Landscaping Matters Spring 2023 Edition

Welcome to issue two of Landscaping Matters.

We had some landscaping done in our garden a couple of years ago and we were extremely pleased and impressed with the quality of the work. We had actually earmarked two further phases to get to where we wanted, but had to put the brakes on to enable other domestic projects to be completed.

I give you this little insight into life at Chez MacCallum to highlight what our landscaper explained to us, when we did try to reschedule the remaining work. Bearing in mind that this occurred during, and in the immediate aftermath of, Covid 19 and the lockdowns, it was quite revealing.

With so much work on the books they couldn’t guarantee a time slot for us before the next spring. Now this actually worked well for us as we are not in a hurry. We see our garden improvements as a long term aspiration and we were happy to go on the back burner.

The pandemic has changed the mind sets of many and home life has become more important. In many cases making improvements to your home and garden is replacing a foreign holiday and this is ensuring a steady flow of work for the country’s landscapers.

Yes the same financial struggles are there, but knowing that work is unlikely to dry up is a comfort to everyone working in the landscaping industry.

Scott MacCallum

LANDSCAPING Published by Straight Down the Middle Communications Ltd. LANDSCAPING MATTERS | ISSUE 2 | 3

New Lantra website supports career development

With UK unemployment at its lowest level since 1974, and businesses across many sectors desperately competing to attract the staff they need, leading land-based and environmental skills charity Lantra, has taken on the challenge to help attract new talent, and retain existing expertise in the sector, with the launch of its new website. Lantra wound down the provision of a careers information service back in 2014, when Government funding was cut, but now nine years on, it’s using its own cash flow to re-establish its position as a trusted source for career information across a wide range of land-based industries.

The new website, with its extensive careers content, is just the first in a series of focused activities. Two full-time members of staff who are passionate about showcasing the exciting opportunities the sector has to offer have been appointed to drive the careers agenda forward. When Lantra first embarked upon exploring this new website feature, it soon became clear from a wide range of stakeholders that careers information was thought too hard to find and difficult to understand.

The new website keeps it simple and aims to help visitors navigate easily by answering three key questions…

1. W hat jobs could I do, and what do they involve?

2. W hat training, qualifications, and experience will I need?

3. W here can I get the training and qualifications I need?

These questions are just as relevant to people already in the workforce and wanting to progress their careers, as they are for new entrants. The new website gives details of more than 250 job roles across 12 industries and includes a selection of videos and case studies of real people, explaining what each

job involves, how they got into their current role and why they love it.

One of the biggest misconceptions the sector faces is the outdated view that the majority of jobs available are low-skilled, low paid and offer little opportunity to progress. Nothing could be further from the truth; Lantra will highlight the amazing new technologies and innovative working practices that are springing up in many industries, whether it be GPS and drones, or robotics and precision farming. All require higher levels of technical skills as well as the ability to understand data, solve complex problems and lead increasingly diverse teams.

Lantra’s recently appointed Chair of Trustees, David Llewelyn commented: “Lantra’s new website is designed to provide an easily accessible tool for people to explore their career options and training pathways.

“This is a significant development and will enable us to give people the information they need, literally at their fingertips. We know that the land-based sector is a great place to work with hundreds of varied roles, but its sheer scale has meant finding ‘joined up’ information all in one place has been a challenge.

“We’re confident the new website will provide convenient, relevant and accessible information for people wanting to start a career in the great outdoors, and for those already working in the sector who want to progress their career to the next level.”

Building skills through the

right training and qualifications is essential to ensure that people work safely, productively and sustainably, as well as helping them progress to more senior roles.

James Broadhouse (aka Jimmy the Mower), Groundsman & Social Media Influencer commented:

“As someone who has spent his career and built his professional reputation working in grounds management, I certainly wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. The thought of sitting in an office all day fills me with dread.

“The land-based sector has hundreds of fascinating roles and is a great place to work and establish a worthwhile career path or if you’re happy doing something more traditional.”

As a not-for-profit organisation, with a long history of supporting land-based industries, Lantra is uniquely placed to provide objective information on careers opportunities and associated training and, whilst the provision of careers advice is not part of their remit, they are confident the wealth of information provided will help signpost individuals on a career path whatever their interests or aspirations.

Dawne Middleton, National Trust Gardener, Croome, Worcester, said: “After a long and successful career in marketing, back in 2016, I took the brave decision to jump and pursue the career I’ve always dreamed of.

“Fast forward six years and I’m busy working as a gardener for the National Trust.”

n The website is at www.lantra.co.uk

“THE LAND-BASED SECTOR HAS HUNDREDS OF FASCINATING ROLES AND IS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK”

FREE TRAINING SESSIONS AT GROUNDSFEST

Organisers of GroundsFest have announced that free practical training sessions will be available at the event, which takes place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 20 – 21 September 2023.

The training will be carried out by Grounds Training – a leading provider of independently accredited education within the sports turf and grounds maintenance sectors. The sessions will be delivered by a fantastic team of Lantraapproved instructors which includes Keith Kent, Martin Sampson, Chris Parry, and Steve Potter.

Throughout the two-day event, the Grounds Training programme will include hands-on training sessions on a range of topics including line marking for winter sports and athletics, pedestrian mowers, ride-on mowers, hand-held machinery, and the calibration and use of knapsack sprayers and boom sprayers. There will also be a specific management session designed for

grounds managers, bursars, club managers and committee chairs.

From management to apprentice, the free training programme will be ideal for all those working in sports turf management, grounds maintenance, greenkeeping, horticulture, landscaping, the maintenance of commercial estates, and local authority parks and green spaces.

Commenting on the training programme at GroundsFest, Martin Sampson, Managing Director of Grounds Training, said: “We’re really excited to be running these hands-on sessions. It’s a great opportunity for visitors to receive

an introduction to some of the most popular courses we deliver.

“The Lantra instructors we’ll have at the event have more than 160 years of industry experience between us; we’re all passionate about delivering high-quality education, and sharing our knowledge to inform, encourage and inspire the next generation of grounds professionals. We hope visitors will take the opportunity to build some learning into their time at GroundsFest.”

Event Director Christopher Bassett said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Grounds Training to GroundsFest. This is an incredible feature which has never been seen at a UK groundscare event and we’re over the moon to have such a superb line-up of instructors delivering the sessions. “The programme offers fantastic opportunities.” n For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

Secret garden features in BBC Gardeners’ World fair

As green shoots start to sprout in gardens across the UK, exciting new highlights are announced for the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair which opens at Beaulieu in the New Forest from 28-30 April. Whether you’re a keen gardener, experienced plant enthusiast or a budding beginner, inspiration will be in plentiful supply, and tickets are on sale now.

Headline partner, Hillier, will present a stunning walk-through garden inspired by The Secret Garden. Enclosed by high hedges, visitors will step inside to discover a spectacular display of colour co-ordinated plants and shrubs portraying the movement of the sun during a spring day, from the cool whites and purples of daybreak to the fiery reds and oranges of sunset. As the UK’s biggest tree grower, trees will feature prominently in the Hillier garden with a contemporary area planted with brilliant whitetrunked Himalayan Birch (Betula ‘Jacquemontii’) amongst a sea of lush green hostas. Wildflowers will surround the entire garden. Visitors feeling inspired to recreate elements of the Hillier garden at home will find plant information throughout the display, advice stations and a large Hillier retail area offering plants and garden accessories.

Hillier Gardening Club members will be able to access the alfresco Club Lounge at the Spring Fair.

