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DLF helps Bristol Golf Club create the right first impression

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DLF helps Bristol Golf Club create the right first impression: Despite a year of challenging weather, Bristol Golf Club has seen a remarkable improvement in its playing surfaces and overall visitor experience thanks to innovative seed solutions from DLF.

The team, led by Course Manager Dave Taylor, introduced Johnsons J 4Turf 50 across all 27 tees in early 2025 which has gone on to demonstrate outstanding resilience and strong performance, coping with the pressures of a busy championship course.

DLF helps Bristol Golf Club create the right first impression

DLF helps Bristol Golf Club create the right first impression

With far reaching views across the Severn Estuary into Wales, Bristol Golf Club boasts an 18-hole Championship Course, a 9-hole Par 3 and 18-bay driving range alongside a whole host of other practice facilities and corporate grounds. Seeking to deliver lasting improvements on and off the course for the last eight years is Dave Taylor who turned to DLF Regional Technical Manager Ian Barnett to tackle some particularly problematic areas prone to wear, disease and drought.

“We’re an incredibly busy site, with high levels of foot traffic on the tees which also don’t all have the benefit of full irrigation” Dave explains. “Because of this I spoke with Ian about a harder-wearing mix, that would germinate quickly and tolerate the challenges of footfall and less than ideal weather conditions.” The solution came in the form of J 4Turf 50 from the Johnsons Sports Seed range. The 50/50 blend of diploid perennial and tetraploid perennial ryegrass ensures rapid establishment even under low soil temperatures and creates a deep-rooting, disease-resistant sward.

DLF helps Bristol Golf Club create the right first impression

DLF helps Bristol Golf Club create the right first impression

“Even in the extreme weather, the results we’ve seen have been outstanding” Dave says. “It germinated quickly and, what small amount of dormant seed we had, kicked straight into action as soon as the rain returned in early September. The recovery, density and wear tolerance on all of our tees has been exceptional.” He adds, “Not only have we not had to do any additional autumn overseeding on the tees, we’ve also not seen any Dollar Spot this year which means we’ve saved time and money by not having to apply any fungicides.”

Beyond course playability, Dave has also worked with DLF to create a strong first impression for members and visitors with the introduction of a new wildflower area at the club entrance. Created with Carnival from DLF’s Colour Boost collection, the vibrant display of bright and bold annuals in the spring became quite the talking point. “Because we host weddings and corporate events alongside the golf, these visual touches make a big difference.”

The return of the rain has meant new waves of colour are now emerging, with plans in place to expand the trial to new planting areas across the course in 2026. “The flowers don’t just deliver visual impact, they help us to enhance biodiversity – creating environments to encourage and support all types of insects and wildlife.”

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Don’t make the tough work tougher

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Don’t make the tough work tougher: Getting ready for winter means being prepared for the unexpected. From planned projects to the daily routine and annual winter servicing, ‘tis the season to make sure machines are ready for the tough work by having a stockpile of parts ready to prevent downtime.

Performance, reliability, and durability are all enhanced when parts are engineered specifically for the machine they serve, which is why it’s important to choose genuine.

Don't make the tough work tougher

Don’t make the tough work tougher

Genuine means the high-quality choice. The materials Toro uses for all its parts make them synonymous with maximum performance, while rigorous testing makes sure they can withstand the daily stress that comes with keeping a course or pitch in top condition.

It’s equally important not to underestimate the power of simply being organised when it comes to planning winter servicing. Routine checks and prevention rather than cure are considerably cheaper than ad-hoc repairs and the cost of unexpected downtime.

While prepping is better than fretting, Reesink Turfcare, the official distributor of Toro genuine parts, is aware many are last-minute buyers, and everyone will fall foul of the unexpected, which is why it has two invaluable service options in its offering.

Having the reliability of Reesink as a distributor means customers can get the parts they need within 24 hours to anywhere in the UK. That speed of service reduces the amount of downtime incurred, as well as making life easier.

Michael Hampton, Supply Chain Manager at Reesink Turfcare, says: “The reassurance of having a genuine service doesn’t end there, it comes with a comprehensive stock reserve and local support. But significantly, customers can rely on the fact that they’re getting the genuine Toro part – and that’s a big distinction.”

Not only that but there’s also the option of peace of mind guaranteed with its ReeAssure servicing plans and three types for every budget and requirement level.

Michael expands: “Reesink’s ReeAssure scheme safeguards machinery and secures the club’s investment. Knowing the back up and support of experts in the field for all areas of maintenance and servicing brings great peace of mind. Clubs can spread the costs and plan the monthly fee into the budget to ensure machinery is always optimised no matter the time of year. It saves and frees up time to focus on other tasks and brings the local touch seeing as technicians will be coming from the nearest Reesink branch.”

