Village Green’s international expansion in Southern Europe has been further reinforced by its latest major project undertaken in Tirana, Albania.
When one of the country’s premier international schools wanted to double their green space and sports fields resources for its students, they opted for the trademarked turf variety that has been employed with huge success throughout the region, from Spain to Italy and Cyprus as well all across Australia.
Albanian College Tirana (ACT) provides high quality primary, secondary and diploma education through the International Baccalaureate or the American Program to 700 students.
There are few more demanding users of green space turf than school children.
ACT Director Chris Share said the school sought out an alternative to the tall fescue grass that previously occupied the smaller green space.
The success of the Village Green’s other Albanian projects and a visit to the local Village Green farm convinced ACT to switch grass varieties.
The Village Green turf variety consumes 50 per cent less water and maintains its verdant green appearance under the heaviest foot traffic. The fescue was far more susceptible to brown patches developing during the summer months and also required overseeding at that time of year.
The previously-used turf’s coarseness underfoot was better suited to commercial rather than playground environments.
Village Green has also been shown to thrive in Albanian soil, which ranges from loamy (50 per cent), clayey (30 per cent) and sandy (20 per cent).
A quick, successful greening project
The project to cover 1,200-square metres to improve the sports facilities and the overall student experience was conducted during a school holiday period.
But time was still of the essence.
The turf was supplied and laid by Tapet Bari Natyral, the authorised Village Green grower in Albania.
Even the growers expressed surprise at just how quickly the turf root system emerged and grew.
The whole area was laid and completed within a few days, and after only four days the first roots were appearing.
By the ten-day stage since installation, a strong root system had taken hold and the water minimisation that is a feature of Village Green was also evident, even during some of Albania’s hottest weather.
“The school could not be more happy with the Village Green turf and team, with the school effectively given a huge facelift and a wonderful space and facility created for the students,” Mr Share said.
Increasingly popular European turf
A denser grass that is more durable, weed resistant and active through the winter months, Village Green is being chosen across southern Europe because of its ability to outperform common kikuyu and other alternatives.
Village Green is first hybrid kikuyu to be patented in Europe, as well as in Australia where it has undergone vigorous university testing and research.
Village Green is a superior Kikuyu that is certified free from disease, weeds and pests and is genetically pure. It is ideal for public spaces, villas and sports grounds. Its independent certification gives Village Green clients the confidence of knowing their grass meets stringent standards.
