GLENPOOL, Oklahoma -

Oklahoma is getting some much needed rain and farmers are loving it, local sod farmers said the rain of the past few days helps them grow healthier grass, they hope, will survive our intense summer heat.

Crews delivered fresh sod this spring to Guthrie Green and it's holding up pretty well, thanks to the wet weather. Farmers who grow sod said the rain helps, but it's still not enough to get us out of a drought.

Slow and steady, rain keeps falling on Green Country, and sod farmers said it's exactly what the grass needed.

Charles Rumbaugh manages Easton Sod's store in Glenpool, where pallets were stacked with grass and ready to roll out on to lawns.

Bermuda grass, which Rumbaugh said is Tulsa's most popular, should be able to thrive in the wet conditions.

"All the Bermuda should be healthy, because there's a lot of moisture in the ground, a lot of good rain to start it into the growing season, which makes it real healthy," he said.

Rumbaugh said the rain is going to keep the grass greener when the temperatures heat up.

"See how thick this cut is, that's showing the depth and the thickness of the root system, that's healthy. Before it would be real thin, falling apart, because of there wasn't enough moisture deep for the roots to go deep," Rumbaugh said.

Farmers said the heavy rain will also help the grass better prepare for the winter months.

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Green Country Sod Farmers Happy With Recent Rain

Editor: In my area of South Langley, the Rural Road Maintenance Team is in the midst of a far too generous taxpayer-funded spending bonanza.

It started in the late winter, long before any visible grass growth, with trimming of the roadside verges. The next activity is the scouring of the ditches involving chopping of vegetation, chewing up the top couple of inches of dirt and massacre of every frog, toad, salamander and snake that lived there.

Each ditch warranted a pass on both sides of it and sometimes another up to the private property fence line. The final deed is the irregular gouging of often visually pleasing verges in the name of removing any grass sod with the temerity to grow above the level of the road surface.

So after all this action, five or six passes on each side of every road with diesel-guzzling heavy equipment belching noxious fumes, we end up with more air pollution, exuberant new vegetation growth in the ditches, ugly gouges in what were nicely owner-maintained grass verges and the murder of thousands of harmless amphibians.

Is this value for taxpayer dollars?

Margaret Ormston,

Langley

Link:
Maintenance overkill along South Langley roads

EDMONTON - Every spring when the snow is melting, Nicole Sharp puts out a sign on her front lawn, encouraging people to Feel my grass!

It saves people from knocking on our door, said Sharp, who estimates that between five and 10 people stop every spring day to marvel at her bright green grass compared to the neighbours brown and grey lawns. Many knock with questions. When the spring comes, it is ridiculous how many people stop and look at it.

After all, the grass is fake. Its plastic. Its perpetually bright green, even below the snow, yet never needs to be mowed or watered.

Sharp got her synthetic turf three years ago and is part of a growing wave of people in the Edmonton area choosing perfect plastic over growing grass. When Gary Selanders began his Evergreen Turf business in Edmonton eight years ago, he was busy installing the plastic product at about 15 houses during the summer.

In 2013, he laid down the fake blades at 130 houses. This summer, Selanders and his team of 13 workers expect to install synthetic turf at more than 200 homes and simply cant keep up with demand.

This has really boomed, said Selanders, whose company is the only Alberta dealer for U.S. grass-maker Southwest Greens. Its the only way to go. Its a no-brainer for people to put it in.

No more grass stains on her two sons clothing, Sharp said. No more snow mould or dandelions that set off the seven-year-olds allergies. No more aerating, fertilizing or watering. The Sharps got rid of their gas lawn mower the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that one such lawn mower emits the same amount of air pollution as 11 new cars in one hour and replaced it with a lawn vacuum.

Yes, Sharp vacuums her lawn. She also uses a soft rake to brush away dust and dirt. Otherwise, the maintenance is low, she said, and far lower than when the family had dogs whose urine and digging killed the real grass.

PHOTOS: Grass certainly looks greener on the fake side of the fence

Barry Morgan, facility manager at the Edmonton Humane Society, said hes lobbying for cash to replace even more grassed areas with artificial turf. Currently, the dog daycare pen and exercise areas on the north side of the building are landscaped with dog-specific turf. They look brand-new even after five years of constant pawing, dog tussles and bathroom breaks, Morgan said.

