Landscaping Matters Autumn 2023 Edition

LANDSCAPING

ISSUE 4

LEARNING FROM THE MASTER MOWERS

WATER MANAGEMENT

HARD AND SOFT LANDSCAPING

Bring in the pro to make your dreams come true

Horticulture and landscaping were one of those pursuits and industries which came through the pandemic and lockdowns relatively intact, particularly on the residential side.

As Andrew Fisher Tomlin says elsewhere in this issue, people were stuck at home looking out at their gardens and planning how they could make them better. Couple that with the fact that holidays were put on hold for a period and that holiday fund could be diverted to the garden development fund.

People love their gardens and even if they are not “gardeners” do as much as they need to do to ensure they are as they would wish them to be for that summer barbecue, or even that game of football with the grand kids.

But it is our nature not to be fans of the status quo and invariably we are looking to take things to the next level whether that be a decked out area or lavish new rockery, a summer house or water feature.

However, just as very few of us would be capable of designing and building our own homes, not many of us would be able to bring our garden dreams to fruition without calling in a

It can be an expensive business but rather than cut corners employing a professional gardener or landscaper is a sure way to ensure that the pennies you have saved from not heading off to the Caribbean are spent wisely.

Scott MacCallum

Visitor registration now open for Groundsfest

Visitor registration for GroundsFest 2023 is now officially open at groundsfest.com

Taking place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 20 and 21 September, GroundsFest is set to be the annual FREE must-attend event for grounds staff, greenkeepers, landscapers, local authorities, estate managers and contractors.

The two-day event will feature hundreds of brands including some of the biggest names in groundscare. From apprentice to management, GroundsFest will offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the very latest industry trends and innovations, see a wide range of products in action, enhance their education, and participate in hands-on, Lantra approved training sessions.

Attendees can expect features such as:

n Outdoor demonstrations –visitors will get to see machinery in action on large outdoor areas.

n Indoor zones – a variety of exhibitor stands, catering outlets and seminar theatres.

n Retail Area - a wide range of products, tools, clothing, and

accessories at a discounted rate. The largest ever seen at a groundscare event.

n Practical training sessions –Lantra approved hands-on training on a wide range of equipment from qualified instructors.

n Education programme –educational seminars delivered by top speakers and industry experts.

n The Landscaping Zone – an entire hall dedicated to those

chance to win £6,000 of prizes

Organisers of GroundsFest have announced that a range of battery-powered equipment from Etesia and Pellenc worth over £6,000 will be presented to some lucky visitors at the event. To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is register for your free ticket at groundsfest.com

The prizes consist of Etesia and Pellenc pedestrian mowers and Pellenc telescopic and fixed-poled pole saws – all of which are battery-powered and will allow you to work for a full day in an environmentally-friendly way.

There are multiple prizes on offer so there will be more than one winner.

Don’t worry if you have already registered – you will automatically get entered into the free draw, which will be made on day two of the event.

If you are groundsperson at a school, or a football, rugby, cricket, or bowls club; a

greenkeeper or course manager at a golf club; a landscaper, gardener, contractor, estate manager, lawn care technician or from a local authority or a parish council, then GroundsFest is the event for you. n Register for free at groundsfest.com

involved in the planning, design, and construction of outdoor environments in the landscaping sector.

n The Play Zone – an outdoor area for all those involved in the selection, purchase, upkeep, and replacement of children’s play provision.

n Festival – after an actionpacked day, unwind and continue networking with live music and delicious street food.

In addition to the limitless opportunities and event features, Stoneleigh Park has FREE on-site parking and FREE shuttle buses will be available after the festival to take attendees back to their accommodation in Kenilworth, Leamington Spa and Coventry. There will also be a dedicated area for camping, which should be pre-booked in advance prior to arrival. More information on staying in the camping area is available on the GroundsFest website.

Registration is accessible through the GroundsFest website and visitors can simply bring their email confirmation (on a phone or a printed copy to the registration desk) which will be located at the show entrance.

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.

MINI CHAINSAW TACKLES TOUGH GARDEN JOBS

Chainsaws can seem intimidating to use, especially to those of a smaller build, but they are highly effective in tackling some of the bigger cutting tasks in the garden. Now, Greenworks - one of the UK’s leading brands of cordless

gardening and power tools – has released a 24V battery-powered 10cm Brushless Pruning Saw / Mini Chainsaw. It provides an easy-to-handle alternative to large chainsaws and is perfect for safely and effectively cutting small tree limbs and branches, and pruning. The new Greenworks Mini Chainsaw couldn’t be easier to use. It comes with a 10cm bar and chain, measures a compact 43.89 x 8 x 20.8cm, and weighs less than 2kg (about the weight of one standard brick), meaning it can be handled by anyone. Being a battery-powered device, there is no petrol and no cable to get in the way or restrict your movement around the garden. Furthermore, a simple push button is all it takes to get started. Maintenance is also made very straightforward, with

tool-less tensioning of the bar and chain, no carburettor, and no spark plug to clean.

It is not just ease of use that makes the Greenworks Mini Chainsaw an effective garden tool, but also its recommended retail price point of £99.00 (tool only) and its performance. The brushless motor provides double the torque, for more power, longer run-times, quiet operation and extended motor life. Furthermore, the battery is interchangeable with more than 30 Greenworks garden, power, and indoor products. The Greenworks 24V batterypowered 10cm Brushless Pruning Saw / Mini Chainsaw can be purchased direct from www.greenworkstools.co.uk and, for trade customers, from www.handys.co.uk

EGO launches advanced multi-tool and trimmer

EGO Power Plus has further enhanced its range of cordless outdoor power equipment with the launch of a new multi-tool power head.

• Boasting a more powerful motor and carbon fibre shaft for improved productivity

• New Multi-Tool power head compatible with all existing EGO attachments

• New grass trimmer attachment features EGO’s patented PowerloadTM technology.

The PH1420E provides more power and better ergonomics, making it ideal for domestic and professional use. Improvements include an upgraded motor and PCB, ensuring the power head is compatible with current and forthcoming attachments. There is tool-free adjustment of the front handle for greater operator comfort, plus a carbon fibre shaft for added strength and stability.

The multi-tool comes with a fiveyear tool warranty for domestic

use or two-year warranty for professional use. It has two preset speeds with a variable speed trigger, enabling users to easily select the right speed for the task at hand, providing even more versatility when working with EGO multi tool attachments.

Vince Brauns, Group Product Manager at EGO, said: “EGO’s single power unit with a large range of high-tech attachments means you can easily tackle every garden task, from trimming grass and edging lawns to cutting hedges and sawing branches. It can even till soil and sweep the patio.

“Switching between different jobs is simple thanks to the secure tool-free coupling system on every attachment. Combined with EGO’s 56V ARC Lithium™ battery, you have all the power you need without the noise, hassle, or pollution of petrol power.”

Compatible attachments include the new STA1600 Grass Trimmer, featuring EGO’s Rapid Reload head

and PowerloadTM technology for increased productivity. PowerloadTM is the world’s first self-winding trimmer head. Users replace the line by simply threading it through the head eyelets and pushing a button. The STA1600’s 40cm cutting swathe also allows homeowners to tackle all trimming tasks around garden with little effort.

