Tag Archive for: Ever

DLF’s strongest ever seed line-up showcased

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DLF’s strongest ever seed line-up showcased: With the turn of a new year, comes the delivery of the new Johnsons Sports Seed brochure and two updated wildflower guides from DLF, packed with new formulations for the season ahead. The updated ranges showcase the latest advancements in seed breeding and mixture development, including ten new fine turf formulations from the industry-leading Johnsons range and a brand-new wildflower mixture designed for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) in Pro Flora 17.  

The Johnsons Sports Seed range continues to set the standard for turf quality, sustainable management and reliable results 365 days of the year.

DLF’s strongest ever seed line-up showcased

DLF’s strongest ever seed line-up showcased

Highlights from the updated golf range include the new formulation of J Green which includes 20% Sybille. In the pursuit for ever-improved sustainability, Sybille is a highly ranked slender creeping red fescue which demonstrates exceptional shoot density and disease resistance – helping to supress unwanted weeds and diseases and reducing the need for chemicals. Sybille is also incorporated in the 2026 formulations of J Ultrafine Rye Green, J Fescue, J Links, J Premier Fairway, J Sustain Fairway, J Ultrafine Rye 25 and J Ultrafine Rye 50.

The 2026 Johnsons fine turf range also incorporates browntop bent into the popular J Fairway and J Premier Fairway mixtures. Recognising the risks to pure fescue swards under hot, dry conditions, the inclusion of browntop bent contributes to fairways with improved sward density, tolerance of close mowing and the ability to tolerate longer spells of drought and/or higher temperatures.

Not content with refining mixtures for fine turf, the 2026 Johnsons range continues to deliver class-leading formulations for winter sports. The 2026 J Premier Pitch mixture blends six top-rated perennial ryegrass cultivars, ideal for natural and hybrid pitches and providing significantly improved Brown Patch resistance thanks to the addition of Monroe and Gildara.

While new formulations of J Premier Pitch and J 4Turf 50 promise enhanced performance for winter sports pitches, J Premier Wicket continues to lead the way as a class-leading mixture for cricket – with four top-rated cultivars promising rapid establishment, high disease resistance and camera appeal as standard.

Turf managers, contractors and conservationists looking to enhance biodiversity and increase visual merit can find all of the answers to wildflower seed selection in the new Colour Boost and Pro Flora brochures. Those after high-impact, amenity flower mixtures have nine mixtures to choose from in DLF’s popular Colour Boost range, with Pro Flora complementing the line-up with 18 native origin wildflower mixtures.

New to the range is Pro Flora 17, blending moisture tolerant grasses and native wildflowers to create a resilient, diverse sward able to withstand fluctuating water levels, extended dry spells and nutrient-poor soils. With mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain now shaping planning decisions, Pro Flora 17 offers a practical way to deliver ecological uplift in situations like swales, infiltration basins and multifunctional wetland landscapes while keeping specification simple and implementation effective.

To view the new 2026 brochures, visit dlf.co.uk or speak to your local DLF Technical Manager to receive a copy. 

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GroundsFest’s education programme better than ever

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GroundsFest’s education programme better than ever: GroundsFest 2025 is raising the bar yet again – and this year’s FREE cpd-accredited educational programme is set to be bigger, and more varied than ever before.

With FIVE dedicated seminar theatres, a host of expert speakers, and topics that truly reflect the challenges and opportunities in today’s outdoor spaces, GroundsFest is the go-to destination for professional development – whether you’re in turf, landscaping, horticulture, groundscare, or greenkeeping.

GroundsFest’s education programme better than ever

GroundsFest’s education programme better than ever

Here is a snapshot of what to expect from the education programme:

A Must-Attend for Greenkeepers

The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) will be delivering a selection of educational seminars, specially designed for greenkeepers or anyone working in golf course management. BIGGA’s seminars have built a reputation for combining practical insight with thought leadership. Expect expert-led discussions, game-changing ideas, and actionable advice to take your course management to the next level.

Pitchcare Theatre

Tackle key sports turf topics including moisture management, plant growth regulators, and the rise of robotics, along with sessions on employment and biodiversity. These seminars will be delivered by a range of leading sports turf experts.

Lantra Theatre

Lanta will be exploring ‘How industry can collaborate in addressing recruitment and retention’. Acting as session chair, Lantra trustee – Professor John Moverley will set the scene, introduce individual members of the panel and then invite them in turn to speak for about 5 minutes each. The panel has been chosen to draw from different sub sectors to share thoughts and experiences around sector recruitment and retention. After the presentations, John will then invite the audience to make comment and ask questions. In this seminar theatre visitors also can discover what’s changing at BASIS, with essential updates on how training and certification are evolving to support the sector.

