2006 Please click the selection panel on the right to lead you to the relevant press release.
British Grassland Competition November 2006
At the recent Gloucestershire British Grassland Society (BGS) meeting the winner of the BGS National Grassland Management Competition was announced. All three finalists came from dairy farms but with different systems as quoted by Dr. Dave Roberts SAC, Head Judge of the competition. All objectives were clear and forages were selected to conditions and layout of their farms and systems.
Competition Winner: Thomas Craig
Before announcing the winners of the competition, which is sponsored jointly by DLF Trifolium Ltd and Kemira Grow How, Dave talked about important aspects of dairy farming. “Identifying your type of farm is important, as is the recognition of strengths and weaknesses of the farm itself but also of your staff. Knowing your costs and what you can do to optimize those costs is essential. Be accurate but don’t worry too much about precision,” explained Dave. “When considering the importance of good forage, look at high intake characteristics, but also consider alternative forages such as protein crops, maize and the inclusion of white clover”.
Other factors to consider as well as the efficient use of inputs, included biodiversity management, recycling waste and finally remembering the general public, whether this means informing them of footpaths on your farm or considering the interest of the public in the attributes of your products.
The Competition sets out to find the farmer who best demonstrates excellence in the management of grass and forage, leading to profitable livestock production and care of the land. Ballykelly farmer, Thomas Craig was confirmed winner of the fiercely contested competition. “Thomas’ enthusiastic and innovative approach to grassland and forage management, and his attention to detail to all aspects of this commercial yet sustainable dairy unit, can only be admired,” said Dr Dave Roberts.
Thomas farms with his father Jim and brother Robert on 180ha of reclaimed land on the edge of Lough Foyle. The land lies between 0.5m above and below sea level.
For more information please call 01386 791101 or email forage@dlf.co.uk
Back to top
Garden Writers Guild Awards Lunch
November 30th 2006
Tightly packed amongst 450 journalists, garden writers and members of the gardening trade, we enjoyed a splendid Awards Lunch at the Savoy. Accompanied by key customers from Wyevale, Solus and Blue Diamond as well as members of the press from Horticulture Week, Amateur Gardening and BBC Gardeners World we listened as 17 awards were presented.
Miranda Harris presenting the award to Claire Austin
The award sponsored on behalf of Johnsons Lawn Seed, The Reference Book of the Year was won by Claire Austin with ‘Irises – Gardener’s Encyclopaedia’.
We were joined by Val Bourne, author of The Natural Gardener and The Winter Garden. Val writes for various key publications including The Daily Telegraph, The Garden and The English Garden. She was very interested in our microclover product.
Pippa Quelch, producer of Radio Devon Gardening Programme, was the last member of our party who was delighted to win the Radio Broadcast of the Year award with her programme ‘It’s all gone pear shaped’. She was keen to find out more about our JLS range and the new Bio-Active product which she will feature on one of her gardening programmes next year.
For more information about Johnsons Lawn Seed products please call 01386 791113 or email info@johnsonslawnseed.com or visit the website www.johnsonslawnseed.com
Back to top
BIO-ACTIVE Lawn Feed is no “Quick Fix” Product
Award winning Bio-Active Lawn Feed, recently launched at Glee 2006, has won a Gold Award for its “green appeal”. The winning product is part of the new range of Lawn Care Products from Johnson’s.
Michael Burks from Castle Gardens who judged the Garden Care Category, explains why he chose Bio-Active. “I came with an open mind about this category, but felt that after a year of incredible droughts, what should be top of our minds is our responsibility to live a sustainable existence. Some products were a ‘quick fix’, but ignored the real needs. However, little things can make a big difference, so I decided on Bio-Active Lawn Feed.”
“It uses two distinct methods to improve lawn quality: a slow-release fertiliser and bacterial fungi. The improvements that will be achieved using these techniques are long-term and there is even an autumn and a spring treatment. I see huge commercial opportunities for this within the industry,” concluded Michael.