The shopping doesn’t stop there. New nurseries and plant specialists Alchemy Ferns, Calamazag, Eleplants, Hedgehog Plants, John Cullen and Jurassic Plants will be joining the line-up of more than 150 exhibitors offering quality outdoor and indoor plants, garden tools, kit and accessories. Don’t want to carry your haul of new plants and garden bargains around the show?

The Spring Fair’s Plant Crèche is the place to leave shopping so you can enjoy your day bag-free, collecting it all when you head home.

Visitors to the Spring Fair will find imaginative design and planting ideas at every turn. Award-winning designer Paul Stone’s showcase garden, Theatre of Greens, will be

packed with veg and edible plants and features an accompanying programme of daily talks. Hosted by Chris Bavin, the talks area will feature ‘grow your own’ gurus including Garden Organic’s Head of Horticulture and former Blue Peter gardener, Chris Collins, fungi experts The Caley Brothers, veterans from the National Vegetable Society and more to be announced. New Forest-based garden design firm, The Landscape Service, will present the calming Nordic Retreat, a large Showcase Garden featuring spaces to relax, unwind and rejuvenate. An array of compact 9m2 Beautiful Borders will offer inspiration for small gardens and challenging spaces with the theme of ‘My Garden Escape’, and on a micro scale, organic gardening charity, Garden Organic, will present a 1m x 1m design inspired by bugs, birds and biodiversity, featuring a veg plot, composting system and high-rise bug hotel.

Horticultural students from Kingston Maurward, Merrist Wood and Cannington Campus (Bridgewater and Taunton College) will create budget-friendly gardens, under the expert eye of mentor Cherry Carmen, the awardwinning garden designer whose accolades include a Gold Award at BBC Gardeners’ World Live.

The BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Stage features special guests, Frances Tophill (Friday), Arit Anderson (Saturday) and

Adam Frost (Sunday), who will be joining the Magazine’s editors to share practical advice about ‘what to do now’ in your garden. Spring Fair visitors can book added extras for their day out, like the ever-popular Plant Expert Tours of Beaulieu’s Victorian walled gardens with Lucy Chamberlain, Saul Walker and Beaulieu Head Gardener, Kelvin Yapp; Floral Crown workshops with tutors from the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies’ (NAFAS) Hampshire group; and Oyster Mushroom Growing workshops with the Caley Brothers. For visitors looking for a bite to eat, there will be delicious food and drink to be enjoyed at the BBC Good Food Market and a variety of artisan producers and street food vendors, with live music at the Bandstand.

Rachel Poletti-Gadd, Portfolio Director – Gardening Division at Immediate Live, organisers of BBC Gardeners’ World events, said:

“This will be our third Spring Fair and we can’t wait to be back at beautiful Beaulieu, surrounded by gorgeous plants. Whether you’ve got a bare patch of grass, a mature garden or a window box, our inspiring events for hands-on gardeners are packed with advice, inspiration and take-home ideas.”

Tickets for the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair at Beaulieu are on sale now. Advance tickets from £15, concessions £14, children £8.50, under 5s free. www.

bbcgardenersworldfair.com

Euroflor delivers dazzling transformation at Worth Park

Seed from the Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) Euroflor range has transformed three meadow areas within Worth Park, as part of a wider conservation project underway by Crawley Borough Council. With the aim of increasing plant diversity and providing all-important habitat and food for pollinators, the wildflowers were introduced by Head Gardener Stephen Peters using OAS’s biodegradable FloraFleece – helping to deliver maximum visual and ecological benefit, with minimal impact on the environment.

Worth Park Conservation Garden sits within 8.5 hectares of green space which has undergone a complete restoration over the last few years, making it an important

community and destination venue for residents and visitors to Crawley. “The objective of the wildflower project was to provide an essential food source (nectar) for pollinators and demonstrate that making a healthier ecosystem that benefits both humans and wildlife need not be complicated or involve intensive preparations with harmful chemicals that we traditionally see” explains Stephen, who is also Horticulture Advisor to Crawley’s Tilgate and Goff Parks.

“Together with my Horticulture Apprentice Tom, we prepared three areas using the FloraFleece from OAS.” The FloraFleece is composed of 50% jute, 25% cotton, 25% brown wool and hessian scrim that acts to

suppress weeds and provide an ideal seed bed for wildflowers, before biodegrading naturally over the next seven or eight months. “We just had to roll the matting out, lay three or four inches of soil over the top and sow the seed – all of which was complete in a day.”

Stephen continues, “Following many visits and conversations about the project, Mike Ring from Origin Amenity came in with a catalogue and together we opted for the Euroflor Discovery box. I really liked this option because it incorporated a range of Euroflor mixtures which would give us annuals, bi-annuals and perennials for a rich source of nectar for our pollinators and wildlife. These were sown in midMarch and we started to see growth in approximately six weeks.”

“The results were nothing short of beautiful. We had people taking photographs, sharing feedback on social media and we even had a local artist in her 90s paint one of the wildflower meadows, the end result now proudly hanging in the community room of Ridley’s Court. Importantly, we have also noted a big increase in the number of pollinators we’ve seen so the project did its job and more!”

Once the flowering period was over, the meadows were harvested down to four inches with the trimmings left in piles before being passed through a small shredder. “We scattered the shredded material back over the plots and found that where the seed had been chipped through the shredding process, we saw the emergence of young seedlings growing again in less than two weeks.”

He concludes, “This project has demonstrated what can be achieved if we all look to ‘recycle, reuse, reseed and rejuvenate’. We couldn’t have hoped for a more successful trial and our aim now is to build on this with the help of OAS, to create new wildflower areas in some of the other parks under my remit.”

Freedom100: Cordless solutions for garden conundrums

Whatever garden conundrum you may have this year, Mountfield will have the tools to offer you the answer!

Not only that, but the cordless Freedom100 range of smart batterypowered garden tools offer solutions that are quieter, cleaner and easier to use than petrol options.

Conundrum 1) “I want to mow my lawn, but my garden is not overly big and I am not able to lift and manoeuvre heavy machines”

No problem! The Mountfield ‘Typhoon’ cordless hover mower has a lightweight polypropylene

chassis, making it easy to transport and easy to use. It is even easier to mow with as it floats on air. Putting it away is a cinch too as it folds up flat so that you can store it against a wall! Conundrum 2) “I have just moved into a new home and honestly the garden is an overgrown mess, what tools can I use to help clear this away”

Don’t panic!

The Mountfield MTR 20 Li Cordless grass trimmer/ brush cutter will help you on the way. The brush cutter can be

used for clearing overgrown grass, weeds and brambles. Conundrum 3) “When I blow leaves into a pile, it is often takes so much time to gather them up and put them in a bin bag, is there anything to make this job easier?”

Blow, suck and shred in one go with the Mountfield MVS 20 Li Cordless vacuum shredder! Lightweight, easy to use and energy efficient, it not only blows leaves and debris away but can also simply vacuum and shred them into tiny pieces which collect in the 45-litre collector!

Introducing the Ferris FRC7 –with true hybrid technology

Ferris has launched the FRC7 commercial remote controlled mower with true hybrid technology that uses the latest advances in mowing.

The 48V DC drive system provides power to the blades and to the tracks. The FRC7 can drive up to 200m on battery power only without having to start the engine.

Less physical strain, no exposure to vibrations and an overall safer operation. The new Ferris FRC7 remote controlled mower ticks all the boxes and greatly improves the operator’s ease and comfort of maintaining the urban green space. Especially those areas that are difficult to reach in terms of underground and orientation. Mowing banks and other inclined areas can potentially cause dangerous situations for both the operator and bystanders. Using

dedicated remote controlled machinery drastically reduces risk, physical effort and exposure to vibration, noise and emissions.