While English winters can be unpredictable, something you can guarantee won’t be is the quality you get from Toro and the service and support you receive from Reesink. To find a Reesink branch or local Toro dealer, visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk or call 01480 226800.

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Innovation on Tour – The AriensCo Roadshow

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Innovation on Tour – The AriensCo Roadshow: The AriensCo Roadshow 2025 came to a successful close last weekend. Since the end of July, our sales teams have been on the move across Germany, France and the United Kingdom – meeting dealers and end users directly at their locations.

With up to seven stops in each country, visitors had the chance to get up close with the latest innovations from AS-Motor and Ariens, and more importantly, try them out for themselves.

Innovation on Tour – The AriensCo Roadshow

Innovation on Tour – The AriensCo Roadshow

Bringing innovation to Life

The roadshow was all about bringing our products to life. Each stop featured live demonstrations, expert conversations, and personal consultations that allowed for real hands-on experiences. The focus was not only on showcasing product features, but also on discussing everyday challenges, technical details, and service and spare parts needs with dealers, service professionals, and local authorities.

More Than Just a Demo – Real Conversations with Professionals

“Our roadshow was about more than just product demonstrations; it was about meaningful dialogue with the people who use our equipment every day,” said Sam Lewis, General Manager of AriensCo UK. “Performance data is one thing – but the real test is putting the machine into the hands of the user. That’s when you truly see what it can do.”

Two key innovations took center stage, both unveiled earlier this year at demopark:

AS 990 Tahr RC

This new remote-controlled rotary mower proved its capability on steep slopes, where it delivers faster mowing without the need to turn around after each pass. The open-sided sickle mower cuts cleanly in both directions, while the proven cross blade system from the AS 940 Sherpa ensures exceptional cutting power. It easily handles grass and brush up to 1.5 meters high, using two powerful pendulum blades and an overhead cutter bar for high-speed shredding.

Ariens Summit Pro Zero-Turn Series

The new zero-turn models for professionals showed why they are the new stars of the Ariens lineup. With speeds up to 24 km/h, cutting widths of up to 183 cm, and area coverage of nearly 30,000 m² per hour, the Summit Pro 300 and 500 are built for intensive professional use. Durable mower decks, Parker hydrostats, and premium Kawasaki engines reinforce the machines’ robust and reliable design.

Positive Feedback Across the Board

Across all three countries, the response to the roadshow was overwhelmingly positive. Visitors appreciated the chance to experience the equipment first-hand, while dealers took advantage of the opportunity to deepen their product knowledge. For AriensCo, the roadshow also provided valuable insights from direct conversations with customers and users.

“Roadshows help build trust and provide a genuine product experience,” Sam Lewis concluded. “They’ll continue to play an increasingly important role alongside trade shows and conventional demos in how we connect with our customers.”

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Laura Darlow a winner of 30 under 30 – The Next Generation

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Laura Darlow a winner of 30 under 30 – The Next Generation: Green-tech is delighted to announce that Laura Darlow, Logistics Team Leader, has been named as one of Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation winners for 2025.

28-year-old Laura was chosen for her contribution and rapid career progression within the landscape industry. Now in its tenth year, the 30 Under 30: The Next Generation initiative celebrates 30 rising stars across the arboriculture, garden design, horticulture, and landscaping sectors, aiming to showcase the diverse career opportunities available to young professionals.

Laura Darlow a winner of 30 under 30 – The Next Generation

Laura Darlow a winner of 30 under 30 – The Next Generation

Laura joined Green-tech in 2015 after completing a Diploma in Horticulture at Askham Bryan College. She began her career as a Despatch Assistant before moving into logistics, where she has thrived in a fast-paced and evolving environment. Within just a few years, she progressed to Logistics Team Leader, a role that sees her coordinate the daily movement of customer orders across both UK and international markets. Laura plays a pivotal role in ensuring Green-tech delivers on its promises to customers. She has been instrumental in process improvements that have reduced stock holding, cut freight costs, and ensured compliance with all export orders.

Her achievements were further recognised in 2025 when she completed Green-tech’s Management Development Programme, earning the title of ‘Outstanding Contributor’ from the course trainer.

Speaking about this award, Laura comments, “I’m thrilled to have been recognised as one of this year’s Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30 winners. Working in logistics is fast-paced and varied, and I take great pride in ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. To see my hard work acknowledged in this way is hugely rewarding, and I’m excited to continue developing my career in this fantastic industry.”