Miranda Harris, Marketing Manager for Johnson’s Lawn Seed was pleased with the feedback at Glee. “Also well received by the customers visiting the show was the new Lawn Care DVD which offers a step by step guide on how to achieve a lovely lawn. The DVD is available to consumers free of charge or as a download from the Johnson’s website www.johnsonslawnseed.com.”
DVD plus player is available as part of an in-store promotion for outlets looking to increase sales with lawn seed and lawn care related products.
For further information on the market leading brand of lawn seed please call 01386 791113, email info@johnsonslawnseed.com or visit the website www.johnsonslawnseed.com
Back to top
Exciting new range of drought tolerant mixtures go into trial
Significant improvements in tall fescue cultivars together with the interest in more drought tolerant species, has resulted in DLF Trifolium putting a range of new formulations into trial. The new mixtures, to be sown this autumn, will assess the best formulations for the future and will be available for all customers and interested parties to visit, alongside other landscape, wildflower and sports turf demonstration trials.
In addition, DLF will sow mixtures under different nutrient programmes to assess requirements in line with customers looking to adopt more sustainable maintenance programmes.
Pro26 Ecosward, a mixture with tiny clovers known as microclovers bred by DLF Trifolium, is looking particularly green at the moment, under the drought conditions. These tiny clovers are able to tolerate drought exceptionally well. They produce a natural source of fertiliser for the grass, so are very suitable for low maintenance situations.
A new mixture, Pro29 Drought Master has been formulated to take advantage of the exceptional colour, density, wear tolerance and disease resistance of new tall fescue cultivars Masterpiece and Debussy. By including Limousine, the UK’s leading smooth stalked meadow grass, and a dark leaved perennial rye grass, the mixture is aimed at customers interested in long term drought tolerance who require a mixture with very good visual merit as well.
For more information please call 01386 791102 or email amenity@dlf.co.uk
Back to top
Drought concerns dampened by DLF – J3/J4
New mixtures from Johnsons Sport and Amenity at DLF Trifolium have been designed with the current drought issue and subsequent threat of extensive hose pipe bans in mind.
J3 and J4 include top rated cultivars such as the unique Sheeps Fescue, Quatro which is very drought tolerant. Other species which offer a similar advantage are Tall Fescue and Red Fescue, which offers the additional benefit of being visually attractive.
One of the most successful ways of coping with dry summers, while maintaining a high quality sward is regular overseeding with Fescue based mixtures. This will reduce and control high levels of Poa Annua.
For further information on the management of golf courses where sustainability is a key issue please visit our article: Variety is the spice of life.
J3 and J4 are available from Johnsons Sport and Amenity and include top Chewings Fescue such as Carioke, Musica and Darwin, as well as Leonora and Cezanne Creeping Red Fescue.
For more information please call 01386 791102 or email amenity@dlf.co.uk
Back to top
The Grass is Always Green with Johnsons Lawn Seed
Responding to extensive market research in the gardening sector and planning a big shake up in the market, Johnsons Lawn Seed have introduced two new products for 2006 to expand their successful range of lawn care products.
“We are targeting the busy professional who is keen to impress but may be hampered by a lack of time”, explains Miranda Harris, Marketing Manager for Johnsons Lawn Seed. “Currently a staggering £392 million is spent on lawn maintenance and it seems the lawn is back in fashion with a rise last year of 5.5% on products to assist in achieving a lawn that will make your neighbours green with envy.”
One Step
The first product, “One Step, is all it takes to achieve striking results with a simple ‘two in one’ product which involves mixing fine ryegrass with a specially formulated ingredient,” states Spencer Goodall, Sales Manager for Johnsons Garden Care. “This results in a dramatic improvement in lawn appearance and, in sales terms, an opportunity for 20% extra sales.” The pack itself, specially devised for the 2-products-in-1 process, is designed as a handy ready-to-use shaker bag so no spreader is required. The contents are easily applied through special perforations in the bottom of the pack.