The FRC7’s tracked low-gravity undercarriage ensures stability on steep inclines up to 55° and provides superior traction.

Both the tracks and mower deck are electrically driven by a hybrid e-drive system that combines a combustion engine with a battery drive system, resulting in a highly effective powertrain.

The FRC7 can mow forwards and backwards, making turning on a slope unnecessary. This will prevent potential damage to the underlying soil.

The Vanguard EFI engine is fuelefficient and operates independently from the electrical system. Its load sensing ability keeps the mower deck performing optimally and automatically adjusts the mowing speed when conditions get tougher.

Know your tools and keep safe

DUST

Dust from processes such as drilling, cutting, sanding, grinding, chasing and breaking is a largely unavoidable part of construction, demolition and fabrication work. However, both short and long-term exposure to dust poses a serious risk to health.

Specifically, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that as many as 12,000 lung disease-related deaths each year are linked to past exposure to dust. Around 500 of these are a result of exposure to silica dust, the fine particles in brick, cement and masonry dust. Landscapers should also be aware of wood dust, which can contain harmful substances such as bacteria, moulds, or fungi, as well as glues, resins, wood treatment chemicals and formaldehyde.

Whether working in soft or hard landscaping, there are various health and safety measures that professionals should take to minimise risk of injury and harm. Here, Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita, highlights some common risks faced on the job site and how landscapers can protect themselves.

There are numerous potential sources of danger on the job site, including handling harmful chemicals, working at height, trip hazards and working on uneven surfaces, and moving vehicles. Whilst these issues may not occur every day, there is one potentially dangerous activity that poses a risk for the majority of tasks: using power tools. From lawnmowers and hedge trimmers to circular saws and rotary hammers, there is something for every project. Yet

no matter how useful such power tools are, it is crucial to be aware of the health and safety implications associated with their use.

VIBRATION

Despite being long overlooked as a normal part of construction, vibration is now a major topic that the power tool industry is working hard to provide solutions for. Specifically, it has become even more prevalent since the EU Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive 2002/44/EC came into force which deals with risks from vibration at work and has been implemented in the UK under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.

Prolonged exposure to vibration when using hand-held powered equipment is known to affect blood vessels, nerves, muscles, tendons and other body parts. This can lead to Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV) and, subsequently, Vibration White Finger (VWF), in which surface blood vessels become damaged, resulting in circulatory problems, pain and even gangrene.

In more detail, there are two types of dust, the first of which is inhalable. This is made up of visible, airborne particles that are breathed into the airways and deposited in the respiratory tract. And although these particles are usually cleared naturally by the body’s mucus, they can still irritate and damage the skin and eyes.

The second type is respirable dust. This refers to the finer, often invisible particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs. This includes Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) that can cause scar tissue to form in the lungs, leading to silicosis. Prolonged exposure to respirable dust can also cause Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which has been linked to cancer.

HOW TO MINIMISE THE RISK

As awareness continues to spread, manufacturers and employers are increasingly taking measures to provide safer alternatives and create a healthy work environment. This has largely led to the development of new power tool technology that reduces vibration, noise and dust –keeping health risks to a minimum. n To read more about the Makita technology visit: https://makitauk. com/anti-vibration-technology https://makitauk.com/dust

‘LANDSCAPE’ and THE Lawn Association partner up

LANDSCAPE – The Industry Trade Show and the Lawn Association are teaming up for 2023. This partnership aims to highlight the benefits of real turf, and ensure collaboration across the industry.

Come and visit the Lawn Association stand at LANDSCAPE 2023 and listen to David Hedges Gower, Chairman, who will be leading a guest panel to discuss the benefits of REAL turf. This CPDaccredited seminar is free to attend and will discuss lawns as essential environmental contributors. David will look at how living grass plays a vital role in absorbing heavy rainfall, capturing CO2, removing air pollutants, lowering temperatures and maintaining biodiversity.

Earlier this year Lawn Association & LANDSCAPE joined together to publicly stand against artificial turf. LANDSCAPE made the decision to only support real turf at their

event in September 2023, and are not accepting any bookings from exhibitors representing artificial turf, plants or flowers. Partnering with the Lawn Association is the perfect fit. Event Director, Jeremy Storey-Walker and the LANDSCAPE team are keen to best serve the industry that they represent, stating: “We each have a responsibility to respect our environment and at LANDSCAPE we have the ability to help enforce the message and encourage the use of natural materials wherever possible”.

LANDSCAPE provides the ideal platform for organisations to showcase leading trend products, new services and key skills as well as being the perfect environment for visitors to discover

the newest and most innovative products and solutions for their future designs and projects.

LANDSCAPE’s delegates are involved in some of the most prestigious and valuable projects across the UK and beyond. The event is held at the NEC in Birmingham, so is easily accessible wherever you’re travelling from. With an international airport right on the doorstep LANDSCAPE is able to reach out to a more diverse audience. Now with nearly 100 media and trade association Partners globally, LANDSCAPE is the place to network, learn and be inspired.

Visit LANDSCAPE on the 27th & 28th of September to learn, connect and be inspired. Additionally, if you would like to find out about exhibiting; LANDSCAPE’s friendly team are ready to find the best option for you and your company. n www.landscapeshow.co.uk

Rolawn secures independent environmental accreditation for the fourth year running

Market-leading turf and topsoil producer, Rolawn Limited, has achieved continued accreditation under the Green Achiever scheme for the fourth consecutive year. Achieving the Diamond Banner Award, Rolawn secured the highest level in the scheme.

Rolawn, based in the Vale of York, has secured the status under the Green Achiever scheme which offers environmental accreditation to businesses wishing to obtain independent acknowledgement of their green credentials and verification that they are actively reducing their environmental impact.

Ken Brewster, Rolawn’s Marketing Director, said: “We have a robust and proactive environmental strategy, not all of which is necessarily visible to our audience, so the continuation of this accreditation

is really valuable in helping us to reassure our customers that we take this seriously.

“Integrity is important to us and that includes implementing improvements that aren’t obvious, yet still make a difference, such as the installation of onsite solar panels which has made a significant

contribution to production.”

To achieve Diamond Banner Award status, Rolawn had to evidence proactivity on a range of levels from day-to-day, ground-level operations, such as energy consumption and recycling, right through to higher level operational compliance with complex environmental legislation.

Discounts on plants at Barnsdale Gardens

Instead of blowing out the candles on their birthday cake this year, the Barnsdale Gardens team are blowing away 20% from 40 of their plants this February!

The 40th Anniversary offers the chance for customers to join in with the celebrations, and this is the first of a number of special discounts, events and competitions which will be running throughout the whole of 2023.

All of the plants listed below, together with their special prices, will be available from the online shop at 20% off from the 1st of February until 4pm on 28th of February.

