Trench Bowling Club Recognized as The Best Kept Green in Shropshire 2023, Credits Success to OAS Microbial Programme
Trench Bowling Club, an esteemed institution celebrating its centennial milestone, proudly announces its recent accolade as The Best Kept Green in Shropshire 2023. Boasting a membership of 45 players, the club actively participates in the competitive Mid-Shropshire Bowling Leagues.
The impeccable condition of the green, a result of meticulous care and dedication, has garnered attention and admiration. Greenkeeper David Evans, along with a dedicated team of volunteers, has been tending to the green since 2014. Expressing gratitude for the support received, Evans acknowledges Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) for their instrumental role in achieving this milestone.
“The green is in the best condition it has ever been, I want to thank Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) for their support. In 2018 Symbio was recommended to me by the greenkeepers at Bowring Bowling Club in Wellington, Telford. They were using Symbio products, and the green was in excellent condition. I wanted to move away from synthetic fertilisers and pesticides and work with OAS to produce an integrated management plan. I also wanted to try to make cost savings and reduce the use of topdressing.”
Identifying specific challenges, Evans aimed to address issues such as thatch reduction, improved drainage, dry patch mitigation, enhanced root development, increased sward density, and the prevention of moss growth during winter. The desire to elevate the green’s presentation and minimize the reliance on topdressing also factored into the management strategy.
OAS, a leading supplier of professional turf management products and technical advice, specializes in the microbial aspect of soil health. With guidance from Technical Sales Advisors Jeremy Hughes and Andrew de Wet, Evans formulated a comprehensive program utilizing various OAS products.
“I use Symbio Compost Tea and Fungal Additive monthly from April through to September. I complemented this with CMS Shoot, Super Seaweed, Supa Yucca and Liquid Aeration.
From March through to June, Incision wetting agent is applied and then from September to December, Symbio HydroAid Plus wetting agent. An application of Mycogro organic granular fertiliser at the start and the end of the playing season, and a turf hardener over the winter period.”
The program includes monthly applications of Symbio Compost Tea and Fungal Additive from April to September, complemented by CMS Shoot, Super Seaweed, Supa Yucca, and Liquid Aeration. Incision wetting agent is applied from March to June, followed by Symbio HydroAid Plus wetting agent from September to December. Additionally, Mycogro organic granular fertilizer is applied at the beginning and end of the playing season, along with a turf hardener during the winter.
Evans, who also serves as the Club Secretary and Bar Coordinator, reflects on the positive impact of the Origin programme implemented in 2018. “I wanted to reduce thatch, improve drainage, reduce dry patch, promote greater root development, sward density, and reduce, but ideally, prevent moss growth during the winter period. I also wanted to improve the overall presentation and reduce the need to top-dress.”
“In 2018 we implemented the Origin programme and we have seen a gradual improvement in the playing surface. We have significantly reduced the thatch layer to an acceptable level, improved percolation, and green speed. The areas of dry patch that were prevalent in some areas of the green are no longer a problem. Culminating in an improved root depth and sward density. I am incredibly happy and thoroughly delighted to have independent third-party endorsement after receiving The Best Kept Green in Shropshire 2023.”
Trench Bowling Club invites fellow enthusiasts and greenkeeping professionals to explore and learn from their successful journey in sustainable green management