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New leadership for John Chambers Wildflower Seed

New leadership for John Chambers Wildflower Seed: The Wildflower seed brand of Green-tech, John Chambers Wildflower Seed, is entering its 11th year under new guidance.

With over a decade of experience at Green-tech, Roger McGivern has moved from managing a sales team to leading the John Chambers team through the next period of the brand’s development and growth.

New leadership for John Chambers Wildflower Seed

New leadership for John Chambers Wildflower Seed

John Chambers Business Manager Roger will be responsible for the overall performance of the brand, managing a trade and key account database, and delivering educational and training seminars as well as accredited CPDs to specifiers.  He will be supported by Georgia Gilbert, the John Chambers Technical manager, Jason Brits, the Production and Operations supervisor, and Emily Murray, the JC Wildflower technician.

Geen-tech’s Business Development Director Mark Wood comments, “I am delighted to welcome Roger to the team. He joins with in-depth knowledge of the product portfolio and a wealth of experience and has a mass of ideas on how to develop the brand in line with company strategy and goals. I am looking forward to working with Roger and the rest of the team as we enter the next chapter for John Chambers Wildflower Seed.”

Roger adds, “I am very happy to join the John Chambers team. My existing knowledge and expertise of the customer base, product portfolio, and systems mean I am starting in a strong position. The John Chambers Wildflower Seed brand has undergone phenomenal growth over the last decade, with sales increasing tenfold over this period.  I am joining at an exciting period in the brand’s development and growth, and I look forward to working with the dedicated and skilled team and introducing new ideas and initiatives.”

John Chambers Wildflower Seed has a 40-year history of supplying native British-produced wildflower seed and mixes to landscape and garden lovers across the UK. John Chambers is one of the leading authorities on native wildflower seed, distributing a comprehensive range of products that protect, enhance, and improve the landscape environment.

Mark Wood continues, “We have orders for some major infrastructure projects that are planned over the next five years for the John Chambers brand. Roger has an experienced and robust team behind him to deliver upon these. I’m looking forward to the next chapter for this brand.”

If you are interested in joining Green-tech and building a career within the landscaping industry, click the link below to check out their careers page with all current vacancies. https://www.green-tech.co.uk/about-us/careers

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ECO 135TT is the solution for Pro Axe

ECO 135TT is the solution for Pro Axe: After four years of hiring woodchippers, with ‘mixed’ experiences, the time was right for Dan Snaith of Pro Axe to invest in a machine to call his own – that being an ECO 135TT from GreenMech.

Opting for the turntable model, the ECO 135TT has brought new-found convenience to day-to-day operations, not just available when he needs it, but rotatable to be exactly where he needs it too!

ECO 135TT is the solution for Pro Axe

ECO 135TT is the solution for Pro Axe

Dan has used various makes and models of woodchipper during his two decades in the industry, half of those operating under DS Grounds Maintenance – recently rebranded and relaunched as Pro Axe. “We undertake all manner of domestic and commercial tree-works for customers across South West Wales, which had put a lot of pressure on an aging GreenMech we previously had at our disposal” explains Dan. “We’ve therefore been relying on hire centres for the last few years which was unreliable and inconvenient to say the least!”

“I got in touch with Martin Lucas at GreenMech who responded quickly and arranged a demonstration of the ECO 135TT for the following week with our local dealer Powercut. The whole process was seamless and as soon as I saw the machine, I was sold!”

Defined as entry-level but delivering an impressive 5” chipping capacity, GreenMech’s ECO 135 range is ideal for a wide range of arb and landscape applications. The road-tow ECO 135TT model features a 24hp Loncin engine and full 360o turntable for powerful performance and unbeatable manoeuvrability.

“For me, this was one of the main selling points – it’s lightweight, easy to transport and when we arrive on site we can simply turn the ECO 135TT to face in any given direction, improving efficiency and safety for the operator especially when working at the roadside. Being petrol powered has also resulted in a reduction in our fuel spend, giving us chipping power that I’d say is on par with a larger 6” machine in a unit that’s close to half the size.”

