LATEST ARTICLES

UK grasses – If you do not read this, you may be part of the problem

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David Hedges-Gower, Chairman of the Lawn Association comments on why we do not use the correct grass seed for lawns in the UK, and why this should change. Picture a nation renowned for its mild, natural climate, where lush green landscapes seem to effortlessly sprawl across fields, meadows, and hillsides, courtesy of nature’s handiwork. Few pause to ponder why this verdant beauty exists, assuming it’s simply nature’s way. Yet, amidst the chatter about lawns, many offer opinions without truly understanding the subject, regurgitating the same tired advice year after year.

The true essence of lawn care lies in the unnoticed, in the native grasses that quietly flourish without human intervention, practically in every lawn before the mid 1990’s. These resilient grasses maintain their green hue, largely free of weeds, withstanding the occasional summer drought without issue and always coming back green again.

Now, imagine a trap laid out by commercial interests in the 1990s—a new strain of grass, derived from cattle feed, visually indistinguishable from its predecessors to practically all involved in horticulture. It infiltrates our gardens, promising success but constantly delivering failure. When these lawns falter, the remedy offered is perplexing—add more of the same grass that failed initially, blaming things such as heavy foot traffic or the dogs for their demise (which isn’t the true cause).

Turf companies of course, sell vast quantities of this flawed grass, who have it supplied by seed companies, who then market to retail. Garden centres, then market these same seeds as a solution to the very problem they helped create. It seems inconceivable, doesn’t it? Turf engineered to fail, only to be “fixed” with the same defective grass.

Meanwhile, across the UK, countless lawns thrive without the need for over-seeding or rescue attempts….yet we are all told that ‘grass in grass’. Countless homeowners have been sold a bill of goods—a counterfeit, a failure in the making. And all fall for it too. The power of marketing over the truth.

This issue with lawns extends beyond mere grass. It has bred contempt for the very concept of the lawn, leading some to embrace synthetic alternatives or pave over their once-vibrant front gardens.

This might sound like a far-fetched tale, but as the saying goes, those who overlook these warnings are doomed to repeat the same mistakes

About the Lawn Association: The Lawn Association is a leading educational platform dedicated to promoting sustainable lawn care practices and dispelling common misconceptions within the industry. Through advocacy and education, the association seeks to foster environmental stewardship among lawn enthusiasts across the United Kingdom

Go to the @LawnAssociation Facebook page to join the Lawn Enthusiasts Group, and get free association membership via the website, www.lawnassociation.org.uk

Celebrating English Tourism Week at Barnsdale Gardens

English Tourism Week, running from the 15th to the 24th of March this year, is a time to celebrate the diverse and captivating attractions that our country has to offer. Among these treasures is Barnsdale Gardens, proudly standing as a beacon of horticultural excellence in the heart of Britain.

Established in 1983 by the visionary Geoff Hamilton, Barnsdale Gardens has long been a pioneer in sustainable gardening practices, championing techniques such as peat-free and chemical-free growing well ahead of its time. Today, under the stewardship of Geoff Hamilton’s son, Nick, Barnsdale Gardens continues to uphold its legacy of sustainable gardening while welcoming visitors from near and far.

Nestled within Barnsdale’s grounds are 38 individually designed gardens, each offering a unique sanctuary of beauty and tranquillity. From the serene Japanese Garden with its cherry blossoms and zen-inspired planting to the meticulously crafted Formal Pool and Knot Garden boasting exquisite topiary and captivating water features, there’s something to enchant every visitor.

One standout example of Barnsdale’s commitment to wildlife-friendly design is the Stream and Bog Garden, conceptualized during the 1995 series of Gardeners’ World. Designed to be easily replicable in average-sized gardens, this feature promotes biodiversity by providing a habitat for pond life, plants, and insects, fostering a thriving ecosystem within the garden.

