Author: Nathan Edwards
MIFGS Celebrates Highly Successful 2025 Event
This year saw over 115,000 people make their way through the gates of the Carlton Gardens & Royal Exhibition Building. The best attendance at the show in over 20 years!
Lawn Solutions Australia (LSA) enjoyed a highly successful presence at this year’s Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. With a large stand near the main entrance, creating a lot of interest from attendees as they flowed through the gates. The LSA stand featured a range of turf varieties, including Sir Walter DNA Certified, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, Sir Grange Zoysia, and Zoysia Australis. These grasses drew significant attention from garden enthusiasts, landscapers, and industry professionals. With a strong focus on education and providing turf inspiration, the LSA team and Members engaged with thousands of visitors throughout the event, highlighting the benefits of choosing premium turf for both residential and commercial applications.
LSA brand ambassadors Charlie Albone and Jason Hodges played a key role also throughout the week. Both industry experts delivered engaging on-stage presentations, sharing their extensive knowledge of lawn care and landscape design while also answering questions from eager attendees. Their presence reinforced LSA’s position as the trusted authority in turf, offering valuable insights into selecting, installing, and maintaining the perfect lawn for any setting.
LSA turf varieties were prominently featured throughout the show gardens, a clear testament to the vital role that quality lawns play in landscape design. From lush, inviting green spaces to meticulously curated garden settings, these grasses demonstrated their versatility, resilience, and aesthetic appeal in a range of implementations. The widespread use of Sir Walter, TifTuf and Sir Grange (long and short!) across these displays highlighted the growing demand for high-performance turf solutions that cater to diverse environments and design preferences.
The Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show – Show Garden Entries
Doable – Jason Hodges
Jason’s incredible show garden entry the “Doable” garden is the result of thoughtful planning, proving that you don’t need a large budget and the most expensive of materials to create a beautiful, functional and desirable space. The team at Semken Landscaping did an incredible job bringing this design to life.
While the garden design features a range of beautiful plants, we were most excited by the very impressive Sir Walter DNA Certified feature lawn.
Jason’s show garden won a Silver Medal and was also awarded the Peoples Choice Award.
eskap – Distinctive Gardens
Designed by Rob Cooper of Distinctive Gardens, “eskap” is a lush and inviting garden that seamlessly combines contemporary structures with the wild beauty of native Australian plants. It features mass plantings of vibrant Banksia ‘Little Candles’ complemented by rugged mallee root sculptures, creating a harmonious blend of art and nature.
The beautiful garden design was awarded the coveted Golf Medal, alongside the City of Melbourne Award of Excellence for Best in Show and the Horticultural Media Association Award for Best Use of Plant Life. This garden included the use of both Sir Grange Zoysia and Sir Walter DNA Certified.
Nostalgia – Paul Pritchard Landscape Design
The “Nostalgia” garden by Paul Pritchard Landscapes evokes sentimental memories through its classic design elements, integrating traditional plant varieties with timeless landscaping features to create a space that feels both familiar and comforting.
Nostalgia took home the Mark Bence Construction Award, along with a well-deserved Gold Medal. This garden featured both Sir Grange Zoysia and TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda.
ODE – Candeo Design, Brent Reid
“ODE” by Candeo Design is a tribute to contemporary design, showcasing clean lines, minimalist aesthetics, and a curated selection of plant species that together create a serene and modern outdoor space. ODE was awarded a Silver Medal, featuring another highly impressive Sir Walter DNA Certified entry lawn area.
Yutori – Christian Jenkins & Bailyn Jenkins
“Yutori” by Christian Jenkins Landscape Design embodies the Japanese concept of spaciousness and relaxation, incorporating Zen principles with tranquil water features, minimalist plantings, and contemplative spaces designed for reflection.? Yutori was also awarded a Silver Medal, featuring lush unmown Sir Grange Zoysia throughout the design.
In Ratio with Africa – Matt York
Inspired by African landscapes, “In Ratio with Africa” by Matt York incorporates bold textures and earthy tones, featuring drought-tolerant plants and innovative design techniques that reflect the balance and harmony found in nature.? In Ratio with Africa took out the Silver Gilt Medal and also featured some very impressive unmown Sir Grange Zoysia.
Thank you to everyone who was involved in bringing the Show to life through these incredible gardens and displays.
The Garden Gurus | Developing New Turfgrass Varieties
The Garden Gurus Presenter Simon Holloway looks at the research and development work behind bringing a new turfgrass to market. Plus, he touches on a few different products you can use to help ensure your new lawn looks and performs its best after install.
