The Landscaper Magazine | October 2021

HUSQVARNA AUTUMN LEAF BLOWER OFFERS

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The trade show season is well and truly underway. We’ve had

under one NEC roof - SALTEX (Halls 6,7 & 8) and the LANDSCAPE show (Hall 12). See pages 19 and

Elsewhere in this issue Jana Silver discovers some of the latest leaf blowers on the market (page 46), and taking into consideration the issues surrounding hand-arm vibration and noise pollution focuses her search on battery power.

And finally as well as news and latest product updates and releases throughout this issue we also take a peek at some of the winners at this year’s autumnal RHS Chelsea Flower Show on

Have a good month and don’t forget to register for either SALTEX or the LANDSCAPE show -

Next issue copy deadline: October 26th 2021.. landscaper@sheengate.co.uk

Editor

Maggie Walsh | 07787 555 798 | maggie.walsh@sheengate.co.uk

Contributors

George Barrow | Jana Silver | Paula Warman

Media sales executive

Jana Silver | 0208 939 5600 | landscaper@sheengate.co.uk

Design and production

Lucas-studio.co.uk

Circulation and subscriptions

Maggie Walsh | maggie.walsh@sheengate.co.uk

The Landscaper is owned and published by Sheengate Publishing Ltd.

The Landscaper is an entirely independent magazine. It is not a member of any trade association or society.

Sheengate Publishing Ltd

Unit A4, Kingsway Business Park Oldfield Road, Hampton TW12 2HD 0208 939 5600

www.sheengate.co.uk

www.landscapermagazine.com

Managing director

Alex Whitney

Publisher Con Crowley

Nothing in this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publishers. Readers intending to purchase goods or services from advertisers should make their own enquiries if in any doubt. Every endeavour has been made to ensure that all the information published in this magazine is as accurate as possible. Neither the publishers nor their agents can be held responsible for any errors or omissions; nor shall they be liable for any loss or damage to any person acting on the information contained in the magazine. Copyright © 2021

Power

Chelsea

Cover Story: Makita’s DUC405 cordless chainsaw is driven by LXT battery technology to deliver high output and flexibility to work across large sites without the emissions or hassle of petrol. Users are able to work for extended periods thanks to its reduced weight, low noise, low vibration and enhanced safety features.

One

Tackle dozens of jobs with this versatile and cost-effective tractor-mounted aerator and deliver healthy, professional turf all-year-round. With its unique universal frame system, extra shafts can be added to expand its capabilities, including a Multi Tine, Multi-Slicer, Multi Spike and a non-PTO Coring shaft. With the 1st Products add-on tractor tools you really can add more and do more. reesinkturfcare.co.uk

2021 National Landscape Awards announced and tickets on sale!

No other awards for designers and contractors demand the level of professional excellence expected by the National Landscape Awards judging panel. Every construction and design project entered was visited personally by a judge throughout July and August and scrutinised individually. If that's not enough, the judges jointly deliberated each decision at a three-day long meeting to ensure consensus that the winners really do represent the very best in landscape construction and design.

The team at Landscape House, the board of directors and the judging panel wish to congratulate every BALI member who has won a 2021 National Landscape Award and extends its thanks to every member that entered this year.

Principals, Specials and the coveted Grand Award winner will be announced at this year’s ceremony, which will be returning to JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park

Lane, London on Friday 3rd December. This marks the return of the National Landscape Awards’ live ceremony so demand for tickets will be high, ensure you visit baliawards.co.uk today to confirm your place at the largest landscape Awards in Europe.

Ticket prices

Individual Place – £195

Table of 10 – £1,750.00 Table of 12 – £2,100.00

Limited sponsorship opportunities remain available, for further details contact Diane McCulloch via telephone at +44(0)24 7518 5614 or via email at diane.mcculloch@bali.org.uk.

For general enquiries contact Emily Feeney via telephone at +44(0)24 7518 5613 or via email at emily.feeney@bali.org.uk.

White City Living Phase 1 won an award in the ‘Hard Landscaping Construction (Non-Domestic) Over 500K’ category. This project by Elite Landscapes is a large open space in West London, across the road from the famous Television Studios and adjacent to Westfields Shepherds Bush.

Dennis & SISIS announce partnership with Bowls England

Dennis & SISIS and Bowls England have announced a new five-year partnership which is aimed at improving playing surfaces, increasing participation and helping to safeguard the future of the sport.

Passionate about helping everyone get the most out of the sport, Bowls England recently unveiled a new strategy, ‘Fit For The Future’, which has been designed with the ultimate goal of getting more people playing and enjoying bowls.

However, to entice more people into the sport, there must be a focus on the playing conditions and this is where Dennis and SISIS come in according to Bowls

England’s Chief Executive Jon Cockcroft.

“What is absolutely critical for us is that the bowling greens up and down the country are in superb condition for people to play on,” he says. “Over recent years there has been more strain on our clubs, and the challenges of maintaining greens are becoming greater.

Consequently, this partnership with Dennis and SISIS will allow us to support our clubs, and our amazing volunteers, who work tirelessly to look after the greens.

“The partnership will add value to our members and ultimately improving the quality of the surfaces is going to make the playing experience better which will help

Jon Cockcroft (left) from Bowls England and Roger Moore from Dennis & SISIS

grow our game and get more people playing bowls.”

Also committed to educating greenkeepers and raising the standards of bowling greens, Dennis and SISIS have long supported the sport of bowls. For over 20 years, they have been organising and hosting educational maintenance seminars throughout the country which are designed to ultimately help club greenkeepers and volunteers maintain their bowling greens.

The pandemic inevitably put a temporary halt to the seminars and as a result the two British manufacturers launched an innovative Virtual Bowling Green Maintenance Seminar Portal. The free online portal was an instant success bringing seminars to a much wider audience and also allowing members to benefit from a wealth of knowledge.

Roger Moore, Sales and Marketing Manager for Dennis and SISIS revealed his delight at the new partnership. “The sport of bowls has played an important part in the history of Dennis and SISIS,” he says. “We want to be associated with Bowls England particularly at such an exciting time as they launch their five-year strategy.”

“The plan is to continue next year with the live seminars and provide access to Bowls England

members to the online seminar portal, which has monthly updates from experts, funding opportunities, and access to other partners. Whether you are an experienced greenkeeper or new to the industry the portal is an invaluable resource.

“The partnership will allow both parties to explore and develop other initiatives going forward and we hope we can play a part helping Bowls England’s achieve their goals It also allows us to give something back towards the future growth and sustainability of the bowls market.”

The partnership comes ahead of an exciting year for both Dennis and SISIS and Bowls England; 2022 marks the centenary year for the Dennis brand and it is also the year of the of the Commonwealth Games, in which the greens at Victoria Park in Leamington (also the home of Bowls England) will host the bowls tournament.

“There is a wonderful synergy to this partnership,” continued Jon. “Firstly – heritage; the heritage of our sport and the heritage of the Dennis and SISIS brands. Secondly, both have an appetite for quality. Thirdly, bowls as a sport and the Dennis and SISIS brands are quintessentially British; and last but certainly not least, both Bowls England and Dennis and SISIS have a desire to give back to communities. It is a perfect partnership.”

Nematrident® range available in Ireland

Bionema Ltd, a leading biopesticide technology company, has signed a distribution agreement with TurfCare to sell its unique patented NemaTrident ® range of products on an exclusive basis in the turf, leisure and amenity sector in Ireland.

NemaTrident ® is a Tri-Component patented, environmentally friendly solution used to control more than 50 different insect species including chafer grubs and leatherjackets. These pests eat grass roots and can cause devastating damage to golf courses, sports turf and ornamental lawns. According to a research report conducted by independent agricultural and environmental consultancy ADAS the economic cost of damage by chafer grubs at UK golf courses alone is estimated to be £85million a year, from lost income and damage repair, and lost income by 40% of UK racecourses affected by pest damage could amount to £605,000 per course.

Bionema’s NemaTrident ® Tri-Component patented solution incorporates a range of highly virulent insectparasitic nematodes within the Heterorhabditis and Steinernema genera, a biocompatible wetting agent (Nemaspreader ®) and expert advice. These nematodes attack and destroy the larvae of the insect pestspreventing future pests from developing. They are safe, non-toxic to users and consumers, decompose rapidly

and can be targeted at specific pests to avoid harming beneficial insects. These sustainable products provide 70-95% success rates in combating pests.

TurfCare is a leading distributor of fertilizers, seed, irrigation and other amenity sector specialist products within Ireland and the company is constantly on the lookout for innovative products within the sport and amenity sectors. Bionema has partnered with TurfCare because it believes it has the best product knowledge and insight into the Irish turf and amenity sector and is well-positioned to include the NemaTrident ® range of biological products.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr Minshad Ansari, Bionema founder and CEO, says: “In a market with significant potential, there is a clear opportunity for TurfCare to continue helping greenkeepers, grounds managers, racecourse managers and landscapers in the control of chafer grubs and leatherjackets, when chemicals are banned across Europe.”

