RTF Awarded Waterwise Marque

Leading grass seed breeder Barenbrug has received a significant accolade for its unique Rhizomatous Tall Fescue (RTF). The grass seed variety is the first to gain the prestigious Waterwise Marque.

It was one of 15 products to be awarded the Waterwise Marque at a special awards ceremony at Oxford University on 21 March 2007. The Waterwise Marque is the first scheme in the UK to highlight water efficient products.

The Marque is awarded annually to products which reduce water wastage or raise the awareness of water efficiency. RTF was included in the list of winning products alongside dishwashers, an aerated showerhead, water storing gels for the garden, a waterless urinal, a new dual flush toilet and a waterless carwash. Joanna Yarrow, director of Beyond Green, presented the awards.

RTF is included in a special Water Saver lawn seed mixture available direct from Barenbrug or via its consumer website www.the-perfect-lawn.co.uk. The variety is also included in two specialist mixtures - BAR 10 with RTF and BAR 30 with RTF - for the professional sports turf market and available as RTF Turf through four appointed turf producers.

RTF is a new generation of tall fescue grass seed which unlike other tall fescues produces rhizomes. A rhizome is an underground stem that grows outwards from the main plant, producing more shoots as it goes. In this way RTF has the ability to repair itself, and produce a dense mat of grass. With a denser grass sward less moisture is lost through evaporation from the soil's surface.

The rhizomes, coupled with the variety's ability to root to a depth of 1.5 metres means it withstands drought conditions with ease. RTF's deep rooting ability means the plant can search for water deep down in the earth, finding moisture when other grasses fail. Even in severe drought, when other grass goes brown, RTF will maintain a strong green colour and recover very quickly with the first rain. By having a lawn that remains green and healthy the consumer does not feel the need to apply unnecessary irrigation.

Environment Minister, Ian Pearson welcomed the Waterwise Marque: "It will raise the profile of water efficiency, help the consumer to make informed choices in product selection, and reward those manufacturers who are taking a lead in water saving. It is good for the environment, good for consumers and good for business."

Director of Waterwise Jacob Tompkins said: "This is the first scheme in the UK to highlight water efficient products. We have a fantastic range of products for use both in the home and garden. The Waterwise Marque will empower buyers to make more informed choices on which water using products to purchase.

"Despite the recent rainfall it is still imperative that we continue to use water wisely. The UK's fresh water supplies are not limitless. Climate change, along with population growth and shift mean that we can't simply continue to use a third more than many of our European neighbours. The most effective long term way to stop future water shortages is for all of us to make small behavioural changes and to choose water efficient products."

Receiving the award Barenbrug UK managing director Paul Johnson said: "It is wonderful to receive recognition for RTF. We always knew that it had great potential for helping consumers save water and now we have some heavyweight independent backing for our claim.

"Our special Water Saver drought mixture maintains a green, healthy appearance even in times of drought and therefore the gardener doesn't feel compelled to water the lawn."

One other benefit of RTF is its ability to grow in shaded areas, such as under trees. These areas can get very burnt up in times of drought and the lawn can die through lack of water and gardeners use water to try and keep their lawn alive. But RTF does not need water even in times of drought in shaded areas.

RTF was extensively trialled in the Mediterranean climates of Italy and the South of France prior to its introduction into the UK. This trials work fully demonstrated its ability to withstand hot dry conditions over a long period of time.

RTF establishes quicker than other grass seed varieties and so needs less time (and water) during this stage.

A further advantage of RTF's deep rooting system is that it needs less fertiliser. RTF's low water and nutrient requirements, coupled with its rhizomatous recovery make it ideal for use in environmentally sustainable situations.