Learn more about an exciting new turf variety, a direct result of this research and development program, coming in 2026 here –
Lawn Solutions Australia Announces Newly Developed Buffalo Turf Variety
Buffalo Grass Research and Development
Lawn Solutions Australia (LSA) is strongly committed to the development of superior varieties of turf for the Australian landscape. Our Research and Development program now includes over 30,000 different cultivars of turf that we are constantly evaluating in the hope of finding a new variety that has a list of benefits for Australian consumers.
Together with our international turf breeding partners, we monitor new varieties for environmental benefits, water use, shade tolerance, drought tolerance, growing speeds and other aesthetic, environmental and practical factors. We continue to work closely with our exclusive international breeding partners The University of Georgia, BladeRunner Farms and Texas A&M University to make all this possible.
LSA has been working with Dr Ambika Chandra from Texas A&M University on a new buffalo for the Australian market for many years. New turf varieties are not shelf-stock items and take many years of research, data collection, morphological testing and comparable trials in the US and Australia before, and if, they are released to the market.
Important criteria for a new buffalo turf variety included winter colour, shade tolerance, improved drought tolerance and temperature variation from -7 to 45 degrees. These factors are all considered when assessing and observing whether a new cultivar is going to exceed what is currently already available to the Australian market. In most cases however, they fail to deliver significant results and are removed from further testing.
Buffalo Grass Import
On Monday the 23rd of May 2022, 18 buffalo grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) cultivars arrived in Australia. It took a lengthy 12-month process of initial discussions, protocols, sourcing permits and planning before the cultivars could make their journey, but the precious cargo finally landed in good health.
These cultivars bred out of the world’s leading Texas A&M University Turfgrass Program are the best of the best in newly developed buffalo grasses. This was an incredible milestone achievement for LSA which is exclusively partnered with the world’s best to bring these new grasses to Australia.
These outstanding grasses were then assessed in Post Entry Quarantine in Melbourne for the next 12 months. Once cleared, these buffalo grass cultivars were given to LSA for evaluation trials. This has been a massive investment for LSA and one that aimed to secure the pipeline for the ‘next big thing’ in buffalo grasses for Australia’s future.
These grasses have been assessed throughout Australia in various climates and conditions over the last two and a half years. Data was recorded throughout these trials, with current buffalo grasses in the market also included for comparison.
During trials and assessments, the buffalo grasses were narrowed, with factors like density, harvestability, colour, disease susceptibility and seedhead production used to find the best performers.
While cultivar performance varied across different sites, one consistently outperformed the rest, excelling in all key areas. It proved to be the best-performing cultivar during winter in some very cold and harsh environments, which is a crucial factor for many turf producers. Remarkably, this same cultivar remained unaffected by disease during the humid summer, whereas most other buffalo cultivars were impacted. Additionally, it boasted an impressive appearance and excellent harvest quality.
After 6 years of trials both here and in the US, LSA is pleased to announce we have selected a new buffalo grass for release to the Australian market – Introducing Stampede Hybrid Buffalo.
Stampede Hybrid Buffalo is an interploid hybrid St. Augustinegrass (buffalograss; Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze). It was developed using embryo rescue technology through controlled pairwise crossing between a polyploid buffalograss (chromosome number: 2n = 2x = 30) and a diploid buffalograss (chromosome number: 2n = 2x = 18).
The next step in releasing this new grass to the market has involved stock expansion. When a new variety enters Australia through quarantine, we receive only a few runners of plant material to expand from for testing.
This year, LSA has set up propagation facilities for planting stock to be available to LSA foundation farms to expand and make the grass available for each member for planting. All the grass material supplied to LSA Members throughout this process has been expanded from these few pieces of trial stock that came through quarantine in 2022.
LSA engaged the services of the Australian Genetic Assurance Program (AusGAP) to monitor and enact protocols to ensure the purity of this selected variety every step of the way. As you can imagine, the process of creating a supply of a new variety of grass is slow and tedious, but it is pertinent to ensure the purity of the grass so that it performs as it has throughout trials.
Supply of this exciting new buffalo grass is anticipated to be achieved for release to consumers in many areas throughout Australia in 2026.
Turf Talk – December 2024
Turf Talk Digital
Turf Talk is suitable for all turf professionals, from turf growers to landscapers, golf courses and sports ground curators, to government and related industry organisations.
Turf Talk is here to share with you the latest information on the turf industry, the exciting developments in turf research and to keep you up to date with everything you need to know about turf.
