Month: June 2022

The world is opening its doors again and the best in turf from the USA are coming back to our shores. In collaboration with the Australian Turf Certification Program (AusGAP), the International Turfgrass Genetic Assurance Program (ITGAP) and Lawn Solutions Australia, two of the international turf industries pre-eminent turf experts recently headed our way.

Billy Skaggs from Georgia Crop Improvement Association

Mr Billy Skaggs, seasoned Production Field Inspector for the International Turfgrass Genetic Assurance Program (ITGAP) toured Australia visiting AusGAP clients ensuring ITGAP policies and practices are up to standard.

Mr Skaggs was in Australia from the 20^th of May to the 3rd of June and as AusGAP is governed by ITGAP, he undertook an audit on all clients, documenting submissions and correspondence to ensure compliance to their policies and procedures. His visit also included turf variety inspections of the AusGAP programs production facilities in SE QLD, SA & VIC during this period.

AusGAP is the only independently endorsed turf certification program from ITGAP internationally. Mr Skaggs monitors turf production sites worldwide to ensure that turfgrasses are grown, inspected and sold under a rigorous set of rules and guidelines. ITGAP inspectors such as Mr Skaggs undertake third-party inspections to verify a member’s compliance with ITGAP standards, provide reports of compliance (or non-compliance) to the owner of the turfgrass variety and to the member/grower and maintain all records of annual and quarterly certificates and inspections. ITGAP is the international iteration of AusGAP and is an internationally accepted and recognised verification and certification program for turfgrass production.

Dr Brian Schwartz, University of Georgia (UGA) Turfgrass Breeding Program

Dr Brian Schwartz is a superstar of the turf world and is the man behind the release of what is proven to be the world’s best couch grass, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda. Dr Schwartz continues the work of legendary turf breeder Dr Wayne Hanna, who planted over 27,700 couch grasses he had cross bred in 1993.

In 2009 Dr Schwartz arrived at UGA, expanded evaluation plots and developed real world test sites. After more than a decade of extensive trials with collaboration between a five-university collective known as the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) the SCRI determined to release a single couch grass cultivar. This cultivar was the University of Georgia and Dr Schwartz’s grass DT-1 which would officially be named TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda.

Dr Schwartz continues his extensive research and breeding program at UGA and we were excited to have had him in Australia this year to share his knowledge. Dr Schwartz was in Australia from the 9th to the 27th of May, he visited some of the industry’s best turf growers, suppliers of TifTuf and presented at the Lawn Solutions Australia National Conference on the 24th of May.

AUSGAP TURF CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Turf field inspections are at the heart of the AusGAP turf certification program. Attaining AusGAP certification for a turf variety takes a lot of hard work, with ongoing field inspections being conducted to maintain certification and to ensure continued genetic purity.

AusGAP is The Australian Genetic Assurance Program for Turfgrass. Specialist turfgrasses have been derived from years of research and development by the world’s leading turfgrass breeders. AusGAP uses a quality control framework including turf field inspections which ensures these turfgrasses maintain genetic purity, allowing them to perform and live up to what is expected of them within their application.

AusGAP field inspections occur biannually and turf producers supplement these inspections with compulsory quarterly self- inspections that are reported to AusGAP.

All turf farms with AusGAP Certified turfgrasses need to always have at least one AusGAP Certified Representative (ACR) on their staff. ACR’s are a crucial part of the field inspection procedure through communication with the National AusGAP Program Manager.

The ACR ensures all farm staff adhere to AusGAP’s requirements before the Program Manager or inspector can begin their thorough and comprehensive field inspections:

Fields need to be left unmown for at least 5 days prior to the inspection and have been mowed no more than 2 weeks prior.

Selective herbicides can be used to identify the colour difference between plant types.

All required paperwork: pre-planting assessments, planting form and quarterly self-inspections are up to date.

There may also be a third party involved in the process such as ITGAP (The International Turfgrass Genetic Assurance Program) or ASTC (Australian Sports Turf Consultants) who are able to provide their services as a third- party inspection when required to further consolidate the validity of the program.

Pre-Inspection Requirements

There are multiple checks included in the farm visit that must be made before the inspector can step foot on any paddock. At every entry point of the farm there is expected to be a bio security notice. Some visitors or their vehicles can put the bio security of the farm at risk and ultimately mean the genetic purity of AusGAP’s certified varieties are at risk if not followed.