While the gardens themselves are a feast for the senses, visitors can also indulge their appetites at the delightful Helenium Tea Room. Offering a delectable menu that includes the renowned Afternoon Teas, complete with vegetarian and vegan options, Barnsdale Gardens ensures that every visitor’s culinary desires are met.

For those eager to expand their gardening knowledge or explore other creative pursuits, Barnsdale Gardens offers a range of courses throughout the year, covering topics such as gardening, painting, and willow weaving. These courses can be easily booked through the website, providing opportunities for visitors to deepen their connection with nature and their creative passions.

To take a piece of Barnsdale’s charm home, visitors can explore the superb shop and nursery, where many of the plant varieties showcased in the gardens are available for purchase. Whether you’re seeking to recreate a Barnsdale-inspired haven in your own backyard or simply looking for a memento of your visit, the shop and nursery offer a treasure trove of possibilities.

As English Tourism Week unfolds, Barnsdale Gardens stands proud as a testament to the beauty, diversity, and enduring allure of England’s rich cultural heritage.

Photo credit Steve Hamilton

J Premier Pitch Excels in Debut Season at Dartford Football Club

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J Premier Pitch, the latest offering from Johnsons Sports Seed, has made a significant impact during its inaugural season at Dartford Football Club. Praised for its wear tolerance and rapid germination, this high-quality seed has garnered admiration under the watchful eye of Head Groundsman Jay Berkhauer and the team at Jordans Sportsground Solutions.

Chosen to meet the demands of a tight six-week renovation window, J Premier Pitch exceeded expectations by delivering a top-quality surface for the club’s first game of the season. Despite facing challenging conditions, the pitch has demonstrated remarkable resilience ever since.

With two decades of experience in the industry, including work with Premier League clubs, grassroots facilities, schools, and cricket clubs, Jay Berkhauer has become a seasoned expert in sports surface management. Reflecting on the demanding nature of Dartford FC’s pitch, he explains,

“This pitch gets a lot of use!” he exclaims. “We’ve got four teams that play here so when it comes to renovating and preparing the pitch we know we need seed that can handle high levels of stress and wear, and meets the budget and resources we have available.”

“We’d heard about the quick establishment and germination of Johnsons, and with only five and a half weeks between our renovation and the first game, this was going to be critical. We sowed J Premier Pitch end of May 2023, saw the first sprouts of germination within seven days and by the first game of the season we were as good as gold!”

The impressive performance of J Premier Pitch extends beyond its initial germination phase. Despite facing a very wet winter and sustained high levels of play, the pitch has held up admirably. Berkhauer observes, “After the impressive initial germination, we’ve also noticed the pitch has held up really well given the very wet winter and sustained high levels of play. There has also been a significant reduction in the amount of Red Thread we’ve seen in comparison to previous years.”

Maintaining professionalism despite budget constraints, Berkhauer and his team employ hand seeding and spot treatments to ensure the pitch remains in top condition throughout the season. He concludes, “While we may not have the luxury of a big budget or two weeks of recovery time between fixtures, we still very much aim for professionalism in the product we deliver. By hand seeding goal mouths and spot treating problematic areas we can maintain a pitch that looks good and plays well for the whole season. J Premier Pitch, for us, has been the right balance of price and quality”

Kent & Stowe Unveils New Gardening Gloves Collection for Ultimate Gardening Protection

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Kent & Stowe, renowned for its premium gardening tools and accessories, is proud to introduce its latest innovation: a brand-new collection of gardening gloves designed to provide unparalleled protection and comfort for hard-working hands. Launching in March 2024, this range includes the Sure & Soft Leather Gloves, Sure & Fit Multi Job Gloves, and Sure & Grip All Purpose Gloves.

Selecting the right gloves is paramount to ensure hands remain safeguarded during various gardening tasks, from pruning roses to potting plants. The new Kent & Stowe gloves offer superior protection and exceptional dexterity, promising to elevate gardening experiences.