See the original post here:
$9,000 can buy you a perfect (plastic) lawn|video

Dear Neil: I was told that I could dig a hole near one of my plants. Then I could punch small holes in the bottom and lower sides of a 2-liter bottle, put it down in the hole and fill it periodically with water to keep my plants hydrated. Is there anything about the plastic in the bottle that would hurt my plants?

A: Not at all. You could actually accomplish the same thing just by setting the bottom on top of the soil. That way the moisture would drain out quickly and be spread uniformly across the soil surface. Milk jugs have larger bottoms, so they actually might be better. Or you could just use conventional drip irrigation lines. They're tidier and quicker.

Dear Neil: My father has a peach tree that's 20 years old. It flowers, but the peaches never get bigger than an inch and a quarter. Last year, the immature peaches fell off. It has been the pattern for at least five years. What might the cause have been?

A: Peach fruit need to be thinned manually when they're about marble-sized. Leave enough that they are 6 or 7 inches apart on the branches. That allows them to develop to full size. Also, it's not uncommon for peaches to abort fruit, whether due to poor pollination, late freezes, wind and hail or a sudden turn toward hot weather.

Dear Neil: I've attached photos of my David Austin Sister Elizabeth rose. The same thing happened to two others last year in the same bed. I replanted with more of the same roses this year, and so far they seem to be doing fine. I don't believe it was a weedkiller, but I'm wondering how they could go from just starting to turn brown to dead within a week. I have a soaker hose beneath mulch. Could there be too much mulch?

A: If the soaker hose is functioning properly, and if it's beneath the mulch, there's not much way you could have too much mulch. I see in one of your photos that other plants nearby are doing just fine, while the rose plant is dying. Do check the soaker hose, to be sure that it's putting out the proper amount of water. I wonder if cotton root rot could be involved. That's a soil-borne fungus, but it's prevalent only in alkaline soils, and most of us put enough organic matter into our soils that it isn't present. Still, roses are highly susceptible. Unfortunately, that's about all I have to suggest.

Dear Neil: The photo attached shows a trouble spot in my St. Augustine. Three years ago, the grass in that area was thick and green. I've treated for grub worms and other pest problems, and nothing has worked. I water frequently early in the morning, so the area is not allowed to dry out. I had my soil tested by Texas A&M last year, and I applied all the minerals that were suggested. How can I get the grass back to being healthy and vigorous?

A: In my 40 years of this column and radio talk shows, this has always been my No. 1 question. You have done a great job of listing all the things people think might have caused their grass to die out. But, as almost everyone does (Me included for a year or two way back when!), you neglected the most obvious one. Over those three years, your trees have grown larger and their shade has become denser. Look at the shadow patterns on your grass in the photo. Even St. Augustine needs 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight in summer, and when it doesn't get it, it starts to die away just as your grass is doing. New sod has yet another disadvantage, because not only is it trying to get itself established, but it also has lost much of its root system as it was being dug. You'll either have to remove some lower branches from your trees to get more sunlight to the grass, or you'll have to switch over to a shade-tolerant groundcover. I went the latter route beginning 15 years ago, and I'm really glad that I did. Sure, I don't have turfgrass, but it's allowed me to develop an attractive and functional landscape.

Dear Neil: We have Texas mountain laurels that are probably around 18 feet tall. Our gutters are somewhere in the 12-foot range, and the mountain laurels clog them up with leaves and debris. Can I trim them back to stay below the gutters? (They are basically bare in their bottom 6 feet.)

A: Probably not. Hopefully they're out away from the house by several feet, and if they are, you might invest in a type of gutter guard that allows leaves and other litter to wash off the roof and fall to the ground. I don't think you're going to like the look of whacked-back mountain laurels. Plus, they'll just regrow.

Link:
Milk jugs, 2-liter bottles good for worry-free irrigation

Witney Market stalls get makeover

5:30pm Wednesday 18th June 2014 in News

MUSICIANS and street performers will join shoppers and market stallholders on Saturday to celebrate the launch of a new look for Witneys Buttercross Market.

Colourful new gazebos will adorn the Market Square on Saturday as part of a project by West Oxfordshire District Council, supported by the traders, to improve the markets appearance.

Keith Davies, from Burford, who has run a flower and plants stall at the market since the 1960s, has been trialling one of the gazebos and is delighted with them.