Paddock maps are to be up to date and provided prior to a farm inspection visit. This allows AusGAP to keep track of stock and evaluate the genetic purity of the registered and certified stock in production.

Every aspect of business compliance is audited as this backs up and provides context to what is happening in the paddock.

AusGAP Field Inspection Process

Field inspections are used to evaluate compliance with the required checks undertaken to ensure the minimum standard is met.

Field isolation requirements are part of the high standards AusGAP enforces. Field isolation involves an artificial barrier and/ or strip of bare land between varieties to prevent cross contamination. AusGAP require a minimum of 1.5 metres between grass varieties –perennial grasses in particular have a strong chance of cross contamination if not monitored.

Walking every paddock containing AusGAP certified varieties is at the core of the inspection process. This is undertaken to ensure all turf is free of pests, weeds and disease. During grow in is the most important time to ensure weed pressure is minimised.

AusGAP use an inspection flagging system to monitor contaminants or sections of paddock that need to be monitored. A yellow flag is used to mark a contamination and/or eradication area. A blue flag is used to mark an area to be monitored or a weed treatment area.

Quality assessment items also assessed during AusGAP Field Inspection:

Are field borders maintained between certified varieties and non-production areas?

Does irrigation equipment move from low non-producing areas into the production field or from one variety to another?

Is a wash down bay available to clean equipment between varieties and is there an established procedure for cleaning equipment?

Is any part of a field subject to flooding?

Conducting field inspections is AusGAP’s way of monitoring and auditing turf and business standards to ensure the highest quality turfgrass is produced. These high industry standards provide the assurance to customers and end users that the turf they are receiving will be true to type and genetically pure.

For more information on the AusGAP program and how to ensure the turfgrass for your next project is AusGAP Certified, visit www.ausgap.com.au

Pinnaroo is a rural town in the Murray Mallee region of South Australia over 200km east of Adelaide. It has a hot and dry climate with a majority farming community and is home to turf production business The Turf Farm.

Project Overview

The Pinnaroo Village Green Project is an exciting, 3 stage, 2-million-dollar rejuvenation project of the Pinnaroo central green area. This project, once completed, will be a huge boost to the local community, transforming an almost 92,000m2 unused, desert-like central area into a green haven of gorgeous landscapes, useful amenities and interactive areas.

The Daniel’s family-owned business, The Turf Farm have been involved in stage 1 with the supply of around 1,500m2 of Eureka Kikuyu, which has already made a huge difference to the look and feel of the town.

“The Pinnaroo Village Green Project aims to help revitalise the central green area adjacent the main street of Pinnaroo. The redevelopment aims to create places for fun, culture, recreation, tourism, social connection and economic growth. This will be achieved by adding or improving the amenities within the site as well as the functionality and layout of the area.”

There is a huge focus in this project to re- green the previously dry and dusty area with the abundant use of instant lawn, trees and plants. Stage 1 has almost been completed and has already stunningly altered the look and feel of Pinnaroo’s main street.

People and Businesses Involved

This project has been a huge accomplishment and milestone for the Southern Mallee District Council. They were granted funding for the project but have also contributed a significant amount of time and money also. Jason Taylor, CEO, has been a huge part in securing the funding and has been a credit to the Mallee community since he took the position.

WAX Design have been involved in consultation sessions with steering committee and the community, including an engagement workshop at the local Primary School. They have created detailed designs and documentation for the stages and the final Masterplan.

Undertaking the landscaping for stage1 is the South Australian commercial landscaping business LCS Landscapes. Southern Mallee District Council have formed a great relationship that they hope will continue in future projects.

Step by Step Process

As part of the local community, The Turf Farm were excited to hear of a project so close to home and to be involved in the initial community consultation back in November 2019. The Turf Farm contributed their ideas and recommendations for the project, including a suggestion of a giant roll of turf for the ‘Pinnaroo Big Thing.’ With part of the plan to revitalise Pinnaroo being the addition of an animated ‘big thing’ tourist attraction.

“An animated structure that can capture not just what we produce in the Mallee, but what is the spirit of the Mallee,” Deputy Mayor Paul Ireland said.

The Turf Farm provided recommendations, information and quotes to commercial landscapers throughout the tendering stages before supplying the turf to the successful LCS Landscapes during stage 1 of the project.

Turf Variety

The project has used Lawn Solutions Australia’s Eureka Kikuyu throughout and started with 180m2 supplied from The Turf Farm on the 20th of October 2021. With an additional 310m2 supplied on the 26th of October.