Pat Galavan, CEO at Turf Care adds: “Our role is to combine all the potential solutions for our customers throughout Ireland. Our staff have all been briefed on the most effective way to use the Nematrident ® range of nematodes to help control chafer grubs and leatherjackets as part of an Integrated Pest Management programme.”

DLF seeds invest in new mixing and distribution facility

DLF Seeds is to invest £3.5M in new state-of-theart mixing and distribution facilities at its main seed processing site at Inkberrow in Worcestershire.

This comes on the back of a £3M investment at its Scottish site at Broxburn, near Edinburgh in 2015, which automated and revolutionised the handling of forage grass and clover mixtures into the agricultural market.

“This investment will transform our current production facilities and bring much needed additional capacity and efficiency to cope with the future market demands in the amenity, consumer, environmental stewardship, cover crop and wildflower markets,” says Tim Kerridge, Managing Director for DLF Seeds.

“We have already seen increased demand for our products, especially for environmental stewardship, cover crops and wildflowers, in response to the UK government’s focus on habitat creation and carbon capture. In the amenity and consumer sector we have also experienced sustained growth and continue to see opportunities in these markets, as the economy recovers from Covid and embraces the sustainability agenda.”

The investment encompasses a new fully automated mixing plant for amenity and consumer products, whilst freeing up existing mixing capacity to triple the throughput

of environmental stewardship, cover crops and wildflowers.

“This is a very exciting time for our industry where we must invest to ensure our customers can continue to receive the highest levels of service and the quickest delivery times for their orders,” Mr Kerridge continues. “Covid and Brexit have presented many challenges over the past two years, but this investment will ensure we are well placed to serve our customers in the decades to come.”

Work, which has already started, is expected to be completed by spring 2023.

Sue Biggs CBE to retire as Director General of the RHS

Sue Biggs CBE will retire as Director General of The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in June 2022. Over the past 11 years she has modernised and grown the RHS, and leaves a much stronger charity, with record membership numbers, that is more inclusive and broader based, as well as being more financially robust.

During her time leading the RHS has been pivotal in creating and executing the Strategic Investment Programme across the gardens, most notably the opening of RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford and the nationally significant new Home of Gardening Science at RHS Garden Wisley.

Keith Weed, President of the RHS, says: “We on the Society’s Council thank Sue for all her hard work, dedication and achievements during her time at the RHS. The last 18 months has seen Sue lead the

organisation at a difficult time during the pandemic where the organisation has continued to progress despite the many challenges.”

“I’m extremely proud of everything we have achieved over the last decade, and without Council, the Leadership Team and the incredible teams, volunteers and people across the RHS, as well as our generous supporters, it simply would not have been possible to make such deep rooted changes," says Sue. "To leave this wonderful charity after the creation of the amazing RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford and after bringing our science work to the fore with Wisley Hilltop– The Home of Gardening, makes me very happy to know that future generations will benefit from both for decades to come.”

Sue has raised awareness and helped improve standards in the horticulture industry, chairing the Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable since its inception and working with government. In March 2017 she was recognised with a CBE for her services to horticulture and the environment.

The recruitment process for a new Director General for the RHS will now begin.

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Stiga batteries are tested for real life working conditions – far beyond the industry standard.

Built–in safety: Primary safety switch prevents the mower from being unintentionally started.

High coverage: Mulches up to 1300 sqm in 50 minutes, on one charge.

High-efficiency brushless motor: 2.2kW output for maximum cutting performance. Reduced noise and low energy consumption.

Fingertip STIGA control pad: Conveniently positioned control panel provides instant operation and mode selection.

Reliable, long-lasting power: 2 x 48v batteries work in series to double the power to give the highest cutting performance and extended run time.

STIGA Multiclip mulching blade: Specifically engineered for mulching.

X-contour handle design: Pivots to either side for easy access under low hedges and bushes.

Extra wide cutting deck: Galvanised steel with reinforced edges for efficiency, durability and performance.

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Meadfleet win Biodiversity award

Open space management company, Meadfleet, has been awarded first place in the Pollinator category at the Construction Industry Research and Information Association's (CIRIA) BIG Biodiversity Challenge Awards. Their Bee Friendly campaign beat stiff competition to take the top spot, recognising the company’s efforts to create additional habitats across the open spaces in its management for bees and other vital pollinators.

The judge’s commented: “An inspirational project from a management company of open spaces. They have included a very community and nature focused management strategy and are to be commended. The long term impact of this project and scale is really interesting. The potential that has been identified through the land holdings is noteworthy and the judges were impressed to see that the knowledge had been embedded within the business which is very admirable.”

The Big Biodiversity Challenge invites organisations to “do one thing” which adds a “biodiversity enhancement” to construction sites, developments or existing buildings (with the caveat that it goes beyond normal business practice or pre-existing planning and construction conditions).

Bee Friendly, launched by Meadfleet in 2019, is a perfect example of how wildlife and humans can peacefully and harmoniously co-exist. Designed to

create new habitats for bees and other pollinating insects, Meadfleet have committed to planting:

• 23,000m2 of meadow to try and replace some of what has been lost in the UK (97% of all wildflower meadows since the 1930s)

• 1500m of new hedgerow including native shrub and tree species to provide nectar in spring, berries in autumn and natural habitats for birds and mammals

• 50,000 new bulbs in a mix of species which also provide nectar throughout spring

Not only are Meadfleet making open spaces more supportive of pollinating insects, they are also engaging residents with giveaways of insect hotels and bee friendly seeds, along with educational literature to inspire customers to do their bit to help pollinators.

Paul Cassidy, Ecology and Conservation Manager at Meadfleet says: “We are delighted that our efforts to benefit wildlife in the management of open spaces continue to be recognised. It’s fantastic that the judges acknowledged our efforts to make long-term, far-reaching improvements to open space areas that will benefit pollinators. Whilst it might be seen as going above and beyond our remit as an open space management company, we believe Meadfleet have an important role to play in ensuring open spaces offer enriched environments for our customers that allow wildlife to thrive.”

Bee on Willow herb on Meadfleet open space in Leeds

New venue for Landscape 2021

It's now the countdown to the UK’s premier landscaping exhibition, the LANDSCAPE show. Traditionally the annual event took place at Battersea Park, London every September. This year the organisers are pleased to announce its 10th anniversary show will take place on 3rd & 4th November 2021, at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham in Hall 12.

LANDSCAPE 2021 provides a vibrant environment to select, source and network with contacts from across the industry. It welcomes over 200 exhibitors with a vast collection of leading products, services and innovation for the design, build and management of exterior and interior landscape projects.

A trade event few will want to miss and the best part is that entry is free.

Following the success of previous years, over 70 of the most passionate and knowledgeable industry professionals will be descending on NEC in November for the 2021 seminar programme, to share their knowledge on all things landscaping!

The programme is packed with CPD accredited sessions that aim to both educate and inspire visitors and exhibitors alike. The event recognises the importance of curating sessions that everyone can

enjoy and gain knowledge from regardless of the area of landscaping their visitors take interest in.

There will be 44 seminars to choose from across two days! Visitors are in for a treat with some of the most interesting and diverse topics, ranging from stone, colour, lighting, arboriculture, rooftop gardens and climate change.

Kate Gould, award winning garden designer from Kate Gould Garden, returns this year building on her hugely successful session at 2019’s programme. Of her last time at the London venue she said: “It is an amazing event, there’s such a breadth of knowledge and wealth of exhibitors here. I don’t think you can be in this industry and not see this!”

The seminars will take place across the two days.

To gain free entry to Landscape 2021 register at www.landscapeshow.co.uk/register

The units pictured were supplied to The National Football Centre, St Georges Park, Burton-onTrent Official training ground of the England football teams.

“The addition of the two new buildings has significantly improved the grounds operation area, allowing us to fully comply with our health & safety obligations. As well as meeting the legal side, the buildings offer first class garage accommodation to high value kit which would otherwise deteriorate quickly sitting outside”

Garages - Highly secure storage for ground maintenance equipment

Fully compliant COSH stores

Alan Ferguson National Football Centre Head of Grounds & Estates info@cleveland-sitesafe.ltd.uk

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Etesia pedestrian rotary mowers are designed to offer unique cutting capabilities, comfort and safety at work and unrivalled reliability and productivity. The Etesia range of battery-powered and petrol mowers are extremely versatile and are capable of mowing with or without collection in all conditions, or allowing high-quality mulching – whatever the weather.

Available from 46cm –53cm cutting widths and push, single or variable speed options, there is an Etesia pedestrian mower for any use. All this adds up to machines that are purpose built professional mowers for professional use.

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75 years of SALTEX

SALTEX celebrates as it returns to the NEC Birmingham this November

After a long wait, thanks to you know what, SALTEX (Sports Amenities Landscaping Trade Exhibition) returns in November to its usual haunt – the NEC Birmingham. All those who work with or are associated with landscape design and management will have the opportunity once again to see a wide range of innovative new products and services from prominent suppliers when the doors of this turf management event open on November 3 and 4.