Some topics in this issue include:
- The Renovation of Lords Iconic Nursery Grounds
- A New Golf Frontier on the Southern Ocean
- Revitalising Rural Town Centres: Lameroo Project
- Newly developed Buffalo grass variety incoming
- ASTMA Conference 2024
- Crafting Zoysia on the Florida ‘Sandbelt’
Click here to download a pdf copy.
For any enquiries, submissions or to subscribe to either our digital edition or mailing list to receive a hard copy, please contact us at the following:
Phone – 1300 883 711
Email – [email protected]
Turf Talk – July 2024
Turf Talk Digital
Turf Talk is suitable for all turf professionals, from turf growers to landscapers, golf courses and sports ground curators, to government and related industry organisations.
Turf Talk is here to share with you the latest information on the turf industry, the exciting developments in turf research and to keep you up to date with everything you need to know about turf.
Some topics in this issue include:
- Turf Producers International Conference 2024
- A Superintendent Abroad: Indonesia
- Uniting Adelaide’s Lawn Enthusiasts
- Tafe NSW Growing Sports Turf Careers
- Revitalising Pacific Golf Club
- 50 Years of Agland Turf
Click here to download a pdf copy.
For any enquiries, submissions or to subscribe to either our digital edition or mailing list to receive a hard copy, please contact us at the following:
Phone – 1300 883 711
Email – [email protected]
Lawn Solutions Goes to the UK!
LSA UK Study Tour
Last week, we had the LSA UK Study Tour, visiting England’s most iconic sporting facilities, including Wimbledon, Lords Cricket Ground and more. Here’s a little sneak peek of the tour with more detail to be provided through Turf Talk and other communications.
A special thanks to Simon Hutton from Tillers Turf Company Ltd in the UK for helping put together this incredible trip.
On Sunday evening we officially launched the tour with all delegates attending the Welcome Reception at the London Wimbledon Hotel Broadway.
WIMBLEDON
On Monday we began our tour by jumping on the bus and heading to the home of tennis, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) at Wimbledon. We were hosted by the Head of Courts and Horticulture Neil Stubley who gave us a presentation and tour of the facilities and lawn surfaces.
LORDS CRICKET GROUND
From Wimbledon, we headed to Lords Cricket Ground where we were hosted by Head Groundsman Karl McDermott. For fans of cricket this was a very exciting stop to see and we learned a lot about what goes into preparing the turf surface for big events like the Ashes.
TWICKENHAM RUGBY STADIUM
We started day 2 by heading straight to the home of English Rugby – Twickenham Stadium. Here we were hosted by Head of Grounds and Technical Operations Jim Buttar who gave us incredible access to all areas, sharing their full turf management program and allowing us to spend some time out on the turf.
SUDBROOK MOOR GOLF CLUB
From Twickenham we headed up North away from the London area to Sudbrook Moor Golf Club, owned by Simon Hutton of Fineturf and Tillers Turf.
Here we were met by delegates from the TGA UK (British Turfgrowers Association) where both LSA and the TGA presented to all in attendance, sharing an insight into each respective country’s industry. Finishing off the day with some golf on the driving range and putting greens, before drinks and dinner to finish off the day.
TILLERS TURF
We jumped on the bus for day 3 of the UK Study Tour, with the day spent at Simon Hutton’s Tillers Turf in Newark. During the day we learnt all about the production, machinery and varieties grown and supplied to the UKMarket and the sporting facilities we have been visiting during our time here. Simon graciously showed us his extensive turf production locations, with a large number of exhibitors and machinery demonstrations also on display.In the evening we met up with the British growers once again for a dinner in Lincoln.
JCB FACTORY
Earlier start for Day 4 with the tour heading to the JCB Factory in Rocester for a tour of their world headquarters. A massive facility rich in history with innovation and production of machinery leading the industry.
MANCHESTER UNITED – OLD TRAFFORD
Then we were off to the home of the Red Devils, Manchester United Football Club and Old Trafford.
Head Groundsman Tony Sinclair presented to us inside the stadium providing us an insight into of one of the world’s most famous and successful sporting organisations. The ground is currently being resurfaced by Simon Hutton’s team at Fineturf.
Fast train from Manchester back to London where we completed the tour and headed home or onwards. Thanks to all who have joined us on this insightful tour, we’re sure a great deal has been learned and international connections developed supporting the Australian turf industry into the future.
LSA on Selling Houses Australia
Lawn Solutions Australia – Exclusive turf supplier network for Selling Houses Australia
We’ve had a great time being the exclusive turf supplier network for this year’s season of Selling Houses Australia. By the looks of these photos, Dennis Scott and the team had a great time too. Throughout series 16, a range of premium turf varieties were utilised including Sir Walter DNA Certified, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda and Sir Grange Zoysia. Thanks to all LSA Members who supplied turf throughout the series to ensure quality turf was featured throughout each program.