On the 3rd of December, The Turf Farm owner and part-time truck driver Paul Daniel pulled their semi up on Pinnaroo main street with a further 680m2 of turf, followed by 370m2 on the 7th of December. Bringing the total turf supplied for stage 1 to 1,540m2 so far.

Stages 2 and 3 will start sometime this year with an estimated completion date of December 2022.

The Turf Farm

It’s not often you get to be involved in a project of this size, let alone in your own community. The central area that divides Railway Terrace North and South in Pinnaroo has always been a dry and unloved piece of land, seemingly abandoned once the railway tracks were de-commissioned in 2015.

“We’re proud that the council and LCS Landscapes have been supporting local businesses throughout the project and that our lawn has been used in the main street. We also get the additional benefit of seeing our lawn almost every day and have already noticed the huge impact it has had on the community.” – The Turf Farm

The Turf Farm have had the pleasure of watching as travellers and locals alike enjoy the space and utilise the lawn areas for relaxation and fun.

“We’re looking forward to the next couple of stages and can’t wait to see the project completed at the end of the year.”

THE LAWN SOLUTIONS AUSTRALIA NATIONAL CONFERENCE IS BACK!

Lismore suffered the most serious floods ever experienced in the region earlier this year with thousands of people being displaced from their homes and lives sadly lost in the devastation. Lawn Solutions Australia have been so excited to hold what was planned to be the 2022 LSA Conference in Ballina, that is until these recent tragic events.

With both the 2020 and 2021 conferences having to be cancelled due to the Covid Pandemic, nothing was going to stop the national network of turf members from finally getting together, networking and sharing a laugh in 2022.

The Largest Turf Industry Conference in the Southern Hemisphere Finally Returns

The Lawn Solutions Australia Conference was finally able to return and what an event it was! This year’s LSA Conference and Awards Night were held at Panthers Penrith in NSW. It was so great to catch up with LSA Members and industry partners and to see the successes we are all achieving throughout what has been a difficult period for many.

We heard from some exceptional speakers who provided insights into turf science and research, product developments, economic insights and stories of endurance, inspiration, and motivation.

Lawn Solutions Australia are proud to have hosted some of Australia’s best talents in their fields and international guest speakers for presentations throughout the conference.

Conference Speakers

Dr. Brian Schwartz

Dr. Brian Schwartz is an Associate Professor of Turfgrass Breeding in the Department of Crop & Soil Sciences at the University of Georgia in Tifton. Dr. Schwartz provided insight into his turf breeding program and the rigorous research and investment that goes into producing an industry-changing new turfgrass. Dr. Schwartz is the man behind the release of what is proven to be the world’s best couch grass, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda. While in Australia, Dr. Schwartz also visited some of the industry’s best turf growers and suppliers of TifTuf.

Bernard Salt

Bernard Salt is widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading social commentators by business, the media and the broader community. Bernard spoke of the march of millennials towards middle age, the expected growth of suburbia, a shift from the city to the urban fringe and what this means for lawns and turf. While we have experienced many challenges recently, Bernard believes Australia and the turf industry are in a strong position for the coming years.

Jacqui Cooper

Jacqui Cooper is an entrepreneur, an author and a former five-time World Champion and Olympian Aerial Skier. Jacqui told her story, one of triumph, tragedy, defeat and success. Conference attendees were in awe of the courage and strength that Jacqui possessed and how she was able to keep on moving forwards toward her goal of competing at five Winter Olympic Games. Jacqui had many setbacks and numerous injuries resulting in surgeries throughout her career. But Jacqui was able to overcome all obstacles (that many believed to be impossible) because she refused to give up.

Billy Skaggs

Billy Skaggs is a seasoned Production Field Inspector for the International Turfgrass Genetic Assurance Program (ITGAP) and

is Georgia Crop Improvement Association (GCIA) Certification Program Manager. ITGAP operates in coordination with AusGAP – Australia’s Genetic Assurance Program for Turfgrass. Billy explained how ITGAP works and why the work they do in conjunction with AusGAP in Australia is so important when it comes to the quality and purity of turfgrass. While here in Australia, Billy also toured and undertook field assessments at turf farms to ensure policies and procedures were being followed. These assessments help to ensure the genetic purity of certified grasses like TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda and Sir Grange Zoysia.

