Primrose

A common perennial wildflower, with each light yellow (with a yellowish-orange centre) flower being about 25mm in diameter, located at the end of a single hairy stalk, whilst it can flower form December through to May. The sepals are joined to form a narrow tube, whilst the leaves from a rosette. These plants grow over a wide area, from shade to longer grassland. Its scientific name is Primula vulgaris.

  Pseudo-Thatch

An uncommon term which can also mean the same as Litter. This refers to mowing clippings and remains of scarification cuttings which have been left on a sward and which have settled at the base of the grass. Pseudo-Thatch can be considered as being at a stage of just starting to decompose, so slightly more advanced than just the term litter.

  Red Campion

A common perennial wildflower which grows in shaded areas. The 5 dark-pink coloured petals have deep notches which sometimes make it look like the flower is composed of 10 petals. The diameter of a flower is about 25mm and flowering can occur between March and October but also either side of this period. The leaves have a soft light down feel, whilst the stems have very faint hairs. Its scientific name is Silene dioica.

  Slime Moulds

These are not fungi, but belong in the Kingdom Protista, consisting of many unrelated organisms in a Class: Myxomycetes (Myxogastria). They spread by spores but do not harm turfgrasses, rather create masses of slimy cells on the grass which can be visually unattractive and also impact on playability by being slippery and reducing light levels reaching grass leaves when in abundance. Warm, moist weather is needed for reproduction, especially towards the end of summer to autumn periods. Moisture retentive and shaded turf is more prone than well-drained exposed situations.

  Spongy Thatch

A moist to wet, relatively compact or compressed organic layer, with a yellowish-brown colour, which will often smell 'musky'. It is associated with Annual Meadow Grass dominated surfaces, on slightly acidic to neutral soils, which can be poorly drained, or where excessive irrigation and fertiliser is applied on sandier rootzones.

  Squidge

An algal infestation (e.g. of Nostoc species) on the surface of wet turf, especially during cold weather, in low light levels, in areas of poor air movement and during the winter. Compacted turf and surfaces with moisture retentive thatch are particularly prone to this algal growth, and where it occurs on embankments this is a hazard, risking slips and falls, as well as being unsafe for operatives of pedestrian and ride-on machines. Gently sloping surfaces which encourage surface run-off rather than allowing for rapid run-off or adequate vertical infiltration, especially in shaded areas, can a

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  Superficial Fairy Ring

The appearance of either: 1. a light green / yellowing / straw brown affected circular area; 2. a ring, which is darker green and often being slightly sunken from the surrounding sward; or occasionally 3. fungal mycelium is present on the surface of the infected area, sometimes in combination with the above. The fungi can be active at any time of the year. Mild, warm and humid weather conditions typically provide conditions when their presence is most noticeable. Superficial fairy rings can often appear in fine turf areas, especially golf greens, where excessive thatch is evident. T

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  Thatch

An organic layer of dead, decomposing and living material, typically formed at a turf surface between green vegetative top-growth and the soil rootzone. Within a thatch layer will often be soil particles which have arisen from top-dressing practices. Grass roots will often penetrate through a layer of thatch, although the extent of root growth will vary according to environmental conditions and the density of the thatch layer.

  Thatch Fungi

Another name for Superficial Fairy Ring.

  Western Red Cedar

A tall conifer native to the USA but grown in the UK in parks. The leaves are noticeably flattened in sprays, with each individual scale-like leaf being up to about 6mm in length and being relatively soft to the touch. The bark is reddish-brown, scored ridges, relatively soft and with fibrous protrusions. Its scientific name is Thuja plicata.