If you missed the series it’s not too late to catch up on all the episodes through Foxtel Now on the LifeStyle Channel with watch on demand.
https://www.foxtel.com.au/watch/selling-houses-australia.html
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda installed by Landscape Guru Dennis Scott at this beautiful house in Ellalong, NSW.
Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo, supplied by Lilydale Instant Lawn. Dennis Scott and the team did a fantastic job of transforming this beautiful outdoor space in Brunswick.
Sir Walter DNA Certified installed in Turramurra, NSW.
Sir Walter DNA Certified at Mermaid Waters, Queensland.
Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show 2024
Lawn Solutions Australia (LSA) featured prominently at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show held recently promoting the LSA network of turf suppliers and their range of premium lawn varieties.
Staged at the world heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens from the 20th to the 24th of March, this year’s event was an incredible experience. Over 107,000 people came through the gates across the five days, with a huge number of people converging on Melbourne for both the Show and the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The Show features the best talent in landscaping, gardening, and floral design from right around Australia each year. With a large range of exhibitors showcasing their garden products and innovations.
The LSA range of turf grasses featured heavily across the world-class display gardens, showcasing their versatility to be used across a variety of spaces and designs. LSA members and staff, including ambassadors Charlie Albone and Jason Hodges, experienced an incredible number of enquiries and interactions throughout the week, handing out thousands of turf information guides and answering a range of lawn-related questions.
Lawns are such an integral part of the environment and gardens, and it was great to see how interested the public is in using the different turfgrass options available in a range of spaces and functions. The incredible artistry on show throughout the display garden entries exemplified the versatility of grass and how it can be used as a feature component within the landscape.
The Lawn Solutions Australia Lawn 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 Charlie Albone 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, Sir Grange Zoysia and the newly introduced Zoysia Australis.
Thank you to everyone involved and special mention to the team at Venus Landscaping for their efforts on the build.
Contaminant Free Playground Solution
Why Sir Grange Zoysia is the Perfect ‘Contaminant Free’ Ground Covering
In light of increasing reports of Asbestos being found in contaminated woodchips and bark material across various public space areas, we must identify superior contaminant-free, safe solutions and alternatives for these areas.
Woodchips, mulch and other mediums like sand are often used in playgrounds and swing areas as a low-maintenance ground covering, but they rarely stay clean and user-friendly for very long and have been found to suffer from asbestos contamination. This is highly concerning when there is a much better ground covering that could be used, a green and low-maintenance solution that is free of contaminants and safe for our families and environments.
This turf variety is Sir Grange Zoysia. Sir Grange is a Zoysia Matrella grass that offers a level of versatility in turfgrass that has been unseen until recent years. It has a stunning fine blade and a beautiful dark green colour. But most importantly, it can be left completely unmown and still look fantastic.
This makes Sir Grange Zoysia the perfect solution to the current asbestos issue. Woodchips can be removed and replaced with an incredible grass that requires next to no mowing at all, is soft and safe for playgrounds, is much more aesthetically pleasing and provides the assurance that the new ground covering will be asbestos free.
Often when we think about grass, it’s in the context of a lawn, sporting field or expansive park areas, and Sir Grange Zoysia can certainly be used in these applications. But its areas that we wouldn’t traditionally adopt grass where Sir Grange is truly providing an alternative floor covering and solution for troublesome landscaping areas. Garden beds, playgrounds, median strips, alongside bike paths and pedestrian footpaths – all of these areas are high maintenance areas for councils to maintain and are commonly filled with woodchips and other materials that requires regular replacement and upkeep. Sir Grange Zoysia can be used in all of these areas providing a much better outcome for councils and for the public.
Sir Grange is great in areas that are difficult to get to for maintenance purposes and can tolerate high wear once established. The reason this turf requires less mowing is due to it having a very slow growth pattern and limited height of growth. Sir Grange will grow until it reaches a certain height (about 15 to 20cm). After that, it virtually stops growing vertically and looks fantastic.
This makes Sir Grange the ideal solution for public parks and playgrounds, council verges, roadsides, sloping areas, sporting applications like golf courses and in the home lawn and play areas just like this one.
Available Australia wide
When purchasing your Sir Grange Zoysia lawn, make sure you are dealing with a genuine Lawn Solutions Australia turf supplier.
You can find the contact details of these suppliers near you here.