Peter Switzer

Peter Switzer is one of Australia’s leading business and financial commentators, launching his own business 20 years ago. The Switzer Group has since grown into multiple successful companies spanning media and publishing, financial services and business coaching. Peter provided commentary on the current economic climate and how the budget and a new government will impact our industry. Peter also provided his forecast on what we should be expecting in the coming years with his information pointing to a positive outlook pending expected improvements in global supply chains and a declining impact of the war in Ukraine and Covid-19.

Tom Potter

As the founder of Eagle Boys, Tom Potter pioneered the pizza industry by implementing pizza delivery and a radical approach to marketing. Tom told his incredible story of success and perseverance, through the highs and the lows. Tom was a baker by trade and took his expertise in food and customer service into the building and running of his own business which developed into a very successful national franchise. Tom had what some considered a difficult time slot, presenting as part of the awards dinner but captured the audience’s attention with his matter-of-fact delivery and dry-witted humour.

Charlie Albone

Lawn Solutions Australia Brand Ambassador Charlie Albone welcomed conference attendees at the Cocktail Welcome Function. Charlie made his TV debut on the hit series ‘Selling Houses Australia’ before joining Better Homes and Gardens as a host. Charlie addressed the audience with his story of becoming a landscaper, his passion for the green life industry and his journey into television. Charlie explained how proud he is to represent and partner with LSA and how he looks forward to promoting LSA’s premium turf brands in the coming years.

Jason Hodges

Lawn Solutions Australia Brand Ambassador Jason Hodges has been an important part of the LSA family for many years.

Jason had the important role of MC throughout the conference and kept the audience entertained while encouraging strong involvement with speakers during post-presentation Q & A. Jason’s love of gardening and landscaping led to his media career where he worked on Auction Squad and Better Homes and Gardens. It is always a pleasure having Jason with us and we thank him for his continued involvement with LSA.

Lawn Solutions Australia would like to thank the many sponsors involved with this year’s conference. Without them, the quality of presenters and the knowledge accessible to the LSA network through such an event would not have been possible.

Thanks to all the LSA Members. We hope you had an amazing time at this year’s Lawn Solutions Australia Conference, it was great seeing you all. Congratulations to the award winners, there were some truly outstanding individuals who are a massive credit to their respective turf businesses. We couldn’t be prouder of the resilience, hard work and dedication we see right across Australia from LSA Members – you are the best of the best.

Lawn Solutions Australia is looking forward to the 2023 conference with plans already beginning to take place to ensure it is one of the best conferences yet.

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Trimax Mowing Systems, Husqvarna, Firefly Automatix, Greenway Turf Solutions, ICL Group, NuTurf, Syngenta, STRI, Bayer, Adama, Tama, Finlease, Equipment Solutions, AusGAP.

COUCH GRASSES UNDER THE MICROSCOPE

One could be forgiven for getting excited about the release of any new turfgrass. It’s in our DNA as turf lovers and industry experts who are always looking to play with the new shiny toys and newly developed turf products that are rolled out (pun intended) and released to market.

Like all products that are designed to turn a profit, the hype and marketing can often overlook the discernible traits that render a new product worthy of such praise and anticipation.

Fortunately, as turf experts, we understand that the true test of a new turf varieties mettle is in the data. Extensive, independent, and Australian based turfgrass testing and trials, this is where we find our diamonds. Without these trials and this conclusive data, all we are left with is hot air.

New breeds of grasses like TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, have given rise to a wave of aspiring grasses wanting to be just like TifTuf. It’s a remarkable grass, with a level of hype that has been rarely seen in the Australian turf industry, except for the likes of Sir Walter DNA Certified. What TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda has that those other grasses do not, is data and lots of it.

While US data can provide an excellent guide and help turf researchers decide which grasses to import and trial, it’s not until there is Australian data from trials conducted in all parts of the country that claims of performance can be substantiated.

STRI (The Sports Turf Research Institute) conducts world leading testing and research, developing innovative techniques to assess and improve turfgrass surfaces.

STRI conducted the most recent Australian based independent trial evaluating the ‘Performance of bermuda (couch) grass cultivars under different shade, irrigation, and wear treatments.’ These trials included all the commonly grown couch grass varieties available across Australia.

TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda was a clear stand out performer in this trial outperforming all other couch grasses in every one of the treatments assessed.

TifTuf had superior turf cover (thickness and growth) over the duration of the trial compared to all other grasses trialled. TifTuf also scored the highest NDVI (normalised difference vegetation index) which is a measure of appearance using a specialised scanning device.