Kent Stowe Sure Fit Gloves 1

Sure & Soft Leather Gloves: Crafted from high-quality A-grade leather, these premium gloves boast unparalleled softness and durability. Featuring a keystone thumb for maximum comfort and reinforced stitching for added strength, they offer exceptional puncture and tear resistance, ideal for rigorous tasks like clearing, pruning, and digging. With an elasticated wrist ensuring a snug fit, these gloves are built to withstand the test of time. (RRP £24.99)

Sure & Fit Multi Job Gloves: Designed for versatility, these gloves combine premium leather with breathable spandex material on the back for ultimate stretch and flexibility. Reinforced PVC patches on the palm enhance protection and grip, allowing for confident handling of gardening tools. The elasticated wrist provides a secure fit, ensuring complete control and comfort during various gardening activities. (RRP £14.99)

Sure & Grip All Purpose Gloves: Lightweight and flexible, these gloves offer versatile protection for a wide range of gardening tasks. With superior flexibility and abrasion resistance, they allow hands to move freely while ensuring adequate protection. The Nitrile coating guarantees exceptional grip in wet or dry conditions, making them ideal for heavy-duty tasks like cutting and weeding. Featuring abrasion, cut, and tear-resistant properties, these gloves ensure durability and comfort, even during prolonged use. (RRP £7.99)

The new gloves collection will be available for purchase at Marshalls Garden and select garden centres, offering gardening enthusiasts premium protection at affordable prices.

Events this April at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst

  • Bluey bounds into Kew Gardens and Wakehurst for Easter
  • Sounds of Blossom continues at Kew
  • Last chance to see Mat Collishaw: Petrichor, ends 7 April
  • Final days of Young Botanical Artists exhibition
  • Horticultural highlights include cherry blossom, tulips and early bluebells
  • Coming soon: Marc Quinn: Light into Life at Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens

Bluey | Kew Gardens and Wakehurst until 14 April, included in admission

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 The hugely popular animated BBC television series Bluey comes to Kew Gardens and Wakehurst this Easter. Inspired by the onscreen adventures of a lovable six-year-old Blue Heeler puppy Bluey and her family, who have captured the hearts and imaginations of children and adults alike across the globe, this new interactive experience at Kew and Wakehurst is a must-do for families during the holidays.

 Sounds of Blossom | Until 14 April, included in admission

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This spring, immerse yourself in Sounds of Blossom at Kew Gardens until Sunday 14 April, in partnership with the Royal College of Music. Sounds of Blossom will feature six bespoke musical compositions embedded into the landscape, offering a unique sensory experience as you wander around Kew’s renowned cherry blossom and magnolia trees.

Petrichor by Mat Collishaw | Must end 7 April – entry included in admission

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Finishing this month in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art at Kew Gardens, Petrichor isa critically acclaimed exhibition of work from celebrated contemporary artist Mat Collishaw. Drawing on an array of evocative imagery from the natural world, this spectacular exhibition features sculptural installations using a variety of pioneering techniques to explore the relationship between the natural world, art history, and how representations of nature in art can impact the way in which we see the world around us.

Horticultural Highlights- Spring

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Horticultural highlights on display this month at Kew Gardens include magnificent magnolias in bloom across the gardens. Visitors can also enjoy the early cherry blossom around the Temperate House, alongside bluebells in the Natural Area.

At Wakehurst, spring colour emerges with daffodils bordering Mansion Pond, and bright magnolia blossoming throughout the Water Gardens and wider landscape, and rhododendron boarding ravines throughout the landscape.

Kew Publishing Book of the Month | An Ancient Mesopotamian Herbal by Barbara Böck, Shahina A. Ghazanfar and Mark Nesbitt

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Throughout the world, traditional medical systems continue to be important to healthcare. They vary greatly in their underlying beliefs, but almost all share the use of herbal medicines as a central practice. Drawing on the expertise of Assyriologists, botanists and archaeologists, An Ancient Mesopotamian Herbal explores the deep history of plants in traditional medicine and offers a groundbreaking reassessment of existing research.


