Allett Lawn Academy Testimonials
We take a look at some testimonials from our past attendees at the Allett Lawn Academy. Our next course will be held on 29th April 2025 at Buckden Towers. Book your place here
Alex, Apprentice Greenkeeper at Woodhall Spar Golf Club:
"I wanted to gain knowledge about the machines, as I hadn't used them before. It was great to see the machines in a professional lawn care setting, different from what I've experienced in professional sports. The renovation part was particularly enjoyable, and I definitely recommend this course to anyone especially young enthusiasts."
Costas, Novice Gardener from Raynes Park:
"As a beginner, I wanted to increase my knowledge of lawn care, from types of grass to topdressing and scarifying. The practical sessions were invaluable—there's no substitute for hands-on experience. This course is invaluable for gardeners of any level, whether professional, semi-professional, or just starting out."
Dick Strover from Suffolk:
"I came to the course to learn more about lawn care, especially since I supervise a professional groundsman at my croquet club but felt I lacked knowledge. The most interesting part of the day was learning about fertilisers, top dressing and how to manage soil pH. I also found the hands-on experience with deep scarification and aerating very useful. It was a fun and informative day, filled with great conversations not just about lawns but about life in general. I'd highly recommend this course, especially if you own or are thinking of buying an Allett machine—I've owned one for about eight years and this day was incredibly useful."
Peter from Quainton, Buckinghamshire:
"As a new lawn enthusiast, I wanted to learn more about how to care for and maintain my lawn beyond just cutting the grass. My favorite part of the day was the practical work outside with Richard, learning how to scarify, aerate, and top dress a lawn to bring it back to life. It's been a really informative day, filled with like-minded people and good fun. I'd absolutely recommend this course to anyone with an interest in lawn care."
Adrian from Sussex:
"I've been interested in lawns since I was 10 years old, and today I came to learn about different grasses, fertilizers, and soil types for leveling my lawn. I’ve really enjoyed learning about the different applications and techniques. The whole day has been fantastic—I've loved every part of it, including the lunch! It was great to meet people from different walks of life, sharing their experiences and tips. I've already recommended the course to someone who’s eager to join the next session."
John Banks from Rayne, Essex:
"My passion for lawn care started as a child watching my dad use a cylinder mower. Now, with a nice garden at home, I wanted to deepen my understanding of grass care, including cutting techniques, fertiliser regimes, and addressing common grass problems. My favourite part of the day was definitely testing the mowers. The course has been very educational with great demonstrations and a lot of useful information. I’d recommend this day to anyone, whether you're a novice or a professional lawn care provider."
Paul from Redhill:
"As a gardener and golfer, I’ve always been intrigued by the quality of golf course greens compared to my own garden. I wanted to learn how to elevate my lawn to that level. My favourite part of the day was seeing how the Allet mowers can perform the tasks of multiple pieces of equipment. I would recommend this course to anyone looking to take their lawn care to the next level, whether you’re a homeowner, professional, or interested in joining a golf club. It’s a great opportunity to learn a lot."
Steven Williamson from Pilling, South of Lancaster:
"I got into lawn care about seven years ago after dealing with a moss infestation, and I’ve been passionate about it ever since. I currently use an Allet Kensington 20B, which I absolutely love. Today, I wanted to solidify my existing knowledge and see the next level of equipment, like the Stirling mower. The course confirmed and expanded what I’ve learned from reading and online videos. Rich’s insights were particularly valuable—he’s a great communicator and very open to questions. My favourite part was the theoretical aspects, as I’m already familiar with the practical side. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in lawn care; I’m definitely coming back for the advanced level."
Jason from Swansea, Wales:
"Working for the National Trust, I wanted to enhance my knowledge of lawn care techniques and tips, both for my current role and for possibly starting my own business. The course provided many handy techniques and insights into the lawn care sector. My favourite part was getting hands-on experience in the garden with Richard, who has years of expertise. Learning about the practical aspects, like scarifying and using different machines, was incredibly valuable, as was the theoretical knowledge that goes beyond what you might expect as an amateur gardener. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in gardening, horticulture, or lawn care—it’s a great opportunity to learn something new."