This was not a surprise to those who have been studying this grass for the best part of three decades. TifTuf has been trialled in the NTEP (National Turf Evaluation Program) in the US, where TifTuf was in the top 25% performing couch grasses for overall quality 84.6% of the time.

Another newly introduced couch grass that has been recently receiving some attention in Australia managed to reach just short of 70%, that grass was Tahoma 31. TifTuf outperformed Tahoma 31 significantly, showing its superiority as a better quality turf grass. Tahoma 31 has experienced limited expansion since it was introduced to the North American market, even though it was released around the same time as TifTuf. TifTuf has over 6,000 hectares currently in production across the US, with Tahoma 31 much less.

TifTuf has shown the same growth in Australia, where it has been awarded the Smart Approved WaterMark for water efficiency. The only grass, or plant for that matter to receive the approval. To receive this approval data is required, trials need to be conducted and ultimately it’s the tangible results that dictates whether a product is successful. Marketing and hype cannot manifest such an accolade.

A study into water absorption of turfgrasses was conducted at the University of Oklahoma in 2019. This study found that when unlimited water was provided TifTuf absorbed more water than any of the other grasses in the trial. While this sounds like a negative, these results served to substantiate that TifTuf is indeed different when it comes to its relationship with water. When water is available, it absorbs and utilises the resource available. When water is minimal or during deprivation, TifTuf has the capacity to withstand the strain before stress sets in, because when the water does come, it’s ready to make the best use of it.

An analogy used by leading turf breeding experts is this: TifTuf is the top dog, give it water and it will lap it up like crazy, but it will be able to run for days. While the other dog laps up the water with less exuberance, once released into the paddock, it’s the first one to falter.

There is currently over 250 hectares of TifTuf currently in production in Australia with production doubling year on year. All TifTuf is certified by AusGAP, the Australian Turf Certification Program, to maintain purity and integrity. There are no other new or existing hybrid couch grass varieties protected with this certification. With the superior traits of these new varieties being paramount, maintaining genetic purity is of the utmost importance. When you choose TifTuf, you can be assured you are receiving the genetically pure turf variety that possesses the superior traits that resulted in its selection above all others.

WEST WYALONG SERVICES AND CITIZENS SPORTS CLUB COMPLETED BY RIVTURF

West Wyalong Services and Citizens’ Sports Club includes an 18-hole grass greens course. The 100 plus year-old course is just a few minutes’ drive from West Wyalong in NSW, just off the Newell Highway.

It is a fully licensed Sports Club with bowling greens, tennis courts and a swimming pool that complement the pleasant par 72 golf course.

This phase of course reconstruction saw 18 new greens and tees as well as the practice green installed by turf supplier Rivturf using TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda in two stages. Since installation the greens and tees have been maintained by the clubs greenkeeping staff.

Turf Variety Selection

As a mature club all the greens were originally installed as Bent grass and the tees were a couch variety.

Following damage to some of the greens and tees, the small western New South Wales golf club was looking for an upgrade which would be easy to maintain and considered the region’s lack of water to irrigate thanks to Australia’s recent drought. The new grass also needed to incur lower costs for fertilisers and chemicals that had been required to keep the Bent grass at required playability.

The staff at Rivturf were contacted and they introduced the managers and greenkeeping staff to TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, which having recently received certification as the first and only turfgrass to ever receive the Smart Approved WaterMark in Australia and across the world – was a perfect fit.

The plan was split into 3 construction stages to minimise the interruption to play on the course. The greens on the 10th through to the 18th were completed first and then 12 months later the front nine greens and all tees were completed.

Rivturf’s father and son team of Andrew and Cameron Longmore from Rivturf Pty Ltd project managed the supply of turf. Rivturf is a turf grower and turf installation specialist based in North Wagga Wagga.

Jamie McIntyre from Outdoor Inspirations Irrigation and Landscaping assisted with the preparation of the first stage of greens and the laying of TifTuf. Josh Cunningham and his crew at All Outside Landscaping & Land Management attended to the second and third stages of replacing the remaining greens and tees and have attended to the maintenance of the course since then.

Preparation

Each green was slightly different, depending on certain pre-existing issues like drainage, but the following general process for the Bent grass greens and couch grass tees was followed.

• Glyphosate 600 applied and allowed a 4-week kill. Some of the couch tees required a second application.
• 100mm of the thatch and turf was removed with a tracked loader and bobcat.
• Due to budget constraints loam was saved and reused on the greens.
• The areas were tilled with a tractor and roto tiller, then rolled and hand worked to get some of the playing shape or contours back into the greens.
• An 80/20 sand and compost underlay were mixed specifically for the job and was laid at 100mm depth, before levelling using drag mats and levelling bars.
• Prior to laying the TifTuf a starter fertiliser with water saving crystals was applied to the greens.

