Lindum Turf,  has been nominated for an award at the world’s most prestigious gardening show, RHS Chelsea Flower Show, for the second year in succession. Based at Thorganby near York, Lindum was named as the winner of the Sustainable Garden Product of the Year category last year, for its plastic-free wildflower turf. The turf, which can produce an instant wildflower meadow effect, is grown on a fully biodegradable growing medium, unlike many others that use a single-use plastic mesh that damages the environment. This year, the company has been shortlisted in the same category for its late ..read more

As an extension to its hybrid range, wood chippers manufacturer Timberwolf,  has launched the TW 280FTR HYBRID, 8” fixed tracked diesel hybrid wood chipper. Providing the same reduction in emissions and fuel consumption as its innovative road tow counterpart, the TW 280FTR HYBRID has been designed to safely meet the off-road challenge for arborists and specialist contractors. “It has long been clear that diesel is a favoured fuel for the tree care industry, so extending our DPF-less diesel hybrid powertrain into our 8” fixed track chipper was a natural step, allowing for greater choice wi ..read more

The Makita XGT range is growing as the company has unveiled  two additional cordless lawn mowers for professionals  – the 40VMax XGT LM003G and LM004G and its first cordless scarifier, the 40VMax XGT UV001GZ. The LM003G 40VMax XGT 380mm Lawnmower has an advanced blade design. Tilting down towards the front of the mower, it helps to minimise double-cutting and reduces the load on the machine – this leads to reduced energy consumption, superior cutting feel and better grass collecting. The LM004G 40VMax XGT 430mm Lawnmower, with a similar blade design to the LM003G, is a slightly large ..read more

Northampton Saints Rugby Club is one of just three clubs in the Premiership with an all-natural pitch.  Expectations and demands on the turf are high, but the grounds team lead by Head Groundsman Andrew Miller are delivering on every front. Andrew has been using the 100% perennial ryegrass mixture,  J Premier Pitch from Johnsons Sports Seed,  for the past nine years. The new 2024 formulation blends five top-rated cultivars to create the ideal winter sport mix, incorporating Monroe and Gildara for significantly improved resistance to Brown Patch and other common turf diseases. Tr ..read more

The STIHL GB team will volunteer in a wide range of fund-raising activities to provide financial support for Perennial, the UK’s charity dedicated to helping people in horticulture.  Sponsored events including cycling, hikes, car washes and bake-offs. Helping the charity provide free and confidential advice, information and support to people working in, or retired from, horticulture and their families. As part of the new charity partnership Perennial will launch the STIHL equipment replacement fund, to help those in need with donations of tools and PPE. Says STIHL GB’s Head of Marketing ..read more

Gardeners’ World Live 2024 returns to the NEC Birmingham from 13-16 June, 2024 and is bringing new highlights as follows: Adam Frost’s headline Show Garden, The Chef’s Table, featuring daily ‘plot-to-plate’ themed conversations and cooking demos with well-known chefs Urban Gardening Showcase Gardens, Stage and retail area, designed to inspire town and city gardeners International Orchid Show, making its new home at BBC GWL’s Floral Marquee Get Growing Stage, hosted by Chris Collins and dedicated to home growing, with a daily programme of tips and growing advice from well-known ‘GYO ..read more

With some league and recreational cricket grounds still under water after the prolonged downpours, it’s time for groundscare teams to resurface and prepare for the new season. Greg Rhodes digs out some top tips For the myriad of small, local clubs the battle begins to salvage presentable playing surfaces fit for spring and summer fixtures. But before rushing headlong into the tasks too soon, Phil Jeggo, Grounds Management Association (GMA) regional pitch advisor for cricket has some sound advice to offer: “Be patient,” he cautions. “Groundscare people will be twitching – keen to get out onto t ..read more

Greg Rhodes talks to general manager of the APL, Phil Tremayne on how best to plan, prepare and cost landscaping projects  While some garden landscapers are reporting bulging order books moving into summer, member body The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) sounds a note of caution on overcommitting. “When the sun shines, the work diary can fill up quickly,” says APL general manager Phil Tremayne. “But before taking on too many projects, ensure you have access to sufficient reliable labour to not only complete them to timescale but to a high standard. “Using labour you haven’t ..read more

The Grounds Management Association’s (GMA) Young Board of Directors, sponsored by Reesink Turfcare, has recruited four new talented young grounds professionals to its ranks. Joining existing members, Meg Lay, Beth Gibbs, Liddy Ford and Jack Langley will add fresh energy to the Young Board’s efforts to inspire the next generation of young people to join the sector. Meg, who recently moved from Gloucestershire CC to Lord’s Cricket Ground, and Beth, who is part of Wellington School’s grounds team, join the Young Board fresh off the back of successes in the GMA Industry Awards 2023 where Meg won N ..read more

Agrovista Amenity has launched Maxtima®, a revolutionary turf fungicide.  It heralds a new era in fungicide technology, promising fast-acting and long-lasting solutions for turf disease control. John Marland, Head of Amenity at Agrovista Amenity, expressed his excitement about Maxtima®, stating: “We are thrilled about the launch of Maxtima®, a product that truly represents the dawn of a new era in fungicides. Building on the success of Attraxor® plant growth regulator, Maxtima® showcases the excellence in BASF technology and promises fast-acting, long-lasting disease control that will und ..read more