“With the STA1600, users benefit from a tool that overcomes the challenge of loading line, removing hassle and complexity,” added Vince. “This makes trimming and edging a more productive experience.”

EGO is a true pioneer in batterypowered outdoor power equipment. Its batteries are interchangeable across the entire range – and are proven to provide more power and performance than the competition.

The PH1420E Multi-Tool power head is available now with a RRP of £259. The STA1600 Grass Trimmer attachment is also out now and is available at an RRP of £139. n egopowerplus.co.uk

New linetrimmers and brush cutter from Makita

Leading power tool manufacturer Makita has added two new Brushless Linetrimmers (UR014G and UR017G) and the UR013G Brushless Brush Cutter to its range of high performance 40VMax XGT products. Each delivers power and performance comparable to equivalent petrol-powered machines without the noise, environmental or safety considerations in storing and transporting fuel.

The UR013G 40VMax XGT Brushless Brush Cutter is ideal for heavy-duty tasks. It has a 1500watt maximum output, delivering power equivalent to that of a 35cc petrol machine, and features a high torque mode. The UR013G has a variable speed control with a maximum speed of 6700 rpm, a lock-off function and a temporary reverse rotation ‘grass tangle removal’ function. To ensure ease of use, the machine is operated using the intuitive control unit on the right-hand side of the adjustable offset U-shaped handle.

The UR017G 40VMax XGT Brushless Linetrimmer offers a simple, lightweight and easy to use machine with a 600w power equivalent to a 23cc petrol engine. It has three speeds with a maximum of 6500 rpm plus an ADT (Automatic Torque Drive Technology) mode, which adjusts the speed and torque automatically for optimal performance. Like the UR013G, the UR017G also includes the useful grass tangle removal function.

The UR014G 40VMax XGT Brushless Linetrimmer offers the same compact design and loop handle but delivers a high power output of 1500w and a maximum speed of 5700 rpm on a variable speed control. It has a 450mm cutting diameter and a high torque mode making it ideal for the most demanding tasks. The UR014G also features a reverse rotation mode to suit different user requirements as it allows control over the direction in which the grass clippings are

scattered. The grass is scattered to the right and left with clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation respectively. This is useful, for example, when cutting verges or lawns next to a road or driveway.

All three machines include Makita’s high-efficiency brushless motors that minimise wasted energy to extend run-times per battery charge and improve productivity.

The UR013G, UR014G and UR017G also all include safety features such as an anti-restart function, electric break and Active Feedback Sensing Technology (AFT), which shuts the tool down if it detects the rotation speed suddenly slowing.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “The launch of the new 40VMax XGT linetrimmers and brush cutter provide customers with even greater choice when selecting a high performance tool to tackle the most demanding garden and grounds maintenance tasks. These machines deliver the power usually associated with petrol-engines but with all the benefits of cordless.”

The continually expanding XGT portfolio of garden machinery now includes more than 35 products including lawnmowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, blowers and earth augers.

n To find out more about Makita and its range of products visit: www.makitauk.com.

THESE MACHINES DELIVER THE POWER USUALLY ASSOCIATED WITH PETROLENGINES BUT WITH ALL THE BENEFITS OF CORDLESS.

Scott MacCallum caught up with Andrew Fisher Tomlin, an esteemed industry figure for over three decades and horticulture specialist for the London Olympics. These days, he’s sharing his skills with students across the globe

Andrew Fisher Tomlin Hard and soft landscaping

Online teaching around the world

Spend just a little bit of time in the company of Andrew Fisher Tomlin and who knows what topics you might end up discussing.

The engaging co-founder of the London College of Garden Design and co-founder of Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer Garden Designers and Landscapers, has an alert, inquisitive, mind, which means subjects as diverse as teaching methods; how the pandemic and recession have impacted the industry; the mis-use of volunteer labour; charitable support; Brexit and the naughtiest things people get up to in their gardens, might just get an airing.

Those are just some of the topics we covered during a wide-ranging chat, which could easily have continued for much longer. Despite the fact that he had been up since 5am delivering teaching to students at LCGD Melbourne Australia, Andrew was not the one who drew the conversation to a conclusion.

He has been a significant figure

within the industry for well over three decades, having launched Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer with Dan in 1991, and been involved in some of the country’s most prestigious landscaping work. Take this as an example. Andrew was a horticulture specialist for the London Olympics and worked on the first artificial wetlands as part of the project.

“It was phenomenal. The biggest landscaping project in Europe for 150 years and we pulled it off in just seven years. I just look at that and think it was quite cool to be involved. Things like that were brilliant to work on,” said Andrew, speaking from his London study.

Two years ago he stepped back from Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer, selling his share to Dan, but continuing to work for the company.

“I don’t own any of it now. Dan employs me. I’ve got to that age…” he said by way of explanation.

That’s not an indication that Andrew is minded to slow down any. While he is no longer a Director of Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer, his teaching work has expanded significantly in recent years.

“We took about 18 months to get LCGD Melbourne off the ground and launched in 2020, a week before lockdown. It meant a slow start, as in the State of Victoria they had 540 days of continuous lockdown, but we got through the first couple of years and now it’s taken off.

“It is a very different offer to what the Australian market is used to. In the UK we have private colleges offering courses, as well as the state funded ones but in Australia that is quite unusual and there wasn’t anyone offering strictly garden design courses. They tend to have technical colleges and teach in a modular way to fit in with the Australian Government’s requirements on awards. It meant

ANDREW WAS THE HORTICULTURE SPECIALIST FOR THE LONDON OLYMPICS, AND WORKED ON THE FIRST ARTIFICIAL WETLANDS AS PART OF THE PROJECT. “IT WAS PHENOMENAL. THE BIGGEST LANDSCAPING PROJECT IN EUROPE FOR 150 YEARS AND WE PULLED IT OFF IN JUST SEVEN YEARS.”

every college did the same modules.

“My colleague, Brent Reid, in Melbourne, said that he always wished that he could have done his training with us, as we teach in a layered fashion rather than being modular,” explained Andrew.

He had launched a planting design course 10 years ago, following a chat he and Andrew Wilson had about how he was annoyed about having to judge the same things at Chelsea every year.

“Obviously it’s at the end of May so you are going to get similar plants, but the designs were all very similar, because they had been taught how to do it the same way.

“So that year I stopped judging, wrote the course and it has gone from strength to strength ever since with many people attending from all over the world. There is nothing else quite like it for professional level planting design and we have had some really good support from the industry and some amazing people to come and teach on it.

The popularity of the courses, and the fact that they attracted students from all corners of the globe, meant that Andrew and his team were already working on-line and remotely when the pandemic did strike. The rest of us were struggling to become acquainted with on-line platforms like Zoom, Teams and Google Meets.

“About six months before the pandemic struck we started experimenting with doing professional development on-line. We used to do a course which involved 12 two-hour long sessions and we’d do it at Regent’s Park, but we discovered that there was a much bigger potential market because people were telling us that they wanted to do it but couldn’t get to Regent’s Park.

“So we started to experiment and had got our heads around on-line training. We went on Zoom which was very flexible for us,” he explained.

The LCGD courses are now conducted in real time on-line and with our Garden Design Diploma we have people from all over Europe and the west

coast of America taking part.

“They might come over for the final part of the course.”