And to add to the cheer this year, the event will be celebrating its 75th year. In 1938, SALTEX was launched to unite the industry and offer educational and networking opportunities for those that managed green spaces. Since that time – with the occasional interuption due to the wars and more recently

Win a AVANT compact loader

In addition to the limitless opportunities available on the show floor, one lucky visitor to SALTEX will be presented with an incredible batterypowered compact loader from Avant UK worth approximately £30,000. Every person who registers will be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize – on loan for six months and the live draw will take place on the first day of the show.

Covid – the show has continued to grow and has now established itself as Europe’s largest annual turf management event. Organised by the Grounds Management Association (GMA), the event brings together grounds managers, grounds personnel, grounds maintenance managers, greenkeepers and all others involved in the management of sports pitches, landscape and amenity facilities in the UK. In addition the event provides a wealth of information and ideas for landscape architects, designers, contractors, gardeners, foresters and horticulturalists.

The show floor will offer a wide range of stands from turf maintenance machinery, fertilizers, wetting agents, seeds, turf, aggregates and treatments, weed control, facilities management services, fencing and landscaping. It is the perfect opportunity for visitors looking to increase their bussiness efficiency and improve operations to gain support and advice.

Eco Village showcases sustainable technology As well as a wide range of innovative products on display within the three large halls, visitors to SALTEX will have the chance to see an ‘electrifying’ showcase of products in a dedicated area on the show floor called the Eco Village. Featuring a programme of daily demonstrations in cutting-edge sustainable technology – the Eco Village allows visitors a unique chance to witness a multitude of products in action.

Expect to see a powerful line-up of new innovations from the likes of Avant UK (headline sponsor), Dennis Mowers, Campey Turf Care Systems, Overton UK, GroundWOW and Allet Mowers.

SALTEX plays host to the most technologically advanced equipment, product and service showcase in grounds management. Many are rightly celebrated at the show and none more so than through the SALTEX Innovation Awards.

Innovation awards

Since its launch at SALTEX 2017, the Innovation Awards have helped to highlight some of the most groundbreaking, innovative products and services within the groundscare industry. Visitors will get the chance to see every entry on the show floor and there will be a winner in each of a wide range of product categories - so keep an eye out for news on when and where the final ceremony will take place on the show floor.

Learning LIVE educational programmes

There will also be a number of education opportunities through Learning LIVE - SALTEX's all-encompassing, free-to-attend education programme. Learning LIVE will take place in large seminar theatres situated on the show floor and will feature a wide range of topics which could be particularly beneficial for those working in the landscaping sector.

Landscapers may well be interested in Lawn Care Legends LIVE, which will take place on the first day of the show and offer a fantastic networking opportunity. Lawn Care Legends, a Facebook group which was created in July 2016, is a thriving online community with over 4,000 worldwide active members. It is primarily a group for all landscapers and gardeners to showcase their work and knowledge and ultimately support one another. Now the Legends are coming to SALTEX and all are welcome.

John Ryan, founder of the Lawn Care Legends online networking community revealed why SALTEX is a must-attend event: “SALTEX is a way to get a feel of what is coming to the marketplace, and it helps you to adapt or evolve with the industry. We all use SALTEX as an opportunity to source new products and everyone is keen and eager to see what manufacturers have to offer."

Event details

Venue: Halls

The NEC, Birmingham,

Pre-registration to SALTEX 2021 is essential this year. Register for free online at https://gmasaltex.co.uk/visitor-registration/ to print off a badge for entry. For information on Covid safety measures visit https://gmasaltex.co.uk/covid-safetymeasures/

Get ready for SALTEX 2021

ASPEN Fuel | Stand M055

Aspen Fuel is returning to SALTEX to showcase its range of ethanolfree Alkylate fuels, offering a cleaner alternative for both 2 and 4-stroke engines. Following the recent switch to E10 grade at the UK petrol pumps, operators of garden and grounds machinery can find out more about the increased risks of reliability issues, attributable to the increased ethanol content.

Being free from ethanol as well as benzene, sulphur and many other harmful substances, Aspen Alkylate petrol improves

Handy Distribution/Cranmer | Stand E045

The Cramer range of 82V lithium ion powered products offer the ultimate alternative to traditional petrol tools. Developed and manufactured by the Globe Group, world leaders in lithium ion technology, Cramer offers professional users a more environmentally friendly option.

Visit the stand to see the CR82TB16 brush cutter with its 4 speed, 1.6kW out-runner, brushless motor and the CR82CS25 chainsaw, to see the power Cramer 82V tools deliver.

Also on the stand is the Light Construction Range from The Handy, offering a chance to see

Hozelock-Exel | Stand F125

Professional sprayer specialists Hozelock-Exel return to Saltex with a show of their advanced knapsacks.

Specified across sport, amenity and landscaping, Cooper Pegler and Berthoud brands continue to lead the market with their blend of sturdy construction, reliable pressure delivery and extensive stocks of spare parts and accessories, usually supplied within 24 hours.

not only the reliability and performance of your equipment, but the working conditions for the operator. The fuel also significantly reduces the harmful impact your machinery makes on the environment.

The Aspen team will be on hand at SALTEX to answer questions and discuss the range of package and delivery options available - giving commercial customers the flexibility to specify their fuel by the container, pallet or drum to best suit their usage, transportation and storage requirements.

the products in person, a great range for light construction tasks.

To book a demonstration call 07850 947274 or email alanw@handydistribution.co.uk

Cooper Pegler CP3 Series 2000s, newly specified by Heathrow Airport's Habitat Management airside grounds maintenance team, is the professional's workhorse knapsack, alongside the popular Cooper Pegler Evolution and Classic models.

The cutaway tanks on show give visitors an insight into inner workings and provide a valuable training aid for PA2/PA6 students.

Meanwhile the Berthoud Vermorel 3000 Electric is emerging as the go-to professional batterypowered knapsack in diverse applications as managers and operators increasingly search out green maintenance solutions.

www.cooper-pegler.com www.berthoud.fr/en/

A preview of some of the exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations and products at this year's 75th SALTEX event

Origin Amenity Solutions | Stand G060

Origin Amenity Solutions may be new to SALTEX but its group members are well known, highly regarded and trusted companies. Working together, but retaining their individual identity and areas of expertise, Headland Amenity, Rigby Taylor, Symbio and TurfKeeper, offer practicing turf professionals, the widest, most comprehensive choice for achieving success across all aspects of plant health; growth, protection, appearance, control and sustainability. Complementing and supporting these industry-leading companies is a new UK based, research and development led Turf Science & Technology Centre that positions Origin Amenity Solutions as the leading force within the amenity industry.

Based in Essex, the OAS Turf Science & Technology Centre, employs its own R&D Manager and technicians, supported by the groups Agronomy and

GreenMech | Stand H055

Stop by the GreenMech stand for the first opportunity to see the many developments within their revolutionary EVO Series, since the woodchipper range was first showcased at the 2019 event. Two of the most recent introductions, the EVO 165P Sub-750 and brand new 8” EVO 205D will take pride of place.

Introduced in direct response to industry demand for a machine with more powerful bite, torque and throughput, the proven performance delivered by the EVO 165 has seen it cement its position in the 6” chipper market. Now, the key features of the series including wide infeed chute, twin horizontal rollers, all steel bonnet and heavy-duty flywheel have been combined with the powerful, yet economic 37hp Briggs & Stratton Vanguard petrol engine with the launch of the EVO 165P Sub-750.

Extending the EVO concept into the 8” market, the ‘big brother’ in the shape of the EVO 205D will also be

Green-tech | Stand K190G

Technical Manager, to undertake in-house research, development and field trials to identify, assess and demonstrate the benefits of both existing and future products and technologies under UK conditions and practices. In addition to extensive trial plots, laboratory and glasshouses, a Rain Bird irrigation system is installed, a Davis weather station and below ground Soil Scout digital soil monitoring. Education will also be a key focus for the Centre, having extensive facilities for educational conferences and small group seminars. This exciting development places Origin Amenity Solutions at the head of the drive to meet the ‘challenge of change’ and its continuing drive for excellence across all aspects of the industry.

Come and talk to us at SALTEX over a cup of coffee or tea…you will be made very welcome.

making its show debut. At the heart of the 205D is a Stage V compliant 50hp Kubota diesel engine, powering a heavy-duty flywheel which promises to tackle the biggest tasks fast, with both reliability and ease.

GreenMech staff will also be on hand to discuss the flexible finance options available across the entire roadtow, tracked, tractor-powered and pedestrian ranges.

Green-tech is the UKs largest award-winning landscaping supplier selling over 16,500 products. At SALTEX they will be profiling their range of awardwinning Green-tree soils and growing media that are manufactured and distributed nationally.

A selection of their native John Chambers Wildflower seed will also be on display; it is well known for being a high quality, hand prepared seed that can be supplied as part of a mix or as a single species.

Also on display will be an extensive range of ground protection and reinforcement products which provide solutions for uneven, damaged or heavy trafficked land. We are a leading UK distributor of Terram geosynthetic products and will have specialists on the stand to discuss any project requirements.

ETESIA | Stand C085

Unveiled earlier this year, Etesia will be showcasing its new fully electric utility vehicle – the ET Lander.

Built for use on and off road it is 100% electric, spacious, well-equipped and user-friendly. Built on a robust chassis, it has an array of options including a three-way tipper bed with dual control from the fully-fitted two-seater cab or by remote control when outside the vehicle.