“I was also impressed with the fast delivery, we waited only a few weeks before Powercut installed the machine with us in early October.” Since its delivery, the ECO 135TT has proven a versatile addition to the team. “It’s been out every week, and has tackled everything we’ve put through it – including hedge brash which the GreenMech seems to mulch through no problem. Overall, I couldn’t be happier.”

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Suståne proves the key for consistency

Suståne proves the key for consistency: A programme based around Suståne 5-2-4+Fe organic slow-release fertiliser is working wonders at Linköping Golf Club in Sweden – delivering enhanced consistency in plant health and growth for Head Greenkeeper Andreas Bergqvist and his team.

Now into their second year of pursuing a more natural approach to enhancing soil biology, not only are the greens performing better, the additional strength has seen improved resistance to Anthracnose.

Suståne proves the key for consistency

Suståne proves the key for consistency

Andreas has been in charge of the maintenance of the picturesque parkland course for the last five years, but has been at the club since 2001 as a deputy where he first gained experience of products from the Suståne range. “My approach to plant health is very much to work with nature and feed from the bottom up, rather than the top down” he explains. “We’d been using Suståne for a number of years, but when I took over I further reduced artificial inputs in favour of upping our Suståne programme to get better structure into our push-up greens.”

The current plan consists of 8-10 week applications of Suståne 5-2-4+Fe between the months of April and September; the long-lasting sources of organic nitrogen promoting greater root development and good colour. “The main benefit we’ve found is that you don’t get the flush of growth like you do with synthetic fertilisers. It keeps the greens consistent in terms of playability and means that we’re employing fewer mechanical practices such as verti-cutting to keep on top of rapid growth which, in turn, brings benefit for surface quality and health.”

“Prior to using Suståne we would also commonly see outbreaks of Anthracnose around the course. This appears to have decreased significantly, and when we do get a patch we can target treat with some additional 5-2-4+Fe and it’s seemingly resolved within a couple of days.”

He continues, “One of the biggest issues we face here in southern Sweden is drought. The Suståne product being naturally-derived means that we can apply when we need to, and not when the rainfall forecast is in our favour. The boost to root development also means we’re finding that the grass is more tolerant to the hot and dry conditions which means we’re well-placed to deal with the changing climate moving forwards.”

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Bionema Group Launches Tender for Product Marketing

Bionema Group Launches Tender for Product Marketing: Bionema Group, a leading developer of sustainable biocontrol solutions, is excited to announce a tender for the marketing of their innovative range of environmentally friendly biological products. These groundbreaking solutions are designed to address crop protection and plant health management in the Agriculture, Sport Turf Amenity, Horticulture, Agriculture, and Forestry sectors.

As public awareness and concerns regarding the impact of agrochemicals (pesticides and fertilisers) on human health, biodiversity, soil health and the environment continue to rise, Bionema aims to provide a complete collection of more than 60 biological products and technology that offer effective, eco-friendly alternatives. This strategic move follows Bionema’s transformative deal with Syngenta in 2021, congealing their position as a world-leading biocontrol technology company.

Bionema Group Launches Tender for Product Marketing

Bionema Group Launches Tender for Product Marketing

Over the past 15 months, Bionema has undergone significant growth to meet the progressing needs of the market. Their different product range now includes Biocontrol, Biostimulants, Biofertiliser and Efficacy Booster customised to agriculture, horticulture, forestry, turf & amenities, and public health.

Dr Minshad Ansari, Founder and CEO of Bionema Group, expressed the company’s vision, said, “Our goal is to be at the forefront of Biological Agriculture technology innovator, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. With changing global trends and increasing demands from consumers, society, and regulators, sustainable alternatives are urgently needed. For instance, consider the EU’s aspiring plan to ban 50% pesticides by 2030 and significantly increase organic farming. Achieving such targets requires innovative solutions like the ones we are introducing”.

