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EDITOR'S BLOG

GLORIOUS SUMMER OF COLOUR
Well worth the effort and expense
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

I believe it is important that we retain gardening skills in our public spaces - but we are unfortunately seeing fewer flowering displays due to decimated budgets.

This year there seems to be an overwhelming splash of colour in our towns and villages, from all the flowering plants we maintain as part of our spring and summer displays.

Here in my hometown of Newport, Shropshire, the town centre and surrounding areas are awash with colour from hanging baskets, wildflowers and perennial plantings all looking their best.

For me, it’s well worth the effort and expense to provide these annual flowering displays. It gives the whole town a sense of pride. It also brings many people together and allows people to have a better understanding of plants.

When I was an apprentice gardener with Birmingham City Council, I did my City & Guilds qualifications in plant propagation and nursery practice.

Acquiring the relevant skills to grow and maintain a whole range of trees, shrubs and flowers, it also led to me attaining the chance to work at the Chelsea Flower Show, where Birmingham City Council were to win several Gold and Silver medals.

I believe it is important that we retain these gardening skills in our parks and public open spaces. Unfortunately though, we are seeing fewer spring and summer flowering plantings in our parks due to costs and the fact that parks’ budgets have been decimated for many years now.

It’s my wholehearted belief that providing spring and summer planting displays in parks and public open spaces offers a variety of environmental, social, and economic benefits. These can be:

Environmental benefits: These displays enhance biodiversity by providing habitats and food sources for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. A diverse range of plants can help support local ecosystems and contribute to the overall health of urban environments. Furthermore, plants help to improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and producing oxygen.

Aesthetic and social value: Flower displays create visually appealing spaces that attract visitors and encourage community engagement. Beautifully landscaped areas contribute to the well-being of residents, providing them with spaces to relax, exercise, and connect with nature. The presence of greenery and vibrant flowers can reduce stress and improve mental health, making parks vital for urban populations.

Cultural and educational value: Seasonal planting displays can be educational, offering opportunities for the public to learn about different plant species, gardening techniques, and the importance of biodiversity. They also preserve cultural traditions associated with gardening and horticulture, contributing to a sense of community identity and pride.

Economic impact: Attractive public spaces can boost local economies by drawing tourists and increasing foot traffic in nearby commercial areas. Well-maintained parks can increase property values in the surrounding areas, as people are generally willing to pay more to live near.

As a Green Flag Award judge I know just how important beautiful public spaces to the wellbeing of the nations - and it's great news to read today 2,227 parks and green spaces have achieved the Green Flag Award this year.

Insects on the wain

It has come to my attention, and I am sure many of you who work in the amenity sector will have also noticed, there seems to be a demise in insect populations - noticeably the lack of wasps we are seeing during the height of summer. Likewise, there also seems to be a lack of butterflies feeding on buddleia bushes. Many are blaming the fact that maybe this year’s wet spring has had a significant impact on insect populations, with mixed outcomes depending on the species.

I read with interest a fascinating article published in The Guardian recently.

The writer, Tony Juniper, says “Perhaps most noticeable is the near-absence of butterflies. Species that are usually common, such as large and small whites, small tortoiseshells, gatekeepers, ringlets, peacocks and meadow browns, are in many places down to the point of having almost disappeared.

“Bee populations seem to be down here, too, with flowery margins that would at this time of year normally be alive with pollinators now eerily quiet. Hoverflies are depleted, moths scarce and aphids have either appeared very late or not at all.”

Tony’s piece makes for interesting reading. The message for us all is that we need to continue to provide essential habitats, and food sources for these important insects that form an integral food chain for a variety of insects, birds and mammals – all of which make up the important fabric of our unique countryside.

NEWS

OVER 2,200 PARKS AWARDED
Reflecting tireless work

In our first WEB ONLY story, awards organiser says prioritising parks and green spaces is vital for our future.

EDUCATION SCHEDULE UNVEILED
Full roster revealed

In our next WEB ONLY story, speakers confirmed for upcoming event include experts from UEFA, Wembley Stadium, Wimbledon, and Edgbaston.

DEALERSHIP ANNOUNCES DEATH OF MD
Passed away suddenly

Company says Paul Reeves was a much-loved leader, son and brother and the loss is felt by friends, family and staff alike.

Wrexham-based dealership Malpas Tractors has announced with deep sorrow that their managing director, Paul Reeves, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, 7th August 2024.

Paul Reeves pictured on Malpas Tractor's website

In a statement posted to their website, the dealership said, "Paul was a much-loved leader, son and brother and the loss is felt by friends, family and staff alike. We know this news will be felt by everyone, including our many loyal customers, whose support we appreciate at this difficult time."

The statement continued, "As co-owners, Edward and Rachael Reeves will continue to work in the business to ensure our customers and suppliers continue to receive the best service. However, the family would like some space during the immediate few days."

The statement also said details of funeral arrangements will follow.

On the dealership's Facebook page, hundreds of messages of condolence have been posted by customers, colleagues and suppliers alike.

AMBITIOUS IMPROVEMENT PLANS
Across school's surfaces

Grounds & gardens supervisor says he is confident he can continue his predecessor's great work and lift the bar even higher.

Hertfordshire’s Aldenham School says they have ambitious improvement plans across their sports surfaces.

Regarded in the Good Schools Guide as ‘seriously sporty’, Danny Wells, the school's grounds & gardens supervisor, believes he is well-placed to continue the development of the highly historic sports facilities across the 110-acre site.

