January / February
You can be forgiven for thinking that nothing happens on the greens during the winter but in fact a great deal has to be done to protect and make sure the reputation of the best greens in Wiltshire is maintained for the coming season.
The greens are currently looking as good as can be expected for the time of year, whilst the frost and snow have helped to keep them protected from infections and halted their growth, we have experienced a considerable amount of moss growth, certainly more than normal!
We have mown the top green once and the Contractor has made one visit to aerate both greens and spray a concoction of feeds and herbicides to control the moss.
The hedge bordering the top green has been cut back by 1 meter giving more space on the pathway and a much tidier appearance.
As a team we are meeting weekly to check the greens and their surroundings and carry out maintenance. Most of the edges have been clipped and a considerable number of weeds removed from the surface.
We are expecting the change in the weather to start the grass growing again. Regular mowing will then gradually reduce the height to a playing level by the start of the season.
Greens Team.