Easy Lawn
Easy Lawn, is suitable for the busy gardener looking for a lawn which remains green for longer and requires minimum maintenance. Tiny leaved clovers are combined with quality lawn seed varieties in a mixture endorsed by the STRI (Sports Turf Research Institute). These microclovers produce their own source of natural fertiliser which feeds the grass, keeping it healthy and green while deep roots reduce the need for watering, a factor which will become increasingly important with changes in the climate and reduced rainfall. The resulting dense growth inhibits weed establishment while providing an attractive lawn.
Easy Lawn with microclovers on the left is much greener in trials compared to grass-only seed mixtures
“Extensive in-house breeding investment demonstrates the importance we place on product innovation,” concludes Miranda Harris. “Not only are we continually looking for “easy” solutions for the growing number of enthusiastic gardeners, but identifying sales opportunities for our customers.”
For further information on the market leading brand of lawn seed please call 01386 791113, email info@johnsonslawnseed.com or visit the website www.johnsonslawnseed.com
Back to top
New Name for Johnsons Lawn Seed and
Three New Products
Johnsons Lawn Seed have extended their range with new products and relaunched their name to Johnsons Garden Care, to include a greater range.
Responding to increasing interest in wild life, the new products Wild Bird and Butterfly and Insect Attraction mixtures are creating a lot of demand already. These mixtures are available in 250g pouches with supporting point of sale material. Wild Bird Attraction mixture contains annual seed bearing species, wild birds will find very palatable and nutritious. This mixture has been carefully designed to provide a varied source of food for seed eating birds over a prolonged period in Autumn and early Winter. It is suitable for a wide range of soil types all over the country; the species used will provide a broad range of food for seed eating birds. SRP £6.99
Butterflies and Insect Attraction mixtures contain naturally occurring grasses and flower species designed to attract butterflies and insects. This mixture will provide a wide range of habitats for both flying and ground dwelling insects, and in turn will attract insect feeding birds and wildlife. It provides a wide variety of attractive colour and a rich source of pollen and nectar. It is suitable for a wide range of soil types; the species used are very stress tolerant and do not need intensive management. SRP £7.99
The third product to be launched is Equine Paddock mix which provides good quality, palatable grazing ideal for horses and ponies. A dense, hardwearing sward is produced and therefore helps to prevent hoof damage. It is suitable for exercise grounds as well as providing feed. A good crop of hay is produced if the paddock is closed for a short time before cutting. The careful selection of species will ensure that the sward is able to withstand the demands placed on it year after year. SRP £17.99
All products were launched at the Garden Press Day Event on February 3rd and are supported with a full package of point of sale, display bins and technical literature.
For further information on the market leading brand of lawn seed please call 01386 791113, email info@johnsonslawnseed.com or visit the website www.johnsonslawnseed.com
Back to top
Dramatic results from research at STRI - commissioned by DLF Trifolium Ltd
The final report of trials carried out at The Sports Turf Research Institute, Bingley shows that increasing overseeding rates has a dramatic effect on the speed of establishment and quality of the new sward. The research funded by DLF Trifolium Ltd, examined the effects of different overseeding rates on the speed of recovery of a heavily worn perennial ryegrass sward, (simulating an end of season winter sports pitch). Overseeding is an important part of the renovation programme for intensively used winter games pitches.
Following establishment in May 2004, the initial effects of overseeding at five different rates on live ground cover and turf quality, were assessed weekly for the first nine weeks of the trial. The longer term effects of the different overseeding rates, under simulated football wear conditions, were then assessed for a further nine months until the end of the trial in May 2005.
During the renovation of worn perennial ryegrass turf increasing seed rates to between 50 and 75 grams/square metre dramatically increased the speed of establishment and turf quality of the sward. There was a direct relationship between seed rate and turf quality during the establishment phase. The higher seed rates markedly reduced the time required to achieve a surface that would be deemed fit for use. The density and uniformity of sward produced at the end of the establishment phase was also improved by increasing the normal seed rates.
For a copy of the full report or a powerpoint presentation, please call 01386 791102 or email amenity@dlf.co.uk
Back to top