Installation

TifTuf was freshly cut each day during the installation process and trucked to West Wyalong from Wagga Wagga where RivTurf is based. The first stage was completed in March 2020 with the balance of the greens and tees being completed in April 2021.

Once laid, the TifTuf was rolled and watered 3 times a day for 4 days before being tapered off. The greens were top dressed 2 to 3 times over the grow in period, depending on the individual green’s requirements and at 3 months after being laid were dethatched.

All Outside Landscaping commented that “It was incredible how quickly it stitched together, laid down strong roots and how evenly it grew. Within months it was a playable surface.”

Mowing commenced 2 and a half weeks after laying at 15mm and then gradually the mower was lowered during the month to 5mm. The tees are maintained at 15mm.

Maintenance

All Outside Landscaping conduct the ongoing maintenance at the course and have a roster of 2 to 3 mows a week on the greens in summer and 2 mows a week in winter. An application with Primo PGR is also applied monthly during the growing season.

A Toro Greensmaster 3150Q reel mower is used and it is currently cutting at 3.5mm on the greens. In winter that will be raised to 4.5mm. Josh indicates that the 3.5mm height has provided the best response from the green as at lower cuts the greens health starts to deteriorate slightly, but the TifTuf can certainly handle being cut a little lower.

All Outside Landscaping work in conjunction with Living Turf who assist with Matchplay products. Josh indicates they are using Bio stimulants, fertilisers like MP Roots, MP Enhance, MP Foundation, KelPlus, Liquid Nitrogen and a granular Spectrum 20-2-5 after renovation. They have also used Tricure as a wetting agent and Terrafirm as a penetrant.

The water supply is mixed, catchment and treated sewerage. Because of this samples are regularly taken to ensure the products used are appropriate. Any fungal issues have been addressed proactively with Dedicate, Instrata or Bumper.

As the fairways are kikuyu, the Club uses Spearhead Herbicide and Monument to control kikuyu encroachment on the greens.

Greens are lightly sanded regularly and then broomed. Any major renovation work is conducted in the September/ October period when the greens are cored and sand used to top dress. All Outside anticipate doing another renovation during the summer months in future to combat compaction due to traffic.

Josh indicates that the main difference between the care and maintenance required on the TifTuf greens and tees compared with the kikuyu fairways is water use. West Wyalong is a drought prone area and the Club has had irrigation issues in the past

as well as some other construction works which has meant areas of the course have gone without water. Josh says “The ability of the TifTuf to hold colour and density without water is far superior to the kikuyu fairways. Obviously it also tolerates being regularly cut lower than kikuyu as well.”

SUNSHINE COAST TRIALS SIR GRANGE ZOYSIA

Sunshine Coast Regional Council (SCRC) are responsible for the local government area in the Sunshine Coast District of South East Queensland.

Rob Tsikleas manages Parks Operations & Arboriculture including Parks and Gardens for SCRC. Rob and his team were seeking a low maintenance design outcome to create a defining border separating the cycle way and the pedestrian pathway at Bellvista Boulevarde in Caloundra West. Residents of the area were keen for an outcome which contributed positively to the streetscape aesthetic.

Efforts in the area had been unsuccessful in the past with it being quite a hostile and narrow space. Previous attempts to improve the narrow space with mulch was usually only a short-term fix with the mulch tending to wash away or spill onto the pathways. Rob needed a permanent solution that wouldn’t require frequent clean ups and ongoing rectifications.

Daleys Turf and Sir Grange Zoysia

Daleys Turf is a beautiful family-owned turf farm located at Bells Creek who supply and install lawns and turf throughout South East Queensland. Daleys Turf contacted the SCRC and offered to conduct a trial of Sir Grange Zoysia in a situation where mowing was a problem for them, such as a roundabout. Sir Grange Zoysia is a fine leaf Zoysia Matrella that grows slowly, so it doesn’t require frequent mowing like other grasses like couch and can even be left unmown if required.

The SCRC came back to Daleys Turf with two sites, one was in a new estate against a fence that was causing noise complaints when it was mown, the other was in a bio retention basin where grass plants were constantly being replaced. Both trials proved to be successful and demonstrated to the council that Sir Grange was very different to the existing varieties currently available.

