capabilities and a TTS design to simplify installation and maintenance.

I-80 rotor

Engineered for sports turf, the I-80 is built with a robust, dirt-tolerant gear drive that offers the highest torque output of any rotor in the commercial sphere, and extends a radius range from 11.3 to 29.6 meters. The I-80 features a wide range of highly efficient, dual-trajectory, wind-fighting nozzles for highly efficient performance in a range of applications. It also provides TTS via its integrated, surface-mounted snap-ring for no-dig easy maintenance.

ACC2 and ICC2 controllers

Hunter’s line-up of controllers offer an array of user-friendly features and smart controller water-saving options built to fit any sports and landscape irrigation system. The modular design of the ICC2 and the ACC2 controllers set yet another industry standard for easy-to-use and expandable automatic irrigation controllers.  KAR UK will also demonstrate the new Centralus Software which is available to the ICC2 and ACC2. Both of these controllers will be showcased on the stand at BTME.

Pilot PC-based central control system

A PC-based software package that makes central control of large-scale irrigation systems affordable, usable, and comprehensible.

Experienced members of staff from both KAR UK and Hunter Industries will be on hand throughout the three-day event to provide advice and support for any of your irrigation projects.

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com or www.hunterindustries.com

You can also follow KAR UK on Twitter @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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ICL on course for BTME

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ICL on course for BTME: ICL is preparing for a busy BTME 2020 when the show takes place at the Harrogate Convention Centre on 21-23 January.

Located in the Purple Zone, the ICL Stand (426) will be a hub of insightful and practical advice where attendees can network and grab a coffee from the ICL barista team.

ICL on course for BTME

ICL will be using BTME as a platform to launch the company’s new 2020/21 Product Guide which features the complete range of ICL and Syngenta products with advice on how to get the best results, including recommended period of use, directions for use and application rates.

Visitors to stand can pick up a copy of the new ProSelect grass seed brochure in which they can learn about the new and improved mixtures that are ideal for golf courses, sports fields, turf growers and landscape contractors. The updated range contains highly ranked STRI varieties which have been developed through an extensive breeding selection.

BTME 2020 will also provide an opportunity for attendees to discover some very exciting new rewards included in ICL’s hugely popular loyalty scheme – Turf Rewards.

ICL has been a long-term supporter of BIGGA’s Continue to Learn education programme and the company will be playing a significant role in the 2020 edition.

Five greenkeepers will embark on the ICL Continue to Learn Scholarship 2020 and will receive three nights’ hotel accommodation and 15 hours of training and personal development at the world-leading education programme.

ICL will also be hosting a number of seminars within the programme:

Integrated Pest Management

Glenn Kirby, Technical Manager UK and Ireland, Syngenta and Henry Bechelet, Technical Sales Manager, UK and Ireland, ICL will be will providing a brief review of the latest IPM trial work looking at cultural, fertility and chemical control. It will look at how this information can help shape our turf management programmes now and, in the future, to ensure disease pressure is managed.

Tuesday 21 January, 13.30 – 16.30

Light and Shade

For this seminar, Glenn will be joined by Dr Andy Owen, International Technical Manager, ICL, as they both look at the latest research into how turfgrass utilises light and will explore techniques for managing the challenges suboptimal light conditions can create.

Wednesday 22 January, 11.15 – 12.00

Summary of Five Years Successful Trial Work Managing Microdochium Nivale on Turf Grass

Both Henry and Andy will be summarising five years of successful trial work in which a range of IPM methods have been developed to help course managers understand the approaches to Microdochium management. In particular, they will be focusing on the final season of work which was completed on a Poa annua based surface, where a range of approaches (including non-fungicidal) provided excellent disease control throughout a high-pressure disease season.

Wednesday 22 January, 13.45 – 14.30

And if you want to catch up with the PhD project on seaweeds and plant parasitic nematodes that ICL are sponsoring at Royal Holloway Dr Alan Gange and Tamsim Williams are presenting on Tuesday 21st January, The Potential and Varied Benefits of Soil Microbial Management Presented by Dr Alan Gange, Professor of Microbial Ecology and Tamsin Williams, PhD Research Student, Royal Holloway, University of London the seminar will provide a brief review of the topic of soil microbiology and the experiments that have been used to investigate the interactions of certain microbes and seaweed products (‘biostimulants’) with biotic problems, such as Microdochium nivale and root‑feeding nematodes.

Tuesday 21 January, 10.15 ‑ 11.15

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

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

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Fab 4 for Dennis & SISIS at BTME

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Fab 4 for Dennis & SISIS at BTME: Dennis and SISIS will be making their annual trip to Harrogate in January and BTME visitors can expect to see four fantastic products on display in the Red Zone on Stand 244.

Dennis Mowers recently launched a new and exciting range of mowers called the E-Series and no doubt the ES-860 cylinder mower will prove to be somewhat of a show-stopper at BTME 2020. This 34” battery powered turf management system delivers maximum versatility and the range of 13 interchangeable cassette options provide a solution to many day-to-day maintenance tasks such as cutting, scarifying, brushing, slitting and aeration.

Fab 4 for Dennis & SISIS at BTME

A weather proof colour LCD programmable display keypad screen is an integral feature of the handlebar console providing the operator with a multitude of information options including ground speed, clip rate, service checks, lifetime running reports and battery information.

The ES-860 will be joined by the FT510 professional mower in representing the famous Dennis brand at BTME. When it comes to all areas of fine turf, the Dennis FT510, has for many years, been celebrated for its top performance and durability. With a 51cm working width, the FT510 provides its user with comfort, flexibility and excellent presentation. A true sense of control is obtained through the unique roller clutch drive for a smooth take-up and a variable clip rate helping to create the desired finish. Available with five-bladed and ten-bladed cutting cylinders the machine can be matched to any situation and the interchangeable cassettes can be changed without the requirement of any tools.

The range of 11 different cassettes mean that one machine can be used for several key maintenance tasks including scarifying, verticutting or brushing. This feature combined with the click height of cut adjustment system makes it extremely user friendly for its operators.

The SISIS range of pedestrian scarifiers come highly recommended by greenkeepers and course managers and the Auto Rotorake MK5 will be of particular interest at the show. This powerful self-propelled heavy duty scarifier is designed for the removal and control of thatch on fine turf and is ideally suited to a range of applications from sports field maintenance to lawns and amenities. It features a contra-rotating reel with specially designed tipped blades for clean, consistent cut and maximum thatch removal. A variety of maintenance tasks can also be carried out due to a selection of seven different interchangeable reels.

Fab 4 for Dennis & SISIS at BTME

Last but certainly not least is the SISIS Flexibrush – a tractor mounted brush which is ideal for both synthetic and natural turf surfaces. Featuring a 5.35 metre working width, its brush sections ‘float’ to follow ground contours providing maximum efficiency on large areas. The SISIS Flexibrush, has proved to be an ideal solution for controlling worm casts and is also used for effectively dispersing top dressings and standing the grass up before cutting, helping to give a better cut and presentation.

Brochures containing the full portfolio of Dennis and SISIS products will be available to pick up on the stand and the company’s experienced staff will be available to answer any queries and offer valuable advice about the machinery.

Further information about the range of turf maintenance products available can be found by visiting www.dennisuk.com / www.sisis.com.

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter and Instagram @DennisMowers and SISIS @SISISMachinery. You can like the Facebook page –www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK and www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery. You can also view the latest Dennis videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers and www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery

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