With a length of just 3.72 meters, it is compact and thanks to the power steering, has a short turning radius of 4.40 meters and 360 ° visibility. Fitted with lead acid batteries (72V 220 Ah – producing 15.8Kw), the autonomy of the vehicle lasts for a full working day – without noise pollution.

It can transport loads of up to 940kgs and can also tow up to 750kgs. With its all-road tires and powerful transmission, it is a real all-terrain vehicle for use in a variety of conditions on slopes and difficult terrain.

MAKITA | Stand K109a

Makita brings its XGT 40VMax range to SALTEX this year. It's vast selection of cordless machinesspanning over 270 LXT 18V and Twin 18V models and over 50 products within its new XGT 40VMax system, means professionals can complete both soft and hard landscaping tasks safely and efficiently.

In addition to the new ET Lander, SALTEX visitors can expect to see the new MK124 ride on mower with a 124cm cutting deck and ground tip emptying. During the pandemic the R&D team have been busy working on new innovative machines that will result in further additions in the coming months.

www.etesia.co.uk

Since its launch in 2020 Makita’s XGT platform has grown to support a range of machines including brush cutters, hedge trimmers, grinders and more. Makita’s premier battery system solution, XGT 40VMax provides increased cordless power without compromising on performance. The XGT batteries are IPX4 rated for protection against water ingress. The high power, durability and long run times offered also mean work can be completed efficiently.

Makita is also offering professionals an opportunity to expand their Makita collection with its latest promotion deal. End users can claim a free DMR110 DAB+ Site Radio or MR002GZ01 XGT Bluetooth Radio when they purchase selected LXT 18V and Twin 18V (36V) or XGT 40VMax garden machines between 1st October and 31st December 2021.

www.makitauk.com

Rigby Taylor | Stand G060

With over a century of product supply and customer support Rigby Taylor will again be introducing inventive solutions for turf health problems. Previous Innovation Award winners, the company has once again succeeded in bringing to the industry the latest, most advanced line marking robot and impact paint partnership. Also on the stand will be featured the Euroflor Urban flower seed range, Rain Bird’s leading irrigation rotors and controllers, POGO and Soil Scout, above and below ground monitoring devices, advanced tetraploid grass seeds and cutting edge granular fertilizers and innovative liquid nutrient supplements.

Skill, knowledge and expertise are the hallmarks of Rigby Taylor’s industry presence. The company’s

extensive range provide products that enhance and soften our landscape with grass and flower seeds, provides healthy soils and protect from damaging weeds, pests and diseases, as well as from drought or water logging. Rigby Taylor is successfully pioneering advanced robotic line marking technology, for which the company has received awards for such Innovation and is now the leader in both GPS autonomous robotic line marking systems and walkbehind line marking machines.

The introduction of the TinyLineMarker robots has revolutionized pitch line marking for contractors, service providers and councils with extensive playing field pitches. Over 50 sport surface templates are now available, allowing lines to be marked out faster and more accurately than when using pedestrian markers.

Visit us at SALTEX and talk with our technical team over a free tea or coffee.

THE ONLY THING WE LACK IS EMISSIONS

The new 82V COMMERCIAL RANGE from Cramer

The new 82V range offers true petrol rivalling performance, with industry leading power output from products including chainsaws, trimmers and brushcutters. Cramer offers the most comprehensive dedicated commercial cordless range in the market. From chainsaws and hedgetrimmers, to telescopic pole pruners, twin bladed lawnmowers and sweepers. The range has everything for the commercial user, except emissions.

WIDE CHOICE, HIGH PERFORMACE, LOW RUNNING COSTS.

Royal Reesink | Stand K078

Representing the future of the turfcare industry at SALTEX will be a selection of Reesink e-Vehicles’ range of battery-powered machines. Launching at the show will be RECO eTrac, an electric tool carrier from Royal Reesink, Reesink e-Vehicles’ parent company. With zero emissions and a choice of different battery packs, this innovative addition to the electric market can be used for a wide range of applications including weed brushing.

Joining this will be the industry’s first electric tractor from Reesink’s Agricultural division, the 25hp FT25G from Farmtrac, and the two-door Capella, the lithium-powered utility vehicle from award-winning company STAR EV.

On stand ready to introduce this new range will be Dave French, Reesink e-Vehicles’ new electric vehicle expert. He says: “Wherever you are and whatever sector you’re in, the ability to work more quietly, earlier and for longer will be an advantage. With this comprehensive range of golf and passenger

CoirProducts | Stand J189

A sustainable waste product from the coconut industry, Coir retains water, and thus helps keep soil moist even in dry weather conditions. CoirProducts. co.uk is the first company in the UK to supply an innovative and extensive range of coir-based products to suit soil erosion control and landscaping needs, all of which are 100% natural and biodegradable.

The Coir Netting (Coir Geotextiles) can be embedded onto slopes and help accelerate the

Dennis/SISIS | Stand E070

British manufacturers Dennis and SISIS are showcasing the E-Series - a new range of batterypowered turf maintenance equipment at SALTEX

Reliable and long lasting, the E-series are no compromise alternatives to their long-established range of petrol machines. Ultra-low noise, low vibration, user friendly and super low CO2 footprint will help everyone towards the carbon neutral goal.

Dennis and SISIS have spent over three years working with carefully chosen partners to develop a range of quality battery-powered equipment that meets the requirements of natural and synthetic turf maintenance and are befitting of the Dennis and SISIS badges.

Visitors to the show will also have the opportunity to see the E-series demonstrated in the Eco Village on both days at specific times.

The brand new RECO eTrac, an electric tool carrier from Royal Reesink

buggies, together with a wide offering of all-terrain from Reesink e-Vehicles, it’s easy to see the scope, potential and commercial benefits electric power will bring to the market.”

Leading technology, world-class innovation, breadth of range, strong value proposition and peak performance, Reesink e-Vehicles has more choice than ever before. Pop along to stand K078 to find out more.

growth of vegetation and the Coir Sheets help control the growth of unwanted weeds. Coir Logs, also known as Coir Rolls, can be fixed into riverbanks and shorelines, promoting vegetation restoration of wetland environments, while Coir Pallets (Coir Pillows) are used to grow a mix of wetland plants, also while helping to control wind erosion. The Coir Matting, a combination of our netting and coir sheets, can be used for seeding, which can be supplied pre-seeded.

Not only do these products help protect our soil, but you can also benefit from the multiple uses each product has, including slope stabilisation, roadside protection, stream bank stabilisation, landscaping and erosion protection of drainage slopes. These products are also ideal for vegetation of gabions as well as for separation application in rural roads, railways, parking and storage areas.

For more details email: hello@coirproducts.co.uk

Visitors to the stand will also have the opportunity to find out more about the online educational portal for bowls greenkeepers and register their interest for 2022 seminars.

www.dennisuk.com / www.sisis.com

EverEdge | Stand K190m

EverEdge returns to the trade show scene at Saltex offering a fantastic opportunity to show its range of steel landscape edging and steel garden planters.

“As useful as technology has been for us to speak with landscapers over the past 18 months, there is nothing like meeting face to face and giving customers the chance to get their hands on a piece of EverEdge,” says Peter Hughes, Production Manager at EverEdge. This year EverEdge will have a full range of landscape edging products, steel planters and will also be able to discuss their growing custom made offering. The company is in a position to manufacture almost anything in steel from walls to cladding to water features.

The team are looking forward to discussing current and future projects with new and returning customers and seeing how EverEdge will be used in the years to come. enquiries@everedge.co.uk | www.everedge.co.uk

Pellenc | Stand C085

Pellenc, the world’s leading expert in battery-powered tools for maintaining landscapes, will be showcasing two new innovations.

The Excelion V2 Brushcutter is a high powered brush cutter that delivers the equivalent of 70cc of power. It has a rotational speed of 6,600rpm and a cutting diameter of 420mm, ideal for professional

intensive landscaping and forestry work.

Available as a loop handle or cow handle, it comes with a ‘smart’ control allowing the user to select the ‘head’ while in use, so the brushcutter can adjust the power for different types of work, enabling users to complete brush clearing, weeding, mulching, sawing or mowing thick vegetation.

The Airion Backpack blower is a powerful batterypowered backpack with an airflow of 1,280m³/h and a thrust of 24N. Its inclined pivot gives full freedom of movement with the nozzle, allowing manoeuvrability reminiscent of a hand-held blower. Its handle can also be adjusted to the user’s height with all controls are always within easy reach.

The large backlit display on the smart handle provides the user with real-time information including current speed, battery life (as a percentage and in minutes), option currently selected (boost and cruise control) and time worked on the current work site.

Reesink Turfcare | STANDs H075 & M080

Reesink Turfcare is back at SALTEX with two stands. H075 will be dedicated to Toro groundscare machinery, Toro irrigation and Otterbine and on M080 will be TYM tractors.

Debuting for Toro will be the new LT2240 cylinder mower. Replacing the popular CT2240 this model is tougher than its predecessor, but still compact and light enough to enable access to the most confined environments. Joining that is the Groundsmaster 3200 with 24.7hp engine and 62-inch deck, which, for customers looking for an outfront rotary mower, is a must-see.