Young Botanical Artist Exhibition | Until 7 April – entry included in admission

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Until 7 April, Gallery 6 of Kew Gardens’ Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art will showcase 50 shortlisted artworks from the inaugural Young Botanical Artist Competition. Created by The Shirley Sherwood Collection in collaboration with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the competition was open exclusively to entrants aged 16-25, and offers a unique opportunity for the next generation of botanical artists to showcase their work in a gallery setting.

Short Courses

Why not learn a new skill and sign up for a short course at Kew? Led by a selection of experts, these one-day courses offer unique opportunities to develop fresh skills within the stunning surroundings of Kew’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Garden design for beginners | 2 April | 10.30am – 4pm | Cambridge Cottage

Led by award-winning gardener and author, Christine Lavelle, this course will help you look at your garden to get the most out of your space. Topics covered will include landscape, plants, colour and accessories, as well as looking at the correct plants for your garden whilst learning where to position them.


Right plant, right place | 4 April | Cambridge Cottage
Plant selection for the garden can be tricky.  This one-day course will give you lots of ideas and inspiration for plants that suit different situations and soil conditions, in both sunny and shady spots.

Botanical sketchbook study: Intermediate | 15 – 17 April | 10.30am – 4pm | Botanical Brasserie Restaurant Courtyard
Do you already know the fundamental of botanical sketching but want to improve your skills? This is the course for you. Over three days, botanical artist Lucy Smith will teach you how to explore plant material in detail. Using a range of media, you will learn to record a wealth of information from life through detailed sketchbook-style study.

 Coming Soon: Marc Quinn: Light into Life | 4 May – 29 September

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This May, Kew Gardens will play host to a major new exhibition from contemporary artist Marc Quinn. Exploring the relationship between people and plants, Light into Life will encompass monumental sculptures across the Gardens, alongside a dedicated presentation of works in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art. Offering moments of thoughtful reflection and interaction across Kew, Light into Life examines our complex relationship with the natural world and features a selection of brand-new artworks, unveiled for the first time this summer.

Wakehurst

Horticultural Highlights

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Visitors can spot spring colour across the Wakehurst landscape, with rare rhododendron appearing throughout the dramatic ravines of Westwood Valley in a range of bold colours. Catch the last of the magnolia around the Water Gardens, and look out for the first Irises and lilies beginning to appear

Events

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Bluey| 27 March – 14 April | 10am to 5.30pm, members early opening on select dates | Free with entry – pre-booking essential

Families can enjoy the enjoy the ultimate day out and design their own Bluey adventure this Easter. With play zones across the landscape, choose from a host of different activities inspired by well-loved Bluey episodes. There will be lots to do and see for children, including Nature Crowns sessions, and daily storytelling.

Nature Heroes: Plant Pals | 27 March – 14 April | £3 per child

Budding young adventurers can earn their next Nature Heroes badge at the Plant Pals mission, where children can learn what a plant needs to thrive and survive. Grab your superhero cape and get ready for the next mission.

Planet Wakehurst | All day | Free with entry

Experience the UK’s largest outdoor art installation, as the impressive Planet Wakehurst photomontage wraps the Mansion, which is undergoing restoration. The 1500m2 canvas, showcases the wealth of biodiversity at Wakehurst and will be up for all to enjoy. Experience a new view of the gardens on our Canopy Walk, 33ft up!

Wakehurst Workshops

Forest bathing | 13 April | 10am to 1pm or 2pm to 5pm | Members: £22.50, non-members: £25

Reconnect with nature and unwind from the stresses of everyday life. Based on the Japanese art of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing allows you to slow down as you immerse yourself in the forest environment. Swedish teacher and workshop leader Helena Skoog will show you how to use all your senses to connect with your surroundings, drawing on the power of nature to relieve tension, relax and nourish your sense of wellbeing.