Another course which has thrived under the new style is Construction Design.

“We had people saying to us that they had done a garden design course but never learned about construction design and while we’d included 10 days on that on our courses we kept being asked for more.”

“So we set up a 24 day course which runs in the autumn. It’s been really successful. In fact, a student of mine who graduated on Friday said that she’d just done this very detailed and complex deck which she’d surveyed and designed and when the contractor quoted for the job he said that it was so well done he’d only dispute her on two millimetres. So the course is working!”

The construction design course is blended learning so the lectures are half on-line and half in Kew Gardens.

“Being able to sit around a table is good, but some students from further away find it harder to come so they can do the whole course on-line. Because we have students in small groups those on-line can still share their work with the others on laptops and tablets. Three years down the line we have got quite good at having these groups and ensuring everyone feels included,” said Andrew.

The success of the LCGD can be measured in the fact that so many former students are now established names in the industry.

“People like Tom Massey and Alexa Ryan-Mills are out there doing really well, while someone told me that at Chelsea this year a quarter of the gardens were designed by our graduates,” said Andrew, who added that Jo Thompson, who had given out the external prizes at the recent Graduation Ceremony had also been trained by himself and Andrew Wilson.

On the current state of the landscaping industry, Andrew can draw on experience which has seen him through around four recessions, with the Pandemic adding to the

THE POPULARITY OF THE COURSES, AND THE FACT THAT THEY ATTRACTED STUDENTS FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE GLOBE, MEANT THAT ANDREW AND HIS TEAM WERE ALREADY WORKING ON-LINE AND REMOTELY WHEN THE PANDEMIC DID STRIKE.

uncertainty in recent times.

“We all wondered what was around the corner with Covid, but horticulture was one of the few things which didn’t get hit badly. Everyone was at home looking at the spaces that they had and how they could improve them so it was great for residential design.

“Public space design, however, was put on hold and it was a different story there. Friends of mine like

Carolyn Willitts, in Manchester, saw lots of projects go on hold. That said, I think we’ve ridden a wave of two or three years which have been good for landscape and design and horticulture. It is

slowing down now and in some ways Brexit still looms and has been dreadful for the country.”

Andrew was working on a garden for the Hampton Court Show when news of the EU vote was confirmed.

WE ALL WONDERED WHAT WAS AROUND THE CORNER WITH COVID, BUT HORTICULTURE WAS ONE OF THE FEW THINGS WHICH DIDN’T GET HIT BADLY. EVERYONE WAS AT HOME LOOKING AT THE SPACES THAT THEY HAD AND HOW THEY COULD IMPROVE THEM SO IT WAS GREAT FOR RESIDENTIAL DESIGN.

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“I can tell you that if you’d told anyone at Hampton Court that you’d voted leave you would probably have been thrown out of the showground.”

Andrew is a Trustee of Perennial and the charity put a lot of things in to support those in the industry at the time of the pandemic.

“A lot of the Government-backed schemes were put in place in terms of income support so our support wasn’t so necessary at the time. However, it meant that the budget put in place then are there now and are really needed during the current times.

“The increase in need within our industry is staggering, and people

TURF

who had been able to keep their heads above water are now not able to do so. For a long time Perennial has supported people by providing school uniforms and feeding children through school holiday time, and the fact that we have to do so is absolutely dreadful. In a modern society we should be ashamed,” said Andrew, who added that Perennial also had budgeting tools and the like on their website to help people navigate through tough times.

On a related point, Andrew is keen to stamp out a practice that has become increasingly prevalent in the industry.

“I see well-known designers using fully trained gardeners as volunteers on their show gardens and them thinking that there is nothing wrong with it. I see the other side of it when those gardeners can’t feed or cloth their kids.

“There is nothing wrong with a community group getting

volunteers to help plant and work on projects but you shouldn’t have people from within the industry expecting other people from within the industry to volunteer.

“When my students want to gain that experience and volunteer I ask the designers and exhibitors to make sure they are looked after. I’ve asked the RHS to produce a code of conduct for volunteers but it has fallen on deaf ears.”

The conversation covered more ground than I have space to fill unfortunately, but it proves that any time spent in the company of Andrew Fisher Tomlin, is time well spent.

What’s that? You wanted to hear about the naughtiest thing people have done in a garden?

He does tease. “There’s a lot of sex, drugs and rock and roll with gardens.”

But, you’ll have to speak directly to Andrew to get the real goss!

to say, say

People with

on the Turf Matters YouTube channel

WHEN MY STUDENTS WANT TO GAIN THAT EXPERIENCE AND VOLUNTEER I ASK THE DESIGNERS AND EXHIBITORS TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE LOOKED AFTER.

STIGA: ‘Swift’ by name, ‘Swift’ FOR nature

With sustainability always at the forefront of their newest machine designs and in recent years STIGA not only seeing an ever expanding and keen interest in garden care, but also a shift to taking care of lawns in an environmentally friendly way. Less noise, no smell, and a much cleaner way of conducting jobs in the garden is high on the agenda of many consumers these days.

INNOVATIVE GARDEN-CARE THROUGH NURTURING NATURE

At the core of STIGA’s values is that of nurturing nature and putting people and the planet first. With innovative technology, the team are at the forefront of the quiet, cleaner, gardening revolution. the brand new ’Swift’ is the first ride on mower with shareable batteries. Because it uses the latest STIGA ePower battery technology, you can say goodbye to fumes, vibrations, and noise… PLUS keep your neighbours happy.

SUPER SAVVY INTERCHANGEABLE BATTERIES WORKING IN SYNCHRO.

Swift is the first collecting lawn rider on in the market with shareable batteries. The three x 48V 5Ah ePower batteries can also power the hand-held tools from the 5, 7 and 9 Series. The ePower system offers longer runtimes and healthier batteries, thanks to its smart energy management that synchro-nises the available charge

in the batteries, avoiding any kind of stress and prolonging their lifetime and performance. Inside or out, the ‘Swift’ really makes the best out of ePower batteries: INSIDE Swift, they give maximum performance and runtime and there is the option to purchase a fourth battery to increase the runtime and cutting range further. OUTSIDE of Swift, they can be used on any STIGA 48V garden tool, including snow throwers.

REDESIGNED CUTTING DECK FOR MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY

The cutting deck equipping the STIGA ‘Swift’ riding tractor has been completely redesigned, both in terms of materials and structure, to further improve the grass collection and energy efficiency of the machine. The deck shape has been designed to improve the airflow whilst the blades rotate and is made from a material mix of polypropylene and shock-absorbing additives that make it not just ro-bust but also lightweight. This makes the collection of grass much more effective, avoiding cuttings falling on the lawn and improves the mower’s energy-efficiency.

SMART CUTTING MODE FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The STIGA Smart cutting mode function is available on the ‘Swift.’ While mowing, you can adjust the blade speed on three different settings, depending on the result you wish to see and

on the conditions of the grass you are taking care of. Available speeds are Standard, Boost and Eco-Mode (which helps improving energy-efficiency).

SWIFT AND NIMBLY DOES IT!