Alex from Able Alex Limited:
"I attended the course to expand my knowledge on lawn care and renovations, including testing pH levels. The day has been very informative and valuable. My favourite part was the comprehensive coverage of topics from start to finish and the opportunity to network with others in the industry, including those involved in private and commercial gardens. I would highly recommend this course to others. I’m even considering sending a couple of my staff members to broaden their understanding of different machinery and techniques, as the course provided exposure to a range of tools and equipment, including both petrol and battery-powered mowers."
Josh Staunton from Staunts on the Grass:
"After 12 years in professional football, I developed a passion for lawn care and decided to start my own business focusing on high-maintenance gardens and sports pitches. I attended the course to deepen my knowledge and see the Allet tools in action. My favourite part of the day was definitely getting hands-on with the Allet Stirling—I'm a big fan of Allet and loved trying out the equipment. Meeting people with similar interests and learning from Richard, whom I consider a fountain of wisdom, was also a highlight. I’d recommend this course to others, though it might be best to wait for better weather. Despite the conditions, it was a fantastic day full of valuable insights and networking opportunities."
Ken James from Blackpool:
"After retiring from BA Systems and finding myself bored, I started doing gardening work for friends and discovered a passion for it. I attended the course to gain more knowledge and try out different equipment. The course met my expectations and was very enjoyable. My favourite part was using the equipment and listening to Richard, who challenged my preconceived notions about lawn care and provided new insights. I also appreciated the opportunity to network with others in the industry. Despite some initial logistical challenges getting here, the day was well worth it. I would definitely recommend this course to others, especially those who are passionate about lawn care and want to deepen their understanding."
Matt from Livingstone Garden Services:
"I’ve been running my own lawn care business for about 10 months after starting with greenkeeping. I came to the course to expand my knowledge, learn new techniques, and understand the theory behind grass care. My favourite part was seeing the renovation of a golf green, which was great for comparing methods with my previous experiences. The free lunch was also a highlight! The course offered valuable classroom instruction and hands-on practice with Allet equipment. I’d definitely recommend it for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of lawn care and gain practical experience."
Ian Ditchfield
I was initially apprehensive about coming on the course but found the day fascinating and engaging.I really appreciated the mix of amateurs and professionals, which led to some really diverse discussions. I left with some valuable insights, particularly about soil structure and seed selection
Chris Griffin
- I was really impressed by the quick-change cartridge system on the Kensington mower and interested in the Stirling model.I could really see the personal touch in Allet’s product development based on customer feedback being used to make changes to products and the design of new products. I found the balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application very beneficial and would highly recommend the course for anyone interested in lawn care from novices to seasoned professionals.
''The reason I wanted to come and do a Level Two course was to expand my knowledge in identifying different grass species, enhance my understanding of soil pH, and analyse different types of soil such as clay-based soils and sands. It was also a great opportunity to network and connect with others who share a similar enthusiasm for lawn care.
I absolutely loved getting hands-on experience with the Allett machinery. It was amazing to see the different stripes the mowers can create how easy it is to change cartridges and learn about the various attachments including scarifiers, power rakes and verticutters.
This course has been incredibly valuable regardless of prior experience. I was pleasantly surprised to meet many individuals with similar enthusiasm but without professional or commercial knowledge which made the experience even more enjoyable. Thank you so much for having me—I'll definitely be on the lookout for other courses to further my learning''
My name is Alan Warner, and I am a professional gardener based in Buckinghamshire. While I have focused on general gardening, I wanted to expand my knowledge of lawns. A client with a Grade I listed property requested a croquet lawn, so improving the lawn or changing the layout became a priority.
I had previously done some theory-based work at RHS Wisley, but I wanted more hands-on practical knowledge. After discovering the Allett Lawn Academy through the generous videos on the website, I decided to book both Level One and Level Two courses to cover everything thoroughly.
Alan Warner (Ingestre Lawn Academy)
''My favourite part of the course was using scarifiers and aeration equipment for the first time. These tasks seemed daunting before but now I feel confident handling them. The course added to the theory I had picked up at Wisley and provided valuable, practical day-to-day knowledge.