Healing sound bath | 13 April | 10am to 11.30am, 12.30 to 2pm and 3pm to 4.30pm | Members: £19.80, non-members: £22

Receive the healing vibrations and sacred sounds of the gongs in our stunning outdoor space in the heart of Wakehurst.  This workshop is a chance to relax in a beautiful, quiet space in nature where you will be taken on an inner journey with sound. 

The Wakehurst chorus: Birdsong walk | 14 April | 10.30am to 12.30pm | Members: £27, non-members: £30

Learn how to recognise birds by their song, tune into their fight for territories or against predators, and at the same time feel more connected to the natural world. Join bird expert and ecologist Tom Forward for a walk around Wakehurst. Learn bird songs and calls with the aid of field guides, smartphone apps, and the old-fashioned way — listening and looking.

Exhibitions

Surviving or Thriving: An exhibition on plants and us| Daily, 10am – 3.30pm | Millennium Seed Bank | Included with entry

This exhibition brings Kew’s State of the World’s Plants reports to life, telling the story of why some plants are only surviving, while others are thriving. Through film, audio, models, and a futuristic garden, explore the challenges that plants face and discover the vital role of fungi.

Feature Photo by Jan Meeus on Unsplash

RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2024: Celebrating the Transformative Power of Gardening

The profound influence of gardening in altering lives, revitalizing communities, combating the repercussions of climate change, and enhancing the world’s beauty will take centre stage at this year’s RHS Malvern Spring Festival. Set to unfold from 9th to 12th May 2024 at Three Counties Showground, Malvern, this trail-blazing event, held in association with My Pension Expert, will embrace the new wave of gardening enthusiasts while welcoming back renowned TV gardening personalities like Alan Titchmarsh MBE, Adam Frost, and Frances Tophill, to impart their horticultural wisdom.

The festival’s theme for this year, ‘Gardening for Change’, underscores the importance of gardening practices that bolster garden resilience. Visitors can expect a plethora of advice on techniques to enhance garden resilience, from soil improvement and rainwater conservation to planting strategies tailored for wet or dry conditions. Additionally, the event will offer numerous cost-saving tips and techniques for visitors to explore.

A novel addition to this year’s festival is the Festival of Houseplants, held in collaboration with Green Rooms Market, which will celebrate the surge in popularity of indoor green spaces. Specialist traders and experts, including well-known personalities from social media, will be on hand to provide inspiration and answer queries. Visitors can marvel at giant terrariums, each over four metres tall, showcasing diverse plantscapes from around the globe. Daily workshops on terrarium planting and care by Ben Newell of Worcester Terrariums promise to be informative and engaging.

The festival will also feature Jonny Balchandani, known as The Bearded Plantaholic, demonstrating how to expand houseplant collections for free, offering valuable tips and tricks for successful propagation. Experts like The Plant Rescuer, Sarah Gerrard-Jones, will be available to address houseplant health-related queries and offer advice on good care practices.

With sustainable and regenerative gardening gaining prominence, visitors can explore a large collection of nurseries in the Floral Marquee, many of which are transitioning to or have already achieved peat-free growing. Nurseries like Celtic Wildflowers will provide locally-sourced native plants and advice on boosting pollinator populations. Moreover, visitors can participate in pot-swapping stations, exchanging plastic containers for plantable POSIpot transportation sleeves, with all collected plastic pots being recycled.

The festival will also showcase nurseries offering herbaceous perennials suitable for division and sharing, as well as herbs that root well in water. Creative talks and demonstrations at the Tips & Tricks Theatre will provide insights into gardening techniques, featuring experts like former Blue Peter gardener Chris Collins and The Cloud Gardener Jason Williams.