The Landscape Theatre

From AI in marketing to urban sustainability, mental health in the trades to wildflower meadows, this theatre brings together real-world business strategies and green innovation. With speakers from Glendale, Blakedown, The Green Partnership and more, these sessions are a must for anyone in landscaping or urban greenspace development.

Hort Week Theatre

Join Hort Week’s Rachael Forsyth and leading horticultural experts for a packed agenda. Topics include integrated weed management with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, machinery tips, scam prevention, and a lively Horticulture Question Time. Plus, don’t miss the Innovation Awards in this theatre, sponsored by Cramer and Bosch, celebrating the products shaping our industry.

Bowls Seminar Theatre

Dedicated to improving greens and supporting bowls clubs at all levels, this two-day masterclass will offer insider knowledge from top suppliers and provide greenkeepers with actionable takeaways to improve playability and performance. It will feature insights from DLF, Aquatrols, Agrovista Amenity, Dennis, SISIS and KAR UK. From seed selection and fertiliser to machinery and irrigation, these sessions will cover all the essential elements that contribute to a high-performing green. Whether you’re a club volunteer or a full-time professional, this is your chance to learn from the very best in the business.

From sports turf to local authority, estate management to landscaping – GroundsFest’s education programme is tailored to every corner of the industry and it’s completely free to attend.

Register for your FREE tickets at www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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Johnsons announce strongest ever seed line-up

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Johnsons announce strongest ever seed line-up: The Johnsons Sports Seed catalogue for 2024 has landed – bursting at the seams with sustainable seed solutions for sports and fine turf applications.

In-field trials and the results from DLF’s leading global ‘Disease Watch Programme’ has led to two new mixtures and more than 10 new formulations making this year’s portfolio stronger, more resistant and more reliable than ever!

Johnsons announce strongest ever seed line-up

Johnsons announce strongest ever seed line-up

Following successful screening for Brown Patch last year, DLF have this year completed a global study into Grey Leaf Spot (GLS) which has resulted in a new formulation for J Premier 4Turf 25, incorporating varieties with proven increased resistance to Brown Patch, GLS and other common turf diseases. The 2024 mix adds 5% Saila and 25% Fiesta 4 to an already strong blend of perennial and tetraploid perennial ryegrasses to create the ultimate football and rugby stadia renovation mixture for wear tolerance, visual merit and enhanced disease resistance.

Also updated in the winter sport range is J Multi Sport, ideal for sports and athletic fields and cricket outfields, and J Premier Pitch. Already delivering proven performance at many of Europe’s leading stadia, the 2024 formulation of J Premier Pitch includes 20% Salia perennial ryegrass for further enhanced visual merit and wear tolerance.

Two new mixtures have arrived in Johnson’s fine turf range in the form of J Sustain Fairway and J Ultrafine Rye 100. J Sustain Fairway is a new high-performance, fine-turf formulation with 40% Hard Fescue and 15% Sheeps Fescue which provides a natural foundation of strength and tolerance to a broad range of turf stresses. Requiring less nutrient, water and chemical inputs, J Sustain Fairway is ideal for links and heathland venues, and those pursuing a sustainable, low-input management strategy.

Suitable for use on golf greens, tees and fairways, bowling greens and tennis courts, the new J Ultrafine Rye 100 blends four of the finest high-performing, fast-establishing perennial ryegrass cultivars to create a high-density, hard-wearing sward. The two new mixtures join a long list of improved fine-turf mixture formulations including Johnsons J Fairway and J Rye Fairway.

Details of all the new and updated mixtures can be found in the 2024 Johnsons Sports Seed catalogue, and by visiting www.johnsonssportsseed.co.uk

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First ever roll-on roll-off quick-spin grinder

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First ever roll-on roll-off quick-spin grinder: It is not often that a completely new product is introduced into the market which will be a complete game-changer, but that is exactly what has happened at the 2024 BTME exhibition in Harrogate and the 2024 GCSAA Conference & Trade Show in Phoenix, AZ

The Foley 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder brings a whole new meaning to quick spin. The 642 is designed to accommodate the widest of mower cylinders and is a simple roll-on roll-off solution to grinding, with the machine sitting at floor level. The roll-on roll-off solution removes all need for heavy lifting facilities, revolutionising the way the Equipment Managers view touch-up spin grinding. Foley’s professional grinders already offer the best spin and relief methods for sharpening blades and the new Foley 642 Quick Spin Grinder will be complimentary to these methods. It offers a fast, easy operated option for providing a quick touch-up spin, between the regular relief grinding schedules. It is also the perfect solution to sharpening the extra wide, heavy mowers used on sports fields/pitches, which are often cumbersome to load into the standard grinder.