Making complex lawn care simple with exceptional manoeuvrability and compact design, the ‘Swift’ only has a width of 73.5cm wide, which means it manages narrow gaps and gateways with ease. Its tight outer turning radius gets close to obstacles, while the short wheelbase nimbly steers around them to avoid damaging the machine. Mowing the lawn soon becomes a breeze as this superbly de-signed mower can cruise through narrow gaps and around awkward flower beds to make any garden neat and tidy in no time. The STIGA One Pedal Drive system, means that you just need one pedal to manage STIGA electric tractor mowers: acceleration and deceleration run smoothly, effortless, and the parking brake is included!

Battery power is at the cutting edge of lawn and garden care and STIGA has proved once again that they are at the forefront of this innovative cordless technology. For a cleaner, quieter, and kinder way of offering your lawn and garden some love, ePower is the way to go!

Cut smart, Cut Strong, Cut Sustainably ...with STIGA ‘Swift’! n You can read more information about STIGA and its products on the website. Go to www.stiga.com/uk

Agrovista Amenity launches new seed brochure

Agrovista Amenity, a leading supplier of professional products and specialist advice, has launched its new seed brochure for 2023/24.

The new brochure features an extensive list of Agrovista Amenity’s seed offerings, including a comprehensive range of grass and wildflower mixtures.

Many turf professionals have benefitted from using the CleenCut and TechniTurf ranges of grass seed which have been specifically selected to maximise the strengths of different cultivars and species. Readers of the brochure can discover how the CleenCut range offers mixtures at a competitive price, whilst using quality STRI listed cultivars and how every mixture in the TechniTurf range is coated with the innovative GroMax technology to maximise plant development.

The brochure will also be an opportunity to find out more about Agrovista Amenity’s wildflower meadow mixtures, the Pro Flora range, and the Colour Boost portfolio.

The wildflower meadow mixtures are designed to mimic some of the flower rich, semi-natural habitats that exist in the UK and are vital resources for wildlife; the Pro Flora range add colour, biodiversity and

interest to many landscaping projects and are particularly suitable on golf courses, whilst the Colour Boost range has been designed for maximum floral impact, incorporating both wildflower and garden flowering species.

The new seed brochure comes complete with advice on how to get the best results from the products, including recommended period of use, directions for use and application rates.

Commenting on the launch of the brochure, John Marland, Agrovista Amenity’s Head of Amenity, said: “The aim of the seed brochure is not just to provide a list of seed mixtures, it should also offer support and guidance to help make clear and informed choices.

“Our grass seed mixtures have been carefully selected to maximise the combined strength of different

ICL ANNOUNCES ITS NEW WEBSITE

ICL has announced the launch of its new website at www. icl-growingsolutions.uk.

The new look website serves as a comprehensive resource for detailed information on the wide range of ICL products including important technical data and application information.

What sets the website apart is the introduction of the new Knowledge Hub. This interactive section of the website hosts a

wealth of resources covering a broad range of topics, from detailed articles and videos on golf course and sports pitch management to in-depth information on disease control, industry regulations and much more.

ICL’s new website is live now. Visitors are invited to explore the extensive product pages and delve into the unique content available. n For more information, please visit www.icl-growingsolutions.uk

and species.

Tolerant of the stresses associated with their intended use whilst maximising turf quality. Agrovista Amenity partners with some of the largest breeders and producers of seed in the UK and Europe, also calling upon the expertise from our colleagues in the Agrovista Seeds business to offer you a professional seed mixture range.” n For more information, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

Tips for sustainable gardening

The Burpee Europe team breed varieties of vegetables and fruit which offer the best in taste and disease resistance, and blooms of outstanding ornamental value. But how far do these factors assist the home gardener when looking at frugal and sustainable gardening?

MAKE LIFE EASIER - STARTING FROM SEED

When choosing seeds for next year, take stock of any problems you have had this year, for example with blight or other diseases. Many of Burpee Europe’s tomatoes now are bred specifically with blight resistance in mind. This in turn offers a way of growing your toms outside, leaving room for other types of veggies able to utilise a cold greenhouse.

The brand new Tomato ‘Toddler’ offers crack-resistant fruit that are super tasty with Brix levels of around 10% and a pleasing acid tang. The strong disease resistance package will help provide trouble-

free production all season long.

BLOOMS TO ATTRACT POLLINATORS AND SAVE ON CUT FLOWERS

Flower varieties such as Zinnia ‘Forecast’ and the brand new Sunflower ‘Desire Red’ and Sunflower ‘Sunray’, are not only attractive to bees and butterflies, but look exceptional in pots or in cut flower displays for the home. Pollinators also love Sunflower ‘Tiger Eye’, Verbascum ‘Snowy Spires’ and Echinacea ‘Sun Dress’. And don’t forget that veggies such as cucumbers, squash, courgettes, tomatoes and peppers are all loved by bees and butterflies too, as are many herbs.

GET TWO FOR ONE WITH AN EXTENDED SEASON

A frugal tip is to look for varieties which offer extra bang for your buck. And an example would be Basil ‘Batik’ which has significant cold tolerance, meaning that it flowers late in the season. This offers not

only an attractive ornamental plant for an autumn showing, but also an extended harvest of aromatic leaves ready to flavour soups, salads, curries and even ice cream.

Tasty and pretty greens such as Swiss Chard ‘Red Magic’ or ‘Fordhook Giant’ are the perfect cut and come again solution throughout most of the year! The more you harvest the more will grow, providing a constant stream of delicious leaves right on your doorstep. Picked young and tender, the stems and glossy leaves enliven green salads. When mature these varieties are so versatile that they can be steamed, sautéed or baked. There are plenty of ways to save whilst you sow and grow, and at the same time offering pollinators as much help as possible!

Burpee Europe do not sell direct to the consumer, but their seeds are sold via top UK seed companies. Details of these on request from rabbitattackpr@ gmail.com or 07895184395.

why landscape contractors love landscape, the industry trade show

Across the UK and beyond, landscape contractors value LANDSCAPE as the most important trade show event of the year. Providing visitors the opportunity to source products, network, share

knowledge and learn about new developments in the industry, LANDSCAPE is proud to have over 10 years of experience. Alongside the exhibition, LANDSCAPE hosts over 40 CPD accredited seminars, including multiple talks from valued associations such as BALI and APL. The seminar timetable also features specialist How-to Theatres such as ‘The Landscaper’s Coach Theatre’ which boasts four fantastic sessions from Paula Warman and other panellists. Topics include: “How to: Specify for Success - Mastering Product Selection for Your Landscaping Business”, “How To: Grow Your Online Presence: Harnessing the Power of Social Media for Your Landscaping Business”, “How To: From Leads to Landscapes: Mastering Lead Generation for Your Business”, and “How To: Set the Groundwork for Success: Building a Thriving Landscaping Business”. Another exciting feature at

LANDSCAPE 2023 will be the SGD Soirée, designed for you to mingle with like-minded professionals and make meaningful connections. Not only for garden designers, the Soirée will also provide the opportunity to exhibitors, suppliers and contractors to make new contacts, making this evening of food, music and fun not one to miss!

LANDSCAPE is now held at the NEC, Birmingham, to make it easily accessible wherever you’re travelling from. Alongside this central position, LANDSCAPE makes sure to connect with a wide range of national and international associations representing the landscaping industry. Now with nearly 100 media and trade association partners globally, LANDSCAPE is the place to network, learn and be inspired.

