In This Issue
May sales up on 2021 but not ahead of 2018
Keep warm and dry with TMD’s customisable rain jacket
GROW YOUR sales...with the new Global Journey Seed Ball Dispenser
Dobbies announces Helping Your Community Grow winner
LANDMANN BBQs acquired by global giants Social Chain
Darlac now available In Haskins Garden Centres
Hozelock announces ambassador collaborations
New for SOLEX 2022 – online appointment booking system
Garden centre staff selected to attend IGCA Congress
British Garden Centre helps the Greenfingers Charity grow
CHA flying the flag for Britain at IPM Essen
Wyevale Nurseries enters nine new plants for National Plant Show awards
Cherry Lane Garden Centres – celebrating 21 years and still growing
Morris’ of Usk stocks Foxbury Fields English wines
Tong submits planning application for its third site
Ivyline demonstrates its commitment to customers and the environment with bigger presence at Glee
The Gardens Group raises more than £3,500 for British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal
Rolawn to coordinate online horticulture advice with Lawn Association in new sponsorship deal
GTN Interviews: Steve Morgan, Zest - Nick Rubins, Cherry Lane Garden Centres
Encouraging customers to make the switch to peat free gardening
Get your copy of GTN Xtra
Garden to Plate Inspiration from River Cottage & Food Experts at RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival
Award-winning partnership brings second children’s clothing collection to retail
Dobbies donates RHS Chelsea Flower Show plants to charity
The best of last week's
A right royal Chelsea
Leading brands comment on artificial grass ban
Hundreds of guests celebrate relaunch of Bridgemere
Garden accessories help with mobility issues
EKJU’s on-trend furniture is ready for all retailers
Treadstone’s Recycled Pots more sustainable than ever
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to the GTN Bestsellers printed weekly newsletter
Send us your news and great ideas

Contact us with your news.

Email trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk or call the GTN News team on 07973 504214

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Leading brands comment on artificial grass ban

In light of the RHS banning artificial grass from this week’s Chelsea Flower Show, leading brands Cobra and the Grass People have offered their comments.

 

Peter Chaloner, managing director of Cobra, commented: "We’re thrilled to see the RHS standing against artificial grass. We, of course, celebrate lawns and all the benefits that they bring. A freshly cut lawn can’t be beaten. It is the centrepiece of a garden and is aesthetically pleasing but the benefits go far beyond that; lawns can boost drainage and help prevent flooding, they can boost biodiversity, absorb carbon dioxide and encourage nature and wildlife to gardens. Not to mention the mental health benefits that the feel and smell of freshly cut grass brings! Lawns, and green spaces, have been proven to reduce stress and improve mood, with the smell of freshly cut grass releasing endorphins.

 

"It's such a shame to see lawns being dug up and replaced by plastic alternatives. In a time when we’re all trying to reduce plastic usage, it makes no sense for gardens which are meant to enhance the planet, to be filled with unnecessary and unsightly plastic. Artificial grass is expensive, and not as maintenance-free as people first think as they can get damaged and will ultimately need replacing. Artificial grass creates a barrier to the soil, removing habits for burrowing insects and worms, starving them of food sources and creating a wholly inhabitable space. We support the RHS’s stance and hope to see an ongoing celebration of lawns for many years to come."

 

 

Experts at The Grass People have weighed in on the debate, with Chris McIlroy saying: “Although plastic grass is convenient, it doesn’t last forever. It looks good instantly but can wear badly and is then very hard to recycle. Not only that, high quality plastic grass is expensive and requires more maintenance than many people realise. 

 

“Plastic grass can get very hot as it absorbs heat and can even cause burns. It can also cause injury through friction burns if kids (or adults) are playing on it which means it isn’t always a family friendly option. It can also be tricky for families with pets as cleaning up after them can be difficult.

 

“Plastic grass also contributes to local flooding as there isn’t any drainage so large volumes of rain water can be displaced and cause problems elsewhere. The production and disposal of plastic grass can also create pollution and destroy spaces for wildlife. 

 

“On the other hand, real grass is 100% natural, can help with pollution and provides a home for wildlife. A 50x50 foot lawn releases enough oxygen for a family of four, while trapping harmful gases produced by pollution. It’s safe for children and animals to play on and doesn’t need to be cleaned. It’s also great at absorbing noise which is helpful for those living in louder areas or who have noisy neighbours. 

 

“Although the grass does need to be mown frequently in the summer - during winter a lawn is fairly low maintenance. It can also help improve the quality of the soil and ease the risk of flooding. 

 

“Some homeowners do face challenges with their grass, such as shade and clay soils which may encourage them to purchase artificial grass, however this can be easily solved with the right seed and know-how.” 

 

 

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Del.icio.us Digg | Comment (0)
Comment
Name:*

Email Address:*

Comment:*