Representing the technology of the future are the Toro Workman GTXe utility vehicle and Greensmaster eFlex 2120 pedestrian mower, both with advanced lithium-ion battery technology.

There will also be a prize draw on stand for the

chance to win a Toro Greensmaster 800 pedestrian mower, the machine that sets an industry standard for straight line tracking!

Customers will also get the first chance to see one of the newly redesigned and reimagined tractors from TYM. Part of TYM’s major brand overhaul, the 37hp T395 has undergone a transformation in appearance and have a raft of improvements, including Stage V compliant diesel engine. It will be joined by the AgriMetal Blower attachment.

www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk

KAR | Stand E053

KAR UK, a leading wholesaler of irrigation equipment in the UK, is an intergral distributor of Hunter equipment, which will be on show this year.

Featured will be the TTS-885 rotor which belongs to the Hunter TTS-800 portfolio. The high-torque gear drives are the strongest in the industry, so the challenges of reclaimed water use, or poor water quality are mitigated. It also benefits from Hunter’s patented TTS (Total-Top-Service) technology, which allows for every serviceable element of the rotor to be accessed through the top.

Engineered for sports turf, the I-80 is also on show. Built with a robust, dirt-tolerant gear drive it offers the highest torque output of any rotor in the commercial sphere, and extends a radius range from 11.3 to 29.6m. The I-80 features a wide range of highly efficient, dual-trajectory, wind-fighting nozzles for highly efficient

INFINICUT® | Stand H070

This year INFINICUT® brings updates to a number of their machines and accessories.

The SM34 Rotary Mower will be showcased complete with manual height adjustment lever for the quick and simple raising and lowering of the rotary deck.

The iconic cylinder mower range will also be on show. With all Mk6 models of INFINICUT® offering wireless connectivity and operation via the INFINIApp, not only have the machines been updated but the software has too!

Also for the first time will be the brand new INFINICUT® adaptation kit which transforms a JD 2500 triplex into a highly productive,

ICL | Stand C090

A particular focus on the ICL stand will be the newly launched Ranger Pro, a new professional

performance in a range of applications. It also provides TTS via its integrated, surface-mounted snap-ring for no-dig easy maintenance.

Look out too for the Hunter's ACC2 controller. At its core, the ACC2 has a powerful transformer, allowing it to safely run up to 14 valves simultaneously, bringing maximum efficiency to large watering schedules. The ACC2 can be configured for any commercial project, from 12 to 54 stations, with up to six flow metre inputs, and up to six pump/master valve outputs.

www.karuk.com

lightweight 85” dedicated sports turf mower. The simpleto-fit system affixes three 30” INFINICUT® cutting reels and large capacity grass boxes to an existing JD power unit with zero fabrication/hole drilling or other modification required to the original traction unit. In addition, a selection of maintenance cassettes from the TMSystem™ range, including the renowned ATT UltraGroomer™, are also compatible with the new set-up. Already making an impression at a number of Premier League facilities, the INFINICUT® 85” is ideally suited to training facilities and to those venues looking for a solution which combines reliability, efficiency and classleading cut quality.

www.infinicut.com

biocide for use on external hard surfaces, including roofs, driveways, patios, pavements, concrete, around buildings and on artificial sports surfaces. Furthermore, it can be used as an artificial pitch disinfectant.

Ranger Pro has been proven to be 99.9% effective against: Bacteria (EN 1276; Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus hirae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli), Yeasts (EN 1650; Candida albicans) and Viruses (EN 14476 Vaccinia virus - all enveloped viruses including coronaviruses such as Covid 19).

The improved formulation contains wetters and spreaders to help improve surface coverage, for a quicker and more effective penetration into algae lichen and broader spectrum biocidal qualities. This ensures effective and efficient treatment.

www.icl-sf.co.uk

The INFINIApp

ICL team ready to showcase new Ranger Pro at SALTEX 2021.

Two-wire controller from Rain Bird

No barriers to investment in ESP-LXIVM real time proactive irrigation controller from Rain Bird

Rain Bird's ESP- LXIVM is the company’s newest two wire irrigation controller with smart valve technology that features a Solenoid module (IVM-SOL), which remains in continuous two way proactive contact with the controller. This provides real-time, highly efficient irrigation with immediate diagnostic feedback to identify problems quickly, simplify troubleshooting, automatically restart irrigation without manual intervention and shut off valves to avoid leaks in the event of power failure. The availability of this unique solenoid technology, now at a highly competitive price thanks to manufacturing efficiencies, means that those involved in landscape and sports turf irrigation management can invest without compromise in Rain Bird's most advanced best in class controller that offers significant advantages over other controllers in terms of stations, programming and diagnostics.

The overall capability of ESP-LXIVM is reflected in the 240 station capability of the large scale Pro version, comparing favourably with many other controllers that are

limited to a 200 stations or less and with significantly lower programming capacity. Up to 40 irrigation programs can be set, with each program offering up to 8 start times per day across 10 flow zones, making it an ideal solution for sports grounds and similar installations where a range of irrigation regimes are required to provide exactly the right training surface. The low power usage of the IVM Solenoids mean that 16 stations can be operated simultaneously.

Even the Standard version of ESP-LXIVM can offer 60 stations as standard and 10 independent programs for less intricate training requirements as well as for medium size real-time irrigation control applications in areas such as landscaped housing developments and gardens, parks, schools and commercial sites.

Wireless communication with a network communication cartridge means that the ESP- LXIVM can be used with Rain Bird's IQ4 central control browser based irrigation management system. This gives the user remote internet control from a smartphone, tablet or desktop PC. The controller's IVM-SEN interface allows real-time flow sensing and management tools to be used, including Rain Bird's FloWatch and FlowManager, to guard against high or low flow conditions. Interface with a weather sensor will also promote water conservation through a reduction in total watering times.

The IVM-SOL Solenoids that are used in the irrigation valves eliminate the need for a decoder and result in 50% fewer connectors required in the field, simpler installation and lower maintenance requirements. The display panel has a simple user interface with a large backlit screen, an easy to operate programming dial and additional buttons for extra functions. In conjunction with the real-time diagnostics feature, users can access historical electrical data and other operational information through the screen and react quickly to any potential problems in the field.

Water garden wins KAR UK award

For the second successive year, Water Garden UK has won the KAR UK Top Sales Award after its impressive distribution of Kasco Marine products.

Water Garden UK, a leading supplier of high-quality water gardening products, is a family-run business based in Portsmouth, Hampshire. They successfully market and sell the established brand of Kasco products which includes lake aeration equipment and decorative fountain technology – all supplied to them by KAR UK.

As importers of the Kasco brand, KAR UK has seen a huge increase, year-on-year, in the demand for the products. It is a side of the business which is rapidly growing, with KAR UK recently awarded Kasco’s European Distributor of the Year 2020 which follows the 2019 Top Sales Growth Award.

Commenting on the award, Roger Lupton, Regional Sales Manager for KAR UK, says “This award is another phenomenal achievement for Water Garden UK who continue to go above and beyond in actively promoting the Kasco brand.

“From all at KAR UK we would like to say a huge congratulations to the whole team. We have been

working very closely with Water Garden UK for several years now and it has been a pleasure. I look forward to continued success with them in the future.”

The team at Water Garden UK wins KAR UK top sales award

Off road adventure

George Barrows is impressed with the Iveco Daily 4 x 4

Driving an Iveco Daily

4x4 over some seriously challenging off-road obstacles recently, I asked myself, “can you really transport a tree in a van?” Moments earlier I’d been talking to a tree surgeon, before taking to the wheel of a 7-tonne panel van that is possibly one of the most accomplished off-roaders of its kind. Off-road vans of this size aren’t that common, but there’s an option box for everything these days and that is definitely true of the Iveco Daily 4x4, which is available as either an all-road model or an off-road version.

While the Daily ascended some really steep inclines and effortlessly held control on its way down, I was thinking that my tree surgeon friend probably uses his van for more than just transporting enormous tree stumps around. There’s invariably need to fit in some heavy equipment and fellow passengers,too. The Daily 4x4 can accommodate all, as it's available as a chassis cab as well as a van so perfect for moving tonnes of aggregate in as a tipper or even a mini-digger on the platform chassis.

The Daily I was driving has a 16m3 loadspace – more than enough for a few bits of firewood – but it can have any number of the regular Iveco body combinations from 9m3 to 18m3. There are three wheelbase lengths, three heights and three gross vehicle weights for chassis cabs at 3.5-, 5- or 7-tonnes or just the two heavier weights as a van. The payload is up to 3,325kg as a van or 4,267kg as a chassis cab as well.

The Daily has one particularly impressive party piece in that it can go through water up to 650 mm deep thanks to a trick-switch that disables the engine cooling fan stopping water getting drawn in.