He said, They look good and have smartened up the market. I think it attracts more people to come here. The general situation has changed a lot over the years, with markets being affected by supermarkets and discount stores.

We were beginning to lose momentum, but Im really pleased that the council has given us a nudge and pulled it all together again. Id like to congratulate them, as we have more traders and a good turnout now.

As well as improving the visual appearance of the market, the gazebos are easy to put up and take down and have side panels which can be lowered during cold and wet weather to keep out wind and rain.

David Harvey, the councils cabinet member for environment, who is responsible for markets, said, The past few years have been difficult for many market traders, but were now welcoming a number of new stallholders and firmly believe that Witney Market is on the up.

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Witney Market stalls get makeover

Join the celebration of the longest day of the year, the first day of summer, and SIMBA's 25th anniversary at the SIMBA Silver Summer Solstice Dance Party Extravaganza on Saturday, June 21, 2014! The event will take place at 8 pm at the Evening Star Grange in Dummerston Center, Vermont.

In 1989 the band started by playing a benefit on the Brattleboro Common to shut down Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant; they called themselves the "No Nukes Band"; that group became SIMBA, and twenty-five years later, they have rocked dance floors, lawns, and small town gazebos all around southern Vermont and New Hampshire. They have played weddings, parties, summer concerts, benefits, and the greatest dance parties of all, the Summer and Winter Solstice celebrations (longer than anyone!). The energy and feeling of community at these annual gatherings makes this celebration one of the most special events of the year. The band will play music to make you move: funk, reggae, Latin, world-beat, soca-calypso, ska, jazz and blues; and features blazing horns and scorching percussion.

After a cold winter we welcome the warmer weather and the longer days of light. Don't miss this exciting night of music and dance!

Rupa Cousins will lead a movement meditation. The band dedicates this event to peace, love and unity in our community, and all across Mother Earth; with special thanks to all the dancers who have come out to move to the music over the years.

The members of the band will be Bob Stabach (sax, flute), Dan De Walt (keyboard, steel drum, trombone), Wim Auer (bass), Derrik Jordan (guitar, percussion, violin, vocals), Steve Sonntag (trumpet, percussion), and Johnny Yuma (drums, vocals). Special guest master drummer William Rodriguez, formerly of Cuba, will provide even more firepower throughout the evening on congas and timbales.

The Evening Star Grange is located at the intersections of East-West Rd/School St, Bunker Rd, and Middle Rd, in Dummerston Center, Vermont.

All ages are welcome for this night of drumming, dancing, music and fun for the whole community. Admission is $10, with a family maximum of $25.

Bring the whole family and join SIMBA as we celebrate the beginning of summer and the return of sunshine and flowers at "SIMBA's Silver Summer Solstice, 2014" dance party.

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SIMBA's silver summer solstice dance party!

Bhavishyawani 20/6/14
Watch BHAVISHYAVANI with Acharya Indu Prakash, who tells your daily horoscope, numerological fortune, alphabetical fortune and gives tips on vaastu shastra and feng-shui along with astrological...

By: IndiaTV

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Bhavishyawani 20/6/14 - Video

Kris Aquino is now working on a sequel of Feng Shui, which was first released in cinemas a decade ago.

In the original movie, Kris's character obtains a bagua, an 8-sided mirror, that gives her good luck but brings death to people around her.

On her Instagram account last June 16, Kris posted a photo of the films script, which bears the name of Chito Roo and Roy Iglesias.

The TV host-actress provided the following caption: "My bedside reading: the script of FENG SHUI 2... 10 years after the 1st movie, it's time to continue the story & end the curse... I've missed you Lotus Feet!"

The script indicates that the first scene takes place inside a penthouse with twin sisters.

In an earlier interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Kris pointed out that she is thrilled to work with Coco Martin in Feng Shui 2.

Ang pinaka nakakakilig na part diyan, first time naming pagsasama sa movie ni Coco Martin.

This horror film is also one of the 13 entries being considered as an official entry of the 40th Metro Manila Film Fest.

(Read: 13 films submitted for consideration in MMFF 2014)

Feng Shui (2004) is the first in a string of horror movies that catapulted Kris to be dubbed as the "Box-office Horror Queen."

