Greensleeves Lawn Care franchisees have gained an exclusive insight into the science shaping the lawns of tomorrow during a visit to one of Europe’s leading turf research facilities in Angers, France.
Representatives from Greensleeves’ Franchise Advisory Council (FAC) travelled to Top Green’s specialist breeding grounds alongside Managing Director Cheryl Harper and two of the brand’s Business Development Managers. Hosted by Origin Amenity Solutions, Greensleeves’ exclusive supplier partner since 2025, the visit gave the group a closer look at the research and development behind the products used across the franchise network.
Origin works with dedicated seed-breeding partner Top Green to develop Greensleeves’ bespoke turf mixtures, making the visit an opportunity for franchisees to see first-hand how new grass varieties move from research and testing to real-world lawn care.
Climate resilience was high on the agenda. With the UK experiencing increasingly hot and dry summers, the group toured active test plots where drought-tolerant grass varieties are being developed and assessed. The visit provided a deeper understanding of the science underpinning Greensleeves’ custom seed mixes, including its environmentally conscious Carbon-for-Grass range.
For Greensleeves, bringing franchisees closer to the research behind the products they use is an important part of ensuring the network is equipped for changing customer needs and environmental conditions.
Cheryl Harper, Managing Director of Greensleeves Lawn Care, said: “As lawn care technology advances, giving our FAC direct access to the science behind our products changes how we support our customers. Seeing how these grass varieties are bred to withstand extreme weather means our network is not just reacting to changes in climate, we are actively preparing for them with the best tools in the industry.”
Beyond the technical sessions, the trip provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships between the three brands. Origin hosted the group on a scenic boat tour through the Loire Valley, giving franchisees and partners time to connect away from the research plots and reflect on what they had learned.
The knowledge gained in France is now making its way across the wider Greensleeves network. During ongoing regional meetings in the UK, Kelly Clack, Technical and Research Lead at Origin, is sharing key turf insights, while FAC members are bringing their own first-hand experiences from the visit directly to fellow franchise owners.
This peer-to-peer approach means the benefits of the trip extend beyond those who travelled to France, helping franchisees across the country understand the latest developments in turf care and how they can be applied within their own businesses.
Cheryl added: “When franchisees step out of their daily operations and engage directly with our suppliers, it builds a level of trust and confidence that trickles down to every customer interaction. That peer-led knowledge sharing is what keeps our entire network competitive and ahead of the curve.”
For more information about a franchise opportunity with Greensleeves Lawn Care, visit their website here.