Kate Dufton, RHS Malvern Spring Festival Show Lead at Three Counties Showground, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This year’s theme, ‘Gardening for Change’, celebrates the ongoing evolution in horticulture and the positive impact on mental wellbeing, communities, and the planet. Our 2024 Festival aims to inspire a new generation of gardeners, equip visitors with resilient gardening knowledge, and celebrate gardening and community initiatives across the UK.”

Tickets for the RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2024 start from just £15 for a new ‘Taster Ticket’ (with under 16s free of charge) and can be purchased here.

About RHS Malvern Spring Festival

RHS Malvern Spring Festival takes place on 9 – 12 May 2024 and is the premier gardening and food event in the West Midlands and Central England. Visitors this year can enjoy special guests sharing their gardening know-how in the talks theatres, impressive show gardens, specialist nurseries and growers, artisan food producers, live entertainment and the very best of lifestyle, garden and homeware shopping. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.rhsmalvern.co.uk

What’s New at RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2024: At a glance

  1. Festival of Houseplants: (in collaboration with Green Rooms Market) step into a world of indoor greenery and contemporary horticultural wonders in the newly built Kildare Hall.
  2. Kitchen Garden Theatre: new, immersive theatre experience offering visitors the chance to sit within a kitchen garden while watching live cooking demonstrations from a range of talented chefs and outstanding local food producers.
  3. Garden Shed dining experience: new, cosy dining sheds accommodating between 2 – 6 people, with set menus for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.
  4. Bluebell Bistro: featuring new breakfast and afternoon tea options, alongside its popular lunch offering
  5. Taster Ticket: Priced at £15, the Taster Ticket welcomes visitors into the showground from 2pm on Saturday 11 May.

About My Pension Expert – festival headline sponsor

My Pension Expert is the UK’s number one Advised Retirement Income Specialist. Founded in 2010, My Pension Expert specialises in providing independent advice to UK consumers about their pension plans – it arranges millions of pounds worth of retirement income options each week.

Sarah Raven Pond Plants Range for Biodiversity Enthusiasts

Expert gardener and author Sarah Raven is excited to announce the launch of her latest Sarah Raven pond plants range, available for purchase through the online retailer from Tuesday 19th March 2024.

Sarah’s dedication to enhancing biodiversity and wildlife in home gardens shines through in her new range, which introduces water and pond plants as a practical, natural, and homely method of promoting biodiversity.

Pond plants serve as vital habitats and shelters for wildlife, both above and below the water’s surface. Sarah’s new range is carefully curated to provide perching and resting places for insects like dragons and damselflies. Additionally, plants such as waterlilies offer surface shade and a platform for creatures to access the water easily. Incorporating pond plants into garden water features is an excellent way to maintain them, as they facilitate essential oxygenation and absorb excess nutrients, thus keeping the water clear and preventing unwanted algae growth.

Reflecting on the importance of ponds in creating nature-friendly gardens, Sarah remarks, “Nothing beats a pond for making a garden nature-friendly. Each plant has an important purpose, from marginal pond plants that provide essential structure, to bog and moist ground plants that thrive in even the dampest of ground. Fit one in wherever you can, however small, and the bugs, bees, birds and all sorts of small mammals will be grateful.”

Below is a selection of products from Sarah Raven’s new range, all available via https://www.sarahraven.com/:

Marginal Pond Plants include:

  • Alisma plantago – aquatica (Common Water Plantain)
  • Baldellia ranunculoides (Lesser Water Plantain)
  • Butomus umbellatus ‘White Form’ (Flowering Rush)

Bog and Moist Plants include:

  • Eupatorium cannabinum (Hemp agrimony)
  • Geranium palustre (Marsh Cranesbill)
  • Primula vialii (Orchid Primrose)

Oxygenators include:

  • Marsilea quadrifolia (Water Shamrock)
  • Ceratophyllum demersum (Hornwort)

Waterlilies include:

  • Nymphaea Pygmaea ‘Alba’ (Water Lily)
  • Nymphaea Pygmaea ‘Rubra’ (Water Lily)
  • Nymphaea ‘Rose Arey’ (Water Lily)

DSV Unveils Eurograss: Transforming the UK Turf Market with Premium Seed

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In the realm of turf grass breeding, Deutsche Saatveredelung AG (DSV) shines as a beacon of innovation and excellence. With a history spanning over six decades, DSV has been at the forefront of cultivating and refining turf grass varieties that have graced Europe’s most prestigious stadiums. Now, with a renewed focus on the UK market, DSV introduces Eurograss, a testament to their commitment to superior quality and unmatched performance.