LANDSCAPE is excited to return to the NEC in Birmingham on the 27th & 28th of September 2023 for another great show. See you there! n Further details are available at www.landscapeshow.co.uk

coir: dedicated to the environment

At CoirProducts.co.uk (of Salike Limited), sustainability lies at the core of our business philosophy. We strive to make a positive impact through the products we offer and the way we conduct our operations. With a purpose-driven approach, we are mindful of the decisions we make, consistently taking significant steps to minimise our environmental impact.

As part of these efforts, our company, Salike Limited, achieved a significant milestone by attaining carbon neutrality, having been recognised for demonstrating our commitment to environmental

responsibility by complying with the requirements of ISO 140641:2018. As such, we have been verified in accordance with the specifications of ISO 14064-3:2019 for our organisation-level GHG statement. With our products manufactured in Sri Lanka, which is where the raw material is available, we offset our carbon footprint, following the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) processes. With coir being a natural, biodegradable, and organic resource, such measures help us bring a truly trusted and sustainable

product to the UK market. Coir is rapidly gaining popularity as an environmentally-friendly alternative to peat-based products, particularly in horticulture. These efforts, however, are not new for us; they reflect our broader commitments to both people and the planet. Our coir products are proudly vegan-certified, ensuring they are cruelty-free and meet the stringent criteria set by The Vegan Society. As a member of the Organisation for Responsible Businesses we demonstrate our dedication to social and environmental considerations.

MM grass seed is a winner for Worcester

Worcester College, one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford, is benefiting from using a range of MM grass seed.

Founded in 1714, Worcester College is steeped in history and continues to educate and house around 600 students. The College’s 26 acres of stunning grounds feature plenty of lawns alongside a lake, an orchard, and sports fields.

Simon Bagnall, Head of Gardens and Grounds, has been working at the College for 19 years, and has been using the MM brand of grass seed throughout his whole tenure.

“I have been using it for as long as I can remember because of the quality of the seed - it is reliable, it performs and it has never let us down,” he said.

MM is one of the most respected brands in the UK amenity industry, with over 40 years of experience and knowledge. The extensive product portfolio is second to none with performance proven mixtures that are used at many leading venues in the UK and Europe.

There are two mixtures within the MM portfolio that Simon and his team rely on, as he explains.

“We use MM50 and MM21 across all our sports fields and utility lawns. We normally oversow with the mixtures during our renovation period and then will apply them through the year if we need to do any repairs.

“Another benefit of using these MM seed mixtures is the speed with which they germinate. We have quite a short window

between renovations and when the students come back so to be able to get some grass growing quickly is a huge bonus for us.”

MM50 is one of the UK’s biggest selling grass mixtures. The hardwearing ryegrass mix is very fine leaved, has high shoot density, is tolerant to close mowing down to 4-5mm and produces a great colour all year round. It also has quick recovery from damage and play.

MM21 produces a dense, fine and attractive sward and is a great mix for lawns and landscaping with low ryegrass.

Josh Hall, Deputy Head of Gardens and Grounds, further explained how the team uses the MM mixtures.

“We use MM21 on the main lawn because it is shaded by mature trees and there is a lack of light. The rye and fescue in the mixture work well together to give us good coverage in what could otherwise be a problematic area.

“I will always recommend the MM range of grass seed and I would encourage people to come and have a look at our lawns and pitches so they can see the results for themselves.”

n For further information, please contact MM Sports Seed on 01386 791102 or visit the company’s website www.mm-seeds.co.uk.

High power for high productivity

The Kress Commercial 60V walkbehind lawn mower eliminates any need for petrol, and is the first truly cordless solution for commercial use.

Never get bogged down cutting dense grass again. The brushless motor spins the blade with a monster torque of 9.5 Nm for optimal cutting efficiency.

And with high vacuum levels and spiral tunnel design, bagging and mulching capabilities are on par with commercial petrol-powered walkbehind mowers. Go green without compromising on performance.

The Kress Commercial line of tools for turf care professional and landscapers has been designed from the ground up to withstand the unprecedented power delivered by the 8-Minute CyberPack batteries.

Powered by a 1.6kW motor, the

KC711.9 delivers 9.5Nm torque easily rivalling petrol machines of an equivalent size. The 51cm reinforced steel deck, heavy duty composite wheel, all rubber tyres and sealed ball bearing construction will provide a long service life.

The mower has an intuitive LED control panel, which is also found on the other machines in the Commercial range. This makes varying the self-propelled speed and turning the machine on and off a simple experience.

The system also features an advanced constant speed control that will vary the cutting speed via both the loading of the grass and in line with the self-propelled speed being used to ensure you maintain a higher working efficiency. The handle itself has an ergonomic

design and all steel construction. The handle has a quick fold mechanism for ease of storage. Our unique spiral bagging tunnel provides increased air flow, forcing clippings to the back of the bag for a more complete bag fill. This provides an additional up to 33% capacity, matching the performance in petrol mowers.

A long reach mulching plug combined with the gator mulching blade transforms this machine into an effective mulcher, along with the continually flat deck to give more precise and even mulching performance. There are 4 types of blades available for this machine to suit all environments from a coastal low lift that can also provide a long run time, a medium lift multi-purpose blade, a high lift blade for bagging, and then a gator-type blade for the most effective mulching performance.

2-point height adjustment ensures professional landscapers can make the required adjustments easily. There is a replaceable front bumper guard to ensure the battery is protected and the mower unharmed when being transported, and the steel wear plate provides side protection from bumps and scrapes. Welcome to the post-petrol era. A game-changer in every way, Kress is leading the charge with a breakthrough innovation in battery-powered technology, built to deliver the performance and power of petrol.

n Learn more: kress.com

Investment in training is investment in machine longevity

One of the greatest investments a customer can make in machinery is to invest in training according to Reesink Turfcare.

And now there’s a new Electric Powered course meaning that no matter the power source, customers can get the best from their machinery.

Quality machinery is one of the biggest investments a club will make and needs to be safeguarded with proper training. A well-trained and attentive operating team will impact on running costs by catching things early and dealing with them at the most cost-effective point.

When it comes to mowers, Reesink offers three relevant training courses: Turfcare Mechanics to include cutting technology, the Safe Use of RideOn Mowers and Reesink’s brand new Electric Powered Training.

Lee Rowbotham, service and training manager at Reesink UK, explains that having well-trained operators and mechanics can make machines go even further in both performance and longevity: “Reesink training provides customers with the confidence to operate and take care of their own machines so that operations can continue to run smoothly no matter what. It’s about investing in people as much as it is the machines themselves, but ultimately the two are always linked.”

With the rapid development of electric and hybrid technology, it’s important that skills and knowledge in those areas progress at an equivalent rate so that technicians and dealers can better serve their customers and the Toro product. Hence the introduction of the new course.

Lee explains: “The Electric Powered Training course covers

calibration and troubleshooting in Toro electric machinery, understanding how the electric system works and how each electrical component fits into the system. It is aimed at end users who currently have electric Toro products in their fleet.”

For diesel and petrol machines, Reesink’s Turfcare Mechanics course aims to instil confidence in troubleshooting, routine servicing and setting cutting units to manufacturers specification and can bring significant savings when it comes to machinery downtime.