Original post:
[Movies] Kris Aquino gears up for Feng Shui 2; looks forward to working with Coco Martin

Her moving on from a recent heartbreak may be gradual but Kris Aquino hopes to find new love eventually.

Keeping the faith, the Kapamilya host-actress revealed that she has been praying for a smart man to come her way, someone who can be her best friend, too.

Simple lang ang ipinagdarasal ko. Sabi ko, somebody talaga na pagkatapos ng araw ay masarap kakwentuhan. Kasi the day is so long, so masarap yung pag-uwi mo ay masarap na ka-kwentuhan at may opinion (I have a very simple prayer and that is to find somebody whom I can talk to at the end of the day. The day is so long thats why when you get home, its nice to have someone to talk with, someone who has opinion), Aquino shared during her show Kris TVs Tuesday episode.

She explained further, I want someone with a mind. Kasi kapag tumanda ka, ang gusto mo lang talaga eh yung masarap kakwentuhan (When you get older, you just want someone whos a good conversant).

Shying away when asked if she wants someone who has a sense of humor, a trait which many believe her supposed ex Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista has, Aquino answered, Basta smart, basta matalino and someone who can be your best friend. Lets move on baka may masabi pa ako (I just want someone who is smart, intelligent and someone who can be your best friend. Lets move on, I might say something else).

Prayers aside, what keeps Aquino going is work, and she, in fact, has started work on the sequel of the hit 2004 horror film Feng Shui.

Aquino took to Instagram on Monday to post a photo of the films script. Feng Shui 2 has been submitted for consideration as an entry to this years Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

Her caption read, My bedside reading: the script of FENG SHUI 2 10 years after the 1st movie, its time to continue the story & end the curse Ive missed you Lotus Feet!

It was reported earlier that Aquino will star with Ikaw Lamang actor Coco Martin in the Chito Roo-helmed horror flick.

The success of Feng Shui a decade ago earned Aquino the Box-office Horror Queen tag.

See the article here:
Kris praying for a best friend, starts work on Feng Shui 2

Terri Perrin, a certified feng shui consultant and author with Comox-based Fine Art of Intention Feng Shui, will be one of several presenters and exhibitors sharing wisdom at the Wellness Fair in the Gardens on Sunday, June 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gardens on Anderton in Comox.

"There are many factors to consider when incorporating feng shui principles to your landscape and garden design," says Perrin. "But, before you grab your pruning sheers and garden spade, you first have to consider what your objectives are in making changes and enhancements to your outdoor living space. If, for example, you want more opportunities and increased wealth, the first thing to evaluate is the home's formal entrance. Front doors and pathways that are blocked by overgrown trees or shrubs restrict, rather than create, a path for welcoming and positive energy to come into your life."

Perrin adds that, in addition to making enhancements to your garden in an effort to facilitate life changes, it is imperative to set powerful intentions with every feng shui action. "If you don't have a specific intention in mind you are just gardening, not practicing feng shui," adds Perrin.

Wellness Fair visitors are invited to visit the Fine Art of Intention Feng Shui booth to ask questions and receive a free handout on how to set powerful and positive intentions. Terri Perrin will also be giving a 15-minute talk on Feng Shui for the Garden. The time of her presentation on the stage and a variety of other guest speakers will be posted at the event or you may call closer to the date for an exact time.

Perrin, an avid gardener herself, has been studying the influence of energy and the impact of design in home and work environments since 2006. She was certified as a Feng Shui Practitioner from Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta in 2008 and started her consulting business after moving to the Comox Valley in 2009.

The Wellness Fair in the Gardens is hosted by the IODE Laura Gordon Chapter in celebration of their 25 years of helping charitable organizations. In addition to having more than 30 health and wellness-related exhibitors, they have organized live entertainment, demonstrations, guest speakers and more. Complimentary cake and coffee will be provided and many exhibitors are giving out free samples. Tickets are $5 at the gate. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Anderton Therapeutic Garden Society to help fund the wheelchair accessible pathways around the Gardens on Anderton, (2012 Anderton Road, Comox).

For information on the IODE Laura Gordon Chapter and the Wellness Fair, please call Louise at 250-338-1162.

For more information of Fine Art of Intention Feng Shui call 250-218-4952.

Fine Art of Intention Feng Shui

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Wellness Fair Sunday at the Gardens on Anderton