Bellvista Boulevarde Project

The SCRC then contacted Daleys Turf regarding another problem area and wanted to investigate whether Sir Grange could handle this next site. Test holes were dug discovering that during the civil construction two concrete areas (bikeway & footpath) road base was installed under the existing garden area. This was causing a drainage issue which was slowly killing all the plants in this strip garden. Daleys Turf informed council that to be successful the road base would need removing and then back filled with a sandy loam soil, adding organics and soil conditioners to allow a free draining profile.

The council granted Daleys a trial area of 400 lineal metres to complete. SCRC have a soil recycling program operating so were able to provide the 50 cubic metres of soil required for the trial.

Daleys Turf removed the existing garden soil to a mixing site, then removed the road base before spreading the mixed sandy loam to a depth of 500-600mm. The Sir Grange Zoysia turf was then laid on the prepared and levelled base.

The first 400m trial was installed in February 2021, by November the SCRC had decided to expand the trial as it had proven very successful for them. In December 2021 another 800 lineal metres was installed with a further 800m to go in 2022.

SCRC undertook all the initial irrigation required for establishment and during the ten months after Sir Grange was installed, it has only been mown once. No fertilisers or chemicals have been applied during this time. Now that it has been established, there are also no requirements for irrigation.

This was the first full project with Sir Grange Zoysia Daleys conducted with the council. Since this project, Daleys have installed other trial plots in high traffic areas in the many parks on the Sunshine Coast. The feedback from the SCRC in response to the performance of Sir Grange has been excellent. Daleys Turf will be investigating other areas to apply this low/no mow option in bio retention basins, roundabouts and any other difficult to mow areas that could prove beneficial for the council moving forwards.

Sir Grange Zoysia is a unique grass type but with time and understanding, Daleys Turf and SCRC have found the correct location for Sir Grange can be very successful.

THE MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FLOWER AND GARDEN SHOW 2022

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Melbourne International Flower and Garden show, the biggest of its kind in the southern hemisphere returned!

Staged at the world heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens from the 30th of March to the 3rd of April, this year’s event was nothing short of incredible. 103,000 people attended the event across the five days, exceeding expectations and achieving pre-pandemic levels.

The Show features the best talent in landscaping, gardening and floral design from right around Australia. With a large range of exhibitors showcasing their garden products, innovation and design.

The Lawn Solutions Australia display

Lawn Solutions Australia has enjoyed being an exhibitor and presenting partner at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show for many years.

This year’s lawn display was simple yet striking with Jason Hodges and the team at Venus Landscaping designing and building the display over the week leading into the start of the event.

The display featured Lawn Solutions Australia’s premium turf varieties Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda and Sir Grange Zoysia. All 3 varieties providing the focal point for the display which also included Jason Hodges’ very own Buxus Balls grown on his farm in Berry, NSW.

A special edition to this year’s display was a pathway through the raised lawn beds. The pathway was constructed using a blue metal base combined with a resin product called StoneSet which bonds the material together, setting in place. The same product was used to create the Lawn Solutions Australia logo, with white pebble stencilled into shape and set in place.

Lawn Solutions Australia ambassadors Jason Hodges and Charlie Albone, both very talented landscapers and previous winners at the show, were very excited to see the Show return in all its glory. Jason along with Joe Rogers from Lawn Solutions Australia, presented daily on the main stage sharing their knowledge on all thing’s lawns. Charlie was also filming with Better Homes and Gardens throughout the week with the Show being a regular feature episode for each series.

The Show is renowned for the intricate display garden builds installed by Australia’s leading landscape architects and designers. Lawn Solutions Australia’s lawn varieties were featured heavily throughout these installations and played an important role in bringing the designs together. Lawn Solutions Australia Member Lilydale Instant Lawn supplied top quality turf for many of these gardens, working closely with the talented landscape teams throughout the process.

Winner – People’s Choice

Featuring Sir Walter DNA Certified

‘More Than Meets the Eye’ by Warners Nurseries and Robert Boyle winner of the People’s Choice Award. This garden fused together 6 different garden aesthetics also receiving a Gold Show Garden Award alongside Jenkins’ Inner Calm.

 

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show will return in 2023, bigger and better than ever.

BY MICHAEL PASCOE, GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT, NOOSA GOLF CLUB

The Noosa Golf Club is truly a hidden gem by the sea. The venue’s lush setting is stretched over acres of grassy land and is surrounded by beautiful Australian bushland. Tewantin Noosa Golf Club was established in 1937 firstly as a 9-hole golf course, then to a 12-hole course before finally becoming an 18-hole golf course. It has since undergone major changes and upgrades which has served the course well over those years.