Achillea millefolium ‘Cerise

Queen’ – 2 litre @ £6.00

Agapanthus ‘Queen

Mum’ – 3 litre @ £10.80

Anemanthele lessoniana – 9cm @ £7.50

Artemesia schmidtiana ‘Nana

Attraction’ – 12cm @ £5.60

Athyrium nipponicum

pictum – 12cm @ £6.00

Bergenia ‘Abendglut’ – 2 litre @ £6.00

Carex testacea – 12cm @ £6.00

Cirsium ‘Mount Etna’ – 2 litre @ £7.50

Cistus x purpureus – 3 litre @ £12.00

Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ – 2 litre @ £6.40

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora

‘Norwich Canary’ – 1.5 litre @ £6.80

Deschampsia caespitosa

‘Goldtau‘ – 3 litre @ £7.60

Erysimum ‘Constant

Cheer’ – 12cm@ £5.20

Foeniculum vulgare

‘Purpureum’ – 12cm @ £4.80

Geranium ‘Ivan’ – 2 litre @ £6.80

Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’ –2 litre @ £6.40

Hesperantha coccinea

‘Major’ 12cm @ £5.60

Hesperantha coccinea ‘Pink

Princess’ – 12cm @ £5.60

Hosta ‘Big Daddy‘ – 2 litre @ £7.60

Hosta ‘Frances Williams‘ –2 litre @ £7.60

Hosta ‘Shade Fanfare’ – 2 litre @ £6.00

Iris ‘Quechee’ – 2 litre @ £6.80

Iris sibirica ‘Tropic

Night’ – 2 litre @ £6.40

Iris x robusta ‘Gerald

Darby’ – 2 litre @ £6.00

Leucanthemum x superbum

‘Banana Cream’ – 2 litre @ £7.60

Lychnis flos-cuculi

‘Jenny’ – 1.5 litre @ £7.20

Lysimachia ciliata

‘Firecracker’ – 2 litre @ £6.40

Miscanthus purpurescens – 2 litre @ £10.00

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ – 2 litre @ £10.00

Osteospermum ‘Lady

Leitrim’ – 12cm@ £5.20

Papaver orientale ‘Beauty of Livermere’ – 9cm @ £4.80

Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Lady in Red’ – 3 litre @ £12.00

Pittosporum tenuifolium

‘Golden Ball’ – 2 litre @ £14.80

Potentilla ‘Gibson’s

Scarlet’ – 2 litre @ £6.80

Rosa ‘Dame Judi Dench’ –6 litre @ £24.00

Rudbeckia fulgida

deamii – 2 litre @ £6.80

Salvia nemerosa

Caradonna‘ – 9cm @ £5.20

Sidalcea candida – 1.5 litre @ £5.60

Stachys byzantina ‘Primrose

Heron’ – 2 litre @ £6.40

Veronicastrum virginicum

‘Fascination’ – 3 litre @ £7.60

n To buy plants go to the Barnsdale online shop at: https://shop.barnsdalegardens. co.uk/collections/all-plants

GroundsFest launches the Landscape Zone

Organisers of GroundsFest have launched a new zone at the event dedicated to all those involved in the planning, design, and construction of outdoor environments in the landscaping sector.

The Landscape Zone is set to spotlight the latest landscaping technologies, solutions, and innovations, and will be a mustattend feature for landscape architects, local authority landscaping professionals, garden designers, landscape contractors, interior designers, facility managers and many more.

The Landscape Zone will be headed by Jess McCabe, pictured right, an award-winning event specialist who previously worked on the landscaping event FutureScape.

“GroundsFest is an exciting concept and I’m delighted to be involved,” said Jess.

“After working in the industry for many years, I know that this concept ticks so many boxes for the landscaping sector. For visitors, it will have everything a landscaping professional needs to help them in their designs and projects. Additionally, it enables them to see all the other leading groundscare brands on display and products in action; and then there is the festival element which will be a great networking opportunity.

“From an exhibitor point of view, stand prices at landscaping events are becoming more expensive every year and as a result, are pricing many companies out of exhibiting.

The competitive pricing for The Landscape Zone at GroundsFest allows companies of all shapes and sizes to get involved. It will provide these companies with an ideal platform to showcase their products and services to a dedicated audience.”

Commenting on the new Landscape Zone, GroundsFest Event Director Christopher Bassett said: “Our intention has always been to bring together all corners of the groundscare industry and launching The Landscape Zone is another step towards this goal.

“This new initiative signals the huge support we have already received to date and accommodates the strong demand for exhibitor space. To open an entirely new hall at GroundsFest after launching just twelve weeks ago shows how far we have come.

“We would like to extend a warm welcome to Jess,” continued Christopher. “She has an abundance of experience, knows the landscaping sector inside out and she shares our passion for delivering an extraordinary event for both visitors and exhibitors.”

Jess can be contacted on 07830 488 812 or jess.mccabe@groundsfest.com n For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

CED Stone host landscape trade show event in Ireland

to this unique event.” – Gary Ewing Divisional Director (Depots)

So, who’s coming and what’s going on at the show?

On the back of Ireland’s recent Schellevis announcement, representatives will be at the Schellevis display, launching their fantastic range of products now available in Ireland.

This March, CED Stone Ireland will be opening its doors to landscapers, designers and all in the industry for the CED Ireland Trade Show. The event will be over two days and offers industry professionals the opportunity to learn more about CED Stone, their 3-acre Ireland depot and the products and services they offer.

“Some of the best ideas start small and, over a conversation, grow into something bigger. The CED Ireland Trade Show is a representation of just that. With input from CED Stone and suppliers alike, this event will be an inspirational couple of days in our Omagh Depot.

We are very proud of our relationships with our suppliers and are delighted with the support we have received in arranging this event. We look forward to welcoming many of our friends and partners

Norse Stone and Kilkenny Limestone will be there to talk about their beautiful and unique natural stone products. Oakio will be exhibiting their range of premium composite wood decking and cladding, and Tully Nurseries, one of Ireland’s leading wholesale nurseries, will be there to ‘spruce’ up the yard with a small selection of the range of plants and trees they sell. We also have GMG logos attending if you’re looking for a good workwear supplier.

Essener Equipment Co will be doing the heavy lifting, displaying and demoing a range of material handling equipment from Avant and Probst, including compact loaders and attachments and mechanical, hydraulic, and vacuum material handling equipment.

Tilers Tools are coming along with their range of cutting saws and accessories, and they will be hosting a porcelain cutting demonstration for visitors.

Over at the Steintec stand, you can catch them demonstrating the application of their highperformance paving mortars.

Stonedoctors will be ‘keeping it clean’ with their range of Stontex cleaning and sealing products, with your chance to ‘ask the doctor’ if you have any questions or need any advice.

Representatives will be on hand throughout the day to chat with visitors and discuss their products and services. In addition, there will be presentations by CED Stone Group’s MD, Giles Heap, Schellevis’s Ryan Burge and Steintec’s Peter Turner.

“We are very excited to host this event, a first of its kind by CED Stone Landscape. Getting the opportunity to see so many different products and services in one event space is rare. Add to that talks from suppliers and live demos of plant, machinery and products, with more to be announced, and you have a day not to be missed.

“This is building to be a great networking day.” – James Kane, Omagh Depot Manager

The show is free to attend and refreshments will be available.

Please register your attendance at www.mailchi.mp/cedstone/ ced-ireland-trade-show

Stihl enhances care and clean kit range

STIHL has extended its range of care and clean kits with the launch of the MS and MS PLUS, suitable for all petrol, cordless and electric STIHL chainsaws.

Both MS and MS PLUS care and clean kits feature the new VarioClean Eco, a universal cleaning agent made from natural raw materials, which are compatible with all chainsaw surfaces such as polymer, metal, rubber and aluminium.

The ECO-Cert

certified cleaning agent is suitable for removing oil, resin, and grease from all parts of the chainsaw, including HD2 air filters. Users simply spray on VarioClean Eco to the relevant chainsaw area and leave for five minutes before wiping it down with a damp cloth or brush.

In addition, both kits also boast a wooden-handled cleaning brush, which features plastic bristles and a metal blade. This ensures the brush is suitable for removing dirt from the guide bar groove, cleaning the oil bores, loosening stubborn dirt from the sprocket cover, as well as loosening dust build-up on cylinder fins.

The MS Plus care and clean kit features a wash bag that can

be used as a microfibre cloth or alternatively a cleaning glove, which offers more effective cleaning of HD2 filters. Once the HD2 filter has been sprayed with VarioClean Eco and left for five minutes, simply put the filter in the wash bag and wash at 600C as users would their PPE.