The journey of Eurograss harks back to the early days of turf grass breeding at DSV. Founded in 1965 through the merger of Nordwestdeutsche Futtersaatbaugesellschaft in Bremen (NFG), DSV laid the groundwork for a legacy of excellence in turf grass cultivation. Through meticulous breeding programmes at their state-of-the-art stations in Asendorf, Germany, and Les Rosiers, France, DSV has produced a diverse range of turf grass varieties tailored to meet the varying needs of different regions and usage patterns.

Tailored Excellence: DSV’s Turf Grass Breeding Philosophy

DSV’s success is rooted in a relentless pursuit of perfection in turf grass breeding. Their breeding objectives are finely tuned to cater to specific usage directions, whether for home lawns, ornamental purposes, sports arenas, or landscape applications. This bespoke approach ensures that each turf species meets exacting standards of durability, density, and resilience required for its intended purpose.

A hallmark of DSV’s turf grass breeding programme is its commitment to innovation and adaptability. In response to evolving environmental dynamics such as climate change, DSV has integrated traits like drought tolerance and disease resistance into its breeding objectives. This forward-thinking approach has led to the development of groundbreaking varieties such as Europitch, Eurobeat, Eurocarina, Tasida, and Regenerate, which excel under the toughest conditions, ensuring lush greenery even in adversity.

Testing the Limits: Striking the Right Cord

Central to DSV’s success is its rigorous testing regime overseen by leading experts like Cord Schumann, the head DSV turf breeder in Asendorf. Each candidate undergoes comprehensive evaluations over several years to assess its suitability for different applications. From deep cutting assessments to cleat roller simulations mimicking the wear and tear of sports activities, every aspect of turf performance is scrutinised with meticulous precision. Cord’s unique sensory test, where he walks barefoot over the turf plots, epitomises DSV’s hands-on approach to quality assurance, ensuring that only the finest varieties make it to market.

Cord Schumann DSV

Setting the Standard: Eurograss in the Global Arena

The culmination of over a decade of breeding and testing is evident in Eurograss. With over 90 DSV turf varieties approved worldwide, Eurograss has firmly established itself as the gold standard in turf grass quality. Notably, Eurograss varieties feature prominently in prestigious recommendation lists like the British Society of Plant Breeders Limited (BSPB) list, reaffirming their status as industry leaders in turf innovation.

As Eurograss sets its sights on the UK market, it brings with it a legacy of excellence and a promise of unparalleled quality. With a comprehensive range of cultivars tailored to suit every need and environment, Eurograss is poised to revolutionise the UK turf industry, one blade at a time.

About DSV United Kingdom Limited

DSV has been a stalwart presence in the UK for over 40 years, boasting an exemplary track record of providing top-quality seed for a variety of popular agricultural crops. Part of an international plant breeder based in Germany, DSV UK operates from its breeding and trials centre at Wardington in Oxfordshire, comprising around 50 hectares of land used for breeding winter wheat and forages, as well as for National List trials of wheat and grass.

John Deere 5M Tractor Unveiled

Introducing the new John Deere 5M tractor, equipped with advanced transmissions and integrated AutoTracTM functionalities directly on the dashboard. This versatile machine is designed to excel in the field, on the farmyard, and on the road. John Deere expands its upper power class portfolio with the introduction of the 5M 130, offering a maximum output of up to 135 horsepower.