Lee says: “It’s surprising how the areas of maintenance that generate service time or bills such as lack of greasing, contaminated fuel or oil and blocked radiators or oil coolers are relatively easily avoided.

“The training Reesink provides

It’s not just in-depth maintenance knowledge that Reesink’s training provides, the Safe Use of Ride-On Mowers course ensures operators are well trained on equipment and find it easy and intuitive to use. This course is ideal for new starters, giving a practical and thorough overview of operating, checking and maintaining ride-on mowing equipment.

Reesink’s training doesn’t stop at mowers; also on offer is Reesink’s Professional Sprayer Operational and Calibration training for Toro sprayers. Course material and assessment are included in the fees, and manufacturer backed certification is provided at the end. Each of Reesink’s courses range from one to two days of training and can be conducted on an individual basis or in small groups.

teaches operators and mechanics how to keep their machines in a constant state of good condition so they can do a better job on the golf course all year round.”

The Turfcare Mechanics course, designed for dedicated workshop mechanics, also covers understanding Fault Codes and Level 1 Hydraulics and Electrics fundamentals to incorporate on board machinery diagnostics, Lee says: “This course allows clubs to take effective care of their groundscare machinery, meaning machines need less time in the workshop and can spend more time on the job.”

“IT’S SURPRISING HOW THE AREAS OF MAINTENANCE THAT GENERATE SERVICE TIME OR BILLS ARE RELATIVELY EASILY AVOIDED.”

Etesia launches new Hydro 100 ride-on model

Etesia UK has announced the launch of the new Hydro 100 MK124 ride-on mower.

The new Etesia Hydro 124 boasts all the features of the popular Hydro 100 but has a larger 124cm cutting deck.

PERFORMANCE

The new Hydro 124 boasts a modern hydrostatic drive transmission with differential lock for better driveability and greater safety. Its 18 HP twin-cylinder Kawasaki engine and its larger 16-litre tank give it more power and range. The cutting deck with rear central ejection combined with two counter-rotating blades, the high clearance bridge and the large box make it an undisputed standard-setter for mowing and collection in all weathers.

Furthermore, it has a large 500-litre grassbox that can be emptied in seconds thanks to its hydraulic pump.

COMFORT

Its ergonomic design, low noise emission and supple new drive give the user the best working conditions for professional applications. All the controls are accessible

without leaving the driving seat. The hydrostatic drive makes gradual movement extremely smooth, and the absence of a turbine considerably reduces the noise emission, for greater user comfort. Also, it is designed to offer maximum safety.

ROBUSTNESS

The 18 HP Kawasaki engine offers unparalleled power and optimum work efficiency. The chassis is fully treated for corrosion protection and

can withstand the effects of the weather in harsh working conditions. The cutting deck is cast in a single piece of one-centimeter-thick aluminium, for extreme strength.

VERSATILITY

The Hydro 124 has a wide range of accessories. All Etesia machines come with a 2-year professional warranty as standard. n For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

toWN council goes electric with ET lander

Sandy Town Council has invested in an eco-friendly ET Lander utility vehicle from Etesia UK, via local dealer RT Machinery, as it takes steps to reduce carbon emissions before 2030.

The vehicle marks an important step in the 'council’s commitment to improving the

environment of Sandy'.

Underlining its commitment to the environment and completing one of the actions within its Environmental Plan, Sandy Town Council has confirmed the purchase from local dealer RT Machinery to replace a diesel truck which was coming to the end of its life.

Following several months of research and a number of successful demonstrations with RT Machinery, the council agreed that the new eco-friendly, efficient and long-range all-electric vehicle would offer a versatile solution for the council’s town and green spaces maintenance.

Town Mayor, Cllr Pettitt said: “With 2030 in mind, I warmly welcome the decision taken by the council.

"This compact, all-electric vehicle with zero CO2 emissions will provide our outdoor team with greater flexibility in the way they work throughout the town, given its compact design and off-road capabilities, most especially in the cemetery, recreation and amenity areas and the Pinnacle and Sand Hills.”

The Etesia ET Lander utility vehicle comes complete with a comprehensive two-year warranty and five-year warranty on batteries.

ISEKI changes the game for Totternhoe FC

John Power, Chairman of Totternhoe FC, claims that the club’s new ISEKI compact tractor has been an “absolute game-changer.”

Totternhoe Football Club, based near Dunstable, Bedfordshire is a strong community club which has enjoyed many successes over the years and several of these have been witnessed by John Power aka ‘Mr Totternhoe’.

“I grew up in Totternhoe, I played all my football here, and I have been the Chairman for over 20 years now,” said John. “Basically, the club needed someone to look after the pitch, so I did it on an interim basis, and I’ve been stuck with the job ever since!”

John explained how he took advantage of funding from the Football Foundation as part of the Pitch Improvement Programme.

“We were very fortunate to gain funding and it has really helped us choose the right seed, fertiliser, and of course, machinery,” he said. “Before the season started, we sent in soil samples and lots of other information for them to make a prognosis and identify what we needed in terms of equipment and machinery. One of the machines the Football Foundation highly recommended was the ISEKI TM3267 compact tractor. I must say this tractor has been an absolute gamechanger.”

The ISEKI TM3267 compact tractor is a versatile 25hp diesel compact tractor with a F8/R8 mechanical or 3-range HST transmission. The ISO-mounted operator’s platform combined with ergonomically positioned controls ensures operator

comfort during extended working periods. The 3-point linkage has a lift capacity of 600kg or 800kg when fitted with the high-capacity lift kit.

It also features, as standard, a rear-PTO, two double acting auxiliary valves, mid-PTO, weight frame and a choice of AG or Turf tyres. The TM3267 is available with an optional front loader. Further benefits include:

• Excellent performance coupled with high efficiency

• ISO mounted operator platform for reduced noise and vibration

• Power: 18.2 kW (24.4hp)

• Choice of standard suspension seat or optional Grammer suspension seat.

“By trade, I’m a long-distance lorry driver so to be honest I don’t know a great deal about lawn mowers,

or tractors, but I can tell you that this is a fantastic bit of kit which absolutely anyone could use.

“We mainly use the cutting deck with the tractor, and it is three times the size of the one we had before,

which was a ride-on mower. The ISEKI TM3267 is easy to manoeuvre, gives a fantastic cut every time, and it does the job three times quicker than the old mower. We also use a roller on it which gives the pitch

a professional looking stripe.

“I like the fact that the tractor it is a fantastic looking bit of kit too, and it does the job with the lifting capacity - it can easily pick up the attachments and lower them down and the turning circle on it is fantastic.”

John purchased his ISEKI tractor through RT Machinery and was full of praise for the service he received.

“Before going ahead with the purchase, I spoke to Scott Reynolds, Area Sales Manager for RT Machinery, and he highly recommended the ISEKI tractor. He then delivered it and then set it all up.

“He even made sure he was available at 5:30pm on a Friday evening when we used it for the first time. He gave us great advice and talked us through everything.

“Ultimately, I would it recommend the ISEKI tractor to any establishment or sports club that needs first-class pitch maintenance.”

Innovative 2-wheel tractors from Koppl

Multi-award-winning German manufacturer Koppl have an exciting range of interchangeable products which are available in the UK from PSD Groundscare.