The launch of the MS and MS Plus care and clean kits follows STIHL’s recent launch of service kits for petrol handheld tools that enable professional and domestic owners to carry out simple routine engine maintenance themselves, increasing their tool’s reliability and longevity.

n For more information on STIHL’s new MS and MS PLUS care and clean kits, please visit www.stihl.co.uk

For a positive start to 2023, people in horticulture can kickstart their physical and mental fitness for free with Perennial’s Health and Wellbeing platform and app.

The service provides advice and support for mental health, fitness and nutrition for all those who work, or have worked, with plants, trees, grass or flowers and their families. For people in this type of work, a good level of physical and mental fitness is necessary so it’s important for them to keep their health and wellbeing in top condition.

Hundreds of people are already benefiting from the platform and app which is packed full of guidance, tools and tailored insights, created by experts, to help with the body, mind and life. There is something for everyone to explore whether you have a healthy lifestyle already or want to create one. Popular articles and paths include: Stay mobile – stay flexible, The stress boat, Looking after your emotional wellbeing and Snack smart. New content is added regularly to keep people coming back for more rewarding recipes, fitness plans, exercises, articles, podcasts, meditations and eLearning modules.

Perennial’s Director of Services, Julia Hayne, says: “We’re delighted to know the platform and app is enhancing people’s health and wellbeing. Having a free service like this is really valuable right now and we’re keen to share it with everyone in horticulture and their families. So, if you’re enjoying it, please tell your colleagues and workmates and if you’ve yet to benefit, please do sign-up. Content is added all the time so there’s plenty to keep

you going throughout the year.”

Take a look and see what’s there to share at perennial.org.uk/wellbeing

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Use

Innovation award winner enjoys real world success

Ayear since Enclean won a top innovation award at Saltex 2021 and commercial usage backs up its performance with positive user feedback.

Enclean is a unique sustainable biocide ideal for de-greening a wide range of surfaces in the Amenity sector. It is a plant originbased biocide from Certis Belchim which is marketed and distributed by Origin Amenity Solutions.

“The successful launch of the product in 2020 has culminated in recent approval for use by Organic Farmers and Growers across all organic systems,” said Peter Corbett, of Origin Amenity Solutions.

Having witnessed the development of Enclean from initial trials

Peter is well placed to discuss the new biocide, now widely heralded as a ‘game-changer’ in the professional biocide market.

Peter, who manages the Chemical Products portfolio for Origin Amenity Solutions, first saw the biocide in its development phase in 2017 and was impressed with both its speed of action in eradicating algae and its positive effect on dealing with other green deposits that built up on hard, porous and wooden surfaces.

“From the outset when trials began on the active Nonanoic acid, from which Enclean is derived, I saw the potential for this unique Biocide. As a company, we recognised that there was a gap in the biocide market for an efficacious, sustainable, and easy-to-use product.”

Most de-greening biocides/surface cleaners are applied in large volumes of both active ingredient i.e. product circa 100 litres plus per Ha combined with circa 1,000 to 2,000 l/ha of water to control algae and green deposits. The active ingredients used in the formulation of most hard surface cleaners are based on chemically synthesised quaternary

ammonia-based products.

These actives, despite being used for many years, are not registered under the latest GB biocide products registrations (BPR). Many experts and environmentalists are concerned about this group, due to the quantities being applied, and the danger to the aquatic environment. Water Authorities and the Environment Agency are picking up these actives in surface waters, so it is very possible that the use of these actives will be severely restricted in the future.

Enclean is fundamentally different in that it can be applied at low water volumes. Compared to most traditional biocide products, only a fifth to a tenth of the spray volume needs to be applied. One litre of Enclean mixed with 14 litres of water will treat 555m 2. The product can be applied using any pressure knapsack fitted with the correct nozzles.

“Enclean is plant derived, safe to use, and it has no environmental hazard classification. It is fast acting and, once applied, it quickly degrades into natural elements without leaving harmful residue. Using a red 80-degree nozzle and maintaining the correct speed of application, 555m 2 of coverage is readily achievable; this is especially important for sprayer contractors who need to limit downtime spent on refilling” he said.

The key customer feedback on Enclean that Peter noted is the speed of activity and the wider range of weather conditions that the biocide can be successfully applied in.

“Many traditional biocides cannot be applied in frosty conditions, or within 24 hours of rain. But with Enclean the application window is much wider, and very good results can be achieved even when temperature and weather conditions are far from perfect. The most important factor is correct dilution and application of the product and a few hours for the spray solution to dry.”

Peter Todd, Director, and Estates Manager at Royal Norwich Golf Club, explained that during the

MANY BIOCIDES CANNOT BE APPLIED IN FROSTY CONDITIONS… BUT WITH ENCLEAN THE APPLICATION WINDOW IS MUCH WIDER

2020/21 lockdown the clubhouse patio became covered with algae.

“Due predominantly to lack of footfall, our high-quality stone slabs had become discoloured and dangerously slippery when wet. We sprayed with Enclean and over the next two to three days the algae had been controlled and the wet surface was no longer slippery, thus removing a real hazard.

“Enclean removed the algae completely giving us lasting control, with no detrimental effect on the stone. The treated area remained clean and the surface regained its original colour, despite the cold and wet conditions in February/March being less than ideal for biocide application. We also applied the product at the front of the building

where the porous surface had a mixture of algae and moss. Again, the control was rapid despite the wet and cold weather conditions. Using a shroud on the knapsack boom allowed us to spray neatly and obtain a sharp edge alongside the fine grass,” said Peter

Royal Norwich is now a regular user of this product. They also use Enclean to keep signage and course equipment in shaded areas free from green growth. This includes the turf centre, which is shaded and prone to algae infestation which can make the building look unkempt.

Getting closer: Agriculture and amenity

At first viewing, the amenity turf and agriculture sectors may appear to be different worlds. Yet there are important similarities and indeed lessons that each can share when it comes to the environment.

Mark Fowles, business development director for the William Gilder Group – a specialist in environmental management with a farming heritage – examines these in closer detail.

It is no secret that agriculture has long had a challenge on its hands when it comes to sustainability.

‘Sustainable agriculture’, referring to the ways in which the health of the land can be preserved without affecting the health of crops, is a concept that continues to create debate and, in some cases, cause operational headaches.

But despite these, the sector has been successful in progressing the sustainability agenda.

One of the main ways is through maximising the full potential of the ground itself. What may have once been seen as waste and, therefore

an expense, now has a new lease of life as organic fertilisers.

Using organic fertilisers returns vital nutrients back to the earth and enriches it. Some types of are best spread in a targeted manner through the use of precise injection techniques. This minimises the amount of harmful synthetic nitrogen released back into the atmosphere and maintain the correct level of nutrients in the soil at the same time.

Turf can draw on similar processes and techniques, particularly in areas of nutrient deficiency. Because organic fertilisers tend

to release nutrients at slower rate when compared to artificial, there is less risk of over-fertilising the land, therefore enabling turf to grow healthily and, in some cases, even giving it greater aesthetic appeal. The main point, though, is that organic fertilisers keep soils nutrient-rich for future growths.

On another level, retaining soil health directly influences ESG credentials and strengthens customer relations. With healthy turf growth, managers of business parks and other facilities are able to provide a positive impression for visitors and staff alike. To take

a lesson learnt by agriculture, organics fertilisers can even be less expensive, especially when one considers that the building blocks for these fertilisers originate from food waste and other components that can naturally be gathered in the course of day-to-day site upkeep.

The end result, ultimately, is less landfill waste and a product that will add value to the site.