In 2020 Richard Chamberlain was commissioned to produce a Master Plan for Noosa Golf Club. With strong bones the layout of the course did not need to be touched. Many of the current greens were in the 200-350m2 range registering well under a desired 1-hectare size. Tees were also a little on the small size measuring just over 5,000m2. With 75-80,000 rounds per year, we needed two grass types that would produce superior playing surfaces but would also stand up to the wear and tear of that number of rounds, with shade also a huge factor.

A major reason for me coming back to Australia was to be a part of something special and something that I could sink my teeth into, Noosa’s Master Plan ticked all the boxes for me. After arriving back in Australia in April 2021 there was a lot to accomplish on the course first to bring it back to a standard that the membership could be proud of. Coming in at the start of winter was not ideal but challenge accepted, we as a crew went about bringing the course back into shape starting with playing surfaces. In just a few months being at Noosa I started to get a real feel for the issues that would influence my decision on the grasses we would choose. We needed to be put back on the map, a standout from the other golf courses not only in the area but in the state. We needed to find a way to do this and still stay true to our layout and natural bushland setting. For me the choice was easy, I was lucky enough to have been using Sir Grange Zoysia (or Zeon Zoysia as it is registered overseas) for the last two years on a turf farm where it was harvested and grown on a turf paddock over 14-hectares. With Sir Grange also growing at Hoiana Shores Golf Course a Robert Trent Jones 2 design, I knew the capabilities and the growing habits of this sustainable grass and knew it would fit in perfectly here at Noosa.

The factors that led me to choose Sir Grange Zoysia included its sustainability through low pesticide requirements, less mowing, drought tolerance and versatility. Another big factor for golf is how well the grass presents, including its playability. We have an ageing membership and with the Sir Grange helping the ball sit up it allows the high handicapper to chip or putt but also provides the mid to lower handicapper a variety of shots that can be played. Tif Eagle was the greens grass of choice and the club went about putting in a 20th hole so that we could start with the Master Plan with two holes per year being constructed. The first test for the Sir Grange was passed with flying colours. The membership was sceptical at first but when they saw the colour and how the ball sat up, many hearts were won. I knew the path was paved for Sir Grange to become the grass of choice on our tees and green surrounds going forward.

In November 2021, Atlas Golf Services won the tender to start our Master Plan on the golf course beginning on our 12th hole then followed by the 5th, both are par 3’s next to each other so that was a main factor in selecting where we would start. With relatively short par 3’s, the 12th being 130m and the 5th 137m, I felt we could really make a statement with Sir Grange. The 12th was completed before Australia Day with the first Zoysia being laid by Lawn Solutions Australia Member Daleys Turf, who I cannot speak more highly of in their professionalism and quality of turf. Owner Terry Daley and his team delivered above expectations, laying close to 2,000m2 of turf, mowed at 8mm for delivery in a day and a half. All turf was cut in using diamond battery powered hand grinders.

Atlas Golf turned their attention to the 5th hole straight away and during this time we encountered 722mm of rain in 4 days, washing out completely a third of our new 5th green.

The 5th reconstruction was a true test for Atlas Golf and I could not thank Jim and the team enough for their professionalism, patience, and expertise in restoring all the hard work that they had just put into the 5th green to rebuild and have it ready for turfing. Twin View turf, another Lawn Solutions Australia Member was contracted to lay the 5th hole and Project Manager Trent Hobson was fantastic in managing what turned out to be a tricky install. 5 weeks behind schedule and with the concrete pathing now put in, the hole can now grow in and take shape.

Looking back on the last 5 months it has been a rewarding, educating, and fulfilling construction process. Some lessons learnt and we are now well under way into Noosa GC’s Master Plan with schedule works for the next two holes to be under construction in September this year. Our membership is very eager to play our new 12th hole which will be opened ahead of the original schedule. The 5th hole will require a little longer but is now progressing nicely for an opening later this year.

All of this could not have happened without the brave and bold committee of Noosa Golf Club who stepped out of their comfort zone and realised the course needed to

be upgraded for the future. Being able to go with a new grass such as Sir Grange Zoysia is a bold move and one that will reward not only the club in its many positive attributes and sustainability but also for the membership who will get to play on a superior playing surface that will only get better with age.