Another stand-out feature of this Iveco Daily is the Hi-Matic gearbox. The vast majority of pick-up trucks

The Hi-Matic, although not specifically designed for such a task as it is a spin-off of the gearbox used in fast Maseratis, copes equally well at selecting the right gear while off-road. We drove the Daily up and over some pretty challenging terrain, and while the ground was dry enough to not warrant any use of the differentials, the gearbox was unflappable at restarting on a tricky loose surface incline and equally adept at pulling through the ratios on-demand on a fast dusty tracks or normal road. There’s a low-ratio tortoise button on the dash for the really tricky stuff, as well as huge wheel articulation from the suspension, but our experience even with standard Continental Vanco tyres was enough to suggest the Daily could comfortable out perform any pick-up truck and is aided further by its short front overhang (providing the rear doesn’t bottom out). The suspension is comfortable on any surface and an air-sprung driver’s seat finesses the ride further still. It would be ideal for a quarries, great for builders and ideal for landscapers who need to venture far off-road with a lot of equipment.

Don’t be rushing out to buy one just yet, though, as this particular van is already out of date. It’s based on the 2019 model van, but Iveco has recently updated the Daily with refreshed looks, a new Euro-6d-Final engine that is said to be 6% better on fuel, fancy memory foam seats and an Amazon Alexa – no really! Orders for the 2022 version will start in November and while the 4x4 version might be some way behind, unless you’re desperate for the Daily 4x4’s impressive off-roading abilities the new model with its increased desirability and therefore better residuals will be worth the wait.

these days are equipped with automatic transmissions and with good reason as when it comes to off-roading they are effortless in their abilities.

Bring on the shows!

It's good to be back says Paula Warman as she gets excited at the prospect of meeting colleagues and making new acquaintances at trade events this autumn

It’s been two years since The Landscaper’s Circle (TLC) has exhibited at a trade show, and we are excited to be back! Our experience with trade shows is vast; from attending Futurescape every year as landscapers, to exhibiting at The Landscape Show and Futurescape as TLC. We feel the return of faceto-face events will make for a jam-packed final few months of the year.

We have all had our fill with Zoom it feels and getting back to in person events feels so much more special. For these shows, I hope that everyone can:

• Start new relationships with suppliers and industry associations

• Build on existing relationships with businesses in the industry

• Meet fellow horticultural and landscaping business owners

• Collaborate on new ideas and projects

• See new and exciting products

• Attend awesome and informative speaker sessions, taking action when you are back in the office.

But most importantly, have fun!

Networking is integral to any business’ success. Whether you are just starting out or developing your existing business, trade shows offer a fantastic opportunity for you and your business. I regularly catch up with friends and acquaintances made in the many years of being in the industry and you never know what opportunities may arise over a chat and a coffee.

For myself networking as TLC, going to these events provides a great opportunity to meet our TLC members and welcome others into our community. In fact, we are already planning meetups with our members for the shows.

Did you know enrolment is now open? You can find out more information at https://www.thelandscaperscircle.co.uk/join

But what does being a TLC member look like? You get instant access to:

• 25+ video tutorials showing you how to develop your business and improve your marketing.

• Over 75 customisable templates to save you time in your business.

• Access to our tribe – interact with fellow members, ask questions, and collaborate.

• Support – 1:1 calls, group coaching and more. We’re here to help set goals, support you on your journey and keep you accountable.

Plus, as a thanks for being a part of The Landscaper Magazine community, you get £10 off your first month using LANDSCAPER10 at checkout.

If you are looking to increase enquiries, increase profits and develop your business then you should seriously consider joining us and being part of our TLC tribe.

Let’s finish 2021 in style together!

The Landscaper’s Circle is the only online platform exclusively for business owners in the landscaping industry to learn how to market and run their business better. Become part of the #TLCTribe today for training and support. If you need our help please email at info@thelandscaperscircle.co.uk www.thelandscaperscircle.co.uk

Vistafolia to drive sustainability in sector with University of Surrey

Globally renowned creator and supplier of realistic artificial green walls, Vistafolia, has launched a pioneering collaboration with the University of Surrey to create a new base polymer, the material that their artificial plants are made from, using renewable sources, while maintaining the established safety and design standards of its market-leading product.

Co-funded by Innovate UK, as part of the wider Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme and by Vistafolia as part of their wider investment, this KTP project will see Vistafolia’s own research and development team working with two KTP Associates, Dr Elham Ketabchi and Dr Filip Ambroz, who, with the support of Dr Sadhukhan, Dr Roth and Dr Mohagheghian from the University of Surrey will transfer and embed their existing knowledge in biomass processing and materials science respectively, to enable Vistafolia to become the first and only artificial plant manufacturer to move towards a bio-based polymer.

The naturalistic green wall panels are currently produced to directly replicate the organic movement and texture of living walls, with each bespoke design being curated to fit the individual needs of the space and location, using a selection of shapes and hues to add colour and dimension. The new formulation will also replace the current fire-retardant additive with a more environmentally friendly version that will enhance the new product’s non-toxic and recyclable qualities, while also retaining a high standard of fire retardancy and UV stability.

Vistafolia’s existing product already offers an alternative to living green walls, removing the use of 189 litres of water per year (per sqm of green wall compared to living plants), as well as fertiliser and pesticide usage through its low maintenance solution, and the new product characterisation will build upon this to commit Vistafolia to sustainable future biopolymer, a first in the industry. Bio-based polymers, or biopolymers, are natural materials created using living organism cells, such as biomass, food waste, or used cooking oil, and produce virtually no carbon footprint when compared with petro-carbon resins.

Proposed sustainability properties of the new biopolyethylene product include:

• Saving 70 tonnes of petroleum-based plastic being used in production per year by Vistafolia with the new bio-polymer formulation.

• Net carbon-neutrality when manufacturing Vistafolia’s products with the bio-polyethylene material.

British innovation is a core part of the company’s roots, and the KTP further cements their support

of the sector. The Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme is a UK scheme that brings together academics with businesses to propel industry advancement and create competitive advantages, using researcher knowledge to assist in the development of new products or projects for companies.

Paul Alder, managing director of Vistafolia, says “We are incredibly excited to be working with the University of Surrey on this revolutionary research project, uniting meticulous design with pioneering science to accelerate the creation of a more sustainable product offering for our clients. The UK government has backed this project which is a great achievement for Vistafolia and the university as they are confident that we can produce this new, innovative product. Not only will the project increase our own innovation efforts, but the partnership will strengthen our positioning as a UK-led global business within the competitive artificial plant market. We hope to drive sustainability in the sector and encourage our competitors to focus on sustainability as a key issue while pushing the environmental boundaries in R&D and production.”

Dr Elham Ketabchi, KTP associate, adds: “The opportunity of creating a brand-new biopolymer formula with sustainable and recyclable properties for Vistafolia is a really exciting prospect and one I’m thrilled to be working on. Ensuring the bio-based formulation maintains the high quality of the existing product is a welcome challenge, however I believe my expertise in understanding the standards and methods is well placed to do so, and I’m really looking forward to establishing a new UK research and development base in Vistafolia as well.”

Permeable paving and trees in harmony

The July 2021 National Planning Policy Framework requires that: ‘planning policies and decisions should ensure that new streets are tree-lined…and appropriate measures are in place to secure the long-term maintenance of newly-planted trees.’ Concrete block permeable paving offers a simple solution to these requirements, working in harmony with urban trees.

Urban trees and paving have traditionally been seen as in conflict. But this is not the case with concrete block permeable paving (CBPP), a key multifunctional sustainable drainage (SuDS) technique to reduce flood risk and make cities more liveable. CBPP offers unique opportunities to collect, attenuate and treat rainwater runoff, removing pollutants ready for irrigating trees and other planting. Recent research has demonstrated concrete block permeable paving operating efficiently with minimal maintenance over 20-years amongst extensive tree planting, without root disruption or other issues.

Local planning authorities now need to incorporate long-term sustenance and maintenance measures for trees in planning consents. Concrete block permeable paving provides a straightforward spatial solution –rather than complex legal obligations on developers

– with a gradual supply of clean water to irrigate green infrastructure, integrated with SuDS, hard surfaces and urban design.

Retrofitting CBPP as a low-intervention overlay to existing road bases or other hard surfaces is an important innovation for regeneration. The permeable paving collects water across a wide area for supply horizontally into raingardens or bioretention areas with trees and other green infrastructure. Here it is stored for irrigation and biodiversity, while also delivering SuDS.

This approach is exemplified in the regeneration of Bridget Joyce Square, London. Recent inspection, around 5 years after completion, revealed that trees and other green infrastructure were healthy, substantial and particularly well-established, with the permeable paving working effectively.

Interpave would be pleased to hear from anyone considering integration of permeable paving and trees on developments to meet the new requirements (email: chris.hodson@paving.org.uk). For project case studies and guidance on all aspects of permeable paving and SuDS visit: www.paving.org.uk

Labour shortage looms warns the HTA

The Seasonal Workers Pilot, which allows for the recruitment of a limited number of migrants for seasonal work, should be extended in the short term to the ornamental sector to help with labour shortages says the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA). This statement is following the findings from a meeting of the HTA's grower group, the Ornamental Management Committee. If not, the lack of workers is likely to result in increased prices, trees being left in the ground and plants not being processed.

At the meeting, members shared their experiences of struggling to recruit seasonal workers. Agency staff being deployed to other sectors, a low take up and retention of roles that are advertised locally and being based in rural areas a recruitment challenge, were familiar stories.