So why is the rollout of organic fertilisers not as commonplace as could be expected? Price, quality, availability and awareness and education, have all been

challenges agriculture has experienced in bringing organic fertilisers forward, and many of the same hurdles exist in sectors elsewhere. Rather than seeing these as a hindrance to progress, there is a unique opportunity for seemingly separate industries to share knowledge and contribute to a series of common goals.

Indeed, the circular economy model that is becoming more commonplace within agriculture may lend itself well to the amenity sector. Dead plants and most materials that may once have been

instantly regarded as no longer having value still have roles in the preservation of the environment. With both sides having a vested interest in the health of the land, collaborating and bringing wider resources together to maintain optimum soil health will facilitate a move towards recognised best practices and processes for other industries to adapt for their own uses, and therefore, a sustainable future. Knowledge gained needs to filter through all levels and all sectors in order to have the best outcome.

STIGA: The new autonomous robot range engineered to protect the lawn

STIGA’s new autonomous lawnmowers, help to produce a healthy lawn whilst allowing time for owners to enjoy their outdoor space in peace and quiet. It is the first of a new breed of autonomous robot lawnmowers and combines 90 years of STIGA’s engineering innovation and expertise with a deep understanding of the science of grass.

These mowers properly care for lawns and for nature, as by designing high efficiency robots that are able to manage cutting session during daylight hours, STIGA have ensured that nocturnal animals such as hedgehogs can safely occupy the garden overnight. And with noise levels of less from your garden by any loud noises

Maximum lawn health and more time to enjoy the garden

A healthy lawn requires a robot mower to work with fewer cutting phases, and more time between cuts. By using accurate navigation, the robot can cover the lawn significantly more efficiently. This means less cutting time when compared to a random navigation robot. Less cutting time means that the plant has time to heal between cutting schedules. This way the grass stays healthier –greener and softer under foot.

The carbon steel pivoting razor blades are strong and flexible, making them safer and more resistant to impact and results in them staying sharper, for longer. Spinning at 2850rpm they will perform a neat cut without tearing the grass. The height of cut can be adjusted between 20 and 65mm and can be controlled remotely via the smart phone app, STIGA.GO. This means you have complete control of your robot, even when away from home.

Cable free

With no need to lay cables or hammer plastic stakes in your lawn, you can simply use the App to drive the robot mower around the perimeter of your lawn and any

obstacles within it. You do it once and it remembers every detail. And because it is virtual, it is hassle free to adjust if the layout of the garden should change should you add a pond, bush, or garden furniture

Long-lasting clean energy and high-performance cutting

The range comprising A 1500, A 3000 and A 500 mowers is run by STIGA-owned E-Power lithium-ion batteries. These ensure reliable, long-lasting performance from a clean energy-saving power source with no emissions. E-Power batteries are designed for long-life: even after 1500 charging cycles they continue to operate at over 80% capacity.

The new STIGA robots further optimise the battery usage as they work within organised cutting patterns ensuring that there is no chance of over mowing. There is also the option to programme the mower to create straight line patterns to produce that typical British stripe effect.

They cut the lawn in two mowing cycles - these are performed consequently. It will re-start any cutting cycle from where it stopped on the previous cycle and can be programmed to work in multiple mowing zones, always returning to the charging station by the fastest route.

The new STIGA robot range combines cutting edge technology

with function-led design engineering to offer a robot mower that offers cutting perfection, with total flexibility and control like no other. Intelligent navigation, userfriendly connectivity

Typically, RTK GPS robots use radio signals to transmit Course correctional data between the base station and robot. This course correction data is crucial in ensuring that the robot navigation is accurate. However, obstacles such as garden walls, houses and garden buildings can block radio signals – breaking the contact.

The patented STIGA Active Guidance System (AGS) enhances the GPS RTK signal reliability by using 4G to transmit the vital course correction data.

This means the link between robot and base remains reliable no matter what obstacles or distance lies between the base and robot. The system learns satellite blind spots throughout the garden at various times of the day, ensuring that the robot has an unbroken link to the infrastructure that allows it to navigate with the high accuracy required.

The new autonomous robots, A 1500, A 3000 and A 500, will be available from March 1st from authorised robot dealers and the STIGA website. https://www.stiga.com/uk

Two ISEKI machines that arrived six months apart to St Leonard’s School, St Andrews, are making a significant difference to time management and productivity.

St Leonard’s is an independent co-educational boarding and day school for 4–18-year-olds, which has a beautiful campus, just steps away from the ‘Home of Golf’ in the historic university town.

Head of Grounds is Kev Smith, who arrived at the school in Autumn 2019, six months ahead of the pandemic.

“It’s been an incredibly busy three years. After an initial settling in period, I found myself working alone because of lockdown and furlough. Emphasis could only be the quality of the sports pitches. Once everyone was back, we revaluated the gardens, made some features far more formal, significantly boosted year-round colour with new planting throughout, then added 30 planters across our estate.

“Gradually, when budget allowed, I’ve updated the school’s machinery fleet with a few key pieces. The ISEKIs make so much more possible, and mean we rely less on contractors.”

In November 2021, Kev, took delivery of a SF225 ride-on out front mower from Mike Lindsay at Fairways GM. Then, fast forward

ISEKI double for St Leonard’s School

to April 2022, when Mike brought in a TM 3267 compact tractor.

“The ride on ISEKI mower lets us cut and collect quicker than before, even in rain. We can use it everywhere. Its narrow enough to be manoeuvrable around trees and verges yet has the sizeable collector on the back that saves us making extra trips back to base. It lets us add stripes and improve presentation. Right now, when mowing has all but stopped, we’re using it to cut and collect leaves.

“The compact ISEKI was on our list, but while there was still life in our previous tractor, my Director and I agreed to defer any purchase until 2023. However, repeat breakdowns in spring and potentially expensive repairs, meant we brought the purchase forward to April 2022. It’s got a light footprint yet it’s

powerful enough for the kit we have and the kit we hope to have in the future. It’s got the loader to transport materials, hydrostatic transmission and works well with our attachments and implements. We use it to trail our Wiedenmann Terra Brush on our artificial hockey pitch a few times a week to bring the filaments back to standing position, ready for matches and practise.

“Our relationship with dealer Fairways GM at Kinross, and Mike Lindsay in particular, is based on mutual understanding for the job in hand. He brings a practical knowledge of machines and applications, giving options and alternatives likely to suit our situation. The team at Fairways also give great service and back up, always there when we need them,” concluded Kev Smith.

Rolawn is furthering its commitment to the future of turf growing by calling on its history for new ways to overcome the industry’s biggest challenges.

The company thrives on innovation, a culture that was initiated in 1975 by the founding members of the family-run business and that continues to inform the research and development which keeps Rolawn’s turf production at the forefront of the industry today.

Whether investing in state-ofthe-art equipment or developing and building its own cutting-edge technology, Rolawn applies the depth of knowledge gained during its 47-year history, to meet and exceed the needs of the market and

Cultivating new turf technologies

to drive the turf industry forward.

Farming an extensive acreage of turf, Rolawn supplies to the domestic, amenity, landscape and house building markets and considers consistent upgrades to its turf growing process part of its commitment to quality, its customers, and the environment.

The expertise and experience Rolawn have in turf growing informs and drives much of the pioneering technology that is developed at the company’s Yorkshire-based facilities. Expert engineers at Rolawn are kept busy, devising, and developing leading-edge equipment to address and adapt to the ever-changing challenges as they arise. In-house projects include

producing the world’s largest turf pneumatic seed drill, developing the patented ProFresh system as a unique way to tackle sod heating and, what is believed to be, the UK’s largest turf roll harvester. As part of its growing fleet of

vehicles, Rolawn has invested in an impressive line-up of sophisticated machinery including the Trebro AutoStack 3 harvester and a range of Fendt tractors. The machinery brings considerable benefits to production, particularly in improving Rolawn’s accuracy and efficiency.