Bionema’s expanded portfolio significantly enhances their presence in the Biological Agriculture sector, complementing their ongoing R&D, farmer’s training, and additional services focused on advancing biological solutions in different cropping systems.

The company’s innovative formulation and delivery platform technology enable the development of products with 20-30% higher efficacy and productivity compared to existing products.

Dr Ansari stressed, “While we are pleased to introduce our new products, our commitment to innovation and collaboration remains unwavering. We have achieved significant milestones, but our dedication to progress continues, and we firmly believe that the best is yet to come”.

To learn more about Bionema Group and their innovative biocontrol solutions, please visit www.bionema.com.

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Scots Turf Gets Bigger and Better for 2024

Scots Turf Gets Bigger and Better for 2024: Following the resounding success of its inaugural year, the Scots Turf Show is returning to Hamilton Park Racecourse, promising an expanded exhibitor list and more education opportunities.

The second edition of Scots Turf will take place on 6th March 2024 at Hamilton Park Racecourse, featuring exhibitors such as Campey Turf Care, AllGrass, Dennis, SIS Pitches and John Deere.

Scots Turf Gets Bigger and Better for 2024

Scots Turf Gets Bigger and Better for 2024

One of the most notable enhancements for 2024 is the substantial increase in exhibitors from an initial 16 to an impressive 50. This growth speaks volumes about the event’s popularity and ability to attract key players in the turf industry. The expanded exhibitor line-up ensures a diverse array of products, services, and expertise on display, making Scots Turf a comprehensive hub for all things turf related.

Alongside fellow Scots Turf Founding Committee member Alan Thomson, Sales Manager SIS Pitches, Campey Product Specialist Richard Heywood, has worked hard to bring this event to Scotland and is excited to see its early success and where it can go in the future.

“The Scots Turf Show was designed to bring the trade to the Scottish Turf community, and it has quickly done that with a lot of success,” Richard said.

“Whilst it is primarily for Scotland, it’s an event that is open to everyone, and I think the developments we’re making demonstrates the show’s progress.

“As we enter our second year, the increased number of exhibitors reflects the growing importance of this event in the industry, and we’re already excited for our advancements in 2025, where we will increase the area for indoor exhibitors.”

Scots Turf holds particular significance for the Scottish Turf community, serving as a pivotal platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and industry collaboration. The event brings together professionals, suppliers, and enthusiasts from various corners of turf management and provides a valuable opportunity for the grounds community in Scotland.

Feedback from the previous year has been taken onboard about the seminar programme, and the Show will again strive to provide the most relevant, valuable and comprehensive educational opportunities to those attending.

Registration is free via Eventbrite, with the first 500 guests receiving a bacon sandwich and tea/coffee on arrival.

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Time saving solutions the focus for GKB at BTME

Time saving solutions the focus for GKB at BTME: Time is a precious and ever-decreasing commodity when it comes to completing operations around the golf course. That’s why the multi-functional Sandfiller will be taking centre stage on the GKB stand, when they return to BTME in 2024.

The GKB Sandfiller is designed to tackle the problem of surface drainage and aeration on sports turf and golf courses, especially on greens. A true multi-tasker, the Sandfiller scarifies and simultaneously backfills with sand, or a combination of sand and seed, in a single pass. Delivering the perfect conditions for excellent root growth and optimal plant health, the Sandfiller can be operated by one person, where other similar methods demand more time and labour.

Time saving solutions the focus for GKB at BTME

Time saving solutions the focus for GKB at BTME

Tried and tested by contractors and courses up and down the country, the heart of the Sandfiller utilises the principles of GKB’s much-praised Combinator – carbide blades effectively slitting the surface and creating channels to be easily refilled with dried sand and leaving a clean, play-ready finish in its wake.

Alongside the Sandfiller on stand 644 will be the equally versatile Combiseeder. Four working widths of Combiseeder are available, all equipped with twin spiked rollers which create 1500 holes per square metre, and two brushes to ensure seed is accurately deposited into the pockets for optimal germination conditions. Facilitating routine overseeding quickly and efficiently, the GKB Combiseeder proves an effective tool in retaining sward density and preventing weed, annual meadow grass or moss ingress as more chemical remedies are removed from the market.