Increased wages have been introduced by growers to help recruitment, but there is a concern of wage inflation impacting businesses. Committee members said that they want to recruit more as their businesses are expanding, with gardening continuing to be a growth sector, but it’s key to get the labour into the businesses to help meet this demand.

With the furlough scheme finishing last week, this may increase the number of people interested in seeking work with the sector. One member also reported launching an 18-strong apprenticeship scheme and a workplace academy, which will help them address issues of developing a future full-time workforce.

During the meeting members also called for the government to work with the industry on a more selfregulatory, more collaborative approach to plant import inspections and checks to help develop enhanced biosecure supply chains for cross-border trade. This will reduce the increasing bureaucratic and cost burden being placed on UK horticulture businesses. The HTA

will propose this solution in its response to the recently published government Plant Health Strategy.

There was scepticism that the proposed Border Control Posts from July 2022 for post-Brexit trade would be ‘fit for purpose’. Struggles with importing key crop protection products was also raised as an issue frustrating growers as they seek to maintain health plants. A cross-trade body approach to government was approved.

Sustainability was also on the agenda, with the HTA agreeing to highlight to the Environment Agency the importance of water abstraction to the industry, alongside continuing their Roadmap plans to improve water efficiency. Members also endorsed continuing collaboration between the HTA and NFU to highlight growers’ needs on exemptions for certain plants and facilitating knowledge exchange between growers in adapting to peat reduced mixes.

Jonathan Whittemore, Vice-Chair of the OMC, who chaired the meeting, says: “We’re a ‘green economy’ sector in growth, providing the very products that help tackle climate change and achieve Net Zero. Growers have always focused on recruiting locally, providing meaningful work to many. However, given the seasonal nature of our industry we need a more flexible approach from government.

“We’re asking for an extension of the Seasonal Workers Pilot to help bridge the current shortfall. It shows a lack of knowledge of horticulture to put an arbitrary divide between edibles and ornamentals through the Seasonal Workers Pilot scope. We want to work collaboratively with the government in how to develop a future-facing workforce, but a level of recognition of the industry’s immediate needs is crucial if we’re to progress and grow.”

HTA’s grower committee calls for action on labour shortages and post-Brexit trade controls

Updates from Kubota

Kubota has updated its renowned F series front mowers, with the F391 offering a host of new features to further increase its performance and productivity. It joins the F251 introduced earlier in the year, with this duo of tough, powerful ride-on mowers providing the ideal solution for commercial mowing.

Powered by the latest 38hp Kubota Stage V engine, the F391 is designed to give the ultimate in output, operator comfort and practicality, continuing and enhancing the F series’ position as a good option for professionals working in parks, open spaces and in local authorities.

Meeting the latest emission control standards, the four-cylinder Kubota diesel engine provides power offering a 61 litre fuel tank giving long intervals between fill-ups.

Drive is via a two-range hydrostatic transmission with on-demand four-wheel drive to enhance grip in wet conditions and on sloping land.

The F391 has a lift capacity of 260kg, enabling the choice of 1.51 or 1.82m (60 or 72in) side or rear discharge deck, with optional mulch kit, for outstanding workrates. Mower deck tilt of 90deg makes for easy cleaning and maintenance and is operated via a hydraulic lever with minimal effort. Puncture proof tyres on the deck avoid frustrating downtime in tough conditions.

Deck height is adjustable from 25-129mm simply by slotting a pin at the chosen height on the front caster wheels, for quick adaptation to different tasks and grass surfaces.

With power steering and its out-front deck, the F391 is highly manoeuvrable for mowing around play equipment and street furniture, yet with a travel speed of 19.6kph can cover large areas in the working day.

Operator comfort and convenience has been considered at every stage of the design with a tilting

and adjustable steering wheel, ergonomic controls, new bright dashboard for visibility and a folding ROPS, while the large platform offers easy access. A new one-piece bonnet and removable radiator screen make for easy routine maintenance.

The F391 will be available from Kubota dealers at the end of the year.

Rear discharge to G-series

And this month, the Japanese manufacture will release the new version of its G261 ride-on mower.

The G261 RD is available with a 1.2m (48in) rear discharge rotary deck with optional mulching kit and has a travel speed up to 19kph -the fastest in the industry –giving high outputs in a variety of amenity applications.

Powered by a 25hp Kubota Stage V engine, it has a new hydrostatic transmission with cruise control, offering extra traction and grip, plus a differential lock for ease of operation and confident performance on sloping terrain.

An electromagnetic pto clutch makes for improved transmission of power and smooth engagement of the deck; for further ease of use, independent height of cut control gives mowing height selection from 25-102mm.

The rear discharge deck has been adapted from Kubota’s well-regarded BX compact tractor and thus has a very strong and robust design. Versatility is added with the option of a mulching kit – the G261 RD can handle lush, long grass in rear discharge format, or give a really clean finish on shorter grass, mulching the clippings and returning valuable organic matter to the soil.

Delivering high workrates yet capable of accessing restricted sites such as play areas and gardens via a 4ft gate, the G261 RD is an ideal mowing solution for businesses needing a versatile, capable ride-on mower.

The F391 will be available from Kubota dealers at the end of the year.

The G261 RD is an ideal mowing solution for accessing restricted sites.

Dunblane New replaces the old

Commanding panoramic views across the Southern Highlands in Scotland, Dunblane New Golf Club’s course is located in the centre of the cathedral city of Dunblane.

The 'New' name is because until 1922 golf was played on a small nine-hole course adjoining the River Allan on what is now a public park. History states that play started on the new course in April 1923, after a horse, cart and harness with a roller box and two mowers were bought and Mr J C Ross was appointed as greenkeeper at £3 10s a week.

Almost 100 years on, course manager Wes Saunders has updated his machinery and taken delivery of 11 new machines from local dealer Double A – the club’s first John Deere fleet deal.

The latest fleet comprises two 2750E triplex and three 220E walk-behind hybrid electric greens mowers, two 7700A PrecisionCut fairway mowers, 9009A and 7400A utility TerrainCut rotary mowers, plus a Tru-Turf RB70 greens roller and a Campey Turf Care Air2g2 air injection machine.

These were bought using a tailored John Deere Financial agreement with six-year PowerGard Protection plans for full maintenance and servicing, allowing the club to have a fixed machinery budget with no extra costs.

Wes Saunders, who has 27 years’ experience working on golf courses across the world says of the new purchases, “I first put a proposal to the club two years ago to update the equipment fleet, but the timing wasn’t quite right for the finance so the idea was postponed for a year.

“The board then agreed what we could spend on a monthly basis and we held a competitive tender with the main manufacturers, bringing in various machines for demonstrations and assessment by the greenkeeping team.

“We made the decision based on whether the kit was fit for purpose, our likes and dislikes, serviceability and previous history with the suppliers. We chose John Deere, not just on price – although that was a prime consideration – but also on the key aspects of quality and reliability of the equipment and, most importantly, the strong relationship with the Double A dealership and their parts and service backup. The terms from John Deere Financial were also very flexible, which enabled us to get what we needed to meet the club’s budget.”

Wes and his team use the 2750E hybrid electric triplex mowers to cut the greens for most of the year, and the 220E walk-behinds for special tournaments when we need a little more refinement in the finish, then these are used on the greens throughout the winter.

“The new A Model mower technology is also proving particularly useful – even though we’re still experimenting a little with its capabilities, the use of the programmable TechControl system to achieve the desired results consistently across the course is proving to be a game-changer.

“Overall I am very pleased with the performance of the new machines. We have quickly seen improvements to the course as well as labour savings with the extra control provided by the new mowers’ advanced technology features.”

Dunblane New Golf Club course manager Wes Saunders (right) with John Deere dealer Double A golf key accounts manager John Bateson and the new course maintenance equipment fleet.

SISGrass switches to Dennis E-Series

Hybrid playing surface provider SISGras is committed to reducing their carbon footprint and in doing so have replaced their fleet of petrol cylinder mowers to the allnew battery-powered E-Series by Dennis Mowers.

Aside from their own innovative technology, SISGrass insists on working with only the most reliable and top performing turf maintenance equipment when building a pitch from start to finish. It is for this reason that SISGrass has relied on Dennis Mowers for several years.

“We originally partnered with Dennis back in 2015,” says Phil Blackwell, Director at SISGrass. “We started out with three Dennis G860 cylinder mowers which accompanied our own machines as we travelled around the world delivering and installing our hybrid systems.

“With the G860 we have been able to finish our installations professionally with - what I believe to beone of the best mowers on the market.”

SISGrass soon increased their fleet of mowers to seven Dennis G860’s, and when the company decided to further embrace sustainable and green principles, there was only going to be one replacement mower according to Phil.

“Over the past few years as SISGrass has developed and progressed, we have strived to reduce the reliability on hydraulics and engines – and the move to electric power is now the next step,” he continues.

“We were aware of the new Dennis E-Series and had

many discussions with Toby Clarke whilst they were in development. Last year we were fortunate to have one on trial for a few days and had great success. The mowers are fantastic to use, and the finish and quality of the machine is second to none.