Designed and engineered in-house, the Seed Drill Mark 2 has greatly enhanced Rolawn’s sowing process and is considered the secret to its seeding success. Specially selected, best quality grass seed is sown by the drill, using a multi-directional pattern to ensure weak spots are eliminated, providing a higher grade of turf. The drill’s dual seed application and its ability to level the ground provides unrivalled seed distribution which has resulted in improved establishment.

The pneumatic seed drill was entirely built by the Rolawn fabrication team and is believed to be the most advanced pneumatic turf seed drill in the country.

Described as “the most refined, high-production machine on the market,” the Auto-Stack 3 from Trebro is an important addition to Rolawn’s fleet as it offers innovative features that set it apart from others. Having already

invested in the Trebro-TSR turf harvester, Rolawn is the first in Europe to have the Montana-made AutoStack 3, believing that it helps reinforce their commitment to quality and attention to detail.

The technology of this machine matches the ambitions of Rolawn, bringing the benefits of its many features, including sophisticated cutterhead accuracy and depth control, precise roll-up process, articulated steering for manoeuvrability, dual harvesting capabilities and improved weight distribution, which have allowed Rolawn to further increase productivity and build on the superior quality of the turf it grows.

Rolawn uses three Fendt 314 machines. The power to weight ratio and onboard tech-nology of the 314s offers improved accuracy when mowing, creating fewer scalpings and resulting in a betterquality product. With the aim of 60 hectares of mowing per tractor per day, this is now achievable with the flexibility and geared forward speed these Fendt machines offer.

Rolawn’s fleet also includes the Fendt 516 tractor, which incorporates revolutionary live, real time grass plant analysis linked

by sprayer and applicator control systems. This technology allows Rolawn to optimise field outputs, such as fertilisers, which has led to marked improvements in quality with reduced environmental impact.

All the Fendt machines Rolawn operates have been specifically chosen to boost efficiency and offer better overall turf consistency. Its move to Fendt machines has been “a real eye-opener” for the business and it intends to add more to its fleet in the future.

“The consistent, superior quality of our turf is no accident. It is the result of years of research, refinement, and improvement” said Sales Director Jonathan Hill.

“We are meticulous about the equipment and technology we introduce, investing time and money to ensure each element introduced positively contributes to the turf growing process and the quality of the product for our customers.

“We stand behind each and every one of our products, we take pride in our turf and we’re confident that it’s the technology, processes and people we put in place that make our products so exceptional,” said Jonathan.

Yamaha launches 25th anniversary edition Grizzly AT

On the 25th anniversary of the Grizzly ATV, Yamaha has announced a new edition featuring new instruments, brakes, accessories and graphics all coupled to the second generation MK II 686cc 4-valve SOHC engine which features the latest EFI throttle body as well as fine-tuned ECU mapping and refined tolerances that ensure low fuel consumption, high torque and smooth performance.

“This anniversary model taps into the legendary legacy of the original 1998 Grizzly 600 and is a rugged farm tool that can be depended on to manage the toughest terrain and offer operator comfort, safety and versatility,” says Dan Palmer, Power Products Manager.

The new Grizzly features Yamaha’s durable and efficient CVT Ultramatic® automatic transmission. The instant-reaction gearing tackles the toughest terrain, and the natural feel of the all-wheel engine braking gives added confidence and control on steep slopes and when crawling amongst livestock.

“The new model features an independent suspension system that uses adjustable nitro-gen gas

RIDERS WILL BE IMPRESSED WITH THE PERFORMANCE

shocks enabling the rider to change settings to suit differing loads and terrains. The Grizzly is also the only model in its class featuring four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, for improved braking performance and overall control,” Mr Palmer says.

The intelligent On-Command® drive system features a convenient push-button control that switches seamlessly and instantaneously from 2WD, 4WD or 4WD with Diff-lock and back, to optimise performance in changing terrain and weather conditions.

“The anniversary edition comes with one of the highest standard specifications in its cate-gory and features a front-mounted WARN VRX 25 winch. With a carrying capacity of 140kg and able to tow 600kg, it has one of the highest carrying capacities

of any ATV in the UK,” he says. For added comfort, the new Grizzly is equipped with Electronic Power Steering (EPS) that offers the best balance of rider assistance and positive feedback. The light steering and precise handling enhance rider comfort, confidence and control.

The multi-function digital instruments feature a fuel gauge, speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, hour meter, clock, 4WD/ Diff-lock status, transmission gear selector and EPS warning light. Three separate storage compartments offer plenty of secure space for tools and equipment.

The Grizzly is also fitted with a heavy-duty brush guard, front bash plate, over fenders and hand-protectors for increased rider and vehicle protection.

“This is a special editiona nd riders who have enjoyed the Grizzly for the last 25 years will be impressed with the performance and specification. It will also be an at-tractive proposition for those who have never experienced the power and versatility of the Grizzly. It is a landmark in Yamaha’s ATV history,” he concludes.

Rain Bird has introduced the ESP-LXME 2 and ESP-LXME 2 PRO modular irrigation controllers. As an upgrade to first generation of this popular range for commercial applications, these new traditionally wired models offer additional features and user benefits with the focus on water conservation, flexibility and simplicity in use. They are compatible with Rain Bird’s IQ4 Cloud irrigation management system.

Designed for new and rerofit installations, the ESP-LXME 2 controller is fully modular and allows the user to customise irrigation station capacity from 12 to 48 stations. 40 independent irrigation programs can be set with up to10 starts per program, providing high flexibility for users in irrigation scheduling. A large backlit LCD screen with an easy navigation soft key user interface enables programming to be carried out simply and quickly.

Water management features with the ESP-LXME 2 include FloManager which manages demand to maximise use of water and shorten total watering times. The SimulStation capability allows up to five stations to be programmed to operate at the same time. For further conservation of water, Cycle + Soak by station and a rain delay feature are included as well as a weather sensor that can be programmed by station to prevent or pause watering. Program Day Cycles include customised days of the week, odd and even dates and repeat cycles. Seasonal adjustments to account for rainfall can also be programmed.

With the ESP-LXME 2 PRO model, additional flow sensing capability includes FloWatch which protects against high and low water flow conditions and LearnFlow which intuitively learns flow rates based on real time usage. It also

supports an additional booster pump through a second Master Valve or Pump Start output.

Thanks to the modularity of the controller, the ESP-LXME 2 can also be upgraded to the PRO version by installing the PRO Smart Module. This gives the user access to these additional flow management capabilities.

Users of the existing first generation ESP-LXME controller with 12 station modules can also upgrade to ESP-LXME 2 by swapping the front panel.

With IQ4-Cloud compatibility

through the Pro Smart IQ Connection Module, a full suite of remote irrigation management and reporting tools are available. These cover, for example, detailed analysis of irrigation times, total water usage and other performance data that can be created and shared. Automated alarms, e-mail alerts and text notifications will help to identify issues on-site.

For more information, contact Peter Longman, Northern Landscape Area Manager, Rain Bird Europe. plongman@ rainbird.eu www.rainbird.eu

New generation of popular commercial irrigation controller

Trencher Hire was just the job

A Toro TRX-16 pedestrian trencher – supplied with operator – dug out 400 metres of trenching in challenging land conditions in just one and a half days to the delight of customer Steve Stringfellow.