First ever roll-on roll-off quick-spin grinder

First ever roll-on roll-off quick-spin grinder

Last week Paul Rauker, CEO and President of Foley Company had made the trip to Harrogate to support Foley Company’s launch of the world’s first ever professional floor level roll-on, roll-off grinder. ‘This is truly a remarkable occasion,’ said Paul. ‘The 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder is the first of its kind and I’m delighted to be here to acknowledge the significance of our latest development. It is a machine that will appeal to all grounds professionals who are looking to improve the performance and efficiency of their grinding programs. As the leading manufacturer of grinding equipment Foley is once again leading the way in grinding technology. We have developed and patented simple to use controls to save time without compromising on performance.

The patented clamping system effortlessly secures any cutting unit in all configurations and the roller clamp is adjustable for any variety of rollers and groomers. This machine really will change the way we look at grinding in the future!’

The Foley 642 Quick-Spin features simple to use controls, counter balanced spin drive, patented front and rear clamping system for pedestrian mowers and power rear positioning levers for cylinders. It is spin only, with adjustable traverse speed and adjustable spin speed. It will accept up to 42” reel width and operates on 240v/15a power.

For more information on the new 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder visit: www.foleyco.com/642-quick-spin

Foley Company is targeting production models to be available later this year.

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Perennial’s impact greater than ever

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Perennial’s impact greater than ever: With Perennial’s impact on people’s lives revealed as greater than ever, the charity helping people in horticulture is calling for the industry to help sustain its community.

The charity’s 2022 Impact Report and recent figures show the pressing need for its services across the industry. 24,000 preventative services and activities were delivered last year, with 1,895 people and their families receiving direct personal support to improve their lives.

Perennial’s impact greater than ever

Perennial’s impact greater than ever

During the first half of 2023, Perennial provided services to 1,184 people, compared to 897 in the first half of 2022. This steep increase of 31% highlights the urgent need for increased support for Perennial’s work from the industry.

Perennial’s vision is for all those who work with plants, trees, flowers or grass to know about Perennial and how it can help. The charity relies on and is grateful to those demonstrating a commitment to support the horticultural community and invest in its future. In 2022:

  • 123 businesses were part of Perennial’s Partner Scheme contributing £93k worth of funding.
  • Four major wholesale nurseries collaborated to form Plants for Perennial. The joint initiative is an example of how businesses can work together to raise funds and awareness through plant sales.
  • 45 businesses supported employees through Perennial’s mental health first aiders’ pilot scheme that was launched to create a culture of mental wellbeing in the workplace.
  • 700 trade show visitors monitored their health using Perennial’s health kiosk, blood pressure checks and grip strength tests.

Perennial’s Chief Executive Peter Newman says: “This report highlights our impact on thousands of lives in 2022 thanks in large measure to our generous supporters and volunteers. We help those facing challenging times as well as providing advice and guidance to prevent small issues from becoming big problems. We enable people to be more in control of their health, financial and social wellbeing. With dedicated online resources, tools and apps alongside our one-on-one support services, we aim to offer something of benefit to everyone within the UK’s horticultural community and ask the industry to show its support and help us spread the word.”

“We recognise the important role that Perennial plays in providing essential support to horticulture and we want to keep being a part of that,” says Steve Walley, Managing Director, London Stone – Diamond Perennial Partner.

A better quality of life is within reach for everyone in horticulture. Through its services surrounding health and wellbeing, networks and financial wellbeing Perennial will continue to improve lives. The horticulture industry can help by spreading the word about Perennial and by raising funds to support its work.

Read more about Perennial’s impact on the lives and futures of people in horticulture at perennial.org.uk/impactreport2022.

Free services for people in horticulture that the industry can promote are:

  • Nudge, the free personalised money management tool introduced to help improve people’s financial wellbeing with relevant financial information that can have a positive impact on their money management. 115 people took control of their money and financial wellbeing within the first few weeks of its launch.
  • A Health & Wellbeing platform and app offered to support the body, mind and life, with people regularly engaging with recipe ideas, fitness plans, meditations, articles, podcasts and videos. 420 users were guided by the health and wellbeing app last year.
  • Help with training – Upskilling and training support trebled in 2022 compared to 2021, enabling 76 people to enhance their careers.
  • Helpline: For advice, information and support use the online Services Contact Form at perennial.org.uk/services-contact-form or call 0800 093 8543.

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

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