The new PowrQuadTM PLUS and Powr8TM transmission options provide farmers with versatile solutions for a wide array of tasks. These technologies ensure continuous pulling power with smooth gear shifts within the selected group. Moreover, a dedicated button on the lever eliminates the need for manual clutching when shifting between groups. The 5M tractor incorporates the EcoShift feature, reducing RPM to conserve fuel while delivering ample power for efficient transport tasks at speeds of up to 40 km/h.

Integration of AutoTracTM directly into the dashboard, a feature previously exclusive to the 6M Series, enhances precision and efficiency by minimising overlaps during field and grassland work. This guidance system assists operators in maintaining straight-line accuracy during field operations, with the option to upgrade to more advanced guidance functionalities using a G5 Universal Display at any time.

Featuring a compact 4.1-metre turning radius, the John Deere 5M series offers exceptional manoeuvrability, making it ideal for tasks such as yard work and animal feeding in tight spaces. Operators benefit from excellent visibility provided by the low hood design and large roof window, particularly advantageous during front loader tasks. The new 5M series introduces the predictive analysis functionality Expert Alerts, enabling early detection of maintenance requirements to enhance operational reliability and minimise unexpected downtime.

Milwaukee Tool Outdoor Power Equipment Market Share to Expand in 2024

Milwaukee Tool is on a mission to increase its presence in the outdoor power equipment (OPE) sector in 2024, offering a comprehensive range of battery-powered solutions tailored for gardening, landscaping, and horticulture professionals.

As a globally renowned manufacturer of heavy-duty power tools, accessories, and hand tools for professional users, Milwaukee Tool is poised to strengthen its position in the market with new and upgraded releases of its cordless solutions, placing a renewed emphasis on battery technology and outdoor power equipment.

Since the introduction of its cordless OPE range, Milwaukee Tool has been pivotal in providing a battery alternative for professionals across various industries. The company’s in-house research and development team have collaborated with industry experts to understand their daily challenges, integrating their insights into product development to ensure customers have access to essential solutions.

Rhys Adams, national sales manager OPE at Milwaukee Tool UK, stated:

“Our mission in 2024 is to ensure our expansive range for cordless equipment proves its value to professionals in the OPE sector by providing a one-stop-shop for the solutions they need.

“To help increase our share of the OPE market, we’re bringing a variety of new products, as well as enhancements to our existing product ranges, to help ensure users have the right solutions to complete the task at hand with ease and efficiency when compared to more traditional alternatives – something that has always been at the top of our agenda.”

One of the key additions to Milwaukee Tool’s lineup this year is the DUAL BATTERY SELF PROPELLED LAWN MOWER, featuring a 46 cm steel deck and blade design powered by Milwaukee Tool’s M18 FUEL battery technology for superior cutting quality.

Milwaukee Tool’s M18 FUEL battery technology is designed to deliver unmatched performance in demanding trades, ensuring consistent power and performance across a variety of tools. With this platform, professionals can power a range of outdoor equipment using a single battery platform.

“Our battery platform has been rigorously tested in demanding environments to ensure our solutions are up to the task, no matter how challenging the job or terrain,” said Rhys. “We’re excited to announce more solutions throughout the year.”

Another innovation from Milwaukee Tool is the DUAL BATTERY BACKPACK BLOWER, utilising the M18 FUEL battery platform to provide a high contrast consistent blowing force. With the capacity to hold up to four M18 FUEL batteries for extended run time, this blower ensures extreme comfort with padded back pads and adjustable straps.

Since its launch in 2017, Milwaukee Tool’s OPE range has expanded to include over 60 tools and solutions, catering to outdoor maintenance, gardening, landscaping, and land clearance professionals. From lawn mowers to chainsaws, the range offers a diverse selection of tools powered by the M18 FUEL Power Head.

Keep an eye out for the latest launches from Milwaukee Tool throughout 2024. To explore their full range of outdoor power equipment and battery technology, visit their website.