Steve, who lives in a remote farmhouse in Lincolnshire, wanted to lay a new water line from his house to the main water main, as the old existing iron water pipe ran across the farmer’s field and during ploughing often got damaged.

“We expected some problems with the property being built in 1850. The ground is fairly heavy clay agricultural land, with lots of trees and other obstacles within it,” said Steve.

“My initial reaction was to get a JCB for the job, but realised that this would have caused a great deal of disruption.

“I also calculated that around 84 tonnes of sand would have been needed to backfill the trenches, which would have proved costly both in terms of buying the sand and the labour needed to do the work.

“One of my colleagues, who had used Trencher Hire UK in the past, recommended them. When I contacted the Operations Manager, Steve Kingdom, he ran through a few options open to me and I selected

a Toro TRX-16 with operator.

“Not only was the trencher cheaper to hire than a JCB but, with its narrow-gauge cutter, could access areas a digger couldn’t. In addition, the narrow neat channels created by the Toro meant that probably only 30 tonnes of sand would be needed to backfill afterwards –saving both material and labour costs compared to a digger.

“The trencher operator Paul was brilliant and cracked on with the job straight away, but was also honest and upfront highlighting patches of ground where he could not get the Toro through and had to find another path.

“The new 32mm water pipe has been re-routed, but did have to pass over the old one and Paul was able to dig down without damaging it.

Most of the trenching was dug-out to a depth of 650mm and 100mm wide, but in some places adjustments were needed to be made because of large rocks and other obstacles. This meant that in some areas he only dug down to a depth of 500mm, or even as low as 400mm.

“I could not fault the service from Trencher Hire – it was spoton. They arrived on time, did the job that they agreed to do and with no excess costs.”

n www.trencherhire.com

Time to make the switch to battery power

Last year saw some of the highest recorded petrol prices since the turn of the millennium – and it is not just motorists who are struggling to cope. Emma Gayler, Ambassador for Challenge 2025, discusses why it is time for professional gardeners to leave petrol in the past and make the switch to battery-powered outdoor equipment.

With energy price cap rises and extortionate bills across almost every consumable product; record high petrol prices are the last thing that anyone needs – especially those who rely on fuel to run their business. Clearly, petrol users are experiencing an incredibly raw deal at a time when the cost-of-living crisis is being felt so strongly.

Professional turf managers using two-stroke engines are already starting to see these extra fuel costs eating away at their bottom lines, and with a multitude of batterypowered alternatives available on the market, there is no better time for trade users to begin exploring the advantages that making the switch could have on their businesses.

Recently, EGO conducted a cost comparison test between three of its products (Hedge Trimmer HTX7500, Line Trimmer STX3800 and leaf blower LBX6000) and three petrol-powered alternatives.

The tools had an average annual power cost of £142.80 while the petrol tools had an average annual power cost of £1,295.40.

When the total cost of ownership over five years was calculated, including purchasing the tools and the running costs, this resulted in a considerable price difference overall.

Over five years, the cost of owning three tools, two 10Ah batteries, a backpack harness and a rapid charger came to £2,893.00 which is an average annual cost of £578.60.

Whereas, owning three petrol tools, including the purchase, and running costs, came to £8,134.00 over five years – an average annual cost of £1,626.80.

Overall, across a period of five years, on average it is £1,048.20 cheaper per year to own and run battery-operated tools. This is because, after the initial purchase, the tools do not require any further investment other than general wear and tear. As a result, products can deliver in excess of a 40% cost saving over petrol power: leading to long-term savings for any gardening business.

One of the most stand-out statistics uncovered by Challenge 2025, is that the most widely used outdoor power tool, the leaf blower, uses more than half of the petrol required to run a Ford Fiesta for the same amount of time. This means that users of petrolpowered tools will be hit even harder than the average motorist.

Petrol has reigned supreme for decades, not because it was the right choice, but because it was the only

choice. Now, with the current cost of living crisis, the Government’s plans for a Net Zero future, and a growing public concern for the environment, battery power provides a progressive solution to ensuring that businesses do not get left in the past. Instead, they will be at the forefront of securing a safer, cleaner, and more profitable future.

Challenge 2025 is a campaign which aims to educate and empower outdoor power equipment users to understand why petrol power belongs in the past. Its mission is that by 2025, battery power will become the principal power source for outdoor power equipment, leading to huge reductions in emissions, noise disturbance, and health risks, whilst increasing safety and user comfort.

Knowing how damaging petrolpowered tools are for both the environment and the health of professional gardeners, it is worrying that they are still used to maintain outdoor spaces. Challenge 2025 wants to make trade users aware of the dangers of petrol-powered tools, not just for the environment but also for the health of themselves and the communities that they work in.

n https://egopowerplus.co.uk/ about-ego/technology/cost

Shout is the UK’s first and only free, 24/7, confidential text message support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

If you’re feeling worried, stressed or like you have nobody to talk to, you are not alone. Shout is always only a text message away. Shout’s trained volunteers are there to support you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with whatever you are going through.

Every day, Shout takes around 2,100 conversations with children, young people and adults across the UK who need in-the-moment

support with issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, loneliness, relationships, racism, self-harm, suicide, grief and so much more.

As a digital service, Shout provides a private and

silent way to communicate, alleviating some of the pressure many people feel around talking about their worries out loud. The service is also confidential, anonymous and won’t show up on your phone bill.

Shout is available around the clock. Most people text Shout for support at night and into the early hours of the morning, when the majority of other support services are closed and when many people are feeling alone and struggling with their mental health.

Anyone in the UK can text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 to start a conversation any time of the day or night. Shout Volunteers work to take you from a moment of distress to a calm, safe place and help you come up with a plan to move forwards.

If your life is at imminent risk, please call 999.

n For more information, advice and support, visit: giveusashout.org

Exercising for your mental health

With four weeks of World Cup action on the horizon, what better time to champion some of the benefits of exercise for our mental health?

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH GO HAND-IN-HAND

Exercise can make a big difference to how you feel. If you’re down or struggling with stress, anxiety or depression, getting moving can help you feel better.

Regular exercise can reduce stress, boost our self-esteem and even help us get a good night’s sleep. Even 10 minutes of brisk walking boosts our alertness, energy and mood.

As well as releasing endorphins (the feel good hormone), exercise and physical movement can also help decrease the production of stress hormones in the longer-term.

WHAT EXERCISE CAN I DO?

Exercising isn’t everybody’s cup of tea and it can be hard to find time in our busy lives to fit it in. But you don’t have to take on a marathon or hit the gym all week (unless you want to!)

Getting exercise can be as simple as going for a walk in the park, taking the stairs instead of the lift or getting off the bus one stop earlier.

If you are feeling particularly stressed, try to take a break from what you are doing and get moving - head outside for some fresh air, do some stretches or grab a ball and do some keep-ups!

Finding something that works for

you can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health.

Need some inspiration?

Texters to our Shout service have given us some of their favourite ways of exercising:

n Getting outside for some fresh air

n Taking the dog for a walk

n Jogging and running

n Having a kickabout with mates

n Working out to music

n Going to the gym.

WHAT IF I CAN’T EXERCISE?

For some people, it can be hard to exercise, especially if you are feeling unwell, demotivated or you have a physical condition which stops

you from being able to get active. Go easy on yourself. Only do what you can, when you can, and try to remember that it’s ok to adapt your physical activity to how you’re feeling.

You can also try other self-care activities, like sitting outdoors, listening to your favourite music, doing breathing exercises and practising mindfulness.

Remember, if you’re feeling low, stressed or overwhelmed, text SHOUT to 85258 to start a conversation with a trained volunteer. Shout is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.