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There’s a reason why Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo has found its way into more than 750,000 backyards across the country - it’s not just grass; it’s a revolution. Versatile, resilient, lush, and made for Australian conditions, this turf has transformed how we think about outdoor spaces. But how did a humble grass variety rise to such legendary status? Let’s take a walk down memory lane to discover the origins of Sir Walter - the grass that changed it all.
A Farmer, a Field, and a Fabulous Find
Back in the late ’70s, Brent Redman, a second-generation turf farmer from NSW’s Hunter Valley, was busy making his mark in the turf world. By the mid-’80s, he’d secured 20 acres of prime Maitland land, growing kikuyu, couch, and a handful of buffalo varieties. At the time, buffalo was just buffalo—scratchy, coarse, and not exactly something you’d want to sprawl out on.
Mr Redman, always curious, planted five buffalo varieties in a modest two-acre plot. Most fizzled out, but one hardy little grass thrived against the odds. Mr Redman knew he’d landed on something special and started sharing samples with his mates in the turf industry to trial on their own farms.
From ‘Scratchy’ to ‘Soft-Leaf’
Here’s where things get interesting. Where other growers were battling with their buffalo grasses, Mr Redman’s mystery variety stood tall (and soft). One turf industry mate, Charlie Courtney, coined the term ‘soft-leaf buffalo’ to describe its lush, gentle blades—a game-changer in a world of scratchy lawns.
Word spread, and trials began popping up everywhere. On John Tebitt’s Peninsular Turf farm, under a sprawling Moreton Bay fig, this grass showed off its shade-loving superpowers. A visiting TV crew even suggested the name ‘Shademaster’. But Mr Redman wasn’t done yet.
The Making of Sir Walter
Amidst the Shademaster success, Mr Redman noticed a rogue patch on his farm—a greener, hardier, more winter-ready patch with a healthier root system. It wasn’t just surviving— it was thriving. Ever the turf visionary, he propagated this new grass, preserving its unique traits. When his industry mates saw it, they were blown away.
In a nod to its regal qualities and environmental creds, the name ‘Sir Walter’ was born. Breaking it down the acronym stands for:
- W: Water
- A: And
- L: Light
- T: Tolerant
- E: Environmentally
- R: Responsible
The prefix ‘Sir’ was a symbolic ‘knighting,’ and Sir Walter became an icon, representing excellence in turf production.
DNA Certified: The Real Deal
Fast forward to today, and Sir Walter DNA Certified is Australia’s most trusted turf. Many have tried to imitate the success of this backyard hero, but there’s only one variety that stays true to the Sir Walter legacy. To protect its pedigree, Lawn Solutions Australia (LSA) ensures every slab is DNA tested, guaranteeing it’s the genuine article from Mr Redman’s original variety.
So, when you’re searching for Buffalo grass, don’t pick any old ‘Sir Walter,’ look for the original breeder guarantee and the name Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo. By choosing the DNA Certified variety, you’re not just buying grass—you’re investing in a piece of Aussie turf history, a backyard upgrade, and weekends spent admiring and enjoying, rather than mowing and watering.
Ready to Join the Sir Walter Legacy?
At Coolabah Turf, we love Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo. And we know that you’ll simply love your lawn with this Aussie legend - Australia’s number one selling lawn variety for homes and backyards.
To ensure you receive the best quality Sir Walter DNA Certified possible, our slab cut turf will arrive direct to your door on temperature controlled trucks. We drop your turf where you need it with no pallet and mess to clean up afterwards. Simply lay your lush green Sir Walter DNA Certified and you’ll have a backyard that’s fit for a king —or, more importantly, your family, mates and four-legged friends.
Ready to join the Sir Walter legacy? Give our friendly team a call today to discuss our DNA Certified wonder!