The Sandfiller and Combiseeder are just two of a broad portfolio of quality-built maintenance solutions from GKB Machines, further details of which can be found by speaking to the technical team on hand across the three days in January.

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Christmas joy for children

Christmas joy for children: Staffordshire Olympians Adam Burgess and Ben Williams played Santa to local children by delivering gifts donated to the JCB Christmas Toy Appeal.

The employee appeal got under way in November with the installation of 14 collection points at JCB plants in Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and Wrexham – and a record 1,242 gifts were donated. Now the toys have been handed over to the Stoke-on-Trent Hubb Foundation, the NSPCC and Wrexham’s Yellow and Bue Charity for distribution to deserving children.

Christmas joy for children

Christmas joy for children

Slalom canoeist Adam Burgess and triple jumper Ben Williams – who are both sponsored by JCB – helped wrap the gifts donated to the Burslem-based Hubb Foundation and delighted children at nearby Mill Hill Primary Academy in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent when they delivered the first of the presents to them.

Tana Owen, The Hubb Foundation’s School Relationship Manager, said: “The donation of toys to the children means the absolute world to them and it’s all thanks to the JCB Christmas Toy Appeal. I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated a gift.”

Ben Williams, of Newcastle-under-Lyme, said: “These appeals are so, so important as not everybody is as fortunate as others. Having grown up in the exact area where this school is, I know the gifts donated to the JCB Christmas toy Appeal will be hugely appreciated.”

Adam Burgess, of Stone, said: “I remember being a kid at Christmas, we always had presents. It was always really exciting. I know that some kids aren’t so lucky. We’re in an area that is a bit disadvantaged and I’m really proud to be part of something like this in my local area which is supporting children at this time of year.”

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MM Seed: A Key Ingredient for Golf Course Excellence

MM Seed: A Key Ingredient for Golf Course Excellence: Attendees at BTME 2024, visiting DLF’s stand 126 in Hall B, can anticipate a showcase of cutting-edge products from the world’s premier grass seed breeder and producer.

In the face of increasing demands and pressures on modern greenkeepers to maintain a consistent playing surface, the pivotal elements for a top-tier golf course are seed quality, purity, and vigour. The MM range of seed mixtures stands out by utilising materials from the DLF Select programme, ensuring high purity and germination rates.

MM Seed: A Key Ingredient for Golf Course Excellence

MM Seed: A Key Ingredient for Golf Course Excellence

For over three decades, greenkeepers and course managers have reaped the benefits of choosing the MM brand and its superior quality varieties. All MM varieties undergo thorough testing at the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI), guaranteeing that the final product meets the requirements for play, appearance, and maintenance.

Leading the way for golf greens is MM9, a three-way Browntop bent mixture that remains a top choice for renovations and species exchange. MM8, designed for links-style courses and sustainable golf, offers a three-way fescue mix with excellent disease resistance, drought tolerance, and minimal fertiliser requirements. MM Coastal is a great alternative to MM8 where salt spray is a concern, providing excellent salt tolerance for golf greens, tees, and fairways with its 100% Slender Creeping Red Fescue mix.

For golf course managers seeking a 100% Ryegrass Greens mix option, MM Supreme Ryegreen mix is the answer. It includes Singapore Perennial Ryegrass, known for its fine leaves, good shoot density, high disease resistance, and wear tolerance. This mix embodies the main benefits of perennial ryegrass, including fast establishment and wear tolerance in close mow situations.

If you’re in search of a mixture ideal for tees and fairways, consider MM50, a 100% ryegrass blend. It boasts rapid establishment, quick recovery from divot scarring, high wear tolerance, and an extremely fine appearance. Meanwhile, for links-style fairways where damage and wear are less prevalent, MM13 is well-suited. With a high percentage of Crystal Hard Fescue, it offers excellent drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements for this challenging environment.

