Tag Archive for: Expert

phs Greenleaf appoints biophilic expert

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phs Greenleaf appoints biophilic expert: Jane Leese has joined phs Greenleaf as its Biophilic Design Consultant as the interior and exterior planting business continues to grow across the UK.

Jane has 12 years of experience in the horticulture market and has worked with some of the world’s biggest brands and multinational companies to bring ambitious biophilic designs to life.

phs Greenleaf appoints biophilic expert

phs Greenleaf appoints biophilic expert

Jane’s role at phs Greenleaf will see her deliver interior and exterior schemes from concept to installation, including multi-site customers across the UK.

“Biophilia is the concept that humans have an innate connection to nature,” explains Jane. “In commercial and public spaces, biophilic design aims to bring elements of the natural world inside because there is strong evidence that this improves health, wellbeing, performance and organisational outcomes.

“Including plants, trees, flowers and other natural materials into interior spaces serves a greater purpose than creating a nice aesthetic. It can deliver real tangible benefits, including improved productivity and reduced sick days. Even NASA has advocated for plants to be used in offices to help purify air.”

“It is more complex that putting a potted plant in the corner of your meeting room however,” continues Jane. “It is about putting the right plant in the right place and thinking outside the box to meet your goals. Plants can go inside, on or even around a building – there are no limits.

“ESG is a focus at every stage of the process. We want designs to reduce CO2, promote sustainability and use recyclables wherever possible.”

Stephen Dieppe, Managing Director of phs Greenleaf, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jane to phs Greenleaf at a time when demand for high-quality biophilic design is growing rapidly across the UK.

“Jane brings a wealth of horticultural expertise and a deep understanding of how thoughtful planting can transform commercial and public spaces. Her passion for plants and her ability to deliver ambitious, sustainable schemes at scale will be invaluable as we continue to grow across the UK.”

phs Greenleaf supplies over 8,000 customers with interior and exterior planting across the UK and makes over 25,000 customer site visits every year. It provides a full range of horticultural services, including indoor and outdoor plants, artificial and live planting, living walls, grounds maintenance and Christmas trees and decorations, as well as expert maintenance services.

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The Grass People’s Expert Tips for a Greener Winter Lawn

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The Grass People’s Expert Tips for a Greener Winter Lawn: As temperatures drop and frost sets in, many UK homeowners assume their lawns must go dormant until spring. But according to Chris McIlroy, Lawn Expert at The Grass People, “winter is not the end it’s the preparation stage”.

Their winter lawn-care products gives gardeners the right tools to keep lawns nourished, moss-free, and healthy all season long ensuring a strong, vibrant return in spring.

The Grass People’s Expert Tips for a Greener Winter Lawn

The Grass People’s Expert Tips for a Greener Winter Lawn

Step 1: Spread precisely don’t waste your effort

Even the best fertiliser underperforms if it’s applied unevenly. The Grass People’s range of professional-grade lawn spreaders ensures consistent, controlled application across lawns of any size. From lightweight handheld spreaders for smaller gardens to broadcast options for larger areas, even coverage means better results and no patchy regrowth.

“A spreader may seem simple, but it’s the secret to consistency,” says Chris McIlroy, Lawn Expert at The Grass People. “Every handful applied evenly saves you from patchy growth and wasted product.”

Step 2: Feed for the season, not the week

Winter lawncare is about slow, steady nourishment not quick fixes. The Grass People’s SLOW RELEASE: Autumn/Winter Fertiliser provides up to four months of feeding in a single treatment. With an NPK of 8-0-6 plus added magnesium and iron, it strengthens grass against frost and disease, helping roots stay active through the colder months.

Apply in late autumn while the soil is still workable to lock in nutrients before growth slows.“Our slow-release formulas mean fewer applications and less waste, ideal for time-poor gardeners who still want results,” says Chris McIlroy.

Step 3: Control moss while you feed

Moss thrives in damp, shaded lawns when grass weakens during winter. The SLOW RELEASE: Winter Feed & Moss Control takes a dual-action approach, feeding the grass while discouraging moss growth.
With an NPK of 5-0-8 and 9 % iron, it delivers colour, strength, and up to eight weeks of moss protection.

“Winter can be tough on lawns, but it doesn’t have to be the season of damage,” adds Chris McIlroy. “By feeding your lawn and keeping moss in check now, you’re setting yourself up for a healthier, greener spring.”

When to act

  • October – December: Apply Autumn/Winter Fertiliser to strengthen before frost.
  • January – March: Use Winter Feed & Moss Control to protect and maintain colour.
  • Year-round: Use spreaders for precision, for fertiliser, seed, or even grit salt in icy conditions.

Why it matters

A strong, nourished lawn over winter:

  • Prevents bare patches and moss invasion
  • Reduces disease risk and frost stress

Requires less renovation in spring

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Expert Speakers To Address Turf Management Challenges

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Expert Speakers To Address Turf Management Challenges: The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is pleased to confirm the speaker line-up for its upcoming GMA Connect events at Ashton Gate Stadium and Durham County Cricket Club.

GMA Connect is designed to bring the grounds industry together at a regional level, offering a valuable opportunity for grounds professionals to connect and exchange ideas. These practical events will feature expert seminars, live demonstrations and insights from leading manufacturers – all in one day.