Designed to revolutionise groundscare by minimising the need for several different machines, the range helps to reduce both storage space and costs.

The smaller Koppl Hydro Compact Easy, with its space saving design, is a flexible and convenient unit for all professional needs and multi-season use.

Available with a wide range of powerful attachments, it offers a solution to even the toughest conditions including,

weed clearing, blowing and snow clearing. It also boasts a range of attachments specifically for synthetic groundscare, including various sweepers and brushes.

Additionally, the larger Compact Light and Compact Comfort models offer strong powerful units designed to withstand the rigours of the professional user with varying solutions for clearance work and mowing including on steep slopes.

For heavy landscaping applications including stone burial, the Luchs Hydro is the ideal solution with its powerful, narrow design which delivers outstanding manoeuvrability and flexibility.

Koppl also continue to develop

their range of E-Power equipment, building on the popular Compact Easy E-Drive power unit with the Compact Comfort E-Drive which offers a powerful power unit for operating a range of landscaping and groundwork attachments. The available solutions include mowers, brushcutters, sweepers and weed removal, all suitable for the rigorous use in the professional market. Benefits of E-Power battery machines include:

• Quieter working environments – for operators and the public

• Reduced hand arm vibrations –helping to safeguard the operator

• Reduced carbon footprint and emissions – kinder to the environment and the operator

• Lower running costs – it’s cheaper to charge up a battery than to buy fuel

• No fuel storage – or purchase of flammable liquids required.

Koppl have been manufacturing since 1896 and produce an extensive range of implement carriers (5.7hp – 23hp) and attachments including sweepers, rotavators and mowers to suit individual specific needs.

FOR HEAVY AND INTENSIVE LANDSCAPING APPLICATIONS, THE LUCHS HYDRO IS THE IDEAL SOLUTION WITH ITS POWERFUL, NARROW DESIGN WHICH DELIVERS OUTSTANDING MANOEUVRABILITY AND FLEXIBILITY.

THE NATIONAL DROUGHT GROUP IS PREPARING FOR THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO OF ANOTHER HOT, DRY SUMMER AND IS URGING WATER COMPANIES AND INDIVIDUALS TO REDUCE LEAKAGE, DECREASE WATER CONSUMPTION AND FIND NEW WAYS OF BEING RESILIENT TO DROUGHT.

In alignment with Water Saving Week, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is urging necessary action on water management grants to increase the industry’s resilience to droughts and encourage more businesses to reduce their reliance on mains water.

The National Drought Group met last month to discuss the critical need to focus on water resource preservation to reduce the risk of drought measures in the future.

A very dry February, followed by an exceptionally wet March and unsettled April, emphasise that businesses cannot rely solely on the weather and preserving water to prevent future drought measures needs to become the priority.

While much of England is in a considerably better position than last year with reservoir capacity across the UK at 94% as of the beginning of April, East Anglia, Devon, and Cornwall remain in drought and face temporary use bans.

The National Drought Group is preparing for the worst-case scenario of another hot, dry summer and is urging water companies and individuals to reduce leakage, decrease water consumption and find new ways of being resilient to drought.

On 4 April, the government published their ‘Plan for Water’, which outlines measures to increase drought resilience and ease water supply pressure.

It aims to take a systematic, local, catchment-based approach, using nature-based solutions and infrastructure investment. This is welcomed by the horticultural industry, which relies on water to flourish.

The HTA is encouraging horticultural businesses to reduce their reliance on mains water through the use of rainwater capture technology.

The current Water Management Grants from Defra are open to horticultural businesses growing or planning to grow

Action needed on water grants to increase resilience to droughts

irrigated food crops, ornamentals, or forestry nurseries.

However, the investment minimum needs to decrease for many members of the HTA to make it viable as these members want to implement reservoirs for selfsufficiency but do not need them at the current specified scale. If the necessary, scale and investment were reduced more businesses could reduce their reliance on the national water supply. The HTA is requesting that water companies and the Environmental Agency provide or support a funding program for horticultural businesses to enhance rainwater capture, construct reservoirs, recapture run-off, and use grey water. This would help reduce

capital costs for these businesses.

The industry fundamentally needs to grow sustainably to meet the government’s tree planting targets, mitigate against climate change, improve local biodiversity, and continue to contribute to human health and wellbeing.

Additionally, the Environmental Improvement Plan sets out the government’s aim to increase the percentage of water storage used by the agriculture and horticulture sectors by 66% by 2050.

However, it is imperative that water companies and the Environment Agency work together to encourage consumers to reduce water use and increase rainwater capture so as to reduce mains reliance.

RHS WISLEY CALLS ON OTTERBINE FOR SUSTAINABLE RAINWATER SOLUTION

RHS Garden Wisley has chosen Otterbine to provide its flagship garden with sustainable irrigation.

Otterbine’s 25HP Polaris Giant Fountain was installed at RHS Garden Wisley in Woking as part of the Royal Horticultural Society’s project to create a new rainwater capture lake, providing great quality irrigation to one of the largest plant collections in the world.

In today’s climate, water can be a scarcity and harvesting rainwater supports the conservation of this vital resource. The water has to be good enough quality to use though which is where Otterbine’s 25HP

Giant Polaris fountain steps in. Matthew Pottage, curator of RHS Garden Wisley, explains:

“The giant fountain is installed in our new lake which is connected to our garden irrigation system. The lake collects winter rainwater for summer irrigation and the Otterbine aerating fountain makes the water good enough to use.”

Otterbine’s fountains have the highest oxygen transfer rates in the industry and the Polaris is the brand’s largest floating fountain. The geyser-like spray of the Polaris throws water droplets into the air where they attach to oxygen molecules that can then be absorbed into the lakewater.

Matthew, who oversaw the aesthetic of the new landscape and horticulture around the lake, explains there were additional reasons for choosing the Otterbine Giant Fountain: “The Wisley is one of the UK’s most visited and best-loved gardens, attracting around a million visitors each year and we wanted to

use the opportunity to create a new atmosphere and beautiful place for visitors to enjoy and relax at Wisley.

“The lake is designed in an ornamental fashion and the fountain’s visual beauty and the fact that it muffles noise disruption from a nearby road helps bring a sense of theatre and peace to the space,” says Matthew.

Another benefit of the Otterbine Polaris Giant fountain is its unique launching system that eliminates the need for cranes during installation in most applications, despite its size. Miles Water Engineering was responsible for the build of the lake and the subsequent fitting of the fountain.

“The whole thing was easy and efficient. We are very grateful for that,” Matthew comments. n To find out more about how the Otterbine range of aerators and fountains can help your lakes and ponds, contact Reesink on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare. co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

THE FACT THAT THE LAKE MUFFLES NOISE DISRUPTION FROM A NEARBY ROAD HELPS BRING A SENSE OF THEATRE AND PEACE TO THE SPACE

Reimagining rainwater in gardeners’ new world

Conversations at RHS Hampton Court

Angus Crichton, Marketing Manager for ACO House&Garden, reflects on seven days of conversation on the ACO Stand at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Festival 2023, where ACO sponsored the RHS Resilient Garden.