Danny only recently took charge of the facilities in June 2024, although he’s certainly no stranger to Aldenham. “I worked here previously before taking up a ‘dream role’ at Arsenal FC’s Colney training complex for three and a half years. When an opportunity arose to bring everything I learned there back to Aldenham, it was one I couldn’t turn down” he explains.

Danny Wells

To help with his endeavours, Danny has recently expanded the school's fleet of Kubota equipment, with the back up support from local dealer George Browns Ltd.

Danny said, "“Our tractors are the workhorses for the vast majority of operations we do here –-whether that’s spraying feeds on the cricket outfields or hitched up with our scarifier, aerator or top dresser for mechanical maintenance on the fifteen winter sports pitches.”

Recently joining two Kubota L2-452 compact tractors in the shed is a cabless L1-382 fitted with flotation tyres. Danny explained, “Our pitches are mainly clay-based so can lay very wet over winter. This capable yet lightweight tractor will enable us to still get implements on the ground without causing damage.”

Danny and his team of six also rely on ride-on mowers for the upkeep and presentation of lawned areas. “Our F3890 is fantastic for cutting the banks around the site, as well as some of our more natively-managed areas which might only get one or two cuts a year. It poses no match for this machine”

He concluded, “My predecessor did a fantastic job at bringing the surfaces on and with the Kubota equipment at my disposal, I am confident I can continue this great work and lift the bar even higher.”

ST ANDREWS LINKS MAINTAINS PARTNERSHIP
New fleet delivered

Company says they have developed a strong relationship with St Andrews Links over the last eight years.

Club Car have announced that they have extended their long-term relationship with St Andrews Links, after delivering a new fleet of vehicles.

The prestigious Scottish venue, where golf has been played for more than 600 years, has received 32 new golf and utility vehicles to complement the 52-strong fleet for the operation of its seven public courses, the most famous of which is the Old Course, a 30-time host venue of The Open.

John Grant, director of golf at St Andrews Links Trust, said, “We pride ourselves on working with the very best, and since Club Car became an official supplier in 2016 they have provided the highest quality of vehicles and service support.

"The cars are a crucial part of our operation, allowing our teams to do their jobs efficiently and giving golfers an enjoyable and memorable experience.”

Andy Bourke, Club Car regional manager for UK, Ireland and Scandinavia, added, “We have developed a strong relationship with St Andrews Links over the last eight years and it has been a pleasure to provide a first-class service.

“It is the largest public golf complex in Europe, and we are proud that our unmatched products and technology help the team deliver a unique and memorable experience to thousands of golfers each year.”

PRO DEALERS INSTALL TRACTORS AT SUPERMARKETS
Displayed around the country

Tuckwell's provided a tractor in Ipswich

Machines were set up outside seven Morrisons stores to help engage the public in the hard work of those involved in the industry.

John Deere tractors were delivered to Morrisons stores and the retailer’s headquarters on Thursday August 8th 2024 as the 24 Hours in Farming event, #Farm24, got underway.

Ben Burgess provided a tractor in Norwich

Machines were set up outside seven stores to help engage the public in the initiative which aims to celebrate the hard work and dedication of those involved in the UK agricultural industry.

The tractors were provided by John Deere dealerships Ripon Farm Services, Tuckwells, Ben Burgess, Masons Kings and Charlies Ag and Turf. They were branded and parked up outside stores in Skipton, Boroughbridge, Ipswich, Norwich, Teignmouth, Welshpool and Witham for Morrisons customers to see before they entered the shop.

A tractor also took pride of place outside the retailer’s headquarters at Hilmore House, near Bradford.

John Deere tactical marketing manager, Chris Wiltshire, said, “With a focus on showing consumers what really goes on in the agricultural sector, 24 Hours in Farming is a great initiative that shines a light on farming and everything that goes into producing food for the Great British public.

“All too often we hear about the disconnect between the food we eat and how it’s produced, so teaming up with Morrisons is a simple and effective way of reminding customers that there is a story behind every item of food they buy, just before they buy it.”

Tuckwell's provided a tractor in Ipswich

Region by region

Masons Kings, based in south west England, provided a 6R 250 plus a Gator ATV and an X127 ride-on mower to the Teignmouth Morrisons in Devon. Roger Prior, the company’s director, said, “We have been committed to the farming community for more than 40 years and we understand the challenges they face producing food. This is why we are proud to support #Farm24 which highlights the work they do on a daily basis.”

Ripon Farm Services installed a 6R 250 at Morrisons in Skipton, as well as machines for the retailer’s Hilmore House headquarters and Boroughbridge store.

Richard Halsall, group sales manager, said, “#Farm24 is a great initiative which highlights the daily efforts and hard work that goes into agriculture and food production. We have been supporting and serving the farming community for more than 40 years, we are proud to be a part of the campaign to show our appreciation for all the work that goes into feeding our nation.”

Tuckwells provided a 6R 185 to Morrisons in Ipswich and a 6R 250 at Witham. The company’s director, James Tuckwell said, “As a family-run business that has been involved in supporting the agricultural community for 70 years we are delighted to be part of #Farm24.

“As well as running our dealership we are farmers too so know first hand the essential role farmers play in providing high-quality food in a sustainable manner while caring for our land and habitats. We are proud to support them and help highlight the incredibly important work they do.”

Ross Holloway, director at Charlies Ag and Turf, added, “We are proud to be able to supply and service our farming community and be a part of helping to produce British food.”

Charlies provided a 6R 185 to the Welshpool Morrisons.

Ben Turner, dealer principal at Ben Burgess, added, "We're proud to contribute to #Farm24 by supplying a John Deere 8RX to the Norwich Morrisons.

“This event highlights the essential efforts of our farmers and their crucial role in providing food for the nation."

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