Expert Speakers To Address Turf Management Challenges

Expert Speakers To Address Turf Management Challenges

Renowned weather expert and industry leader, Mark Hunt, will present ‘Turf Management in the Current Climate’ which will explore the impact of changing weather patterns on turfgrass management, with advice on reading forecasts and managing issues like dew formation and disease risks.

Turf consultant, Alex Vickers, will deliver ‘Reading Your Soil’, a hands-on workshop exploring soil profiles, sampling methods, and spotting signs of compaction. Expect to get your hands dirty in this interactive session!

On the new GMA Connect events, Alex Vickers said: “These new GMA Connect events are a fantastic opportunity for professional grounds people to learn and share experiences. The format is really unique, offering an intimate setting where attendees can engage directly with experts and explore today’s challenges in depth. The chance to take part in hands-on workshops and network with peers makes these events invaluable.”

The GMA’s Ian Mather-Brewster will walk attendees through his sessions ‘Carrying Out a Surface Assessment’ and ‘Using a Playing Surface Assessment to Upgrade Your Facility’, providing practical advice on conducting assessments and presenting findings to encourage investment.

‘What’s in Your Shed?’ is a special practical workshop taking place across both events. Jack Langley (Ashton Gate Stadium) will lead the session in Bristol, whilst Vic Demain (Durham County Cricket Club) will take the lead in Durham. This workshop gives a behind-the-scenes look at the machinery, fertilisers and irrigation methods used to maintain top-quality surfaces.

Both events will also include a panel session looking at ‘Dealing with Climate Change Challenges at Professional Venues’. At Bristol, panellists include Jack Langley, Sean Williams (Gloucestershire CCC), and Alex Vickers. The Durham panel features Vic Dermain, Alex Vickers, and Aaron Tong (Hull City MKM Stadium).

Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA, said: “It’s fantastic to have such knowledgeable experts speaking at GMA Connect, and there’s more to be announced, too! Their practical advice will be invaluable to everyone attending. These events are designed to provide hands-on learning and direct access to industry specialists, making them an essential opportunity for grounds professionals looking to develop their skills and improve their facilities.”

Tickets for GMA Connect are free for GMA members, while non-members can attend for £15. Membership offers even more value, providing access to exclusive resources, training and learning discount, Member Assistance Programme including high street discounts plus much more!

For more information about the GMA Connect series, or to register, please visit thegma.org.uk/events/.

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Irrigation and water management expert launches advisory practice

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Irrigation and water management expert launches advisory practice: Stuart Tate, one of the golf industry’s leading irrigation and water management experts, has launched a design engineering and technical advisory practice, Irrigation Professionals Limited.

Based in Ringwood, UK, Stuart and a number of specialist associates will assist clients with strategic planning for water usage, provide water sourcing and water engineering solutions, and deliver practical support and education for those operating, maintaining, upgrading and replacing golf course and sports turf irrigation systems.

Irrigation and water management expert launches advisory practice

Irrigation and water management expert launches advisory practice

Stuart has 35 years’ design engineering and specification expertise. In a career dedicated to the golf sector, he has led the way in the design of total system solutions and the implementation of new technologies. With a focus on sustainability and a hands-on approach to the management of individual projects, he is a trusted resource for golf course operators, architects, irrigation consultants, contractors, distributors, agronomists, and course managers around the world. In his most recent role as European Golf Specification Manager for Rain Bird, he also delivered greenkeeper education for a number of membership organisations, ensuring end-users’ knowledge keeps pace with technological developments and best practice in irrigation management.

Speaking about his new venture, Stuart says there is a need for specialist support in the sector.

“Water is essential for turfgrass health and performance and water scarcity is a pressing issue, yet irrigation remains a grey area in the golf and sports turf industry’s understanding. We will provide the links between water sourcing, efficient design, the latest water saving technologies and education, to give organisations and turf professionals clarity and confidence in their approach to managing this precious resource.”

To contact Stuart and to find out more about the services available, call +44(0)7956 497999, email info@irriprof.com or connect with Stuart on LinkedIn.

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COMPO EXPERT appoints Neil Pullen

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COMPO EXPERT appoints Neil Pullen: German fertiliser manufacturer COMPO EXPERT has announced the appointment of former Agrovista Amenity Product Development Manager, Neil Pullen, as its new Product Manager.

Neil brings his valuable insight of the sport turf sector to his new role, as well as a sound understanding of how COMPO EXPERT products meet the sector’s specific needs. In fact, he says he built his sales career through his extensive understanding of the unique Floranid range of twin slow-release fertilisers, during his time at Kings Horticulture in the 1980s.

COMPO EXPERT appoints Neil Pullen

COMPO EXPERT appoints Neil Pullen

Within his new role, Neil will launch a wider range of COMPO EXPERT products into the sports turf industry in Scandinavia, the UK & Ireland.

“COMPO EXPERT products have been close to my heart throughout my career,” Neil says, “and I’m looking forward to sharing this knowledge with all sports turf industry professionals.

“My role will also involve customer research and working with COMPO EXPERT chemists in Germany to help produce new and exciting technologies that will help to improve and maintain quality sports surfaces.

Commenting on Neil’s appointment, COMPO EXPERT Managing Director Gerald Bonner says: “Neil will ensure that the most up to date chemistry is being manufactured to create a product fit for our distributors and end users in the sports turf arena. His knowledge of the COMPO EXPERT product  and his previous work experience with national distributor Agrovista Amenity will provide a valuable insight, into the sports turf market needs.”

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