Green-tech’s Managing Director, Kris Nellist, added, “Laura is an outstanding member of the Green-tech team, and we are incredibly proud to see her recognised with this award. Her commitment, attention to detail and proactive approach make her a key part of our operations, and she embodies the high standards and ambition that Green-tech stands for.”

Laura will officially receive her award at the Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30 ceremony on Wednesday, 8 October at FutureScape, ExCeL London.

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GroundsFest 2025 Raises the Bar Again

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GroundsFest 2025 Raises the Bar Again: GroundsFest 2025 cemented its place as the UK’s largest industry trade show after just three years, with an incredible 9,037 visitors over two days. The event’s rapid growth was clear for all to see: more exhibitors, more visitors, and more innovation than ever before.

The show offered hundreds of brands, cutting-edge product launches, and a community spirit that made GroundsFest stand out. The atmosphere was electric – relaxed yet vibrant – with interactive games on stands, smiling faces throughout, and a genuine sense of excitement as professionals and volunteers from every corner of the industry came together.

GroundsFest 2025 Raises the Bar Again

GroundsFest 2025 Raises the Bar Again

Innovation at the Heart of the Show

Innovation was everywhere. From world-first product launches to interactive demonstrations, GroundsFest once again proved itself as the home of forward-thinking solutions. Visitors were among the first to experience never-before-seen equipment and technology that is shaping the future of the sector.

The first-ever GroundsFest Innovation Awards, in association with Hort Week and sponsored by Cramer and Bosch, drew over 100 entries, showcasing the best of new product design alongside proven favourites that have stood the test of time.

Winners:

  • Maintenance and workshop equipment – New product – Foley Company for the 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder
  • Stood the test of time – Clearwater Recycling Systems
  • Services – New product – Origin Amenity Solutions for Machine keeper
  • Transport – New product – LCVT for Side Tipping Beavertail
  • Tractors and implement carriers – New product – AEBI, Schmidt UK for Aebi TT 282
  • Tree care – New product – CMC Lift UK for CMC S20
  • Landscape consumables – New product – Wildflower Turf Ltd for Enhanced Wildflower Biodiversity Range
  • Stood the test of time – DLF Seeds for The Pro-Flora range of mixtures
  • Landscape equipment – New product – Westermann UK for WR870 EGO Battery Moss Brush
  • Stood the test of time – The Professional Sprayer People for Mankar ULV Sprayers
  • Turf maintenance consumables – New product – Fargro for the DCM Vital Green
  • Turf maintenance equipment – New product – Redexim UK for Redexim Scarivator
  • Stood the test of time – Redexim UK for Verti Drain
  • Grass cutting equipment – New product – STIGA for Nexus
  • Stood the test of time – Trimax for Pegasus

Over 30 Hours of Free Education and Inspiration

Over 30 hours of free education were delivered across five seminar theatres, with top speakers providing invaluable insights and CPD points for attendees. The Landscape Zone, in partnership with BALI, was significantly busier than in 2024, with packed-out education sessions on design, planning, and outdoor construction. Many seminars became talking points throughout the halls, sparking fresh conversations and new collaborations.

Crowd-Favourite Features

Feature areas continued to thrive and expand. Machinery Nation LIVE wowed audiences with its “Chainsaws – Past, Present and Future” showcase, featuring brands like STIHL, EGO, Milwaukee, and Dewalt alongside rare vintage models. Visitors also enjoyed the Stand-On Mowers head-to-head challenge and an adrenaline-fuelled machinery relay.

Lawn Mower Racing, in partnership with Kramp UK and the West Midland Lawn Mower Association, made its debut and proved to be a huge crowd-pleaser.

Visitors also had the chance to win prizes ranging from robotic mowers to premium hand tools, adding extra excitement to the show.

GroundsFest 2025 Raises the Bar Again

GroundsFest 2025 Raises the Bar Again

Festival Vibes

GroundsFest’s unique blend of trade show and festival atmosphere set it apart once again. The live music festival returned bigger and better, with great food, drink, free bumper cars, and the world’s best Oasis tribute band delivering a set that struck a chord with attendees.

Christopher Bassett, Event Director of GroundsFest, said:

“This show wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible exhibitors, visitors, and partners. We’re truly humbled and we’ll continue to reinvest profits from GroundsFest back into the industry through the GroundsFest Academy. The key is to always keep listening and evolving – to give the industry a show they can be proud of.”

With its unbeatable mix of innovation, education, community, and festival energy, GroundsFest has firmly established itself as the go-to event for the industry. If 2025 is anything to go by, the show’s future is brighter than ever.

GroundsFest 2026 will return to Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 16th and 17th September.

For more information visit 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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