“We quickly decided to replace all seven Dennis G860’s with their battery-powered alternatives – the ES-860’s.”

Users of the Dennis G860 cylinder mower will no doubt see familiarities in the new ES-860.

This 34” battery powered turf management system delivers maximum versatility and the range of 13 interchangeable cassette options provide a solution to many day-to-day maintenance tasks such as cutting, scarifying, brushing, slitting and verticutting. Furthermore, traditional G860 cassettes will also fit the ES-860, meaning that customers will not have to purchase additional cassettes.

Every mower in the E-Series range features a robust LCD keypad screen which provides the operator with a multitude of information options including speed, clip rate, service checks, lifetime running reports and battery information. With a powerful 48V battery, it takes just 90 minutes for a full battery recharge and turf professionals will not have to worry about range anxiety as a fully charged ES-860 will comfortably last the distance without having to constantly change batteries.

SISGrass switches to Dennis E-Series.

Blown away

As Autumn fast approaches there is an inevitable demand for commercial leaf blowers. While petrol and electric options are still available, professionals are recognising that the power of battery can deliver the same and even exceed petrol performance. As a fossil fuel petrol contributes to polluting emissions, such as carbon dioxide, so landscapers are increasingly aware of how these gas-guzzling models can affect our health and also the environment. Professional gardeners should also consider vibration levels on the tools they use, so that the risk of Hand-arm Vibration (HAV)-related injury is limited.

This painful condition, also known as vibration white finger, can be avoided using low vibration battery powered tools as many operate below the daily 2.5m/s² A(8) Exposure Action Value (EAV) limit.*

EGO Professional EGO’s Professional-X LBX6000 Blower, is a prime example with an EAV of 2.175m/s², significantly lower than the 2.5m/s2 daily action limit enforced by The European Physical Agents Directive.

In addition the LBX6000 Blower has a maximum noise rate of LpA/LwA 80dB(A) / 93dBA(A) making it among the quietest on the market. If that isn’t enough, EGO’s Professional-X Blower also has a generous professional warranty of three years.

Makita UB001G Brushless Blower

Get ready to be blown away by Makita's UB001G brushless blower. It delivers the high output professionals need to tackle more demanding applications with ease. The blower makes light work of high-demand tasks thanks to its brushless motor that means it can deliver high no load speeds (up to 23,000rpm) and in boost mode, it has a maximum blowing force of 17N, which is more than enough to handle larger quantities of garden debris.

For optimal operation, the UB001G features variable speed control that allows users to adjust the output depending on the task. In addition, the cruise control function enables operators to lock the variable speed control trigger at the desired output level. Constant speed control also works to maintain output and maximise efficiency. It is lightweight, compact, and has been designed so that it is resistant to water splashes, which is ideal for those working outside in unpredictable weather.

Cobra LB45024V

For a blower that’s practical in design and powerful in performance, Cobra’s LB45024V offers the ideal solution. In addition to a 24V Lithium-ion battery, the LB45024V boasts a 300W motor, delivering the power

Jana Silver is swept off her feet checking out some of the current power blowers on the market

Husqvarna 525BX

Husqvarna 525BX is a powerful, well-balanced, handheld blower designed for full-time professional use, which allows demanding tasks to be tackled with ease. Its high-performing X-Torq ® engine, along with its unique fan and housing design, which provides maximum blowing capacity and blowing force when in use, makes light work of clearing debris and leaves. In addition, an adjustable tube length to ensure best ergonomics in demanding areas and around obstacles.

The 525BX also features a Smart Start ®, resulting less resistance in the starter cord and less pulls for easy starting, cruise control for optimum handling, plus a specially designed fan housing which ensures air stream is in line with the handle to ensure excellent maneuverability. And for operators working long shifts, the blower’s Low Vib ® anti-vibration system dampens vibrations from the machine whilst the in-line outlet reduces gyroscopic forces resulting in less arm strain.

developed comfort carrying system. This innovative feature allows the tool to be used in different ways depending on the application; hand-held in confined working areas or suspended in the carrying system for larger-scale cleaning work. This approach is practical, efficient and increases operational comfort.

Thanks to its low-noise operation, the BGA 200 can also be operated without restriction in noise-sensitive areas and can be used without hearing protection. The blowing force has three different settings, which can easily be selected by the user via a selector switch. Furthermore, the user can easily adjust the length of the nozzle to meet different requirements and operating situations with the help of a quick adjustment system.

Avant Vacuum brush

Intended for professional contractors collecting tree leaves in parks and open spaces, the powerful Avant vacuum brush is intended to be used as an attachment to the Avant mini loader. The unit sucks the waste first into the vacuum on the bottom of the collector box and then into the box, compacting everything into a tight package. The mouthpiece on the vacuum is equipped with a 1300 mm wide rotary brush which loosens also more compacted and wet leaves and waste. Brush rotation speed can be easily adjusted.

The collector box is mounted on top of the vacuum unit. It is equipped with large transparent plastic windows so that you can easily monitor how the box is filling up. The box is emptied by opening the lid (powered by a hydraulic cylinder) from Avant’s driver seat and by lifting the boom the collected waste can be tipped into a container, bin or skip.

STHIL BGA 200

The STIHL BGA 200 cordless blower cleans large areas quickly and efficiently. With a blowing force of 21 Newton, STIHL’s BGA 200 cordless blower is the most powerful in the STIHL range and features a high air speed for coping with wet leaves. The BGA 200 is exceptionally easy to handle, thanks to its newly

*Daily exposure to vibration is measured by the formula known as an A(8) value. For hand-arm vibration (HAV), the daily ELV is 5 m/s2 A(8) and the daily EAV is 2.5 m/s2 A(8).

Show stoppers

This year saw the RHS Chelsea Flower Show open its doors for the first time in its history in September. A change of season brought some challenges for the designers, suppliers and construction teams at this year’s event, as they grappled with adapting the planting schemes for the season. Thankfully Autumn brings some beautiful golden hues and for some of the stunning gardens there, medals of that colour too.

Best in show

First time designers Peter Chmiel and Chin-Jung Chen were awarded Best in Show for their Guangzhou China: Guangzhou Garden. The garden received a Gold medal for its design inspired by a philosophy of reconnecting people and nature and highlights the benefits of responsible city planning.

“This is our first time at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and we are absolutely thrilled to have received a Gold Medal, but then to have the super surprise of

winning Best in Show, we are so delighted. It’s been a wonderful experience. Thank you to Guangzhou Government for giving us this opportunity to represent the city,” said the couple.

Of the award winning garden, James Alexander-Sinclair, RHS Chair of Judges commented: “The Guangzhou China: Guangzhou Garden’ is a garden that has real heart and soul to it. The combination of tall airy spaces, babbling waters and layers of cool green plantings cannot fail but to soothe even the most harried soul.”

Best in construction

Best Construction in the Show Garden category went to The Trailfinders’ 50th Anniversary Garden designed by Gold medal winning designer Jonathan Snow and built by Stewart Landscape Construction. The garden is inspired by landscape, plants and culture of the Himalayan foothills and features shelter inspired by its vernacular architecture.

A look at some of the medal winners at this year’s autumnal RHS Chelsea Flower Show

First time designers Peter Chmiel and Chin-Jung Chen awarded Best in Show for their Guangzhou China: Guangzhou Garden.

Credit: RHS / Neil Hepworth

Credit: RHS / Luke MacGregor

Joining the two award winners in the Show Garden category, The M&G Garden and The Yeo Valley Organic Garden also won Gold Medals, with The Florence Nightingale Garden and Bodmin Jail: 60° East receiving Silver.

Sanctuary and Artisan Gardens

In the smaller garden categories Sarah Eberle receives her 12th Gold medal and adds to her award count receiving the ‘Best in Sanctuary Garden’ award for The Bible Society: The Psalm 23 Garden. Sarah builds on her title as the most decorated female designer at RHS Chelsea. The garden, built by Landform Consultants also received the Best Construction award in the Sanctuary and Artisan categories.

The Blue Diamond Team received the Best in Artisan Garden award for The Blue Diamond Forge Garden which features a thatched working forge nestled in a natural woodland setting.

In the Great Pavilion, the jewel in the crown of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, South West in Bloom and Stonebarn Landscapes received Best Exhibit amongst a total of 36 Gold Medals.

Raymond Evison achieved his 31st RHS Gold medal for his Clematis cultivars and was also awarded The President’s Award for the first time in his history at the show.

Plant of the Year was also awarded to Cercis canadensis Eternal Flame ('Nc2016-2') which was up against a shortlist of 18 plants. The unique colouring of the plant is new and changes throughout the growing season with new growth emerging deep red and then turning to burnt orange and golden yellow as the leaves mature.

The Yeo Valley Organic Garden, designed by Tom Massey, won Gold in the Show garden category. Credit: Britt Willoughby Dyer.

Bible Society: The Psalm 23 Garden. Designed by Sarah Eberle. Sponsored by Bible Society. Credit: RHS / Sarah Cuttle

The Trailfinders’ 50th Anniversary Garden. Designed by Jonathan Snow. Credit: RHS / Neil Hepworth