DLF’s stand also provides information about the DLF Pro Flora and Colour Boost range of Wildflower mixtures, perfect for those looking to establish a traditional perennial flower meadow or create a vibrant display of annuals and perennials.

The MM team of amenity seed specialists will be present at BTME to discuss these products in more detail and offer their expertise to address any queries attendees may have.

For further information, please contact DLF UK on 01386 719758 or visit the MM website www.mm-seeds.co.uk.

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Dennis set for The GCSAA Trade Show

Dennis set for The GCSAA Trade Show: Get ready for an electrifying experience at The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, where Dennis Mowers is set to showcase its ground-breaking E-Series range of battery-powered mowers.

As one of the largest golf shows globally, this event is the ultimate gathering for golf industry professionals.

Dennis set for The GCSAA Trade Show

Dennis set for The GCSAA Trade Show

The trade show takes place from January 31 – February 1, 2024 in Pheonix, and Dennis Mowers can be found on booth 3557.

Discover the Future with Dennis Mowers E-Series:

These electric-powered mowers redefine industry standards with exceptional battery life, ultra-low noise, and minimal vibration, offering a no-compromise alternative to traditional petrol counterparts. The robust LCD keypad screen provides operators with a wealth of information options, including speed, clip rate, service checks, lifetime running reports, and battery details. Not to mention an astonishingly quick 2-3 hour full battery recharge time.

Featured Products on Display at The GCSAA Trade Show:

ES-860:

  • 34″ battery-powered turf management system
  • 13 interchangeable cassette options
  • Easy to adjust height of cut control

ES-22 Ultra:

  • 22″ battery mower with an ultra-short wheelbase
  • Perfect for undulating surfaces
  • Ideal for golf greens and tees

ES-34R:

  • 34″ battery-powered twin blade rotary mower
  • Latest lithium-ion battery technology
  • Ideal for fine turf mowing and cleaning up operations

Meet the Experts:

Dennis Mowers’ experienced staff will be available throughout the event to answer any queries, provide product advice, and share maintenance tips. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to interact with the minds behind Dennis.

Why Attend?

The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show is not just an exhibition; it’s an immersive experience designed for golf facility owners, operators, and industry professionals. Network, enhance your education, and explore the latest advancements that could transform your work.

Join Dennis Mowers on booth 3557 and step into a new era of efficiency, sustainability, and precision.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

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

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Dig deep for Perennial’s Christmas donation appeal

Dig deep for Perennial’s Christmas donation appeal: With Christmas just around the corner, Perennial is appealing to the industry to grow wellbeing and support people working in horticulture this season by making a goodwill donation.

36% more people turned to the charity for help this year. With the winter months and festive season ahead, demand for support is expected to continue to increase.

Dig deep for Perennial’s Christmas donation appeal

Dig deep for Perennial’s Christmas donation appeal

“We rely on support from people like you to help us be there. Every day people get in contact either for themselves, to help a loved one or on behalf of a colleague,” says Perennial’s Director of Marketing and Fundraising Anita Bates, stressing that “Whilst this is a time for family and celebration for many, we appreciate that for lots of people – in horticulture and elsewhere – times are difficult and that money may be tight. But, if you can, please donate today. Thank you and from all of us here at Perennial we wish you a very happy Christmas and New Year.”

As the only UK charity helping everyone working in or retired from horticulture and their families, there are lots of reasons why people turn to Perennial such as bereavement, the impact of an accident, health issues or a family breakdown. Many also access Perennial’s free advice and information online and via their free health & wellbeing and money management tools.

As a reminder of why the charity is here and a way to spread goodwill, you can see and share Perennial’s videos on social inspired by real-life stories, highlighting the different types of help the charity is approached for.

Everyone in the horticultural community can play their part this Christmas. Your support – whatever the amount – will help Perennial to be there for your colleagues and maybe your own friends and family this season and beyond. You can make a difference, big or small, as a one-off or regular gift.

Donate at perennial.org.uk/donate

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