Gardening is rooted in botany and as science evolves so does our understanding. This type of experience is beneficial for homeowners wanting to improve their lawns, gardeners seeking more specific knowledge and those managing cricket clubs or bowling greens. It’s a highly valuable investment and well worth the time''
Andy (Di Torro Gardens)
''My name is Andy and I run a lawn care and garden maintenance business called Di Torro Gardens in London. I attended this course to learn technical methods for lawn care and improve the skills and services we provide. This course has been incredibly helpful, teaching precise techniques for lawn care rather than just mowing which has been a valuable experience.
I plan to implement all the technical methods learned today into the business and train our team to enhance the quality of service we deliver to clients. The sprayer calibration session was a highlight, providing detailed guidance on calibrating speed and cone settings.
This course has been excellent and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to improve their lawn care expertise''
Lee Fenton (Ingestre Lawn Academy)
''My name is Lee and I’m from Burton on Trent. I got into lawn care through maintenance work and improving the grounds and garden at my own home. I attended this course to learn from professionals and ensure I’m following the correct methods rather than relying solely on social media for advice.
The course provided a great mix of practical knowledge and opportunities to connect with others who share the same interests. It was an invaluable experience and the expertise shared was easy to understand and apply.
I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in improving their lawn care skills''
Oystein Krogstad (Norway- Ingestre Lawn Academy)
''I’ve been cutting grass for a long time as part of my work, focusing on regular maintenance. Then we started working with sand-type green lawns for high-end projects and purchased an Allett Stirling. It’s been amazing; the quality of the machine makes the experience feel more like a hobby than work so it’s been a win-win.
I attended this course to see if there’s more I can learn and to meet others who share similar interests. In Norway, the grass care community is still growing and while people don’t yet place the same emphasis on it as in England it’s gradually improving.
Richard Salmon’s insights were particularly valuable as he shared a wealth of knowledge that I didn’t have. If you know a bit about grass care this course will help take your skills to the next level.
For those interested in lawn renovation the course teaches practical methods that will save money and prevent common mistakes. I highly recommend this course to anyone with a passion for grass and lawn care''
Catherine Pritchard (Ingestre Lawn Academy)
My name is Catherine and I run Katkins Garden Services as a self-employed gardener. I attended this course to gain more knowledge about lawn care, try out some mowing and get hands-on experience with the machines.
I particularly enjoyed the practical side of things such as using scarifiers and the aerator and learning about the processes involved.
This course is well worth it; you will definitely learn something new. There’s so much technical information and I’ve learned a lot today even though I thought I already knew a fair bit''
Carl Mcdermott (Ingestre Lawn Academy)
''My name is Carl McDermott and I’m from Bristol. I got into lawn care after finally having the time to address the weeds in my front lawn which had become quite embarrassing. I decided it was time to improve the lawn and get it into reasonable condition.
I attended the Allett Level One course to learn more about grass and I’ve gained so much knowledge. I realised that I may have been overfeeding my lawn, something I didn’t think was even possible.
Lunch was very nice, but my favourite part of the day was getting hands-on—laying the seed, doing the scarifying, trying out the machinery and of course using the Allett mowers.
Richard and the Allett staff were very welcoming making sure I had everything I needed and ensuring it was the best experience possible. I highly recommend the course—it’s been great.
Stephen Williamson- York and Ingestre events
My name is Stephen Williamson and I live just south of Lancaster in a little village called Pilling. I did a Level One lawn care course in April (around my birthday) and what I learned was good general groundsmanship. When Allett offered a Level Two course, I thought there couldn’t possibly be more to learn but I was wrong—I’ve learnt a lot.
What I particularly liked today was being given samples of grass species. Previously, I wouldn’t have had a clue but Richard walked us through the process, and we successfully identified two different types of grass.
We also looked at an overseeder, which interested me because I bought one recently and had the chance to ask some questions about how it works. We used the Allett Stirling, Kensington, and Cambridge mowers all of which are excellent machines.
I would definitely recommend Level Two to anyone who has done Level One, and if you haven’t done Level One yet, I highly suggest you do—it will open your eyes to ways you can improve your lawn. Having a nice lawn is a lifestyle choice and it’s calming for the mind, body and soul though perhaps not so good for the pocket. I really enjoyed the experience and it’s been a pleasure''