‘Engaged Interest’ summarises the response of Festival goers on the ACO Stand at RHS Hampton Court. The stand took visitors on a journey, starting with Gardeners’ New World of Flood and Drought, before moving to rainwater habits from Gardeners’ Old World – put the rain down the drain and the drinking water on the garden (see table). For most Festival goers, Flood and Drought are accepted realities and Old-World habits had to go. Therefore attendees came to the stand seeking solutions to manage rainwater in a world of Flood and Drought. Most had already reimagined their roofs

into catchment areas to channel rainwater for reuse. Some were interested in modular belowground rainwater harvesting systems. Others, cautious of extensive excavation to already landscaped gardens (plus cost), wanted to maximise above-ground rainwater storage, wrestling with trade-offs between storage volume, tank footprint and aesthetics. While storage for reuse predominated, conversation flowed in other directions. The adjoining RHS Resilient Garden demonstrated how “water is an interesting and textual element to add to a garden, bringing light, reflection and sound,” to quote the garden’s designer Tom Massey. A masterstroke by Tom was to feed the garden’s wildlife pond with rainwater from the house roof, showing that rainwater management solutions can be both responsible and enjoyable.

This was echoed in a conversation with Jeremy Hastings, whose company creates impressive Cornish state water features on display at the Festival. Jeremy observed that

larger features required a 200-litres of reservoir beneath, which within a three-week period over summer, would evaporate and need repeated topping up. We discussed how, with a larger reservoir to allow for rain-free periods, these reservoirs could operate on rainwater alone.

Martyn Milner from Kingston Beekeepers (also attending the Festival) shared that bees actually prefer rain to drinkingquality water. These comments suggest reimagining rainwater in landscaping can be taken in many directions: enjoyment; wise use of }

LARGER FEATURES REQUIRED A 200-LITRES OF RESERVOIR BENEATH, WHICH WITHIN A THREE-WEEK PERIOD OVER SUMMER, WOULD EVAPORATE AND NEED REPEATED TOPPING UP.

precious water; reduction in water bills and benefit to pollinators.

Once we have channelled and stored rainwater, it must continue its flow through the property. The section of an ACO StormBrixx with geotextile-covered side panel provoked questions from ‘what is that?’ through ‘isn’t that a soakaway?’ to ‘how and where can I install one?’ The prototype raingarden attachment to an ACO RainDrain B125 channel was more in the ‘what’s that?’ line of questioning. As per current legislation, rainwater from a new or renovated front drive must be dispersed on-site. The RainDrain collects water off the drive (silt is removed with a sump unit) before dispersing it through an end cap via a perforated land drain pipe (covered with geotextile sock) into a hollowed out depression, with planting that is tolerant of sudden flood and drying out. These on-site dispersal solutions, alongside a permeable edge to rainwater ponds, were explored with Festival goers. Some Festival goers shared that their garden is on heavy clay or

was or that the water table beneath is high. Consequently, there was interest in solutions that slowed rainwater’s movement through the property before its release into drains. We profiled how ACO RoofBloxx could create holding tanks for green roofs and rainwater planters, providing a generous storage space that also supports the planting above. The cutaway model of a rainwater or SuDS planter generated particular interest from up-and-coming garden designer Sarah Stiell, who brought fellow designers of the Festival’s Sensory Pocket Gardens to explore this option. There was strong recognition that these slow-and-disperse rainwater solutions enable each of us to combat the sewerage overflows that dominate our headlines.

The ACO Stand at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Festival was a place of rich learning with many conversation partners. ACO House&Garden has much to reflect on as we consider new products that deliver solutions for garden designers, landscapers and their

clients. To explore these ideas more, download a copy of the booklet Reimagining Rainwater in Gardeners’ New World from https:// www.aco.co.uk/water-talk and email me at acrichton@aco.co.uk with the new ACO products you want to use as you reimagine rainwater in your landscaping practice.

n Angus Crichton is Marketing Manager for ACO Home and Garden. Having designed and installed a rainwater harvesting and infiltration system in his own property, he is convinced we need to reimagine rainwater use in domestic properties in the face of climate change.

MUCH TO REFLECT ON AS WE CONSIDER NEW PRODUCTS THAT DELIVER SOLUTIONS FOR GARDEN DESIGNERS, LANDSCAPERS AND THEIR CLIENTS.

Controllers offer cost effective remote management

Rain Bird’s ESP-LXME2 and ESP-LXIVM Series of commercial irrigation controllers can now be used in conjunction with the company’s plug and play LNK2 WiFi module with its local internet, WiFi hotspot and Bluetooth functionality. This upgrade will give users cost-effective flexible remote management of commercial landscape and sports turf irrigation installations through the company’s versatile IOS App for iPhone and iPad. The Android version of the App will follow in the near future. Using a robust connection via the accessory slot, LNK2 WiFi enables the selected controller to be paired with the App to take advantage of many advanced water management features and conservation benefits. These include setting up and scheduling irrigation programs, editing start

times and frequency, employing customised watering schedules for individual zones, setting rain delays based on local weather data, making seasonal irrigation adjustments and watering manually. Typically, the combined power of LNK2 Wi-Fi, and the App provides remote access to the ESP-LXIVM Pro controller with its 240 irrigation station capability and up to 40 different irrigation programs. With the ESP-LXME2, the user can remotely customise capacity between 12 – 48 stations and take advantage of the Pro version’s flow management capabilities. A complementary development enables existing users of the first generation of the ESP-LXME controller to upgrade to the greater functionality of the ESP-LXME2. All that is required is a simple low cost replacement of the original front

panel. Swapping is straightforward and can be undertaken without tools by the user or a contractor. Aside from taking advantage of LNK2 WiFi and the Rain Bird App, there are many other benefits associated with upgrading to ESP-LXME2. It has a large backlit LCD screen and simplified intuitive operation. Users have greater freedom to plan irrigation schedules with irrigation program options increased from 4 to 40. n www.rainbird.eu

Irrigation that works in every sense

Water Irrigation, established in 2012, has seen business grow by 50% during the last four years. www.waterirrigation.co.uk has become the first port of call for homeowners and landscaping professionals looking to purchase the highest quality irrigation and garden watering products at the most competitive prices.

The company was formed exclusively as an e-commerce business, offering a new and different way to buy irrigation products. Having less of the usual overheads, Water Irrigation could set its prices at significantly lower levels and offer real value for money.

“ We work directly with the best manufacturers, cut out the middle man by selling through www. waterirrigation.co.uk.All savings are passed on to the customer,” says Aneira Holmes, who has been

Managing Director since 2018.

Water Irrigation also wanted to offer service levels on a par, or better, than those of traditional sales channels. In 2022 the company launched its online Advice Centre, empowering customers to build irrigation systems that will work for them. It gives the details needed to select the most appropriate technology for any project. The company offer customers, ” Irrigation Systems That Work” on

many different levels. Competitive “amazing value” pricing, a choice of high quality brands (including Rain Bird and the company’s own Hydrosure brand at a lower price point), comprehensive product and installation information, unbiased advice, a technical and commercial customer service team that answers all email queries within four business hours are essential elements and recognised by the company’s Feefo Platinum Service Award Winner rating.

The logistics and order fulfilment service starts at the point of purchase and continues through the fully automated Telford warehouse where some 50,000 packages are processed monthly. The nationwide dedicated courier delivery network has 3000 customer collection points across the UK and door to door deliveries.